NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Princess Margaret Hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Princess Margaret Hospital
    Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Princess Margaret Hospital
    **********************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following update today (November 4):      Following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient, an 83-year-old male in a Medicine and Geriatrics ward, was identified as a carrier of Candida auris without signs of infection. The patient is now being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.      The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures: 

    Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
    Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
    Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned.

          The hospital has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

     
    Ends/Monday, November 4, 2024Issued at HKT 18:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

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

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

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

    Teaching good hygiene habits

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

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

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

    Stopping the spread of stomach bugs

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

    Getting vaccinated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study suggesting association between many pesticides and prostate cancer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Wiley Cancer looks at an association between pesticides and prostate cancer incidence. 

    Prof Paul Pharoah, Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said:

    “The epidemiological design used to evaluate the association between pesticides and prostate cancer incidence and mortality in this study is called an ecological study.  In an ecological study the unit of analysis is the population in a given area, and so the correlation studied is that between pesticide levels in a given area and prostate cancer rates in the same area.  It is important to note that pesticide exposures and prostate cancer occurrence in individuals was not studied.

    “Ecological studies are very prone to bias and can give rise to the ecological fallacy – the assumption that group level correlation also applies to individuals.  Ecological studies are generally regarded as hypothesis generating rather than hypothesis testing.  The well-known mantra that correlation does not mean causation is particularly applicable to ecological studies.

    “While several associations were identified, no data to suggest that these associations are causal is presented.  It is notable that of the four pesticides associated with both incidence rates and mortality rates of prostate cancer three are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency of the USA as not likely to be carcinogenic or have evidence of non-carcinogenicity.”

    ‘Pesticides and prostate cancer incidence and mortality: An environment‐wide association study’ by Simon John Christoph Soerensen et al. was published in Wiley Cancer at 08:01 UK Time Monday 4 November 2024. 

    DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35572

    Declared interests

    Prof Paul Pharoah: I have previously provided expert testimony in for the defence in glyphosate and lymphoma litigation

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Indonesia’s proposed nutrient labeling system holds potential to transform domestic F&B industry, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Indonesia’s proposed nutrient labeling system holds potential to transform domestic F&B industry, says GlobalData

    Posted in Consumer

    Indonesia is set to introduce a nutrition grading system akin to Singapore’s Nutri-Grade to deliver more detailed information to consumers concerning the nutritional values present in food and drink products. A survey corroborates this trend, where 84% of Indonesian respondents stated that their product purchasing decisions are either extremely or quite influenced by the ability to access ingredients and nutritional information via a quick response (QR) code on the packaging*. As such, Indonesia’s proposed labeling system, Nutri-Level, holds potential to play a pivotal role in transforming its domestic food and beverage (F&B) industry, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Mani Bhushan Shukla, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The purpose of nutrition labeling systems, including daily intake guidelines, warning indicators, traffic light systems, star ratings, and nutrition scores, is to facilitate informed consumer choices and encourage a shift towards healthier food selections. These systems classify food and beverages by assessing their sugar, fat, sodium, and energy levels in their compositions.

    “The use of standardized grading systems featuring colors, symbols, and vectors enhances readability for consumers, offering a clearer understanding than the detailed ingredient lists on product packaging. In addition, as these gradings/rankings are defined, they are more straightforward than the myriad of health and natural claims that food manufacturers often use. Some of these claims can be deceptive; for instance, a product labeled as ‘no-added sugar’ may still contain ingredients high in natural sugars like fructose.”

    Deepak Nautiyal, Consumer and Retail Commercial Director, Asia-Pacific and Middle East, GlobalData, adds: “The prevalence of diet-related diseases, particularly diabetes and hypertension, is notably high in Indonesia, which underscores the potential benefits of the Nutri-Level system for public health. The 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) reveals that diabetes prevalence stands at 10.9%, while hypertension affects 34.1% of the population. Nutri-Level in Indonesia will implement a rating label that evaluates sugar, saturated fat, and various nutritional components. The finalization of the draft regulation is anticipated to occur by the end of 2024.”

    Shukla notes: “By encouraging manufacturers to innovate and craft healthier products that do not sacrifice flavor, it can effectively respond to the rising consumer preference for nutritious choices. This transition towards healthier alternatives can significantly benefit public health and bolster the industry’s reputation and market share.”

    Nautiyal continues: “Despite the promising outlook of the Nutri-Level system, the Indonesian population may encounter various obstacles. Resistance from the F&B industry poses a notable obstacle to the implementation of this regulation. Large manufacturers may perceive the regulation as a threat, especially since many of their products are high in sugar and saturated fats, which could lead to negative ratings. Thus, it is imperative for the government and industry to collaborate in order to reach a solution that serves both interests.

    “An additional challenge lies in educating and socializing the public regarding this rating system. A large portion of the population may still be unfamiliar with it. Consequently, it is essential for the government to effectively promote Nutri-Level, ensuring that the public comprehends and can utilize the information from this nutrition label to make healthier choices.

    “The successful implementation of Nutri-Level relies heavily on collaboration among the government, industry, and community. The government has a role in providing effective regulations and education, the industry must adapt and innovate accordingly, and the community needs to accept and utilize the system to create a substantial positive effect on public health. In Singapore, the Nutri-Grade nutrient labeling system is in place, while both Malaysia and Thailand have implemented a voluntary Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) label along with the Healthier Choice Logo. Conversely, the Philippines has chosen to adopt only the voluntary GDA system.”

    Shukla concludes: “Efforts are underway by authorities to rectify the shortcomings in the rating systems, especially regarding the complexities involved in comparing different product categories across each system. The F&B industry may push back against these measures, as the presence of multiple nutrient labeling systems across borders will likely lead to increased expenditures in procurement, research and development, and production. Standardizing regulations across the Asia-Pacific region will drive F&B manufacturers to optimize their operations, allowing them to offset higher costs through economies of scale.”

    *GlobalData Q4 2023 Consumer Survey­ – Indonesia, published in December 2023, with 531 respondents

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong
    DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong
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         The Department of Health (DH) today (November 4) alerted members of the public to a false claim from an unknown organisation allegedly assisting the Government’s admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. The DH stressed that it has not authorised any organisation to assist the Government with recruiting non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. The claim is false and is suspected of being misleading.     The said organisation claimed that it is assisting the Government to admit qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong as introduced under the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024. In addition, the organisation untruthfully alleged that there was a specific quota set on the number of dentists, as well as on the number of years of experience and target age range.      A DH spokesman emphasised that applications for the DH’s recruitment of non-locally trained dentists already closed on September 23, 2024. The DH is going through the established recruitment procedures.      The spokesman urged members of the public not to fall for any claim of assisting the Government to recruit non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. Members of the public should not provide personal information to any suspicious persons.  Anyone who has fallen for such fraudulence should contact the Police.

     
    Ends/Monday, November 4, 2024Issued at HKT 19:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New team of wardens to enhance environmental protection

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    From Monday 11 November, a new team of litter wardens will be on patrol across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough.

    ABC Council has partnered with District Enforcement Limited, to enhance and enforce its zero tolerance approach to littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

    The four new District Enforcement Officers will supplement the work of Council’s four Environmental Wardens in carrying out patrols across the Borough, giving advice and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to offenders.

    Already this year, the council has been involved in around a dozen Fixed Penalty Notices handed to those responsible for fly-tipping.

    People who are found responsible for fly-tipping will face a Fixed Penalty Notice of £400, while those who fail to pick up after their dog face a fixed penalty fine of £120 and similarly those who drop litter will be fined £120.

    Those who do not pay the Fixed Penalty Notice will be subject to court action and there are no early payment reductions.

    The new District Enforcement Officers will proactively patrol all areas of the borough, including city/town centres, villages, parks and open spaces. They will also respond to concerns over areas which are particularly adversely affected by dumping, litter or dog fouling.

    While the Council recognises that the vast majority of residents respect and look after their areas, they remain committed to pursuing those who continue to cause harm to the environment, local wildlife and the climate through littering offences.

    Members of the public can also help in the fight against litter, fly-tipping and dog fouling, by reporting incidents via the ABC Council App which is available to download on the App store and Google Play store, or by calling the Council’s Environmental Health team directly on 0300 0300 900.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

    Indonesian President Mr Prabowo Subianto to be the Chief Guest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The parade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

    Indonesian Contingent

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

     

    Indian Army Contingent

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

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

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

     

    Tri-Services Tableau

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

     

    Veterans’ Tableau

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

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

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

     

    Indian Navy Contingent

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

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

     

    Indian Air Force Contingent

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

     

    Indian Coast Guard

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

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

     

    DRDO Tableau & Equipment

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

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

     

    Contingents of paramilitary & other auxiliary civil forces

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

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

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

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

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

     

    Tableaux

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

    States/UTs

    Cultural Heritage of Goa

    Uttarakhand

     

    Uttarakhand: Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports

    Haryana

     

    Showcasing Bhagwad Gita

    Jharkhand

     

    Swarnim Jharkhand: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress

    Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas

    Andhra Pradesh
     

    Etikoppaka Bommalu- Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys

    Punjab as the land of knowledge and wisdom

    Uttar Pradesh

    Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas

    Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas (Nalanda Vishwavidyalya)

    Madhya Pradesh
     

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

    Tripura

     

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

    Karnataka

     

    Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft

    West Bengal

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

    Chandigarh

    Chandigarh: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage, Innovation and Sustainability

    Quality Education

    Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

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

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

    Departments/Ministries

    Department of Social Justice and Empowerment

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

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs

    Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh

    Ministry of Women & Child Development

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

    Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

    Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development

    Ministry of Rural Development

    Lakhpati Didi

    Department of Financial Services

    India’s remarkable journey in financial evolution

    Ministry of Earth Sciences (IMD)

    Modern Science forecasting extreme weather conditioning- saving lives and livelihood

    Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

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

    Ministry of Culture

    Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development

    75 Years of Constitution of India through flower tableau

             

    Cultural Performance

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

     

    Motorcycle Display

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

     

    Fly-past

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

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

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

     

    Rashtraparv Portal & Mobile App

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

     

    Ease of Access

     

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

     

    Special Guests

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

     

    S No

    Category

    No of Guests
    1.  

    Sarpanches

    500
    1.  

    Sarpanches from top performing village

    200
    1.  

    Disaster Relief Workers

    300
    1.  

    Guests from Vibrant Villages

    300
    1.  

    Best performing Water Warriors

    400
    1.  

    Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies

    200
    1.  

    Pani Samitee

    400
    1.  

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

    400

     
    1.  

    SHG members

    200
    1.  

    Trainees of DGT got training under National Skill Development Corporation

    200
    1.  

    PM YASASVI Scheme

    400
    1.  

    Forest & Wildlife conservation volunteers/workers

    200
    1.  

    Handloom Artisans

    200
    1.  

    Handicraft Artisans

    200
    1.  

    Special Achievers and Tribal beneficiaries of various schemes

    500

     
    1.  

    ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)

    500
    1.  

    Mann Ki Baat Participants

    400
    1.  

    My Bharat Volunteers

    400
    1.  

    Paralympic Contingent & winners of International Sports events

    200
    1.  

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

    800
    1.  

    PM Surya Ghar Yojna

    400
    1.  

    Renewable Energy workers

    200
    1.  

    Beneficiaries of PM KUSUM scheme

    200
    1.  

    Anganwadi Workers

    400

    		  
    1.  

    Road Construction Workers

    300
    1.  

    Best Start-Ups

    100
    1.  

    Best Patent Holders

    100
    1.  

    PM-VISHWAKARMA yojana Beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    PM Matasya Sampada Yojana Beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    Rashtriya Gokul Mission beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    Guests from North Eastern States

    200
    1.  

    Foreign Cadets of Youth Exchange Programme/NCC

    250

    		  
    1.  

    Finalist of the National School Band Competition

    600

    		  
    1.  

    Winners of Veer Gatha 4.0

    100

    		  

     

    Beating Retreat Ceremony

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

     

    Bharat Parv

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

     

    PM’s NCC Rally

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

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    VK/SR/Savvy/KB

    (Release ID: 2096097) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacts with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists who would be a part of the upcoming Republic Day parade at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg yesterday (24 Jan 2025). During the interaction, many participants expressed their joy of meeting the Prime Minister in person, to which the PM replied that “this demonstrates the strength of Indian Democracy”. 

    Interacting with a participant from Munger, Bihar, the PM extended his respects to the land of Munger, acknowledging that Munger is renowned worldwide for yoga and now the entire world is embracing yoga. 

    Another participant said that initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and National Health Mission have not only contributed to the country’s progress but have also attracted the youth. She added that everyone was drawn to the Prime Minister like a magnet, and it was a matter of great pride for the nation to have a Prime Minister with such a personality. Shri Modi emphasized that if 140 crore Indians resolve to maintain cleanliness, then India will always remain Swachh.

    Another participant from Odisha asked Shri Modi, the actual definition of success, to which he remarked that one should never accept failure. He highlighted that those who accept failure never achieve success, but those who learn from it reach the pinnacle. The Prime Minister emphasized that one should never fear failure, but rather have the spirit to learn from it and those who learn from failure ultimately reach the top.

    Upon being asked by a participant what keeps him motivated and energetic, the Prime Minister remarked “Meeting young people like you gives me energy and inspiration”. He highlighted that when he thinks of the farmers in the country, he realizes how many hours they work; when he remembers the soldiers, he reflects on how many hours they stand guard at the borders. The Prime Minister emphasized that everyone works very hard, and if we observe and try to live like them, we feel that we don’t have the right to rest either. He noted that as they fulfill their duties with such dedication, the 140 crore citizens of the country have also entrusted him with duties to fulfill.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the habit of waking up early was very beneficial in life. He shared that being an NCC cadet in the past and the habit of waking up early during camps had taught him discipline. The Prime Minister highlighted that even today, his habit of waking up early is a valuable asset, allowing him to complete many tasks before the world wakes up. He encouraged everyone to maintain the habit of waking up early, as it will be very useful to them.

    On the topic of learning from great personalities, the Prime Minister shared that we need to learn from everyone, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from great leaders of the past and applying those lessons to serve the nation today. 

    The Prime Minister asked a participant about her learnings from others during the Republic Day program preparations, to which she replied that building friendships and interacting with various participants and blending together to form a unified India. She added that it has also taught a lot about making adjustments of every kind. Shri Modi was pleased when it was shared by a young participant from a Kashmiri Pandit family that being in the program has taught her to be self-independent. She highlighted that despite never having done household chores before, learning to manage everything independently here has been a significant experience. She emphasized that once she returns home, she will help her mother with the household work alongside her studies.

    The Prime Minister was deeply touched when it was shared by a young participant that one of the most important lessons learned here is that family is not only composed of those who live with us at home, but also included the people here – friends and seniors – all forming a big family. The participant emphasized that this is a valuable lesson that will always be remembered. Shri Modi remarked that embracing the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” as a significant learning from this experience.

    Upon being asked by Shri Modi to the participants about their selection or non – selection in the upcoming Republic Day Parade, a participant replied that selection or non-selection was a different matter, but making an effort is a significant achievement in itself. Shri Modi then emphasized that the most important thing is to give your best, regardless of the outcome. 

    Prime Minister highlighted to the participants, who have spent a month here, that they were able to video conference with their friends and family because of Technology and Digital India which was leading us to Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that there are very few countries around the world that have data as affordable as it is in India. He added that as a result, even the poorest in the country can comfortably talk to their loved ones via video conference. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi asked how many people use UPI and digital payments, remarking that the new generation seems to hardly carry cash in their pockets.

    Upon being asked by Shri Modi about what valuable aspects the participants gained from NCC which they didn’t have before, a participant replied punctuality, time management and leadership. Another participant highlighted that the most important lesson learned from NCC was public service, such as organizing blood donation camps and maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings. Highlighting the MY Bharat or Mera Yuva Bharat platform run by the Government of India, PM remarked that over three crore young men and women have registered on this platform. He emphasized that the participants had made significant contributions, including debates on a developed India, quiz competitions, essay writing, and speech contests. He noted that around 30 lakh people across the country were involved in these activities. Shri Modi urged the participants to register in the MY Bharat portal soon. 

    Discussing the goal set by India and Indians to make Bharat a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, the Prime Minister remarked that if 140 crore citizens resolve to do something positive, achieving the goal will not be difficult. He emphasized, “By fulfilling our duties, we can become a significant force in building a developed India”. 

    Asking the participants that who among us loves our mothers deeply and who loves Mother Earth just as much, Shri Modi stressed that a program ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ that expresses reverence for both our mothers and Mother Earth. He urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and ensure it never dries up. He added that the first beneficiary of this act will be Mother Earth.

    Interacting with a participant from Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Modi highlighted that the unique feature of Arunachal Pradesh was it is where the first rays of the sun reach India. He mentioned that in Arunachal Pradesh, people greet each other with “Jai Hind” instead of “Ram Ram” or “Namaste.” The Prime Minister encouraged everyone to experience the diversity, art, natural beauty, and love of the people in Arunachal Pradesh. He urged people to visit the entire region of Ashtalakshmi, including Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya, mentioning that there is so much to see that even two or three months may not be enough.

    Prime Minister asked the participants if there was any work done by the unit that has been widely recognized in their area while working with the NSS team. Sharing his experience, a participant from Jharkhand said that one notable effort involved helping the Mahiri community in Dumka, known for crafting bamboo items. He added that the community faced challenges as their products were only sold seasonally. He said that the unit identified such artisans and connected them with factories that manufacture incense sticks (agarbatti). The Prime Minister highlighted that the forests in Agartala, Tripura produce agar wood, known for its unique and pleasant fragrance. He mentioned that the oil extracted from these trees is highly valuable and among the most expensive oils in the world. He added that the rich aroma of agar has led to the tradition of making incense sticks (agarbatti) with this fragrance.

    Shri Modi highlighted the government’s GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal. He encouraged educated youth to help local artisans and producers register their products on the portal. The Prime Minister explained that by listing products and prices, there is a possibility that the government might place orders for those items, enabling swift transactions. He shared his vision of making 3 crore women from self-help groups (SHGs) in villages become “Lakhpati Didis” and noted that their numbers have already reached 1.3 crore. A participant shared that his mother learned sewing, and now makes traditional Chaniyas worn during Navratri. He added that these chaniyas were even exported abroad. He added that this sets an inspiring example and emphasized that the “Lakhpati Didi” program can play a crucial role in building a developed India.

    The Prime Minister was pleased to hear from a participant from Nepal, who expressed excitement about visiting India and meeting him. She also took a moment to thank the Prime Minister for the unconditional hospitality extended to her. Another  participant from Mauritius said that on the eve of their departure, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius met with them and encouraged them to visit India, referring to it as their “second home.” The Prime Minister emphasized that India is not only their second home but also the first home of their forefathers.

    The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya were present among other dignitaries during the event. 

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2096135) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, interacts with distinguished guests from villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in New Delhi, visiting the capital for the 76thRepublic Day celebrations

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, interacts with distinguished guests from villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in New Delhi, visiting the capital for the 76thRepublic Day celebrations

    The ‘Vibrant Village Programmeis enhancing not just physical and digital connectivity but also emotional connect

    PM Modi helped the people of Ladakh get rid of the persistent problem of freezing of diesel during winter

    The ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ will ensure that the infrastructure, culture, tourism, lifestyle, and economic development of border villages become as vibrant as those in the rest of the country

    The special guests from the Vibrant Villages should definitely convey the message back that their Prime Minister holds deep affection for them

    Under the Vibrant Village Programme, schemes worth ₹556 crore have been developed for agriculture, education, health, energy, cooperatives, and Khadi and Village Industries, among others

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 6:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today interacted with distinguished guests from villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in New Delhi, visiting the capital for the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The occasion was graced by Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Dr. Rajendra Kumar, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and several other dignitaries.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, highlighted that the Vibrant Village Programme signifies the beginning of achange in approach and perspective. He explained that the programme aims to bridge emotional gap between Vibrant Villages and Delhi, instilling a sense of unity among residents of remote and border areas by reaffirming their integral place in India and assuring that the nation cares for them. Shri Shah emphasized that when the Prime Minister invites residents from “the first village” (border villages) to participate in national festivals as honoured guests, it fosters emotional connection and eliminates barriers of the hearts. He noted that, for the past four years, representatives from various villages have been invited to these celebrations, where they are treated with respect as special guests of the Prime Minister, symbolizing a transformed outlook toward the nation’s frontier villages.

    Shri Amit Shah stated that after Shri Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, an inclusive and all-encompassing vision for the country’s development was introduced, aiming for progress that benefits every citizen and region. He shared the example of Ladakh, where the freezing of diesel in winters was a major issue. Following the directions of Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India allocated a budget for research and development to create non-freezing diesel, which is now available in Ladakh. He emphasized that such solutions are possible only when attention is given to the challenges of these areas. The Home Minister also mentioned that in 2017, a decision was made to have all security forces, including the army, procure milk, eggs, fish, and vegetables from border villages, creating employment opportunities in those regions.

    Union Home Minister stated that the Vibrant Village Programme is a comprehensive and multi-sectoral initiative for holistic development. He emphasized that the infrastructure, culture, tourism, livelihood, and economic growth of villages should be as vibrant as those in the rest of the country. He further highlighted that by advancing with a holistic approach, not only will the present become vibrant, but future generations will also benefit from a better living environment.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced this program on 15th February 2023 and 662 villages of 46 blocks adjoining the northern border of the country were included in it.  He said that after the formation of the scheme, more than 22 ministers of the central government visited 8 districts and 26 villages, bringing to light the local difficulties there and the ground problems in the implementation of the Vibrant Village programme. In addition, 92 senior officers have visited 259 villages and efforts have been made to touch almost every village with such initiatives, he added.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the issues faced by 662 villages in the implementation of the Vibrant Village Program were reviewed, and their report was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said that based on this report, 626 projects were formulated. Similarly, 901 employment-related projects were initiated. He said that, along with these, schemes worth ₹556 crore were developed for agriculture, education, health, energy, cooperatives, and Khadi and Village Industries. Shri Shah stated that ₹2,400 crore was spent on constructing 113 roads and 8 low-suspension bridges, and by June 2025, 4G connectivity will be available in 362 villages. He further mentioned that out of the 662 villages, 474 have been electrified on-grid and 127 off-grid, and 43 new power projects have been developed at a cost of ₹238 crore.The Home Minister said that View Points, Adventure Tourism, Eco-Resorts and Tourist Centres have been developed from 102 projects at a cost of Rs 48 crore. He said that earlier 570 villages out of 662 did not have banks. The work of linking such villages with banks has been done by the Modi government.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has provided all the basic facilities for a good life to the people living in these vibrant villages. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a sincere effort has been made to achieve 100% saturation of government schemes through a Bottom-to-Top approach, ensuring connectivity in physical, digital, and emotional terms. The Home Minister told the guests from the Vibrant Villages to convey this message upon returning to their villages—that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who has been chosen by them, holds deep affection for them.

    *****

    Raj / Vivek / Priyabhanshu / Pankaj

     

     

     

    (Release ID: 2096173) Visitor Counter : 58

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India (2)

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

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

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

    Friends,

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

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

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

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

    Friends,

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

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

    Friends,

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

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

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

    Excellency,

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

    Thank you very much.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: New Avatar of AI Chatbot to guide Devotees on Parking, Food Courts, and Hospitals within 1 km radius

    Source: Government of India

    Mahakumbh 2025: New Avatar of AI Chatbot to guide Devotees on Parking, Food Courts, and Hospitals within 1 km radius

    AI Chatbot to explain every Sector Area, with accurate mapping of Mahakumbh with three New Features; Real-time PDF with brief information and Google Map Links to be shared with Devotees

    QR Scan to access Toilets, Exhibitions, and Lost & Found Centers Instantly; No more wandering for Banking, Public Water ATMs, Events, Attractions, and Transport Information

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

    Devotees visiting the Mahakumbh 2025 will no longer need to wander around in search of services or information. The new avatar of the chatbot, designed to assist devotees, comes with three added features. The AI-based chatbot will provide accurate information about parking, food courts, and hospitals within 1 km radius of the devotees.

     

     

    Mahakumbh Mapping and Sector Guidance Assistance

    The AI chatbot will not only provide the entire mapping of the Mahakumbh but will also share specific details about each sector, along with Google map links. Additional Mela Officer, Shri Vivek Chaturvedi informed that through this chatbot, devotees can quickly access information about parking, transport, banking, public water ATMs, and other services in seconds.

     

    Real-Time PDF and QR Scan Feature

    Through the chatbot, devotees can download real-time PDFs containing details about toilets, lost & found centers, exhibitions, and other essential locations based on their preferences. Scanning a QR code will instantly provide information about key locations directly on the mobile.

     

    A Confluence of Technology and Faith makes the World’s Largest Event a Seamless Experience

    Millions of devotees have already utilized this AI chatbot. With its effective and user-friendly design, it is greatly enhancing the convenience for those attending the Mahakumbh. The merging of technology and faith through this chatbot is making the world’s largest religious gathering simpler and more organized. Not only does it provide information, but it also enhances the overall experience of the devotees.

     

    *****

    AD/VM

     

    (Release ID: 2096212) Visitor Counter : 86

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 1.25.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 25, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

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

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

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

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

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Jan 24, 2025

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

    Jan 24, 2025

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

    Jan 23, 2025

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: List of Outcomes: State visit of President of Indonesia to India (January 23-26, 2025)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 8:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Sr. No. MoUs / Agreements
    1. MoU on Health Cooperation between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India and Ministry of Health, Indonesia.
    2. MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation between Indian Coast Guard and BAKAMLA, Indonesia. (Renewal)
    3. MoU in the Field of Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance between Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH and Indonesian Food and Drug Authority.
    4. MoU on Cooperation in the Fields of Digital Development between Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India and Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Indonesia.
    5. Cultural Exchange Program between Ministry of Culture, India and Ministry of Culture, Indonesia. (Period 2025-28)
      Reports
    1. 3rd India- Indonesia CEOs Forum: The co-chairs presented their joint report to External Affairs Minister & Foreign Minister of Indonesia in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi & President Prabowo.

     

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    MJPS/SR 

    (Release ID: 2096278) Visitor Counter : 80

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India (2)

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

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

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

     

    Padma Vibhushan(7)

     

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy

    Medicine

    Telangana
    1.  

    Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar

    Public Affairs

    Chandigarh
    1.  

    Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri LakshminarayanaSubramaniam

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)

    Trade and Industry

    Japan
    1.  

    Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)

    Art

    Bihar

    Padma Bhushan(19)

     

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri A Surya Prakash

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Anant Nag

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Bibek Debroy(Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Jatin Goswami

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram

    Medicine

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit

    Others-Archaeology

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Manohar Joshi(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti

    Trade and Industry

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna

    Art

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri P R Sreejesh

    Sports

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Pankaj Patel

    Trade and Industry

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Pankaj Udhas(Posthumous)

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Rambahadur Rai

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Sadhvi Ritambhara

    Social Work

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri S Ajith Kumar

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Shekhar Kapur

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Sushil Kumar Modi(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Vinod Dham

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America

     

    Padma Shri (113)

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak

    Art

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Achyut Ramchandra Palav

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ajay V Bhatt

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Anil Kumar Boro

    Literature and Education

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Arijit Singh

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Arundhati Bhattacharya

    Trade and Industry

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Arunoday Saha

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    1.  

    Shri Arvind Sharma

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    1.  

    Shri Ashok Kumar Mahapatra

    Medicine

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    1.  

    Shri Ashok Laxman Saraf

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ashutosh Sharma

    Science and Engineering

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Baijnath Maharaj

    Others-Spiritualism

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Barry Godfray John

    Art

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Smt. Begam Batool

    Art

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Bharat Gupt

    Art

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan

    Art

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh

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    Bihar
    1.  

    Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara

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    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Budhendra Kumar Jain

    Medicine

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri C S Vaidyanathan

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    1.  

    Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar

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    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Chandrakant Sheth(Posthumous)

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    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Chandrakant Sompura

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    1.  

    Shri Chetan E Chitnis

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    France
    1.  

    Shri David R Syiemlieh

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    1.  

    Shri Durga Charan Ranbir

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    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Farooq Ahmad Mir

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    Jammu And Kashmir
    1.  

    Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Gita Upadhyay

    Literature and Education

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Gokul Chandra Das

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Guruvayur Dorai

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Harchandan Singh Bhatty

    Art

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Hariman Sharma

    Others-Agriculture

    Himachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale

    Art

    Punjab
    1.  

    Shri Harvinder Singh

    Sports

    Haryana
    1.  

    Shri Hassan Raghu

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Hemant Kumar

    Medicine

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

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

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan

    Sports

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Jagadish Joshila

    Literature and Education

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Jaspinder Narula

    Art

     

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Jonas Masetti

    Others-Spiritualism

    Brazil
    1.  

    Shri Joynacharan Bathari

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Smt. Jumde Yomgam Gamlin

    Social Work

    Arunachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri K. Damodaran

    Others-Culinary

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri K L Krishna

    Literature and Education

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. K Omanakutty Amma

    Art

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Kishore Kunal(Posthumous)

    Civil Service

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri L Hangthing

    Others-Agriculture

    Nagaland
    1.  

    Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Lalit Kumar Mangotra

    Literature and Education

    Jammu And Kashmir
    1.  

    Shri Lama Lobzang(Posthumous)

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    1.  

    Smt. Libia Lobo Sardesai

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    1.  

    Shri M D Srinivas

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    1.  

    Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma

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    1.  

    Shri Mahabir Nayak

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    1.  

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    1.  

    Shri Miriyala Apparao(Posthumous)

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    1.  

    Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai)(Posthumous)

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    1.  

    Shri Naren Gurung

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    Sikkim
    1.  

    Smt. Neerja Bhatla

    Medicine

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    1.  

    Smt. Nirmala Devi

    Art

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Nitin Nohria

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    1.  

    Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa

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    Punjab
    1.  

    Shri P Datchanamoorthy

    Art

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    1.  

    Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi

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    1.  

    Shri Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai

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    1.  

    Shri Pawan Goenka

    Trade and Industry

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Prashanth Prakash

    Trade and Industry

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Smt. Pratibha Satpathy

    Literature and Education

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan

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    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri R Ashwin

    Sports

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri R G Chandramogan

    Trade and Industry

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Smt. Radha Bahin Bhatt

    Social Work

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Ramdarash Mishra

    Literature and Education

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ratan Kumar Parimoo

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Renthlei Lalrawna

    Literature and Education

    Mizoram
    1.  

    Shri Ricky Gyan Kej

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Sajjan Bhajanka

    Trade and Industry

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Sally Holkar

    Trade and Industry

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Sant Ram Deswal

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    Haryana
    1.  

    Shri Satyapal Singh

    Sports

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Seeni Viswanathan

    Literature and Education

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Sethuraman Panchanathan

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America
    1.  

    Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

    Medicine

    Kuwait
    1.  

    Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa)

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    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Shyam Bihari Agrawal

    Art

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Soniya Nityanand

    Medicine

     

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Stephen Knapp

    Literature and Education

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Subhash Khetulal Sharma

    Others-Agriculture

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Suresh Harilal Soni

    Social Work

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Surinder Kumar Vasal

    Science and Engineering

    Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj)

    Others-Spiritualism

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Syed Ainul Hasan

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi

    Art

    Manipur
    1.  

    Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla

    Literature and Education

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi

    Literature and Education

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Vasudeo Kamath

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Velu Aasaan

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj

    Others-Spiritualism

    Bihar
    1.  

    Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane

    Medicine

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Vilas Dangre

    Medicine

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Vinayak Lohani

    Social Work

    West Bengal

     

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

     

    *****

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

     

    (Release ID: 2096285) Visitor Counter : 462

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Lauds India’s Progress in the Fight Against Tuberculosis

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 NOV 2024 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant acknowledgment of India’s efforts to eradicate tuberculosis, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the nation’s achievements in reducing TB incidence. 

    Responding to a post by Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda that acknowledges the recognition of India’s remarkable progress, by the World Health Organisation, in reducing tuberculosis by 17.5% from 2015 to 2023, the Prime Minister’s posted on X:

    “Commendable progress! The decline in TB incidence is an outcome of India’s dedicated and innovative efforts. Through a collective spirit, we will keep working towards a TB-free India.”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SS

    (Release ID: 2070438) Visitor Counter : 15

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    *****

    NKK/AK

    (Release ID: 2070435) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Background

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

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

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

     

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2070350) Visitor Counter : 79

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News release on compost reimbursement program

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News release on compost reimbursement program

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

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KIAʻĀINA
                                                                            

    SHARON HURD
    CHAIRPERSON

    HAWAIʻI BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

    NR24-32

    Nov. 1, 2024

     

    COMPOST REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

     

    HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.

     

    Act 231 was passed by the State Legislature during its 2024 session and Governor Josh Green, M.D., released funding totaling $400,000 in August 2024. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant.

     

    Under the reimbursement program, compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaiʻi. In addition, certified Hawai‘i processors are limited to those companies regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program. 

     

    “The cost of compost is a major expenditure for many farming operations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture. “This reimbursement program can help to prevent the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles and other pests by providing an incentive to purchase compost from certified compost operators, which are required to treat all compost for pests prior to sale.”

     

    Qualified agricultural operations include commercial agriculture, aquacultural facilities, livestock, poultry, apiary and landscaping activities. Applicants must also provide a W-9 tax form, sample invoice and proof of compliance with federal, state and county tax and business regulations. The deadline to submit invoices is May 1, 2025.

     

    For more information and to download the application forms, go to:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/compost-reimbursement2025/

    Program Contact:

    Plant Industry Division

    [email protected]

    808-973-9530

     

    # # #

     

    Attachment: Compost Reimbursement Fact Sheet

     

     

    Media Contact:
    Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
    Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
    Phone: 808-973-9560
    Cell: 808-341-5528
    [email protected]
    http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

    HDOA is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under federal or state law, with respect to any program or activity.

                                                             

    For more information, including language accessibility and filing a complaint, please contact HDOA Non-Discrimination Coordinator at 808-973-9591, or visit HDOA’s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/.

     

    To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services for this document, contact the HDOA at 808-973-9591 or email [email protected].

     

    TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

    The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities. To learn more, or file a complaint, please refer to the links below:

     

    NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

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    NON-EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

    English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Spanish Español | Tagalog | Thai ไทย

    DISABILITY NON-DISCRIMINATION PROGRAM AND POLICY

    English

    LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN

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    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 4th November 2024

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

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

    The new routes are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director of Health views arrangements for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Edwin Tsui, visited Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai Hon Fan Nursery School this morning (November 4) to view the implementation of the school outreach seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) service and appealed to parents to arrange early SIV for their children with a view to having better protection in the coming influenza season in winter.     It is the first time for the school to choose to provide both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (i.e. nasal vaccines) (LAIV) as the hybrid mode. Forty-two pupils received SIV during the vaccination activity. The DH procured and delivered the vaccines in advance, while a Public-Private-Partnership Team visited the school today to provide vaccination to the schoolchildren.     “To boost the SIV coverage rate among schoolchildren, modified arrangements have been made under the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP) this year. Kindergartens and child care centres can choose to provide both IIV and LAIV at the same or different outreach vaccination activities. We are delighted with the smooth outreach vaccination service under the new arrangements. According to local experience, school outreach can double the rate of receiving SIV, effectively strengthening the immunity barrier of schoolchildren. We look forward to continuous and full support from schools and parents, as home-school co-operation has been of vital importance in enhancing vaccination coverage,” Dr Lam said.     Dr Tsui added that SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as greatly reducing hospitalisation and death. For schoolchildren, it can also reduce absenteeism and is beneficial for their personal health and learning. As the weather becomes cool, and with reference to previous surveillance data, the CHP expects that activity of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza may increase at the end of the year, and more school outbreaks will be reported. The CHP has noticed that some schools still have not arranged SIV outreach activities. We strongly urge schools that have yet to enrol in the SIV outreach programme to arrange SIV outreach activities as soon as possible to protect students and reduce the chance of influenza outbreaks in schools. For eligible children not receiving SIV through school outreach activities, parents should arrange vaccination for their children at clinics of private doctors enrolled in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme.     Dr Lam stressed that all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, are recommended to receive SIV for personal and family protection. As of October 27, the vaccination coverage rate for children aged 6 months to under 2 years was at a low level of about 8.4 per cent. To strengthen vaccination services and boost the SIV coverage rate among children aged 6 months to under 2 years, the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) are open to all children aged 6 months to under 2 years for SIV this year. Children aged 6 months to under 2 years can receive SIV services at any MCHCs when they are attending appointments. Parents may also book an appointment for their children to receive vaccinations at designated MCHCs via the online booking system: booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/sivfhs/index.jsp. Parents are advised to arrange SIV for their children as early as possible to protect health of their children. In addition, co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza is possible, and high-risk individuals should receive booster COVID-19 vaccine at appropriate times.     Under the SIVSOP, secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens, and child care centres can arrange outreach vaccination teams to provide free SIVs to schoolchildren. The DH will provide vaccines to participating schools and subsidy of $105 per dose to doctors.           In addition, schools can also invite doctors to arrange outreach services for injectable IIV and/or nasal LAIV on their campuses under the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme School Outreach. Participating schools can select a doctor and make arrangements for the outreach activity, including the type of vaccine provided. The Government will provide a subsidy of $260 per dose to the doctor. In addition to schoolchildren, other individuals such as school staff and students’ parents can also receive SIVs during the outreach vaccination activity.     At present, around 890 kindergartens and child care centres (81 per cent), 620 primary schools (93 per cent) and 410 secondary schools (80 per cent) have joined the SIV School Outreach Programmes. As of October 27, 2024, around 640 schools have completed the first dose vaccination, and more than 145 400 students have received SIV under School Outreach Programmes.           “The DH has always maintained close liaison with our partners. Through concerted efforts from the education sector, healthcare sector, parents and other stakeholders, a total of about 204 100 doses of SIV have been administered for children aged 6 months to 18 years under various SIV programmes, accounting for 22.3 per cent of overall vaccination coverage rate. We urge early childhood educators to join hands in appealing the parents to arrange for their children to participate in SIV, and at the same time to play their part in educating parents on the importance of vaccination to encourage more young school children to get vaccinated. With increased vaccination coverage, the protection for children could be strengthened,” Dr Lam said.     As of October 27, about 331 800 doses of seasonal influenza vaccines had been administered via the Government Vaccination Programme and 496 600 doses via the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme. Together with 126 900 doses via the SIVSOP, a total of 955 300 doses of SIV have been administered through various programmes.     For the latest information, please refer to the CHP’s influenza page and Vaccination Schemes page.     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Türkiye: Proposed ‘agents of influence’ law is attack on civil society and must be rejected   

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Türkiye’s parliament must reject the draft amendment to the country’s ‘espionage’ laws which, if passed, would significantly threaten the ability of civil society organizations to operate freely within the country, said more than 80 organizations ahead of an expected vote in parliament. Scores of other organizations issued similar statements, calling on the legislators to reject the proposal.  

    If passed, this law would represent a significant threat to the ability of civil society to operate freely within the country 

    If approved, the new article – publicly referred to as the “agents of influence” law – would amend the penal code and criminalize unspecified “acts” that are “in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign state or organization against the security or domestic or foreign political interests of the State in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign state or organization.”

    “If passed, this law would represent a significant threat to the ability of civil society to operate freely within the country,” the civil society organizations said in a joint statement.

    The signatories point at the fact that the draft law fails the test of legal certainty and foreseeability, a fundamental tenet of law – meaning that articles of law must be understandable and predictable by the relevant people; individuals must be able to foresee which acts or omissions will make them criminally liable and what punishment will be applied for the act or omission committed.

    The proposed legislative package, passed by the Parliamentary Justice Commission on 23 October, is expected to be voted on by members of the Turkish Parliament in the coming days. 

    The draft law threatens to criminalize legitimate activities such as the documentation of human rights violations by state or non-state actors, imposing heavy penalties including lengthy prison terms for anyone found to have breached the same. If these so-called offenses are committed during “wartime” or in relation to the “state’s preparation for or war activities or military operations”, the penalty could be between eight to 12 years imprisonment.  

    If the provision is adopted, the rights to freedom of expression of all, including seeking and receiving information, would be also at risk of being violated

    “We are also concerned that the proposed law fails to set out clear criteria for what specific acts constitute a criminal offence without adequate safeguards or effective remedies against potential abuses of the law,” said the organizations. 

    “Arbitrary interpretation of broadly worded, vague laws are used to target and prosecute human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and many other civil society organizations in Türkiye. If the provision is adopted, the rights to freedom of expression of all, including seeking and receiving information, would be also at risk of being violated. It would create a chilling effect on important human rights work, and potentially impede their activities.” 

    Background 

    The legislative package proposes to add a new penalty, Article 339/A “Committing offenses against the security or political interests of the state” under the seventh section, “Crimes Against State Secrets and Espionage,” of the Turkish Penal Code (Law No. 5237).  

    Terminology in the proposed article is vulnerable to abuse. For example, “strategic interests,” “instructions,” “organization,” and “domestic or foreign political interests of the State” are overly broad and vague. Ill-defined or overly broad laws can be susceptible to arbitrary application and abuse, thus risk being instrumentalized to target people that the state authorities consider dissenting or criminalize the legitimate activities of civil society organizations, such as those documenting human rights violations in the country.  

    The proposed article is in violation of international human rights law and standards as well as Türkiye’s Constitution and national laws as it threatens freedom of expression and violates the principle of legality which includes the principle of foreseeability, a fundamental concept of criminal law. 

    As well as the signatories to this statement, numerous other organizations have published their own statements including the Association of Civil Society Development Center (see here), the Women’s Platform for Equality (see here), the Third Sector Foundation of Turkiye (see here), the International Press Institute (see here), the Committee to Protect Journalists (see here), Human Rights Watch (see  here), journalism organisations, trade unions and others (see here).

    For more information, please contact [email protected] in London or [email protected] in Istanbul  

    The number of signatories to the joint statement is increasingly daily. A copy of the statement is being sent to all Turkish MPs.

    SIGNATORIES
    1. About Life Foundation (YADA) 
    2. AG-DA Gender Equality Solidarity Network 
    3. Ali İsmail Korkmaz Foundation 
    4. Altyazı Cinema Association 
    5. Amnesty International Türkiye 
    6. Ankara Initiative for Freedom of Thought 
    7. Ankara Solidarity Academy 
    8. Another School is Possible Association 
    9. Association for Monitoring Equal Rights 
    10. Batman Bar Association 
    11. Bodrum Women’s Solidarity Association 
    12. Center for Spatial Justice 
    13. Citizen’s Initiative 
    14. Citizens’ Assembly 
    15. DEMOS Research Association 
    16. Dersim Bar Association 
    17. Diyarbakır Bar Association 
    18. Families of LGBTs in İstanbul 
    19. Free Colors Association 
    20. GALADER-Ankara Rainbow Families Association 
    21. Green Thought Association 
    22. Hakkari Bar Association 
    23. Human Rights Agenda Association 
    24. Human Rights Association 
    25. Human Rights Association Ankara Branch LGBTI+ Commission 
    26. Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch 
    27. Human Rights Foundation of Türkiye 
    28. Izmir Women’s Solidarity Association 
    29. Kaos GL Association 
    30. Katre Women’s Counceling and Solidarity Association 
    31. Kirkayak Culture – Migration and Cultural Studies Center 
    32. Kuşadası Caferli Beautification and Solidarity Association 
    33. Lambdaistanbul LGBT Solidarity Association 
    34. Lawyers for Freedom Association 
    35. Leader Women Association 
    36. Life Memory Freedom Association 
    37. Mardin Bar Association 
    38. Marmaris Public Assembly 
    39. May 17 Association 
    40. Media and Law Studies Association 
    41. Merdiven Social Initiative and Development Association 
    42. Migration Monitoring Association 
    43. Muamma LGBTI+ Education Research and Solidarity Association 
    44. Muğla Environment Platform 
    45. Murat Çekiç Association 
    46. Muş Bar Association 
    47. Natural Life Association 
    48. Nonviolence Education and Research Center 
    49. P24 Independent Journalism Platform 
    50. Press, Publishing, Communication, and Postal Workers’ Union 
    51. Pride Istanbul 
    52. Progressive Journalists Association 
    53. Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association 
    54. Rights Initiative Association 
    55. Romani Godi – Association for Roma Memory Studies 
    56. Rosa Women’s Association 
    57. SES Equality and Solidarity Association 
    58. Siirt Bar Association 
    59. Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association 
    60. Support for Improvement in Social and Economic Living Association 
    61. Şanlıurfa Bar Association 
    62. Şırnak Bar Association 
    63. Tarlabaşı Community Support Association 
    64. The Civil Society in the Penal System Association 
    65. The Confederation of Public Employees’ Trade Unions 
    66. Trans Pride Istanbul 
    67. Truth Justice Memory Center 
    68. Turkish Handicap Association 
    69. Türkiye Human Rights Litigation Support Project 
    70. Türkiye Journalists’ Union 
    71. Türkiye Press, Publishing, and Printing Employees’ Union 
    72. University Queer Studies and LGBTI+ Solidarity Association 
    73. Van Bar Association 
    74. Velvele 
    75. Women for Women’s Human Rights Association 
    76. Women’s Culture, Arts, and Literature Association 
    77. Women’s Solidarity Foundation 
    78. Women’s Time Association 
    79. Young Thought Institute 
    80. Youth Organizations Forum 
    81. Yuva Association  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public alerted to false claim

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Health today alerted the public to a false claim from an unknown organisation alleging that it is assisting in the Government’s admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong.

    The department stressed that it has not authorised any organisation to assist with recruiting non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong, adding that the claim is false and suspected of being misleading.

    The organisation claimed that it was assisting the Government to admit qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong as introduced under the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024.

    In addition, the organisation untruthfully alleged that there was a specific quota set on the number of dentists, as well as on the number of years of experience and target age range.

    The department emphasised that applications for its recruitment of non-locally trained dentists already closed on September 23 this year, and it is going through the established recruitment procedures.

    Members of the public are urged not to fall for any claim of assisting the Government to recruit non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong, and they should not provide personal information to any suspicious people. Anyone who has fallen for such fraud should contact Police.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derry community organisations honoured at 2024 Pride of Place Awards

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Derry community organisations honoured at 2024 Pride of Place Awards

    4 November 2024

    Eglinton’s Aspace2 and DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered Derry and Strabane) in Creggan were celebrating at the weekend as they received national recognition for their key role in the community.
    Both organisations received runners up awards at the prestigious IPB Pride of Placer Awards which were announced in the Hillgrove Hotel in County Monaghan on Saturday night.  

    Aspace2, who support adults with additional needs in learning additional skills to allow them to fulfil their potential, received the runners up award in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category of the Main Competition.
    DEEDS, a community based model of support for people living with dementia, their carers and families, finished runners up in the Community Wellbeing Initiative city category.
    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, represented the Council area at the awards where she was joined by representatives of both organisations.
    “I am so proud to see these two brilliant local initiatives recognised on the national stage,” she said.
    “These awards rightly celebrate and recognise the selfless efforts of people to make their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise and these two projects embody that spirit.

    “I appreciated the opportunity to spend the evening with their teams and acknowledge the key work they do to give people with additional needs the support and guidance they need to get the most out of life.”
    The DEEDS Project has grown immensely over the last ten years thanks to the support from the National Lottery Community Fund.
    From one single memory group based in Creggan it has expanded into an organisation that boasts six social groups, two activity groups, a choir, carers education, carers drop in, intergenerational work, connection to the community, large scale Dementia friendly events and trips, and a suite of training and education courses.
    More recently it launched a pre-diagnosis programme in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
    DEEDS offer members a chance to meet other people in a friendly and relaxed environment and in a weekly social group in their own community or join an activity group where they can take part in different activities, learn new skills or practice old ones.
    Aspace2 is a Community Interest Company (CIC) and Aspace2 Multisensory Centre is a registered charity located in the rural community of Campsie.
    The building at Aspace2 has been customised to an extremely high standard to meet the accessibility needs of all attending the centre.
    The vision of Aspace2 is to provide a service that supports adults with additional needs to learn the skills necessary to live an independent, purposeful lifestyle and grow to make informed, fulfilling life choices in an age appropriate, respectful, and inclusive manner. 
    Training is user-led, trainees’ individual pathways are chosen to reflect their future learning and or employability choices.
    Employability Training is offered in the catering school and factory floor coffee shop, retail training is offered in the Artspace shop and creative opportunities are provided in the art rooms and upcycling studio.
    Aspace2 strives to nurture the potential of people with a disability to thrive in a socially inclusive society.
    For further details of all the nominees for the Pride of Place Awards and to watch the awards back visit the Pride of Place Awards at prideofplace.ie

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport Receives $4.9M in Federal Funding

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Since the mid-1990s, funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been allocated to the state of Connecticut and distributed among different agencies that work to provide programs focused on nutrition and physical activity education to people eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP-Ed). UConn is home to one such agency, UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport, which recently received another $4.9 million from the USDA for the next three years.

    “I congratulate Dr. Ann Ferris, Dr. Jennifer McGarry, and the entire UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport team on their renewed USDA funding,” says Jason G. Irizarry, dean of the Neag School of Education which houses the interdisciplinary team. “This initiative is an incredible example of the Neag School’s community outreach, which has a direct impact on individuals across Connecticut every day. I am proud of the strong community partnerships Dr. Ferris and Dr. McGarry have already cultivated, grateful for their steadfast support of our Neag School students over the years, and excited to see how this new funding will further enhance their team’s important work.”

    The USDA funding is just the latest in a string of recent accomplishments for UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport (UConn HNS):

    • Husky Nutrition and Husky Sport combined into one entity in 2021
    • The team celebrated more than 20 years of growth and the launch of a new website and branding in 2023
    • New postdoctoral research fellows have been welcomed each of the past three years
    • Just this past summer, UConn HNS hired new staff members and led successful nutrition and physical activity education efforts across Connecticut.

    Ferris, professor emerita in the School of Medicine, was a founding member of the team that first brought SNAP-Ed funding to Connecticut, leading to decades of social marketing campaigns and strategic change efforts aimed at increasing awareness and access to relevant resources and opportunities to empower individual, family, and community health.

    Ann Ferris (UConn Health photo)

    “Starting with conversations at the national level of USDA and a stated desire for nutrition education programs particularly working with older populations in Connecticut, our immediate efforts focused on partnering alongside people and agencies already working within communities,” Ferris says. “Soon came the usual challenges, such as securing a one-to-one dollar match of state to federal funding or needing to align administrative requirements across so many different stakeholders. …I just remember thinking at the time that there were just so many dedicated people that were able to get everything launched between the community, University, state, and federal levels.”

    Since that time, Ferris has served as a leader of a team of dedicated staff and UConn students, UConn courses, and many collaborative partnerships within Connecticut’s communities. Over the course of her career, she has been awarded more than $28 million in funding from the USDA; National Institutes of Health; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and private foundations, as well as a full career of scholarly articles, policy reports, and conference presentations.

    “I truly learned from so many people at every turn,” she says. “The willingness of parents and families to collaborate with us to build programs and how they shared their time, expertise, and feedback … that part just overwhelms me. Partnerships drove all our endeavors. It is so gratifying to witness Dr. McGarry, and her team take these programs in new directions, and I am glad to still be able to play a very small role with SNAP-Ed.”

    Jennifer McGarry (Neag School photo).

    With more than 40 staff and student employees on the team this fall, UConn HNS continuously strives to strengthen the SNAP-Ed workforce in Connecticut. The team offers culturally and contextually relevant trainings; workshops that develop skills around teaching and learning across the lifespan; and professional development on best practices associated with nutrition, sport sampling, and physical activity education.

    “The evolving UConn HNS organization can learn from what has worked as well as extend the impact of community-campus collaborations across the state moving forward,” says McGarry, executive director of UConn HNS and professor in the Neag School’s Department of Educational Leadership.

    This past summer, UConn HNS led nutrition and physical activity education efforts with 18 partner sites in five towns. These partnerships allowed for nearly 1,100 participants, ages 4 to 18, to take part in 240 direct education sessions. Catalina Quesada, a registered dietitian and community education specialist working with adults and families throughout the academic year, serves as a UConn HNS staff leader during the summer. She, and other established staff members like her, also led the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of 10 UConn students that worked 30-35 hours a week for 10 consecutive weeks in the summer.

    (UConn HNS photo)

    “Summertime is always fun for us as staff and for the newly hired students who will be delivering our programs in the community,” Quesada says. “A lot of work goes into planning, training, and executing the summer program. It takes many hours of very intentional work tailored to the development of the students and to the correct program alignment for our partnering sites. Our students always learn a lot from the programs they facilitate but more importantly, they learn from our community partners and the participants who come to our programs.”

    Many of the UConn students who were on staff over the summer have chosen to stay involved with UConn HNS into the academic year. In their different roles, students continue to support partnerships and programs, develop curriculum, facilitate evaluations, serve as van drivers, and provide peer mentoring to new students who have recently joined UConn HNS.

    “It is very fulfilling to experience how much the students grow throughout the summer internship, stay involved, and become more confident facilitators as they continue to engage in critical reflection, improvement, and connectivity with people and communities in Connecticut,” Quesada says.

    In addition to undergraduate students, UConn HNS has supported new postdoctoral positions in each of the past three years. The postdocs serve as course instructors, support evaluation and research efforts, and lead community-based partnerships and programs.

    “Starting with Kolin Ebron ’14 MS, ’21 Ph.D., who has gone on to become the assistant director of university opportunity programs at Eastern Connecticut State University, and followed by Julián Alonso Restrepo, who is now an assistant professor of sport management at UMass Boston, our team continues to benefit from the addition of talented postdocs.” McGarry says.

    Currently in their second year as a postdoctoral research associate, Roc Rochon serves as an important connector across organizational efforts.

    Roc Rochon (Submitted photo)

    “Being part of UConn HNS has created opportunities to work closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners,” Rochon says. “Serving on multiple working groups has extended pathways for me to pursue scholarly activities, lead in the process to refine course curricula, develop new strategies, and teach in the classroom … all the while connecting directly with community partners to build relationships and be a support for our team’s efforts with everyday learning.”

    Along with Rochon, Ferris, and other staff and students, Neag School assistant professor-in-residence Danielle DeRosa ’09 (CLAS), ’15 MS, ’23 Ed.D. leads the organization’s People Team. Throughout the year, the team develops and facilitates holistic and professional development sessions for the larger UConn HNS group.

    “As an organization, we prioritize the development of our staff and students to ensure positive engagement and learning,” DeRosa says. “This investment allows us to be prepared and relevant practitioners, as well as collaborative and supportive partners. As part of our SNAP-Ed funding, we’ve continued to recruit, develop, and promote professionals working within communities and supporting healthy and active lifestyles. Our professional development allows us to grow in our own capacity to learn with and from each other, with the goal being able to contribute alongside community partners, families, and children toward improved health outcomes.”

    As part of that ongoing team development, UConn HNS welcomed three full-time staff members over the past six months: Veronica Jacobs ’16 (CLAS); Sarah Larocque ’09 (CAHNR), ’12 MS; and Brandon Keaton. Jacobs was involved with the organization as a UConn undergraduate student, before going on to complete a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs, holding different professional roles at multiple institutions. Now back with UConn HNS, Jacobs serves as the lead staff member overseeing a longtime partnership with Fred D. Wish School in Hartford that includes supervising 10 funded graduate assistants, while also contributing her expertise and leadership skills as part of the People Team.

    Veronica Jacobs (Submitted photo)

    “Returning to UConn HNS has gifted me opportunities to build new connections and a deeper awareness of the assets and resources in Hartford, a city that has been home for the past five years,” Jacobs says. “I’m excited to leverage my experiences in student development and social justice education to co-create intentional, joyful, and community-centered programs at Wish School, and support the holistic and professional growth of UConn students.”

    Larocque has joined the team as a registered dietitian, with professional experience in the health industry and counseling work alongside families and children. She will be a leader with the Husky Reads program, which includes over 15 partner sites and more than 600 pre-kindergarten student participants each year. Often an entry point into UConn HNS for new UConn students, Husky Reads also operates as a two-credit course that is cross-listed in the departments of Nutritional Sciences and Educational Leadership during the fall and spring semesters.

    Sarah Larocque (Submitted photo)

    “I am just thrilled to be back at UConn, a place that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” Larocque says. “I am excited to contribute my expertise as a registered dietitian, combining my love of working with children and families while also teaching classes and supporting UConn students as developing professionals.”

    Keaton is new to UConn, yet brings experience as a former athlete, coach, and educator. He will be working with a few different programs, as UConn HNS works to enhance curricula and partnerships focused on physically active games and play. PreK-12 school-based efforts will include recess, movement within classrooms, and physical activity as part of the everyday environment, as well as other family and community settings such as before and after school, on the weekends, and during the summertime.

    Brandon Keaton (Submitted photo)

    “My family and I recently relocated to Connecticut,” Keaton says. “I am looking forward to building relationships, growing partnerships, and serving the community. Focusing on physical fitness, movement, and health — all of that is just what I feel called to do.”

    Moving forward, an expansion of partnerships is on the horizon for UConn HNS, with a mixture of educational programs focused on increasing healthy eating and physical activity. UConn HNS also continues to grow its consulting efforts, working with partners to provide professional development workshops, support evaluation processes, and co-design social marketing campaigns. With the recent staff additions, there is a high level of excitement about enhancing all aspects of the organization.

    “The sustained efforts of Husky Nutrition, Husky Sport, and now Husky Nutrition & Sport are rare to see,” McGarry says. “We are often told by our partners that so many university-based programs come and go. We remain committed not only to continuing partnerships with individuals, organizations, and communities, but also to evolving our approaches to prioritize relationships, recognize the strengths of everyone involved, and celebrate culture as part of our collaborations.”

    To learn more about UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport, visit huskynutritionsport.education.uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Osteoporosis, the silent disease, can shorten your life − here’s how to prevent fractures and keep bones healthy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ting Zhang, Research Scholar of Orthopedics, University of Pittsburgh

    With some simple lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of osteoporosis. Capifrutta/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Because there are typically no symptoms until the first fracture occurs, osteoporosis is considered a silent disease. Some call it a silent killer.

    Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and strength, leading to fragile, brittle bones that increase the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips and wrists.

    The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that more than 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. Another 43 million have low bone mass, which is the precursor to osteoporosis. By 2030, the number of adults with osteoporosis or low bone mass is estimated to increase by more than 30%, to 71 million.

    The reasons for the increase include lifestyle issues, particularly smoking, lack of physical activity and alcohol abuse. Our aging population, along with the insufficient attention paid to this disease, are also why osteoporosis is on the rise.

    An illustration of osteoporosis of the spine. Note the sponge-like tissue, which is partially destroyed.
    BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    If you are older, it may be discouraging to read those statistics. But as orthopedic specialists who have studied this disease, we know that osteoporosis is not inevitable. The key to having healthy bones for a lifetime is to take some simple preventive measures – and the earlier, the better.

    Although the symptoms are not obvious early on, certain signs will indicate your bones are becoming weaker. The most serious complications of osteoporosis are fractures, which can lead to chronic pain, hospitalization, disability, depression, reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Worldwide, osteoporosis causes nearly 9 million fractures annually. That’s one osteoporotic fracture every three seconds.

    Height loss, back pain

    Minor bumps or falls may lead to fractures, especially in the hip, wrist or spine. These types of fractures are often the first sign of the disease.

    If you notice that you’re getting shorter, the cause could be compression fractures in the spine; this too is a common symptom of osteoporosis.

    Although it’s typical for most people to lose height as they age – about 1 to 1½ inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters) over a lifetime – those with osteoporosis who have multiple spinal fractures could lose 2 to 3 inches or more in a relatively rapid time frame.

    Curved posture, or noticeable changes in posture, may lead to a hunched back, which could be a sign that your spine is weakening and losing density.

    Persistent back pain is another indicator – this too is the result of tiny fractures or compression of the spine.

    A healthy diet and exercise are two ways to build up bone density.

    Calcium and vitamin D

    Osteoporosis cannot be completely cured, but certain lifestyle and dietary factors can lower your risk.

    Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Calcium helps maintain strong bones, while vitamin D assists in calcium absorption. Women over age 50 and men over 70 should consume at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily from food and, if necessary, supplements.

    The easy way to get calcium is through dairy products. Milk, yogurt and cheese are among the richest sources. One cup of milk provides about 300 milligrams of calcium, one-fourth of the daily requirement. If you are vegan, calcium is in many plant-based foods, including soy, beans, peas, lentils, oranges, almonds and dark leafy greens.

    Adults should aim for two to three servings of calcium-rich foods daily. Consuming them throughout the day with meals helps improve absorption.

    Vitamin D is obtained mostly from supplements and sunlight, which is the easiest way to get the recommended dose. Your body will produce enough vitamin D if you expose your arms, legs and face to direct sunlight for 10 to 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., two to three times a week.

    Although it’s best to wear short-sleeve shirts and shorts during this brief period, it’s okay to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to your face. Sunlight through a window won’t have the same effect – glass reduces absorption of the UV rays needed for vitamin D production. People with darker skin, or those living in less sunny regions, may need more sunlight to get the same effect.

    If a doctor has given you a diagnosis of osteoporosis, it’s possible the calcium and vitamin D that you’re getting through food and sun exposure alone is not enough; you should ask your doctor if you need medication.

    Chickpeas, sesame seeds and dark green vegetables, such as kale, arugula and broccoli, are good sources of calcium.

    Dance, jog, lift weights and avoid alcohol

    Regular exercise is an excellent activity that can help stave off osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging and dancing, are great for increasing bone density. Strength training, such as lifting weights, helps with stability and flexibility, which reduces the risk of falling.

    Aim for 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise at least four days a week, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week.

    Particularly for women, who lose bone density during and after menopause, regular exercise is critical. Working out prior to menopause will reduce the risk of osteoporosis in your later years.

    And avoid harmful habits – smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can weaken bone density and increase the risk of fractures.

    Fall prevention strategies and balance training are crucial and can help reduce the risk of fractures.

    Screening and treatment

    Women should start osteoporosis screening at age 65, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Men should consider screening if they have risk factors for osteoporosis, which include smoking, alcohol use disorder, some chronic diseases such as diabetes, and age. Men over 70 are at higher risk.

    Medical imaging such as a bone density scan and spinal X-rays can help confirm osteoporosis and detect compression fractures. These basic tests, combined with age and medical history, are enough to make a clear diagnosis.

    Managing osteoporosis is a long-term process that requires ongoing commitment to lifestyle changes. Recognizing the early warning signs and making these proactive lifestyle changes is the first step to prevent the disease and keep your bones healthy.

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

    – ref. Osteoporosis, the silent disease, can shorten your life − here’s how to prevent fractures and keep bones healthy – https://theconversation.com/osteoporosis-the-silent-disease-can-shorten-your-life-heres-how-to-prevent-fractures-and-keep-bones-healthy-241547

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: EA re-opens initial consultation for Swadlincote incinerator

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    On 1 November 2024 the Environment Agency re-opened the initial consultation into an environmental permit application for an incinerator near Swadlincote.

    • Environment Agency re-opens initial consultation on plans for proposed site in Keith Willshee Way
    • Consultation to run from 1 November to 13 December 2024
    • Environment Agency will consider issues around any likely impact on human health and environment

    Due to the high level of public interest associated with the site, the Environment Agency is re-opening the initial public consultation. The initial public consultation, ran between 28 June 2024 and 2 September 2024.

    R&P Clean Power Limited has applied for the permit to operate an incinerator on Keith Willshee Way, Swadlincote DE11 9EN. The company has also separately applied to Derbyshire County Council for planning.

    The company wants to incinerate up to 230,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste each year in an incinerator known as an Energy from Waste Facility.

    The proposed facility will incinerate waste to produce energy in the form of electricity. Electricity from this process will be exported to the National Grid.

    An environmental permit sets the conditions which R&P Clean Power Limited must meet when operating the proposed incinerator.  It covers the management and operation of the site and the control and monitoring of emissions.

    Issues that we consider in deciding on the permit are: 

    • Relevant environmental regulatory requirements and technical standards.
    • Information on local population and sensitive sites.
    • Protection of human and environmental health.
    • Comments on whether the right process is being used for the activity, for example, whether the technology is appropriate.
    • Pollution control and any emissions to air, land and water.
    • Whether energy generated by waste incineration is recovered as much as possible.
    • Handling and storage of waste.
    • The impact of noise and odour from vehicle movements on site.
    • Plans to deal with litter and vermin on site.
    • Any permit conditions that may be needed.

    The Environment Agency will consult with partner organisations, including the UK Health Security Agency, as part of the process.  

    Issues such as suitability of the site, operating hours and traffic management to and from it, are matters for the planning authority, not the Environment Agency.

    The Environment Agency can only consider issues covered by the environmental permit and can only refuse a permit application based on technical information.  

    However, in order to build and operate the proposed incinerator, the company will need to be granted both planning permission and an environmental permit.

    To obtain an environmental permit, the company will need to show they are putting in place the necessary measures to meet current standards to protect human health and the environment. In addition, they must explain how any risks that are identified, such as odour and emissions, are prevented or minimised, alongside producing a Fire Prevention Plan.

    Once the consultation closes, the Environment Agency will review all the comments received before reaching a draft decision. R&P Clean Power Limited has the right to appeal if the permit is refused.

    If the Environment Agency thinks it is likely to issue the permit, it will consult again on the draft permit and draft decision document. This means the public will be able comment again if they feel that there is additional information that we have not considered in our decision.  

    If you wish to make comments about the application, please do so by 13 December 2024.

    You can comment by:

    • Visiting our online Citizen Space web page:

     DE11 9EN, R&P CLEAN POWER LIMITED, EPR/LP3327SK/A001: environmental permit consultation – Environment Agency – Citizen Space

    If you need help accessing this consultation in another format please contact us by emailing: PSCpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk or calling 03708 506 506.

    Please use the application number LP3327SK/A001

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates outbreak of acute gastroenteritis involving study tour of primary school

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 4) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) involving a study tour organised by a primary school in Tuen Mun between November 1 and 2, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
         
         The outbreak involves 26 pupils, comprising 15 boys and 11 girls aged 10 to 11. They developed vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever since November 1. Two of the affected pupils sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All patients are in stable condition.

         The CHP’s epidemiological investigation revealed that one of the pupils in the outbreak had first vomited during their visiting activity on November 1. Other pupils exposed to the vomiting incident developed gastrointestinal symptoms subsequently. The CHP considers that the outbreak may be caused by person-to-person transmission or environmental contamination. Investigations are ongoing.

         A spokesman for the CHP reminded that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, e.g. norovirus. Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
     

    Ensure proper personal hygiene;
    Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
    Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
    Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
    Maintain good indoor ventilation;
    Pay attention to food hygiene;
    Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
    Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
    Drink boiled water; and
    Do not patronise unlicensed food premises or food stalls.

         
         The public may visit the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) for more information.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Two Companies Fined in Workplace Incident Causing Serious Injury to a Worker

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on November 4, 2024

    On October 22, 2024, Strathcona Resources Ltd. pleaded guilty in Kindersley Provincial Court to one violation of The Saskatchewan Employment Act and related to the same incident, Steel View Energy & Industrial Services Ltd. pleaded guilty to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

    Strathcona Resources Ltd. was fined for contravening clause 3-12 (a) (ii) of the Act (being a contractor, fail to ensure, insofar as is reasonably practicable, that every work process or procedure carried on at every place of employment or work site where an employer, employer’s worker or self-employed person works pursuant to a contract between the contractor and the employer or self-employed person that is not in the direct and complete control of an employer or self-employed person under contract with the contractor, is safe for, without risk to the health of, and adequate with regard to facilities for the welfare of all employers, workers, or self-employed persons at the place of employment, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).

    As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $60,714.29 with a surcharge of $24,285.71 for a total amount of $85,000. One other charge was withdrawn.

    Steel View Energy & Industrial Services Ltd. was fined for contravening clause 3-1 (a) of the regulations (being an employer, fail to comply with the duties of an employer at a place of employment including the provision and maintenance of a plant, systems of work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).

    The Court imposed a fine of $39,285.71 with a surcharge of $15,714.29, for a total amount of $55,000.

    The charges for both companies stemmed from a single incident that occurred on December 5, 2022, near Major, Saskatchewan when a worker was seriously injured when they were struck by an ejection clamp.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Shane Seilman
    Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
    Regina
    Phone: 306-520-2705
    Email: shane.seilman2@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: One month after the tragic school bus crash in Khu Khot, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety to promote and launch the UN-JCDecaux campaign for road safety in Thailand

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, is visiting Bangkok from 30 October to 6 November 2024. During his visit, he will meet with the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, key government officials, representatives of the international community, private, and public sectors to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures, particularly on wearing quality helmets. His visit will be also the occasion to launch the UN-JCDecaux campaign #MakeASafetyStatement in the country.  The Special Envoy will also speak at the UNESCAP/Alliance française Road Safety Seminar on 4 November.  This aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030.

    The visit of the Special Envoy comes one month after the tragic bus road crash which caught fire while travelling on an outbound lane in Khu Khot in the Pathum Thani Province, resulting in 23 deaths of which were mainly school students.

    The silent pandemic

    Every year, the staggering toll of road-related fatalities claims the lives of 1.19 million people, leaving countless others with severe injuries. This silent pandemic overwhelmingly affects developing nations, where over 90% of the road traffic fatalities occur. Furthermore, road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.  

    According to the World Health Organization, road crashes kill 18,218 people in Thailand each year, representing a road traffic fatality rate of 25/100,000 population, while the rate is in 15.7/100,000 in South-East Asia and 6.5/100,000 in Europe (WHO 2021). Despite the recent efforts of the country, Thailand is still ranked on the top worst countries in term of road fatalities.  This is therefore urgent to act for increasing road safety in the country.

    “Every life lost to preventable road accidents is a tragedy that reverberates through our communities and our country. This recent tragedy has reminded us of the urgent need for effective and sustained action. Road safety is not merely a matter of law enforcement but a shared societal responsibility. We owe it to our citizens, especially our children, to make our roads safer”, stated the new Prime Minister, H.E. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

    Road crashes have a significant social and economic burden, particularly in Thailand.  “In addition to the human tragedy, road crashes trap countries into a vicious circle of poverty, costing till 6% of the GDP. Given their social and economic cost, road crashes are jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda. Now is the time for change, and I am looking forward to working with the Government of Thailand to stop the carnage on the roads.” stressed the UNSG’s Special Envoy Todt.

    Wearing a safe helmet

    If the causes of road crashes are multiple such as the non-reliability of the vehicles and of the road’s infrastructure and design, the lack of post-crashes services, weaknesses in the road safety management, a dangerous road user’s behavior is still one of the main reasons costing lives on the road. On the mitigation of the risk factors for the road users, wearing a helmet responding to the UN standards is definitively a game changer. Wearing a quality helmet can reduce the risk of injuries by 69%.

    Knowing that Thailand has the highest rate of motorcycle-related deaths in the world, representing more than 70% of the road traffic fatalities in the country, wearing a safe helmet is an absolute emergency.              

    #MakeASafetyStatement

    During his visit in Thailand, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Road Safety Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of life-saving road safety measures. Launched globally in cooperation with JCDecaux Global under the motto #MakeASafetyStatement, it will run through 2025 in over 80 countries in the world.   

    The campaign seeks to reduce risk factors, especially in urban areas, enabling people to walk, live, and enjoy their environment safely.  Sixteen global, and dozens of national, celebrities have joined forces to advocate for simple and effective road safety rules.  Key messages include wearing a seat belt, driving safely, wearing a helmet, not texting and driving, not driving under the influence or while tired, and respecting pedestrians.

    Participating celebrities in the campaign include Football Legend Mr. Didier Drogba, F1 Driver Mr. Charles Leclerc, Oscar-winning actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Michelle Yeoh, Tennis Legend Mr. Novak Djokovic, Musician Ms. Kylie Minogue, Motorcycle racer Mr. Marc Marquez, Supermodel Ms. Naomi Campbell, Actor Mr. Patrick Dempsey, Musician and Inspirational leader Mr. Youssou N’Dour, Actress Ms. Julie Gayet, Actor Mr. Michael Fassbender, Football icon Mr. Ousmane Dembélé, Double Olympic Champion Ms. Faith Kipyegon, F1 Driver Mr. Mick Schumacher, Actor Jean Reno and Cyclist Champion Tadej Podacar.

    Risk factors that are too often neglected                                                                                                                 

    Only seven countries in the world (France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden) have laws that comply with WHO best practices for all the risk factors – speeding, drink driving, UN-standard motorbike helmet use, seatbelts and child restraint systems.

    Media representatives are cordially invited to cover the launch of the campaign, mission and Memorandum of Agreement on Road Safety Cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Health at the press conference on 6 November 2024 at 1.30 PM at the Ministry of Transport (Ratcharotsamosorn Assembly Hall) in Bangkok, with:

    • Mr. Suriya Jungroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport
    • Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, Minister of Public Health
    • Mr. Jean Todt, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for road safety,   
    • Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator to Thailand, presents the work of the UN in road safety in Thailand.
    • Mr. Arnaud de Ruffray, President of JCDecaux Thailand presents the UN-JCDecaux campaign for road safety in Thailand.
    • Ms. Saisunee Jana, Paralympic gold Medalist

     

    About the Special Envoy

    The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed in 2015 Jean Todt as his Special Envoy for Road Safety. He was reconfirmed in this role by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in 2017 and in 2021. In 2018, together with 14 UN organizations, the Special Envoy launched the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF). The Special Envoy contributes, among other things, to mobilize sustained political commitment to make road safety a priority; to advocate and raise awareness of UN legal instruments on road safety; to share established good practices in this area; to strive to generate adequate funding through strategic partnerships between the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Special Envoy brochure and X account.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Losses of Public Money For 2024-25 Second Quarter

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on November 4, 2024

    The report on losses of public money within Saskatchewan health organizations has been tabled with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

    The Ministry of Health reports losses by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Athabasca Health Authority (AHA), Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA), Health Shared Services Saskatchewan (3sHealth), Health Quality Council (HQC) and Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) in keeping with similar reporting of losses within ministries and Crown agencies.

    Two reportable losses were reported by the SHA and HQC to the Ministry of Health in the second quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year (from July 1 to September 30, 2024):

    • A former SHA employee was paid by SHA while working for an external organization at the same time, resulting in a loss of $2,018 over a period of sixteen months. 
    • A former HQC employee was paid by HQC while working for an external organization at the same time, resulting in a loss of $1,800 over a period of a year and half. 

    See the attached report, or visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/ministries/health/other-reports/public-losses. 

    -30-

    for more information, contact:

    Media Desk
    Health
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-4083
    Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca
    Cell: 306-787-4083

    MIL OSI Canada News –