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  • MIL-OSI USA: Utah’s Andy Markus recognized as 2025 NEA ESP of the Year

    Source: US National Education Union

    WASHINGTON—NEA has named Andy Markus, the head custodian at Draper Park Middle School, in Draper, Utah, the 2025 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.  

     Markus, an assistant facilities manager, has worked for the Canyons School District for 13 years as the assistant custodian at Midvale Elementary and the head custodian at Bella Vista Elementary, before taking over in the same role at Draper Park Middle School. As one of the first people that students see in the morning, he has the important responsibility of being an inviting face, welcoming students to an exciting day of learning. His work in ensuring that students show up to a building that invites growth and learning earned him the 2024 Utah ESP of the Year award.  

     “NEA and its three million members are proud to recognize Andy’s dedication to his students, his school and his union,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “He consistently goes above and beyond to be a welcoming presence to all who enter the building and school grounds He inspires each of the students to be better versions of themselves and to try new things. Andy’s ability to lift the spirits of any student having a hard day, or make a new student instantly feel at home, is an invaluable asset to the Draper community.”  

     The Education Support Professional of the Year award is designed to spotlight the work of ESPs across the country and honor one member who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements and dedication to public education. ESPs are the bus drivers who get our students to school safely. They are the custodians who keep our school buildings and grounds clean, the cafeteria workers who ensure our school communities are fed, the paraeducators who meet the needs of our most vulnerable students, and so much more.   

    “Congratulations to Andy,” said Mike Evans, President of the Utah School Employees Association. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Andy for many years, and he’s consistently been an exceptional leader. He’s always the first to step up, no matter the time or place.” 

     Markus will serve as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, speaking about the work and importance of ESPs at local, state, and national events.  

     “From cleaning up the grounds to mentoring students, my work goes beyond maintaining a building,” Markus said. “It’s about fostering a community where students and staff feel proud to be. The pride and care we put into our environment are reflected in the success of our students, and I’m grateful to be a part of that positive change.”  

    One of the biggest ways that  Markus goes above and beyond is by being a lifeline for students. His after-school program allows students to let out steam, leading to better behavior in the classroom. He allows students to help him every Friday as an incentive to demonstrate good behavior throughout the week. He also partnered with his school’s counselor to start the “Andy Talk” program, where students would walk with him as he worked, giving them an opportunity to share their struggles with a trusted adult.  

     “Andy is much more than his job description,” says Erin Longacre, parent of Draper Park Middle School kids and a board member of the Parent Teacher Student Association. “He’s the ‘What do you need,’ when you’re looking for help. He’s the ‘hello,’ when you need a smile. He’s the person that gets it done!”  

     As president of the Canyons Educational Support Professionals Association and a board member of the USEA, Markus has taken an active role in advocating for his fellow ESPs, from monthly meetings with district administration officials to taking time off work to lobby representatives at the state capitol. He wasn’t just fighting for those in his district, however. He fights for the rights of ESPs across Utah. “Last year when the Nebo School District was being dealt a poor hand by their district by losing their negotiation rights, Andy was the first person to sign up to go knock on doors with the field staff over that area,” says Britt Wolf, an administrative assistant at Hillcrest High School.  

    Markus was one of five finalists that included Illinois’ Amy Evans, intervention reading assistant; North Carolina’s Beryl Torrence, director of operations-transportation; Pennsylvania’s Becky Marszalek, paraprofessional; and Virginia’s Alyce Holmes Pope, family services specialist.

     For more information on the NEA ESP of the Year Award program, including a complete list of the 2025 NEA ESP of the Year nominees and more information on the five finalists, visit www.nea.org/ESPOTY.  

    # # #    

     ESPs are categorized into nine career families: paraeducators; clerical services; custodial services; skilled trades; technical services; security services; transportation services; food services; and health and student services. Learn more at www.nea.org/esp.  

     Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social and https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social.  

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at nea.org.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coalition Sues Trump Administration For Dismantling Department of Education, Hurting All Students

    Source: US National Education Union

    Washington, D.C. — Advocacy organizations representing millions of educators, civil rights champions, school employees, students, and families will file a lawsuit Monday to stop the Trump Administration’s illegal attempts to dismantle the United States Department of Education. The plaintiffs include the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), public school parents, The National Education Association (NEA), and AFSCME Maryland Council 3, and they are supported by Student Defense and Education Law Center (ELC).

    Since taking office, Trump Administration officials have taken an escalating series of steps to dismantle the Department, including a series of staff reductions and the termination of $1.5 billion in current contracts and grants for Congressionally-authorized programs and activities. On March 11, the Secretary instituted a Department-wide reduction in force, which, when combined with prior staff reductions, slashes the already lean Department workforce in half.  

    Most recently, on March 20, 2024, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order formally instructing Secretary Linda McMahon to pursue “all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States.” The very next day, President Trump indicated that the administration would move the higher education student loan portfolio to the Small Business Administration and disability-related programs to the Department of Health and Human Services.  

    “Taken together, Defendants’ steps since January 20, 2025, constitute a de facto dismantling of the Department by executive fiat…,” the complaint argues. “But the Constitution gives power over ‘the establishment of offices [and] the determination of their functions and jurisdiction’ to Congress—not to the President or any officer working under him.” Because it is a Congressionally-created federal agency, legally eliminating the Department of Education, or its constituent offices, or transferring them to other federal agencies, requires Congressional approval. 

    While state and local governments are responsible for the vast majority of America’s public education system, Congress created the Department to help bridge longstanding gaps in educational opportunity and provide critical funding and supports to students. The Department fulfills that role by enforcing civil rights laws, supporting students with disabilities, promoting equal educational opportunities, bolstering the educator workforce, and administering the Federal Student Aid programs that place college within reach of working Americans. 

    Eliminating or effectively shuttering the Department puts at risk the millions of vulnerable students, including those from low-income families, English learners, homeless students, rural students, and others who depend on Department support. It also jeopardizes more than 400,000 educator jobs; makes it impossible for the Department to ensure that federal education funding actually is spent as Congress intended; threatens support for 7.5 million students with disabilities; and leaves millions of students vulnerable to discrimination. It could also reduce access to Pell Grants, upend repayments for student loan borrowers, and invite fraudulent and predatory behavior from unscrupulous institutions of higher education.

    The lawsuit alleges that actions to dismantle the Department exceed the constitutional authority of the executive branch and violate the federal Administrative Procedure Act. It asks the court to immediately halt the government’s attempt to dismantle the Department.

    “As a parent of a child with disabilities who has an Individual Education Program (IEP), I am deeply troubled by the severe cuts the Trump Administration has made to the Department of Education,” said Mara Greengrass, a Maryland mother who is a plaintiff in the litigation. “Funding for special education and the Department’s oversight have been crucial in ensuring my son receives the quality education he—and every child in this country—deserves.”

    “Nothing is more important than the success of students. America’s educators and parents won’t be silent as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Linda McMahon try to steal opportunities from our students, our families, and our communities to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Gutting the Department of Education will hurt all students by sending class sizes soaring, cutting job training programs, making higher education more out of reach, taking away special education services for students with disabilities, and gutting student civil rights protections. Parents, educators, and community leaders know this will widen the gaps in education, which is why we will do everything in our power to protect our students and their futures,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle.

    “Education is power. By firing half of the workforce at the Department of Education, Trump is not only seeking to dismantle an agency — he is deliberately destroying the pathway many Americans have to a better life,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “The forceful elimination of thousands of essential workers will harm the most vulnerable in our communities. The NAACP and our partners are equipped with the necessary legal measures to prevent this unlawful attack on our children’s future.”

    “Congress created the Department of Education, and Congress controls its future — not billionaires Marylanders never voted for,” said AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran. “This illegal move to bypass our elected representatives would be devastating to our state’s public schools. Department of Education funding supports AFSCME Council 3 members in their essential work every day. It helps bus drivers get students in rural areas to school on time, ensures cafeteria workers can deliver consistent meals to students in low-income areas, keeps custodial workers on staff to ensure public schools are safe environments, supports disability and English as a second language school services, and more. Without this funding, we lose essential school workers — and our most vulnerable students will pay the price.”

    “The Trump Administration’s effort to dismantle the Department of Education is not only illegal; it inflicts great harm on students, schools, and communities across the country,” said Robert Kim, Education Law Center Executive Director. “The Administration’s assertion that critical federal funding and support for schools and students will somehow continue as normal even after shuttering the Department reveals a dangerous lack of understanding of the Department’s role to provide funding for and implement programs for our most underserved student populations, ensure equal access and opportunity, and enforce civil rights in our nation’s schools. We cannot afford to let the Trump Administration throw our public schools into chaos.”

    “Donald Trump’s own Secretary of Education has acknowledged they can’t legally shut down the Department of Education without Congress,” said Student Defense President Aaron Ament. “Yet that is, for all intents and purposes, exactly what they are doing. It’s a brazen violation of the law that will upend the lives of countless students and families.”

    # # #

    About the National Education Association:

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org 

    About the NAACP:

    The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

    NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

    About AFSCME Maryland Council 3:

    AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents more than 50,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education and the private sector who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.

    About Education Law Center:

    Education Law Center pursues justice and equity for public school students by enforcing their right to a high-quality education in safe, equitable, non-discriminatory, integrated, and well funded learning environments. We seek to support and improve public schools as the center of communities and the foundation of a multicultural and multiracial democratic society. To achieve these goals, we engage in litigation, research and data analysis, policy advocacy, communications, and strategic partnerships and collaborations. https://edlawcenter.org/

    About Student Defense:

    The National Student Legal Defense Network (“Student Defense”) is a non-profit organization that works, through litigation and advocacy, to advance students’​ rights to educational opportunity and to ensure that higher education provides a launching point for economic mobility.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Science in Seconds: Freeze Frame

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Conn Health is now home to a cryo electron microscope (cryo-EM). The advanced imaging system uses a beam of electrons to image frozen biological samples. The images are then used to create a 3D model revealing the hidden structures of proteins, viruses and cells with unprecedented clarity and detail.

    In this Science in Seconds segment, Wolfgang Peti, PhD, professor of molecular biology and biophysics, shows us how cryo-EM works and how it can help speed up drug design and ultimately patient care.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s new parking zone to be reviewed

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A set of parking measures trialled around Everton FC’s new stadium are to be reviewed.

    The measures, introduced under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) for the stadium’s first event last month, have been suspended primarily around the business areas within the new zone.

    The review formally begins today, following yesterday’s successful second test event at the waterfront stadium.

    The temporary cessation of the measures comes into effect along the city’s waterfront from its northern extremity by Canada Dock down to the Leeds Street corridor at the city centre boundary, and eastwards across to the Pumpfields district.

    The new ETRO parking zone will continue to be in place within the residential districts, from the Eldonian Village across to Great Homer Street and north to “the Shakespeare streets” in Kirkdale.

    Residents who have not yet applied for parking permits are encouraged to do so. These permits are free. Each household is allowed a visitor permit, which is also free.

    The announcement to review the measures in the business areas of the zone enables the Council to consider the feedback from the public consultation exercise, which was launched to coincide with the new ETRO. Liverpool City Council has so far received more than 5,000 responses.

    A number of amendments to the new parking zone have already been announced following the first test event.

    An updated ETRO is expected to be announced by August before the new football season begins and Everton FC start to host matches at their stunning Bramley Moore Dock venue.

    A further series of improvements, identified from the first test event, have also now been implemented, including:

    • A review of the event traffic management plan on road closures ahead of the second test event. This was to ensure closures were enacted and communicated more effectively.
    • Improvements to Street Lighting on walking routes to and from the stadium.
    • Improved pedestrian wayfinding signage between Sandhills station and City Centre stations and the stadium.
    • Temporary signage to shuttle bus and taxi rank locations.

    Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council said: “The new stadium has created new challenges on parking in this part of the city, adding to the pressures from commuters, and the changing needs of a growing area for business. It’s important we get these measures right. 

    “Since the consultation launched last month we’ve had a lot of feedback. The Council has listened carefully.  The legal basis for the new restrictions enables us to make amendments in the light of evidence and experience.

    “We will now take the time between now and the start of the new football season to get the balance of new measures right, and in the meantime suspend the measures in the parts of the zone of most concern to local businesses.

    “There is still the year-round issue of commuter parking affecting our residential areas with the zone, so it makes absolute sense for the measures to continue there.

    “We are also working closely with colleagues at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on their plans for public transport provision and we are in in active dialogue with them and Everton FC to ensure changes and improvements are made.”

    Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “It’s been a month since this experimental parking zone launched and we’ve already learnt a lot about its operation and impact.

    “The second test on Sunday feels like the right time to take stock of what we’ve learned so far and carefully consider the arrangements that need to apply from August.  Our Highways team will continue to analyse all the feedback from the consultation, and the evidence generated from the test events, to find ways to make amendments and improvements. We know this takes a few months to carry out, so in the meantime will temporarily suspend the traffic order in the business areas of the zone.

    “The issue of illegal and unsafe parking on double yellow lines and pavements that blights the area, specifically on the residential areas cannot be overlooked. These issues impact the area all year round and it’s vital we get the balance right to ensure the parking measures supports businesses and the area’s economic development, whilst providing residents with the protection they deserve.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: In a First, LNG Cargo Trade Indexed to Abaxx LNG Futures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announced the first over-the-counter (“OTC”) trade of an LNG cargo indexed to Abaxx LNG futures.

    Two Asia-based counterparties have agreed to trade an LNG cargo to be exported from the Gulf of Mexico (“GOM”) with the transaction price indexed to Abaxx GOM LNG futures. The adoption of Abaxx physically deliverable LNG futures as the price index for an OTC LNG cargo trade represents a significant milestone and advances their potential to become benchmarks in global LNG markets. On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Abaxx GOM LNG futures (May delivery) settled at $12.46/mmBtu¹, the Abaxx NWE LNG futures (May delivery) settled at $13.37/mmBtu, and the Abaxx NPA LNG Futures (May delivery) settled at $13.59/mmBtu.

    “This trade reflects the need for more precise LNG pricing as geopolitical shifts, including tariffs and trade disputes, continue to impact global commodities markets,” said Joe Raia, Chief Commercial Officer of Abaxx Exchange. “The use of Abaxx futures settlement prices for this high-value cargo gives the global LNG market confidence in the strength of our contracts and reinforces their role as a reliable tool for managing price risk with benchmarks that reflect real LNG market conditions more reliably than regional pipeline hubs or proxies.”

    About Abaxx Technologies Inc.

    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is the majority-owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, subsidiaries recognized by MAS as an RMO and ACH, respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally-cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:
    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590

    Media and Investor inquiries:
    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    ¹“Million British thermal units”, a thermal unit of measurement for natural gas.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward- looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: Abaxx’s objectives, goals or future plans, introduction of new battery materials products; liquidity on Abaxx Exchange; the delivery of commodities subject to futures contracts; and the expected growth and positive impacts from global battery metal demand. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions; protection of intellectual property rights; contractual risk; third-party risk; clearinghouse risk; malicious actor risks; third-party software license risk; system failure risk; risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; changes in the price of commodities; capital market conditions; and restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains in addition to the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Automotive industry’s sustainability efforts poised to reshape market dynamics significantly, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Automotive industry’s sustainability efforts poised to reshape market dynamics significantly, says GlobalData

    Posted in Automotive

    As the automotive industry moves towards a more sustainable future, integrating recycled materials into manufacturing processes is emerging as a pivotal strategy. With environmental consciousness becoming a fundamental mandate rather than a fleeting trend, the industry’s commitment to sustainability is poised to reshape market dynamics significantly, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The automotive sector is witnessing a considerable shift in its approach to material sourcing and production processes. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing the use of recycled and sustainable materials, driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressures. This transition represents a strategic pivot that could redefine competitive advantages in the market. By incorporating recycled materials, automakers can reduce carbon footprints, lower production costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The emphasis on lightweight materials, such as recycled plastics, contributes to improved fuel efficiency while aligning with broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Leading automotive manufacturers are actively engaging in substantial sustainability initiatives. Notably, companies such as Toyota, Mazda, and Honda have begun integrating recycled plastics into their vehicle production. Ford, for example, incorporates recycled plastic water bottles into the seat cushions of its cars. Similarly, Jaguar features a fabric crafted from nylon waste sourced from ocean debris. Volvo’s XC60 SUV utilizes recycled fibers and plastics derived from fishing nets and ropes in certain interior components, and the company has pledged that by 2025, 25% of all plastics used in its vehicles will be sourced from recycled materials.”

    Additionally, collaborations between automakers and recycling firms are fostering a circular economy, where end-of-life components are repurposed into new products, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

    Palit adds: “The growing emphasis on recycled materials is expected to have broad implications for the automotive market. As manufacturers adapt to these sustainable practices, we may observe a transformation in consumer preferences, with buyers increasingly favoring brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. This shift could drive demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, further accelerating the transition toward sustainability. Furthermore, as the market for recycled materials expands, new economic opportunities may arise, particularly in job creation within the recycling sector. The integration of recycled materials into automotive manufacturing addresses environmental concerns while positioning the industry for future growth.”

    Palit concludes: “In conclusion, the automotive industry’s commitment to incorporating recycled materials into manufacturing processes is set to reshape the market landscape significantly. As sustainability becomes a core aspect of business strategy, manufacturers that embrace this shift are likely to gain competitive advantages in an evolving marketplace. The potential for growth driven by recycled materials will play a crucial role in the automotive sector, aligning economic viability with environmental stewardship.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby’s young climate change champions

    Source: City of Derby

    More than 150 pupils from schools across Derby took part in an event to discuss their climate change concerns and learn about potential careers that could help tackle some of these challenges.

    The children were joined by local businesses and industry experts for The Festival of Ideas – an exciting day of interactive workshops at Pride Park stadium, as part of the Derby Promise.

    A Derby City Council initiative, the Derby Promise focuses on raising employment aspirations and providing meaningful opportunities for the city’s young people, from primary school through to adult education. 

    Taking place during Science Week, the Festival of Ideas saw pupils share knowledge around climate concerns while learning about a range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) career paths. They also had the opportunity to speak directly with councillors and local leaders about changes they’d like to see, and to ask important questions around their own power to make a difference.

    Workshops were provided by industry experts from Rolls Royce, Wates Construction, Aecom and Climate Education, each exploring different aspects of sustainability and climate action. Activities ranged from quizzes on plastic pollution and global warming, to building a scale suspension bridge which the children could then walk across, seeing the principles of civil engineering in action and understanding the environmental impacts of such projects. 

    There were games around ways to improve our carbon footprint at home, and craft projects demonstrating how wind turbines can make use of our natural resources. 

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

    The Festival of Ideas has been a fantastic opportunity for our young people on several levels. It was great to see them really getting stuck into tasks that sparked conversations around climate, but also ideas to do with possible career paths and how STEM can look outside of a classroom and be applied in the working world. 

    Meeting new people and gaining first-hand experience of what a job can entail is such an important step in inspiring and motivating children, helping them to see what’s possible, what they can work towards. The element of fun in each activity really helped too – these are jobs and projects they can enjoy and feel inspired to pursue.

    A key element of the festival was the opportunity for students to present their climate concerns and ideas to local councillors and leaders. Through creative speeches, artwork, and presentations, they highlighted areas for change and engaged in Q&A sessions.

    • Oakwood Junior School stressed the importance of trees, green spaces, and nature.  
    • Becket Primary School recognised the difference we can all make to ensure communities and the natural world are protected
    • Cherry Tree Hill Primary School are busy composting and were keen for Derby to make composting easier at home, at work, and in public places
    • Beaufort Primary School stressed the need for increased renewable energy use, reduced car usage, increased tree planting, recycling, and waste reduction 
    • Redwood Primary School suggested sustainable transport competitions, refill shops, rewilding, and climate-focused public art 
    • Cavendish Close Junior School discussed careful recycling, water conservation, re-wilding and informed buying choices.

    Students also discussed practical actions they and their schools could take, such as litter-picking groups, bug hotels, wormeries, and recycling champions. They emphasised the importance of using their voices to drive change, encouraging teachers and parents to address environmental issues.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, was particularly impressed by the children’s passion, practical ideas, and optimism. She said:

    The event underlined how important it is that children’s voices are included in conversations around climate change. Our young people are very aware that they’re inheriting a planet with increasing environmental challenges, but one thing that stood out was their positivity in tackling these issues. They truly believe change is possible, and they want to lead the charge in improving climate change.

    The Derby Promise’s Festival of Ideas is an ongoing initiative. Throughout the coming year, schools will be developing their own climate action plans, and the team behind Derby Promise will be providing ongoing teacher support sessions and guidance to schools.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: eThekwini gears up for business fair

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The countdown to the North Regional Durban Business Fair has begun, which will see 150 businesses showcasing their products and services.

    The eThekwini Municipality is gearing up to host the North Regional Durban Business Fair from 28 – 30 March 2025 at the Bridge City Shopping Centre in KwaMashu, north of Durban. 

    The third Regional Fair for the 2024/25 financial year, will provide businesses a platform for networking, business growth, empowerment and collaboration.

    The exhibitors will also have opportunities to engage with potential customers, including government and municipal entities, financial institutions and fellow entrepreneurs. 

    The attendees will have the opportunity to participate in business seminars, where they will gain first-hand insights from industry leaders, as well as representatives from both private and public agencies.

    In a recent statement, the municipality said the exhibition will run simultaneously with the two-day Business Indaba, which will explore key industry trends and provide valuable business information and opportunities.

    “The Construction Development Indaba segment will kick off the exhibition on 28 March, bringing together established companies, agencies and entrepreneurs to present opportunities for emerging businesses. Topics will include how small, medium and micro enterprises can leverage artificial intelligence. 

    “Businesses will also be capacitated on how to engage in the Inner-City Regeneration and property development processes. This will offer valuable guidance for growth within the construction and development sectors,” the municipality said.

    The focus will then shift to the Women’s Economic Empowerment Engagement on 29 March, with discussions centred on how women can empower each other through mentorship, networking, and collaboration. 

    Leading South African business figures are expected to drive the discussions during the Women’s Economic Empowerment Engagement. 

    “eThekwini Municipality, which established the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, 19 years ago, will also highlight the achievements and present success stories of the programme, while outlining opportunities available for women entrepreneurs,” the municipality said.

    The fair will also serve as an important hub for presenting international opportunities, including imports and exports. The Junior International Chamber will be exhibiting at the fairat the International Pavilion. 

    Additional highlights include access to government and municipal services, exhibitions by tertiary institutions, a tech zone, live cooking demonstrations, and the “kiddiepreneur” garden, amongst others.

    The municipality has encouraged the public to support locally manufactured products, such as furniture, fashion, home essentials, agricultural products, health products, detergents and many more.

    To reserve a spot at the Construction Development Business Indaba or the Women’s Economic Empowerment Engagement, please email: zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za, or call 031 311 4500. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 60 Years Ago: Gemini III, America’s First Two-Person Flight 

    Source: NASA

    On March 23, 1965, the United States launched the Gemini III spacecraft with astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom and John Young aboard, America’s first two-person spaceflight. Grissom earned the honor as the first person to enter space twice and Young as the first member of the second group of astronauts to fly in space. During their three-orbit flight they carried out the first orbital maneuvers of a crewed spacecraft, a critical step toward demonstrating rendezvous and docking. Grissom and Young brought Gemini 3 to a safe splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. Their ground-breaking mission led the way to nine more successful Gemini missions in less than two years to demonstrate the techniques required for a Moon landing. Gemini 3 marked the last spaceflight controlled from Cape Kennedy, that function shifting permanently to a new facility in Houston. 

    On April 13, 1964, just five days after the uncrewed Gemini I mission, in the newly open auditorium at the Manned Spacecraft Center, now NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Director Robert Gilruth introduced the Gemini III crew to the press. NASA assigned Mercury 4 veteran Grissom and Group 2 astronaut Young as the prime crew, with Mercury 8 veteran Walter Schirra and Group 2 astronaut Thomas Stafford serving as their backups. The primary goals of Project Gemini included proving the techniques required for the Apollo Program to fulfil President John F. Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth before the end of the 1960s. Demonstrating rendezvous and docking between two spacecraft ranked as a high priority for Project Gemini.  

    The uncrewed Gemini I and II missions validated the spacecraft’s design, reliability, and heat shield, clearing the way to launch Gemini III with a crew. On March 23, 1965, after donning their new Gemini spacesuits, Grissom and Young rode the transfer van to Launch Pad 19 at Cape Kennedy in Florida. They rode the elevator to their Gemini spacecraft atop its Titan II rocket where technicians assisted them in climbing into the capsule. At 9:24 a.m. EST, the Titan’s first stage engines ignited, and Gemini III rose from the launch pad. 

    Five and a half minutes after launch, the Titan II’s second stage engine cut off and the spacecraft separated to begin its orbital journey. Grissom became the first human to enter space a second time. While engineers monitored the countdown from the Launch Pad 19 blockhouse, once in orbit flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at the Cape took over. Controllers in the new Mission Control Center at the Manned Spacecraft Center, now the Johnson Space Center in Houston, staffed consoles and monitored the mission in a backup capacity. Beginning with Gemini IV, control of all American human spaceflights shifted permanently to the Houston facility. 
    Gemini III entered an orbit of 100 miles by 139 miles above the Earth. Near the end of the first orbit, while passing over Texas, Grissom and Young fired their spacecraft’s thrusters for one minute, 14 seconds. “They appear to be firing good,” said Young, confirming the success of the maneuver. The change in velocity adjusted their orbit to 97 miles by 105 miles. A second burn 45 minutes later altered the orbital inclination by 0.02 degrees. Another task for the crew involved testing new food and packaging developed for Gemini. As an off-the-menu item, Young had stowed a corned beef on rye sandwich in his suit pocket before flight, and both he and Grissom took a bite before stowing it away, concerned about crumbs from the sandwich floating free in the cabin.

    Near the end of their third revolution, Grissom and Young prepared for the retrofire burn to bring them out of orbit. They oriented Gemini III with its blunt end facing forward and completed a final orbital maneuver to lower the low point of their orbit to 45 miles, ensuring reentry even if the retrorockets failed to fire. They jettisoned the rearmost adapter section, exposing the retrorockets that fired successfully, bringing the spacecraft out of orbit. They jettisoned the retrograde section, exposing Gemini’s heat shield. Minutes later, they encountered the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere at 400,000 feet, and he buildup of ionized gases caused a temporary loss of communication between the spacecraft and Mission Control. At 50,000 feet, Grissom deployed the drogue parachute to stabilize and slow the spacecraft, followed by the main parachute at 10,600 feet. Splashdown occurred in the Atlantic Ocean near Grand Turk Island, about 52 miles short of the planned point, after a flight of 4 hours, 52 minutes, 31 seconds. 

    A helicopter recovered Grissom and Young and delivered them to the deck of the U.S.S. Intrepid, arriving there one hour and 12 minutes after splashdown. On board the carrier, the astronauts received a medical checkup and a telephone call from President Lyndon B. Johnson. The ship sailed to pick up the spacecraft and sailors hoisted it aboard less than three hours after landing. The day after splashdown, Grissom and Young flew to Cape Kennedy for debriefings, a continuation of the medical examinations begun on the carrier, and a press conference. Following visits to the White House, New York, and Chicago, the astronauts returned home to Houston on March 31. The next day, Gilruth welcomed them back to the Manned Spacecraft Center, where in front of the main administration building, workers raised an American flag that Grissom and Young had carried on their mission. That flag flew during every subsequent Gemini mission. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County, W.Va. Opening Monday, March 24

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: A Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County, W

    Va

    Opening Monday, March 24

    A Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County, W

    Va

    Opening Monday, March 24

    CHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be opening in Logan County at the Southern WV Community and Technical College at 8:00 a

    m

    , Monday March 24, 2025

     FEMA encourages all residents of the impacted counties to register for assistance, including homeowners and renters

    The center is located at: Logan County Disaster Recovery CenterSouthern WV Community & Technical CollegeLogan Campus100 College DriveLogan, WV 25601 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysThe DRCs located in the table below remain open

    DRCs are open to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    Residents of the designated counties can visit any open DRC for assistance

      Logan County Disaster Recovery CenterMercer County Disaster Recovery CenterSouthern WV Community & Technical College100 College DriveLogan, WV 25601 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    – 3 p

    m

    Closed Sundays   Lifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    – 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    – 2 p

    m

    Closed Sundays Closed March 22, April 19 McDowell County (Welch) Disaster Recovery Center McDowell County Disaster (Bradshaw) Recovery Center Board of Education Office900 Mount View High School RoadWelch, WV 24801 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturday March 29: 9 a

    m

    to 1 p

    m

    , weather dependentClosed on Sundays Bradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817 Hours of operation:Monday to Saturday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Closed Sundays  Mingo County Disaster Recovery CenterWyoming County Disaster Recovery CenterWilliamson Campus1601 Armory DriveWilliamson, WV 25661 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysWyoming Court House24 Main AvePineville, WV 24874 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on Sundays Residents in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who were impacted by the winter flooding between February 15 – 18, 2025 do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA

    You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362)

    The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week

    If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service

    You can also register online at DisasterAssistance

    gov or through the FEMA App on your phone

     As a reminder, accepting FEMA funds will not affect eligibility for Social Security – including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefit programs

     Additionally, FEMA assistance does not need to be repaid, but residents should file insurance claims as soon as possible

    By law, FEMA cannot cover expenses that have already been covered by other sources like insurance, crowdfunding, local or state programs, donations, or financial assistance from voluntary agencies

     For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd

    wv

    gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4861, and www

    facebook

    com/FEMA

    ### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    Also, follow on X FEMA_Cam

     For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

      
    lianza

    yap
    Sat, 03/22/2025 – 13:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Northern Ireland: ‘We have your back’ Amnesty tells community at anti-racism rally

    Source: Amnesty International –

    PSNI recorded 1,777 racist incidents and 1,150 racist attacks last year  

    Strong solidarity against racism at ‘Our Belfast: Free from Racism!’ community gathering at Belfast City Hall

    ‘To anyone living in fear, because of their skin colour, their religion, their immigration status – we say to you: we have your back’ – Patrick Corrigan 

    A strong turnout at the ‘Our Belfast, Free from Racism!’ rally this Sunday, demonstrated the passion and commitment of communities to stay united against hatred and ensure Belfast is a city for all.

    Giving a speech at the rally, Director of Amnesty Northern Ireland, Patrick Corrigan, said:

    “Belfast is a city for all. It’s big and it’s beautiful enough for everyone. Our diversity is our strength. Our unity is our superpower. Belfast knows only too well – because we have experienced too much of it – that united we stand, but divided we fall.

    “Today we stand here united against those who seek to stoke hatred. We will not accept hatred against our friends. We will not accept violence against our neighbours.

    “To every citizen of this great city, whether you arrived here last week, last year or have lived here all your life, this is your home. To those who have travelled over continents and seas to make Belfast your home, we thank you. You enrich us with your experiences and your culture. You make us better. To anyone living in fear, because of their skin colour, their religion, their immigration status – we say to you: we have your back. We will not let the racists divide us. They will not win.” 

    The PSNI recorded 1,777 racist incidents and 1,150 racist attacks in 2024, reaching the highest ever recorded levels during the summer period.  

    Last year saw racist hate crimes hit new all-time highs in Northern Ireland. Amnesty’s response will always be solidarity to those being marginalised and attacked within our communities and to demand better political leadership at Stormont to address the root causes of racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia that plagues our society. 

    Amnesty International was one of the organisers of the ‘Our Belfast: Free from Racism!’ community gathering at Belfast City Hall which took place Sunday at 1pm in response to a planned anti-immigration protest being promoted on far-right social media channels. Other organisers include campaign group United Against Racism, trade union NIPSA, the Anaka Women’s Collective, Belfast Islamic Centre and Horn of Africa People’s Aid NI. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Ecuador: Presidential candidates must put human rights at the center of their proposals

    Source: Amnesty International –

    On the eve of the last presidential debate scheduled for March 23 and ahead of the April 13 presidential elections, Amnesty International published today an open letter addressed to the presidential candidates Luisa González and Daniel Noboa (available only in Spanish).

    “Faced with the possibility of change offered by the start of a new presidential term, we invite you to put human rights at the center of your public policies, particularly on issues that we consider pressing for the country: public safety, the prison situation, the risks faced by human rights defenders, and the protection of the environment in the face of climate change,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

    Faced with the possibility of change offered by the start of a new presidential term, we invite you to put human rights at the center of your public policies, particularly on issues that we consider pressing for the country: public safety, the prison situation, the risks faced by human rights defenders, and the protection of the environment in the face of climate change

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    “This weekend, thousands of people in Ecuador will pay attention to your public policy proposals and priorities during the presidential debate. From our organization, we hope to hear answers to the following questions: In the face of allegations of forced disappearances and extrajudicial executions in military operations, what will you do to guarantee that your security policies respect human rights? In the face of reports of possible acts of torture committed in prisons, what will you do to address the prison crisis? Given the stigmatization, criminalization, and attacks faced by human rights defenders, will you prioritize the development and implementation of a protection policy? In the context of the hydroelectric crisis and the continued gas flaring, will you change your approach to protecting the environment and mitigating climate change?”

    “Amnesty International will be attentive to your proposals and will continue to ensure respect for the human rights of all people in Ecuador, regardless of the outcome of the electoral contest.”

    This weekend, thousands of people in Ecuador will pay attention to your public policy proposals and priorities during the presidential debate. Amnesty International will be attentive to your proposals and will continue to ensure respect for the human rights of all people in Ecuador, regardless of the outcome of the electoral contest

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDUCATION FOR ALL

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of School Education and Literacy is implementing an integrated centrally sponsored scheme for School education- Samagra Shiksha. The scheme treats school education holistically, without segmentation from pre-primary to class XII in alignment with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to ensure that all children have access to quality education with an equitable and inclusive classroom environment which should take care of their diverse background, multilingual needs, different academic abilities and make them active participants in the learning process.

    Under Samagra Shiksha, financial assistance is provided to States and UTs for implementation of various provisions of Samagra Shiksha Scheme including  free uniform to eligible children at elementary level, free textbooks at elementary level, reimbursement under RTE Act, various qualitative components development of primers/textbooks for tribal language, teaching learning materials, transport/escort facility up to secondary level, special training for age appropriate admission of out of school children and residential as well as non-residential training for older children, seasonal hostels / residential camps, special training centers, age-appropriate residential and non-residential training, support to Out of School Children (16 to 19 years) for completion of education through NIOS/SIOS, Holistic Progress Card, bilingual teaching material and books.

    Further, financial assistance is also provided to the States and UTs for  opening/strengthening of new schools upto senior secondary level, construction of school buildings & additional classrooms, development/strengthening of school infrastructure in northern border areas under Vibrant Village Programme, setting up, up-gradation and running of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, setting up of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas, construction of hostels for PVTGs under PM-JANMAN, construction of hostels under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan for unsaturated ST population, strengthening of teacher education and strengthening of DIETs/BRCs/CRCs, provision of ICT and digital interventions.

    Under the student-oriented component for the children with special needs, financial assistance is provided for identification and assessment of children with special needs, aids and appliances, braille kits and books, appropriate teaching learning material and stipend to girl students with disability etc. It also has provisions for creation of differently-abled friendly infrastructure such as ramps, ramps with handrails and differently-abled friendly toilets for barrier free access in schools. Further, to improve the identification of CwSN, the Government has introduced the Prashast App for early screening and identification of CwSN in regular schools. Teacher capacity building programs are being undertaken under NISHTHA in hybrid mode to train general teachers to address the learning needs of CwSN.

    The New India Literacy Programme (NILP) popularly known as ULLAS – targets non-literates aged 15 years and above who have missed formal schooling and provide educational opportunities to them to make them literate. It is being implemented from FY 2022-23 to 2026-27. A dedicated ULLAS App has been created for registering learners and volunteer teachers. Till now, over 2.20 crore learners and more than 40 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the app. The App also contains TLM in the form of ULLAS primers in all languages.

    The Scheme supports creation and strengthening of infrastructure like, School buildings, Additional Classrooms, Toilets, Drinking Water, Ramp and Handrails, electrifications, Boundary wall, Science labs, Library Rooms, Computer Rooms, and Major Repairs works as per state requirements.

    To bridge the gap between rural and urban areas in educational access, digital initiatives like ICT Labs, Smart Classrooms, PM e-Vidya including DIKSHA and SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV Channels are also being supported under the scheme.

    The annual plans are prepared by the States and UTs as per their requirements/ priority including creation/ strengthening of infrastructure, support to teachers’ salary etc. and same is reflected in their respective Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) Proposals. These plans are then appraised and approved by the Project Approval Board (PAB) in the Department of School Education & Literacy in consultation with the States and UTs as per the programmatic and financial norms of the scheme and physical and financial progress of the State for the interventions approved earlier.

    The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    MV/AK

    (Release ID: 2114376) Visitor Counter : 129

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Survey results of 2024 Annual Earnings and Hours Survey released

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Survey results of 2024 Annual Earnings and Hours Survey released 
    According to the statistics released today (March 24) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the median monthly wage of employees in Hong Kong in May – June 2024 was $20,500. This was 3.6% higher than the median of $19,800 in May – June 2023.
     
    The change in monthly wage in 2024 when compared with 2023 is useful in reflecting the change in take-home pay of employees between these two years.
     
    In May – June 2024, the 10th, 25th, 75th and 90th percentile monthly wages of Hong Kong employees were $10,700, $14,800, $32,000 and $50,000 respectively. They were 3.1%, 3.6%, 2.8% and 3.1% higher than the corresponding figures in May – June 2023 respectively (Table 1).
     
    As shown in Table 2, increase in median monthly wage was observed for both male and female employees and for all age groups, educational attainments, occupational groups and industry sections.
     
    Hourly wage
     
    The median hourly wage of employees in Hong Kong in May – June 2024 was $82.9, 3.5% higher than the median of $80.1 in May – June 2023. The 5th, 10th, 25th, 75th and 90th percentile hourly wages were $46.1, $49.3, $59.2, $131.5 and $209.3 respectively. The overall hourly wage distribution of employees is shown in Table 3. The number of employees analysed by selected hourly wage level is shown in Table 4.
     
    In May – June 2024, the median hourly wage of male employees was $93.3 while that of female employees was $73.2. Analysed by age group, the median hourly wage of employees at age 35 – 44 was the highest ($97.2), followed by employees at age 25 – 34 ($86.7) and at age 45 – 54 ($83.9). The median hourly wages of employees of different sexes, age groups, educational attainments, occupational groups and industry sections are given in Table 5.
     
    Further information
     
    The above wage statistics were compiled based on the data obtained from the 2024 Annual Earnings and Hours Survey (AEHS). The purpose of the survey is to provide comprehensive data on the level and distribution of wages, employment details and demographic profile of employees in Hong Kong. These statistics are useful for studies on labour-related topics by the private sector and the Government. They also provide important inputs for analyses related to the Statutory Minimum Wage. A sample of about 10 000 business undertakings was selected for the survey.
     
    Wage(s) is defined to include basic wage, commission and tips not of gratuitous nature, guaranteed bonuses and allowances, and overtime allowance paid to an employee in the survey period. It does not cover bonuses and allowances of gratuitous nature, end of year payment and payments in kind. Number of working hours is the sum of contractual/agreed working hours (including meal breaks if they are regarded as working hours according to the employment contract or agreement with the employer) and overtime hours worked at the direction of employers.
     
    By arranging the hourly wages of all employees from the smallest to the largest value, the median hourly wage is the hourly wage of the employee who ranks in the middle of all the employees concerned. In other words, the median hourly wage is the hourly wage value that delineates the lowest 50% of all the employees concerned.
     
    Percentile hourly wage figures are useful in discerning the distribution of hourly wage of employees. The pth percentile hourly wage is the hourly wage value which delineates the lowest p% of all the employees concerned, where p can be any integer value from 1 to 99. For instance, the 10th percentile hourly wage is the hourly wage value that delineates the lowest 10% of the employees. The 25th percentile, 50th percentile and 75th percentile hourly wages are also known as the lower quartile, median and upper quartile hourly wages respectively.
     
    The median and percentile monthly wage figures are derived similarly as the median and percentile hourly wage figures.
     
    Regarding the survey coverage, the AEHS covers all business undertakings irrespective of their employment sizes and industries, except those engaged in agriculture, forestry and fishing activities. All employees of business undertakings falling within the scope of the survey who are under the coverage of the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO) are included in the survey. Government employees as well as student interns, work experience students and live-in domestic workers as exempted by the MWO are excluded. As it is necessary to derive the hourly wage of employees from their monthly wages and hours of work, those employees with zero working hours in the survey reference period are also excluded.
     
    Details of the wage statistics compiled from the 2024 AEHS and the survey methodology are given in the 2024 Report on Annual Earnings and Hours Survey. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050014&scode=210 
    Enquiries concerning the survey results of the AEHS can be directed to the Wages and Labour Costs Statistics Section (2) of the C&SD at 3105 2369.
    Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES SILVER JUBILEE OF CHHATTISGARH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 1:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the silver jubilee function of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly at Raipur today (March 24, 2025).

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has set the highest standards of democratic traditions. It has made an extraordinary rule of automatic suspension of members who enter the well during the proceedings of the House and has followed it. She was happy to note that during the last 25 years, the Marshall never had to be used. She said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has presented a unique example of excellent parliamentary conduct not only to the rest of India but also to all the democratic systems of the world.

    The President urged women MLAs to support all other women. She said that when they promote women working in various fields, everyone’s attention will be drawn to those women and the path of their development will be paved. She stated that whether they are teachers or officers, social workers or entrepreneurs, scientists or artists, laborers or farmers, often our sisters make their place in the outside world while fulfilling day-to-day household responsibilities and struggling hard. When all the women empower each other, our society will become stronger and more sensitive.

    The President said that Chhattisgarh has immense possibilities for development. There are ample opportunities for development in sectors like cement, mineral industry, steel, aluminum, and power generation. This beautiful state is rich in lush green forests, waterfalls, and other natural boons. She urged policymakers of the state to ensure environmental conservation while moving ahead on the path of development. She said that they also have the responsibility of connecting all sections of society with the journey of modern development.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2114317) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: POTABLE WATER CONNECTIONS TO SC HOUSEHOLDS UNDER NRDWP

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Jal Shakti

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: POTABLE WATER CONNECTIONS TO SC HOUSEHOLDS UNDER NRDWP

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:23PM by PIB Delhi

    Since August 2019, the Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), after subsuming erstwhile National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), for making provision of potable water supply through functional tap water connection i.e. at a service level of 55 litre per capita per day (lpcd), of prescribed quality (BIS:10500), on regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country inter alia including Scheduled Caste (SC).

    JJM follows a universal approach for coverage of rural households. Further, while allocating the fund under JJM, 10% weightage is assigned for rural SC/ ST population, so as to prioritize their coverage. Also, States/ UTs have been advised to prioritize the coverage of SC/ST concentrated villages. As reported by States, out of 215.75 lakh rural households in SC dominated habitations, as on 17.03.2025, more than 172.86 lakh (80.12%) households have been provided with tap water connection. State/ UT-wise details of tap water connections in SCs concentrated areas as on 17.03.2025 are BELOW. Details of Scheduled Castes (SCs) households provided with tap water connection is not maintained at Government of India level.

    Further, 22% of annual allocation of fund under JJM is mandatorily earmarked for Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP). The detail of funds allocated under JJM and fund drawn by the States under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan is as follows:

    (Amount in Rs. Crore)

    Year

    Allocation as per RE

    Actual Utilization

    Fund drawn by States under SCSP

    2019-20

    10,000.66

    10,000.44

    2,200.15

    2020-21

    11,000

    10,999.94

    2,508.90

    2021-22

    45,011

    40,125.64

    8,826.30

    2022-23

    55,000

    54,839.79

    12,100

    2023-24

    70,000

    69,992.34

    15,400

    2024-25*

    22,694

    22,485.88

    4,967.68

    *As on 17.03.2025

    Water being a State subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State/ UT Governments. States/ UTs have been advised, through numerous review meetings, field visits, etc., to ensure functionality of tap water connections provided inter alia including quantity, quality and regularity of water supplied to all the rural households. Further, no such information with regard to disparity among the States in providing tap water connections to SC households has so far been received in this Department.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    State/ UT-wise status of tap water connections in rural households in SC dominated areas

    (as on 17.03.2025)

    (Number in lakhs)

    S. No.

    State/ UT

    Total rural HHs in SC dominated areas as on date

    HHs with tap water connections

    % of HHs with tap water connections

    1.

    Andhra Pradesh

    10,76,109

    8,66,799

    80.55

    2.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    537

    537

    100

    3.

    Assam

    4,00,142

    3,25,656

    81.39

    4.

    Bihar

    10,43,246

    10,17,893

    97.57

    5.

    Chhattisgarh

    4,13,876

    3,35,423

    81.04

    6.

    Gujarat

    68,154

    68,154

    100

    7.

    Haryana

    2,71,423

    2,71,423

    100

    8.

    Himachal Pradesh

    3,98,942

    3,98,942

    100

    9.

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1,35,923

    99,965

    73.55

    10.

    Jharkhand

    5,12,392

    2,89,827

    56.56

    11.

    Karnataka

    10,98,150

    8,88,010

    80.86

    12.

    Kerala

    75,740

    38,674

    51.06

    13.

    Ladakh

    46

    46

    100

    14.

    Madhya Pradesh

    6,99,215

    4,47,931

    64.06

    15.

    Maharashtra

    4,11,045

    3,61,997

    88.07

    16.

    Manipur

    10,141

    6,935

    68.39

    17.

    Meghalaya

    2,283

    1,925

    84.32

    18.

    Nagaland

    33

    33

    100

    19.

    Odisha

    7,78,478

    6,01,604

    77.28

    20.

    Puducherry

    19,581

    19,581

    100

    21.

    Punjab

    14,45,338

    14,45,338

    100

    22.

    Rajasthan

    8,52,522

    5,38,440

    63.16

    23.

    Sikkim

    3,363

    3,186

    94.74

    24.

    Tamil Nadu

    29,11,232

    26,14,667

    89.81

    25.

    Telangana

    3,22,071

    3,22,071

    100

    26.

    Tripura

    1,41,563

    1,26,483

    89.35

    27.

    Uttar Pradesh

    37,32,330

    32,69,624

    87.6

    28.

    Uttarakhand

    2,20,447

    2,12,791

    96.53

    29.

    West Bengal

    45,30,321

    27,12,474

    59.87

     

    Total

    2,15,74,643

    1,72,86,429

    80.12

    Source: JJM – IMIS                           HH: Household

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3385)

    (Release ID: 2114293)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED UNDER SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)] was launched on 2nd October, 2014 with the aim to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in rural areas by 2nd October, 2019 by providing access to toilets to all rural households. Under SBM(G), sanitation coverage was increased from 39% in 2014 to 100% in 2019 with over 10 crore Individual household Latrines (IHHLs) constructed under Phase-I of SBM(G) and all the villages of the country declared themselves ODF by 2nd October, 2019.

    Having achieved the ODF status, Phase-II of SBM (G) has been launched with effect from 1st April, 2020, with the focus on ODF sustainability and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) in villages i.e. to convert the villages from ODF to ODF Plus (Model) by 2025-26. ODF Plus progress is captured in three categories viz. Aspiring and Rising (intermediate categories) and Model (final category). As per the data reported by the States/UTs on online Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of SBM(G), out of 5,86,788 villages in the country, 5,64,096 villages have declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus (1,12,115 Aspiring, 7,337 Rising and 4,44,644 Model) and 5,03,585 villages have been covered with Solid Waste Management (SWM) and 5,22,462 villages have been covered with Liquid Waste Management (LWM) in the Country as on 17-03-2025.

    The main features of SBM(G) are as under :-

    • Providing flexibility to State governments, as sanitation is a State subject, to decide on their implementation policy, use of funds and mechanisms, taking into account State specific requirements.
    • Strengthening the capacities of implementing agencies to roll out the programme in a time-bound manner and to measure collective outcomes

    The funds released since last 10 years and current year under SBM(G) are as under :

     

    (Rs. in crore)

    Year

    Release

    2014-15

    2849.95

    2015-16

    6524.53

    2016-17

    10496.04

    2017-18

    16941.96

    2018-19

    21629.79

    2019-20

    11845.71

    2020-21

    4947.92

    2021-22

    3111.37

    2022-23

    4925.14

    2023-24

    6802.58

    2024-25

    3014.06

     

    Fund sharing under SBM(G) between the Centre and the States is in the ratio of 60:40 for all components for the normal States; 90:10 in case of 8 North Eastern States (including Sikkim) and Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UT of Jammu & Kashmir.  In the case of other UTs, 100% share is borne by the Centre. 

    As per the data reported by the States/UTs on online Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of SBM(G), 11.83 crore Individual household latrines (IHHLs) and 2.53 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) have been constructed under SBM(G). Also out of 5,86,788 villages in the country, 5,64,096 villages have declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus (1,12,115 Aspiring, 7,337 Rising and 4,44,644 Model) and 5,03,585 villages have been covered with Solid Waste Management (SWM) and 5,22,462 villages have been covered with Liquid Waste Management (LWM) in the Country as on 17-03-2025.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3377)

    (Release ID: 2114291) Visitor Counter : 83

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SURVEYS UNDER JAL JEEVAN MISSION

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Since August, 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in partnership with States to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country. Water being a state subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes/ works, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance. States/ UTs report data (related to coverage of tap connections and progress of the mission) through the means of field survey on households provided with tap connections and remaining households, or as per the methodology adopted by States/ UTs in this regard. Details of such surveys are not maintained by Ministry of Jal Shakti.

    For capturing the coverage of tap connections in States/ UTs, Ministry of Jal Shakti has developed a robust online JJM dashboard which provides State/ UT, district and village-wise progress of the mission. After reporting of the data regarding progress of JJM, by States/ UTs on JJM dashboard, the same gets recorded and starts reflecting on JJM dashboard which is available in public domain and can be accessed at: https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx

    As per the information reported by States/ UTs on JJM dashboard, around 89% of Schools and 85% of Anganwadis are reported to have been covered with tap water supply in the country.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3428)

    (Release ID: 2114292) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SETTING UP OF NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, is being implemented since August, 2019, in partnership with States, to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to rural households. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes. Drinking Water being a State subject, the responsibility of Planning, Approval, Implementation, Operation & Maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, is vested with State/UT Governments. The choice of technology, best suited to the context in a State/UT, for making provision of potable water supply to households is to be decided by the respective State/UT Governments.

    A Handbook on Drinking Water Treatment Technologies was released in March 2023 to disseminate information regarding new technologies available amongst all stakeholders to understand and implement the new technologies that address local issues and challenges faced in water-quality affected villages. The States may take up appropriate numbers of water treatment system of one or a combination of technologies depending upon techno-economic feasibility. As on date, as reported by the States/ UTs there are a total of 35,578 water treatment plants geo-tagged under JJM for various categories of schemes.  The details are placed at below.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3401)

    State and UT wise details of water treatment plant which have been geo-tagged and reported on JJM-IMIS

    S. No.

    State Name

    Water Treatment Plant (WTP)

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    0

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    277

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    3,311

    4

    Assam

    17,762

    5

    Bihar

    0

    6

    Chhattisgarh

    63

    7

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli And Daman & Diu

    0

    8

    Goa

    12

    9

    Gujarat

    209

    10

    Haryana

    1,059

    11

    Himachal Pradesh

    662

    12

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1,315

    13

    Jharkhand

    351

    14

    Karnataka

    1,871

    15

    Kerala

    522

    16

    Ladakh

    0

    17

    Lakshadweep

    2

    18

    Madhya Pradesh

    416

    19

    Maharashtra

    919

    20

    Manipur

    444

    21

    Meghalaya

    1,471

    22

    Mizoram

    295

    23

    Nagaland

    643

    24

    Odisha

    104

    25

    Puducherry

    0

    26

    Punjab

    763

    27

    Rajasthan

    547

    28

    Sikkim

    136

    29

    Tamil Nadu

    254

    30

    Telangana

    0

    31

    Tripura

    445

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    650

    33

    Uttarakhand

    532

    34

    West Bengal

    543

    Total

    35,578

    *****

    (Release ID: 2114290) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WATER SOURCES UNDER JJM

    Source: Government of India

    Since August, 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in partnership with States to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country.

    Water being a state subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes/ works, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

    As reported by State Government of Andhra Pradesh, the details of the water sources utilized for water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), source type, State and district-wise in Andhra Pradesh, including those in Konaseema district, are at below.

    The number of tap connections receiving water supply from the above-mentioned sources in Konaseema district, water source-wise, are as under:

    Name of the District

    No.of Tap connections receiving water

    Ground Water Based

    Surface Water Based

    Ground Water & Surface Water both

    Konaseema

    1,28,558

    84,856

    72,537

     

    The details of Ground Water levels in meters (Below Ground level) in Konaseema district during last 5 years is enclosed at below.

    As reported by Government of Andhra Pradesh, assessment of variation of water levels of 1524 Summer Storage tanks in the state and 42 Summer Storage tanks in Konaseema District, fed from canals is being carried out through a mobile application developed for capturing photo and Geotagging of Summer Storage tanks and the supply is planned accordingly.

    Also, assessment of variation in Ground water levels is being done as per the data received Ground Water department and the supply is planned accordingly.

    Ministry of Jal Shakti does not monitor water levels for JJM sources. However, development of reliable drinking water sources and/ or augmentation of existing sources to provide long-term sustainability of water supply system in villages, is an integral part of JJM. To achieve this objective, following provisions have been made in operational guidelines for the implementation of JJM:

    i.) Any water supply scheme undertaken under JJM is approved only after the recommendation of a Source Finding Committee of the respective state government, to the effect that the identified water source through which the scheme is planned, has sufficient yield for sustaining water supply as per required norm, for the scheme design period.

    ii.) Development/ strengthening/ augmentation of drinking water sources and infrastructure for bulk transfer of water, treatment, and distribution systems in water deficit drought-prone and desert areas without dependable ground water sources apart from creation of in-village water supply infrastructure.

    iii.) Strengthening of drinking water sources in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies/ PRIs, MP & MLA’s Local Area Development Fund, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR fund, etc.

    Besides, National Water Mission (NWM) has developed a guidance document titled “Simple and Practical Methods of Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Augmentation” in the form of FAQs to provide technical support. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities have also been undertaken to spread awareness about the initiative. A monitoring and evaluation framework has also been established through the Jal Sanchay Dashboard, which tracks progress with geo-tagged locations of recharge structures. CWC and CGWB also provide technical assistance for the creation and renovation of recharge structures to improve groundwater augmentation efforts.

    In so far as Government of Andhra Pradesh is concerned, State has taken number of steps towards monitoring of drinking water sources viz. Geo-tagging of sources and summer tanks, tracking water levels of summer storage tanks, feeding from canals through mobile application  for capturing photo.

    Also, State is constructing Ground Water Recharge Structures under MGNREGS programme to rejuvenate/improve ground water levels in villages near JJM sources. All the summer storage tanks are filled well before the canal closure period to ensure uninterrupted water supply to Households during summer.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    List of Sources in the State of Andhra Pradesh

    Sr. No.

    Name of the District

    No. of Sources

    Ground Water based

    Surface Water based

    Total

    1

    Alluri Sitharama Raju

    7356

    627

    7983

    2

    Anakapalli

    2958

    64

    3022

    3

    ANANTAPUR

    3468

    186

    3654

    4

    Annamayya

    7458

    353

    7811

    5

    Bapatla

    828

    463

    1291

    6

    Chittoor

    7803

    45

    7848

    7

    East Godavari

    1356

    28

    1384

    8

    Eluru

    3599

    1358

    4957

    9

    Guntur

    755

    618

    1373

    10

    Kakinada

    1346

    259

    1605

    11

    Konaseema

    637

    157

    794

    12

    Krishna

    1320

    405

    1725

    13

    Kurnool

    1976

    260

    2236

    14

    Nandyal

    2707

    121

    2828

    15

    NELLORE

    5426

    716

    6142

    16

    NTR

    1522

    129

    1651

    17

    Palnadu

    2511

    625

    3136

    18

    Parvathipuram Manyam

    3253

    190

    3443

    19

    Prakasam

    3637

    334

    3971

    20

    Sri Sathya Sai

    4544

    177

    4721

    21

    Srikakulam

    5237

    373

    5610

    22

    Tirupati

    6859

    247

    7106

    23

    Visakhapatanam

    540

    56

    596

    24

    Vizianagaram

    2215

    656

    2871

    25

    West Godavari

    679

    507

    1186

    26

    Y.S.R

    5598

    424

    6022

    Total

    85,588

    9,378

    94,966

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The North and South Blocks in New Delhi are set to house the new national museum, named as Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum. This initiative is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.   It includes the transformation of two blocks of symmetrical buildings into museum spaces for the creation of a new National Museum elucidating the thousands-year-old civilizational and cultural heritage. An agreement has been signed on 19th December, 2024 between National Museum & France Museums Development for the technical cooperation for the development of the upcoming museum.

    The project timeline and budget allocation is contingent on the outcomes of the feasibility study and subsequent formalities.

    This project aimed at showcasing India’s cultural heritage – a celebration of timeless & eternal India to explore our proud past, illuminate the present & imagine the bright future.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com  

    (Release ID: 2114398) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HUNDRED PER CENT COVERAGE OF GRAM PANCHAYATS UNDER JJM IN CHHATTISGARH

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:17PM by PIB Delhi

    As reported by State on JJM IMIS, 64, 87, 30, and 329 gram panchayats (GPs) are reported to have Har Ghar Jal i.e. hundred per cent of households are getting water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kanker, Balod, Kondagaon and Dhamtari districts of Chhattisgarh respectively.

    As reported by States/ UTs on JJM IMIS, 1,20,097 GPs (including 2,001 GPs in Chhattisgarh) across the country have been reported as Har Ghar Jal. Further, 1,14,366 schemes (including 4,515 schemes in Chhattisgarh) have been handed over to the community.

    As reported by States/ UTs on JJM IMIS, the work of providing tap water supply is still incomplete in 1,40,580 GPs (including 9,645 GPs in Chhattisgarh) across the country. States have informed that lack of dependable drinking water sources in water-stressed, drought prone and desert areas, presence of geo-genic contaminants in ground water, uneven geographical terrain, scattered rural habitations, delay in release of the matching State share in some States, lack of technical capacity with implementing agencies, Gram Panchayats and local communities to plan, manage, operate & maintain the water supply schemes, rising price of raw materials, delay in obtaining statutory/ other clearances, etc. are few of problems being faced in the implementation of the Mission.

    Water is a State subject and therefore, the primary responsibility for planning and implementing piped water supply schemes to provide tap water to rural households, lies with the respective State/UT. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance under JJM. Whenever any grievance is received in this regard, the same is forwarded to the respective State Government for appropriate corrective measures. Further, through operational guidelines of the Mission, States have also been advised to incorporate requisite penalty clauses in the contract documents so as to disincentivize the agencies to avoid delay in implementation of the Mission.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3251)

    (Release ID: 2114284) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DRINKING WATER PROJECTS UNDER JJM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Since August, 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in partnership with States to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country.

    At the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.8%) rural households in the country were reported to have tap water connections. Since then, as reported by States/ UTs, around 12.29 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM, as on 16.03.2025. Thus, as on 16.03.2025, out of total 19.37 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.19%) households have been provided tap water connections.

    Water is a state subject. The responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of drinking water supply schemes lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

    To address the challenges in JJM implementation holistically and overcome these, Government of India has taken a number of steps, inter alia including implementation of Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure through M/o Finance for financial assistance as 50-year interest free loan for capital investment projects; nomination of a nodal officer in the Department for coordinating with Central nodal Ministries/ Departments/ agencies to facilitate the States in obtaining Statutory/ other clearances, etc. so as to avoid any unnecessary delays in project implementation.

    Development of reliable drinking water sources and/ or augmentation of existing sources to provide long-term sustainability of water supply system in villages, is an integral part of JJM. To achieve this objective, following provisions have been made in operational guidelines for the implementation of JJM:

    1. Any water supply scheme undertaken under JJM is approved only after the recommendation of a Source Finding Committee of the respective state government, to the effect that the identified water source through which the scheme is planned, has sufficient yield for sustaining water supply as per required norm, for the scheme design period.
    2. Development/ strengthening/ augmentation of drinking water sources and infrastructure for bulk transfer of water, treatment, and distribution systems in water deficit drought-prone and desert areas without dependable ground water sources apart from creation of in-village water supply infrastructure.
    3. Strengthening of drinking water sources in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies/ PRIs, MP & MLA’s Local Area Development Fund, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR fund, etc.

    A special initiative Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) under Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Catch the rain (CTR) campaign has been launched on September 6, 2024, which aims to promote collaborative community-driven water conservation efforts and focuses on enhancing water management through low-cost, scientifically designed artificial recharge structures, ensuring active participation from local communities, industries, and other stakeholders.

    Under the JJM, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes.

    As reported by States on JJM-IMIS, as on date, there are 314 Arsenic and 251 Fluoride affected rural habitations in the country and all these habitations have been provided with safe drinking water through CWPPs/ IHPs. Thus, all habitation in rural area of the country are provided safe drinking water free from Arsenic and Fluoride contamination. Since the inception of JJM, 13,706 Arsenic affected and 7,745 fluoride affected habitations have been reported to be covered with pipe water supply.

    A Handbook on Drinking Water Treatment Technologies was released in March 2023 to disseminate information regarding new technologies available amongst all stakeholders to improve the performance and implementation of drinking water treatment plants using technologies that address local issues and challenges faced in water-quality affected villages.  The States may take up appropriate water treatment system depending upon techno-economic feasibility.

    In consultation with various stakeholders, “Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households” has been issued for guidance to States/ UT in December 2024. The Handbook recommends water quality testing methodology such as identifying sample collection points, testing parameters, testing frequency and number of samples, sample turnaround time, and remedial action for contamination.

    In respect of urban areas, under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) of M/o Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), 4,734 MLD Water Treatment capacity have been created. Similarly, projects covering 10,674 water treatment capacity, have been approved under AMRUT 2.0, so far.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3367)

    (Release ID: 2114287) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: CURRENT STATUS OF JAL JEEVAN MISSION

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:13PM by PIB Delhi

    Since August 2019, Government of India in partnership with States is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal to make provision of potable water to every rural household of the country, through functional tap water connection i.e. at a service level of 55 litre per capita per day (lpcd), of prescribed quality (BIS:10500), on regular and long-term basis.

    At the start the Mission, only 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 17.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.30 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 17.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.53 Crore (80.20%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes and works for the remaining 3.83 Crore households are at various stages of completion as per saturation plan of the respective State/ UT.

    The initial estimated outlay of the Mission was Rs. 3.60 lakh Crore, out of which Central share was Rs. 2.08 lakh Crore. Almost entire Central share approved by the Cabinet has been utilized. Further, Hon’ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025- 26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.

    Water being a State subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State/ UT Governments. States/ UTs have been advised, through numerous review meetings, field visits, etc., to ensure functionality of tap water connections provided inter alia including quality of water supplied as per JJM standards (BIS:10500).

    In addition, up to 2% of the allocation to States/ UTs for Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance (WQM&S) activities which inter-alia includes setting up of and upgrading existing water quality laboratories at various levels, providing chemicals and consumables to laboratories, procurement of equipment’s, instruments, chemicals/ reagents, glassware, consumables, procurement of Field Test Kits (FTKs)/ H2S vials for chemical (including chloride) and bacteriological water quality surveillance at grass root level and NABL accreditation/ recognition  of laboratories,  etc.

    States have been advised to conduct water quality tests using FTKs/ bacteriological vials for common parameters along with area specific parameters including Arsenic and Fluoride at Schools, anganwadis and Gram Panchayat (GP) level for early identification of water borne risks. State to identify and train 5 women from local community to conduct water quality tests using FTKs/ bacteriological vials at Gram Panchayat (GP) level.

    Moreover, States/ UTs have also been advised to undertake testing of water quality on a periodic basis and take remedial action wherever necessary, to ensure that the water supplied to households is of prescribed quality.

    Year-wise reported details of drinking water samples tested in labs and using FTKs by the States/ UTs in last year and current year (till 17.03.2025) are as under:

    Year

    No. of samples tested

    Total no. of Samples Tested

    in labs

    using FTKs

    2023-24

    75,00,041

    1,08,54,196

    1,83,54,237

    2024-25

    77,40,369

    90,52,382

    1,67,92,751

     

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3287)

    (Release ID: 2114280) Visitor Counter : 93

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER UNDER JJM IN RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN TAMIL NADU

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, is being implemented since August, 2019, in partnership with States, to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to rural households. The Government of India supports the States including Tamil Nadu by providing technical and financial assistance. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes. Drinking Water being a State subject, the responsibility of Planning, Approval, Implementation, Operation & Maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, is vested with State/UT Governments.

    As per the Operational Guidelines, States/ UTs including Tamil Nadu can utilize up to 2% of their annual allocation of funds under JJM for Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance (WQM&S) activities, inter-alia, which includes setting up and strengthening of water quality testing laboratories, procurement of equipment, instruments, chemicals, glassware, consumables, hiring of skilled manpower, surveillance by community using field test kits (FTKs), awareness generation, educational programmes on water quality, accreditation/recognition of laboratories, etc. To enable States/ UTs to test water samples for water quality, and for sample collection, reporting, monitoring and surveillance of drinking water sources, an online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed. The State–wise details of water quality test reported through WQMIS are available in public domain on JJM Dashboard and can also be accessed at: https://ejalshakti.gov.in/WQMIS/Main/report

    In order to empower the communities to monitor the water quality States/ UTs have also been advised to identify and train 5 persons, preferably women, in every village to conduct water quality testing using Field Testing Kits (FTKs) at village level and report the same on the WQMIS portal. So far, as reported by States/UTs on WQMIS, as on date, more than 24.81 lakh women (including 62,898 in Tamil Nadu) have been trained for testing water using FTKs.

    As reported by States/UTs, as on date, there are 2,182 drinking water quality testing laboratories (including 113 in Tamil Nadu) at different levels viz. State, district, sub-division and/ or block level in the country. To encourage water quality testing to ensure potable drinking water supply, States/ UTs have opened water quality testing laboratories to general public for testing of their water samples at a nominal rate.

    As reported by States on JJM-IMIS, since the inception of JJM, 13,706 Arsenic affected, and 7,745 fluoride affected habitations have been reported to be covered with piped water supply schemes as on date. Further, there are 314 Arsenic and 251 Fluoride affected rural habitations in the country where the piped water supply schemes compliant to JJM standards are yet to be commissioned. However, all these habitations (314 for Arsenic and 251 for Fluoride) have been provided with safe drinking water through CWPPs/ IHPs purely as an interim measure. Thus, all habitation in rural area of the country are provided safe drinking water free from Arsenic and Fluoride contamination.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has done study on the potential benefits of the JJM, estimating that achieving its goals could save over 5.5 crore hours daily in rural areas, which are inter alia spent on collecting water, predominantly by women without the intervention of JJM. This time savings translates into economic benefits and an improved quality of life for rural families. Furthermore, the WHO has projected that providing safely managed drinking water to all households could prevent nearly 4,00,000 deaths from diarrheal diseases and 14 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) averted during the mission period. Adding to this, Nobel laureate Prof. Michael Kremer’s research paper suggests that universal access to safe water could lead to a nearly 30% reduction in mortality among children under five years old, potentially saving 1,36,000 young lives each year.

    The allocation of JJM Funds has given a weightage of 30% for the stated under Desert Development Programme (DDP), Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Hill Area Development Plan (HADP) and special category hill states in terms of rural areas.  The year-wise details of Central fund allocated, drawn and utilization reported by the State/ UTs under JJM since 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 17.03.2025) for making provision of safe drinking water through household tap water connection to rural households including in water stressed and drought-prone areas is at below.

    Jal Jeevan Mission: Central fund allocated, drawn and reported utilization in 2019-20 to 2024-25

    (Amount in Rs. Crore)

    FY

    Central Share

    State Share Expenditure

    Opening Balance

    Allocated Funds

    Released Amount

    Expenditure

    2019-20

    2,436.37

    11,139.21

    9,951.81

    5,983.49

    4090.79

    2020-21

    6,447.36

    23,033.02

    10,917.86

    12,544.51

    7,905.45

    2021-22

    4,825.92

    92,308.77

    40,009.77

    25,326.67

    18,226.18

    2022-23

    19,510.05

    1,00,789.77

    54,742.30

    50,667.81

    40,147.74

    2023-24

    23,584.58

    1,32,936.83

    69,885.01

    82,295.58

    69,219.37

    2024-25*

    11,180.11

    69,926.68#

    22,341.74

    27,333.70

    33,616.09

    *As on 17.03.2025      Source: JJM-IMIS   # restricted to utilization of Rs. 22,694 Cr. only

    Apart from this, RLBs/ PRIs have been allocated Rs. 2,36,805 Crore rupees under 15th Finance Commission out of which 60% tied grants amounting to Rs. 1,42,084 Crore is to be spent on 1) Drinking Water Supply and 2) Sanitation.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3238)

    (Release ID: 2114281) Visitor Counter : 82

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14 building plans approved in January

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    14 building plans approved in January 
         Of the approved plans, eight were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, two were for commercial developments, one was for factory and industrial development, and three were for community services developments.
     
         In the same month, consent was given for works to start on five building projects which, when completed, will provide 25 433 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 26 units, and 206 432 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for three building projects.
     
         The department also issued 16 occupation permits, with four on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and seven in the New Territories.
     
         Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 85 225 sq m involving 1 886 units, and 23 398 sq m was for non-domestic use.
     
         The declared cost of new buildings completed in January totalled about $8.1 billion.
     
         In addition, six demolition consents were issued.
     
         The department received 2 551 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in January and issued 422 removal orders on UBWs.
     
         The full version of the Monthly Digest for January can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LA fires cleanup on-track as fastest major cleanup in American history continues with new milestones

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 21, 2025

    10 days left to apply for assistance and no-cost debris removal for Los Angeles fire survivors

    What you need to know: The March 31 deadline is quickly approaching for residents affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles County to apply for critical disaster assistance. 

    LOS ANGELES – The cleanup following the Los Angeles fires is on track to be the fastest in American history as 475 crews roar ahead, working around the clock, to swiftly and safely clean up ash, soot, and damaged buildings from the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    To date, 1,300 parcels have been cleared of debris, and 507 have been returned to the county by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

    “We are not slowing down until the job is done. California is dedicated to restoring our communities swiftly and safely after these fires.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The rapid pace of this cleanup makes it even more critical for survivors to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and to complete a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form for no-cost debris removal. There are now just 10 days left before the March 31 deadline. 

    State and federal agencies cleared ash and debris from the first 1,300 properties in just over 70 days, demonstrating the unprecedented pace of this cleanup operation. To put this into perspective, clearing 920 properties in similar terrain after the 2019 Woolsey and Hill fires took crews over four months — a record at the time. 

    State led efforts to support survivors

    At the direction of Governor Newsom, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is working closely with local, state, and federal partners to secure assistance for survivors, with billions of dollars in assistance already distributed to those who need it most. This includes:

    • $24.2 million in Displacement Assistance for a one-time payment to help with immediate housing needs of survivors who are unable to return to their home after a disaster.
    • $21 million in Housing Assistance to help survivors cover the price of a hotel, motel, or other short-term housing when displaced from their primary residence.
    • $73.4 million in Other Needs Assistance to provide survivors with financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, medical and dental expenses caused by the disaster, and other serious disaster-related costs. 
    • $1.88 billion in Small Business Administration Assistance to offer low-interest loans for homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged property, as well as for businesses and nonprofits to recover from economic losses and restore operations.

    How to participate in the no-cost debris removal program

    For homeowners whose properties were affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, completing an ROE form is an essential step in the cleanup and recovery process.

    Completing the ROE enables government contractors to enter private properties and remove dangerous debris at no cost to the homeowner. This legal document grants government agencies and contractors permission to conduct debris removal and perform necessary assessments. For more information about debris removal, visit CA.gov/LAfires.

    Who is eligible?

    Phase 2 cleanup is offered to eligible private residential properties that were destroyed in the fires. A destroyed structure of at least 120 square feet must be on the parcel in order to qualify for free debris removal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    When removing fire-damaged materials, there are two main options:

    • Government-assisted debris removal: This is free of charge and managed by government agencies.
    • Private contractor cleanup: Homeowners who prefer to hire private contractors for debris removal are not required to sign the ROE, but this option will generally incur costs for the homeowner.

    If you are eligible and want to participate in the cost-free government cleanup service, you must complete the ROE form before the March 31, 2025 deadline.

    After submitting, you can track your submission through the county recovery and US Army Corps of Engineers pages. County staff may contact you if additional documentation is needed to process your form. Once approved, officials will begin the cleanup process.

    Debris removal and insurance

    Residents have the option to opt-in to the government-sponsored debris removal program at no direct cost or manage the cleanup independently by opting out by March 31, 2025. Whether you are insured, uninsured, or underinsured, the program comes at no direct cost to eligible homeowners.
     

    Property owners with insurance

    • All upfront costs of Phase 2 debris removal will be paid by government agencies.
    • If you have homeowners, secondary, or automobile insurance covering debris removal and opt-in to the sponsored program, you must inform the County of your insurance coverage on your Right of Entry form. The County has been assigned the responsibility to collect insurance proceeds and will work with insurance providers to ensure any proceeds specifically for debris removal are assigned to the government. Only unused portions of debris related insurance proceeds will be collected by the County.
       

    Property owners without insurance

    If you don’t have any debris removal insurance benefits, you are still eligible for debris removal from the Army Corps of Engineers and you will not receive a bill for these services.
     

    FEMA Individual Assistance:

    Homeowners and renters who sustained damage from the wildfires may be eligible for grants to help with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. Apply:

    SBA Disaster Loans:

    Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofits. These loans can help repair or replace damaged property and cover economic losses. Apply:

    Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires. 

    Recent news

    Mar 21, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is moving forward with a groundbreaking satellite data project to track and reduce methane emissions – helping slow the worst impacts of pollutants that harm public health and the environment. SACRAMENTO – In his first action…

    Mar 21, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom will serve as Co-Chair of America Is All In, an expansive coalition of state, local, tribal, private sector and non-profit leaders supporting climate efforts at the subnational level. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today…

    Mar 20, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 19, 2024, as Nowrūz Day in the State of California. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATION For millions of people around the world, Nowrūz…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Gift of Water: How the Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project is Transforming Lives

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

    “Water is life; when there is no water, it is as if there are no people living.”

    These profound words from ‘Masechefo Sechefo, a Community Councilor at Ha Sekete village, capture the essence of existence in rural Lesotho before the African Development Bank’s transformative intervention.

    In a country where water ironically constitutes 30% of the nation’s GDP, many rural Basotho paradoxically lived without access to clean water. This stark contradiction defined daily life until the Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project began changing the narrative in the communities.

    The Long Walk For Water

    Before the project, women and girls in villages across Maseru and Berea districts would wake before dawn to begin their daily ‘pilgrimage’ to distant springs and unprotected wells. The journey often stretched more than a kilometer each way, with women carrying heavy containers while navigating challenging mountain terrain.

    “Where we used to fetch water, it was so far that there could have been challenges, perhaps the risk of being attacked or harmed by criminals,” recalls ‘Masechefo.

    At Sekete Primary School, the situation was equally dire. Headteacher Sello Matlali remembers: “We had to send children to fetch water from the unprotected wells around our communities. It was about one and a half kilometers walk from the school.”

    This daily expedition meant losing children’s classroom time and productive hours for women. Worse still, the unprotected water sources harbored pathogens causing diarrheal diseases that disproportionately affected the community’s most vulnerable members.

    A Project That Flows Like Life Itself

    When the African Development Bank’s initiative reached these communities, it didn’t merely install infrastructure – it unleashed potential.

    The project, set to conclude in March 2025 after more than a decade of implementation, has delivered remarkable results: 190 kilometers of pipeline to distribution networks, water storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 3.48 million liters, and 166 public water points serving approximately 28,266 people across eight zones in Maseru and Berea districts.

    The numbers tell only part of the story. Moses Tembo, the project’s task manager at the African Development Bank, highlights the impact: “From the data collected through the project, you could see that many people’s lives have been changed. Most people were drawing water from springs and unprotected wells, and the incidence of diarrheal diseases was quite high.”

    Beyond water supply, the project expanded sanitation infrastructure, – constructing 266 sanitation facilities for vulnerable households and 284 toilets at schools and healthcare facilities.

    “It Was Like Our Birthday”

    At Sekete Primary School, the transformation has been profound. “When water was supplied, it was like our birthday,” Sello Maltali exclaims, his eyes bright with emotion. “The African Development Bank came to our rescue when we were in serious problem.”

    The school now boasts eight water taps and proper sanitation facilities – eight toilets for boys, seven for girls, and a dedicated facility for children with disabilities. This thoughtful design has created an inclusive learning environment where all 500 students can focus on education rather than basic survival needs.

    “We live the life we never lived before,” Matlali reflects. “We forget the past. We talk of it as history.”

    The impact extends beyond convenience. The school has witnessed increased enrollment and reduced disease transmission. Students can now pursue agricultural education, which teaches them self-reliance and food production skills.

    Women Liberated, Communities Transformed

    For women like ‘Masechefo, the project has delivered more than water – it has brought dignity and safety. “This project has brought a big change in our lives and our families. There is cleanliness in our homes and on our bodies.”

    The transformation has touched every aspect of community life. Residents found employment during construction— collecting stones, laying bricks, mixing cement, and completing roofing work. This approach ensured that the community benefited from the completed infrastructure and the process itself.

    Mamosili Kikine, the project’s technical adviser, explains: “The beneficiaries are using water for different purposes, like cooking and washing. The schools and clinics in these zones are also benefiting.”

    Climate Resilience: Protecting the Future

    As the base project nears completion, an additional component introduced in 2019 focuses on climate resilience. This component educates communities about preserving watersheds and forests to ensure sustainable water resources.

    “Lesotho is very much dependent on water for its economy and the wellbeing of people,” task manager Tembo explains. “The water reserves 10 years ago, 20 years ago, are not the same at the moment.”

    By protecting water sources through this education, the project aims to secure these life-giving resources for future generations.

    Water: A Celebration of Life

    As the African Development Bank joined in celebrating World Water Day on March 22, the communities served by this project understand its significance profoundly. They have experienced life with and without clean water –and know which they prefer.

    “Without water, there is no life,” declares headteacher Sello Matlali. “Water shortage is death. We cannot have food. We cannot bathe. We cannot wash our hands. We are vulnerable to disease.”

    The project’s legacy extends beyond pipes and reservoirs. It has fundamentally altered the relationship between communities and water – creating not just consumers but stewards of this precious resource.

    For the people of Lesotho’s rural communities, water is no longer just a substance—it’s the embodiment of possibility, dignity, and future prosperity. In a country blessed with abundant water resources that benefit neighboring nations, the African Development Bank has ensured that Lesotho’s citizens can finally share in this natural wealth.

    And for that, as Sello Matlali puts it, “It is very joyous.”

    A Nurse’s Story

    Mots’elisi Makhele, the only community health nurse serving approximately 2,000 people in her rural community, has witnessed a remarkable transformation thanks to the African Development Bank’s water supply and sanitation project.

    “We used to have a small community tap where 2,000 people would queue, and because of the drought, we wouldn’t have enough water some days,” Makhele recalls, adding that this single tap served everyone—elderly women, small children, and her clinic.

    The health consequences were severe. “I couldn’t do normal birth deliveries because there was no water,” said Makhele. “There was an increased rate of waterborne infections, and I had many babies with malnutrition because the water was not clean.”

    The African Development Bank project transformed the community by providing individual household taps and proper sanitation facilities. The clinic received two proper toilets and a washing station where patients can wash their hands.

    The impact has been profound. “After initiating this project, the incidence rate of diarrheal diseases and malnutrition has decreased,” Makhele said excitedly.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy PM tells Parliament: Back reforms to get Britain building

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Deputy PM tells Parliament: Back reforms to get Britain building

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will have its Second Reading in Parliament today.

    • Landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill returns to Parliament for its Second Reading today
    • Reforms will unlock economic growth and accelerate delivery of homes and critical infrastructure and are expected to bring jobs and opportunity across the country
    • Ambition delivers on the 1.5 million homes commitment in our Plan for Change, and push to make Britain a clean energy superpower

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has warned there is ‘no time to waste’ as she urged Parliament to back key legislation needed to speed up the delivery of the Plan for Change milestone of 1.5 million homes and deliver the vital infrastructure this country needs.

    The rallying call was made ahead of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill returning for its Second Reading today (March 24). This is another milestone in the government’s push to make this Bill law to get Britain building and drive economic growth.

    Significant reforms will be introduced through the Bill to speed up planning decisions, remove unnecessary blockers and challenges to housing development and major infrastructure projects like windfarms, while at the same time delivering for the environment through the new Nature Restoration Fund.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said:

    “We have no time to waste in bringing the housing crisis we’ve inherited to an end, not only for those struggling to get onto the housing ladder but for the families and young children who are stuck in temporary accommodation. 

    “That’s why it is so crucial that we get Britain building and the return of the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill to Parliament today represents another step forward in achieving this goal.

    “But to ensure we can prove the naysayers wrong, and deliver on our Plan for Change target to build the 1.5 million homes and crucial infrastructure this country needs, we need to make our planning reforms law as quickly as possible. This is why today I am urging Parliament to back this Bill and ensure we can deliver the change so many people want to see.”

    The landmark Bill is at the heart of the government’s mission to secure Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, by supporting the push to deliver the 1.5 million homes and the target of making at least 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects in this Parliament – tripling the 57 decisions made in the previous Parliament and more than the 130 made since 2011.

    Getting critical infrastructure built is essential to making Britain a clean energy superpower – bringing people’s bills down for good and giving Britain energy security – delivering the higher living standards working people deserve. It will also bring a range of skilled jobs to areas across the country.

    Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

    “Our landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill will fundamentally change how we build things in this country.

    “By streamlining the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure, it will help tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards in every part of the country.

    “The Bill marks another decisive step toward a planning system that is pro-growth and pro-infrastructure and will deliver on our Plan for Change commitments to build 1.5 million homes and fast-track planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects in this Parliament.”

    Key measures in the Bill include:

    • Overhauling planning decisions through the introduction of a national scheme of delegation to set out which applications should be determined by officers and which should go to committee, speeding up the approval process for new development.
    • Establishing a Nature Restoration Fund to deliver a win-win for both the economy and nature ensuring builders can meet their environmental obligations faster.
    • Strengthening the compulsory purchase process to acquire land for projects that are in the public interest and ensure compensation paid to landowners is not excessive.
    • Giving additional powers to development corporations to make it easier when delivering large-scale developments, including the next generation of new towns.
    • Reducing the burdensome consultation process when seeking approval for major infrastructure projects, including reservoirs, windfarms, roads and railway lines.
    • Prioritising approved clean energy projects, such as wind and solar, for grid connections with a new ‘first ready, first connected’ system.
    • Limiting the number of times that government decisions on major infrastructure projects can be legally challenged, with only one attempt for meritless cases.
    • People living near new electricity transmission infrastructure will also receive up to £2,500 over 10 years off their energy bills, ensuring those hosting vital infrastructure can benefit from supporting this nationally critical mission.

    Further information

    The government has already announced its commitment to deliver a new 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, which will help unlock private investment over the next decade for new housing, schools, hospitals, and public transport. This will be set out in due course. 

    As part of the government’s pro-growth agenda, we have already made 12 decisions on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, which includes the Immingham Green Energy Terminal.

    Alongside wider planning reforms, including the updated National Planning Policy Framework and a forthcoming review on statutory consultees, the government is backing builders and councils to deliver more homes and infrastructure in the areas most in need.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Doors ready to open at city’s newest housing complex

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 24th March 2025

    A brand-new independent living complex offering support in Stoke-on-Trent is ready to welcome its first residents.

    Chatterley Court in Chell Heath has been under construction since 2023 as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ongoing mission to ensure everybody has access to a decent home.

    The over 55s facility boasts 113 one- and two-bed apartments, communal areas including, a reception lounge, resident’s lounge, dining room and gardens as well as a laundry room and scooter storage facilities.

    The scheme will have staff on site Monday to Friday delivering support to meet individual residents needs and each apartment benefits from a range of support features including call alarm systems, easy access bathrooms with walk-in showers and the infrastructure for specialist equipment.

    Chatterley Court also has a number of security features including CCTV, progressive security and a concierge service. On-site parking and electric charging facilities are also available.

    Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Chatterley Court is one of a number of sheltered housing schemes which have opened in the city in the last few years, as part of the city council’s aim to raise housing standards.

    “It is important that we continue to invest in – and upgrade – our council homes but it’s also essential that we provide more choice of accommodation for all so we can meet the needs of our residents now and in the future.

    “When we talk about sheltered accommodation, a lot of people automatically picture a care home which hasn’t been decorated since the 1980s but this facility is really impressive. It is extremely modern and has everything a person could need – all in one place.”

    Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is really important that we provide our residents with the right type of accommodation to enable them to live independently, while also ensuring support is available for them if they need it.

    “As a council, we are working hard to create a healthier standard of living for all and I believe this facility will play a key part in helping people to thrive in a safe and modern environment.

    “I’m really looking forward to welcoming Chatterley Court’s first residents in the next few months.”

    Dan Roberts, Operations Director at Equans – the council’s construction contractor partner at Chatterley Court, said: “We’re delighted to have helped to create these beautiful new homes.

    “As demand for sheltered accommodation continues to rise across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we work together to create places that residents are proud to call home, whilst also having the support and facilities on-hand to enable them to age well. I hope the new residents of Chatterley Court will be very happy there.”

    Chatterley Court is the largest sheltered housing scheme delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council over the last five years.

    It follows the launch of the £8.7 million, 57-bed QEII scheme in 2020 and Rialto Court, an £11 million over 55s scheme which boasts 65 one- and two-bed apartments, and welcomed its first residents in 2022.

    The official opening of Chatterley Court is expected to take place later this year, as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations.

    Anyone wishing to know more about the scheme should contact the council’s Sheltered Housing Team on 01782 235675 or via email at Sheltered.HousingTeam@stoke.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –