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Category: India

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Poster Making Competition

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Where Art Meets Film

     

    Introduction

    India’s deep connection to cinema is reflected in its iconic film posters which capture stories and emotions. To celebrate this art form the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) introduces the Film Poster Making Challenge as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season 1.’ In association with NFDC-National Film Archive of India, the International Federation of Film Archives and ImageNation Street Art, this competition highlights the rich heritage of Indian film posters. With 296 registrations already the event promises a vibrant showcase of creativity.

    The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector.

     

    The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.

    The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.

    The Film Poster Making competition falls under the fourth pillar Films, which is centered around celebrating the essence of Indian cinema. It highlights the artistic richness and craftsmanship behind iconic film posters with a particular focus on reimagining them for contemporary audiences.

    Competition Category

    The Film Poster Making Competition will be held in two categories:

    Digital Posters

    Registration:

    For the Digital Poster category began on October 1st and will remain open until March 15th, 2025. There is no registration fee for participation. To register visit the website and select one film from the 20 titles displayed in the image:

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    1. Poster design entries open: October 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Final artwork must be submitted by: March 15th 2025
    3. Winner announcement: 1st April, 2025
    4. Selected artist’s exhibition and award ceremony: April, 2025

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    • Kindly name the artwork with the following file naming structure: artistname_filmname_year_waves2024.jpeg

    Awards and Recognition:

    Outstanding digital posters will be recognized with the top 20 selected artworks showcased at the WAVES Summit and out of 20 top 3 receiving prestigious awards. Cash prizes and digital certificates of appreciation will be awarded. Here are the details:

    Hand Painted Posters

    Registration

    Candidates can participate in the hand-painted film poster-making competition through selected art institutions. Institutions interested in hosting the competition can email imagenationstreetart[at]gmail[dot]com with nfaifilmcircle@nfdcindia in cc.

    • The posters must be based on 20 film titles, the same as those in the digital poster-making list.
    • Each institution will choose three candidates from their internal competition to represent them in the semi-finals.
    • This competition is exclusive to institutions and not open to individual participants.

    Important Deadlines:

    1. Internal college competitions: November 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Shortlisted candidate announced: 1st April, 2025

    Guidelines for Finale:

    Here are the guidelines for the live handmade poster-making competition:

    • The film titles options for the live handmade poster-making competition will be announced 10 days before the live event.
    • Participants and their institutions must bring all required materials.
    • The organizers will communicate travel details to the participants at a later stage.

    Specifications for the live painting competition:

    • Materials: Participants must bring their own materials. The medium should be suitable paper for handmade poster design.
    • Poster Size: 24 x 36 inches (vertical)

    Awards and Recognition:

    A total of 25 selected artists will compete in a live event chosen through a juried selection from all submitted entries. They will create hand-painted posters within a set time frame at the WAVES Summit with the top three artworks receiving prestigious awards. The awards include a First Prize of INR 50,000, a Second Prize of INR 30,000, and a Third Prize of INR 10,000, with certificates for the top three winners. Additionally, a Digital Certificate of Appreciation will be awarded to the remaining participants, along with their respective cash prizes.

    Registration

    Registration for the competition began on February 5th, 2025 and will close on March 5th, 2025. There is no fee for participation, and you can register and submit your artwork through the provided link on website. Choose one film from the 10 available titles to create your poster.

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    • Registration and Submission Period: Feb 5, 2025 – March 5, 2025
    • Winner Announcement: April 1, 2025
    • Exhibition and Award Ceremony: April 2025

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Open to individuals of any nationality outside India.
    • Participants must be 18 years or older.

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    •  

    Awards and Recognition:

    The International Digital Poster Making Competition will recognize and celebrate outstanding creativity with awards and recognition for exceptional entries. Here are the key highlights:

    • The top 20 selected digital artworks will be showcased at the WAVES Summit.
    • The top 3 artworks from the exhibition will be honored with prestigious awards.
    • Additional details on the awards will be declared soon.

    Conclusion

    The Film Poster Making Competition at WAVES offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase creativity in both digital and hand-painted art forms. Through this platform artists from around the world can connect, create and be part of the vibrant future of the entertainment industry culminating in a prestigious exhibition and award ceremony at the WAVES Summit in May 2025.

    References:

    1. https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025
    2. https://www.nfdcindia.com/waves-poster-challenge-2025/
    3. https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia/status/1845466425575735387

    Click here to download PDF

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    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2105891) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comic Chronicles

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Transform Ideas into Reality with AI-Driven Storytelling

     

    Introduction

    The WAVES Comic Chronicles is set to unleash a world of creativity, offering storytellers a unique opportunity to transform their ideas into vibrant comics using AI-powered tools. As part of the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), this challenge invites participants to craft and present AI-generated comics through Dashtoon Studio, showcasing their stories on the Dashtoon mobile app. Organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the competition has already garnered 774 registrations as of 15 February 2025, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for digital creativity.

    The WAVES Summit, scheduled from 1 to 4 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent. The event is structured around four foundational pillars: Broadcasting and Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media and Innovation, and Films. The WAVES Comic Chronicles is part of the Digital Media and Innovation pillar, which delves into the dynamic digital landscape, exploring emerging trends and technologies, the evolving app economy, and the growing influence of social media and influencer marketing. This pillar also addresses regulatory challenges like data privacy and security while promoting ethical content creation and responsible digital consumption.

    The Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, are central to the WAVES Summit’s vision of promoting creativity and innovation. With over 73,000 registrations, these challenges, including the WAVES Comic Chronicles, offer a vibrant platform for creators to bring their ideas to life, fostering artistic expression, technological experimentation, and cultural storytelling.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Guidelines

    1. There is no limit on the length of the comic, but valid submissions must contain at least 60 panels (One image or scene counts as one panel).

     

    1. The comic should follow the vertical scroll format (Webtoon format).

     

    1. The comic must be in English.

     

    1. All comics must be created using Dashtoon Studio and published on the Dashtoon mobile app. While participants can use other tools for post-production or edits, the final comic must be assembled on Dashtoon Studio and published through the Dashtoon app.

     

    1. Participants are free to download and use their comic elsewhere or share it on social media.

     

    1. Originality is crucial: Characters and stories must not be copied from any copyrighted material (No fan fiction allowed).

     

    1. Content Restrictions: Submissions must not include:

     

    • NSFW or sexually explicit content
    • Racist or casteist content
    • Political or advertising content

     

    1. Participants can create a comic on any topic of their choice.

     

    1. Previously published or released works, whether shared personally or by a third party, cannot be submitted. All entries must be new, unpublished works that have not been publicly shared.

    Timeline

    Evaluation Criteria

     

    Rewards and Recognition

     

    Additional Rewards

    1. Top 3 Winners: Opportunity to present their comics at the WAVES Summit.
    2. Top 25 Participants: Receive a goodie bag sponsored by Google Play and Dashtoon, along with a certificate of excellence and recognition by IAMAI and Dashtoon.
    3. All Participants: Get a certificate of participation upon valid entry.

    Conclusion

    The WAVES Comic Chronicles is a key component of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under the WAVES Summit. These challenges, led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aim to inspire creativity, promote innovation, and nurture talent across the Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. As part of the Digital Media and Innovation pillar of the summit, the WAVES Comic Chronicles invites participants to harness AI-powered tools on Dashtoon Studio, offering a vibrant platform for original storytelling. This competition not only celebrates fresh talent but also aligns with the Create in India vision of positioning India as a global hub for artistic and technological excellence.

    References:

    1. https://eventsites.iamai.in/Waves/comic-chronicles/
    2. https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025

    Click here to download PDF

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    Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2105887) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Piyush Goyal calls for bolstering supply chains and providing high-quality electronic products globally at competitive prices

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri Piyush Goyal calls for bolstering supply chains and providing high-quality electronic products globally at competitive prices

    Shri Goyal urges electronics industry to shun protectionism, prioritise consumer interests

    India should become one stop shop for electrical goods, aspire to reach the international trade export target of USD 100 billion in seven years: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s electronic goods industry must work together towards more resilient supply chains, upgrade quality standards and provide high quality goods and services to the world at competitive rates. This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his address as a Chief Guest at the 16th Edition of ‘ELECRAMA’ organised by the Indian Electrical And Electronics Manufacturer’s Association (IEEMA) today in New Delhi.  The Minister urged the participants to work together to bring competitive advantages in manufacturing.

    The Minister highlighted that the industry has a responsibility to care for consumers by ensuring that the consumers are provided better deals. He urged the industry leaders and participants in attendance to shun protectionism and focus on balancing the interests of the industry, particularly the MSME sector. Protectionism beyond a point starts hurting the consumer. Balancing the interests of the MSME sector along with the customers should be the industry’s biggest priority, he said.

    Minister Goyal noted that the export volume of electronic goods ranks second in the country in 2025, compared to 167th ranked sector in 2015. In January, 2025 export volume of electronic goods was USD 3 billion alone, he said. He said that India should become the one stop shop for electrical goods and urged the industry to aspire to reach the international trade export target of USD 100 billion in the next seven years.

    The Minister pointed out that the electronics goods industry has doubled its transmission infrastructure, renewable energy capacity and installed capacity in the last decade. He further stated that the Government has helped set up 1,800 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the country. He stated that the Government aims to develop a future ready workforce and promote innovation leveraging the high number of STEM graduates produced in the country.

    Speaking on the theme of the special plenary ‘Bharat – The Vishwa Mitra’, Shri Goyal said that India takes pride in looking at the nation as one family that wishes to work with all countries of the world in a fair, equitable and balanced partnership with each other. India wishes to engage with the developed world from a position of strength offering them goods and services of high quality at affordable prices.  

    The Minister asserted that the Government’s various initiatives like ‘Digital India’, ‘Make in India’, ‘Design in India’ and ‘Serve from India’ along with its efforts to make customers buy local products and enable businesses to go global will help the country’s growth. “Government’s commitments to transform the economy, skill and train the workforce for high quality manufacturing and provision of services, policy certainty and speed and scale of development has led to this milestone, ” he stated.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2105880) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SECI signs MoU with Government of MP for 200 MW Solar Project at Dhar

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

     

    Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Navratna CPSU under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Madhya Pradesh for setting up 200 MW Solar Project in Dhar under the CPSU Scheme and a 1000 MWh Battery Storage Project in the state. The MoU was signed at the two-day Global Investors Summit 2025 ongoing at Bhopal from 24th to 25th February 2025.

    The Global Investors Summit 2025, organised by the Government of Madhya Pradesh was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in the presence of  Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel  and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mohan Yadav.

    The MoU was signed by Shri Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director (Power Systems) SECI and Shri. Manu Srivastava, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (NRE) in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of New & Renewable Energy of Madhya Pradesh Shri Rakesh Shukla and Shri. R P Gupta, IAS (Retd) Chairman and Managing Director, SECI.

    The 200 MW Solar Project is part of a 500 MW Agreement which was executed in 2023 with MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL) for a period of 25 years under which SECI will supply the electricity to the state. SECI has proposed a phase-wise capital expenditure of Rs 2500 Cr for expansion and development of Renewable Energy in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

    The summit was attended by various stakeholders of the Government of India and representatives of various countries and states.

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    Navin Sreejith 

    (Release ID: 2105881) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 22nd EGM: IREDA Shareholders Approve up to ₹5,000 Crore Fundraising via QIP

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Shareholders of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) have approved the company’s proposal to raise up to ₹5,000 crore through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) of equity shares, in one or multiple tranches. The approval was granted by the shareholders in favour of the resolution via remote e-voting during the 22nd Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) held today through video conferencing. The meeting was chaired by Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director, IREDA and attended by Directors on the Board and shareholders.

    IREDA’s Board had earlier approved the fundraising plan on January 23, 2025, which includes the dilution of the Government of India’s shareholding in the company by up to 7% post-issue equity, in one or multiple tranches.

    Addressing the shareholders, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, highlighted IREDA’s strong financial performance in the first nine months of FY 2024-25, with a loan book of ₹68,960 crore, loan sanctions of ₹31,087 crore, and disbursements of ₹17,236 crore. “The funds raised through QIP will strengthen our green financing capabilities, accelerate loan book growth, and support India’s clean energy targets,” he stated.

    Shri Das further informed shareholders that IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of IREDA, recently received the Certificate of Registration from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA), allowing it to commence business as a Finance Company at GIFT City, Gujarat. “This milestone strengthens IREDA’s commitment to lending and serving in foreign currency by reducing hedging risks,” he added.

    In addition to the fundraising approval, shareholders also consented to amendments in IREDA’s Articles of Association. These amendments include provisions for formation of joint ventures and subsidiaries in India and abroad, along with empowering the Board to exercise enhanced powers under ‘Navratna’ status, subject to government guidelines.

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    Navin Sreejith 

    (Release ID: 2105878) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Ayush Felicitates Ayurveda Stalwarts with ‘National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards’ for pioneering contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Ayush Felicitates Ayurveda Stalwarts with ‘National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards’ for pioneering contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine

    The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards showcase India’s immense contribution to global healthcare: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, conferred the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards for the current year on three distinguished practitioners for their exceptional contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine. Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, conferred the awards upon the three distinguished Vaidyas during an event held at Mumbai on 20.02.2025.

    This year’s recipients of the coveted award are Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, renowned Nadi Vaidya and author; Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal, a distinguished scholar of Dravyaguna Vigyana with six decades of service; and Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference. Each recipient receives a citation, a trophy featuring the Statue of lord Dhanwantari, and a cash prize of ₹5 Lakh. The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards represent India’s commitment to advancing holistic healthcare while preserving traditional medical knowledge.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients, stating, “The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards showcase India’s immense contribution to global healthcare. These visionaries have demonstrated exceptional dedication in promoting Ayurveda worldwide, perfectly aligning with our mission to integrate traditional wisdom with modern healthcare systems.”

    Adding his perspective, Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha remarked, “Through decades of research and innovation, these practitioners have modernised Ayurveda practices while maintaining their authentic essence. Their work exemplifies how traditional knowledge can be adapted to address contemporary health challenges.”

    Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, renowned for his mastery as a Nadi Vaidya, has also distinguished himself as an insightful author. His thought-provoking publications have opened new doors for explorative Ayurveda learning, encouraging a new generation to dive deep into the science of life. His career, adorned with numerous accolades, is a testament to his impact on the ever-evolving landscape of Ayurveda.

    Equally inspiring is the journey of  Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal from Uttar Pradesh, a visionary in Dravyaguna Vigyana. With over six decades of unwavering dedication, his prolific writings and stellar administration have inspired many. His recognition with the Vanoushadi Vanaspati and Lifetime Achievement Awards further cements his legacy in raising Ayurveda’s stature worldwide. His work exemplifies how tradition, when blended with modern insight, can become a global force for wellness.

    Adding to this league of legends is Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, whose contributions span more than four decades. The founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference and Vishwa Ayurveda Prabodhini, he has built platforms that have transformed Ayurveda education. His initiatives have not only advanced innovative practices but have also sparked global dialogues that continue to enrich Ayurveda’s relevance in contemporary healthcare.

    A Legacy Etched in Time: The History of the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award

    The story of the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards is one of tradition, excellence, and vision. Instituted by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, these awards were conceptualised to recognise the stalwarts who have dedicated their lives to Ayurveda. Over the years, the awards have evolved into a symbol of national pride, celebrating those who have pushed the boundaries of Ayurveda from local roots to global reach. By honouring individuals who have excelled in research, practice, and the propagation of Ayurveda, the awards inspire new generations to embrace holistic health practices that promise a healthier and happier society.

    With every award ceremony, the commitment to making Ayurveda a cornerstone of global healthcare strengthens. The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards are not just accolades; they are milestones in a journey that celebrates the wisdom of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future.

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    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2105871) Visitor Counter : 11

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mobilizing Finance is Key to Achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Source: Government of India

    Mobilizing Finance is Key to Achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Renewable Energy Financing Obligation is the need of the hour: Union Minister Joshi National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy Concludes in Mumbai

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai : 24 February 2025

    Mobilising finance is key to achieving 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030, said Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi. He was addressing the National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy organised by Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in Mumbai today. Union Minister Joshi also called for collective efforts from financial institutions and policymakers to ensure accessible funding to Renewable Energy (RE) sector. The Minister along with the Minister of State, (MNRE), Shri Shripad Naik also addressed a Press Conference held in conjunction with the Workshop.

    Highlights of the Workshop

    The Minister stated that the idea for the workshop emerged after a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions focused on accelerating flagship schemes like PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. Highlighting the scale of India’s energy needs, Shri Joshi said that as the country aims to become the third-largest economy, its energy demand is expected to double. He stressed that renewable energy must be scaled up to match thermal energy production, ensuring a reliable and resilient power supply.

    The Minister also spoke about India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. He called upon financial institutions to align their lending policies with India’s renewable energy growth strategy and emphasized that carbon-intensive industries will face reduced export opportunities in the future. Shri Joshi noted that India has already made significant progress in renewable energy, with capacity increasing to 222 GW today. He pointed out that solar tariffs have drastically reduced, with a recent bid in Madhya Pradesh touching ₹2.15 per unit, compared to ₹11 per unit earlier. However, he stressed the importance of battery storage solutions to support large-scale renewable deployment.

    Speaking on the role of decentralization, the Minister highlighted that PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar empower farmers to become “Urjadata” (energy providers), while also reducing transmission losses. He urged banks to simplify financing processes, particularly for rooftop solar projects, and called for the introduction of a Renewable Energy Financing Obligation to ensure dedicated funding for the sector, similar to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) for discoms.
    Shri Joshi underscored India’s leadership in green hydrogen (GH2), stating that the country has already received major export orders and is ahead of several developed nations in this field. He noted that global investors are increasingly looking at India as a preferred destination for manufacturing and clean energy investments, recognizing its young workforce and strong industrial capacity.

    The Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s directive to engage global financial institutions for renewable energy investments, citing India’s recent success in securing commitments worth ₹34.5 lakh crore during a global RE summit in Gandhinagar. He emphasized that the transition to renewable energy is not optional—it is a necessity.Concluding his address, Shri Pralhad Joshi called for a national movement in renewable energy financing, stating that PM Surya Ghar is not just a scheme but an Andolan (movement). He urged financial institutions to streamline lending processes, reduce unnecessary compliance burdens, and adopt a more supportive approach towards financing clean energy projects.

    Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Y Naik said that achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 will require an investment of approximately ₹30 lakh crore, covering infrastructure, transmission, and storage systems. He urged the stakeholders to adopt innovative financing models, extend flexible lending terms, and prioritize green investments that will accelerate our energy transition.

    In her context setting speech, Secretary MNRE Smt. Nidhi Khare emphasized the critical role of affordable finance, green bonds, and innovative funding models in driving India’s renewable energy transition.

    The National Workshop on Mobilizing Finance for Renewable Energy featured four key sessions focused on addressing financing challenges in the renewable energy sector. The first session examined the financing landscape for utility-scale renewable energy (RE) projects, assessing challenges faced by developers, banks, and NBFCs in securing funding. Discussions covered interest rates, perceived risks, and potential solutions for financial institutions to support large-scale RE projects. The second session focused on financing new and emerging RE technologies, such as offshore wind, floating solar, and green hydrogen. Panelists, including experts from NABARD, and leading financial institutions, discussed capital allocation strategies, policy interventions, and mechanisms to reduce financial risks for private sector investments in these technologies.

    The third session addressed financing challenges for Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) and innovative RE applications, including rooftop solar, canal-top PV, and Agri-PV. Experts explored financing constraints for startups, perceived investment risks, and policy support required to scale up these solutions. The final session focused on regulatory and capacity-building measures for banks and NBFCs, discussing RBI guidelines, sector-specific lending policies, and strategies to enhance financing in consumer-oriented RE applications. Stakeholders highlighted the need for better regulatory frameworks, risk-sharing mechanisms, and financial instruments to unlock capital for India’s renewable energy ambitions. The discussions reinforced the necessity of collaborative efforts among policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to mobilize large-scale investments and achieve India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.

    The discussions led to several key takeaways, including the need for lower-cost financing, improved access to global climate funds, and enhanced risk-sharing mechanisms for new technologies. Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding green financial instruments to support India’s clean energy transition. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work towards innovative financing models and policy frameworks that can unlock large-scale investments in the renewable energy sector.

    Senior officials from major public and private sector banks such as State Bank of India, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, IDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab & Sind Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank and Bank of Maharashtra also attended the event.

    The workshop marked a significant step toward ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder India’s renewable energy ambitions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a clean, sustainable, and financially inclusive energy future. The workshop provided a platform for key stakeholders, including banks, NBFCs, policymakers, and industry leaders, to discuss strategies for mobilizing large-scale
     
    investments in renewable energy. Participants reiterated their commitment to supporting India’s clean energy transition, ensuring energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The event marked a significant step in bridging the financial gap for renewable energy projects, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in the clean energy revolution.

    Dhanlaxmi/Preeti

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CAQM Sub-Committe on GRAP revokes Stage-II of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 186 as per the daily AQI Bulletin furnished by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), clearly indicating a downward trend. In view of notable and consistent improvement in the air quality of Delhi witnessed over the past days and also considering the meteorological/ weather forecasts by IITM/ IMD, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the preventive/ restrictive actions under Stage-II of GRAP already in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since 22.10.2024. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR, the Sub-Committee observed as under:

    • Owing to improvement in mixing height and ventilation coefficient and much favorable meteorological conditions for dispersion of pollutants, the AQI of Delhi has since shown a significant improvement.
    • The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 186 for 24. 02.2025 which is 114 points below the 300 mark to implement the stage-II as per the extant directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Further, the forecast by IMD /IITM predicts the AQI mainly to remain in moderate/poor category.

    Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM indicating the average air quality of Delhi to stay in ‘Moderate/ lower-end of ‘Poor’ category in the coming days (for which forecast is available), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP today unanimously decided to revoke actions under Stage-II of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

    Actions under Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented, monitored and reviewed by all the agencies concerned, in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall keep strict vigil and especially intensify measures under Stage-I of extant schedule of GRAP.

    The Commission urges all agencies responsible for implementation of various actions listed under Stages–I of the extant schedule of GRAP and citizens/ residents to strictly implement and solemnly follow the provisions/ charter of GRAP under Stage-I to obviate the need for re-imposition of Stage-II of the extant schedule of GRAP in NCR.

    The Sub-Committee, shall keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/IITM. The extant schedule of GRAP can be accessed via the Commission’s official website, i.e., https://caqm.nic.in/

    *****

    VM/GS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO VISIT BIHAR, MADHYA PRADESH AND GUJARAT FROM FEBRUARY 25 TO MARCH 1

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat from February 25 to March 1, 2025.  

    On February 25, the President will grace the centenary celebration of the Patna Medical College in Patna, Bihar.

    On February 26, the President will grace a Mass Wedding ceremony, organised by Shri Bageshwar Jan Seva Samiti, at Gadha, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. On the same day, the President will pay her tributes at the Statue of Unity and witness the Narmada Aarti at Kevadia, Gujarat.

    On February 27, the President will visit the Ekta Skill Development Centre at Kevadia and grace the 44th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Design at Ahmedabad.

    On February 28, the President will grace the 3rd convocation of the National Forensic Sciences University at Gandhinagar. On the same day, the President will visit the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial at Bhuj.

     On March 1, the President will visit Dholavi​ra – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prolific Alien Smuggler Extradited from Mexico to the United States in Joint Task Force Alpha Investigation

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities culminated in the extradition of an alleged alien smuggler who operated in Mexicali on the U.S.-Mexico border for several years as part of an international alien smuggling conspiracy.

    Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 49, was arrested in Mexico on March 2, 2023, pursuant to a U.S. request for his extradition, and was surrendered by Mexico to U.S. authorities on Feb. 21 to face charges previously filed in the District of Arizona. Saucedo-Huipio made his initial appearance on Feb. 21 in the Southern District of California. His co-conspirator, Ofelia Hernandez-Salas, 62, was extradited to the United States from Mexico in 2023 and pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024, to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and substantive counts of bringing an alien to the United States.

    According to court documents, Saucedo-Huipio conspired with other smugglers, including Hernandez-Salas, to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants into the United States from and through Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas allegedly charged the migrants as much as tens of thousands of dollars to make the journey and directed the migrants where to unlawfully cross the border into the United States, including by providing them with a ladder to climb over the border fence. Saucedo-Huipio and co-conspirators also allegedly robbed the migrants of money and personal belongings while armed with guns and knives.

    In June 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed corresponding sanctions on this transnational criminal organization.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel C. Hernandez for the District of Arizona, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola, made the announcement.

    ICE HSI Yuma is investigating the case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; FBI; and the U.S. Marshals Service, working in concert with ICE HSI Tijuana, INTERPOL, and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI also received substantial assistance from CBP’s National Targeting Center/Counter Network Division and OFAC.

    Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Zander for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners, who were instrumental in arresting Saucedo-Huipio, and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office and the Mexican Foreign Ministry for making the extradition possible.

    The indictments against Raul Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas, and their subsequent arrests and extraditions, were coordinated through Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse, or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, the District of Arizona, the District of New Mexico, and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; OIA; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This investigation is also supported by the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or raise grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Redwood Services Announces 17th Partnership with Indiana-Based Hope Plumbing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Redwood Services (“Redwood”), an established home services firm focused on investing in leading HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services companies in growing U.S. markets, announced that it has partnered with Hope Plumbing. This partnership marks Redwood’s seventeenth platform investment, highlighting the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to expansion.

    Hope Plumbing, based in Indianapolis, has built a loyal customer base by providing quality service since 2007. The company has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, doubling revenue and achieving substantial bottom-line results. With an established and capable management team in place to sustain current operations and implement plans for further infrastructure development, Redwood is looking forward to supporting even further growth for the Indiana area.

    “Redwood and Hope Plumbing share many core values, such as delivering exceptional services to customers and cultivating a growth-driven culture,” said Richard Lewis, CEO of Redwood Services. “We are excited to be part of Hope Plumbing’s continued growth and to support this impressive management team.”

    “Hope Plumbing has experienced tremendous growth over the years, and we are ready to build on that momentum to ensure we reach our potential,” said Jack Hope, Co-President of Hope Plumbing. “Under the guidance of Redwood’s leadership and support, our partnership will help us continue to perfect our craft and exceed customer expectations.”

    Hope Plumbing is one of the most recognized home service brands in Indianapolis and has more than doubled in size since 2021. With over 5,000 Google reviews and an average rating of 4.9, the Hope team also has a history of delivering exceptional customer service.

    Owners Jack Hope and Brad Persic will retain a significant minority ownership stake as part of the investment. The Hope Plumbing team will continue to operate and manage the business under its banner and name, while Redwood will offer operational, strategic, and financial support to enhance the company’s growth.

    About Redwood Services
    Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Memphis, Redwood Services is a nationwide people-focused platform dedicated to empowering elite contractors in the essential home services industry. Redwood provides world-class resources, coaching, and strategic partnerships to 17 leading companies across the United States, enabling its partners to deliver exceptional HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to residential customers. Redwood’s mission is to unleash the full potential of its partners, supporting them in providing high-quality service and building lasting relationships with customers. For more information, visit www.redwoodservices.com.

    From left to right: Raj Midha, David Katz, Adam Hanover, Richard Lewis, Jack Hope, Sue Reas, Brad Persic, Scott Brinkley, John Conway, Sandra Koblas, Shaun Hardick

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21b6289b-ba25-4095-ae52-da2e4a11287e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prolific Alien Smuggler Extradited from Mexico to the United States in Joint Task Force Alpha Investigation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities culminated in the extradition of an alleged alien smuggler who operated in Mexicali on the U.S.-Mexico border for several years as part of an international alien smuggling conspiracy.

    Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 49, was arrested in Mexico on March 2, 2023, pursuant to a U.S. request for his extradition, and was surrendered by Mexico to U.S. authorities on Feb. 21 to face charges previously filed in the District of Arizona. Saucedo-Huipio made his initial appearance on Feb. 21 in the Southern District of California. His co-conspirator, Ofelia Hernandez-Salas, 62, was extradited to the United States from Mexico in 2023 and pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024, to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and substantive counts of bringing an alien to the United States.

    According to court documents, Saucedo-Huipio conspired with other smugglers, including Hernandez-Salas, to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants into the United States from and through Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas allegedly charged the migrants as much as tens of thousands of dollars to make the journey and directed the migrants where to unlawfully cross the border into the United States, including by providing them with a ladder to climb over the border fence. Saucedo-Huipio and co-conspirators also allegedly robbed the migrants of money and personal belongings while armed with guns and knives.

    In June 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed corresponding sanctions on this transnational criminal organization.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel C. Hernandez for the District of Arizona, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola, made the announcement.

    ICE HSI Yuma is investigating the case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; FBI; and the U.S. Marshals Service, working in concert with ICE HSI Tijuana, INTERPOL, and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI also received substantial assistance from CBP’s National Targeting Center/Counter Network Division and OFAC.

    Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Zander for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners, who were instrumental in arresting Saucedo-Huipio, and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office and the Mexican Foreign Ministry for making the extradition possible.

    The indictments against Raul Saucedo-Huipio and Hernandez-Salas, and their subsequent arrests and extraditions, were coordinated through Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse, or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, the District of Arizona, the District of New Mexico, and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; OIA; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This investigation is also supported by the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or raise grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Northwest Arkansas Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business Using Pandemic Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FAYETTEVILLE – A Northwest Arkansas man was sentenced on February 20, to 51 months in Federal Prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution of $725,558.00 on one count of operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, Richard Harold Stone, age 77, waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business in the State of Arkansas. Stone was the President or Chief Officer of numerous businesses registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State, including: Partex Oman Corp., Renewable Energy Campus Arkansas, Inc., Stonetek Global Corp., and Tires 2 Energy, LLC. Stone also was associated with Environmental Energy & Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation. The advertised purpose of these businesses was developing technology and facilities to repurpose waste materials, such as tires, into useable fuel sources. None of these businesses were registered with the State of Arkansas as a money transmitting business, as required by Arkansas law (Arkansas Code, Section 23-55-806(b)&(c)).

    Between November 2020 and March 2021, Stone received through various bank accounts associated with the above entities and other accounts under his control, deposits of funds from applications made on behalf of unwitting victims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Impact Disaster Loans (EIDL), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), totaling more than $600,000. After receiving these funds, Stone immediately transferred most of the funds by wire transfer to parties in locations including Berne, Switzerland; London, England; New York, NY; Chennai, India; and Mumbai, India.

    At the conclusion of Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Stone was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Bridges is prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – New bishop consecrated in Rakhine State as fighting continues

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Archdiocese of Yangon

    Pyay (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic faithful of the Rakhine State (or Arakan), in western Myanmar, have welcomed their new Bishop, Peter Tin Wai, a “Good Shepherd” called to lead the Catholic faithful in a situation of civil war, while clashes between the “Arakan Army”, local militias and the regular Burmese army continue in the territory of the State.Despite the widespread violence and displacement, in recent days more than 2,000 Catholic faithful have gathered in the city of Pyay, the diocese that covers the entire territory of Rakhine State, to welcome the new Bishop. The solemn Eucharist and ordination of the new bishop, presided over yesterday by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, was attended by about 20 Burmese bishops, 150 priests, more than 200 nuns and thousands of faithful gathered from surrounding towns and villages. Many others were unable to leave their villages amid the fighting, but prayed in their homes or in the forests where they are sheltered.The diocese of Pyay is mostly inhabited by the Rakhine ethnic group, including about 30,000 Catholics, in a Buddhist-majority area. The episcopal seat is located in the Diocese of Pyay, the former Apostolic Prefecture of Sittwe (created in 1940), which was led by Father Thomas Newman, the first Apostolic Prefect. Later, the territory was entrusted to the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, and in 1961 Bishop Thomas Newman became the first bishop of the diocese, which was initially called Prome and in 1991 became the Diocese of Pyay as it exists today.The faithful gathered – an extraordinary event in times of war – to pray with and for Bishop Peter Tin Wai and to celebrate the Jubilee of Hope despite the tragic context in the conflict region. “We have come to celebrate God’s time, which is always a time of hope,” said Cardinal Charls Maung Bo, who also took the opportunity to thank the previous Bishop Alexandre Pyone Cho, a Pastor who “embodied the spirit of Simon of Cyrene, walking the Via Crucis with the people”.In the war- and poverty-stricken region, life for priests and religious is difficult, but the bishop has always supported them, for which the faithful are grateful. “We live in difficult times when darkness seems to have prevailed,” Cardinal Bo continued. “Evil seems to strangle good. Hatred seems to have overwhelmed love. But we are a people of hope and we are celebrating the JubileeYear of Hope. The Lord is the Lord of life, not of death. As we celebrate the ordination of Bishop Peter Tin Wai as a family, we rejoice in spirit and offer comfort and encouragement to one another. This is a time of healing and reconciliation.”Bishop Peter Tin Wai was born and raised in Rakhine State and is therefore very familiar with the region, the local culture, the challenges and struggles of the local people and the plight of the internally displaced. As a priest, he was involved in pastoral care for the displaced, “and his resilience is a testimony to his evangelical spirit,” stressed those present, describing him as someone “who leads a simple life among the people of Rakhine State, who knows their tears, joys and the pain of displacement and poverty.” The bishop will be able to “spread the Gospel in places marked by wounds and despair” and “bring peace and healing where there is conflict, in our hearts, in our diocese and in the nation.” The area of Rakhine State is also facing the problem of Rohingya refugees, an ethnic minority of Muslim faith who have been increasingly displaced in recent years and are now also victims of the ongoing conflict.Meanwhile, the “Arakan Army” (AA) is approaching the city of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, and, according to observers, is preparing an attack to bring the city under its control. In recent days, civilians have begun to flee Sittwe after initial fighting on the outskirts of the city. In the meantime, the junta has blocked all escape routes. Of the 17 townships in Rakhine State, 14 are already under the control of the Arakan Army and only three are still controlled by the Burmese army: Kyaukphyu, Munaung and Sittwe, where the regional headquarters of the Burmese military junta is located.The scenario unfolding in Rakhine State is found in several states in Myanmar and is an example of the presence of the Catholic community in this country marked by four years of civil war: they ensure pastoral and sacramental life, provide assistance and comfort to displaced people scattered throughout the territory – they have often left their villages and therefore their parishes. And the commitment continues with great dedication and a deep witness of faith even in this difficult and uncertain time.The Holy See also continues to pay special attention to the region with the erection of new dioceses, such as the Diocese of Mindat, with territory taken from the diocese of Hakha, in the Chin State, on the border with India. Recent actions by the Holy See include the appointment of Father Raymond Wai Lin Htun as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Yangon in 2024 and the appointment of Father John Mung-ngawn La Sam (MF), a religious of the Missionaries of the Faith, as Bishop of the Diocese of Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, another area affected by serious displacement. And this includes the appointment of Father Felice Ba Htoo as coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Pekhon, in Shan State, an area affected by violent clashes and where new guerrilla groups have recently emerged, such as the “United Wa State Army” and the “Shan State Army-North”, fueling general violence, in which the Catholic faithful suffer like everyone else, sharing the fate of the local population. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 24/2/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sanctions rarely achieve their goals – here’s why they failed in Russia and Myanmar

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sergey Sosnovskikh, Lecturer in International Business, Manchester Metropolitan University

    Sanctions are, according to research, effective less than 10% of the time if success is defined as the complete compliance of a sanctioned regime with the imposed external pressure. Taking a more lenient view, which includes partial concessions or negotiated settlements, the success rate rises to 35% at most.

    The idea that sanctions can completely restrict trade to sanctioned countries is largely flawed. Iranian residents, for example, can still access many western products despite sanctions through intermediaries in countries like Turkey and the Gulf states.

    To better understand why sanctions fail, consider the cases of Russia and Myanmar. The sanctions imposed on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have undoubtedly caused some economic disruption, including inflation, labour shortages and a devaluation of the Russian rouble. But they have had a limited impact overall.

    In April 2024, the International Monetary Fund predicted that Russia’s economy would grow faster than all of the world’s advanced economies that year, including the US.

    Many countries have not participated in the west’s sanctions regime, which has created enforcement gaps. These gaps have largely enabled Russia to maintain access to sanctioned goods and continue its economic activities.

    In January 2023, a US thinktank called Silverado reported that some former Soviet states had increased their “transshipment” of goods produced by multinational firms that no longer export to Russia directly.

    Transshipment is a process where cargo is unloaded from one vessel and reloaded into another while in transit. Armenia and Uzbekistan, as well as China and Turkey, are the countries commonly used as “transshipment points” to Russia.

    Indeed, research of our own into how sanctioned goods continue to reach Russia reveals that companies often reroute their supply chains through politically allied intermediary nations. These rerouted imports can, however, drive up product prices for ordinary citizens.

    Stacks of containers at a port in St Petersburg, Russia.
    Andrey Mihaylov / Shutterstock

    Russia has also reduced its dependency on imports by increasing production in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. In August 2023, for example, India and Russia signed the biggest ever grain deal between the two countries.

    And the Russian government implemented fiscal and monetary measures, including currency controls and subsidies, to stabilise the economy and support key industries.

    Russia’s large, diverse economy and abundant natural resources make it more resilient to sanctions compared to some smaller and less diversified nations. Much of the world is reliant on Russian gas and, since the imposition of western sanctions, countries like China and India have increased the amount they buy.

    Even the EU is still spending billions of US dollars on Russian gas. In the first 15 days of 2025, after an agreement allowing Russia to pump gas to the EU via pipelines running across Ukraine ended, the EU’s 27 countries imported Russian gas at a record rate.

    Sanctioning Myanmar’s military

    Targeted western sanctions have tried to undermine the financial interests of Myanmar’s military junta, which has been battling armed opposition to its rule since a coup in 2021. But these sanctions have only been partially effective, too.

    China, India, Japan and neighbouring south-east Asian countries continue to engage in business with Myanmar. In Myanmar’s lucrative gas export sector, the vacuum left by departing western companies has been swiftly filled by Asian partners. This has ensured the junta’s income streams remain largely intact.

    Brands that have ostensibly exited the market due to sanctions or activist pressure also remain accessible through the country’s porous border trade. And there have been cases where a significant delay between a company’s declared exit and its actual departure inadvertently allowed operations to continue as usual for some time.

    In 2024, we conducted a study with our colleague Anna Grosman, an expert on innovation and entrepreneurship at Loughborough University, on multinational firms operating in Myanmar. Our findings highlight the dilemma foreign businesses face in sanctioned countries over whether to stay or leave.

    This decision is shaped by formal pressure, such as home and host government restrictions. For instance, a multinational firm’s home government may penalise companies that continue to operate in a sanctioned country, while the host government may impose policies or financial barriers to prevent or delay their exit.

    However, informal pressure from activists, diaspora groups and international advocacy organisations also plays a role. Staying can help businesses avoid financial losses and the complexities of exit, but it also exposes them to reputational damage and ethical dilemmas.

    Western sanctions on Myanmar’s military regime have been ineffective, too.
    R. Bociaga / Shutterstock

    Some of the junta’s financial channels, such as revenue from the jade mining industry, are out of reach for sanctions. In 2021, the US treasury department sanctioned Myanmar’s state-owned gemstone company, Myanmar Gem Enterprise, describing it as “a key economic resource” for the military.

    However, sanctions on Myanmar Gem Enterprise have not been completely effective. Myanmar’s gemstone mining industry is mostly an informal sector, with data on mining income and distribution underreported and opaque. Continued revenue from this sector will almost certainly have further cushioned the impact of western sanctions.

    The sanctions have only partially stopped the flow of income to the junta. But they have contributed to the hardships facing ordinary citizens. Myanmar’s currency has cratered, while imported goods including pharmaceuticals and fuel are in short supply. Power outages are now common and there are soaring levels of unemployment.

    Some western governments have now imposed sanctions on state-owned banks in Myanmar in an attempt to stop revenue from reaching the junta. This move will only worsen the situation facing Myanmar’s people.

    Sanctions drive nations towards building domestic industries to replace imported goods and strengthening alliances with supportive countries. Far from achieving their intended political objectives, sanctions can exacerbate an already volatile geopolitical landscape, while driving up prices for ordinary people.

    But at the same time, governments and businesses have a duty to exit a country when they are no long able to adhere to their own human rights commitments.

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

    – ref. Sanctions rarely achieve their goals – here’s why they failed in Russia and Myanmar – https://theconversation.com/sanctions-rarely-achieve-their-goals-heres-why-they-failed-in-russia-and-myanmar-244975

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump wants to bring back plastic straws, but the world is going in another direction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Randa Lindsey Kachef, Research affiliate, King’s College London

    David Pereiras / shutterstock

    Donald Trump recently surprised the world again by signing an action to end what he describes as the “forced use” of paper straws. Although there is some merit in the argument the White House presents that paper straws simply aren’t fit for purpose, what the paper straw revolution represents is the power of individual change in enacting progressive policy.

    Much like recent EU legislation which required all plastic bottles to have caps attached by a tether, the removal of items that tend to be easily littered is a way to help people be more environmentally cautious without any extra effort. Unfortunately, the paper straw appears to have failed in this endeavour.

    We should not stop this trajectory because of one fail, however. Even if paper straws are not a viable option, we mustn’t let their fate undermine all initiatives to reduce the impacts of single use plastics.

    The story behind the move away from plastic straws began in 2015, when a disturbing video of a turtle having a plastic straw removed from its nose went viral. Unfortunately this appears to be a common occurrence, with a video of a turtle with a plastic fork in its nose posted only a few months later. This shows plastic straws themselves are not the issue and that there is a wider problem that everyone should be aware of: plastic which ends up in the ocean is often mistaken for food and eaten by wildlife.

    Paper problems

    Admittedly, anyone who has used a paper straw will agree that they are not a viable alternative to plastic. The obvious complaint is that they get soggy too quickly. But there are several unseen components that show the switch to paper may not be as great as we once thought.

    Paper, but plastic-coated?
    Sia Footage / shutterstock

    To begin with, in an effort to keep them water-resistant, paper straws themselves are coated in plastic. This means they cannot be recycled. As they are an organic material, they release greenhouse gas when they decompose in landfill – they can however safely be incinerated, something that is not widely recommended for their plastic counterparts.

    As the demand for paper straws skyrocketed, this created a deficit in production, leading to the development of new manufacturing facilities, construction that in itself has a significant environmental impact. Meanwhile, the heavier weight of paper straws can lead to an increase in freighting fuel consumption and associated emissions.

    Flimsy plastics are more likely to be littered

    Anything, however, is better than plastic. A somewhat misleading statistic that plastic straws account for a mere 0.025% of ocean plastics has been circulating in the argument to bring them back. Although this is true by volume, it is not a correct representation of the sheer number of individual straws recorded in the environment which is suspected to be as many as 8.3 billion, about one per person on earth.

    The fact straws are so small and lightweight is a big part of the problem, since smaller and more easily fragmented items are far harder to collect. As litter, they punch above their weight.

    A child’s plastic beach toy may weigh as much as a few hundred plastic straws, but if littered the straws would do more harm to the environment and wildlife, and would look worse. As straws are made of polypropylene, a flimsier more brittle type of plastic, it doesn’t take much effort for them to break apart into bite sized pieces. Because of this, straws turn into microplastics much quicker than the toy, which has a higher chance of eventually being picked up.

    To this day, straws continue to to be on the top ten types of plastics found on beaches, and we have yet to see any videos of larger pollutants like those beach toys being pulled from the nose of any animal.

    Although we could argue indefinitely as to which straw materials are worse (reuseable metal or glass straws require water and a cleaning agent, another potential contaminant) the overarching sentiment is the most alarming component of Trump’s announcement.

    Paper straw pressue came from below

    The move towards paper straws was a refreshing direction in environmental preservation, in that it was initiated locally and by producers, not through legislation. In the summer of 2018 Seattle became the first US city to enforce a ban on plastic utensils, straws and cocktail sticks. Soon thereafter, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Alaska Airlines and many others announced they would stop the sale of plastic straws.

    Later that year, the UK government and European Union began consultations for national bans which came into effect in 2020 and 2021 respectively. In 2019 Canada followed suit with a ban coming into law in 2022.

    It was not until July of 2024 that the then US president, Joe Biden announced his plan to phase out single-use plastics (although the fact sheet and official press release has now been removed from the White House website). This was several years after the global movement got underway – accompanied by the first complaints from Trump on the topic in 2019.

    It is important to note that both the EU and UK bans on plastic straws included stirrers and cotton bud sticks. However their removal from the market caused little to no controversy, mostly because there are adequate alternatives.

    Litter producers can drive change

    What the movement towards paper straws represents is the power of producers to drive change, in a bottom-up approach. A similarly encouraging scenario can be seen in attitudes towards polystyrene.

    Back in 2019 Dunkin’ Donuts announced it would stop using foam cups in certain US markets, and delivered a full removal of the cups in the US by early 2020, while in January 2025 California introduced a state wide polystyrene ban. Meanwhile, negotiations on a global plastics agreement remain indecisive.

    In the wake of a pattern of stalemate and regressive policy, it is on the consumers and producers to take action. We must continue to support producers who invest in innovation to address these issues in a way that makes our lives easier and cleaner.

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

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

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

    – ref. Donald Trump wants to bring back plastic straws, but the world is going in another direction – https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-wants-to-bring-back-plastic-straws-but-the-world-is-going-in-another-direction-250449

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 351, STEWARD Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 351 would authorize appropriations totaling $34 million annually over the 2025-2029 period for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to award grants, collect data, and prepare reports for recycling and composting programs in the United States.

    CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted in 2025 and that the authorized amounts will be provided in each year. On that basis and using the spending patterns for similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $148 million over the 2025-2030 period and $22 million after 2030.

    Section 2 would authorize the appropriation of $30 million annually over the 2025-2029 period to EPA for grants to expand access to curbside recycling and construct transfer stations that aggregate recyclable materials for offsite processing. EPA would need to allocate 70 percent of the authorized amounts for grants to communities without access to recycling services or that have insufficient recycling capacity. Grant recipients, including states, local governments, Indian tribes, and public-private partnerships, would have to contribute at least 5 percent of a project’s total cost. The bill would require the agency to report on the program two years after the first grant is awarded and would authorize EPA to use up to 5 percent of the authorized funds for administrative purposes. CBO estimates that implementing that section would cost $128 million over the 2025-2030 period.

    Section 3 would authorize the appropriation of $4 million annually over the 2025-2029 period for EPA to collect data and prepare reports that include an inventory of facilities to recover materials in each state and a cost-benefit analysis of recycling and composting. The bill would require EPA to collect standardized recycling data twice a year from states, local communities, and Indian tribes and develop a national recycling rate. CBO estimates that implementing that section would cost $20 million over the 2025-2030 period.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 351
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Grants for Recycling Facilities

    		              

    Authorization

    30

    30

    30

    30

    30

    0

    150

    Estimated Outlays

    3

    15

    24

    29

    30

    27

    128

    Data Collection and Reporting

    		              

    Authorization

    4

    4

    4

    4

    4

    0

    20

    Estimated Outlays

    3

    4

    4

    4

    4

    1

    20

    Total Changes

    		              

    Authorization

    34

    34

    34

    34

    34

    0

    170

    Estimated Outlays

    6

    19

    28

    33

    34

    28

    148

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aurora Swanson. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Child Predator Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison after Transporting 14-Year-Old Michigan Girl Across State Lines for Sex and Impregnating Her

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— Larry Goldsmith., 26, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release after pleading guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity.

    According to court documents, in 2020, Goldsmith began messaging a 14-year-old girl living in Michigan through the social media applications Spot-a-Friend and Snapchat. Goldsmith knew of the child’s age at the time yet engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her. 

    At the end of August 2020, the child got into a verbal argument with her mother and expressed to Goldsmith that she wanted to run away from home. Goldsmith drove over four hours to Michigan and picked her up at a business near her home. Goldsmith was 21 years old at the time.

    On the way back to Indiana, Goldsmith engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the child at a rest stop in Michigan and then transported her across state lines to a home he rented in Indianapolis.  During their time living together, Goldsmith had sex with the child numerous times and impregnated her.

    After committing these offenses, Goldsmith continued his sexual abuse of minors by committing essentially the same conduct with another child in Georgia – where he drugged and raped a 13-year-old. In 2022, Goldsmith pleaded guilty to those crimes in Georgia and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, which he is currently serving.

    “Goldsmith is no longer a danger to children and families in our community,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “He is a manipulative, child predator who used the tools of social media to abuse a vulnerable child over and over again. I commend the outstanding work of local law enforcement agencies in Indiana and Georgia, along with the FBI, to bring the victim home safely.”

    “The FBI is unwavering in our mission to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children. This case highlights the disturbing reality of sexual exploitation, and the sentence ensures this predator will remain behind bars and unable to continue to perpetrate such atrocities,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to work together to ensure no child is victimized in this way.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message—those who harm children will be held accountable,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. “The dedication and diligence of our IMPD officers, along with law enforcement agencies across the country, played a critical role in getting this predator behind bars.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Under federal law, Goldsmith must register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school for life.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum, who prosecuted this case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: OMERS Earns $10.6 billion in Investment Income in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for Ontario’s broader municipal sector employees, achieved a 2024 investment return of 8.3%, or $10.6 billion, net of expenses, exceeding its 7.5% benchmark for the year. Net assets at December 31, 2024, grew to $138.2 billion from $128.6 billion in 2023. The Plan reported a smoothed funded status of 98%, up from 97% in 2023. Over the past 10 years, OMERS has averaged an annual investment return of 7.1%, net of expenses, adding $70.5 billion to the Plan.

    “Our strong result in 2024 reflects the quality of our people and portfolio, our active strategic decisions, and our steady progress as a long-term investor. Since becoming CEO of OMERS, I have been incredibly proud of the work of our leaders and their teams, as well as the forward-thinking strategies we have implemented over the last four years as we emerged from the pandemic. This combination has generated an average annual net return of 8.1% during that period,” said Blake Hutcheson, OMERS President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we look to the future, we are steadfast in our view that quality will see us through an unpredictable global landscape and the cycles ahead. Our talented team is focused on delivering our pension promise and is honoured to work in service of our almost 640,000 members.”

    “Our actions to diversify the global portfolio positioned the Plan well in 2024,” said Jonathan Simmons, OMERS Chief Financial and Strategy Officer. “OMERS public equity investments delivered double-digit performance supported by strong contributions from private credit and infrastructure. Our net investment results benefitted from our active strategy to maintain currency exposure to the US dollar. Our real estate assets continue to generate strong operating income, but returns were held back due to lower valuations. Our asset mix continued to shift toward a higher exposure to fixed income, where return opportunities remain attractive. We expanded our overall use of leverage as we continued to use debt prudently to enhance our investment returns.”

    This year, we are reporting that OMERS achieved a 58% reduction in its portfolio carbon emissions intensity, relative to 2019, and we reported an increase in green investments to $23 billion. For more information on how we define green investments, please refer to the OMERS Climate Taxonomy.

    OMERS is highly rated across independent credit rating agencies, including ‘AAA’ ratings from S&P, Fitch, and DBRS.

    OMERS will publish its 2024 Annual Report on February 28, 2025.

    Media Contact:

    Don Peat
    dpeat@omers.com
    416.417.7385

    About OMERS

    OMERS is a jointly sponsored, defined benefit pension plan, with 1,000 participating employers ranging from large cities to local agencies, and almost 640,000 active, deferred and retired members. Our members include union and non-union employees of municipalities, school boards, local boards, transit systems, electrical utilities, emergency services and children’s aid societies across Ontario. OMERS teams work in Toronto, London, New York, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe – serving members and employers, and originating and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in government bonds, public and private credit, public and private equities, infrastructure and real estate.

    Net Investment Returns for the years ended December 31

      2024   2023
    Government Bonds 1.0%   5.8%
    Public Credit 6.0%   6.2%
    Private Credit 12.6%   10.0%
    Public Equities 18.8%   10.4%
    Private Equities 9.5%   3.9%
    Infrastructure 8.8%   5.5%
    Real Estate -4.9%   -7.2%
    Total Net Return 8.3%   4.6%


    2024 Asset Mix

    2024 Highlights

    By the numbers

    • 2024 investment return of 8.3%, or $10.6 billion, net of expenses
    • $138.2 billion in net assets
    • 10-year average annual net return of 7.1%
    • 639,546 OMERS members
    • 98% smoothed funded ratio
    • 3.70% real discount rate, 5 basis points lower than 2023
    • $6.5 billion total pension benefits paid
    • We are reporting a 58% reduction in the portfolio carbon emissions intensity, relative to 2019
    • $23 billion in green investments
    • 96% OMERS member service satisfaction
    • 93% of employees are proud to work for OMERS and Oxford (+5 points above best-in-class)

    Transactions in 2024

    OMERS remains focused on deploying capital in line with our target asset mix. We are a disciplined investor in high-quality assets that meet the Plan’s risk and return requirements. Please find below highlights of investments made in 2024.

    • Acquired Italy’s Grandi Stazioni Retail which manages the entirety of commercial and advertising spaces in 14 of Italy’s major railway stations and hubs for the high-speed rail network, which collectively receive over 800 million visits a year. The stations include over 800 commercial units, totaling around 190,000 Sqm of leasable space, and over 1,800 media assets.
    • Increased our stake by 13.5% in Indian roads business Interise Trust, one of the largest Indian Infrastructure Investment Trusts in the roads sector.
    • Supported XpFibre to successfully raise €5.8 billion of credit facilities, marking one of the largest multi-sourced transactions in the European digital infrastructure market to date. XpFibre is the largest independent Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) operators in France delivering high speed internet to approximately 25% of the French territory in terms of homes passed.
    • Announced an agreement to acquire Integris, a leading provider of IT services in the United States.
    • Issued $3.2 billion in bonds by OMERS Finance Trust, including our inaugural AUD offering – an AUD 750 million, 5-year note.
    • Announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Maritime Transport at West Midlands Interchange in the UK.
    • Participated in the US$15M Series A investment into Brightwave, an Al-powered research platform that delivers insightful and trustworthy financial analysis on demand. It was named as one of TIME magazine’s top inventions of 2024.
    • Participated in two follow-on investments. The first was in Medal, an online platform that lets gamers clip and share video of their gameplay and Altana, a company that applies artificial intelligence to create a dynamic, intelligent map of the global supply chain.
    • Closed our acquisition of Kenter, an energy infrastructure solutions business providing medium-voltage infrastructure and meters to over 25,000 commercial and industrial business customers in the Netherlands and Belgium.

    We rotate capital out of assets with the same level of discipline with which we invest. This activity generates capital, which we deploy into future investment opportunities that align to our strategy. In 2024, we announced or completed the following realizations:

    • Announced the sale of a stake in East-West Tie Limited Partnership which owns the East-West Tie Line, a 450-kilometre, 230 kV double-circuit transmission line spanning from Wawa to Thunder Bay, along the north shore of Lake Superior.
    • Completed the sale of LifeLabs, a trusted provider of community laboratory tests for millions of Canadians that had been owned by OMERS since 2007.
    • Completed a €182.5 million green refinancing on a comprehensively renovated Paris office asset.
    • Completed the sale of its £518 million UK retail park portfolio.
    • Completed the sale of CEDA, which had been majority-owned by OMERS since 2005.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d74c32c-3c0d-4915-af73-70788746bb63

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/136a43d0-d624-48ac-bd8c-133cd153643c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CTF153 and USS Stout ‘Ready Together’ for Red Sea Maritime Security

    Source: United States Navy

    The destroyer and its crew provided direct support to the Australian-led multinational task force during January and February, keeping watch for illicit activities including piracy, smuggling and narcotics trafficking.

    While on patrol, crew members practiced skills needed to safely visit, board and search vessels, and to legally seize illicit materials being smuggled through the vital waterway.

    The training came as CTF153 refocused on its core maritime security mission after responsibility for Operation Prosperity Guardian—the international response to attacks on merchant shipping by Houthi terrorists—was transferred from CMF to U.S. Navy Destroyer Squadron 50 (DESRON 50).

    Commander CTF 153, Royal Australian Navy Capt. Jorge McKee praised the Stout commanding officer and crew for the teamwork with his staff ashore.

    “While our task force team ashore closely monitor the Red Sea for any activity requiring closer investigation by ships at sea, the crew of Stout are keeping their skills sharp and ready,” Captain McKee said. “It is an honor to work with USS Stout, as it is named in honor of U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Herald F. Stout, who served alongside Australians in the Second World War.”

    Established in 2022, CTF 153 is one of five task forces under CMF. Its mission is to deter and impede illicit non-state actors in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden.

    CTF153’s area of responsibility includes some of the world’s most important shipping lanes, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean and the greater Middle East region.

    Combined Maritime Forces, a 46-nation naval partnership headquartered in Bahrain, is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership. It is committed to upholding the rules-based international order at sea, promoting security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, including crucial shipping lanes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations

    Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries.

    The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2024 to underline the importance of resuming trade negotiations at an early date. 

    Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries. This announcement has been made by Minister for Commerce and Industry of India Shri Piyush Goyal and Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds in Delhi. This announcement is an outcome of the above stated discussions held at the level of Prime Ministers of the two countries. 

    India and the United Kingdom have a close partnership, built through collaboration on security and defence, new and emerging technologies, climate, health, education, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. At the centre of this relationship is the collective aspiration to deliver economic growth and sustainable development.

    Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and a forward-looking deal that delivers mutual growth and builds on the strengths of the two complementary economies. The strengthening of the trading relationship between our two countries has the potential to unlock opportunities for business and consumers across both our nations and build further on our already deep ties.

    The two leaders directed the negotiators to work together to resolve the outstanding issues in the agreement to ensure a fair and equitable trade deal for shared success.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The quest to extend human life is both fascinating and fraught with moral peril

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Richard Gunderman, Chancellor’s Professor of Medicine, Liberal Arts, and Philanthropy, Indiana University

    Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has made it his life’s mission to delay aging and death. Netflix

    “Who wants to live forever?” Freddie Mercury mournfully asks in Queen’s 1986 song of the same name.

    The answer: Quite a few people – so much so that life extension has long been a cottage industry.

    As a physician and scholar in the medical humanities, I’ve found the quest to expand the human lifespan both fascinating and fraught with moral peril.

    During the 1970s and 80s, for example, The Merv Griffin Show featured one guest 32 times – life extension expert Durk Pearson, who generated more fan mail than any guest except Elizabeth Taylor. In 1982, he and his partner, Sandy Shaw, published the book “Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach,” which became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller and sold over 2 million copies. One specific recommendation involved taking choline and vitamin B5 in order to reduce cognitive decline, combat high blood pressure and reduce the buildup of toxic metabolic byproducts.

    Last year, Pearson died at 82, and Shaw died in 2022 at 79.

    The 1982 book by Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw, ‘Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach,’ has sold millions of copies.
    Amazon

    No one can say for sure whether these life extension experts died sooner or later than they would have had they eschewed many of these supplements and instead simply exercised and ate a balanced diet. But I can say that they did not live much longer than many similarly well-off people in their cohort.

    Still, their dream of staying forever young is alive and well.

    Consider tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson’s “Project Blueprint,” a life-extension effort that inspired the 2025 Netflix documentary “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.” His program has included building a home laboratory, taking more than 100 pills each day and undergoing blood plasma transfusions, at least one of which came from his son.

    And Johnson is not alone. Among the big names investing big bucks to prolong their lives are Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google founders Sergei Brin and Larry Page, and Oracle’s Larry Ellison. One approach involves taking senolytics – drugs that target cells that may drive the aging process, though more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy. Another is human growth hormone, which has long been touted as an anti-aging mechanism in ad campaigns that feature remarkably fit older people. (“How does this 69-year-old doctor have the body of a 30-year-old?” reads one web ad).

    These billionaires may reason that, because of their wealth, they have more to live for than ordinary folks. They may also share more prosaic motivations, such as a fear of growing old and dying.

    But underlying such desires is an equally important ethical – and, for some, spiritual – reality.

    Quality versus quantity

    Is it a good thing, morally speaking, to wish to live forever? Might there be aspects of aging and even death that are both good for the world and good for individuals?

    Cicero’s “On Aging” offers some insights. In fact, the ancient Roman statesman and philosopher noted that writing about it helped him to find peace with the vexations of growing old.

    In the text, Cicero outlines and responds to four common complaints about aging: It takes us away from managing our affairs, impairs bodily vigor, deprives us of sensual gratifications and brings us to the verge of death.

    To the charge that aging takes us away from managing our affairs, Cicero asks us to imagine a ship. Only the young climb the masts, run to and fro on the gangways, and bail the hold. But it is among the older and more experienced members of the crew that we find the captain who commands the ship. Rome’s supreme council was called the Senate, from the Latin for “elder,” and it is to those rich in years that we look most often for wisdom.

    Cicero was keen to distinguish between quantity and quality of life.
    Crisfotolux/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    As to whether aging impairs bodily vigor, Cicero claimed that strength and speed are less related to age than discipline. Many older people who take care of themselves are in better shape than the young, and he gives examples of people who maintained their vigor well into their later years. He argued that those who remain physically fit do a great deal to sustain their mental powers, a notion supported by modern science.

    Cicero reminds readers that these same pleasures of eating and drinking often lead people astray. Instead, people, as they age, can better appreciate the pleasures of mind and character. A great dinner becomes characterized less by what’s on the plate or the attractiveness of a dining partner than the quality of conversation and fellowship.

    While death remains an inevitable consequence of aging, Cicero distinguishes between quality and quantity of life. He writes that it is better to live well than to live long, and for those who are living well, death appears as natural as birth. Those who want to live forever have forgotten their place in the cosmos, which does not revolve around any single person or even species.

    Those of a more spiritual bent might find themselves drawn to the Scottish poet George MacDonald, who wrote: “Age is not all decay; it is the ripening, the swelling of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk.”

    Embracing the circle of life

    What if the dreams of the life extension gurus were realized? Would the world be a better place?

    Would the extra good that a longer-lived Einstein could have accomplished be balanced or even exceeded by the harm of a Stalin who remained healthy and vigorous for decades beyond his death?

    At some point, preserving indefinitely the lives of those now living would mean less room for those who do not yet exist.

    Pearson and Shaw appeared on many other television programs in the 1970s and 1980s. During one such segment on “The Mike Douglas Show,” Pearson declared: “By the time you are 60, your immune function is perhaps one-fifth what it was when you were younger. Yet you can achieve a remarkable restoration simply by taking nutrients that you can get at a pharmacy or health food store.”

    For Pearson, life extension was a biomedical challenge, an effort more centered on engineering the self rather than the world.

    Despite making a living as life extension gurus, Durk Pearson, right, and Sandy Shaw didn’t live much longer than most Americans.

    Yet I would argue that the real challenge in human life is not to live longer, but to help others; adding extra years should be seen not as the goal but a byproduct of the pursuit of goodness.

    In the words of Susan B. Anthony: “The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball – the further I am rolled, the more I gain.”

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

    – ref. The quest to extend human life is both fascinating and fraught with moral peril – https://theconversation.com/the-quest-to-extend-human-life-is-both-fascinating-and-fraught-with-moral-peril-249430

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Elon Musk’s deep ties to – and admiration for – China could complicate Trump’s Beijing policy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Linggong Kong, Ph.D. Student, Auburn University

    Elon Musk holds an outsized influence in the new Trump administration.

    As head of his Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, the world’s wealthiest man has enjoyed nearly unfettered political power in slashing and refashioning the federal government as he sees fit. And it has quickly become clear that he has the president’s ear on issues beyond that brief.

    But on one topic, Musk stands somewhat apart from others in the coterie of aides and advisers around Trump: China. In contrast to the many hawks in the new Trump cabinet who call for a hard-line approach on China, Musk is a striking outlier.

    As an expert on China-U.S. relations who has monitored Musk’s views on China, I don’t find his long history of espousing pro-Chinese sentiment surprising, given that he has sought throughout to get a business hold in the country.

    But those entanglements are worth scrutiny, given Musk’s role in the Trump administration at a time when one of America’s biggest foreign policy challenges is how to manage its relationship with Beijing.

    Musk’s journey to the East

    For years, Musk has had significant business interests in China, with Tesla’s Shanghai factory, Tesla Giga Shanghai, playing a crucial role in the company’s global operations.

    Since its opening in 2019, the Shanghai plant has surpassed Tesla’s Fremont, California, facility in both size and productivity, now accounting for more than half of the company’s global deliveries and a majority of its profits. Moreover, nearly 40% of Tesla’s battery supply chain relies on Chinese companies, and these partnerships continue to expand.

    Elon Musk walks with Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong during the groundbreaking ceremony for a Tesla factory in Shanghai on Jan. 7, 2019.
    STR/AFP via Getty Images

    Notably, Tesla was the first foreign automaker permitted to establish operations in China without a local partner, following a change in ownership regulations. The Shanghai factory was constructed with the support of US$1.4 billion in loans from Chinese state-owned banks, granted at favorable interest rates.

    Between 2019 and 2023, the Shanghai government also provided Tesla with a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% – 10 percentage points lower than the standard rate.

    The cost advantages of manufacturing in Shanghai, which include lower production and labor expenses, have further cemented Tesla’s reliance on the Chinese market.

    Given that Musk’s wealth is largely tied to Tesla stock, his financial standing is increasingly dependent on the company’s fortunes in China, making any potential disengagement from the country both economically and strategically challenging.

    Tesla’s continued investment in China underscores this dependency. On Feb. 11, 2025, the company opened its second factory in Shanghai — a $200 million plant that is set to produce 10,000 megapack batteries annually. It’s the company’s first megapack battery factory outside the U.S..

    This investment deepens Tesla’s presence in China amid a new wave of U.S.-China trade tensions. On Feb. 1, the Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing’s retaliation with tariffs on American coal, liquefied natural gas, agricultural equipment and crude oil.

    A Chinese fan

    It remains unclear to what extent Musk’s financial interests in China will translate to real influence over the Trump administration’s policy toward Beijing. But Musk’s long history of pro-China remarks suggests the direction he wants the administration to move.

    During his visit to Beijing in April 2024, Musk praised the country, noting also: “I also have a lot of fans in China – well, the feeling is mutual.”

    His admiration appears to hinge in part on how he views business and labor practices in China. In that vein, Musk has criticized American workers as lazy and has faced U.S. labor law disputes, while simultaneously praising Chinese workers for “burning the 3 a.m. oil” under an intensely repressive labor system.

    In numerous posts on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, which he owns, Musk has also praised China’s infrastructure and high-speed rail system, lauded its space program, applauded its leadership in global green energy initiatives and urged his followers to visit the country.

    Musk has also opposed U.S. efforts to decouple from China, describing the countries’ economies as “conjoined twins,” despite a sizable part of the foreign policy establishment in the West viewing decreased dependency on China as necessary for security interests amid rising geopolitical tensions.

    On the issue of Taiwan, the most dangerous flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, Musk has compared Taiwan to Hawaii, arguing that it is an integral part of China and noting that the U.S. Pacific Fleet has prevented mainland China from achieving reunification by force.

    Musk further suggested that the Taiwan dispute could be resolved by allowing China to establish Taiwan as a special administrative zone, similar to Hong Kong.

    His remarks were shared and welcomed by China’s then-ambassador to the U.S., who, in a post on X, emphasized China’s so-called peaceful unification strategy and advocated for the “one country, two systems” model.

    Trump’s back-channel envoy?

    The big question going forward is how Musk’s financial stakes in, and stated admiration for, China will translate into attempts to influence the U.S. administration’s China policy, particularly given Musk’s unconventional advisory role and the strong faction of anti-China hawks in Trumpworld.

    Given Musk’s approach to China, it’s hard to see him not trying to use his influence with the president to push for somewhat warmer relations with Beijing.

    If such counsel were heeded, it’s easy to envision Musk leveraging his deep ties to China, particularly his close personal relationship with China’s current second-ranking official, Premier Li Qiang, who was the Shanghai party chief when Tesla’s factory was built. In the scenario, Donald Trump could tap Musk as a back channel for diplomacy to ease U.S.-China tensions and facilitate bilateral cooperation when needed.

    To this point, it was, perhaps, telling that it was Musk who met with China President Xi Jinping’s envoy to Trump’s inauguration, Vice President Han Zheng, on the eve of the event.

    But it’s far from certain that Trump wants that diplomatic role for Musk, or that other voices won’t win out with regard to Beijing. In his first term, Trump launched an unprecedented trade war and tech blockade against China, fundamentally reshaping U.S.-China relations and pushing the U.S. toward something of a bipartisan consensus to counter Beijing that has existed for several years.

    Trump’s tariff moves and second-term picks for top trade and commerce roles, like Peter Navarro and Jamieson Greer — who played key roles in the trade war against China during the president’s first term — suggest that Trump’s commitment to further decoupling from China remains strong.

    Furthermore, Musk’s business interests and personal wealth tied to China could leave him vulnerable to Chinese influence. By leaning on Musk’s close ties with Trump, China could use his dependence on the Chinese market as a bargaining chip to pressure Trump into making concessions on issues of major strategic importance to Beijing.

    China has a history of coercing foreign companies reliant on its market into making compromises on matters concerning its national interests. For instance, Apple removed virtual private network apps from its app store in China at the government’s request. Similarly, Tesla could face comparable pressure in the future if Beijing wants to use Musk as a cudgel to influence policy in the Trump administration. Notably, as the head of DOGE, with access to sensitive data from multiple agencies, Musk could find himself caught between U.S. security scrutiny and China’s strategic targeting.

    So long as Musk retains the influence with Trump that he holds now, it’s conceivable that his pro-China sentiments will translate into attempts to influence government policy. Yet even if this is to be the case, whether those efforts succeed will depend on the president and his other advisers, many of whom are seeking an aggressive front against Beijing and are likely to view Musk as an impediment rather than ally in that fight to come.

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

    – ref. How Elon Musk’s deep ties to – and admiration for – China could complicate Trump’s Beijing policy – https://theconversation.com/how-elon-musks-deep-ties-to-and-admiration-for-china-could-complicate-trumps-beijing-policy-249988

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solar, battery storage to lead new U.S. generating capacity additions in 2025

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 24, 2025

    We expect 63 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity to be added to the U.S. power grid in 2025 in our latest Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory report. This amount represents an almost 30% increase from 2024 when 48.6 GW of capacity was installed, the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002. Together, solar and battery storage account for 81% of the expected total capacity additions, with solar making up over 50% of the increase.

    Solar. In 2024, generators added a record 30 GW of utility-scale solar to the U.S. grid, accounting for 61% of capacity additions last year. We expect this trend will continue in 2025, with 32.5 GW of new utility-scale solar capacity to be added. Texas (11.6 GW) and California (2.9 GW) will account for almost half of the new utility-scale solar capacity addition in 2025. We expect five other states (Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, Florida, and New York) each to account for more than 1 GW of added solar capacity in 2025 and collectively account for 7.8 GW of planned solar capacity additions.

    Battery storage. In 2025, capacity growth from battery storage could set a record as we expect 18.2 GW of utility-scale battery storage to be added to the grid. U.S. battery storage already achieved record growth in 2024 when power providers added 10.3 GW of new battery storage capacity. This growth highlights the importance of battery storage when used with renewable energy, helping to balance supply and demand and improve grid stability. Energy storage systems are not primary electricity sources, meaning the technology does not create electricity from a fuel or natural resource. Instead, they store electricity that has already been created from an electricity generator or the electric power grid, which makes energy storage systems secondary sources of electricity.

    Wind. In 2025, we expect 7.7 GW of wind capacity to be added to the U.S. grid. Last year, only 5.1 GW was added, the smallest wind capacity addition since 2014. Texas, Wyoming, and Massachusetts will account for almost half of 2025 wind capacity additions. Two large offshore wind plants are expected to come online this year: the 800-megawatt (MW) Vineyard Wind 1 in Massachusetts and the 715-MW Revolution Wind in Rhode Island.

    Natural gas. Developers plan to build 4.4 GW of new natural gas-fired capacity in the United States during 2025: 50% from simple-cycle combustion turbines and 36% from combined-cycle power blocks. Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Tennessee account for more than 70% of these planned natural gas additions. The two largest natural gas plants expected to come online in 2025 are the 840-MW Intermountain Power Project in Utah and the 678.7-MW Magnolia Power in Louisiana. The natural gas capacity additions at the Intermountain Power Project will replace 1,800 MW of coal-fired capacity at the plant, which is scheduled to be retired in July.

    Principal contributor: Office of Energy Statistics staff

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

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

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

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

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2246

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

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

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

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

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

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

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2247

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Three years on from President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.

    • 107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion. 

    • Milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin. 

    • Strengthening Ukraine’s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up Russia’s kleptocratic system.   

    As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent.  The UK is working with our Allies to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.  

    The sanctions will also target Russia’s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.   

    Targets include:  

    • Producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military.  

    • North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia. Putin is using DPRK forces as cannon fodder; DPRK has suffered over 4,000 casualties.  

    • 13 Russian targets, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war.  

    For the first time, we are also using new powers to target foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine.  We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    Today’s action, the largest in almost three years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.    

    Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.      

    As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security.

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Sanctions against Russia’s military machine and the revenues fuelling it will improve the chances of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will benefit security and prosperity in the UK.  

    The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.  

    Finally, we are sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy.  Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.  

    After three years of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to defend their country and way of life with ingenuity and courage. They have shown that with the right support they can defend themselves against Russian aggression. Today’s action will strengthen Ukraine’s hand at a critical time in their fight for our shared security.

    Background

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Dist. Vadodara, Gujarat

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 19, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) on Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Dist. Vadodara, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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

    The bank had failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline.

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2239

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years

    February 24, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years

    Teams and facilities to expand in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington

    Plans include a new factory in Texas, doubling the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, a manufacturing academy, and accelerated investments in AI and silicon engineering

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced its largest-ever spend commitment, with plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. This new pledge builds on Apple’s long history of investing in American innovation and advanced high-skilled manufacturing, and will support a wide range of initiatives that focus on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and skills development for students and workers across the country.

    “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”

    As part of this package of U.S. investments, Apple and partners will open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston to produce servers that support Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that helps users write, express themselves, and get things done. Apple will also double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, create an academy in Michigan to train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers, and grow its research and development investments in the U.S. to support cutting-edge fields like silicon engineering.

    The $500 billion commitment includes Apple’s work with thousands of suppliers across all 50 states, direct employment, Apple Intelligence infrastructure and data centers, corporate facilities, and Apple TV+ productions in 20 states. Apple remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone.

    Today, Apple supports more than 2.9 million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturers, and developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy.

    Opening a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston

    As part of its new U.S. investments, Apple will work with manufacturing partners to begin production of servers in Houston later this year. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility, slated to open in 2026, will create thousands of jobs.

    Previously manufactured outside the U.S., the servers that will soon be assembled in Houston play a key role in powering Apple Intelligence, and are the foundation of Private Cloud Compute, which combines powerful AI processing with the most advanced security architecture ever deployed at scale for AI cloud computing. The servers bring together years of R&D by Apple engineers, and deliver the industry-leading security and performance of Apple silicon to the data center.

    Teams at Apple designed the servers to be incredibly energy efficient, reducing the energy demands of Apple data centers — which already run on 100 percent renewable energy. As Apple brings Apple Intelligence to customers across the U.S., it also plans to continue expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.

    Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund

    As part of this new investment, Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which was created in 2017 to support world-class innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs across America. The growing commitment will increase the fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, focused on promoting advanced manufacturing and skills development throughout the country.

    The fund’s expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon in TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona. Apple is the largest customer at this state-of-the-art facility, which employs more than 2,000 workers to manufacture the chips in the United States. Mass production of Apple chips began last month.

    Silicon used by Apple is designed to bring Apple users incredible features, performance, and power efficiency across their devices. Apple’s suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. The company’s investments in the sector help create thousands of high-paying jobs across the country at U.S. companies like Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo.

    To date, Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund has supported projects in 13 states — including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana — that have helped build local businesses, train workers, and create a wide range of innovative manufacturing processes and materials for Apple products.

    Growing R&D Investments Across the U.S.

    Apple continues to expand its R&D across the U.S. In the past five years, Apple has nearly doubled its U.S.-based advanced R&D spend, and it will continue to accelerate its growth.

    Recently, Apple announced the newest addition to its iPhone lineup, iPhone 16e. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1 — the first cellular modem designed by Apple, and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone. Apple C1 adds a new chapter to the story of Apple silicon and is the result of years of R&D investment, bringing together the work of thousands of engineers. Apple C1 is the start of a long-term strategy that will allow Apple to innovate and optimize the modem system for additional Apple products.

    In the next four years, Apple plans to hire around 20,000 people, of which the vast majority will be focused on R&D, silicon engineering, software development, and AI and machine learning. The expanded commitment includes significant investment in Apple’s R&D hubs across the country. This includes growing teams across the U.S. focused on areas including custom silicon, hardware engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

    Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit

    To help companies transition to advanced manufacturing, Apple will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques. The academy will also offer free in-person and online courses, with a skills development curriculum that teaches workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization. The courses will help drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in companies’ supply chains.

    Apple has long been committed to investing in education and skills development for American workers and students. That includes ongoing and expanding grant programs for organizations like 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and FIRST, which work closely with Apple in communities across the country to create free programming that helps young people learn vital skills like coding.

    Apple’s support for the next generation of innovators also includes efforts like the company’s New Silicon Initiative, which prepares students for careers in hardware engineering and silicon chip design. Last year, this program expanded to students at Georgia Tech, and it now reaches students at eight schools across the country. Apple is continuing to expand the initiative, including a new collaboration with UCLA’s Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD) beginning this year.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    Press Contacts

    Nick Leahy

    Apple

    nleahy@apple.com

    Anna Mitchell

    Apple

    anna_m@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester gets ready to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 

    Source: City of Manchester

    International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March.

    Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together in advancing women’s rights in Manchester and around the world.  

    The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Accelerate Action’, which calls on supporters of gender equality to act against systemic barriers women from all backgrounds face in their personal and professional environments.   

    In recent years, Manchester City Council has marked IWD with a dedicated ‘Walk for Women’ event. This year, however, the Council has joined forces with a diverse range of women-led community organisations to co-design a different approach.  

    Funding was made available for community organisations to host IWD events across the city through the annual IWD grants programme. A celebratory community-led programme of workshops, performances and discussions has also been planned for the day itself at Manchester Central Library based around the acronym HER: Heal Encourage, Revive. 

    The events for IWD 2025 are:  

    Heal – Performance Space  

    ·  Flourish Together; Mindfulness Activity for relaxation and meditation, 11am-1pm  

    ·  Equal Education Chances; letter writing and positive affirmations session, 11:20am-12:15pm  

    Encouraged – Performance Space 2 and 3  

    ·    Community Thriving Together; sharing personal stories and overcoming challenges, 11am-11:50am  

    ·   Trailblazers;  Creating bookmarks and stitching  

    ·   Young Identity with Shirley May; poetry performance by Young Identity members, 11:55am-12:15pm  

    ·   Flourish Together; a 30-minute fireside chat chaired by Nickala Torkington about women changemakers, 12:20pm-12:50pm.  

    Revived – Performance Space 2 and 3  

    ·     Bollyfit; an exercise class inspired by multicultural dance, 1pm-1:30pm  

    ·     Councillor Ermina Bell will give a closing speech about the event, 1:35pm-1:45pm  

    ·      DJ set to inspire and uplift 

    Glass Room/Sensory Space  

    ·     Flourish Together; Bookable pop-up spa for treatments for 20 mins including Indian Head Massage in a clothed and seated setting, 11am-2pm  

    The events on the day will be accompanied by partner stalls of specialist community organisations including Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), Manchester Rape Crisis, Fikawele African and Caribbean Mental Health, Walksafe  and Ahmed Iqbal Ullah (AIU) RACE Centre who will be on hand to raise awareness and promote their services.  

    Councillor Erinma Bell, Lead Member for Women, said: “Manchester has long been a city that has championed and supported women in the fight for gender equality.   

    “It’s fantastic to see the range of creativity and innovation in the events this year for International Women’s Day with the aim of accelerating further action for women to thrive personally and professionally.   

    “I would encourage women from all backgrounds and generations to get involved, because there is something for everyone and to advocate for more allies join in on the celebrations and inform our priorities for advancing women’s equality this year.”  

    For more information or to book your place visit Women’s Community Festival. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –