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Category: India

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways is operating an all-time high of 360 trains from Prayagraj Station, including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains, and 50-60 MEMU trains, to cater to the demand for Mauni Amavasya: Shri Satish Kumar

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Railways is operating an all-time high of 360 trains from Prayagraj Station, including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains, and 50-60 MEMU trains, to cater to the demand for Mauni Amavasya: Shri Satish Kumar

    Indian Railway arranging Elderly care, Crowd management, and a comfortable holding area for pilgrims during the Mahakumbh 2025

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways has undertaken massive efforts to ensure smooth and convenient travel for the millions of devotees attending the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Addressing the media, the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar, said that Railways has taken extensive measures to accommodate the unprecedented influx of pilgrims. As part of these efforts, Indian Railways operated 132 to 135 special trains on January 14 and has decided to significantly increase train services for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya, the most auspicious day of Maha Kumbh 2025. Shri Satish Kumar said railways is operating an unprecedented operation of 360 trains, for this occasion, including 190 special trains, the special trains comprising from three zones NR, NER & NCR to manage the massive influx of devotees. This historic move will ensure a train runs every four minutes, will provide seamless connectivity and uninterrupted travel for millions of pilgrims.

    He mentioned that Indian Railways has developed infrastructure worth ₹5,000 crore in and around Prayagraj to support the Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring timely upgrades and enhanced capacity. The key infrastructure developments such as new Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and Road Over Bridges (ROBs), track doubling and station upgrades, which have made this record-breaking train service possible by decongesting the Rail lines.

    He further stated, “Indian Railways has significantly improved passenger amenities to ensure a seamless journey for devotees. Every station in Prayagraj possesses newly constructed toilets along with ample drinking water and food courts. In case of emergencies, First Aid booths and medical observation rooms will provide the needed assistance. At Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki, the Yatri Suvidha Kendra will assist devotees with wheelchairs, luggage trolleys, hotel and taxi bookings, medicines, baby milk and other essentials.”

    For better crowd management, RPF personnel are deployed at railway stations to ensure seamless boarding and deboarding. A special RPF team has been assigned to ensure the safety of devotees during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. To facilitate smooth movement, colour-coded tickets and designated Ashriya Asthals have been introduced. RPF personnel escort devotees from the Ashriya Asthals and assist them in reaching the trains. Holding areas have been set up both at Prayagraj station and outside the station, where food, water, and other essential facilities are provided for up to one lakh people. Medical teams are also stationed at the locations, ready to attend to any devotee who requires immediate care.

    Shri Kumar stated that devotees are arriving around the clock by train for the Maha Kumbh, and to manage the large crowds, numerous CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor and divert pilgrims to less crowded areas. He also praised the State government’s exceptional arrangements for the convenience of the devotees, including provisions for both accommodation and food. In a coordinated effort with the Uttar Pradesh government, Indian Railways has established multiple holding areas where passengers can wait comfortably in tents. These areas are equipped with food arrangements and display information in several languages. One of the largest such areas is Khusro Bagh, located just outside Prayagraj station, which can accommodate up to 1 lakh passengers at a time.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/ Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2097100) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the proposed acquisition of up to 72.64% shareholding in ITD Cementation India Limited by Renew Exim DMCC

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of up to 72.64%shareholding in ITD Cementation India Limited by Renew Exim DMCC.

    The proposed combination involves the following:

    1. Acquisition by Renew Exim DMCC (Acquirer) of approximately 46.64% equivalent to 8,01,13,180 shares of the total issued and voting equity share capital of the ITD Cementation India Limited (Target).

     

    1. Pursuant to the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (as amended) (Takeover Regulations), the Acquirer has launched an open offer for further acquisition of up to 4,46,64,772 fully paid-up equity shares having a face value of INR 1 (Indian Rupee One) each, representing approximately 26% of the Voting Share Capital of the Target (Open Offer).

     

    The Acquirer is incorporated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and belongs to the Adani group. The Acquirer is a holding company engaged in the business of investment in commercial enterprises and management. The Acquirer does not have any operations in India.

    ITD Cementation India Limited is an engineering and construction company undertaking heavy civil, infrastructure and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business and operating in India and overseas with an established presence and expertise in EPC for maritime structures, mass rapid transit system, airports, hydro-electric power, tunnels, dams & irrigation, highways, bridges & flyovers, industrial structures and buildings, water & wastewater and foundation & specialist engineering.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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    NB/AD

    (Release ID: 2097096) Visitor Counter : 13

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ICG and Indonesian Coast Guard renew MoU for another three years

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indonesia Coast Guard (Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia – BAKAMLA) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation for another three years during the 2nd High-Level Meeting (HLM) in Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi on January 27, 2025. The meeting was led by Director General ICG General Paramesh Sivamani and BAKAMLA Chief Vice Admiral Irvansyah with an eight-member delegation, who under the MoU provisions are on an official visit to India from January 24-28, 2025. 

    Discussions centered on bolstering operational collaboration in areas like Maritime Search and Rescue, Pollution Response, and Maritime Law Enforcement. Both sides emphasised on sharing best practices and maintaining professional exchanges to enhance the safety and resilience of the Indo-Pacific region. 

    Highlighting the ties between the two nations, ICG Ship Shaunak is currently on a deployment to Jakarta from January 27-30, 2025, to strengthen operational linkages with BAKAMLA. The renewed agreement underscores the commitment of India and Indonesia to fostering a secure and cooperative maritime environment.

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    SR/KB

    (Release ID: 2097082) Visitor Counter : 84

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Forthcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit a grand occasion to showcase India’s creative power and obtain a new identity for us before the world: Prime Minister of India

    Source: Government of India

    Forthcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit a grand occasion to showcase India’s creative power and obtain a new identity for us before the world: Prime Minister of India

    Events like WAVES not only generate revenue, help develop the perception but promotes states globally by tapping the creative talent pool: PM at Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave

    Golden opportunity for amateur music creators, fashion buffs, creative freelancers, advertising professionals & designers to take part in WAVES & become a celebrity maestro in your art

    Hurry up and apply under Doordarshan and Dilli Darbar joint venture – Wah Ustad music talent hunt reality show for classical, semi classical, and Sufi artists for age 18 & above

    Drop the Beat with epic EDM Challenge: WAVES offers maiden opportunity to digital music producers to showcase their talent in EDM

    ‘Make the world wear Khadi’ challenge seeks global participation from ad makers & talented amateurs to craft innovative campaigns helping India position Khadi as a global brand

    WAVES running 19 Create in India Challenges for freelancers as well as professionals from around the world, rest 12 for Indians, to make their career in media & entertainment industry and earn fame

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi said that the forthcoming WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) will provide a new global identity to India’s creative prowess. Addressing the audience at Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar, he highlighted how major events like WAVES not only generate significant revenue but also build  perceptions and push the economy. He underscored the immense potential of such initiatives to harness India’s vast pool of creative talent and position the nation as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector.

    WAVES 2025: Bridging India’s timeless traditions with contemporary creativity

    WAVES 2025 presents a unique confluence of India’s rich cultural legacy and modern creativity, offering platforms for everyone—from creators of classical and semi-classical music to creators of modern music of EDM and innovative advertising professionals, designers and creators for Khadi.

    This dynamic blend of past and present is exemplified in challenges like Wah Ustad, celebrating India’s traditional musical heritage, Resonate: The EDM Challenge, embracing modern global music trends, and Make The World Wear Khadi, which seeks to reimagine India’s iconic fabric as a global symbol of sustainable fashion. These three challenges were launched by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw along with WAVES Bazaar and WAVES Awards, on 27 January, 2025 where he urged the creators to help India become the global capital of content creation.

    Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw while addressing the audience at the launch of WAVES Bazaar-Global-e-marketplace WAVES CIC Challenge including ‘Wah Ustad’ and WAVES Awards on 27 January, 2025

    Together, these initiatives provide content creators with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their talent, bridge tradition and innovation, and gain recognition while contributing to India’s cultural and creative renaissance. These challenges join a diverse lineup of total 31 Create in India Challenges,offering a stage for content creators across various genres to showcase their talent.

    About the New Challenges

    Wah Ustad: A Reality Show to Discover India’s Hidden Musical Gem

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Doordarshan, has launched Wah Ustad, an extraordinary classical and semi-classical music talent hunt, under the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of WAVES 2025.It aims to nurture exceptional talent in Hindustani, Carnatic, and soulful Sufi music while preserving and promoting India’s rich musical legacy.

    Envisioned with the expertise of the esteemed “Dilli Gharana,” Wah Ustad will serve as a platform for young, classically trained vocalists aged 18 and above. Open to global participation, the program invites entries from talented individuals with a passion for Hindustani or Carnatic music, Sufi singing, and semi-classical genres.

    The journey for participants has already begun with online registrations through the Dilli Durbar portal. This will progress to regional auditions, thematic episodes, and ultimately culminating in a grand finale at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai. The top five finalists will compete for the coveted title, with the winner receiving a cash prize, mentorship opportunities, recording contracts, and nationwide recognition.

    With 26 episodes airing on Doordarshan, Wah Ustad will celebrate India’s cultural heritage while inspiring the next generation of musicians. By blending traditional expertise with modern technology, the program promises to highlight the soulful charm of classical music and its relevance in today’s world.

    Resonate: The EDM Challenge

    In a first-of-its-kind global celebration of electronic music, Resonate: The EDM Challenge will take center stage at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Organized by the Indian Music Industry (IMI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), the challenge aims to reinforce India’s position as a global hub for music fusion, electronic music, and the vibrant art of DJing.

    If you excel at crafting digital or electronic music and have a flair for DJing, Resonate: The EDM Challenge at WAVES 2025 is your ultimate stage to shine. This unique competition invites talented individuals from across the globe to showcase their skills in music production and live performance, offering an unparalleled opportunity to become a DJ maestro. With exciting prizes and a platform to perform in front of industry experts and a global audience, this challenge is your chance to turn your passion for electronic music into international recognition.

    Open to individual artists and creative teams, Resonate provides a platform for both emerging and seasoned musicians to compete across two thrilling stages:

    • Preliminary Round: Participants will submit their original EDM tracks online, which will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts to shortlist the top 10 entries.
    • Grand Finale: The finalists will perform live at WAVES 2025, competing for top honors in front of a distinguished jury and a global audience.

    Winners will receive substantial cash prizes (₹2,00,000 for the Grand Prize winner and ₹50,000 for runners-up), along with a chance to feature in promotional materials, gain international exposure, and perform on a global stage.

    Make The World Wear Khadi: A Global call to elevate India’s iconic fabric

    India’s timeless fabric, Khadi, is set to make a global statement with the launch of the “Make The World Wear Khadi” challenge under the Create in India initiative at WAVES 2025. This unique competition invites advertising professionals, creative freelancers, and designers from around the world to craft innovative campaigns that position Khadi as a global brand.

    Open to international participation, the challenge encourages participants to explore bold and imaginative design concepts across digital, print, video, and experiential formats. The goal is to elevate Khadi’s brand image, inspire consumer engagement, and establish it as a symbol of sustainable fashion and cultural heritage worldwide. Winners will secure recognition and opportunities to further their professional journey while playing a pivotal role in driving Khadi’s transformation into an internationally celebrated brand.

    WAVES Awards

    The WAVES Awards will honour the outstanding contributions in the global creative industry, with nominations opening on February 15, 2025. Recognizing excellence across diverse fields, the awards feature two major categories: ‘Best of the Year’ Global Awards and Special Selection Awards.

    The ‘Best of the Year’ Global Awards celebrate top achievements in gaming, film, animation, web series, advertising, startups, and digital influence. Key categories include Game of the Year, Film of the Year, Influencer of the Year, Podcaster of the Year, and Song of the Year, among others.

    The Special Selection Awards acknowledge individuals and initiatives that have made a significant impact. This includes the prestigious G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Lifetime Achievement Award, Businessperson of the Year, Social Impact Award, and Tech Icon Awards. The Stories of Change category further highlights transformative contributions in Broadcast, Print, and Digital Media.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2097072) Visitor Counter : 52

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting held; leaders focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, food security and renewable energy

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting held; leaders focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, food security and renewable energy

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal concludes successful visit to Oman

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 5:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal concluded a successful visit to the Sultanate of Oman from 27-28 January 2025.

    During the visit, Shri Goyal co-chaired the 11th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with H.E. Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of Sultanate of Oman. The JCM saw productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, food security, renewable energy and other key areas. The Minister held a productive bilateral meeting with Minister Qais during which he undertook a detailed review of the bilateral trade and economic relations between India and Oman and identified concrete steps to further strengthen the mutually beneficial business ties.

    The two Ministers also exchanged views on a bilateral India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is under advanced stages of negotiations. Both Ministers agreed to expedite the discussions for an early signing of the CEPA which will be a new milestone in bilateral trade relations and has the potential to significantly scale-up two-way trade and investments.

    On the sidelines of the visit, both sides signed the Protocol to amend the India-Oman Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), aligning it with international standards on cross-border taxation, simplifying tax procedures, and promoting greater cooperation in tax matters.

    Minister Goyal called-on His Highness Sayyid Asa’ad bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of His Majesty on January 28, 2025. HH Sayyid Asaad had led the Omani delegation to India for the G-20 Summit in September 2023.

    Shri Goyal also held bilateral meetings with H.E. Sultan bin Salem Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, and H.E. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), to deepen economic ties.

    The Minister participated in the India-Oman Joint Business Council (JBC) meeting which was hosted by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), with support and participation of a delegation from FICCI. The JBC, which is traditionally held on the sidelines of the India-Oman JCM, provided an excellent platform for wide ranging discussions among the two business communities and provided exposure to investment opportunities and incentives of both India and Oman.

    Shri Goyal met with a select group of CEOs and business leaders of Oman at a Business Roundtable hosted by the Ambassador of India at the Indian Embassy premises. This interaction provided an opportunity for the Minister to directly engage with key business leaders of Oman to apprise them of the India opportunity and seek their suggestions for bilateral cooperation.

    Minister Goyal also addressed the Future Leaders Programme at the Royal Academy of Management, Oman, highlighting India’s growth story and sharing insights on leadership and its role in shaping a better world.

    The Commerce Minister visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat which is an icon of cultural and architectural heritage of Oman. He will also offer prayers at the historic Shiva Temple in old Muscat, later this evening, underscoring the deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Oman.

    The successful visit of the Shri Goyal reinforced the strong foundations of India-Oman relations, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in trade and investment.

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    Abhisekh Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2097043) Visitor Counter : 37

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DPIIT and JKEDI sign MoU to strengthen startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration, mentorship, and support for startups in the region.

    The signing took place during “Jammu Kashmir Konnect,” a special startup-focused program organized at JKEDI’s Baribrahamna campus, where startups, incubators, and key-way stakeholders gathered to discuss innovation and growth opportunities. DPIIT and JKEDI formally signed the MoU marking a significant step toward strengthening startup support systems in J&K.

    The MoU between DPIIT and JKEDI paves the way for greater branding, outreach, and accessibility to Startup India’s ecosystem, fostering mentorship, knowledge exchange, and infrastructure support. It also focuses on market linkages, funding networks, and international expansion opportunities, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

    During the program, Director DPIIT and Director JKEDI held one-on-one interactions with all incubators, discussing their challenges, needs, and future plans. The session provided a unique platform for incubators to share insights, suggest improvements, and seek policy-level support for enhancing the startup ecosystem.

    During the event, Shri Rajinder Kumar Sharma, JKAS, Director JKEDI highlighted the impact of the JK Startup Policy, launched in March 2024, which has led to over 250 new startup registrations on the DPIIT portal taken the total to 988 in a short span. He also emphasized the significant outreach efforts undertaken by JKEDI, stating that during the current financial year, the institute has successfully conducted 601 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs (EAPs) across Universities, Colleges, Higher Secondary Schools, and IITs in 20 districts of J&K—without incurring any expenses.

    The “Jammu Kashmir Konnect” program, coupled with the signing of the MoU, marks a major milestone in J&K’s startup ecosystem, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs receive the mentorship, funding opportunities, and ecosystem support needed to thrive.

    The Head of the Incubators from IIT- Jammu, IIM-Jammu, Jammu University, SKUAST-Jammu, Cluster University and CIIIT Jammu along with the FICCI Flo attended the event physically. Incubators from NIT- Srinagar, IUST University, SKUAST – Kashmir and CIIIT Baramulla joined virtually.

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    Abhisekh Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2097035) Visitor Counter : 47

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Confined Electrons paves the way for improved optoelectronic materials, sensors & nano-catalysts

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

    In a major stride forward for nanoscience, researchers have uncovered a groundbreaking phenomenon — electron confinement-induced plasmonic breakdown in metals.

    This study opens new avenues for understanding and manipulating the fundamental behaviour of electrons in nanoscale systems which can help design more efficient nanoelectronic devices and optoelectronic materials with enhanced precision, sensors that operate at atomic and molecular levels as well as efficient nano catalysts.

    Metals have long been celebrated for their plasmonic properties—collective oscillations of free electrons that enable unique optical responses. From catalysis to advanced photonic devices, plasmonic behaviour underpins a wide range of modern technologies. However, Prof. Saha’s research sheds light on an unexpected and transformative aspect of this field: how the confinement of electrons at the nanoscale disrupts and ultimately breaks down plasmonic behaviour.

    A new study by Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), GoI, probe how the quantum confinement of electrons, driven by size reduction to the nanoscale, changes the electronic structure of metals. This shift, as shown by the team steered by Prof Bivas Saha leads to a suppression of the collective oscillations essential to plasmonic properties, fundamentally altering the material’s optical and electronic behaviour.

    At the nanoscale, materials behave in ways that often defy classical intuition. JNCASR’s work published in the prestigious Science Advances (2024, Vol. 10, Issue 47), bridges the gap between traditional plasmonics and the quantum effects that emerge at this scale.

    Prof. Saha’s team employed advanced spectroscopy techniques to observe plasmonic phenomena in metallic systems with varying degrees of confinement. Alongside, computational simulations provided a deep theoretical framework to explain the observed breakdown.

    They used cutting-edge tools such as electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and first-principles quantum mechanical calculations which helped them predict electron behaviour with unprecedented accuracy.

    Apart from JNCASR, Prof. Alexandra Boltasseva and Prof. Vladimir Shalaev from Purdue University and Prof. Igor Bondarev from North Carolina State University in USA, and Dr. Magnus Garbrecht and Dr. Asha Pillai from the University of Sydney participated in this study.

    This research challenges long-held assumptions in plasmonics, redefining the boundaries of what is possible with metal-based materials. The electron confinement-induced plasmonic breakdown represents not just a scientific revelation but also a call to rethink the design principles of nanoscale materials.

    Speaking about the breakthrough, Prof. Saha remarked, “Our findings highlight the transformative role of quantum confinement in redefining material properties. This is not just about understanding plasmonic breakdown—it’s about pushing the limits of how we can harness nanoscale phenomena for technological innovation.”

    With growing interest in quantum materials and nanotechnology, Prof. Saha’s work positions JNCASR as a leader in exploring the uncharted territory where classical and quantum physics converge.

    “The electron confinement-induced plasmonic breakdown in metals represents a landmark achievement in materials science and nanotechnology. By unravelling the intricate interplay between quantum confinement and plasmonic behaviour, this research sets the stage for revolutionary advancements across industries.”- commented Prasanna Das, lead author of the paper.

    The implications of the study are vast, spanning — electronics and photonics, sensing technologies and catalysts and energy conversion.

     

     

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    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2097003) Visitor Counter : 26

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tripura becomes first North East State to sign MoU with Bhashini for Multi-lingual Governance

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of Tripura, has signed a MOU agreement with Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under the esteem guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to  increase the usage of the rich regional languages of Tripura and to facilitate citizen’s digital participation by using these languages in governance.

    The MOU signing ceremony was held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala, during a State Level Workshop- ‘Bhashini Rajyam”  which was inaugurated  by Shri Pranajit Singha Roy, Hon’ble IT Minister of Tripura, in presence of  Shri Kiran Gitte, Secretary IT, Government of Tripura,   Shri Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DIBD, MeitY  and  Shri Jeya Ragul Geshan B, Director IT, Government of Tripura. Bhashini is a revolutionary initiative under the Digital India program, to ensure seamless communication and internet accessibility for all Citizens in 22 Indian languages. With Voice as a medium, Bhashini aims to bridge digital as well as the literacy divides.

    The workshop outlined Bhashini’s vision for Digital Inclusivity, showcasing its software capabilities such as real-time translation, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and voice-to-voice translation between Indian Regional Languages and English. It highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for high accuracy translations and emphasized the State’s, DIBD’s roles and responsibilities in the mission. Additionally, strategies for promoting regional languages on digital platforms and software applications for the Government of Tripura were discussed to reduce the digital divide and increase inclusivity for diverse linguistic communities in Tripura.

    Currently many citizens of Tripura face challenges due to language barriers, especially those in rural and tribal areas who struggle with software systems in English or Hindi. Bhashini can integrate with existing systems like the CM Helpline, eVidhan, Kisan Sahayata App and e-Districts to enable multilingual communication. It can enhance local governance through apps like Amar Sarkar and improve education with multilingual technologies. Bhashini can also support the CCTNS Platform by translating FIRs and enabling voice-based data entry. Bhashini would reduce the digital divide by easing access to Internet in regional and local languages of Tripura.

    Tripura proudly stands as the first north-eastern state, the first in eastern India, and the eighth state in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bhashini. This pioneering step underscores Tripura’s commitment to digital inclusivity and leveraging technology for enhanced citizen centric governance. Tripura’s initiative places it among pro-Citizen states that have conducted focused workshops on Bhashini, with only four other states having taken similar steps before.

    Integrating Bhashini into Tripura’s e-Governance software will bridge the digital divide, providing cost-effective translations, promoting inclusive policy implementation, and enhancing regional identity. This MOU marks a pivotal step in ensuring the seamless integration of Bhashini with Tripura’s governance systems. Supported by the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of MeitY, this initiative empowers citizens by eliminating language barriers and enabling multilingual access to essential services. Implementing Bhashini will further unify Tripura’s linguistic diversity, fostering a more inclusive and connected society.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2096998) Visitor Counter : 48

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

    A Historic Milestone with over 5 Crore participants, including 3.56 Crore registrations and 1.55 Crore engaged in Nationwide ‘Jan Andolan’ Activities

    Quiz competition conducted on Bharat Hai Hum series

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), an initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to transform exam-related stress into a festival of learning, witnessed unprecedented growth in its 8th edition.  Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), an initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to transform exam-related stress into a festival of learning, witnessed unprecedented growth in its 8th edition. Since its beginning in 2018, PPC has evolved into a nationwide movement, garnering a staggering 3.56 crore registrations for its 8th edition in 2025. This also marks a significant increase from the 7th edition, which saw 2.26 crore registrations, reflecting a remarkable surge of 1.3 crore registrations.

    Pariksha Pe Charcha has not only become a popular program but has also transformed into a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement), resonating deeply with students, teachers, and parents across the country. The initiative’s focus on addressing exam stress and encouraging students to view examinations as a festival – “Utsav” – has struck a chord with people from all walks of life. The overwhelming participation in PPC reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of the importance of mental well-being and holistic education. The program’s interactive format, which involves open dialogue between students, teachers, and the Prime Minister, has further contributed to its success.

    To further strengthen PPC as a “Jan Andolan,” a series of engaging activities were conducted from 12th January 2025 (National Youth Day) to 23rd January 2025 (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti) at the school level. These activities, conducted across States/UTs, aimed to engage students, parents, and teachers in celebrating PPC as a festival. A total of 1.42 crore students, 12.81 lakh teachers, and 2.94 lakh schools participated. These activities were designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance performance during exams and beyond. Students were encouraged to participate in a diverse range of activities, including indigenous games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, short-distance marathons, creative meme competitions, engaging Nukkad Natak performances, and eye-catching poster-making. They were also encouraged to share their experiences through student testimonials, participate in student-led discussions, and engage in yoga and meditation sessions to cultivate relaxation and mindfulness. Schools organized plays developed by students, conducted workshops, and invited special guests to share their insights.

     

    Culminating these activities, screening of glorious inspirational stories of valour and sacrifice, the “Bharat Hai Hum” series was conducted on 23rd January 2025. Thereafter, a quiz competition based on the series “Bharat Hai Hum” was conducted across 567 Kendriya Vidyalayas nationwide. A total of 55,961 students participated, including 17,408 from Kendriya Vidyalayas, 4,567 from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, 5,542 from PM SHRI Schools, 18,394 from CBSE-affiliated schools, and 10,050 from State Board schools. Prizes were awarded to the winners, and all participants received a copy of the book “Exam Warriors,” authored by the Prime Minister of India. This initiative not only tested the students’ knowledge but also reinforced the valuable lessons imparted through the “Bharat Hain Hum” series.

    Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 has once again proven to be a resounding success, solidifying its position as a pivotal initiative in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for students across India.

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    MV/AK

    MOE/DoSEL/28 January 2025/7

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Chemicals & petrochemicals conducts 4th training programme on “Chemical and Petrochemical Industrial Safety” at Chennai; motto: “Safety First, Sustainability Always: Protecting People and Planet!”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 3:41PM by PIB Delhi

    As a part of Government of India’s Action Plan for Viksit Bharat@2047, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals conducted 4th training programme on “Chemical and Petrochemical Industrial Safety” at Chennai during 23-24th January 2025 at Institute of Petrochemicals Technology (IPT) – Chennai, a centre of Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), with focus on Major Accident Hazard (MAH) units in Chemical and Petrochemical Sector.

    This program is the part of a series of training programmes that are being organised by the Department on Industrial Chemical Safety covering 2393 Major Accident Hazard units identified across the country. A total of 48 training programmes are planned to cover all these MAH Units over the period of next five years. This training programme witnessed participation of 113 representatives across 65 MAH industries.

    Technical Experts from CLRI, Anna University, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Thirumalai Chemicals and various consulting firms delivered lectures on various aspects related to safety, Environment & Hazardous waste Management.

    Thematic areas that were covered under the training programme included Safety & Health at work, Process safety Management, Advance Risk Assessment techniques, Toxicology, Hazard Identification techniques, Emergency preparedness, Role of ICT and other technologies in Chemical Safety, Global Harmonized System, Loss statistics and loss Prevention, Environmental Prevention and Spill prevention, Hazardous Waste Management, Labelling of chemicals and Safety data Sheet (SDS) & Fire and Explosion Safety.

    To give the industrial employees a hands on experience, a mock drill was also conducted in coordination with Kothari Petrochemicals at CIPET: IPT Chennai.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: Digital Exhibition at Prayagraj highlights how Government initiatives are spreading the message ‘Unity in Diversity’

    Source: Government of India

    Mahakumbh 2025: Digital Exhibition at Prayagraj highlights how Government initiatives are spreading the message ‘Unity in Diversity’

    The exhibition is also providing information about various Government of India schemes on Entrepreneurship

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 3:37PM by PIB Delhi

    A digital exhibition highlighting ‘Unity in Diversity’ through initiatives of Government of India put up at the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj by M/o Information and Broadcasting is drawing huge crowds.

    The phrase “ऐक्यं बलं सामंजस्य” (Unity in Diversity) is being realized through initiatives by the Government of India like ‘One Nation, One Tax’, ‘One Nation, One Power Grid’, and ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ etc. Visitors to the digital exhibition set up by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Triveni Marg in Mahakumbh, Prayagraj, are being informed about these initiatives that are strengthening the unity of the country. A picture conveying the message of unity also features a statue of Sardar Patel, the symbol of national unity.

     

     

    With the American of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the pledge of ‘One Nation, One Constitution’ has been fulfilled. Efforts toward ‘One Nation, One Election’ and ‘One Nation, One Civil Code’ are speeding up the realization of the dream of a developed India, which is also presented in an attractive format at the exhibition.

     

    The exhibition, based on public welfare programs, policies, and the achievements of the Government of India, emphasizes efforts to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment, which is being realized through various schemes like the MUDRA Scheme, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PMEGP, and the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme.

    Since the exhibition began on January 13, a large number of devotees have visited, gaining information about development and heritage through audio-visual mediums. Documentaries displayed on the LED wall showcasing different government schemes are attracting visitors, with which they are also taking selfies.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The value of AI: How Microsoft’s customers and partners are reinventing how they do business today

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The value of AI: How Microsoft’s customers and partners are reinventing how they do business today

    Organizational leaders in every industry around the world are evaluating ways AI can unlock opportunities, drive pragmatic innovation and yield value across their business. At Microsoft, we are dedicated to helping our customers accelerate AI Transformation by empowering human ambition with Copilots and agents, developing differentiated AI solutions and building scalable cybersecurity foundations. At Microsoft Ignite we made over 100 announcements that bring the latest innovation directly to our customers and partners, and shared how Microsoft is the only technology leader to offer three distinct AI platforms for them to build AI solutions:

    1. Copilot is your UI for AI, with Copilot Studio enabling low-code creation of agents and extensibility to your data.
    2. Azure AI Foundry is the only AI app server for building real-world, world-class, AI-native applications.
    3. Microsoft Fabric is the AI data platform that provides one common way to reason over your data —no matter where it lives.

    All three of these platforms are open and work synchronously to enable the development of modern AI solutions; and each is surrounded by our world-class security offerings so leaders can move their AI-first strategies forward with confidence.

    As we look ahead to what we can achieve together, I remain inspired by the work we are doing today. Below are a handful of the many stories from the past quarter highlighting the differentiated AI solutions our customers and partners are driving to move business forward across industries and realize pragmatic value. Their success clearly illustrates that real results can be harnessed from AI today, and it is changing the way organizations do business.

    To power its industrial IoT and AI platform, ABB Group leveraged Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to create Genix Copilot: a generative AI-powered analytics suite aimed at solving some of the most complex industrial problems. The solution helps customers analyze key functions in their operations —such as asset and process performance, energy optimization and emission monitoring — with real-time operational insights. As a result, customers are seeing up to 35% savings in operations and maintenance, and up to 20% improvement in energy and emission optimization. ABB also saw an 80% decrease in service calls with the self-service capabilities of Genix Copilot.

    Serving government healthcare agencies across the US, Acentra Health turned to Microsoft to help introduce the latest AI capabilities that maximize talent and cut costs in a secure, HIPAA-compliant manner. Using Azure OpenAI Service, the company developed MedScribe — an AI-powered tool reducing the time specially trained nursing staff spend on appeal determination letters. This innovation saved 11,000 nursing hours and nearly $800,000, reducing time spent on each appeal determination letter by about 50%. MedScribe also significantly enhanced operational efficiency, enabling nurses to process 20 to 30 letters daily with a 99% approval rate.

    To ease challenges for small farmers, Romanian agribusiness group Agricover revolutionized access to credit by developing MyAgricover. Built with help from partner Avaelgo, the scalable digital platform utilizes Microsoft Azure, Azure API Management and Microsoft Fabric to automate the loan process and enable faster approvals and disbursements. This has empowered small farmers to grow their businesses and receive faster access to financing by reducing loan approval time by 90 percent — from 10 working days to a maximum of 24 hours.

    Building on its status as a world-class airline with a strong Indian identity, Air India sought ways to enhance customer support while managing costs. By developing AI.g, one of the industry’s first generative AI virtual assistants built on Azure OpenAI Service, the airline upgraded the customer experience. Today, 97% of customer queries are handled with full automation, resulting in millions of dollars of support costs saved and improved customer satisfaction — further positioning the airline for continued growth.

    BMW Group aimed to enhance data delivery efficiency and improve vehicle development and prototyping cycles by implementing a Mobile Data Recorder (MDR) solution with Azure App Service, Azure AI and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). The solution achieved 10 times more efficient data delivery, significantly improved data accessibility and elevated overall development quality. The MDR monitors and records more than 10,000 signals twice per second in every vehicle of BMW’s fleet of 3,500 development cars and transmits data within seconds to a centralized cloud back end. Using Azure AI Foundry and Azure OpenAI Service, BMW Group created an MDR copilot fueled by GPT-4o. Engineers can now chat with the interface using natural language, and the MDR copilot converts the conversations into KQL queries, simplifying access to technical insights. Moving from on-premises tools to a cloud-based system with faster data management also helps engineers troubleshoot in real time. The vehicle data covered by the system has doubled, and data delivery and analysis happen 10 times faster.

    Coles Group modernized its logistics and administrative applications using Microsoft Azure Stack HCI to scale its edge AI capabilities and improve efficiency and customer experience across its 1,800 stores. By expanding its Azure Stack HCI footprint from two stores to over 500, Coles achieved a six-fold increase in the pace of application deployment, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and enabling rapid innovation without disrupting workloads. The retailer is also using Azure Machine Learning to train and develop edge AI models, speeding up data annotation time for training models by 50%.

    Multinational advertising and media company Dentsu wanted to speed time to insights for its team of data scientists and media analysts to support its media planning and budget optimization. Using Microsoft Azure AI Foundry and Azure OpenAI Service, Dentsu developers built a predictive analytics copilot that uses conversational chat and draws on deep expertise in media forecasting, budgeting and optimization. This AI-driven tool has reduced time to media insights for employees and clients by 90% and cut analysis costs.

    To overcome the limitations of its current systems, scale operations and automate processes across millions of workflows, Docusign created the Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM) platform on Azure. Using Azure AI, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Logic Apps and AKS, the platform transforms agreement data into actionable insights to enhance productivity and accelerate contract review cycles. IAM also ensures better collaboration and unification across business systems to provide secure solutions tailored to diverse customer needs. For example, its customer KPC Private funds reported a 70% reduction in time and resources dedicated to agreement processes.

    Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) transformed its manufacturing operations by leveraging a hybrid environment with Azure Arc, Azure Stack HCI and Azure Kubernetes Service. This digital manufacturing platform resulted in 86% cost savings for AI image and video analytics and a 13-fold improvement in AI response times. The seamless hybrid cloud architecture has enhanced EGA’s operational efficiency and agility, supporting its Industry 4.0 transformation strategy.

    EY collaborated with Microsoft to enhance the inclusivity of AI development using Azure AI Studio. By involving neurodivergent technologists from EY’s Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence, they improved the accessibility and productivity of AI tools, resulting in more inclusive AI solutions, fostering innovation and ensuring that AI tools unlock the potential of all users. With an estimated 20% of the global workforce identifying as neurodivergent, inclusive AI solutions are crucial for maximizing creativity and productivity. Neurodivergent EY technologists also collaborated with Microsoft developers to make Azure AI Foundry more inclusive and help all users work productively to create innovative AI solutions.

    Colombian household appliance manufacturer Haceb integrated AI to optimize processes, reduce costs and improve service quality. Using Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure OpenAI Service, the company created a virtual technical support assistant, saving its 245 technicians 5 minutes per visit — a total of 5,000 minutes saved daily. This AI solution has enhanced efficiency and boosted customer satisfaction by allowing for faster issue resolution. Haceb’s AI adoption has also empowered employees, boosted productivity and positioned the company as a leader in AI innovation in Colombia.

    To better serve its global patients, Operation Smile — in collaboration with partner Squadra — leveraged Azure AI, Machine Learning and Microsoft Fabric to develop an AI-powered solution to predict surgical outcomes and optimize resource allocation. This innovation resulted in a 30% increase in surgical efficiency, a 90% reduction in translation errors and improved patient outcomes. Additionally, report generation is now up to 95% quicker, and repeated medical events have decreased by 15%, enabling Operation Smile to provide better care to more children worldwide.

    Ontada — a McKesson business dedicated to oncology data and evidence, clinical education and point-of-care technologies — needed a way to generate key insights across 150 million unstructured oncology documents. Using Microsoft Azure AI and Azure OpenAI Service, Ontada developed a data platform solution called ON.Genuity to provide AI-driven insights into the patient journey, enhance patient trial matching and identify care gaps. The company also implemented large language models to target nearly 100 critical oncology data elements across 39 cancer types, enabling the company to analyze an estimated 70% of previously inaccessible data, reduce processing time by 75% and accelerate product time-to-market from months to just one week.

    As the UK’s largest pet care company, Pets at Home sought a way to combat fraud across its retail operations — particularly as its online business continued to grow. Working closely with its fraud team, it adopted Copilot Studio to develop an AI agent that quickly identifies suspicious transactions. The agent autonomously gathers relevant information, performs analysis and shares it with a fraud agent to enable a manual, data-intensive investigative process while ensuring a human remains in the loop. With this low-code agent extending and seamlessly integrating into existing systems, the company’s fraud department can act more quickly; what used to take 20 to 30 minutes is now handled by the AI agent within seconds. The company is identifying fraud 10 times faster and is processing 20 times more cases a day. Now, the company can operate at scale with speed, efficiency and accuracy — with savings expected to be in the seven figures as it continues to build more agents.

    Revenue Grid, a technology company specializing in sales engagement and revenue optimization solutions, partnered with Cloud Services to modernize its data infrastructure and develop a unified data warehouse capable of handling unstructured, semi-structured and structured data. By migrating to Microsoft Fabric, Revenue Grid can now deliver data-powered revenue intelligence, driven by a unified platform, elastic scalability, enhanced analytics capabilities and streamlined operations. Revenue Grid has reduced infrastructure costs by 60% while enhancing its analytical capabilities to improve real-time data processing, empowering sales teams with accurate and diverse data. 

    To better manage and integrate employee data across diverse regions and systems, UST built a comprehensive Employee Data platform on Microsoft Fabric. In under a year, UST migrated 20 years of employee data with all security measures to enhance data accessibility and employee productivity. The Meta Data Driven Integration (MDDI) framework in Fabric also helped the company cut data ingestion time by 50% so employees can focus more on analysis than preparation. As a result of this implementation, the company has seen an increase in collaboration and innovation from employees, helping put its values into action.

    The Microsoft Commercial Marketplace offers millions of customers worldwide a convenient place to find, try and buy software and services across 140 countries. As a Marketplace partner, WeTransact is helping independent software vendors (ISVs) list and transact their software solutions — and find opportunities for co-selling and extending their reach to enterprise customers through development of the WeTransact platform. Powered by Azure OpenAI Service, the platform is changing the way partnerships are being built by using AI pairing to facilitate a “plug and play” reseller network. More than 300 ISVs worldwide have joined the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace using the WeTransact platform, cutting their time to publish by 75%.

    The opportunity for AI to create value is no longer an ambition for the future — it is happening now, and organizational leaders across industries are investing in AI-first strategies to change the way they do business. We believe AI should empower human achievement and enrich the lives of employees; and we are uniquely differentiated to help you accelerate your AI Transformation responsibly and securely. Choosing the right technology provider comes down to trust, and I look forward to what we will achieve together as we partner with you on your AI journey.

    Tags: AI, Azure, Azure AI, Azure AI Foundry, Azure AI Studio, Azure Arc, Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Stack HCI, Copilot, Copilot Studio, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Ignite 2024

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Armenia and Azerbaijan are at loggerheads again – here’s why tensions are rising

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Svante Lundgren, Researcher, Lund University

    Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, has launched a fierce verbal attack on Armenia, which he has called a fascist state. “Fascism must be destroyed,” he said in an interview on local TV networks on January 7. “Either the Armenian leadership will destroy it, or we will.”

    This rhetoric is strongly reminiscent of baseless claims used by Vladimir Putin about Ukraine to justify Russia’s invasion. He has claimed that Ukraine must be “denazified”.

    There are also reports that Azerbaijan’s acquisition of advanced Israeli weapons have increased recently, according to Israeli journalist Avi Sharf, national security, cyber and open source intelligence editor at Israeli news outlet Haaretz.

    Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region within Azerbaijan until recently mainly populated by Armenians. The first war between them in the 1990s led to the establishment of a self-proclaimed Armenian republic, which no country recognised.

    Then, after a 44-day war in 2020, Azerbaijan took control over most of the enclave. The rest was conquered in September 2023, prompting Armenians living there (more than 100,000 people) to flee to Armenia.

    In the last few months Aliyev accused Armenia of preparing a “war of revenge”. Since its devastating defeat in the second Karabakh war in 2020, Armenia has taken steps to strengthen its defences. Among other things, it has made significant arms purchases from France. This has also provoked Aliyev to criticise France and its president, Emmanuel Macron.

    But, although Armenia has been trying to reduce Azerbaijan’s military advantage through reforms in the army and arms purchases, the country is still militarily inferior to its neighbour. Any military confrontation is likely to result in an early defeat for Armenia.



    Read more:
    Future of Russian gas looking bleak as Ukraine turns off taps and Europe eyes ending all imports

    The argument from Azerbaijan is clearly that if there is conflict in the region, it will be part of an Armenian “preparation for a war”. Baku suggests that therefore the responsibility for any conflict would lie with Armenia and those who arm the country (in particular, France). It’s possible that this rhetoric is intended to legitimise some kind of military action.

    Because of escalating tension in the past few years, Armenia invited the European Union to monitor the border between the countries. This was to help address Azerbaijani accusations that Armenia was preparing for war, and to monitor, and prevent, shootings along the border.


    Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock

    Over the past two years Azerbaijan has denied these unarmed EU observers permission to operate on its territory, so they were only able to work from the Armenian side. It has also strongly condemned the EU for this mission.

    The EU monitors have been in place since February 2023, and should be due to withdraw next month. Armenia has suggested the EU monitors continue but Baku has made clear it wants them removed.

    So, why might Azerbaijan want to reignite tensions with Armenia? One point of contention between them is access to the “Zangezur corridor”, a land connection between Azerbaijan and its autonomous republic, Nakhichevan,.

    Long-running regional conflict

    Azerbaijan has long demanded access to, and control of, this route. The natural corridor runs through Armenia’s Syunik region (in Azerbaijani “Zangezur”, hence the Zangezur corridor). Armenia has declared its willingness to open up transport connections throughout the region – including between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan – but opposes a corridor through its territory that it does not control.

    The south Caucasus (the region including Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan) has long been an area that Putin sees as part of his sphere of influence. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, Russia tried to keep the region relatively calm, but in 2020 Putin allowed the war to continue until Armenia was defeated, before putting pressure on Aliyev to stop. Three years later, Azerbaijan took what was left of Nagorno-Karabakh while Russian peacekeepers looked on.

    Armenian concern over what it sees as Russian bias towards Azerbaijan has led Yerevan to increasingly turn towards the west. On January 14 2025, a “strategic partnership charter” was signed between Armenia and the US, which includes an economic and defence partnership, but whether the new Trump administration will want to build on, or even ignore, that relationship is not yet clear.

    In what is considered an important symbolic move Armenia is also currently negotiating with Russia over the removal of its Federal Security Service (FSB security service) guards along the Armenian border in an attempt to reduce reliance on Moscow for its security. Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said in 2024 that the nation would pull out of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization in another move that signals Armenia’s increasingly fragile relationship with Moscow.

    Will there be a war?

    The EU has meanwhile strengthened relations with Armenia.

    While Azerbaijan may have escaped international fallout over the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh in the autumn of 2020, and over the ethnic cleansing of the enclave’s Armenian population in 2023. But if a new war led to a large-scale attack on Armenia it would unlikely to be ignored by the west.

    Despite the west’s minimal reactions to Azerbaijani incursions across the Armenian border in May 2021 and September 2022, in 2025 there is more international focus on the region and on the potential consequences of ignoring what’s going on around Russia’s borders.

    Although military intervention from the west is unlikely, the possibility of sanctions against Azerbaijan could be enough of an incentive for Aliyev to try to maintain the peace.

    Svante Lundgren 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. Armenia and Azerbaijan are at loggerheads again – here’s why tensions are rising – https://theconversation.com/armenia-and-azerbaijan-are-at-loggerheads-again-heres-why-tensions-are-rising-247533

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Atomicwork Secures $25M in Series A Funding to Transform Enterprise IT with Agentic AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atomicwork, a leading innovator in agentic service management solutions for Enterprise IT, today announced that it has raised $25 million in their Series A funding round. The round was led by Khosla Ventures and Z47, with participation from Battery Ventures, Blume Ventures, and Peak XV Partners. This new infusion of capital accelerates Atomicwork’s mission to transform IT service management (ITSM) with its innovative AI-native platform that modernizes how businesses operate and drive growth.

    A New Era for Enterprise IT Service Management
    Today’s enterprises face a pivotal moment. As operations expand globally and digital systems multiply, traditional ITSM tools are reaching their limits. These legacy solutions – built for an earlier era of process management – can’t keep pace with modern business demands. 

    CEOs and CIOs recognize the need for transformative change. The challenge isn’t just about managing IT anymore – it’s about empowering organizations to thrive in an increasingly dynamic digital landscape. 

    Atomicwork’s agentic service management platform combines an enterprise knowledge graph with agentic AI to offload work from IT teams, allowing them to focus on driving business impact rather than managing everyday processes. By radically simplifying enterprise workflows, managing incidents in real-time, and enabling self-healing, Atomicwork is helping businesses stay ahead in today’s fast-moving digital business environment. 

    Atomicwork founders: (L to R): Kiran Darisi, Vijay Rayapati and Parsuram Vijayasankar.

    “We are pioneering agentic service management to transform how companies manage their IT workflows and enterprise services. This investment is a significant milestone, validating our vision of a future where smarter IT teams drive business growth and companies are empowered by technology, not bogged down by it.” said Vijay Rayapati, co-founder and CEO of Atomicwork. “Our unified and adaptive self-service experience will enable businesses to move faster.” 

    Global businesses like Zuora and Pepper Money use Atomicwork to empower their teams with seamless service, intelligent automation, and actionable insights, driving productivity and transforming their digital workplace experience. 

    Backing by Industry Leaders 
    The funding round comes on the heels of strong product adoption and backing from 40+ global CIOs, CTOs and industry veterans. 

    “Atomicwork’s AI agents can autonomously handle everyday IT services, and employees can then focus on actually growing the business,” said Kanu Gulati of Khosla Ventures. “This is the AI innovation that large organizations need to radically transform how they work.”  

    “Atomicwork has built a remarkable team and proven technology, and we’ve witnessed firsthand how they’re transforming IT service management for global businesses. Their potential is immense to redefine the future of enterprise IT with Agentic AI.” said Pranay Desai, Managing Director at Z47.  “Having been part of their journey since the seed round, we’re thrilled to continue our partnership and support their next phase of growth. ”  

    Future growth and expansion 
    These Series A funds will be used to further scale and deploy Enterprise AI agents and invest in GTM expansion. The company plans to enhance its platform support for key enterprise integrations and ensure seamless scalability. 

    “Enterprise IT is undergoing a radical transformation and Atomicwork’s agentic service management platform is in a great position to innovate in this space,” said Neeraj Agrawal, General Partner at Battery Ventures. “We are excited to be a part of the company’s journey as it continues to scale and innovate for enterprise IT teams.”

    Ends

    Media images can be found here. 

    About Atomicwork 
    Atomicwork helps enterprises reduce IT service costs and boost productivity through its agentic service management platform. Built for modern businesses, Atomicwork eliminates manual IT tasks, reducing resolution times by 90%, and empowers IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth.

    Trusted by leading enterprises, Atomicwork transforms enterprise service management while delivering exceptional employee experiences and accelerating business success. Headquartered in San Francisco, Atomicwork also has offices in Singapore and India. For more information please visit: www.atomicwork.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump 2.0: the rise of an ‘anti-elite’ elite in US politics

    Source: The Conversation – France – By William Genieys, Directeur de recherche CNRS au CEE, Sciences Po

    US president Donald Trump is surrounded by a new cohort of politicians and officials. While one of his campaign promises was to overthrow the “corrupt elites” he accuses of flooding the American political arena, his second term in office has elevated elites chosen, above all, for their political loyalty to him.

    The media’s focus on Trump’s comments on making Canada the 51st US state and annexing Greenland and billionaire Elon Musk’s support for some far-right parties in Europe has obscured the ambitious programme to transform the federal government that the new political elite intends to implement.

    In the wake of Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the Republican elites most loyal to the MAGA (“Make America Great Again”) leader, who staunchly oppose Democratic elites and their policies, are operating amid their party’s control over the executive and legislative branches (at least until the midterm elections in 2026), a conservative-dominated Supreme Court that includes three Trump-appointed justices, and a federal judiciary that shifted right during his first term.

    However, the political project of the Trumpist camp consists less of challenging elitism in general than attacking a specific elite: one particular to liberal democracies.

    Castigating democratic elitism

    Typical anti-elite political propaganda, along the lines of “I speak for you, the people, against the elites who betray and deceive you,” claims that a populist leader would be able to exercise power for and on behalf of the people without the mediation of an elite disconnected from their needs.

    Political theorist John Higley sees behind this form of anti-elite discourse an association between so-called “forceful leaders” and “leonine elites” (who take advantage of the former and their political success): a phenomenon that threatens the future of Western democracies.

    Since the Second World War, there has been a consensus in US politics on the idea of democratic elitism. According to this principle, elitist mediation is inevitable in mass democracies and must be based on two criteria: respect for the results of elections (which must be free and competitive); and the relative autonomy of political institutions.

    The challenge to this consensus has been growing since the 1990s with the increased polarization of American politics. It gained new momentum during and after the 2016 presidential campaign, which was marked by anti-elite rhetoric from both Republicans and Democrats (such as senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren). At the heart of some of their diatribes was an aversion to “the Establishment” on the east and west coasts of the United States, where many prestigious financial, political and academic institutions are based, and the conspiracy notion of the “deep state”.

    The re-election of Trump, who has never admitted defeat in the 2020 presidential vote, growing political hostility and the direct involvement of tech tycoons in political communication –especially on the Republican side– further reinforce the denial of democratic elitism.

    Trump’s populism from above: a revolt of the elites

    The idea that democracy could be betrayed by “the revolt of the elites”, put forward by the US historian Christopher Lasch (1932-1994), is not new. For the anthropologist Arjun Appadurai, it is a particular feature of contemporary populism, which comes “from above.” Indeed, if the 20th century was the era of the “revolt of the masses”, the 21st century, according to Appadurai, “is characterized by the ‘revolt of the elites’.” This would explain the rise of populist autocracies (such as those currently led by Viktor Orban in Hungary, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey and Narendra Modi in India, and formerly led by Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil), but also the election successes of populist leaders in consolidated democracies (including those of Trump in the US, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, for example).

    As Appadurai explains, the success of Trumpian populism, which represents a revolt by ordinary Americans against the elites, casts a veil over the fact that, following Trump’s victory in November, “it is a new elite that has ousted from power the despised Democratic elite that had occupied the White House for nearly four years.”

    The aim of this “alter elite” is to replace the “regular” Democrat elites, but also the moderate Republicans, by deeply discrediting their values (such as liberalism and so-called “wokeism”) and their supposedly corrupt political practices. As a result, this populism “from above” carried out by the President’s supporters constitutes an alternative elite configuration, the effects of which on American democratic life could be more significant than those observed during Trump’s first term.

    Beyond the idea of a ‘Muskoligarchy’

    The idea that we are witnessing the formation of a “Muskoligarchy” –in other words, an economic elite (including tech barons such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Marc Andreessen) rallying around the figurehead of Elon Musk, whom Trump asked to lead what the president has called a “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) –is seductive. It perfectly combines the vision of an alliance between a “conspiratorial, coherent, conscious” ruling class and an oligarchy made up of the “ultra-rich”. For the Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf, it is even a sign of the development of “pluto-populism”. (It is also worth noting that former president Joe Biden, in his farewell speech, referred to “an oligarchy… of extreme wealth” and “the potential rise of a tech-industrial complex.”)

    However, some observers are cautious about the advent of a “Muskoligarchy.” They point to the sociological eclecticism of the new Trumpian elite, whose facade of unity is held together above all by a political loyalty, for the time being unfailing, to the MAGA leader. The fact remains, however, that the various factions of this new “anti-elite” elite are converging around a common agenda: to rid the federal government of the supposed stranglehold of Democratic “insiders.”

    An ‘anti-elite’ elite against the ‘deep state’

    In his presidential inauguration speech in 1981, Ronald Reagan said: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” The anti-elitism of the Trump elite is inspired by this diagnosis, and defends a simple political programme: rid democracy of the “deep state.”


    Although the idea that the US is “beleaguered” by an “unelected and unaccountable elite” and “insiders” who subvert the general interest has been shown to be unfounded, it is nonetheless predominant in the new Trump Administration.

    This conspiracy theory has been taken to the extreme by Kash Patel, the candidate being considered to head the FBI. In his book, Government Gangsters, a veritable manifesto against the federal administration, the former lawyer writes about the need to resort to “purges” in order to bring elite Democrats to justice. He lists around 60 people, including Biden, ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton and ex-vice president Kamala Harris.

    Government Gangsters, Kash Patel’s controversial book.
    Google Books

    The appointment of Russell Vought as head of the Office of Management and Budget at the White House, a person who is known for having sought to obstruct the transition to the Biden Administration in 2021, also highlights the hard turn that the Trump administration is likely to take.

    Reshaping the state around political loyalty

    To “deconstruct the administrative state”, the “anti-elite” elites are relying on Project 2025, a 900-plus page programme report that the conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation, which published it, says was produced by “more than 400 scholars and policy experts.” According to former Project 2025 director Paul Dans, “never before has the entire movement… banded together to construct a comprehensive plan” for this purpose. On this basis, the “anti-elite” elite want to impose loyalty to Project 2025 on federal civil servants.

    But this idea is not new. At the end of his first term, Trump issued an executive order facilitating the dismissal of statutory federal civil servants occupying “policy-related positions” and considered to be “disloyal”. The decree was rescinded by president Biden, but Trump on his first day back in office signed an executive order that seeks to void Biden’s rescindment. As President, Trump is also able to allocate senior positions within the federal administration to his supporters.

    The “anti-elite” elite not only want to reduce the size of the state, as was the case under Reagan’s “neoliberalism”, but to deconstruct and rebuild it in their own image. Their real aim is a more lasting victory: the transformation of democratic elitism into populist elitism.

    Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Trump 2.0: the rise of an ‘anti-elite’ elite in US politics – https://theconversation.com/trump-2-0-the-rise-of-an-anti-elite-elite-in-us-politics-248180

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Wintrust Financial Corporation Completes Integration with LPL Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC, a subsidiary of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA), today announced that Wintrust Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: WTFC) has transitioned support of the wealth management business of Wintrust Investments and certain private client business at Great Lakes Advisors (collectively “Wintrust”) to LPL Financial and its Institution Services platform.     

    “This strategic relationship with LPL Financial is a significant step forward for Wintrust and our mission to provide exceptional wealth management advice and superior service to our clients across the country,” said Tom Zidar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Wintrust Wealth Management. “By leveraging LPL’s enhanced platform, we will deliver a more streamlined and personalized experience to our clients and a more intuitive, integrated experience for our advisors.”   

    “Wintrust’s advisors now have the capabilities, technology and centralized support to differentiate their service offering and grow their practices,” said Christopher Cassidy, Senior Vice President, Head of Institution Business Development at LPL. “This strategic relationship reflects the value LPL brings to help financial institutions scale their wealth management businesses and deliver personalized experiences for their clients.”    

    LPL and Wintrust Financial Corporation signed an agreement in February 2024. On January 25, about $15 billion of brokerage and advisory assets were onboarded to LPL. The remaining $1 billion of assets are expected to onboard over the next several months.   

    About Wintrust    

    Wintrust is a financial holding company with approximately $64.9 billion in assets whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results®” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges.  

    About LPL Financial   

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 28,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.  

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.  

    LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. LPL Financial and Wintrust are not affiliated.  

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.   

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.    

    Forward-Looking Statements  

    Certain of the statements included in this release, such as those regarding the expected onboarding of assets associated with the strategic relationship and the benefits anticipated of the relationship, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “will,” “shall” or variations of such words are generally part of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon Wintrust, LPL or both. In particular, no assurance can be provided that the assets reported as serviced by financial advisors affiliated with Wintrust will translate into assets serviced by LPL or that the benefits that are expected to accrue to Wintrust, LPL and advisors as a result of the strategic relationship will materialize. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including economic, legislative, regulatory, competitive and other factors, and there are certain important factors that could cause actual results or the timing of events to differ, possibly materially, from expectations or estimates expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include: difficulties or delays of LPL in transitioning advisors affiliated with Wintrust, or in onboarding Wintrust’s clients and businesses or transitioning their assets from Wintrust’s current third-party custodian to LPL; the inability of LPL to sustain revenue and earnings growth or to fully realize revenue or expense synergies or the other expected benefits of the transaction, which depend in part on LPL’s success in onboarding assets currently served by Wintrust’s advisors; disruptions to Wintrust’s or LPL’s businesses due to transaction-related uncertainty or other factors making it more difficult to maintain relationships with financial advisors and clients, employees, other business partners or governmental entities; the inability of LPL or Wintrust to implement onboarding plans; the choice by clients of Wintrust-affiliated advisors not to open brokerage and/or advisory accounts at LPL; changes in general economic and financial market conditions, including retail investor sentiment; fluctuations in the value of assets under custody; and the effects of competition in the financial services industry, including competitors’ success in recruiting Wintrust-affiliated advisors. Certain additional important factors that could cause actual results or the timing of events to differ, possibly materially, from expectations or estimates expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” (in the case of Wintrust) or the “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” (in the case of LPL) sections included in each of Wintrust’s and LPL’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, Wintrust and LPL do not undertake to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this document as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.   

    Contacts   

    LPL Media Relations   
    media.relations@lplfinancial.com   
    (704) 996-1840

    LPL Investor Relations   
    investor.relations@lplfinancial.com   

    Wintrust  
    David A. Dykstra 
    Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer 
    (847) 939-9000 

    Tracking: 686437 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Exela Technologies Announces Strategic Partnership with Michael Page

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVING, Texas, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exela Technologies, Inc. (“Exela” or the “Company”) (OTC: XELA, XELAP), a global business process automation (BPA) leader, has announced a strategic partnership between its Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) Business Unit and Michael Page, a leading recruitment firm specializing in leadership hiring for large enterprises.

    Michael Page, through this partnership, plans to expand Exela’s successful Center of Excellence across various corporate functions, including Finance Shared Services, by deploying Build-Operate-Transfer, Captive, and Business Processes as a Service to their enterprise customers. This collaboration is expected to further strengthen Exela’s position as a trusted partner for delivering tailored, scalable financial solutions.

    “Partnering with Michael Page opens up exciting new avenues for us,” said Sandeep Sapru, President, APAC, Exela Technologies. “This collaboration allows us to bring our deep expertise in finance outsourcing to a wider global audience, helping enterprise clients streamline operations, drive efficiency, and enhance financial outcomes.”

    The partnership reflects a rigorous, strategic process showcasing Exela’s expertise in consulting and executing BOT and captive models. Michael Page’s confidence in Exela was bolstered by the success of its Shared Services Center (SSC) and Full-Service Play (FSP) model, demonstrating Exela’s ability to meet the unique needs of enterprise clients.

    “India continues to be a hub of exceptional talent, with enterprises seeking innovative solutions to optimize their operations and drive strategic growth,” said Anshul Lodha, Managing Director of Michael Page India. “Our partnership with Exela Technologies combines our deep expertise in leadership recruitment with their proven capabilities in finance outsourcing, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Indian business landscape. Together, we are well-positioned to help organizations in India and beyond build resilient, high-performing teams that drive long-term success.”

    As Exela enters FY25, the partnership underscores its commitment to driving growth, innovation, and impactful collaborations that redefine finance outsourcing and shared services.

    About Exela

    Exela Technologies is a business process automation (BPA) leader, leveraging a global footprint and proprietary technology to provide digital transformation solutions enhancing quality, productivity, and end-user experience. With decades of experience operating mission-critical processes, Exela serves a growing roster of more than 4,000 customers throughout 50 countries, including over 60% of the Fortune® 100. Utilizing foundational technologies spanning information management, workflow automation, and integrated communications, Exela’s software and services include multi-industry, departmental solution suites addressing finance and accounting, human capital management, and legal management, as well as industry-specific solutions for banking, healthcare, insurance, and the public sector. Through cloud-enabled platforms, built on a configurable stack of automation modules, and approximately 15,000 employees operating in 21 countries, Exela rapidly deploys integrated technology and operations as an end-to-end digital journey partner.

    To automatically receive Exela financial news by email, please visit the Exela Investor Relations website, http://investors.exelatech.com/, and subscribe to Email Alerts.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “may”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “seem”, “seek”, “continue”, “future”, “will”, “expect”, “outlook” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our industry, future events, estimated or anticipated future results and benefits, future opportunities for Exela, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on the current expectations of Exela management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report and in subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In addition, forward-looking statements provide expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Exela anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause assessments to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Exela’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

    For more Exela news, commentary, and industry perspectives, visit:

    Website: https://investors.exelatech.com/
    X: @ExelaTech
    LinkedIn: /exela-technologies
    Facebook: @exelatechnologies
    Instagram: @exelatechnologies

    Investor and/or Media Contacts:

    ir@exelatech.com

    Source: Exela Technologies, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: François Villeroy de Galhau: For a high speed and safe journey into the financial future

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and gentlemen,
    It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this high-level conference organised by the Banque de France on speed and innovation, and how they could be disruptive for financial markets and market infrastructures. Let me thank Emmanuelle Assouan and her teams for setting up this event. I would also like to extend my warm thanks to all participants from industry, public authorities and central banks who will give their views during three roundtables today, including my colleagues and friends Andrea Maechler, Piero Cipollone and Naoto Shimoda.

    It is a première for a Banque de France conference to be held here at the Cinémathèque française, which is definitely an excellent venue for our theme of today: we are here in the place where speed is made art. As you know, cinema was invented in France by the Lumière brothers in the late 19th century. During the projection in 1896 of one of their very first movies, The arrival of a train at La Ciotat station, the audience was so overwhelmed by the moving image of a train coming directly at them that people ran away. But we do not fear speed anymore, on the contrary: it has become a key success factor in financial markets and market infrastructures, yielding high benefits. Transactions and their settlement have already become dramatically swifter over the last decades – notably in France, which was at the forefront in dematerialising securities – and will continue gathering speed. I will first elaborate on the reasons why, in a fast-moving environment, resilience must be preserved in order to ensure financial stability (I). Our public-private partnership has to evolve, with a view to enhancing cross-border payments and the holistic project of creating a shared ledger (II). 

    I. A fast-moving financial system whose resilience must be preserved in order to ensure financial stability

    Markets are undergoing structural changes, all driven by increased speed aimed at achieving higher efficiency. Automation and high-frequency trading are driving a rise in daily trading volumes; new participants have emerged, and incumbents have evolved. Nowadays, robots and algorithms are unlocking new possibilities, while artificial intelligence offers the promise of value added in trading, customer relationships and investment decisions. From photography to digital movies, from local theatres to global web platforms, cinematography has gone through technological revolutions over the years. However, whether it’s in cinema or finance, speed is not a goal per se. The social utility of certain accelerations such as high-frequency trading remains to be seen, and they carry risks. We must reflect on new guardrails to protect against possible increased market volatility – and even potential flash crashes caused by poorly coordinated algorithms that can amplify massive sell-offs.
     
    Post-market processes are keeping pace with this acceleration in trading: settlement is getting ever faster. A few years ago, implementing T+2 (i.e. ensuring settlement within two days of transaction execution) was a major step forward for all players, as enshrined in the European CSDR regulation.i Nowadays we are once again aiming for more ambitious targets, with an objective of T+1 in Europe in 2027 – as has already been the case in the United States, Canada and Mexico since end-May last year. Interestingly, across the Atlantic, this evolution was driven by market players, who saw in the shortening of the settlement cycle an opportunity to further reduce liquidity, counterparty and operational risks. The American experience also shows that T+1 yields direct financial benefits, in particular a significant lowering of CCP margins. T+1 therefore received overall support in ESMA’s and the Commission’s public consultations. I trust that we are all well aware of the operational requirements and challenges to be met:ii  preparatory work must start now, with the adaptation of IT systems and further automation of processes. It is also important to coordinate with the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and to pay due attention to the consequences in terms of shorter cut-offs – notably for FX transactions.
     
    The tokenisation of assets is obviously another groundswell movement, which could further enhance the straight-through processing of trade and post-trade activities, and paves the way for yet another acceleration with a widespread implementation of T+0. It has the potential to generate even greater savings both for the financial industry and end-users. To date, the nascent DLTiii  finance has used new forms of commercial bank money as settlement assets, such as tokenised deposits or so-called stablecoins. As experience has shown in the last few years, they are far from immune, and Europe has made the right step by adopting the MiCA regulation. Failing to regulate crypto-assets and non-banks today would merely sow the seeds for tomorrow’s financial crisis.
     
    Beyond these regulatory issues, it has become more and more apparent that we currently lack the anchor provided by central bank money, which drastically reduces counterparty and liquidity risks, and crucially ensures the finality of payments. A wholesale central bank digital currency would ensure convertibility between tokenised assets, exactly as central banks currently ensure convertibility between commercial bank monies, allowing for delivery-versus-payment and payment-versus-payment. In short, tokenised central bank money would provide a “safety pivot”, and serve as a reliable basis of trust on which these new technologies could realise their full potential.

    II. A step further with the interlinking of fast-payment systems and a European shared ledger to meet the challenges of transition and growth

     
    Central banks must therefore keep up with these developments,iv  in order to explore the potential of DLT and foster innovation while preserving the anchoring role of central bank money. Building among others on the Banque de France’s pioneering experiments between 2020 and 2023,v  the Eurosystem conducted a series of new experiments on wholesale CBDC between April and November 2024,vi  with the active involvement of the Banque de France, Banca d’Italia and Bundesbank as solution providers. We witnessed active industry participation in the Eurosystem experiments, and I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to your strong commitment – which, I believe, also reflects the growing awareness of the need for a safe settlement asset.
     
    Together, we successfully tested numerous and very diverse use cases, ranging from primary issues to cross-currency payments, repos, margin calls and asset management, to give a few examples. Actual settlement was even tested for the lifecycle management of securities and secondary market transactions. With this ambitious programme, we have further delivered on our learning-by-doing approach, which is of the essence. As announced, the Eurosystem will draw lessons from the exploratory work, including on how to facilitate the provision of central bank money settlement for wholesale asset transactions on DLT platforms. Clearly, it is in the interest of both European commercial banks and the public sector to work together towards a tokenised European framework: money is and will remain a public-private partnership, which has to evolve.
     
    As regards cross-border payments, the Eurosystem has launched initiatives to help improve them, including exploratory work on linking TIPS with other fast-payment systems such as UPI in India. We thereby support the G20 roadmap for creating a faster, cheaper, more transparent and accessible global payments ecosystem, while ensuring secure and reliable instant payments. The G20 roadmap also foresees, in the longer term, the use of tokenisation to further enhance cross-border payments.
     
    We now need to bring all these advances together to create a global motion picture, in a holistic manner. Here, the idea of a “unified ledger” put forward by the BISvii  looks like more than a promising technology: a rallying concept, or even a utopia. This next-generation market infrastructure would take one day in the future the shape of a shared, seamless and programmable platform that integrates central bank money, commercial bank money and tokenised financial assets – which would call for redefined and improved public-private partnerships. Accordingly, in April 2024 the BIS launched Project Agorá,viii  to explore the tokenisation of cross-border payments to improve the existing correspondent banking model. This major project brings together seven central banks worldwide, including the Banque de France which represents the Eurosystem, and a large group of private financial firms. But a first and necessary step towards such a global infrastructure should be to build regional shared ledgers – one of which would be European.
     
    A European shared ledger could prove an efficient means to overcome European market fragmentation and current inefficiencies, by facilitating the provision of seamlessly connected services across Europe. It would therefore act as a catalyst for a Savings and Investments Union, and provide tools such as green bonds and securities to finance the green transition, at a time where we have to mobilise Europe’s private savings surplus of more than EUR 300 billion a year. In short, it would be an important lever for achieving our climate but also digital transformations, which are among our main challenges; it would also help Europe to gain in both size – by unifying its single market – and speed. Achieving this ambitious vision requires moving forward step by step, in a phased approach. Rather than replacing existing infrastructures which have already helped to reduce fragmentation in Europe – like the harmonised settlement system T2S –, this new shared infrastructure would tackle markets which still rely on manual processes and lack standardisation, such as OTC markets and unlisted stocks. A crucial first step will be to make central bank money available on this infrastructure: this makes it all the more important to offer a wholesale CBDC solution in the short term to prepare this long term target.

    Let me conclude with Billy Wilder, the director of Some like it hot. He once gave this sound piece of advice: “If you have a problem with the third act, the real problem is in the first act.” This leads me to a twofold conclusion: first, that it is the right time to engage in the design and experimentation of market infrastructures of the future; second, that fast-paced transformations should not be at the expense of past achievements in financial stability, and increase risks. Central bank money must remain the settlement asset at the core of the financial system, whether tokenised or not. Under this condition, our common technological breakthroughs could contribute to meeting our major challenges. Thank you for your attention. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Donors are down, but dollars are up – how US charitable giving is changing

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Una Osili, Professor of Economics and Philanthropic Studies; Associate Dean for Research and International Programs, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University

    Although the pie is shrinking, the remaining slices are giving more.
     Say-Cheese/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Although the US$557 billion Americans gave to charity in 2023 marked a 2.1% decline in inflation-adjusted terms, U.S. donations have increased significantly over the past two decades. Giving has grown by about 42% since 2003, according to the annual Giving USA report – which our team at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy researches and writes in partnership with the Giving USA Foundation.

    While overall charitable funds have expanded according to the most recent data available, the share of Americans who give to charitable causes has fallen. It plummeted from 66.2% of all U.S. adults in 2000 to 45.8% in 2020, our team determined in a different study we released in 2024. In short, the number of dollars is up, while the share of Americans who are donors is down.

    As the second Trump administration gets underway, having fewer people donating more is one reason why scholars of philanthropy like us are watching how the federal government handles tax policy and other measures that could influence charitable giving.

    Decline continued when the COVID-19 pandemic began

    Our latest study regarding the donors’ side of the American giving equation included data from 2020 – the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    We found that a long-term decline in Americans’ participation in charitable giving accelerated during the first year of the pandemic. The share of Americans who gave to charity fell from 49.6% in 2018, the prior year for which data is available, to 45.8% in 2020 – a nearly 4-percentage-point decline in two years. This data is only available for every other year.

    Those findings may appear to contradict many anecdotal reports about charitable activity and other acts of generosity being on the rise at that time.

    The share of Americans who give to charity had fallen by 3.5 percentage points in the prior two-year period – a sign that the pandemic may have sped up the decline in the giving participation rate.

    Giving is growing more concentrated

    How can the total amount contributed rise while the share of donors declines?

    The answer is simple: The donors who still give to charity are giving more than they used to, even after adjusting for inflation.

    The total amount the typical U.S. donor gave in a year rose from $3,131 in 2018 to $3,651 in 2020. That’s an 16.6% increase in just two years.

    We also found that American donors with higher incomes, more education and more wealth are giving larger amounts than they used to.

    Bouts of economic volatility and, in recent years, inflation running at levels not seen since the 1980s may have left many American families with less money to donate to charities.

    Other factors include cultural shifts, a decline in religious affiliation and a loss of trust in institutions of all kinds.

    What’s around the corner

    Changes enacted during the first Trump administration have been reverberating in recent years, and the second Trump administration’s policies are also likely to influence giving trends.

    Most of the taxpayers who had previously been able to take advantage of the charitable deduction, which reduces taxable income in accordance to the value of a taxpayer’s donations, stopped itemizing and instead took advantage of the standard deduction after President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law in late 2017.

    That’s because the 2017 tax reforms increased the standard deduction. As a result, many people stopped itemizing their tax returns and started using the standard deduction instead.

    About 30% of taxpayers itemized in 2017, which meant they could benefit from the charitable deduction. But since 2018, only about 10% of them have been itemizing. A recent study one of us worked on determined that the tax changes reduced charitable giving by $20 billion in 2018 alone.

    The White House could attempt to address the sustained decline in the share of Americans making charitable donations by considering policies that have the potential to encourage more people to give to charity.

    The shrinking ranks of American donors matters because philanthropy plays a prominent role in fulfilling Americans’ spiritual, intellectual and material needs and aspirations for people of all backgrounds.

    Una Osili receives funding from Bill and Melinda Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund, John Templeton Foundation, Google.org

    Xiao “Jimmy” Han receives funding from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund, Google.org Charitable Giving Fund, and the John Templeton Foundation.

    – ref. Donors are down, but dollars are up – how US charitable giving is changing – https://theconversation.com/donors-are-down-but-dollars-are-up-how-us-charitable-giving-is-changing-246473

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Exterro Schedules First-of-Its-Kind INFORM Webinar Series to Unite Global Forensic Experts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exterro Inc. is launching INFORM, a global webinar series designed as a premier resource for digital forensics practitioners. This virtual event will feature independent industry luminaries and experts sharing actionable insights and fostering a community of excellence.

    “INFORM is an opportunity for digital forensics experts and practitioners across the globe to connect, learn, and grow,” says Harsh Behl, VP of Product for Digital Forensics at Exterro. “Participants will join an exclusive global community, gaining new ideas, sharing insights, and forging connections with peers and experts.”

    Actionable Insights and Strategies for Attendees

    Attendees will gain exclusive insights and strategies through deep dives with leaders who understand their biggest challenges. Each session provides real-world solutions and skills applicable immediately. From notable Organizations to leading industry voices, these trailblazers and innovators will showcase the latest in forensic investigation techniques and offer predictions that will shape the year ahead.

    “The series will explore challenges and best practices of conducting investigations that investigators face in their jurisdictions, strategies for navigating diverse laws, legal frameworks, and fostering cooperation,” says Justin Tolman, the forensic evangelist and subject matter expert at Exterro. “Attendees will receive valuable insights from experts on overcoming challenges like cross-border hurdles to ensure compliance while driving effective investigative outcomes. By spanning regional perspectives, we’re offering attendees a holistic view of digital forensics that reflects the complex, global nature of today’s investigations.”

    At this full-day event will, the experts will delve deeper into:

    • Strategies for tackling complex investigations, leveraging innovative tools and strategic collaboration to solve high-value crimes, and insights into dismantling intricate, cross-border criminal networks.
    • Approaches to help forensic teams focus on critical evidence, minimize review time, reduce costs, and implement best practices for refining forensic workflows to deliver results faster in complex investigations.
    • Advanced digital forensics techniques to identify, analyze, and mitigate insider threats and data exfiltration, including methods to uncover subtle indicators of compromise, trace unauthorized data movement, and implement robust prevention strategies.
    • Addressing unique cloud challenges, including multi-tenant architectures, data sovereignty, and dynamic environments, while ensuring compliance and minimizing downtime.
    • How police forces are reshaping their digital forensic processes through innovative cloud-based solutions, modernizing and streamlining investigations, and enhancing collaboration, scalability, and case resolution efficiency.
    • Challenges and considerations that digital forensic practitioners must address.
    • Various AI methods, such as image forensics, facial detection and recognition, and deep metadata analysis used for deepfake detection, the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of deepfake technology, and the importance of a multi-modal framework in safeguarding digital media integrity.
    • The interplay between eDiscovery and forensics in internal investigations, providing insights and tips for success and efficiency, including guidance on the admissibility of evidence and strategies for enhancing personal value.

    INFORM will feature some of the brightest minds in digital forensics, including:

    • Farand C. Wasiak: Senior Special Agent at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), with extensive experience in cybercrime and child protection investigations.
    • Prof. Triveni Singh: Cybercrime expert and Superintendent of Police (SP) for Cyber Crime in Uttar Pradesh, India, presenting a comprehensive guide to incident response in cloud environments.
    • Rob Fried: SVP and Global Head of Forensics at Sandline Global, renowned for leadership in data collection, expert testimony, and investigative training.
    • David Williams: Director of Global Public Safety & Justice at Microsoft, exploring the critical fight against deepfake technologies and the need for multi-modal detection methods.
    • John Price KPM: Detective Sergeant with West Midlands Police, offering insights into revolutionizing case management with cloud-based forensics and digital scene triage.

    Why INFORM Matters Now

    The surge in cybercrime, increasing complexity of legal compliance, and rapid growth of data sources have reshaped the digital forensics landscape. As investigations grow more intricate, the need for global collaboration and knowledge-sharing has become paramount. INFORM seeks to break down silos and create a platform where forensic professionals, regardless of geography, can access the expertise they need to stay ahead of emerging threats.

    True to Exterro’s mission of accessibility and community-building, INFORM is a free-to-attend event. Participants can tailor their experience by selecting sessions that align with their interests or commit to the full day to experience the complete global narrative of digital forensics innovation.

    To register and view the full schedule of speakers and sessions, visit here.

    About Exterro:

    Exterro empowers organizations and law enforcement agencies to achieve better legal, regulatory, and investigatory outcomes, while saving money and minimizing the impact of data risk. Its data risk management software is the only comprehensive platform that leverages data discovery, automation, and workflow optimization, and one of the first to utilize responsible AI to give users insight into and control over the complex interconnections of privacy, legal operations, digital investigations, cybersecurity response, compliance, and data governance. Thousands of corporations, law firms, managed services providers, and government and law enforcement agencies trust Exterro to manage their risks and drive successful outcomes at a lower cost. For more information, visit www.exterro.com.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Anamika D. Kumar
    Email – anamika.dhirendrakumar@exterro.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rocket Software Transforms Hybrid Cloud Data Integration with Rocket® DataEdge™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Software, a global technology leader in modernization software, today announced Rocket DataEdge, its structured data suite for hybrid cloud data integration. Rocket DataEdge bridges the gap between core transactional applications, distributed systems, and cloud environments, providing seamless data discovery, integration, and management. Because data is the foundation of corporate growth strategies, this comprehensive suite underscores Rocket Software’s commitment to enabling organizations to capture the full value of data in AI and analytics initiatives.

    The hybrid cloud market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to reach an estimated value of $262 billion by 2027, up from $85 billion in 2021. As enterprises increasingly adopt hybrid cloud infrastructures, the real-time integration of mainframe, distributed and cloud data has become essential for informing AI models and unlocking fully actionable insights. Yet, vast amounts of critical data from core transactional systems remain largely unavailable to AI and analytics initiatives. From transactional and customer records to inventory information, recent research reveals that only 28% of IT leaders are fully capitalizing on this valuable resource. AI and analytics models that don’t leverage mainframe data are often unable to provide complete and accurate insights, seriously limiting their ability to drive business value. For this reason, comprehensively integrating data across infrastructures is critical to getting a complete and timely view of the business.

    “IT leaders recognize the tremendous value of data stored in core transactional applications but struggle to access and leverage the information effectively in the AI and analytics initiatives that drive growth,” said Michael Curry, President of Data Modernization at Rocket Software. “As a result, decision-makers often rely on incomplete information, missing key insights that would inform their strategies. While hybrid environments offer significant benefits, their full potential can only be realized by bridging data from these disparate sources. Rocket DataEdge enables data and analytics teams to execute an adaptive, forward-looking data strategy that drives maximum competitive advantage.”

    Rocket DataEdge builds diverse enterprise data sets into a single, scalable, high-quality enterprise data set. It is the most comprehensive data discovery, integration, and metadata management suite available, supporting more hybrid technology connections and targets than any other provider. Rocket DataEdge enables enterprises to:

    • Synchronize enterprise data in real time – Easily connect hard-to-reach mainframe, IBM® i and on-premises data with cloud applications, data lakes, lakehouses, and warehouses.
    • Access and analyze data faster – By automating the scanning and analysis of mainframe and cloud metadata, data becomes easily understood and mapped to cloud data initiatives.
    • Reduce operational costs and increase business agility – Enabling optimal hybrid cloud processing engines for data management, enterprises can lower costs, optimize operations, and speed delivery.
    • Improve workflows across infrastructure – Cohesive data management minimizes complexity, delays, errors, and compatibility challenges by seamlessly unifying data across environments.

    “Understanding and harnessing all enterprise data is critical to enable complete and actionable insights on customer needs, market trends, and operational effectiveness,” said Stewart Bond, Vice President, Data Intelligence and Integration Software, IDC. “But integrating data from core transactional, distributed, and cloud sources into a single, widely accessible repository is still a huge challenge. Rocket’s DataEdge vision and roadmap connects core transactional systems with cloud and distributed environments to deliver seamless, high-quality data access and governance across the enterprise.”

    Rocket DataEdge unifies metadata management and end user experience to advance AI and analytics initiatives that drive business outcomes. The suite includes Rocket®Data Replicate & Sync, Rocket® Data Intelligence, and Rocket® Data Virtualization. To learn more about Rocket DataEdge visit Rocket® DataEdge.

    About Rocket Software 
    Rocket Software is a global technology leader in modernization and a partner of choice that empowers the world’s leading businesses on their modernization journeys, spanning core systems to the cloud. Trusted by over 12,500 customers and 750 partners, and with more than 3,600 global employees, Rocket Software enables customers to maximize their data, applications, and infrastructure to deliver critical services that power our modern world. Rocket Software is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in the Boston area with centers of excellence strategically located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Rocket Software is a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity. Follow Rocket Software on LinkedIn and X or visit www.RocketSoftware.com. 

    IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

    Media Contact
    Lacey Darrow
    ldarrow@rocketsoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/TANZANIA – Resignation and appointment of the Bishop of Iringa

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 28 January 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Iringa, Tanzania, presented by Bishop Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa.The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Romanus Elamu Mihali, of the clergy of Mafinga, until now episcopal vicar for the clergy of the diocese of Mafinga and parish priest of Ujewa, as bishop of Iringa, Tanzania.Msgr. Romanus Elamu Mihali was born on 10 June 1969 in Itulituli, Mufindi, and studied philosophy and theology at Peramiho Major Seminary in Songea.He was ordained a priest on 13 July 2000 for the clergy of Iringa.After ordination, he first served as deputy parish priest of Saint Paul the Apostle in Ilula, Iringa (2000-2003) and teacher and formator at Saint Kizito Minor Seminary in Mafinga (2003-2005). He carried out his studies for a degree in zoological sciences, a degree in natural sciences, and a bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Kerala, India (2005-2011), and went on to hold the roles of deputy parish priest of Virgin Mary of Fatima in Usomaki, Iringa (2012-2015) and parish priest of Virgin Mary of the Assumption in Ujewa, Iringa (2015-2024).After the erection of the diocese of Mafinga in 2024, he was incardinated in the new diocese.Since 2024 he has served as parish priest of Virgin Mary of the Assumption in Ujewa, Mafinga, episcopal vicar for the clergy, and secretary for health of the diocese of Mafinga. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 28/1/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Law Library’s Newly Published Legal Report Titled, “Access to Information for Persons with Disabilities in Selected Jurisdictions”

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The Law Library of Congress recently published a multinational report, Access to Information for Persons with Disabilities in Selected Jurisdictions, which provides individual surveys of selected jurisdictions and gives an overview of their legislation on access to information for persons with disabilities. Providing access constitutes one of the human rights protections specifically guaranteed under article 21 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

    Our research surveyed 27 jurisdictions, namely, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo (Democratic Republic), Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

    This report surveys how the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, notably, if a jurisdiction’s constitution expressly protects persons with disabilities. It further describes the rights to information, in particular legal information, access to justice, and culture, and includes current legislative proposals as they concern persons with disabilities. The report also surveys which jurisdictions offer publicly funded libraries that specifically serve the blind and visually impaired.

    A majority of the jurisdictions surveyed are parties to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled and the jurisdictions have adopted legislation and procedures to make convenience copies of copyrighted material available to persons with disabilities. Several jurisdictions are also part of networks facilitating such access, such as the Accessible Books Consortium, or provide access to Bookshare.

    The report is accompanied by maps and a table of primary resources. The maps reflect our findings on surveyed jurisdictions with the first map describing whether jurisdictions expressly protect persons with disabilities in their constitutions. The second map illustrates whether the jurisdiction has specific legislation that addresses access to information for persons with disabilities. Additional maps show which countries have ratified the Marrakesh Treaty and what countries have designated “NLS-style” libraries, specifically mandated to provide access and services to persons with disabilities.

    The report supported the Law Library’s Human Rights Day Webinar on Laws Governing Accessibility from Around the World.

    We invite you to review our report, here.

    The report is an addition to the Law Library’s Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress) collection, which includes over 4,000 historical and contemporary legal reports covering a variety of jurisdictions, researched and written by foreign law specialists with expertise in each area. To receive alerts when new reports are published, you can subscribe to email updates for Law Library Reports (click the “subscribe” button on the Law Library’s website). The Law Library also regularly publishes articles related to human rights and civil liberties in the Global Legal Monitor.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Direct flights between Chinese mainland and India to resume

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

    BEIJING, Jan. 28 — China and India agreed Monday to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement on Tuesday.

    Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri held a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between China and India on Monday in Beijing, focusing on promoting the implementation of the common understandings reached between Chinese and Indian leaders at their meeting in Kazan and discussing measures to improve and develop China-India relations, the statement said.

    The two sides reached common understandings on the following specific measures:

    First, India is willing to fully support China’s work as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and will actively participate in various activities hosted by China under the framework of the SCO.

    Second, the two sides agreed to utilize bilateral and multilateral occasions to carry out active interactions at all levels, strengthen strategic communication, and enhance political mutual trust.

    Third, the two sides agreed to jointly commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India in 2025, and carry out media and think tank exchanges, Track II talks and other people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

    Fourth, the two sides agreed to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India, support the coordination and promotion of the competent departments of the two countries, and take measures to facilitate personnel exchanges and mutual dispatch of journalists between the two countries.

    Fifth, the two sides agreed to promote the resumption of pilgrimage by Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake of Xizang in China in 2025, and will negotiate relevant arrangements as soon as possible.

    Sixth, the two sides agreed to continue cooperation on cross-border rivers and to maintain communication on the early holding of a new round of meeting of the expert level mechanism on cross-border rivers.

    The Chinese side emphasized that both sides should act in the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, adhere to viewing and handling China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and adopt an open and constructive attitude to actively promote dialogue, exchanges and practical cooperation, guide public opinion and popular support toward the positive direction, enhance trust and remove suspicion, properly handle differences, and promote China-India relations to move forward along a sound and stable track.

    The Chinese side and the Indian side also had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on issues of respective concerns.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Step into a Fitter Tomorrow: Join Samsung Health’s ‘Walk-a-thon India’ Challenge and Win Big!

    Source: Samsung

     
    At Samsung, put your best foot forward to win big! Samsung India is thrilled to announce the ‘Walk-a-thon India’ Challenge, a unique initiative created exclusively for Indian users of the Samsung Health app.
     
    From January 30 to February 28, 2025, embark on a 30-day journey to complete 200,000 steps and discover the joy of walking together while competing with fellow participants. Powered by Samsung Health’s ‘Together’ feature, this challenge isn’t just about fitness—it’s about fostering a sense of community, healthy competition, and personal achievement.
     
    Why Join the Challenge?
    Walking isn’t just a workout; it’s a way to rejuvenate your mind and body. With the Walk-a-thon India challenge, Samsung Health makes tracking your steps and achieving fitness goals easy and rewarding. You’ll get access to a real-time leaderboard, allowing you to measure your progress against others and stay motivated.
     
    Complete the challenge and stand a chance to win big! From the pool of participants who achieve the 200,000-step goal and post their screenshots on the Samsung Members app using #WalkathonIndia, three lucky winners will be randomly selected to win the ultimate fitness companion—the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
     
    Who Can Participate?
    This challenge is open to all Samsung smartphone users in India who can access the Samsung Health app
     
    Here’s How to Join:
    1. Open the Samsung Health app and navigate to the ‘Together’ section.
    2. Opt into the ‘Walk-a-thon India’ challenge starting January 30, 2025.
    3. Put on your walking shoes, track your steps, and aim to hit 200,000 steps in 30 days.
    4. Post your completion screenshot on the Samsung Members app with #WalkathonIndia to qualify for the lucky draw.
     
    Why Walk Together?
    Samsung Health’s global challenges have inspired millions worldwide to embrace healthier lifestyles. This India-exclusive challenge is a chance to unite as a community, celebrate small victories, and take a giant leap towards a fitter future.
     
    The countdown begins—mark your calendars, set your fitness goals, and step into a healthier, more active lifestyle with Samsung Health. Let’s make every step count!
     
    Join the #WalkathonIndia challenge today!

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

    The programme showcases the state’s immense potential as a thriving hub for investment and business opportunities: PM

    Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country, Odisha plays a key role in this: PM

    Today, India is moving on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people: PM

    Odisha is truly Outstanding, Odisha symbolises the Optimism and Originality of New India, Odisha is a land of Opportunities, and the people here have always shown a passion to Outperform: PM

    India is focusing on green future and green tech: PM

    For 21st century India, this era is all about connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity: PM

    Odisha holds immense potential for tourism: PM

    With a vast pool of young talent and a massive audience for concerts, India has great possibilities for a thriving concert economy: PM

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 1:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and  Make in Odisha Exhibition in Bhubaneswar, Odisha today. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said this was his second visit to Odisha in the month of January 2025, recalling his visit to inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 event. Noting that this was the biggest business Summit in Odisha till date, Shri Modi said that there were around 5-6 times more investors participating in Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. He also congratulated the people and the Government of Odisha for organising the grand event.

    “Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country and Odisha plays a key role in this”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He added that historic data also reveals that the contributions of Eastern India were remarkable when India played a major role in global growth. Shri Modi noted that there were huge industrial hubs, ports, trade hubs in Eastern India and Odisha’s participation in this was remarkable. “Odisha used to be an important center in South Eastern Asian trade and the ports were a gateway to India”, said the Prime Minister. He added that Bali Yatra is celebrated even today in Odisha. Recalling the recent visit of the President of Indonesia to India, the Prime Minister said that the President’s words that there were probably traces of Odisha in his DNA.  

    The Prime Minister remarked that Odisha celebrates a legacy which connects it with South East Asia. He added that Odisha had now begun to revive the glorious heritage in the 21st century. He noted that the President of Singapore recently visited Odisha and Singapore was very enthusiastic about its relationship with Odisha. He highlighted that ASEAN countries have also shown interest in strengthening trade and traditional connections with Odisha. The Prime Minister emphasized that numerous opportunities were opening up in this region, more than ever before since independence. He called upon all the investors present, stating that now is the right time to invest in Odisha’s development journey and assured that their investment would lead to new heights of success.

    “India is on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people”, remarked Shri Modi and emphasized that AI stands for both Artificial Intelligence and Aspiration of India, which is the country’s strength. He said that aspirations grow when people’s needs are met, and the past decade has empowered crores of citizens, benefiting the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that Odisha represents this aspiration. He described Odisha as outstanding, symbolizing the optimism and originality of New India. He added that Odisha had numerous opportunities, and its people have always shown a passion for outperforming. Sharing his personal experience of witnessing the skills, hard work, and honesty of people from Odisha in Gujarat, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that with new opportunities emerging in Odisha, the state will soon reach unprecedented heights of development. He praised Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi and his team for their efforts in accelerating Odisha’s development. The Prime Minister noted that Odisha is becoming one of India’s leading states in various industries, including food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, edutech, textiles, tourism, mining, and green energy.

    Underscoring that India was rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister said that the milestone of a five trillion-dollar economy was not far away. He added that over the past decade, India’s strength in manufacturing had also become evident. The Prime Minister highlighted that the expansion of India’s economy rests on two major pillars: the innovative service sector and quality products. He emphasized that the country’s rapid progress cannot rely solely on the export of raw materials and therefore, the entire ecosystem was being transformed with a new vision. The Prime Minister mentioned that India was changing the trend of extracting minerals and sending them abroad for product manufacturing and value addition, only to have those products return to India. Similarly, he added that the trend of exporting seafood for processing in other countries was also being changed. Shri Modi stated that the Government was working to ensure that industries related to the resources in Odisha are established within the state. He highlighted that Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 was a means to realize this vision.

    Remarking that the world was increasingly focusing on sustainable lifestyles and moving towards a green future, Shri Modi noted that the potential for green jobs is also growing significantly. He emphasized the need to adapt to the demands and requirements of the times. He highlighted that India was focusing on green technology and a green future, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen, which will power the energy security of a developed India. The Prime Minister mentioned that Odisha had immense potential in this regard and stated that the country had launched national-level Green Hydrogen and Solar Power Missions. Shri Modi noted that significant policy decisions were being made to promote renewable energy industries in Odisha, and several steps were being taken for hydrogen energy production.

    Prime Minister remarked that alongside green energy, initiatives were being taken to expand the petro and petrochemical sector in Odisha. He highlighted that dedicated industrial parks and investment regions were being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur, indicating significant investment potential in this sector. Shri Modi congratulated the Odisha government for making swift decisions and developing a new ecosystem, considering the potential of different regions in the state.

    “21st century is an era of connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity for India”, said Shri Modi and highlighted that the scale and speed at which specialized infrastructure was being developed in India was making the country an excellent investment destination. He noted that dedicated freight corridors were connecting the east and west coastlines, providing faster access to the sea for previously land-locked regions. He mentioned that dozens of industrial cities with plug-and-play facilities were being constructed across the country. Shri Modi emphasized that similar opportunities were being enhanced in Odisha and thousands of crores worth of projects related to railway and highway networks are underway in the state. He added that to reduce logistics costs for industries in Odisha, the Government was connecting ports with industrial clusters and mentioned that both the expansion of existing ports and the construction of new ports are taking place. He stressed that Odisha was set to become one of the top states in the country in terms of the blue economy.

    Urging everyone to recognize the challenges of the global supply chain in a rapidly changing world, the Prime Minister emphasized that India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains. Instead, a robust supply and value chain must be built within India to minimize the impact of global fluctuations, he added. He highlighted that this responsibility lies with both the government and the industry. Shri Modi called on industries to support MSMEs and young startups, stressing the importance of research and innovation for growth. He added that theGovernment was creating a vibrant research ecosystem in the country, with a special fund and a package for internships and skill development. He encouraged industries to actively participate and collaborate with the Government. Emphasising that a strong research ecosystem and a skilled young workforce will directly benefit the industry, Shri Modi urged industry partners and the Odisha government to work together to build a modern ecosystem aligned with Odisha’s aspirations, providing new opportunities for the youth. This, he said, will create more job opportunities within Odisha, leading to prosperity, strength, and progress for the state.

    The Prime Minister remarked that people around the world were eager to understand and learn about India. He highlighted that Odisha was an excellent destination to understand India, with its thousands of years of heritage and history. He added that the state offers a unique blend of faith, spirituality, forests, mountains, and the sea, all in one place. Shri Modi described Odisha as a model of development and heritage and mentioned that G-20 cultural events were held in Odisha, and the Konark Sun Temple’s wheel was made a part of the main event. He emphasized the need to explore Odisha’s tourism potential, with its 500-kilometer coastline, over 33% forest cover, and endless possibilities for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Prime Minister noted that India’s focus was on “Wed in India” and “Heal in India,” and Odisha’s natural beauty and environment were very supportive of these initiatives.

    Highlighting that India had significant potential for conference tourism, the Prime Minister said that venues like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi were becoming major centers for this sector. He also mentioned the emerging sector of the concert economy. He noted that India, with its rich heritage of music, dance, and storytelling, and a large pool of young concert-goers, has immense possibilities for the concert economy. He added that over the past decade, the trend and demand for live events have increased. Pointing out the recent Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as evidence of the scope for live concerts in India, Shri Modi emphasized that major global artists were attracted to India, and the concert economy boosts tourism and creates numerous jobs. He urged states and the private sector to focus on the necessary infrastructure and skills for the concert economy. This includes event management, artist grooming, security, and other arrangements, where new opportunities are emerging.

    Shri Modi remarked that next month, India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time. He highlighted that this significant event will showcase India’s creative power to the world. He emphasized that such events generate revenue and shape perceptions, contributing to the economy’s growth. He noted that Odisha has immense potential for hosting such events.

    “Odisha plays a significant role in building a developed India”, emphasized the Prime Minister. He highlighted that the people of Odisha have resolved to build a prosperous state, and the Union government was providing all possible support to achieve this goal. He expressed his affection for Odisha, noting that he had visited the state nearly 30 times as Prime Minister and has been to most of its districts. He emphasized his trust in Odisha’s potential and its people. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the investments made by all partners will elevate both their businesses and Odisha’s progress to new heights. He extended his best wishes to everyone involved. 

    The Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 is a flagship Global Investment Summit, being hosted by the Government of Odisha, which aims to position the state as the anchor of the Purvodaya vision as well as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India.

    Prime Minister also inaugurated the Make in Odisha Exhibition that highlights achievements of the state in developing a vibrant industrial ecosystem. The two day conclave will be held from 28th to 29th January. It will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to converge and discuss the opportunities Odisha offers as a preferred investment destination. The conclave will host CEOs and Leaders’ Roundtables, Sectoral Sessions, B2B meetings, and Policy Discussions, ensuring targeted engagement with investors across the globe.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: To reimagine, reinvent, and reposition ISI as a globally recognized institution: Indian Statistical Institute poised to embrace the transformative vision as it approaches its centenary in 2031

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 1:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Statistical Institute, established in 1931 by the visionary statistician Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, has played a pivotal role in statistical research, education, training and its application. Having been declared as an institution of national importance through the Indian Statistical Institute Act of 1959, the Institute has been a leader in advancing statistical methods and their application across various disciplines. The ISI Council is the governing body of the Institute. In terms of the provision of the ISI Act and ISI Regulations, a newly constituted Council has been set up for the term 2024-26. During the 1stMeeting of the Council held on 26 October 2024, the members of the Council elected Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan, as the Chairman of the ISI, Council. Dr. Radhakrishnan is a Padma Bhushan awardee and an Indian Space Scientist, who headed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as Chairman of the Space Commission and Secretary of the Department of Space, Government of India.

    As per the provisions of the ISI Act, 1959, the Central Government (MoSPI) constitutes Committees at regularintervals for reviewing the performance of the ISI and for making recommendations about its future course. Under this provision, the 4thReview Committee of the Indian Statistical Institutewas constituted in 2020. The Committee submitted its comprehensive report to the Government of India, charting a transformative roadmap for this esteemed Institution of National Importance. Headed by the distinguished scientist and former Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, the Committee, through interactions with multiple stakeholders, conducted an extensive review of ISI’s functioning, achievements and challenges, and arrived at the report culminating in a series of actionable recommendations aimed at rejuvenating the Institute’s role in advancing statistical sciences and its applications in India and globally.

    Based on the theme ‘Reimagine, Reinvent and Reposition’, the Committee proposed 61 recommendations addressing governance, academic programs, research priorities, infrastructure, and financial sustainability of the Institute. The Committeehad extensive Stakeholder Consultations in the online mode due to the raging pandemic, engagingvirtually with faculty, students, alumni, and administrative staff to gather insights into ISI’s functioning, challenges, and aspirations.They also consulted industry experts, government representatives, and other academic institutions to understand and assess the external expectations from ISI. The Committee held virtual meetings to deliberate on findings and draft recommendations and undertook an evidence-basedevaluation of ISI’s performance over the past decade, including its research output, academic programs, infrastructure, and outreach efforts andbenchmarked ISI against leading global institutions to identify gaps and opportunities.

    The Committee proposed a comprehensive set of recommendations to reimagine, reinvent, and reposition ISI as a globally recognized institution. It emphasized the need for governance reforms and strengthening accountability through performance-based evaluations and establishing clear work norms for faculty and staff. The committee recommended expanding academic programs to include cutting-edge fields like data science and machine learning, increasing student intake and faculty numbers to scale the institute’s impact, and promoting interdisciplinary and large-scale research projects with national and international relevance. It called for modernizing administrative processes and research methodologies using advanced digital tools and building world-class computing and laboratory infrastructure to support innovative research.

    The recommendations also included establishing robust partnerships with industry and government to address real-world challenges and generate revenue, establishing more enabling structures like the technology innovation hub, enhancing visibility through targeted outreach and brand-building initiatives, and encouraging resource generation through research grants, industry collaborations, and alumni contributions. The committee stressed the importance of increasing autonomy in managing internal revenue and recruitment processes. Infrastructure development was also a priority, with a focus on upgrading physical facilities, including campuses, laboratories, and student housing, and establishing new centers focused on emerging disciplines and regional outreach.

    The Committee’s recommendations are aimed at reimagining, reinventing, and repositioning ISI as a globally recognized institution and included recommendations in the area of Governance Reforms, Academic and Research Enhancements, Digital Transformation, Industry and Government Engagement, Financial Sustainability and Infrastructure Development.

    ISI has commenced implementation of these recommendations, demonstrating their commitment towards strengthening the Institute’s excellence in addressing the nation’s socio-economic development needs. During the2ndMeeting of the Council held on 23 January 2025, the Council of the Institute under the Chairmanship of Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan reviewed the status of implementation of the recommendations of the 4thReview Committee.The Institute’sCouncil is committed to implement the Committee’s recommendations in a phased manner with focus on:

    1. Short-Term Initiatives: Immediate steps to address critical issues, such as faculty recruitment, infrastructure upgradation, and governance reforms.
    2. Medium-Term Goals: Enhancing academic and research programs, scaling outreach efforts, and improving financial sustainability.
    3. Long-Term Vision: Transforming ISI into a global leader by its centenary year in 2031, with a focus on impactful research, innovative education, and strong industry connections.

    ISI has commenced work on improving its structure, strengthening research and ensuring robust academic and administrative frameworks. Significant restructuring has been undertaken to align the Institute’s various Divisions with contemporary requirements. The Centre for AI and ML (CAIML) has aligned its initiatives with the National AI Policy, emphasizing strategic relevance. Efforts are also underway to operationalize the Interdisciplinary Centre for Applied Statistics and Biostatistics. The Research Centre for Economics and Data Analysis has been invigorated with dedicated leadership assignments, ensuring forward momentum. Faculty recruitment and promotions have been prioritized, with streamlined processes nearing finalization. Formalization of teaching benchmarks highlight ISI’s to academic excellence.

    While certain actions remain under discussion, the groundwork has been laid for transformative changes. ISI has also adopted advanced digital teaching methods, introducing online and hybrid courses as part of a broader academic enhancement strategy. These initiatives are complemented by expedited decision-making processes within the Academic Council, fostering agility in program development and revision. Infrastructure and governance improvements remain a focal point, with e-governance initiatives progressing in alignment with MoSPI. Revenue generation efforts, including consultancy rules and facility usage charges, have been implemented to strengthen financial sustainability.

    While many recommendations have been fully implemented, others are actively in progress. These actions, signal a forward-looking approach and underline the Government’s dedication to strengthen ISI as a global leader in statistical science and related disciplines.The Government recognizes ISI’s rich legacy of excellence and its critical role in supporting India’s economic and social development and is committed to providing the necessary support to realize the 4th Review Committee’s vision and roadmap.

    The Government of India’s support for implementing these recommendations reflects its commitment to empower the ISI as a cornerstone of the nation’s knowledge ecosystem. As the Institute approaches its centenary in 2031, the Institute is poised to embrace this transformative vision and emerge as a beacon of excellence on the global stage.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 76th Republic Day celebrations to come to a close with the melodious Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk

    Source: Government of India (2)

    76th Republic Day celebrations to come to a close with the melodious Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk

    All Indian tunes (30) to be played by the bands of the three Services & CAPF

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 12:54PM by PIB Delhi

    In the majestic backdrop of a setting sun over the Raisina Hills, the iconic Vijay Chowk is set to immerse in the melodies of Indian tunes during the Beating Retreat ceremony, marking the culmination of 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 29, 2025. The bands of the Indian Army (IA), the Indian Navy (IN), the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will play 30 foot-tapping Indian tunes before a distinguished audience, comprising President Smt Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, other Union Ministers, senior officials and the public.

    The ceremony will begin with the massed band’s ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ tune, followed by captivating tunes such as ‘Amar Bharati’, ‘Indradhanush’, ‘Jai Janam Bhumi’, ‘Nati in Himalayan Valley’, ‘Ganga Jamuna’ and ‘Veer Siachen’ by the Pipes & Drums band. The CAPF bands will play ‘Vijay Bharat’, ‘Rajasthan Troops’, ‘Aye Watan Tere Liye and ‘Bharat ke Jawan’.

    ‘Galaxy Rider’, ‘Stride’, ‘Rubaru’ and ‘Millennium Flight Fantasy’ will be the tunes played by the band of IAF, while the IN band will play ‘Rashtriya Pratham’, ‘Nishak Nishpad’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Spread the Light of Freedom’, ‘Rhythm of the Reef’ and ‘Jai Bharati’. It will be followed by IA band which will play ‘Veer Sapoot’, ‘Taqat Watan’, ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’, ‘Dhruv’ and ‘Faulad Ka Jigar’.

    The Massed Bands will, then, play the tunes ‘Priyam Bharatam’, ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon’ and ‘Drummers Call’. The event will come to a close with the ever-popular tune of ‘Sare Jahan se Acha’ to be played by the Buglers.

    The principal conductor of the ceremony will be Commander Manoj Sebastian. The IA Band conductor will be Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bishan Bahadur, while M Antony, MCPO MUS II and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar will be the conductors of IN and IAF respectively. The conductor of CAPF band will be Head Constable GD Mahajan Kailash Madhava Rao.

    The Pipes & Drums band will play under the instructions of Subedar Major Abhilash Singh, while the Buglers will perform under the leadership of Naib Subedar Bhupal Singh.

    ***

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2096921) Visitor Counter : 100

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOIL Celebrates 76th Republic Day with Patriotic Fervor at Balaghat Mine

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 11:30AM by PIB Delhi

    Embracing the spirit of unity and patriotism, Manganese Ore (India) Limited celebrated the 76th Republic Day of the nation with immense enthusiasm at its Balaghat mine. The celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, MOIL. He was accompanied by Shri Rakesh Tumane, Director (Finance); Shri M.M. Abdulla, Director (Production & Planning); Ms. Rashmi Singh, Director (Commercial), and Smt. Sushma Saxena, w/o Shri Ajit Saxena, as Special Invitee, along with other senior officials.

    The event showcased a grand parade featuring the Guards and school children, with active participation from employees’ families. The highlight of the celebrations was a vibrant cultural program that brought together more than 500 school children and employees performing a captivating array of patriotic and cultural performances.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Saxena emphasized MOIL’s unwavering commitment to the values enshrined in the Constitution and the company’s role in contributing to the nation’s progress.

    In recognition of excellence, CMD Shri Saxena accompanied by Mrs. Saxena awarded accolades to the best employees, best security personnel, and the best hospital management team. Winners of various competitions held as part of the celebrations were also felicitated. On this occasion, various new welfare schemes for especially the contract labour working for MOIL were announced.

    As part of the festivities, a friendly cricket match between CMD XI and DF XI was held at the Dongri Buzurg mine, fostering camaraderie and teamwork among MOIL employees. Smt. Sushma Saxena was the Chief Guest in the function and gave away the trophies.

    ………..

    TPJ

    (Release ID: 2096902) Visitor Counter : 45

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s speech at NCC Rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 8:08PM by PIB Delhi

    My colleagues in the Union Cabinet, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, Sanjay Seth Ji, CDS- General Anil Chauhan Ji, Chiefs of the three Armed Forces, Defence Secretary Shri, DG NCC, other guests and my dear friends from NCC!  Best wishes to all of you on the occasion of NCC Day. Today, around 150 cadets from 18 friendly countries are also present here among us. I welcome all these cadets. I also congratulate the colleagues of Mera Yuva Bharat, MY Bharat, associated with the country.  

    Friends,

    Being selected for the Republic Day parade is an achievement in itself. This year’s parade was also special because our republic has completed 75 years. Friends, these memories will stay with you for life. In the future, you will definitely remember that when the Republic completed 75 years, we took part in the parade. My heartiest congratulations to those friends who have received the Best Cadet Award. I recently got the opportunity to flag off many NCC missions here. Such efforts of NCC connect India’s heritage with youth aspirations. I wish all the best to the cadets involved in these missions.

    Friends,

    NCC was established during the period when the country got independence. In a way, the journey of your organization started even before the Constitution of the country. In the 75 years of the Republic, the Constitution of India always gave democratic inspiration to the country and explained the importance of civic duties. Similarly, NCC also always inspired the youth of India to build the nation and explained the importance of discipline to them. I am satisfied that in the past years, the government has done a lot of work to increase both the scope and responsibility of NCC. NCC has been expanded in our border areas, the districts adjoining the sea border. 

    Today, NCC has reached more than 170 border talukas and nearly 100 coastal talukas of the country. I would also like to congratulate the three armies. You took the responsibility of specially training the young NCC cadets of these districts. Today thousands of youth living on the border have benefited from this. We are also seeing the result of reform in NCC in the number of cadets. In 2014, the number of NCC cadets was approximately 14 lakh. Today this number has reached 20 lakh. It is a matter of pride that there are more than 8 lakh girl cadets, our daughters. Today our NCC cadets are playing an important role in disaster management. NCC cadets are also flying their flag in the world of sports. I am proud that NCC is the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation.

    Friends,

    You are going to determine the development of India and the world in the 21st century. The youth of India are not only a force for India, but also a force for global good. Today the world is accepting this. Recently a report has been published in the newspapers. What has been told in it is very important. In the last decade, the youth of India have created 1.5 lakh start-ups and more than 100 unicorns. Today more than 200 big companies of the world are led by people of Indian origin. These companies are contributing millions of crores of rupees to the global GDP, helping to change the lives of crores of people. Indian scientists, Indian researchers, teachers of India are also accelerating the progress of the world. That is, be it any sector, it is difficult to imagine the future of the world without the youth power of India, without the talent of India. And that is why I call all of you a force for global good.

    Friends,

    Be it a person or a country, its strength increases when it overcomes unnecessary obstacles. I am satisfied that in the last 10 years, we have worked to remove all the obstacles that the youth of India faced, whatever they were. This has increased the strength of the youth of India, the strength of the country. In 2014, you would have been 10 or 12 or 14 years old, just ask your family what the situation was earlier, for example, attestation of documents. Earlier, whether it was admission, examination, recruitment, filling any form, one had to get the documents attested by a gazetted officer, and there used to be a lot of running around in this. Our government removed this difficulty of the youth, and trusted you, now you can verify your documents by self-attesting. Earlier, the youth used to face a lot of difficulties in applying for scholarships, getting scholarships. There used to be a lot of manipulation in the scholarship money, the money did not go to the children’s accounts. Now the single window system has eliminated all the old problems. Earlier there was another big problem regarding the selection of subjects. If you took a subject while studying after the board, then it was difficult to change it. Now the new National Education Policy gives you the flexibility to change subjects as per your wish.

    Friends,

    There was a time 10 years ago when young people could not get bank loans easily. Banks used to say that if you want a loan, first give some guarantee. In 2014, when the people of the country gave me the opportunity to serve as the Prime Minister, I said, I will take the guarantee for the youth of my country. We started the Mudra Yojana which gives loans without bank guarantee. Earlier, loans up to Rs 10 lakh were available without guarantee. Now in the third term of the government, we have increased it to 20 lakhs. In 10 years, we have given more than 40 lakh crore rupees under Mudra loan. Lakhs of youth like you have started their business by taking help from this loan.

    Friends,

    Another important issue related to the future of the youth is the electoral system of the country. Just two days ago, we celebrated National Voters’ Day. Many of you have become first-time voters. The purpose of Voters’ Day is that the maximum number of voters should participate and use their right. Today, the world’s biggest elections are held in India, but another aspect of this is that elections keep happening in India every few months. After independence, it used to happen for a long time when Lok Sabha and Assembly elections used to be held simultaneously. But then this pattern broke, the country has suffered a lot due to this. In every election, the voting list is updated, a lot of work is done, and you must have seen that our teachers are often put on duty in this, due to which studies are affected, preparations for exams are affected. Due to frequent elections, there are also difficulties in governance. Therefore, a very important debate is going on in the country these days. Everyone is giving their views on this subject and this deliberation is very necessary in democracy, everyone should express their views, this is necessary, and what is debate – One Nation One Election. Lok Sabha and Assembly elections should be held together, and every 5 years when the time is fixed, it should be held. So, there will be relief from the new works that get stopped in between. 

    Today, I especially request the youth of India, I request the NCC cadets, I request the volunteers of MY Bharat, I request the NSS comrades, wherever we are, we should conduct this debate, take the debate forward, lead the debate, we should participate in this debate in large numbers. This is a subject directly related to your future. Even in a country like America, the date of formation of a new government is fixed, there elections are held every four years. In your own college or school also, the student council elections are completed in one go. Just think, if elections keep happening every month, will it be possible to study in a university or college? Therefore, you should lead the debate on One Nation-One Election; there should be a nationwide discussion so that the country can decide to move in the right direction.

    Friends,

    Today, the world of the 21st century is changing very fast. Today, the demand of time is that we also have to move forward at a very fast pace. All of you, the youth of the country, have a big role in this. In every sector, in every field, whether it is the field of art, research, innovation, you have to create new energy with your innovative ideas, creativity. Another such important field is politics. The youth of our country should come in the field of politics as much as possible, come with new suggestions, come with new energy, come with innovative ideas. This is the need of the country today. That is why I have said from the Red Fort that one lakh youth should come into politics. What is the power of youth, we have also seen this during the Vikas Bharat: Young India Dialogue. Lakhs of youth from across the country have given their invaluable suggestions, expressed their views for the creation of a developed India.

    Friends,

    During the freedom struggle, people of every profession in the country had set their only goal – the freedom of the country, and the youth participated in it with great enthusiasm, made sacrifices, and spent their youth in jails. Similarly, in this Amrit Kaal, we have to keep only one goal – developed India. The criterion of every decision of ours, the criterion of every work, should be a Developed India. And for this, we have to always remember our Panch Pranas. Pancha Prana means – we have to make a developed India, we have to get freedom from every thought of slavery, we have to be proud of our heritage, we have to work for the unity of India, and we have to perform our duties honestly. These Panch Pranas are the ones who give direction to every Indian, they are the inspiration of every Indian. The wonderful cultural performances that you have given now also reflect this. The feeling of one India – the best India is a great strength of the country. The Maha Kumbh that is going on in Prayag these days, there too this reflection of the unity of the country is visible. Therefore, this Maha Kumbh is a Maha Kumbh of unity. This unity is necessary for the progress of the country.

    Friends,

    You also have to always keep your duties in mind. A grand and divine developed India will be built on the foundation of duties.

    Friends,

    Today when I have come amongst you, I am seeing your zeal and enthusiasm, I had written some lines at one time, those lines are coming to my mind today, I had written at one time-

    असंख्य भुजाओं की शक्ति है, हर तरफ देश की भक्ति है

    तुम उठो तिरंगा लहरा दो, भारत के भाग्य को फहरा दो

    कुछ ऐसा नहीं जो कर ना सको, कुछ ऐसा नहीं जो पा ना सको

    तुम उठ जाओ, तुम जुट जाओ

    सामर्थ्य को अपने पहचानो, कर्तव्य को अपने सब जानो !

    Friends,

    Once again, I wish you all the best for your bright future and many thanks to you all. Say it with me-

    Bhaarat maata kee jai.

    Bhaarat maata kee jai.

    Bhaarat maata kee jai.

    Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

    Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

    Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram.

    Vande Mataram

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

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