NewzIntel.com

Category: India

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “JAM(Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile)TRINITY and digital revolution: A Decade of Financial Inclusion, Transparency and Corruption Free India”

    Source: Government of India

    “JAM(Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile)TRINITY and digital revolution: A Decade of Financial Inclusion, Transparency and Corruption Free India”

    Ayushman Bharat: Path towards an Inclusive Healthcare Paradigm

    There are more than 54 crore Jan Dhan Yojana accounts, with a total deposit balance of approximately ₹2.39 lakh crore- an increase of over 15 times since its inception.

    37.02 crore RuPay cards have been issued to PMJDY account holders

    In FY 2023-24, UPI transactions reached ₹200 lakh crore, a 138% increase from 2017-18.

    UPI now operational in seven countries and more than 40% of the global real-time payment transactions are happening in India.

    As on 30.11.2024, approximately 36 crore Ayushman cards have been created across the country and a total of around 29,929 hospitals are empaneled under the scheme including 13,222 private hospitals

    AB-PMJAY is presently implemented in 33 States/UTs across the country.

    Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 7:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Modi Government has been working for the poor and more than 200 schemes have been launched in the last 10 years for the welfare of the 140 crore people of the nation, said Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road, Transport and Highways,Shri Harsh Malhotra. Shri Malhotra was addressing a Press Conference on impact of path breaking reforms of JAM(Jan Dhan Yojna, Aadhar& Mobile) Trinity Schemes,Digital Transactions and AYUSHMAN BHARAT-PM JAY.

    Shri Malhotra stated that under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has solved a significant portion of India’s population by bringing them into the banking ecosystem.  At present, there are more than 54 crore accounts, with a total deposit balance of approximately ₹2.39 lakh crore- an increase of over 15 times since its inception. The scheme has been particularly successful in rural ,semi-urban areas and amongst women, with around 66% of accounts coming from these regions. Furthermore, 37.02 croreRuPay cards have been issued to PMJDY account holders, with the average deposit per account rising significantly, reflecting increased usage and savings behaviour. The World Bank has also acknowledged that India has achieved its financial inclusion goals in just six years, a feat that would have taken 47 years without its advanced Digital Public Infrastructure. 
     

    PM-Jan Dhan Yojna  coupled with JAM Trinity has become the world’s largest Financial inclusion program. Now, every rupee released from central Government   reaches  to the intended beneficiary directly without any middlemen which has further led to the enhancement of Indian Economy . The once neglected poor section of the country has been  linked with the rising Indian Economy.This has been made possible with a mission-mode approach that involved both the government and the public.The Minister highlighted that JAM Trinity has driven the nation’s digital revolution and enhance transparency within the financial ecosystem. The government’s focus for the initiative is maximising value for every rupee spent, empowering the poor, and ensuring technology penetration among the masses has been achieved.The JAM Trinity has played a pivotal role in facilitating this progress, enabling more effective and inclusive financial transactions, particularly through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). This system has not only ensured subsidies and benefits reach the underprivileged directly but also reduced corruption and eliminated fake beneficiaries. The average deposits in the Jan Dhan Accounts as on 14.8.2024 is Rs 4352. The government has fought against poverty on all fronts and consequently,25 crore have come out of poverty in the last 10 years. Delhi alone has 65 lakh PM Jan Dhan Accounts with a total deposit of Rs 3114 crores along with 50 lakh beneficiaries of RuPAY Cards. 2,59,000 women have been benefited from the PM Ujjwala Scheme

    Minister of State emphasised that the success of PMJDY and the JAM trinity has brought greater financial inclusion, empowering citizens with access to banking services while promoting transparency and curbing corruption.PMJDY has not only transformed the financial landscape for millions of Indians but also paved the way for India to emerge as a global leader in digital financial inclusion. About 10 crore fake beneficiaries have been weeded out from the system  which has helped in prevent Rs 2.75 lakh crore from going into wrong hands.

    Shri Malhotra stated that India’s digital payment landscape has also seen exponential growth, with UPI transactions expanding rapidly. In FY 2023-24, UPI transactions reached ₹200 lakh crore, a 138% increase from 2017-18. This growth in digital payments has positioned India as a global leader in this domain, with UPI now operational in seven countries, further boosting financial inclusion and remittance flows. Through the continued expansion of digital payment solutions and initiatives like UPI, India is setting new benchmarks for economic empowerment and financial transparency and also mentioned that more than 40% of the global real-time payment transactions are happening in India.

    The Government’s focus on inclusive healthcare ensured that, India was just the fifth country to develop the COVID Vaccine and successfully executed  the world’s largest vaccine program in which 221 crore doses were administered to the people of the nation.

    Minister of State highlighted that Ayushman Bharat- PradhanMantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) which was launched on 23.09.2018 with an aim to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. AB-PMJAY is presently implemented in 33 States/UTs across the country.

    In March 2024, 37 lakh families of ASHA, Anganwadi Worker and Anganwadi Helpers were also included in the scheme.

    Shri Malhotra mentioned that on 29.10.2024, the Government of India expanded the scheme to provide free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. As on 30.11.2024, approximately 36 crore Ayushman cards have been created across the country and a total of  around 29,929 hospitals are empaneled under the scheme including 13,222 private hospitals, to ensure delivery of quality healthcare services to the beneficiaries. Further, a total of around8.39 crore hospital admissions worth aroundRs. 1.16 lakh crore have been authorized under the scheme.

    ****

    DSK

    (Release ID: 2086611) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opportunity for Indian Academic and R&D Institutes, Startups, & Companies to explore the potential of AI in addressing critical challenges

    Source: Government of India

    Opportunity for Indian Academic and R&D Institutes, Startups, & Companies to explore the potential of AI in addressing critical challenges

    IndiaAI Mission calls for proposals in Second EoI Round to drive Ethical and Responsible AI Innovation; 9th January 2025 to be deadline for application submission

    Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India launched the IndiaAI Mission on March 7th, 2024, to bolster India’s global leadership in AI and democratize the benefits of AI across all strata of society. To realise this vision, IndiaAI Mission has launched 7 key pillars to strengthen the domestic AI ecosystem.

    The ‘Safe & Trusted AI’ pillar within this initiative emphasizes the need for a balanced, technology-enabled, and India-specific approach to AI governance. This involves the development of indigenous technical tools, guidelines, frameworks, and standards that are contextualized to India’s unique challenges and opportunities as well as our social, cultural, linguistic, and economic diversity.

    First round of EOI

    To advance this vision, the IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD) issued an 1st round of Expression of Interest (EoI) and selected Eight Projects to promote responsible AI across a range of critical themes. These include Machine Unlearning, Synthetic Data Generation, AI Bias Mitigation, Privacy-Enhancing Tools, Explainable AI, AI Governance Testing, AI Ethical Certification and Algorithm Auditing Tools.

    Second round EOI

    Further to provide an opportunity to explore the potential of AI in addressing critical challenges, IndiaAI has launched the 2nd round of Expression of Interest (EoI), open to Indian Academic Institutes/Organisations, Autonomous bodies, R&D Institutes/Organizations, Start-ups and Companies. The deadline for application submission is 9th January 2025.

    Themes identified

    The following themes have been identified, against which organizations may submit their proposals to develop practical tools and frameworks, in collaboration with other partners:

    1. Watermarking & Labelling: Develop tools to authenticate AI-generated content, ensuring it’s traceable, secure, and free of harmful materials.

    2. Ethical AI Frameworks: Establish AI frameworks that align with global standards, ensuring AI respects human values and promotes fairness.

    3. AI Risk Assessment & Management: Create risk management tools and frameworks to enhance the safe deployment of AI in public services.

    4. Stress Testing Tools: Create stress-testing tools to evaluate how AI models perform under extreme scenarios, detect vulnerabilities, and build trust in AI for critical applications.

    5. Deepfake Detection Tools: Create Deepfake Detection Tools to enable real-time identification and mitigation of deepfakes, preventing misinformation and harm for a secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

    This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of leveraging AI for inclusive growth.

    For more details and to apply, visit https://indiaai.gov.in/article/expression-of-interest-for-safe-trusted-ai-projects-under-indiaai-mission

    IndiaAI, an IBD under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI’s benefits across all strata of society, bolster India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2086605) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu awards President’s Colours to College of Defence Management, Secunderabad

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu awarded the President’s Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad on 20 December 2024, marking a historic milestone in the journey of the institute. The premier defence institute is dedicated to shaping senior leadership of the Indian Armed Forces. The presentation of President’s Colours, the highest award to any defence institution, acknowledges the college’s outstanding contributions to professional military education.

     The President of India also released the ‘Special Day Cover’ along with a commemorative medallion during the award ceremony. A revised peer reviewed compilation of the strategic guidance drawn from the ancient Indian Knowledge System from 1st Century BCE to 7th Century CE tilted ‘Pearls of Ancient Indian Wisdom’ was also released by the President.

    In her address, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu emphasised the significant contributions made by the College of Defence Management (CDM) since its establishment in 1970.

    The President complimented the college’s enduring legacy and its dedication to providing officers with the skills to effectively manage complex military operations, logistics, and resources while embracing new-age technologies and strategies.

    The President emphasised upon the need to be adaptive towards absorption of emerging and disruptive technologies and lauded the role that CDM is playing in preparing the future strategic leadership towards imbibing the same.

    The President inaugurated the monumental national flag at CDM, marking a significant moment in the institution’s history. The flag, symbolizing India’s strength, unity, and sovereignty, stands as a powerful reminder of the CDM’s commitment to excellence in defence education.

    Since its establishment in 1970, CDM Secunderabad has trained officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, equipping them with the managerial, leadership, and strategic expertise necessary to meet the challenges of modern warfare. With its evolving curriculum and global partnerships, CDM remains a cornerstone of India’s professional military education system.

     ******

    VK/SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2086607) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi Urges People to Take Advantage of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi Urges People to Take Advantage of PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

    Union Minister Joshi holds review meeting on PM Surya Ghar with the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand & Ashtalakshmi North Eastern States

    Union Minister Advises Officials to Enhance Implementation of PMSGMBY

    Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 7:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi today urged people for taking the advantage of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana more to avail the benefit up to 300 free units of electricity with an allocation of Rs 75,021 crore. The Minister was addressing a review meeting in Kolkata with the officials of various organisations engaged in promotion of renewable energy in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and eight North-eastern States. He advised officials from the states to enhance the implementation of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in their States.

    Shri Joshi said that West Bengal can do much better regarding the progress of the Scheme in the state. The Minister also said that he has requested concerned Ministers of West Bengal for providing more support to the scheme which aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity with central Government support upto Rs 78,000.

    Union Minister Joshi said that the registration for the scheme has touched 1.5 crore in the entire country and the number of households benefitted has reached 7.06 lakh so far. Shri Joshi said, the scheme should be implemented in good spirit without meddling into politics for the benefit of the people of a State. The Union Minister also urged the State to come forward with an offer of subsidy along with the Central subsidy to make the scheme more profitable for the citizens of the state.

    The Union Minister also held a meeting with the solar panel installation vendors and service providers from West Bengal. He took the stock of their challenges and discussed potential solutions to improve the rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar scheme.

    The review meeting today was attended by Shri Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and senior officers of participating states, REC, DISCOM, and agencies of renewable energy of States.

    ********

    SSS

    (Release ID: 2086594) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRAI releases Recommendations on Assignment of Additional Spectrum to Indian Railways for its Safety and Security Applications

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released Recommendations on Assignment of Additional Spectrum to Indian Railways for its Safety and Security Applications.

    Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, through its letter dated 26.07.2023, informed TRAI that Indian Railways has sought an additional 5 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band, free of cost, for enhancing its safety and security systems. Through the said letter dated 26.07.2023, DoT requested TRAI to examine and provide its recommendations on the following aspects:

    1. The assignment of 5 MHz of additional spectrum to Indian Railways in view of its earlier recommendations dated 25.10.2019 and also in the context of its earlier recommendations with respect to NCRTC dated 28.12.2022 and auction of spectrum dated 11.04.2022.
    2. While providing the recommendations, TRAI may also consider the possibility of sharing of the spectrum between Indian Railways/ NCRTC/ RRTS/ Metro and other similar networks to ensure the efficient utilization of spectrum.
    3. Considering the different spectrum valuation methodology as recommended by TRAI for the 5 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band, assigned to Indian Railways and for NCRTC, TRAI may examine and if found necessary recommend uniform spectrum valuation and charging methodology considering similar usage in the same spectrum band.
    4. Any other recommendations deemed fit for the purpose.

    In this regard, TRAI issued a consultation paper on ‘Assignment of Additional Spectrum to Indian Railways for its Safety and Security Applications’ on 07.02.2024 for seeking comments and counter comments from stakeholders. The last date for furnishing comments and counter comments was 06.03.2024 and 20.03.2024, respectively. In response, eight stakeholders submitted their comments, and three stakeholders furnished their counter-comments.  An open house discussion on the consultation paper was held through virtual mode on 03.05.2024.

    Based on the comments and counter-comments received from stakeholders in the consultation process, and on its own analysis, TRAI has finalized the Recommendations on Assignment of Additional Spectrum to Indian Railways for its Safety and Security Applications. Salient points of the recommendations are given below:

    1. In addition to the already assigned 5 MHz (paired) frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band, an additional 5 MHz (paired) frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band should be assigned to Indian Railways for its safety and security applications along the railway tracks for captive use.
    2. DoT should take an early decision on the Authority’s earlier recommendation that to ascertain feasibility of radio access network (RAN) sharing, a field trial of RAN sharing through multi-operator core network (MOCN) may be conducted by the Ministry of Railways involving Indian Railways and NCRTC, under the supervision of DoT, as recommended by TRAI through the Recommendations on ‘Spectrum Requirements of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for Train Control System for RRTS Corridors’ dated 28.12.2022. Based on the outcome of the field trial, a decision on the implementation of RAN sharing through MOCN in the overlapping areas among Indian Railways/ NCRTC/ other RRTS/ Metro rail networks can be taken.
    3. While assigning the frequency spectrum to Indian Railways, the terms of frequency spectrum assignment should include a condition that in case it is determined through the field trial that RAN sharing is feasible, Indian Railways shall implement RAN sharing through MOCN in the overlapping areas with NCRTC/ other RRTS/ Metro rail networks and the same shall be governed through the guidelines issued by DoT.
    4. Spectrum harmonization should be carried out to assign a contiguous block of 10 MHz of frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz band to Indian Railways and an adjacent 5 MHz block to NCRTC/ other RRTS/ Metro rail networks. At the same time, it should be ensured that minimum disturbance occurs to the running networks. 
    5. Spectrum charges for Indian Railways /NCRTC/ other RRTS/ Metro rail networks should be levied based on the formula for Royalty Charges and License Fees for captive use, as prescribed by DoT.

    The Recommendations have been placed on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in). For any clarification or information, Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-20907758.

    ***

    SB/ARJ

    (Release ID: 2086573) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, Notre Dame Connect Students to Inspire STEM Careers

    Source: NASA

    High school students in Indiana are contributing to NASA’s groundbreaking research to develop quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft engines.
    Their learning experience is a collaboration between aircraft noise researchers from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and educators from the University of Notre Dame’s Turbomachinery Laboratory. The collaboration aims to encourage students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
    Recently, Notre Dame hosted students from The Portage School of Leaders High School and a team from NASA Glenn to see the Advanced Noise Control Fan operate in an outdoor setting. The fan is a NASA-owned test rig that has been configured to enable the study of a quieter aircraft engine technology. Known as the open rotor fan concept, the configuration involves an engine fan without a cover. Ground microphones were used during the test operated by Notre Dame to evaluate the radiated sound as the open rotor fan spun at various speeds.

    Students from the high school, which is part of the Career Academy Network of Public Schools, used 3D printers from the school’s facilities to fabricate parts for the open rotor test fan. The parts, known as stator blades, help direct and control airflow, ensuring smooth operation of the large, exposed fan blades that are the defining feature of an open fan engine design.
    “It was beyond words,” said Rebecca Anderson, a junior from the high school. “The part I enjoyed most was when they got the fan running. It was really impressive to see how quiet it was. I feel like everyone involved in STEM would love to work for NASA, including me.”
    NASA researcher Dr. Daniel Sutliff was part of the team from NASA Glenn to spend time mentoring the students.
    “This is real-world, hands-on research for them,” Sutliff said. “If airlines are able to use technologies to make flight quieter and cleaner, passengers will have more enjoyable flights.”
    The Advanced Noise Control Fan is on loan to Notre Dame from NASA through a Space Act Agreement. The fan research is supported by NASA’s Advanced Air Transport Technology project and its Efficient Quiet Integrated Propulsors technical challenge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Arizonans Plead Guilty to Fraud Targeting AHCCCS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – CoEric Riley, 38, of Mesa, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to Healthcare Fraud. His co-defendant, Britney Gooch, 37, of Mesa, also pleaded guilty to Healthcare Fraud on November 21, 2024. Sentencing for Riley and Gooch is scheduled for February 21, 2025, before United States District Judge Krissa M. Lanham.

    Riley and Gooch admitted that they defrauded the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency, through their company New Horizons Behavioral Health, a behavioral health clinic in Mesa, Arizona. They further admitted that through New Horizons, they exploited AHCCCS’s American Indian Health Program (AIHP) by falsely billing for services that were not provided to AIHP patients. As a result of the fraudulent billing submissions, Riley and Gooch obtained approximately $3.3 million in illegitimate proceeds from AHCCCS.

    A conviction for Healthcare Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Phoenix Division conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-01794-PHX-KML
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-179_Riley and Gooch

     

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colorado Man Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Assaulting Federal Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DURANGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Daniel Lehi, 44, of Towaoc, Colorado, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer.

    On April 5, 2024, a Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer responded to the Ute Mountain Ute Casino in Towaoc, Colorado, within the exterior boundaries of the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, on a report of an intoxicated person, later identified as Lehi. Lehi lunged at the officer and struck him in the face. When additional security personnel responded to the incident, Lehi continued to fight until officers were able to subdue him.

    United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher sentenced Lehi after considering numerous sentencing factors, including the defendant’s history of assaults on law enforcement officers.

    “Assault on a law enforcement officer is a serious offense, and this defendant received a serious sentence for his actions,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “I want to acknowledge the BIA officer for deftly handling a challenging situation.”

    “This attack on a federal officer simply doing his job is unacceptable. We fully support the officer who is a victim in this case and are steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice in cases involving assaults on law enforcement officers,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “Such acts will not go unanswered, and we will work tirelessly to ensure accountability.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation Durango Field Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Franceware handled the prosecution.

    Case Number: 1:24-cr-00182-GPG

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Fairfax India Files Management Proxy Circular for Special Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (“Fairfax India” or the “Company”) (TSX: FIH.U) announces that it has filed and is in the process of delivering its management proxy circular and form of proxy or voting instruction form (the “Meeting Materials”) in respect of its special meeting of Fairfax India shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) to approve a one-time deviation from the Company’s investment concentration restriction set forth in its by-laws in order to complete the previously announced acquisition of an additional 10% equity interest in Bangalore International Airport Limited, as more particularly described in the management proxy circular.

    The Special Meeting will be held in a virtual only meeting format via live audio webcast online at https://meetings.lumiconnect.com/400-837-910-091 on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (Toronto time).

    In light of the recent Canada Post labour disruption, shareholders may experience delays in receiving physical copies of the Meeting Materials. As such, shareholders are encouraged to access the management proxy circular electronically under Fairfax India’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    The management proxy circular contains, among other things, details of the special item of business to be considered at the Special Meeting. Shareholders are urged to read the management proxy circular in its entirety and, if they require assistance, should consult their financial, legal, tax or other professional advisors.

    Details of how shareholders or their duly appointed proxyholders can access and participate in the Special Meeting are set out in the Meeting Materials. Shareholders are encouraged to vote electronically. As a result of the Canada Post labour disruption, it is recommended that any physical forms of proxy or voting instruction forms be delivered via hand or courier (other than Canada Post) to ensure that they are received in a timely manner.

    About Fairfax India

    Fairfax India is an investment holding company whose objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities and debt instruments in India and Indian businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, India.

    For further information, contact: John Varnell, Vice President, Corporate Affairs
      (416) 367-4755

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Finward Bancorp Announces Fourth Quarter Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Munster, Ind., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finward Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWD) (the “Bancorp” or “Finward”), the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that on December 20, 2024 the Board of Directors of Finward declared a dividend of $0.12 per share on Finward’s common stock payable on February 3, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 21, 2025.

    About Finward Bancorp

    Finward Bancorp is a locally managed and independent financial holding company headquartered in Munster, Indiana, whose activities are primarily limited to holding the stock of Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank provides a wide range of personal, business, electronic and wealth management financial services from its 26 locations in Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. Finward Bancorp’s common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol FNWD. The website ibankpeoples.com provides information on Peoples Bank’s products and services, and Finward Bancorp’s investor relations.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This Current Report on Form 8-K may contain forward-looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth, and operating strategies of Finward. For these statements, Finward claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this communication should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Finward, including the information in the filings Finward makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

    Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the Bank’s ability to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the previously disclosed consent order and memorandum of understanding entered into between the Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”), or to demonstrate compliance to the satisfaction of the FDIC and/or DFI within prescribed time frames; the Bank’s agreement under the memorandum of understanding to refrain from paying cash dividends without prior regulatory approval; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of Finward’s products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment, and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success, and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent, and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Finward’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet website (www.sec.gov). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Finward or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, Finward does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

    In addition to the above factors, we also caution that the actual amounts and timing of any future common stock dividends or share repurchases will be subject to various factors, including our capital position, financial performance, capital impacts of strategic initiatives, market conditions, and regulatory and accounting considerations, as well as any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant in making such a determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares or pay any dividends to the holders of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such repurchases or dividends.

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Tillis Applaud Trump Executive Action Supporting Lumbee Recognition

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) issued statements applauding President Donald Trump for signing a Presidential Memorandum stating that “it is the policy of the United States to support the full Federal recognition, including the authority to receive full Federal benefits, of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.”
    The memorandum also directs the Secretary of the Interior to, within 90 days, “submit to the President a plan to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.”
    Senator Budd said in a statement:
    “I would like to thank President Trump for keeping his promise to the more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina who have waited decades for federal recognition. Today’s action underscores the urgent need to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act, which Senator Tillis and I reintroduced earlier this month. We will continue to work with the president, the Interior Department, and my congressional colleagues to get this bill passed and signed into law.”
    Senator Tillis said:
    “I applaud President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to prioritize the Lumbee Tribe’s fight for full federal recognition and the federal benefits they have long been denied. In September 2024, President Trump made a promise to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to right the historical wrongs of the Indian Termination Era, and today’s executive order is a major step to correcting that wrong. I remain committed to working with President Trump and the North Carolina Congressional Delegation in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to ensure the Lumbee Tribe’s federal recognition is secure and free from legal obstacles.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Budd Applaud President Trump’s Executive Order to Promote Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd applauded President Trump’s signing of an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Interior Secretary to pursue all options to finally grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina with full federal recognition: 

    “I applaud President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to prioritize the Lumbee Tribe’s fight for full federal recognition and the federal benefits they have long been denied,” said Senator Tillis. “In September 2024, President Trump made a promise to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to right the historical wrongs of the Indian Termination Era, and today’s executive order is a major step to correcting that wrong. I remain committed to working with President Trump and the North Carolina Congressional Delegation in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to ensure the Lumbee Tribe’s federal recognition is secure and free from legal obstacles.” 

    “I would like to thank President Trump for keeping his promise to the more than 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina who have waited decades for federal recognition,” said Senator Budd. “Today’s action underscores the urgent need to pass the Lumbee Fairness Act, which Senator Tillis and I reintroduced earlier this month. We will continue to work with the president, the Interior Department, and my congressional colleagues to get this bill passed and signed into law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: India- And New Jersey-Based Jeweler Sentenced To 30 Months Incarceration For Multimillion Dollar International Trade Fraud Scheme And Unlicensed Money Transmitting

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, NJ. –  An India- and New Jersey-based man who operated jewelry companies in New York City’s Diamond District was sentenced to 30 months incarceration for spearheading a scheme to illegally evade customs duties for more than $13.5 million of jewelry imports into the United States and for illegally processing more than $10.3 million through an unlicensed money transmitting business, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah, a/k/a “Monish Doshi Shah” (Shah), 40, of Mumbai, India and Jersey City, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to a two-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and operating and aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. Judge Salas imposed the sentence in Newark federal court and remanded Shah to begin serving his sentence.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From in or around December 2019 through in or around April 2022, Shah engaged in a scheme to evade duties for shipments of jewelry from Turkey and India to the United States. Shah would ship and/or instruct his co-conspirators to ship goods from Turkey or India—which would have been subject to an approximately 5.5% duty if shipped directly to the United States—to one of Shah’s companies in South Korea. Shah’s co-conspirators in South Korea would change the labels on the jewelry to state that they were from South Korea instead of Turkey or India, and then ship them to Shah or his customers in the United States, thereby unlawfully evading the duty. Shah would also make and instruct his customers to make fake invoices and packing lists to make it look like Shah’s South Korean companies were actually ordering jewelry from Turkey or India. Shah also instructed a third-party shipping company to provide false information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) concerning the origin of the jewelry. During the scheme, Shah shipped approximately $13.5 million of jewelry from South Korea to the United States without paying the appropriate duty.

    In addition, from in or around July 2020 through in or around November 2021, Shah owned and/or operated numerous jewelry companies in New York City’s Diamond District, including MKore LLC, MKore USA Inc, and Vruman Corp. Shah used these entities to conduct more than $10.3 million in illegal financial transactions for customers—including converting cash to checks or wire transfers. Shah would also collect cash from customers and use other individuals’ jewelry companies to convert the cash into wires or checks. At times, Shah and other members of the money transmitting business moved hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day. In exchange for their services, certain members of the money transmitting business charged a fee. None of Shah’s or his associates’ companies were registered as money transmitting businesses with New York, New Jersey, or the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas ordered restitution in the amount of $742,500 for the wire fraud scheme and forfeiture in the amount of $11,126,982.33 for the wire fraud and unlicensed money transmitting schemes.  In addition, the Court imposed a two-year term of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents and task force officers of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations New York, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; and special agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark, under the direction of Acting Port Director Jeffrey R. Greene, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence. He also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York; Homeland Security Investigations in Seoul, South Korea; the Korea Customs Service in South Korea; the Seoul Customs Special Investigation Office in South Korea; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Paterson; the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department; the Morristown Police Department; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General; and the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) for their assistance in the investigation.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri of the Economic Crimes Unit and Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.

                                                     ###

    Defense Attorney: Rahul Agarwal, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on January 23, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,43,213.23 6.56 5.00-6.95
         I. Call Money 10,718.40 6.57 5.10-6.70
         II. Triparty Repo 3,81,865.60 6.54 6.22-6.64
         III. Market Repo 1,49,466.53 6.61 5.00-6.85
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,162.70 6.91 6.90-6.95
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 146.40 6.41 5.95-6.75
         II. Term Money@@ 624.00 – 6.50-7.50
         III. Triparty Repo 750.00 6.56 6.55-6.60
         IV. Market Repo 3,048.63 6.62 6.60-6.80
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Thu, 23/01/2025 1 Fri, 24/01/2025 1,25,015.00 6.52
      Thu, 23/01/2025 1 Fri, 24/01/2025 20,668.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Thu, 23/01/2025 1 Fri, 24/01/2025 2,831.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 23/01/2025 1 Fri, 24/01/2025 67,458.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       81,056.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 10/01/2025 14 Fri, 24/01/2025 2,25,006.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.48  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,34,562.48  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     3,15,618.48  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on January 23, 2025 8,92,467.19  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending January 24, 2025 9,10,251.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ January 23, 2025 1,45,683.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on December 27, 2024 64,350.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1990

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Today, on National Girl Child Day, we reiterate our commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her: Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 8:56AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today, on National Girl Child Day, reiterated the Government’s commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her.

    In a thread post on X, Shri Modi wrote:

    “Today, on National Girl Child Day, we reiterate our commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her. India is proud of the accomplishments of the girl child across all fields. Their feats continue to inspire us all.”

    “Our Government has focused on sectors like education, technology, skills, healthcare etc which have contributed to empowering the girl child. We are equally resolute in ensuring no discrimination happens against the girl child.”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2095662) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on January 24, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on January 24, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (paise per ₹100)
    6.79% GS 2034 22,000 11,004 10,996 22,000 0.08
    7.09% GS 2074 10,000 5,019 4,981 10,000 0.11
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on January 24, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1991

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on January 25, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 0.00 – –
         I. Call Money 0.00 – –
         II. Triparty Repo 0.00 – –
         III. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 0.00 – –
         II. Term Money@@ 0.00 – –
         III. Triparty Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Sat, 25/01/2025 1 Sun, 26/01/2025 3,351.00 6.75
      Sat, 25/01/2025 2 Mon, 27/01/2025 0.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Sat, 25/01/2025 1 Sun, 26/01/2025 53,679.00 6.25
      Sat, 25/01/2025 2 Mon, 27/01/2025 52.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -50,380.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 14 Fri, 07/02/2025 1,62,096.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 2,00,011.00 6.52
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 24/01/2025 2 Sun, 26/01/2025 0.00 6.75
      Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 83.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 24/01/2025 2 Sun, 26/01/2025 52.00 6.25
      Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 7,705.00 6.25
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.48  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     3,63,989.48  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     3,13,609.48  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on January 25, 2025 9,28,263.56  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending February 07, 2025 9,12,544.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ January 24, 2025 2,53,500.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 10, 2025 40,102.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2009

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on January 26, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 0.00 – –
         I. Call Money 0.00 – –
         II. Triparty Repo 0.00 – –
         III. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 0.00 – –
         II. Term Money@@ 0.00 – –
         III. Triparty Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Sun, 26/01/2025 1 Mon, 27/01/2025 3,459.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Sun, 26/01/2025 1 Mon, 27/01/2025 54,345.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -50,886.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 14 Fri, 07/02/2025 1,62,096.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 2,00,011.00 6.52
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Sat, 25/01/2025 2 Mon, 27/01/2025 0.00 6.75
      Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 83.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Sat, 25/01/2025 2 Mon, 27/01/2025 52.00 6.25
      Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 7,705.00 6.25
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.48  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     3,63,989.48  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     3,13,103.48  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on January 26, 2025 9,27,585.94  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending February 07, 2025 9,12,544.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ January 24, 2025 2,53,500.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 10, 2025 40,102.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2010

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on January 27, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 2,00,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 1,93,661
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 1,93,661
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.51
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.52
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2008

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on January 24, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,48,443.86 6.59 5.10-6.90
         I. Call Money 11,569.87 6.57 5.10-6.70
         II. Triparty Repo 3,81,193.75 6.58 6.50-6.70
         III. Market Repo 1,53,863.34 6.61 5.84-6.78
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,816.90 6.86 6.80-6.90
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 253.00 6.48 6.05-6.65
         II. Term Money@@ 665.00 – 6.60-7.50
         III. Triparty Repo 1,030.00 6.67 6.55-6.70
         IV. Market Repo 327.21 6.78 6.65-6.80
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 14 Fri, 07/02/2025 1,62,096.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 2,00,011.00 6.52
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 24/01/2025 1 Sat, 25/01/2025 3,149.00 6.75
      Fri, 24/01/2025 2 Sun, 26/01/2025 0.00 6.75
      Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 83.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 24/01/2025 1 Sat, 25/01/2025 85,117.00 6.25
      Fri, 24/01/2025 2 Sun, 26/01/2025 52.00 6.25
      Fri, 24/01/2025 3 Mon, 27/01/2025 7,705.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       2,72,465.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.48  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     9,556.48  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,82,021.48  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on January 24, 2025 8,96,788.46  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending January 24, 2025 9,10,251.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ January 24, 2025 2,53,500.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 10, 2025 40,102.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2007

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 3 reasons to fear humanity won’t reach net-zero emissions – and 4 reasons we might just do it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Rowley, Honorary Associate Professor, The Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

    UNIKYLUCKK/Shutterstock

    Within hours of taking office last week, President Donald Trump made good on his pledges to wind back the United States’ climate action – including withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement.

    This political show comes barely a week after 2024 was revealed as the world’s hottest year and following the catastrophic Los Angeles fires. The fires directly killed 20 people; potentially many more will die from toxic smoke and other after-effects.

    The science is clear: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is humanity’s only hope of achieving some measure of climate security. It’s time to think deeply on our chances of getting there.

    Here, I outline a few reasons for pessimism, and for hope.

    Reasons for pessimism

    1. The data doesn’t lie

    The landmark Paris Agreement, signed by 196 nations in 2015, aimed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Achieving that requires reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century.

    Yet nearly a decade after the agreement, global emissions continue to rise. The Global Carbon Budget estimates a record-high 37.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ was emitted last year.

    And 2024 was not just the hottest year on record – it was the first year to exceed the 1.5°C temperature threshold.

    It’s not too late to change trajectory. But sadly, the data show the bathtub is fast filling, and the tap is still running hard.

    2. Renewable energy rollout is too slow

    Renewable energy deployment is increasing and the price is falling. But it’s not happening fast enough.

    According to the International Energy Agency, clean energy investment must more than double this decade if the net-zero goal is to be reached by 2050. In particular, clean energy investment in developing countries must increase significantly.

    Richer nations – which are largely responsible for the stock of emissions in the atmosphere driving the climate problem – are failing to help developing countries make the clean energy shift. At the COP29 climate talks in Baku last year, developed nations agreed to give only US$300 billion (A$474 billion) a year in climate finance to developing countries by 2035. It is nowhere near enough.

    Richer nations have not provided the funds the developing world needs to make the clean energy shift.
    PradeepGaurs/Shutterstock

    3. The net-zero smokescreen

    Net-zero emissions is not the same as zero emissions. It allows some industries to keep polluting, if equivalent emissions are removed from the atmosphere elsewhere to keep the balance at zero.

    This means nations that are purportedly committed to the net-zero goal can continue with business as usual, or worse.

    In 2023, for example, then-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced 100 new oil and gas licences in the North Sea, saying it was “entirely consistent” with his government’s net-zero goal. The same logic has allowed Australia’s environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, to approve new coal mines.

    Both decisions came from governments that have pledged commitment to reaching net-zero – yet both are clearly making the goal harder to achieve.

    These are just a few of the reasons to feel pessimistic about getting to net-zero – there are many more.

    Barriers exist to extracting the critical minerals needed in low-emissions technology. Differences in human relationships to nature means we will never reach full agreement on how to respond to environmental risk. And globally, there is rising mistrust in international agreements and institutions.

    But it’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s why.

    Reasons for hope

    1. Renewable energy is cheap

    Renewable energy has become the cheapest form of new electricity in history. The technologies are now less expensive than coal and gas in most major countries.

    The International Energy Agency projects global renewable capacity will increase by more than 5,520 gigawatts between 2024 and 2030. This is 2.6 times more than the deployment over the six years to 2023.

    The growth in rooftop solar is expected to more than triple, as equipment costs decline and social acceptance increases.

    Renewable energy has become the [cheapest form of new electricity in history.
    Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock

    2. Commitments to net-zero are many

    Global support for the net-zero goal is significant. According to Net Zero Tracker, 147 of 198 countries have set a net-zero target. Some 1,176 of the 2,000 largest publicly traded companies by revenue have also adopted it.

    Without seeing the plans, numbers, laws, regulations and investments required to achieve these ambitions, one should be sceptical – but not cynical.

    3. Tech innovation and climate response are in lock-step

    Twenty-five years ago, smartphones did not exist, email was new and we “surfed” a new thing called the worldwide web with a slow dial-up modem.

    Similarly, our technologies will look very different 25 years from now – and many developments will ultimately help deliver the net-zero goal.

    Smart electricity grids, for example, use digital technologies, sensors and software to precisely meet the demand of electricity users – making the system more efficient and reducing carbon emissions.

    The European Union, United States and China are all investing vast sums to support their development.

    Already, we can use smart meters to monitor electricity generation from our roofs to our cars and home batteries. This allows zero-emissions electricity to both be used and sold back to the grid.

    Tech innovation is not confined to the electricity sector. As Australia’s Climate Change Authority has stated, technology offers pathways to reduce emissions across the economy – in transport, agriculture, industry and more.

    We already have the means to monitor electricity generation and use at home.
    aslysun/Shutterstock

    4. Human talent and capacity

    Many of humanity’s best minds are now focused on reducing climate risk.

    Climate change mitigation is attracting remarkable professionals in roles unimaginable 25 years ago – from engineers developing breakthrough renewable technologies to financial experts designing green investment products, policy specialists crafting new regulations, and climate scientists refining our understanding of climate risk.

    And among much of the public, global support for climate action is strong.

    No time for despair

    The fact that humans caused climate change is an enabling truth: we also have the capacity to make decisions to address the problem.

    Our choices today will make a difference. It will be a bumpy road – but to achieve some measure of climate security, net-zero is a goal we must achieve.

    Nick Rowley 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. 3 reasons to fear humanity won’t reach net-zero emissions – and 4 reasons we might just do it – https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-to-fear-humanity-wont-reach-net-zero-emissions-and-4-reasons-we-might-just-do-it-247992

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s ‘free speech’ vision comes at expense of press freedom

    Pacific Media Watch

    Among his first official acts on returning to the White House, President Donald Trump issued an executive order “restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship”.

    Implicit in this vaguely written document: the United States is done fighting mis- and disinformation online, reports the Paris-based global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

    Meanwhile, far from living up to the letter or spirit of his own order, Trump is fighting battles against the American news media on multiple fronts and has pardoned at least 13 individuals convicted or charged for attacking journalists in the 6 January 2021 insurrection.

    An RSF statement strongly refutes Trump’s “distorted vision of free speech, which is inherently detrimental to press freedom”.

    Trump has long been one of social media’s most prevalent spreaders of false information, and his executive order, “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” is the latest in a series of victories for the propagators of disinformation online.

    Bowing to pressure from Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, whose Meta platforms are already hostile to journalism, did away with fact-checking on Facebook, which the tech mogul falsely equated to censorship while throwing fact-checking journalists under the bus.

    Trump ally Elon Musk also dismantled the meagre trust and safety safeguards in place when he took over Twitter and proceeded to arbitrarily ban journalists who were critical of him from the site.

    ‘Free speech’ isn’t ‘free of facts’
    “Free speech doesn’t mean public discourse has to be free of facts. Donald Trump and his Big Tech cronies like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are dismantling what few guardrails the internet had to protect the integrity of information,” said RSF’s USA executive director Clayton Weimers.

    “We cannot ignore the irony of Trump appointing himself the chief crusader for ‘free speech’ while he continues to personally attack press freedom — a pillar of the First Amendment — and has vowed to weaponise the federal government against expression he doesn’t like.

    “If Trump means what he says in his own executive order, he could start by dropping his lawsuits against news organisations.”

    Trump recently settled a lawsuit out of court with ABC News parent company Disney, but is still suing the Des Moines Register and its parent company Gannett for publishing a poll unfavourable to his campaign, and the Pulitzer Center board for awarding coverage of his 2016 campaign’s alleged ties with Russia.

    Trump should immediately drop both lawsuits and refrain from launching others while in office.

    After a campaign where he attacked the press on a daily basis, Trump has continued to berate the media and dismissed its legitimacy to critique him.

    During a press conference the day after he took office, Trump reproached NBC reporter Peter Alexander for questions about Trump’s blanket pardons of the January 6th riot participants, saying, “Just look at the numbers on the election.

    “We won this election in a landslide, because the American public is tired of people like you that are just one-sided, horrible people, in terms of crime.”

    An incoherent press freedom policy
     The executive order also flies in the face of his violent rhetoric against journalists.

    The order asserts that during the Biden administration, “the Federal government infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States in a manner that advanced the government’s preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate.”

    It goes on to state, “It is the policy of the United States to ensure that no Federal Government officer, employee, or agent engages in or facilitates any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen.”

    This stated policy, laudable in a vacuum, even if made redundant by the First Amendment, is rendered meaningless by Trump’s explicit threats to weaponise the government against the media, which have recently included threats to revoke broadcast licenses in political retaliation, investigate news organizations that criticise him, and jail journalists who refuse to expose confidential sources.

    Instead, the policy appears designed to amplify disinformation, which benefits a President of the United States who has proven willing to spread disinformation that furthered his political interests on matters small and large.

    “If Trump is serious about his stated commitment to free speech, RSF suggests he begin by ensuring his own actions serve to protect the free press, rather than censoring or punishing media outlets,” the watchdog said.

    “The United States has seen a steady decline in its press freedom ranking in RSF’s World Press Freedom Index over the past decade to a current ranking of 55th out of 180 countries, with presidents from both parties presiding over this backslide.

    “While Trump is not entirely responsible for the present situation, his frequent attacks on the news media have no doubt contributed to the decline in trust in the media, which has been driven partly by partisan attitudes towards journalism.

    “Trump’s violent rhetoric can also contribute to real-life violence — assaults on journalists nearly doubled in 2024, when his campaign was at its apex, compared to 2023.”

    Pacific Media Watch collaborates with RSF.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyond the Console: Kenneth Attocknie’s Mission to Bridge Cultures at NASA

    Source: NASA

    From the Mission Control Center to community celebrations, Kenneth Attocknie blends safety expertise with a commitment to cultural connection. 
    For the past 25 years at NASA, Attocknie has dedicated his career to safeguarding the International Space Station and supporting real-time mission operations at Johnson Space Center in Houston.  
    As a principal safety engineer in the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, Attocknie ensures the safe operation of the space station’s environmental control and life support system. This system is vital for maintaining the life-sustaining environment aboard the orbiting laboratory— a critical foundation for similar systems planned for future Artemis missions. 

    As a contractor with SAIC, Attocknie has served as a flight controller, astronaut crew office engineer, and astronaut crew instructor. He joined NASA just as the first two modules of the space station, Zarya and Unity, connected in space on Dec. 6, 1998.  
    “I’ve supported the space station ever since and have been blessed to witness the remarkable progression of this amazing orbiting experiment,” he said. “I feel I have found a way to contribute positively to NASA’s mission: to improve life for all people on our planet.” 
    He also contributed to closing out the Space Shuttle Program and worked in system safety for the Constellation program. 
    As part of SAIC’s Employee Resource Group, Attocknie supports the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement project, which uses project-based learning to inspire high school students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He continues to advocate for Native Americans as a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, helping NASA engage with college students across Indian Country. 

    Attocknie strives to contribute to a space exploration legacy that uplifts and unites cultures, paving the way for a future in human spaceflight that honors and empowers all. 
    A member of the Comanche and Caddo tribes of Oklahoma, he has made it his mission to create a cross-cultural exchange between NASA and Native communities to provide opportunities for Natives to visit Johnson.  
    One of his proudest moments was organizing a Native American Heritage Month event with NASA’s Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office. The celebration brought together Native dancers and singers from Oklahoma and Texas to honor their heritage at Johnson.  
    “Seeing the Johnson community rally around this event was amazing,” said Attocknie. “It was a profound experience to share and celebrate my culture here.” 

    Overcoming challenges and setbacks has been part of his NASA experience as well. “Finding and achieving my purpose is always an ongoing journey,” he said. “Accepting what might seem like a regression is the first step of growth. There’s always a lesson to be found, and every disappointment can fuel a new ambition and direction. Ride the waves, be humble, learn lessons, and above all, always keep going.” 
    He believes that NASA’s mission is deeply connected to diversity and inclusion. “You can’t truly benefit humankind if you don’t represent humankind,” said Attocknie. “The status quo may feel comfortable, but it leads to stagnation and is the antithesis of innovation.” 

    Attocknie’s hope for the Artemis Generation? “A healthier planet, society, and the desire to pass on lessons of stewardship for our environment. All life is precious.” 
    He sees NASA as a gateway to a brighter future: “NASA can truly harness its influence to be an example for our planet, not only in the new heavenly bodies we journey to but also in the new human spirits we touch.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque FBI Division Announces It’s 2025 Citizen’s Academy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Have you ever wondered how the FBI solves a case? Want to hear about the work agents are doing across New Mexico? Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda welcomes business, civic, and faith-based community leaders to apply for FBI Albuquerque’s Citizens Academy program, where we will give participants a first-hand look into life at the FBI.

    “The FBI’s Citizens Academy provides an incredible opportunity for members of the community to better understand the work of the FBI and partner with us in keeping New Mexico citizens safe,” said Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge for the FBI Albuquerque Division. “The FBI Citizens Academy program is a unique opportunity for us to share our work one-on-one with community leaders of all backgrounds, and for them to provide us with feedback. Through frank discussion and information sharing, we can improve relationships and advance our mission to protect all Americans.”

    FBI Albuquerque is now accepting nominations for the 2025 FBI Citizens Academy. Over the course of 8 sessions this spring, select business, religious, civic, and community leaders will be given an opportunity to go behind the scenes of local FBI operations and experience case studies and demonstrations led by Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, and FBI Professional Staff. Topics will include how the FBI works to combat violent crime, human trafficking, cybercrime, counterintelligence, Indian Country, terrorism, and how teams train in forensics, firearms, evidence recovery, and more.

    • When: Wednesday evenings February 19th, 2025 – April 23rd, 2025
    • Where: FBI Albuquerque 4200 Luecking Park Ave NE, Albuquerque New Mexico 87107

    How to Apply: The FBI Citizens Academy is open to anyone with an interest in learning how the FBI works to protect and serve the community. Candidates can be nominated by a program alumnus, former or current FBI employee, or self-nominated. The nomination form must be completed in full and returned by the close of business on Friday, December 20, 2024. If selected, there is no cost to attend. Questions regarding the program or application process can be directed to aq.outreach@fbi.gov

    Requirements:

    • Business, religious, civic, or community leader
    • Be at least 21 years of age
    • No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
    • Cannot be under investigation as a subject in a criminal case
    • Must live or work in New Mexico
    • Must agree to and pass a limited background check
    • Must be able to attend classes in person

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ensuring fair electoral representation for Albertans

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    .
    .

    [embedded content]

    The Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, would amend several pieces of legislation, including the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act, the Public’s Right to Know Act, the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act and the Alberta Evidence Act. Proposed amendments would increase access to justice and address the current needs of Albertans.  

    Electoral Boundaries Commission Act

    If passed, amendments to the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act would direct the commission to increase the number of electoral divisions in Alberta from 87 to 89 and clarify the list of factors the commission may consider when drawing up the new electoral boundaries.

    Under the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act, the population of each electoral division in Alberta must not be more than 25 per cent above or more than 25 per cent below the average population of all the proposed electoral divisions. Currently, the populations of nine electoral divisions in Alberta are greater than 25 per cent of the average electoral division population. 

    Proposed amendments would help address the significant increase in Alberta’s population since the most recent provincial election, and ensure Albertans have effective representation in the legislature.

    “The amendments we are proposing are essential to keeping up with Alberta’s significant population growth and ensuring fair, effective representation for all Albertans in the legislature. By increasing the number of electoral divisions, we demonstrate our commitment to balanced and equitable representation for all Albertans.”

    Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

    Public’s Right to Know Act

    The Public’s Right to Know Act legislates public reporting of crime data to make it easier for Albertans to know what’s happening in their community. Proposed amendments would allow the minister of justice to require government departments, municipalities and police services to provide up-to-date data, which will foster greater sharing of information and a better understanding of the criminal justice system.

    Critical Infrastructure Defence Act

    The Critical Infrastructure Defence Act protects essential infrastructure by creating offences for trespassing, interfering with operations or causing damage. Proposed amendments would incorporate the health care facilities currently identified in the regulation into the act, ensuring the definition of essential infrastructure is contained in one place. The definition of essential infrastructure is currently contained in both the act and the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation. With this amendment, the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation, which initially added “prescribed health care facilities” into the definition of essential infrastructure, will no longer be needed and will be repealed.  

    Alberta Evidence Act

    The Alberta Evidence Act sets out a process for individuals to give evidence to the court either orally or in writing. Proposed amendments would give Albertans simpler and more modern processes for confirming the truth of the information they provide to the courts. These amendments would save Albertans time and money by allowing them to certify information electronically rather than visiting a courthouse or paying to swear or affirm an oath in person. Processes will still be available for those who prefer in-person and paper-based execution of documents. 

    Quick facts

    • Between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024, Alberta’s population grew by around 204,000 people or 4.4 per cent. This is the highest annual growth rate since 1981 and the highest among all provinces.
    • The populations of nine electoral divisions currently exceed 25 per cent of the average population of each electoral division, which is the maximum deviation allowed under the legislation. 
    • An Electoral Boundaries Commission reviews existing electoral boundaries and makes proposals to the legislative assembly about area, boundaries and names of the electoral divisions.
    • A new Electoral Boundaries Commission is appointed eight to ten years after the appointment of the previous commission.
    • When drawing up the new electoral boundaries, the commission must consider the requirement for effective representation for all Albertans. In addition, the commission may consider:
      • The sparsity and density of population.
      • Communities of interest, including municipalities, regional and rural communities, Indian reserves and Metis settlements.
      • Geographical features, including the availability and means of communication and transportation between various parts of Alberta.
      • The desirability of understandable and clear boundaries.
      • The rate of population growth.
      • Any other factors the commission considers appropriate.

    Related information

    • Ensuring fair electoral representation
    • Bill 31: Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference


    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Entrepreneur, Gender-Equity Advocate to Discuss How Women Can Move from the Sidelines to the C-Suite

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Any company that strives to be profitable and successful needs to include women and other diverse representatives in its leadership. Yet even in the most forward-focused organizations, women may still face obstacles to inclusion.

    Sameer Somal, a tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of Girl Power Talk and Girl Power USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping you women become leaders in business and society, will share his experiences and perspective on empowering women during the next Equity Now presentation on Nov. 19. The event is sponsored by School of Business.

    “If you look at society for the last 1,000 years, women have too often been sidelined from positions of leadership. Yet studies have repeatedly shown that when women are added to the C-Suite and to Boards of Directors, those companies outperform their peers,’’ Somal said.

    “I want business students to be aware that investing in and supporting women is not a trend or a fad, but something that can help your company reach its full potential,’’ he said.
    His presentation, “Empowering Girls and Women in Organizations: A Conversation with Sameer Somal,” begins at noon on Nov. 19. The program is available via livestream. To register, please visit the registration page.

    Women Walk a Tightrope of Expectations

    Somal is the CEO and co-Founder of Blue Global Technology, focused on digital transformation, risk management, and technology development. Raised by a progressive father, and inspired by a friend, he began a journey to help girls and women advance in both business and society.

    He will discuss how his organization inspires young women to be their best in their personal and professional lives, and how passionate engagement with girls today empowers them to build a career full of purpose.

    Somal will also discuss the obstacles that women and other diverse employees face in the workplace, including how corporate structure has historically been designed to keep women out; hiring and promotion processes that favor men; and adverse institutional mindsets about who qualifies for certain roles, particularly in leadership.

    Even today, women often walk a tightrope of expectations, he said. They are expected to exhibit assertiveness, independence, and dominance but still convey sensitivity and compassion.

    “While both gender-specific roles and traits are dated concepts, female leaders often have to strike a hard balance to be seen as worthy, adding to the pressure that leadership brings with it,’’ he said.

    Finally, women face ‘affinity bias’ in the workplace. Most corporate decisionmakers are still men, and affinity bias can lead them to consciously or unconsciously hire and promote people who are like them, he said.

    Somal is a member of the Board of Directors of Future Business Leaders or America, the Abraham Lincoln Association, the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and the American Bar association. A graduate of Georgetown University, he has held leadership roles at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Scotiabank before creating his own company.

    Series Brings Business Expectations into Sharp Focus

    The 2024-25 Equity Now series began in October with a presentation by Lauren Cleary, an ethics and compliance professional at Patagonia, who spoke about the importance of privacy in organizations.

    “Each speaker in the Equity Now speaker series brings their own unique perspective on how legal and ethical issues are deeply intertwined in both business and society,’’ said business law professor Robert Bird, who spearheads the programs.

    “For an organization to be truly successful, it must meet, if not exceed, the expectations of stakeholders in the society in which it conducts business,’’ he said. “The Equity Now speaker series brings those expectations into clear focus through the expert academics and practitioners that are invited to share their ideas.’’

    The Equity Now series features expert insight on how law and policy can create diversity, equity and fairness in both organizations and society. The UConn program is conducted in affiliation with the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Virginia Tech, Indiana, Boston and Temple universities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Diwali celebrations light up Sydney

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 6 November 2024

    Released by: Minister for Multiculturalism

    Whether it’s in Harris Park or Riverstone, Merrylands or the MCA, Diwali celebrations are taking over Sydney.

    Last night the NSW Government hosted the annual Diwali celebration at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The event provided multicultural leaders from across NSW a chance for to come together and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

    Also known as Deepavali, the festival is of great significance to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities.

    The lights represent the lifting of spiritual darkness and the renewal of life. It is a time spent with family and friends, praying for health, knowledge and peace.

    In recognition of Diwali and its timeless message, the Sydney Opera House’s iconic sails were bathed in gold last night as part of the celebrations.

    Participants wear colourful clothes, decorate their homes and exchange gifts and sweets.

    NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

    “Wherever you go in NSW you can find the positive impact in our lives made by the Indian diaspora.”

    “The ideals of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and light over darkness are messages that everyone can embrace.”

    “By sharing in this celebration, we can all join together, foster greater understanding and keep our communities strong.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: US presidential election holds high stakes for Pacific relations

    PMN Pacific Mornings

    With Election Day for one of the most consequential United States presidential races in recent history underway, Pasifika communities on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are considering how a new administration could impact US-Pacific relations.

    Roy Tongilava, a public policy professional and Pacific community advocate in the United States, hopes to see improved US-Pacific relations under either a Harris or Trump administration.

    “I’m not an expert in foreign affairs, but my hope would be that either a presidency under Harris or under Trump would continue to build those relations, to build those investments, to really help not only combat climate change but also to really aid in the Pacific development, which is inherently connected to what I believe is the Pacific Islander American experience,” he said.

    Pacific commentators Roy Tongilava (left) and Christian Malietoa-Brown . . . interviewed by Pacific Media Network’s Pacific Mornings programme. Image: PMN

    New Zealand political commentator and former chair of the National Party’s Pacific Blues group, Christian Malietoa-Brown, is backing Donald Trump in the presidential race.

    He says the Pacific is caught in a “tug-of-war” between major powers like the US and China, with Australia playing an increasingly significant role.

    “For me, I think in terms of long-term investment, Trump likes to prevent war by showing strength . . .  I think they [the US] will strategically put some investments here just because they don’t want China running around too much in this area for defence reasons.

    “Under the Biden administration, we saw record investment down this way in the Pacific region, obviously to try and push away China’s influence in the region,” Malietoa-Brown says.

    Picking a big player
    “So you have China, you have America, you have Russia, you have India that’s coming up big,” Malietoa-Brown said.

    “And if I had to pick a big player to be in charge of the world, I would pretty much stick to America as it is right now, because that’s the devil we know, rather than someone else that we don’t know. And that’s probably purely a selfish thing.”

    Tongilava agrees that the Joe Biden administration has been positive for the Pacific region in terms of investment.

    “The Biden administration has pumped record investment into the Pacific to a number of things, infrastructure, education, all of that. Ultimately, though, to try and cool off and push away China’s advances towards this region.

    “We’ve seen Vice-President Harris during her time as Vicep-President really commit to climate change as well as building relations within the Pacific region,” he said.

    Education concerns
     For Tongilava, who is part of the South Pacific Islander Organization (SPIO), a nonpartisan non-profit organisation that champions education and workforce development for Pacific youth, this election has serious implications for youth.

    “Our mission is laser focused on enhancing college access, college retention, and degree completion for Native Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander students throughout our college systems,” Tongilava said.

    “A lot of our work has focused on expanding educational opportunity and workforce development for young Pacific Islander students.

    “In terms of education, I think it is crucial that Pacific Islanders turn out today in support of the policies specifically that may hinder or create opportunity for their families and for their communities,” Tongilava said.

    He said it was crucial that Pacific Islanders vote in support of the specific policies that might hinder or create opportunities for their families and their communities.

    Tongilava is concerned about Trump’s proposal to dismantle the US Department of Education, noting that such a move would disproportionately harm communities like the Pacific Islanders, who often rely on federal support for educational programmes.

    “This raises additional questions around what role does the federal government play within our school systems here within states and at the local level. For many Pacific Islander Americans, we live in under-resourced communities,” Tongilava said.

    Republished from Pacific Media Network with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RGA Statement on Indiana Gubernatorial Election

    Source: US Republican Governors Association

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor-elect Mike Braun on his victory in Indiana:

    “Governor-elect Mike Braun is a true conservative who built a successful business and created thousands of high-paying jobs for Hoosier families. Mike’s record of public service has delivered results for Indiana and his commitment to economic growth, protecting parental rights, and defending our constitutional freedoms will keep Indiana moving forward. The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-elect Mike Braun and looks forward to supporting him as he puts his freedom and opportunity agenda into action.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 5 Indian films from the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival that blew me away

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication and Media Studies, University of Adelaide

    In The Belly of a Tiger/IMDB

    This year’s Adelaide Film Festival (AFF2024) had something truly exciting laying in wait: a spotlight on Indian cinema.

    While many people are familiar with Bollywood, most don’t know about the vast film industry that exists beyond it. And this is no small market; India is currently the most populated country in the world.

    This year’s festival delivered a variety of Indian films from regions and directors that remain underrepresented. From award-winning tales, to a poetic nature documentary, to a sweet coming-of-age story from the North East, the program promises to challenge and expand our understanding of what Indian cinema can offer.

    Of all the films I saw, these five spoke to me the most.

    All We Imagine As Light

    Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix winner, All We Imagine as Light, was the film that I’d most looked forward to – and it turned out to be as dreamlike as its title promised.

    It’s an ode to the city of Mumbai, also known as India’s “dream-making factory” (and where Bollywood is based). Mumbai is where Indians from all states and of all languages come to fulfil their dreams.

    The story follows three female nurses, Prabha (Kani Kusruti), Anu (Divya Prabha) and Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), who come to Mumbai looking for a better life. Yet they find themselves struggling to belong in a city that refuses to embrace them.

    As Kapadia explains: “The film is about not being able to see a way out when one is surrounded by darkness […] that hope doesn’t exist if you have never seen it.”

    Kapadia’s storytelling brings a kind of realism rarely seen in popular Indian cinema – not through larger-than-life spectacle or the resplendent city skyline, but through the quiet intimacy of shared apartments, poetry booklets, dinner dates, and small joys and defeats. It is simply soulful.

    The film blends themes of female solidarity and friendship with heavier topics such as religious differences, migrant struggles, language barriers and class divides – yet it feels as gentle as rain on skin.

    While some have critiqued the film for being too slow (and I admittedly felt this at times), this is exactly how Kapadia managed to turn a city with more than 21 million people into a place that feels completely lonely.

    Second Chance

    Unlike the vibrant image of India we’re so used to – full of colour, song and lively dances – Subhadra Mahajan’s black-and-white film Second Chance is nothing short of breathtaking.

    Set in the snowy peaks of Himachal Pradesh, the film follows 25-year-old Nia (Dheera Johnson) as she retreats to her family’s Himalayan holiday home after a painful breakup and the emotional toll of taking abortion pills. Mahajan captures the stark, quiet beauty of the Himalayan landscape, where time slows down and silence seems to heal.

    The film is shot among the snow-covered Himalayan mountains.
    Adelaide Film Festival

    There, she finds unexpected companions through Bhemi and Sunny. Bhemi, the gentle 70-year-old mother-in-law of the home’s caretaker, is played with a captivating authenticity by Thakra Devi, a local resident and non-professional actress. Sunny (Kanav Thakur) is Bhemi’s playful and curious 8-year-old grandson.

    At the top of the world, Second Chance crafts a beautiful and intimate space where we are invited to see that there’s always another chance to find oneself – a chance as infinite and expansive as the snow-capped peaks themselves.

    Nocturnes

    It’s rare to see films such as Second Chance, which are made in the Himalayas. But it’s even rarer to see an Indian nature documentary such as Nocturnes. The film follows a scientist named Mansi and her indigenous assistants as they chase down thousands of Himalayan moths (particularly Hawk moths).

    Directed by Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan, Nocturnes captures the hypnotic rhythms of field study (something that particularly resonates with me as a researcher).

    Fluttering wings and insect trills create a serene soundscape. The close-ups of the moths – their textures, patterns and slight vibrating movements – are fascinating to observe – as the the wider shots of the scientists’ glowing setup in the darkened forest, which drew me in like a moth to light.

    Nocturnes is a thoughtful, meditative film that reminds us of how our destruction of the climate can impact these ancient residents of Earth. As the voiceover reminds is, “we most likely cannot survive what the moths have been through.”

    Boong

    Right from the opening scene, Boong pulled me in with unexpected laughs. The titular character Boong (Gugun Kipgen) is a schoolboy who, along with his best friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum), embarks on a risky journey along India’s militarised eastern border to bring Boong’s absent father back home.

    In one scene, the playful prankster, Boong, aims his slingshot at his school’s entryway sign.
    IMDB

    As they make their way, we’re treated to views from Manipur, India’s North East state near Myanmar, which we rarely see in mainstream Indian cinema. Boong itself tips its hat to Bollywood a few times, such as when Raju shows his excitement upon hearing the song Lungi Dance from the Bollywood blockbuster Chennai Express (2013), or when the the chief villager’s secret home cinema is adorned with Hindi film posters.

    Director Lakshmipriya Devi does a fantastic job showcasing the region’s vibrant yet complex culture. All the while, she highlights some surprising lesser-known facts, such as how Hindi films were banned in Manipur for years in the name of protecting local culture, language and the regional film industry.

    While Manipur’s cinematic potential is still largely untapped, Boong is a brilliant step.

    In the Belly of a Tiger

    Of the 23 films I saw at AFF2024, In the Belly of a Tiger was a precious gem that stayed with me.

    This multinational production (which just won the festival’s Feature Fiction Award) tells a heart-wrenching story of an elderly and desperately poor couple faced with an impossible choice: which one of them will go into the forest to be eaten by a tiger so the other can receive government compensation?

    It’s a deeply spiritual and painfully pragmatic exploration of power, sacrifice, love and hope.

    The symbolism of the film’s poster hints at its larger themes. Just as Hindu mythology posits the universe emerged from Lord Vishnu’s navel, unfolding like the petals of a lotus, we see how fate, too, blossoms unevenly.

    The film’s poster signposts some of its larger themes.
    IMDB

    In the film, a poor family in a remote village longs for a better life in the next world, holding tightly to memories of young, innocent love.

    Shooting in Hindi, and featuring mostly non-professional actors, In the Belly of a Tiger is both authentic and ambitious. Indian director and cinematographer Jatla Siddhartha collaborated with some of the biggest names in cinema to bring the story to life, including multiple Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty (who also worked on Slumdog Millionaire).

    The music is composed by Japan’s Umebayashi Shigeru, known for his work on Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love (2000) and The Grandmaster (2013). Shigeru’s melodies bring an emotional and magical tone to what is, at its heart, a truly Indian story.

    More dreams to share

    The films I’ve highlighted here represent some of the most exciting and thought-provoking works coming out of India today.

    While the Mumbai-based Bollywood industry is undeniably a huge part of Indian culture, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. These films paint a far richer and more diverse portrait of India, its people, its struggles and its beauty.

    They also showcase a glorious future for Indian cinema – one which promises to carry the dreams of a nation eager to share its stories with the world.

    Yanyan Hong 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. 5 Indian films from the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival that blew me away – https://theconversation.com/5-indian-films-from-the-2024-adelaide-film-festival-that-blew-me-away-242118

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –