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Category: India

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI is a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s underpinned by an invisible and exploited workforce

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ganna Pogrebna, Executive Director, AI and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University

    Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock

    In dusty factories, cramped internet cafes and makeshift home offices around the world, millions of people sit at computers tediously labelling data.

    These workers are the lifeblood of the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Without them, products such as ChatGPT simply would not exist. That’s because the data they label helps AI systems “learn”.

    But despite the vital contribution this workforce makes to an industry which is expected to be worth US$407 billion by 2027, the people who comprise it are largely invisible and frequently exploited. Earlier this year nearly 100 data labellers and AI workers from Kenya who do work for companies like Facebook, Scale AI and OpenAI published an open letter to United States President Joe Biden in which they said:

    Our working conditions amount to modern day slavery.

    To ensure AI supply chains are ethical, industry and governments must urgently address this problem. But the key question is: how?

    What is data labelling?

    Data labelling is the process of annotating raw data — such as images, video or text — so that AI systems can recognise patterns and make predictions.

    Self-driving cars, for example, rely on labelled video footage to distinguish pedestrians from road signs. Large language models such as ChatGPT rely on labelled text to understand human language.

    These labelled datasets are the lifeblood of AI models. Without them, AI systems would be unable to function effectively.

    Tech giants like Meta, Google, OpenAI and Microsoft outsource much of this work to data labelling factories in countries such as the Philippines, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Venezuela and Colombia.

    China is also becoming another global hub for data labelling.

    Outsourcing companies that facilitate this work include Scale AI, iMerit, and Samasource. These are very large companies in their own right. For example, Scale AI, which is headquartered in California, is now worth US$14 billion.

    Cutting corners

    Major tech firms like Alphabet (the parent company of Google), Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia and Meta have poured billions into AI infrastructure, from computational power and data storage to emerging computational technologies.

    Large-scale AI models can cost tens of millions of dollars to train. Once deployed, maintaining these models requires continuous investment in data labelling, refinement and real-world testing.

    But while AI investment is significant, revenues have not always met expectations. Many industries continue to view AI projects as experimental with unclear profitability paths.

    In response, many companies are cutting costs which affect those at the very bottom of the AI supply chain who are often highly vulnerable: data labellers.

    Low wages, dangerous working conditions

    One way companies involved in the AI supply chain try to reduce costs is by employing large numbers of data labellers in countries in the Global South such as the Philippines, Venezuela, Kenya and India. Workers in these countries face stagnating or shrinking wages.

    For example, an hourly rate for AI data labellers in Venezuela ranges from between 90 cents and US$2. In comparison, in the United States, this rate is between US$10 to US$25 per hour.

    In the Philippines, workers labelling data for multi-billion dollar companies such as Scale AI often earn far below the minimum wage.

    Some labelling providers even resort to child labour for labelling purposes.

    But there are many other labour issues within the AI supply chain.

    Many data labellers work in overcrowded and dusty environments which pose a serious risk to their health. They also often work as independent contractors, lacking access to protections such as health care or compensation.

    The mental toll of data labelling work is also significant, with repetitive tasks, strict deadlines and rigid quality controls. Data labellers are also sometimes asked to read and label hate speech or other abusive language or material, which has been proven to have negative psychological effects.

    Errors can lead to pay cuts or job losses. But labellers often experience lack of transparency on how their work is evaluated. They are often denied access to performance data, hindering their ability to improve or contest decisions.

    Making AI supply chains ethical

    As AI development becomes more complex and companies strive to maximise profits, the need for ethical AI supply chains is urgent.

    One way companies can help ensure this is by applying a human right-centreed design, deliberation and oversight approach to the entire AI supply chain. They must adopt fair wage policies, ensuring data labellers receive living wages that reflect the value of their contributions.

    By embedding human rights into the supply chain, AI companies can foster a more ethical, sustainable industry, ensuring that both workers’ rights and corporate responsibility align with long-term success.

    Governments should also create new regulation which mandates these practices, encouraging fairness and transparency. This includes transparency in performance evaluation and personal data processing, allowing workers to understand how they are assessed and to contest any inaccuracies.

    Clear payment systems and recourse mechanisms will ensure workers are treated fairly. Instead of busting unions, as Scale AI did in Kenya in 2024, companies should also support the formation of digital labour unions or cooperatives. This will give workers a voice to advocate for better working conditions.

    As users of AI products, we all can advocate for ethical practices by supporting companies that are transparent about their AI supply chains and commit to fair treatment of workers. Just as we reward green and fair trade producers of physical goods, we can push for change by choosing digital services or apps on our smartphones that adhere to human rights standards, promoting ethical brands through social media, and voting with our dollars for accountability from tech giants on a daily basis.

    By making informed choices, we all can contribute to more ethical practices across the AI industry.

    Ganna Pogrebna 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. AI is a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s underpinned by an invisible and exploited workforce – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-a-multi-billion-dollar-industry-its-underpinned-by-an-invisible-and-exploited-workforce-240568

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for Elevating Gender Equality to the National Level, Raise Questions on the Treatment of Women Human Rights Defenders and on Human Tra

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the tenth periodic report of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with Committee Experts commending the State for elevating the issue of gender equality to the national level, while raising questions on its treatment of women human rights defenders, and how it was combatting human trafficking.

    Jie Xia, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the Committee commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for elevating the issue of gender equality to the national level through domesticating the Convention, developing a law on gender equality, and developing a national action plan and strategy on gender equality, among other measures. 

    A Committee Expert said the Committee had received several names of female human rights defenders who had been poorly treated by the Government and the judiciary.  Could the State party outline recent efforts to review and amend any existing laws, regulations, or decrees that may unduly restrict freedom of expression to ensure that these legal frameworks complied with international human rights standards, including the Convention? What measures was the State taking to investigate the disappearance, maltreatment and deaths of female human rights activists? 

    Another Expert said the Lao People’s Democratic Republic continued to be a renowned source of origin for migrant workers as well as increasingly becoming a country of transit and destination for sexual exploitation and human trafficking.  What were some of the key policies that the National Steering Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking had introduced and implemented in terms of effective anti-trafficking measures?  How was the implementation of the national plan on anti-trafficking carried out?  How did the State ensure that the security forces were working effectively to address the prevalence of trafficking within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone? 

     

    The delegation said the Committee operated on reports from non-governmental organizations, which were often exaggerated.  It was important to look at the reality in the country, rather than organizations that operated reports, which sometimes fit the category of disinformation.  For example, regarding the cases of the so-called female human rights defenders, they were not human rights defenders. They had organised propaganda against the State and had violated criminal law, and were therefore prosecuted and imprisoned. 

    The delegation said a national commission on human trafficking had been established at the provincial, district and national levels.  Focus was directed to the protection of victims.  Trainings were conducted for law enforcement staff on how to identify victims of trafficking, how to refer their cases, and how to further protect them.  The Women’s Union had expanded the shelter services to six provinces in the country. There was a police headquarters located within the Golden Triangle to prevent violations of human rights. Companies operating in this area were encouraged to ensure their staff received medical examinations. 

    Introducing the report, Chansoda Phonethip, Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union and Vice President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, and head of delegation, said the promotion and protection of women’s rights were at the core of the Government policy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  In 2019, the National Assembly adopted the law on gender equality, which introduced a wide range of measures to address gender disparities across various sectors.  Under this law, gender-based discrimination was classified as a criminal offense. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was dedicated to eliminating child marriage through strengthening legal and administrative frameworks, investing in education, and encouraging communities to collectively address the challenges posed by harmful practices such as early marriage and pregnancy. 

    In closing remarks, Ms. Phonethip thanked the Committee for the dialogue, which helped the Lao People’s Democratic Republic fulfil its obligations under the Convention. The Committee’s insights were instrumental to advancing the rights of women and girls in the country.  The State welcomed any support from the international community to help in meeting its obligations under the Convention. 

    Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, Committee Vice Chair, thanked the delegation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee, which helped it to better understand the situation of women and girls in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

    The delegation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was comprised of representatives from the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Lao Women’s Union; and the Permanent Mission of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s eighty-ninth session is being held from 7 October to 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 9 October to consider the fifth periodic report of Saudi Arabia (CEDAW/C/SAU/5).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the tenth periodic report of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (CEDAW/C/LAO/10).

    Presentation of Report

    CHANSODA PHONETHIP, Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union and Vice President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, and head of delegation, said the promotion and protection of women’s rights were at the core of the Government policy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  All citizens, regardless of sex, had equal rights in political, economic, social and family life, in compliance with the principles and norms of the Convention. The Government had implemented supportive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a key challenge for the country.  These included financial subsidies which particularly targeted unemployed individuals and women factory workers, with a total of 61,511 people benefitting from these initiatives.  The Government also introduced two national agendas, one focusing on addressing economic and financial difficulties, and the other on combatting drug trafficking. 

    In 2019, the National Assembly adopted the law on gender equality, which introduced a wide range of measures to address gender disparities across various sectors. Under this law, gender-based discrimination was classified as a criminal offense.  Over 50 laws had been revised and newly adopted over the past five years, including those aimed at improving women’s rights and ensuring gender equality. The Government had made great efforts to provide legal aid free of charge for disadvantaged people, as outlined in the law on lawyers, and the decree on legal aid.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic actively maintained three national mechanisms for promoting gender equality and empowering women. These included the Government, represented by the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children; the mass organization, represented by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union; and the legislature, represented by the National Assembly’s Women’s Caucus. 

    The Government remained committed to reviewing and strengthening its legal frameworks to further enhance protection from violence, particularly through the law on the protection and development of women and the law on the protection of the rights and interests of children.  The State had strengthened its national mechanisms for assisting women and girls who were victims of violence by adopting the “No Wrong Door” approach, ensuring that victims could access essential services, including healthcare, legal aid, and coordinated case management.  Counselling and protection centres had also been extended to five provinces.

    Awareness raising on gender-based violence was conducted and legal information and resources, such as handouts, posters and brochures on violence were widely distributed. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was dedicated to eliminating child marriage through strengthening legal and administrative frameworks, investing in education, and encouraging communities to collectively address the challenges posed by harmful practices such as early marriage and pregnancy.  The Government undertook a national study on early marriage and pregnancy, which would guide the formulation of policies and action plans to effectively tackle these issues.  The Government was also committed to protecting and supporting children affected by early marriage, ensuring their successful reintegration into society.  The State was dedicated to preventing human trafficking, with a strong focus on vulnerable groups, particularly women in border regions and high-risk communities. 

    Despite advancements made, the representation of female members in the Ninth National Assembly did not meet the set target of 30 per cent.  In response, the Government was actively undertaking a comprehensive review to identify the underlying factors contributing to this decline, particularly focusing on the various barriers that women faced in attaining high-ranking positions.  The outcomes of this study would serve to address these challenges and promote the participation of women in the upcoming elections for the Tenth National Assembly in 2026.  On the other hand, the number of female members of Provincial People’s Assemblies was higher than the set target.  Most recently, three women were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, a historical moment in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic army. 

    The Government was actively promoting healthier lifestyles by raising awareness about sanitation, nutrition, and comprehensive pre- and post-natal care for women. Recent data reflected a significant decrease in the maternal mortality rate, now at 36.6 per 100,000 live births.  Ms. Phonethip said in 2026, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic would celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of its ratification of the Convention. While significant achievements had been made in more than four decades, there were still challenges to overcome. It was hoped that the constructive dialogue with the Committee would produce meaningful outcomes. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    JIE XIA, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, thanked the State party for sending a high-level delegation.  The Committee welcomed positive measures taken by the State party since 2018 to advance the status of women, promote gender equality, and eliminate discrimination against women.  The Committee commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for elevating the issue of gender equality to the national level through domesticating the Convention, developing a law on gender equality, and developing a national action plan and strategy on gender equality, among other measures. 

    It was noted that the Criminal Code penalised discriminatory acts based on gender.  Had there been any actions taken to directly penalise gender-based discrimination?  How many cases had been brought under article 204?  The Committee commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for domesticating the Convention; what measures had been taken to advance this process?  Could the judiciary apply the relevant laws in its rulings?  How many trainings had covered the Convention?  Could up to date information be provided on efforts made to implement the law on gender equality and the third national strategy on gender equality?  Did the State party encourage mediation through legal means?  How was it ensured that people did not escape legal sanctions by taking advantage of mediation? 

    A Committee Expert said the State party had repeatedly declared it was not able to establish a human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles.  What obstacles did the State party face in this regard?  If a female leader wished to establish a federal liberal party for the upcoming elections, would this be allowed?  If not, why not? 

    There were reports that the Government severely restricted non-governmental organizations. Women rights groups were confined to working through the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union, which was a State body.  The Penal Code was also used to prosecute activists and restrict freedom of assembly. The Committee had received several names of female human rights defenders who had been poorly treated by the Government and the judiciary?  Could the State party outline recent efforts to review and amend any existing laws, regulations, or decrees that may unduly restrict freedom of expression to ensure that these legal frameworks complied with international human rights standards, including the Convention?  What measures was the State taking to investigate the disappearance, maltreatment and deaths of female human rights activists?  Was there a public site where detailed statistics related to sex and gender were published annually? 

    Another Expert commended the State party for its initiatives, including training programmes for women in leadership roles.  However, the Committee was concerned that the State party had not instituted temporary special measures to improve specific situations for women and girls.  What was the State party’s concerns regarding the use of temporary special measures?  What steps had been taken to demonstrate the values of temporary special measures and to provide explanations to the general public on the failure to employ these measures?  Would the State party consider the adoption of temporary special measures to fulfil the rights of disadvantaged women and ensure their participation in all areas of life?  What steps was the State party taking to collaborate with stakeholders, including civil society, to implement temporary special measures? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Penal Code provided for the criminalisation of discrimination against women, and stated that anyone who discriminated against women due to gender would be punished, including by deprivation of liberty and fines.  There had been no cases enacted in the courts so far. The Government paid attention to the functioning of the mediation unit.  It was important to prioritise this mechanism to help avoid people going to the courts, which took time.  Harmony and non-confrontation were important in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. This was why the Government placed significant importance on the functioning of the village mediation unit. Anyone dissatisfied with the outcome of the mediation unit could escalate it to the courts. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was preparing for the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review early next year, and was working hard in this regard.  Several recommendations pertained to the Convention, which was a key focus of the Government.  The State was also preparing for the forthcoming visit of the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights in November this year.  Law dissemination campaigns were conducted to people in the provinces.  The budget reflected the implementation of the law on gender equality. 

    The delegation said the Government recognised the importance of national human rights institutions.  The Paris Principles had been studied carefully and research had been conducted on examples of such institutions in different countries.  Workshops had been organised, including with Commissioners from India, Indonesia and Myanmar, to learn how their national human rights institutions worked.  The State had different mechanisms in place and a new commission would involve increased resources.  There were established human rights focal points in each sector and issues could be conveyed through them.  Sometimes, taskforces were established to investigate particular human rights issues. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was trying to strengthen the current mandates of what they had now. Only 118 Member States of the United Nations had established human rights commissions; in Asia, this number was only 15. 

    The Committee operated on reports from non-governmental organizations, which were often exaggerated.  It was important to look at the reality in the country, rather than organizations that operated reports, which sometimes fit the category of disinformation.  For example, regarding the cases of the so-called female human rights defenders, they were not human rights defenders. They had organised propaganda against the State and had violated criminal law, and were therefore prosecuted and imprisoned.  They used the pretext of freedom of expression to violate the law.  Freedom of expression had limits; it was not absolute. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic planned to conduct an economic survey.  From 2017, the State had made efforts to improve existing databases throughout the sectors.  The Government had made efforts to mobilise women to take part in elections. Capacity training was provided to women. An action plan was in place to empower women to hold leadership positions in the commerce sector.  Women were present in all branches of the economy. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert was pleased to hear that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was considering establishing a human rights institution; how long would this process take? How many cases related to gender-based discrimination were conducted in the State party before the courts in the last five years, and how did they end?  It was sad to hear about the State’s general position regarding human rights defenders.  However, it was pleasing to hear the Criminal Code was being reviewed to enhance freedom of expression; how long would this review process take? 

    Another Expert asked what were the concerns and challenges the State faced in regard to using temporary special measures to advance the rights of women in the country? Could these measures be used to reallocate resources to women? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said it was not practical for the State to provide a timeline on establishing a national human rights institution, as they were learning from other countries and strengthening existing mechanisms.  In some cases, people misused and abused human rights treaties, using freedom of expression as a pretext.  In the case of one woman in prison, she had used propaganda to distort information and criticise the Government.  Every 10 years, the Government amended the Constitution and focused on articles which were relevant.  Next year, the Government would organise a population Census which would be gender disaggregated.  This would be used to prepare the next five-year development plan. 

    There were plans to increase the number of women in Government by 2026.  A survey would be conducted to determine why there were decreasing numbers of female parliamentarians.  Regarding temporary special measures, there were challenges in human and financial resources, as well as changing the mindsets of some people who still discriminated against women.  There were few cases of gender discrimination in the courts due to the use of the peaceful mediation resolution, which prevented cases from going to the courts. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had yet to promulgate a national action plan for women, peace and security, in accordance with the Committee’s recommendations.  Would the State consider including the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on women’s security in the plan?  Would the impact of militarisation be addressed?  What was being done to address harmful stereotypes of women and girls, particularly in rural areas?  Would the law on domestic violence be revised to address cybercrime against women and scams against impoverished women?  It was concerning that there was no specific law against spousal rape.  Would affirmative consent be included as an essential component of rape?  Economic turmoil had led to an increase in domestic violence and child marriage. How would economic policies take the most vulnerable into account?  What steps had been taken to assess the impact of the economic crisis on women? 

    Another Expert commended the State’s efforts to address trafficking in persons, including through the enactment of the 2016 anti-trafficking law and the inclusion of article 215 in the 2018 Penal Code, which criminalised both sex and labour trafficking.  The national plan on anti-trafficking in persons combatting and prevention phase III (2021-2025) and the establishment of the National Steering Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking were positive steps.  However, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic continued to be a renowned source of origin for migrant workers as well as increasingly becoming a country of transit and destination for sexual exploitation and human trafficking. What were some of the key policies that the Committee had introduced and implemented in terms of effective anti-trafficking measures?  How was the implementation of the national plan on anti-trafficking carried out? 

    Concerns persisted around the prevalence of trafficking within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.  Sources reported the sale and trafficking of girls as young as 13 and 14 to China increasingly happening unrestricted through flourishing internet trade.  How did the State ensure that the security forces were working effectively to address such challenges?  What specific actions were being taken to combat the impunity in the Special Economic Zone?  How did the Government plan to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and judiciary personnel to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions in trafficking cases? 

    It was positively noted that under the national plan of action on anti-trafficking in persons, a temporary shelter for victims of trafficking in persons was established. Did the State party have any plans to strengthen survivor services and increase resources as well as expand the capacity of shelters, legal aid services, and vocational training programmes, particularly in provinces with higher trafficking risks and women and girls from rural and ethnic minority communities?  Given that many trafficking cases involved border crossings, how was work done with cross-border countries to strengthen the approach against trafficking?  Did the State’s COVID-19 response plan address the heightened risk of trafficking? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was translating the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ women, peace and security plan and would disseminate this.  The State’s national plan of action for 2026 to 2030 was being drafted, and women, peace and security would be integrated into this.  Workshop seminars were organised to look at the traditional practice. To ensure gender equality, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union had made efforts to develop guidelines for domestic violence and promote the reproductive health of women. Projects had been piloted in six provinces in the country. 

    A national commission on human trafficking had been established at the provincial, district and national levels.  Focus was directed to the protection of victims.  The Government focused on preventing trafficking in persons, particularly for women working in factories and those living in remote villages.  The Government also organised anti-human trafficking days in July each year, at the central and local levels.  Trainings were conducted for law enforcement staff on how to identify victims of trafficking, how to refer their cases, and how to further protect them. 

    The Women’s Union had expanded the shelter services to six provinces in the country.  After being rescued, victims were referred to the Union and were provided with shelter and mental and physical support, and they were then reintegrated back into society.  Work was done with the Ministry of Justice to ensure victims could receive justice and the traffickers could be prosecuted.  From June 2024, professional training had been provided for more than 600 people in the area of human trafficking.  There was a police headquarters located within the Golden Triangle to prevent violations of human rights.  Companies operating in this area were encouraged to ensure their staff received medical examinations.  The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had developed a legal framework on human trafficking.

    Rape was clarified within the Penal Code; however, the element of affirmative consent was not present. The State needed to explore this option and conduct studies in this regard.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic had made efforts to cooperate within the multilateral framework and on bilateral mechanisms with neighbouring countries. 

    In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, more than 200,000 people had been infected by COVID-19. More than 60,000 had died of the virus. The country still faced the continuing impact of COVID-19, and was in the process of recovering.  The country had been faced with economic and financial difficulties, as well as natural disasters and climate change.  The Government had taken concrete measures to address this situation, including for women, to ensure no one was left behind. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for making equality a driver towards peace.  The number of women in parliament had improved to 22 per cent, and there was a parliamentary commission, which was positive.  However, parity meant 50/50; it needed to be seen as a relevant solution to poverty.  In the absence of political pluralism, how could the electoral base be expanded to ensure women had access to political parties and leadership?  How could it be ensured that there was a large-scale effort to ensure women had access to voting and being candidates?  How could these developments be accelerated?  What initiatives could be undertaken to ensure real parity for women in the life of the party and the central congress?  What role could the Women’s Union play to train candidates and create momentum?  What could be done to support civil society?  What initiatives could be taken to help women participate in a more effective way?  How was it ensured that ethnic minorities could participate in local development? 

    Another Expert underscored the importance of documentation as proof of nationality. The guide to birth registration and other measures were well noted.  Was information on birth registration from provinces gathered on an annual basis?  What had the percentage increase in registration been?  What target had been reached as of today?  What were the key challenges and what incentives were being considered for the still unregistered 30 per cent?  Was disaggregated data on registrations available?  What measures and incentives were taken to improve birth registration and encourage ethnic minority groups and rural women to register births?  How was the documentation system used to track the State party’s migrant women population?  Could stateless children or children born to immigrant women obtain the nationality of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic?  How many had been granted nationality so far? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said female diplomats in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic played an impressive role in the country’s foreign affairs work.  In 2024, out of 914 diplomats working in the Ministry, 322 were female diplomats, representing 32.5 per cent.  Of 27 ambassador posts, five were women, which was equivalent to 19 per cent.  Of three minister posts, one was a woman.  When there were opportunities such as scholarships, the policy now stated these should be offered to female diplomats first.  This month, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union had successfully completed hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Women Entrepreneurs’ Conference 2024.   

    The Ministry of Home Affairs had carried out many activities to raise awareness of birth registration, including printing, publishing and distributing information. If a child was born to stateless parents who had fully integrated into the Lao People’s Democratic Republic culture, the child could obtain nationality on request.  There were several conditions, including speaking the language and respecting the Constitution.  These laws aimed to reduce statelessness.  There were not many stateless people in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed that the State party was making efforts to increase the enrolment of girls and women in education.  However, there was a significant gender gap in non-traditional fields, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics. What concrete measures had been taken to ensure parents understood the importance of sending girls to schools? How was the effectiveness of gender-sensitive curricula ensured in order to change gender stereotypes from an early age?  What were the specific measures to increase the access of girls to education? 

    What were the plans to provide necessary education in native languages?  What steps were being taken to improve the infrastructure and resources in schools in remote areas?  What steps were being taken to ensure quality access to education for all women and girls with disabilities?  How would the State party sustain the school lunch programme in rural and remote areas?  How was the issue of child marriage monitored and addressed?  Parents needed to understand that education was important for girls; maybe training and awareness raising was needed for the parents. 

    Another Expert said that since the 1990s, the State party had made efforts to increase women’s participation in the labour market.  Yet despite this, women’s participation had steadily declined since 2012. The gender pay gap in the capital showed that 52 per cent of women employed took home only 77 per cent of men’s average wages.  What were the legislative measures for ensuring equal pay and equal and just working conditions?  What was the State’s assessment of the sharp decrease in women’s participation in the labour market, and what was being done to combat this?  How would these plans target women in vulnerable groups?  What policies were in place to protect migrant women workers?  What were the measures provided under the sexual harassment law? 

    A Committee Expert said the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had approved a decree to establish health insurance which was positive.  One of the key issues recognised by the Government was HIV/AIDS. What were the main results of efforts taken to prevent HIV/AIDS?  What steps had been taken to adopt HIV/AID legislation to expand access to services and combat discrimination?  Could updated information on rural women be provided, including access to services? What was the main reason for the criminalisation of abortion?  What were the main barriers which women and girls in poverty faced when accessing health services?  What access did women in detention have to reproductive health services?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said a group of parents had been created in primary schools to enable them to understand the importance of education.  Lunch boxes had been created for poor students and those who lived in rural areas, which had seen an increase in school enrolment.  A new curriculum had been developed for the schools and teachers had been trained on this.  Scholarships were provided to poor students and job training was provided to give students access to the labour market.  The law on disability aimed to protect the rights of those with disabilities. Within this law, children with disabilities could access educational facilities, the same as anyone else. Special equipment was provided to help these children receive an education.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic provided tools for developing skills in the labour market. 

    The delegation said a national action plan had been implemented to combat HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.  In addition to reducing the stigma, the 161 HIV/AIDS centres provided counselling services, with 11 centres providing treatment.  Testing kits for HIV detection were distributed within the communities.  Poor women could give birth in public hospitals free of charge.  In each detention centre, there were medical staff on hand to provide healthcare to detainees.  Other statistics would be provided in writing. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert commended the State party’s efforts to expand social protection coverage. Despite institutional efforts, feminised poverty persisted, and women continued to face great difficulties in gaining access to economic, social and cultural activities.  Could comprehensive data be provided on how women had benefitted from the small and medium enterprise law?  What targeted policies and measures existed to increase access to finances for women?  What gender-specific outcomes existed to demonstrate effectiveness and uptake in the banking sector? 

    What steps were being taken to adopt specific legislation on women’s rights to land? How could women’s roles at village and community levels be increased?  Could updated information be provided on measures taken to allow women in the informal sector to access benefits?  What was the impact of national and international cooperation programmes?  What plans existed to develop opportunities for women in sports?  How strong was the country’s economic, social and cultural framework on gender commitment? 

    Another Expert noted the different actions taken by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to integrate gender equality into different sectors, including in agriculture and fisheries, to benefit rural women and other marginalised groups. However, there were clear gender gaps in the implementation of Government policies.  What concrete actions would the State party consider taking to ensure the effective implementation of Government initiatives to benefit vulnerable women?  How was gender-responsive climate financing integrated in the national budget?  What concrete steps had been taken to increase rural and other vulnerable women’s access to quality social services? 

    The Committee had received reports of indigenous people evicted from their ancestral land. What steps was the Lao People’s Democratic Republic taking to preserve ancestral land and mitigate the gendered impact of the climate crisis?  What concrete steps were being taken to protect the Hmong people from forceful evictions from their land?  What concrete steps were being taken to provide compensation to women evicted from their land? 

    A Committee Expert said the Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic called for the independence of the judiciary.  How was the Supreme Court trained on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary? Did women human rights defenders have access to free legal counsel?  How were the village chiefs who were trained to implement the laws monitored?  It was understood that customary laws were part of a traditional system, but these might be outdated in 2024 and could create a stigma for women.  Women were often abandoned with their children in a time of profound economic crisis. Would the State consider social security and childcare arrangements? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said a law existed in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic which defined the right for individual or legal entities to use land, without any discrimination on the grounds of gender.  These were part of the efforts to promote women’s access to land.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was in the process of transforming the economy to make it digitalised.  The State had joined the international community in the Global Digital Compact.  Social protection efforts gave women in vulnerable situations top priority. Women were covered as a target group under the Government policy under the Sustainable Development Goals.  The issue of land was very important as many women were engaged in agriculture.  For this reason, the Government aimed to ensure women had access to land.  The Government had a legislative framework on the law of land. 

    Within the legal system of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a foreigner could not own land, but had the right to use the land.  The country prioritised the need for foreign investors to protect the environment.  Foreign entities did not own 50 per cent of land in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 

    A committee had been appointed to implement the climate action plan.  Human resources were allocated to implement this plan. Trainings on national disasters were provided in the provinces.  The national disaster preparedness plan had been piloted. Gender equality was mainstreamed across policies in all sectors.  A vaccination campaign was conducted to help prevent communicable disease.  Guidelines were developed to help increase the quality of health coverage. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union was in the process of revising the law on the protection of women.  Specific rights had been added, including for the labour market.  The Government issued a decree on lifelong learning in 2020 to develop a policy for rural women and girls to have access to education. 

    Agriculture was the basis of the economy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  A group of female farmers had been established which provided benefits, including generating income for their families. Currently, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic did not have a specific law on anti-discrimination.  However, the Government had adopted the law on gender equality.  Civil and criminal proceedings were required to be conducted on the basis that all civilians were equal before the law. 

    Campaigns were organised around land ownership to ensure all women understood their rights when it came to inheriting land, as well as the importance of putting their name on the land title.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic categorically rejected the allegations of forced evictions.  Before being relocated, people were extensively consulted. 

    Closing Remarks

    CHANSODA PHONETHIP, Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union and Vice President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children and head of delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue, which helped the Lao People’s Democratic Republic fulfil its obligations under the Convention.  The Committee’s insights were instrumental to advancing the rights of women and girls in the country.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic would address the challenges highlighted by the Committee.  The State welcomed any support from the international community to help in meeting its obligations under the Convention. 

    ESTHER EGHOBAMIEN-MSHELIA, Committee Vice Chair, thanked the delegation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee, which helped it to better understand the situation of women and girls in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CEDAW24.024E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHIDCL Reports Outstanding Performance in Infrastructure Development for FY 2023-24

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

    National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), a schedule ‘A’ CPSE under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has another year of excellent performance in infrastructural development of 13 States/Union Territories (North Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Uttarakhand) and improving connectivity and lives of people living in these States. During the financial year 2023-24, NHIDCL executed 1,160 Kms of Highways and several Infrastructure Projects in these States at the cost of Rs 20,851 crore. The Company also declared dividend of Rs 5.30 per share amounting to Rs 54.59 Crore.

    *****

    NKK/GS

    (Release ID: 2063208) Visitor Counter : 32

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Price of Tur and Urad in major mandis declines by almost 10% in last three months

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Price of Tur and Urad in major mandis declines by almost 10% in last three months

    Current sowing area for Kharif pulses exceeds last year by over 7% and crop condition is good: Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India

    Centre discusses price of pulses with Retailers Association of India (RAI)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs chaired a meeting with Retailers Association of India (RAI) and major organized retail chains today and discussed the scenario and trends in prices of major pulses. The meeting is timely and significant considering the festive season. Pertinently, mandi prices of most pulses are on declining trend in recent months against improved availability and higher sown area of kharif pulses this year.

    Secretary, Consumer Affairs informed that prices of Tur and Urad in major mandis had declined, on an average, by almost 10% during last three months, but retail prices have not seen similar decline. In respect of Chana, decline in mandi prices have been observed in the past one month, but retail prices continue to increase. She pointed out the diverging trends between wholesale mandi prices and retail prices are indicative of increasingly unwarranted margins that retailers are extracting out of the market dynamics. The trends are being closely tracked and necessary measures will have to be initiated if the divergences are found to be widening.

    The meeting was attended by officials of RAI and representatives from Reliance Retail Ltd., Vishal Mart, D Mart, Spencer and More Retail.

    In respect of availability position, Secretary, Consumer Affairs informed that Kharif Urad and Moong have started arriving in the markets while imports of Tur and Urad from East African countries and Myanmar are arriving steadily to augment the domestic production. The comfortable domestic availability situation is also evident from the fact that the quantity of pulses stock disclosed by big-chain retailers in the stock disclosure portal of Department of Consumer Affairs has been increasing every week.  

    She also pointed out that this year, sowing area for Kharif pulses has exceed last year by over 7% and crop condition has been good. In preparation for Rabi sowing, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has assigned focus plans to each of the major producing States with the objective of increase production and self-sufficiency in pulses. NAFED and NCCF will be involved in farmers registration and seeds distribution among farmers in the upcoming Rabi season, as was done in the Kharif sowing season this year.

    Considering the current availability situation and easing of mandi prices, Secretary asked retail industry to extend all possible support to the Government in its efforts to keep prices of dals affordable to the consumers. In this regard, she invited organized retail chains to coordinate with NCCF and NAFED in the distribution of Bharat Dals, especially Bharat Masur Dal and Bharat Moong Dal, to widen and deepen the coverage and reach of Bharat Dals among consumers.

    ***

    AD/NS

    (Release ID: 2063204) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vayu Veer Vijeta Car Rally from Thoise to Tawang formally flagged-off to mark 92nd Indian Air Force anniversary & 25 years of Kargil Vijay

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 5:15PM by PIB Delhi

    To mark the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 25 years of India’s victory in 1999 Kargil war, ‘Vayu Veer Vijeta’ car rally was formally flagged-off by Union Minister of State for Highways Shri Harsh Malhotra from Thoise in Ladakh on October 08, 2024. A team comprising over 50 Air Warriors, Army personnel, Air Veterans & members of the Uttarakhand War Memorial (UWM), left Thoise, one of the world’s highest altitude air force stations at 3,068m above mean sea level, to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

    The IAF-UWM car rally, which will cover a total distance of 7,000 kms, was given a warm send-off to Thoise by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh from the National War Memorial, New Delhi on October 01, 2024. It will traverse through nine States/Union Territories, halting at Leh, Kargil, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Agra, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Bagdogra, Hasimara, Guwahati, Tezpur and Dirang, before concluding in Tawang on October 29, 2024.

    During the course of the rally, the team will engage with the youth and motivate them to join the Armed Forces. The objective is to raise awareness among the people about the glorious history of IAF; the deeds of valour of the air warriors in different wars & rescue ops; and attract the youth to serve the motherland. A number of former Air Force Chiefs will take part in the rally in different legs.

     

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2063213) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Meet on World Cerebral Palsy Day organized on 6th October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability) and Multiple Disability organized a National Meet on World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6thOctober 2024. The trust is a statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

    Eminent experts and Professionals in the field of Cerebral Palsy participated in the National Meet as resource persons. Shri K.R Vaidheeswaran, Joint Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Trust delivered the inaugural address, mentioning the need for innovation in the field of Cerebral Palsy to enable persons with cerebral palsy to join mainstream.

    Dr. Neelam Sodhi, MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and founder of North India Cerebral Palsy Association shared her experience on bringing up her son who is a person with Cerebral Palsy and a software expert leading an independent life in Bangalore.

    Dr. Jitendra Kumar Jain, Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon and Chairman, Trishla Foundation, Prayagraj informed important facts and current updates in management of children with Cerebral Palsy. Persons with Cerebral Palsy namely – Mr. Siddharth GJ, Bangalore, a Bank Manager and a Motivational Speaker; Mr. Deepak Parthaasarthy, Chennai, Sports Journalist; and Dr. Ritesh Sinha, Karnal, a Beacon of Resilience and Innovation shared their life journey during the meet.

    Dr. Neeraj Mishra, Occupational Therapist, Dept. of Neurology, G.B Pant Hospital, Delhi addressed the occasion on Handling Children with Cerebral Palsy. There was a panel discussion on ‘The Way Forward Towards Inclusion’ by Mrs. Meenu Arora Mani, Mr. Sawai Singh and Ms. Vinayana Khuranna, all Persons with Cerebral Palsy. The moderator of the panel discussion was Ms. Anuradha from Ability Inclusion and Development (AADI), Delhi.

    The concluding remarks were given by Mr. Avelino Nicolau de Sa, a Person with Cerebral Palsy and a Board Member of the National Trust. The virtual meet was attended by more than 130 participants which includes Board Members of the National Trust, Govt. Officials, Organizations and Professionals working for Persons with Cerebral Palsy etc.

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    VM

    (Release ID: 2063222) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chief of Defence Staff extends greetings to air warriors, veterans & their families on 92nd anniversary of Indian Air Force

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 6:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has extended greetings to all air warriors, veterans and their families on the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 08, 2024.

    In his message, CDS said, “Since its inception in 1932, the Indian Air Force has emerged as a shining exemplar of valour, excellence, and national pride. The Air Warriors have defended India’s skies, contributing decisively in wars and humanitarian missions. Their selfless service, precision, and bravery inspire awe, and stand as a testament to their unwavering dedication and unparalleled service. Today we honour and acknowledge this legacy.”

    “We have made significant strides in enhancing our capabilities with the induction of cutting-edge platforms such as the Rafale jets and Apache helicopters. The IAF’s focus on self-reliance has led to the successful development of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand,  showcasing our commitment to indigenous innovation. Our air warriors have demonstrated exceptional prowess in various operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, underlining the IAF’s readiness and responsiveness. The maintenance support systems have been bolstered, ensuring optimal aircraft serviceability and reducing downtime. We have strengthened our international partnerships, participating in joint exercises and collaborations with friendly nations. These engagements have enhanced our operational effectiveness and fostered cooperation in the global aviation community.”

    Gen Anil Chauhan said that as a potent tech-driven force the IAF stands vigilant, safeguarding India’s sovereignty and interests. It remains committed to harnessing the latest advancements in technology, fostering international cooperation and nurturing the expertise of our personnel. The Indian Air Force will continue to soar to greater heights, safeguarding our nation’s interests and upholding the values of courage, commitment and excellence, he added. 

    The CDS expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the ranks and their families, and said that their selfless service is a beacon of inspiration and the nation honours them on this momentous occasion.

    VK/SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2063237) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CAQM directs State Pollution Control Boards/DPCC to streamline and redress complaints related to air-quality

    Source: Government of India (2)

    CAQM directs State Pollution Control Boards/DPCC to streamline and redress complaints related to air-quality

    The direction is an effort to ensure timely resolution of air pollution related complaints through enhanced monitoring, accountability, and enforcement

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 6:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has directed NCR State Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC today to streamline and synergize efforts in addressing air quality-related public complaints. CPCB and NCR State Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC upon receiving public complaints on their respective social media platforms, besides assigning these to the respective implementing agency concerned would also tag CAQM. The authority tagged for sending the complaint shall also be directed to upload compliance or reason for non-compliance on the same handle by tagging CAQM and CPCB.

    This move shall enable the Commission to also monitor the response time and effectiveness of the respective authorities in addressing such complaints. NCR State Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC are directed to give wide publicity through various means, including social media about the availability of such mechanism.

    Chief Secretaries of NCR State Governments/ GNCTD to also sensitize various authorities responsible for control measures for abating air pollution in the NCR. The direction comes as part of an effort to ensure timely resolution of air pollution related complaints through enhanced monitoring, accountability, and enforcement.

     

    *****

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2063234) Visitor Counter : 11

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Uttarakhand Chief Minister meets Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 6:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, called on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today.  

    The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X:

    “Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

     

     

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    MJPS/TS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs 194th Meeting of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs 194th Meeting of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

    Union Minister Announces Establishment of 10 New ESIC Medical Colleges, Supporting PM’s Independence Day (2024) Pledge of 75,000 New Medical Seats in Next 5 Years

    Gives Extension to Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana for a period from 01.07.2024 to 30.06.2026

    Announces Provision of Medical Care to ESIC Beneficiaries under convergence program of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on PAN India basis

    Approves Starting of Para-medical & B.Sc (Nursing) Courses at ESIC Medical Colleges

    Approves Recruitment of Nursing Officers through NORCET

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports chaired the 194th meeting of the ESI Corporation at ESIC Headquarters in New Delhi today. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises was also present on the occassion. At the meeting, the Union Minister announced several key decisions of ESI Corporation for further strengthening the infrastructure and medical facilities of ESIC. 

    Establishment of 10 New ESIC Medical Colleges

    ESI Corporation has approved in-principle for the establishment of 10 New ESIC Medical Colleges at Andheri (Maharashtra), Basaidarapur (Delhi), Guwahati-Beltola (Assam), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Naroda-Bapunagar (Gujarat), Noida & Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Ranchi (Jharkhand).

    This decision will support the announcement made by Prime Minister during the independence day (2024) speech of creating new 75000 medial seats in next 5 years.

    Extension of Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna for a period from 01.07.2024 to 30.06.2026

    In order to provide relief to insured persons, who have been rendered unemployed, a scheme namely “Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna” was introduced in ESIC on a pilot basis for a period of two years w.e.f. 01.07.2018. The scheme was intended to provide support in the form of an Unemployment Allowance during the period when an insured person searches for a new engagement for earnings.

    After completion of two years since its inception, the scheme was extended for another one year from 01.07.2020 to 30.06.2021. It was further extended upto 30.06.2022 and then upto 30.06.2024.

    Further, this scheme has been extended for a further two years with effect from 01.07.2024 to 30.06.2026.

    Provision of Medical Care to ESIC Beneficiaries under convergence program of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on PAN India basis

    This decision will help the ESIC beneficiaries to get treatment at empanelled hospitals of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantra Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in unserviced/deficient areas of country. There shall not be any expenditure limit for Insured Persons of ESIC in emapanelled hospitals under PMJAY.

    Starting of Para-medical & B.Sc (Nursing) Courses at ESIC Medical Colleges

    ESI Corporation has approved Para-medical & B.Sc (Nursing) Courses in ESIC Medical College Alwar (Rajashtan), Bihta (Bihar), Faridabad (Haryana), Joka (West Bengal), K.K. Nagar (Tamil Nadu), Sanathnagar (Telangana) & Rajajinagar (Karnataka).

     

    Nursing Officer Recruitment through NORCET in line with the AIIMS recruitment policy

    ESI Corporation has approved for the adoption of recruitment for the post of Nursing Officer, in line with the AIIMS recruitment policy, for conducting the recruitment of Nursing Officers through NORCET organized by AIIMS. This will ensure that there is no shortage and vacancy of nurses in ESIC Hospitals/Colleges and Dispensaries.

    ESI Corporation approved for the Acquisition of land parcels for construction of Hospitals/Dispensaries/DCBOs at different locations

    After analyzing the norms and strengthening ESIC’s infrastructure to deliver and meet the medical needs of insured workers, the corporation approved the proposals for Acquisition of land for construction of following projects: –

    (i) 100 bedded ESI Hospital at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

    (ii) 01 Doctor Dispensary at Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

    (iii) DCBO at Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh

    (iv) 350 bedded ESI Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra

    (v) ESI Dispensary and Branch Office, Dhubri, Assam

    (vi) 100 bedded ESI Hospital at Muzaffarpur, Biha

    (vii) DCBO at Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh

    Further, Construction of 717 new staff quarters at ESIC residential colony, Sector-56, Noida, Uttar Pradesh has also been approved.

    Various agenda items pertaining to improvement in Medical Care Services, Administration, Financial Matters were deliberated upon and decided during the meeting along with the review of ongoing construction projects.

    The 194th meeting of the ESI Corporation was attended by Ms. Dola Sen, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri N.K. Premachandran, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary (L&E) and Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General, ESIC. Principal Secretaries/Secretaries of the state governments, representatives of employers, employees and experts in the medical field were also present during the meeting.

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    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2063239) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan today launches several schemes and laid the foundation stone of 500 km newly paved roads in Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan today launches several schemes and laid the foundation stone of 500 km newly paved roads in Madhya Pradesh

    Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan launches Awas Sakhi mobile app and village road survey & planning tool under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

    Survey of kuccha houses is starting from today across the country, names left out in the list of pucca houses will be included, survey will be completed within 6 months: Shri Chouhan

    Minimum support price for Rabi crop is about to be announced, for me serving people is like worshipping God: Shri Chauhan

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 6:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in the Rural Self Employment Programme of the Ministry of Rural Development at Bhairunda, Madhya Pradesh. He launched the Awas Sakhi Mobile App under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and inaugurated 100 Community Managed Training Centres – CMTCs in 18 states. He laid the foundation stone for 500 km of newly paved roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and launched the Gram Sadak Survey & Planning Tool. Also, approval was given for setting up 5 new RSETI training centers in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav, Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Panchayati Raj Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Prahlad Patel, Rural Development Secretary Shailesh Kumar and many officials of the ministry and state government were present at the event.

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that survey of kuccha houses is starting across the country from today and the names of those who were left out in the list of pucca houses of 2018 will now be included. This survey will be completed within 6 months so that no sister or brother is left out. He also added that name of people will be added to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana even if they own a phone, motorcycle or scooter. Along with Ladli Behna, the campaign to make Lakhpati Didi will also run across the country. Lakhpati Didi means that every Didi should have an income of more than 10 thousand rupees every month. The Government of India is continuously working under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Earlier, only those earning 10 thousand rupees were eligible for the Awas Yojana, but now even if the income is 15 thousand rupees per month, the name will be added to the Awas Yojana. 100 crore rupees have been allocated for the Lakhpati Didi initiative. Farmers with irrigated land up to 2.5 acres and non-irrigated land up to 5 acres are eligible for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana benefits. The cabinet makes daily decisions to support farmers. To counteract falling soybean prices due to foreign oil imports, the Government of India will impose a 27.5 percent tax on imported oil, aiming to increase domestic soybean prices. The central government has approved purchasing soybeans in Madhya Pradesh at the minimum support price, and registration is open. Madhya Pradesh has already purchased the entire moong crop. Additionally, the minimum export rate on Basmati rice has been abolished, allowing foreign export and potential price increases.”

    Shri Chouhan said our government has taken various initiatives for farmers including purchasing lentils, black gram, and pigeon pea at minimum support prices, releasing 109 new seeds varieties. The minimum support price for the Rabi crop is about to be announced. For me, serving you is worship of God and Sehore district will also not be left behind. The central government and the state government will give money. He said that in Madhya Pradesh, 3 lakh 68 thousand houses have been given to the poor which will be given by the state government. Your service is the mission of my life. The central government will leave no stone unturned for Madhya Pradesh. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the poor will continue to be served and agriculture will also continue to progress. We will double your income. He added that more CM state schools will be opened. Shri Chouhan also congratulate the government for giving bonus on tendu leaves and wished Navratri to all the people present at the event.

    *****

    SS

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Round Table Conference on IPR and Commercialization in Ayush Systems organised

    Source: Government of India (2)

     Round Table Conference on IPR and Commercialization in Ayush Systems organised

    Integration of traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation

    Global Partnerships in the last decade led to tremendous Growth in the Ayush Manufacturing Sector: Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ayush

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 7:00PM by PIB Delhi

    A Round Table Conference focusing on “Intellectual Property, Regulatory Framework, and Commercialization Aspects in Traditional Knowledge of Ayush Systems” was organised by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in collaboration with the School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur here today. The conference gathered leading experts from academia, government, and industry to address the critical challenges and opportunities in protecting and advancing traditional knowledge in Ayush systems.

    The event was graced by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, as the Chief Guest. Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University, Haryana, Prof. Anupam Srivastava, Head of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at NIA, Jaipur, Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from the School of Biotechnology, JNU were among other dignitaries who graced the event.

    In his address, Prof. Kotecha emphasized the essential role of research and teaching in Ayurveda and how these pillars drive the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) agenda in traditional medicine.

    Highlighting the Ministry’s initiatives to strengthen Ayush systems, he said, “The evolving digital ecosystem and the generation of scientific evidence are crucial for advancing the Indian system of medicine. We integrate traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation.” Prof. Kotecha praised the Ayurveda Biology Program at JNU for its forward-thinking approach, which contributed to the modernisation and internationalisation of Ayurveda research.

    He also elaborated on India’s collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), focusing on developing global standards for traditional medicine. He credited these initiatives for contributing to India’s burgeoning Ayush manufacturing sector, which has witnessed tremendous growth over the past decade. Prof. Kotecha stressed that the collaboration between academia and industry is critical to further enhancing the global competitiveness of Ayush products while ensuring the protection of traditional knowledge through appropriate IPR frameworks.

    Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University, Haryana, was the Guest of Honor at the conference. He underscored the need for greater cooperation among all Ayush agencies to address common challenges in research and commercialisation. “A molecular understanding of traditional medicine and developing research tools specific to Ayush systems are essential. Moreover, we must include IPR as a core subject in postgraduate courses to prepare future scholars for the challenges ahead,” he remarked.

    Addressing a session, Prof. Anupam Srivastava, Head of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at NIA, Jaipur, traced the evolution of Ayush systems from the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) to the establishment of the Ministry of Ayush. He emphasized the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library’s (TKDL) critical role in protecting India’s traditional medicinal knowledge from biopiracy. He proposed a six-month course on IPR, specifically tailored to the needs of Ayush professionals, to address gaps in intellectual property awareness.

    Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from the School of Biotechnology, JNU, spoke on the importance of protecting traditional knowledge in India and globally. He stressed the need to bridge research gaps to facilitate the commercialisation of Ayush products. “The proprietary issues surrounding Ayush systems can only be resolved through dedicated research and innovation. We must safeguard our traditional knowledge while ensuring its global integration,” he said.

    The conference concluded with a series of panel discussions that brought together leaders from Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. These sessions explored the creation and protection of intellectual property for Ayush innovations, the necessary regulatory frameworks, and strategies for commercialisation and benefit sharing.

    This conference marked a pivotal moment in addressing Ayush systems’ regulatory and intellectual property challenges. The discussions centred on crafting a shared vision to strengthen research, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives promoting India’s traditional knowledge globally. The event also fostered collaborations to advance Ayush systems’ contributions to global healthcare.

    As India continues to assert its leadership in traditional medicine, the dialogue initiated at this conference will catalyse further advancements in research, commercialisation, and intellectual property protection in the Ayush sector. The Ministry of Ayush remains committed to ensuring that Ayush systems continue to grow as an integral part of global healthcare solutions.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to lay foundation stone of various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore on 9 October

    Source: Government of India

    PM to lay foundation stone of various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore on 9 October

    PM to lay foundation stone of upgradation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur

    PM to lay foundation stone of New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport

    PM to inaugurate Indian Institute of Skills Mumbai and Vidya Samiksha Kendra Maharashtra

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 7:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore, at around 1 PM, through video conference.

    Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the upgradation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur with a total estimated project cost of around Rs 7000 crore. It will serve as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, aviation, tourism, logistics, and healthcare, benefiting Nagpur city and the wider Vidarbha region.

    Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport worth over Rs 645 crore. It will provide world-class facilities and amenities for the religious tourists coming to Shirdi. The construction theme of the proposed terminal is based on the spiritual neem tree of Sai Baba.

    In line with his commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all, Prime Minister will launch operationalization of 10 Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra located at Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Gadchiroli, Buldhana, Washim, Bhandara, Hingoli and Ambernath (Thane). While enhancing the under graduate and post graduate seats, the colleges will also offer specialised tertiary healthcare to the people.

    In line with his vision to position India as the “Skill Capital of the World,” Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Mumbai, with an aim to create an industry-ready workforce with cutting-edge technology and hands-on training. Established under a Public-Private Partnership model, it is a collaboration between the Tata Education and Development Trust and Government of India. The institute plans to provide training in highly specialised areas like mechatronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, industrial automation and robotics among others.

    Further, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) of Maharashtra. VSK will provide students, teachers, and administrators with access to crucial academic and administrative data through live chatbots such as Smart Upasthiti, Swadhyay among others. It will offer high-quality insights to schools to manage resources effectively, strengthen ties between parents and the state, and deliver responsive support. It will also supply curated instructional resources to enhance teaching practices and student learning.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DELIVERY OF YARD 3026 (NIRDESHAK)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 7:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Nirdeshak (Yard 3026), second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, steered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata was delivered to the Indian Navy on 08 Oct 24. The first ship of the class, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on 03 Feb 24.  The contract for four Survey Vessels (SVL) was signed on 30 Oct 18.

    The SVL ships are designed and built as per classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The ship aims at full scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic survey of port/ harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels/ routes. The ship will also collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications. With a displacement of about 3400 tons and overall length of 110 meters, Nirdeshak is fitted with state-of-the art hydrographic equipment such as data acquisition and processing system, autonomous underwater vehicle, remotely operated vehicle, DGPS long range positioning systems, digital side scan sonar, etc. Powered by two diesel engines, the ship can achieve speeds in excess of 18 knots.

    The keel of the ship was laid on 01 Dec 20 and the ship was launched on 26 May 22. The ship has undergone a comprehensive schedule of trials in harbour and at sea prior to its delivery.

    Nirdeshak has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost. The delivery of Nirdeshak is a reassurance on impetus of the Government of India and the Indian Navy towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The delivery of Nirdeshak is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of a large number of stakeholders, MSMEs and the Indian industry in enhancing the maritime prowess of the nation in the Indian Ocean Region.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS 70TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS 70TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS

    CONFERS DADASAHEB PHALKE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ON SHRI MITHUN CHAKRABORTY

    FILMS AND SOCIAL MEDIA ARE THE MOST POWERFUL MEDIUMS TO BRING CHANGES IN SOCIETY: PRESIDENT DROUPADI MURMU

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 7:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the 70th National Film Awards in various categories in New Delhi today (October 8, 2024). She also conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2022 on Shri Mithun Chakraborty.

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that our films reflect the artistic sense of our society. Life is changing. The standards of art are changing. New aspirations are arising. New problems are emerging. New awareness is rising. Amidst all these changes, the unchanging values ​​of love, compassion, and service are still making our individual and collective lives meaningful. We can see all these values portrayed in the films awarded today.

    The President said that Indian cinema is the largest film industry in the world, with films being produced in multiple languages ​​and in all regions of the country. It is also the most diverse art form. She congratulated the all award winners and appreciated the people associated with the film industry.

    The President congratulated Shri Mithun Chakraborty for receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. She said that in his artistic journey of almost five decades, Mithun ji has not only portrayed serious characters on screen but has also portrayed with success many ordinary stories with his unique energy.

    The President said that though the languages ​​and backgrounds of award-winning films may be different, they all are reflections of India. These films are a treasure trove of experiences of Indian society. Indian traditions and their diversity come alive in these films.

    The President said that films and social media are the most powerful mediums to bring changes in society. These mediums have, as more impact in creating awareness among people than any other medium. She noted that out of more than 85 awards distributed today, only 15 awards have been received by women awardees. She said that the film industry could make more efforts towards women-led development.

    The President pointed out that meaningful films often do not find an audience. She urged aware citizens, social organizations, and governments to work together to increase the reach of meaningful cinema to the audience.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Second Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party observed in Ladakh

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 8:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Expert astro-photographers and amateur astronomers came together at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve between 29 September to 4 October 2024, for the second Star Party.

    The unique event was organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with Department of Wildlife Protection of UT Ladakh, and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and was attended by more than 45 astronomy enthusiasts from across the country.

    Hanle and the surrounding region are host to some of the darkest night skies in India. Hence, the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory, was notified by the Govt. of Ladakh in December 2022, and since then, it has been a major attraction for astro-tourism from across the country.

    “The Indian Astronomical Observatory operated by IIA hosts professional telescopes from our institute as well as those from other organisations, and many more are expected to be built in the future, since this is the best available astronomical site in the country”, said Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA. “We are specially delighted that, through the HDSR project, the Observatory has been connecting with the local communities in a substantial and meaningful fashion. This Star Party, which has attracted so many passionate amateur astronomers, is yet another way in which HDSR brings together the cosmos and the people who love the night sky”, she added.

    HDSR is a science based socio-economic development project, which aims to preserve the darkness of the night sky through various measures to curb light pollution, coupled with an astro-tourism program wherein local villagers have been provided telescopes and trained to be astro-tourism guides or HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors, thereby earning revenue for the local community.

    Hanle holds a special place among the amateur astronomy community in India. The extremely dark sky, along with the exceptionally clear and transparent atmosphere, allows serious astronomy enthusiasts to visually see, as well as photograph, faint celestial objects which cannot be done from other locations. The participants of the Star Party, chosen from more than 200 people who had registered based on their experience and expertise, came from across India, including Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, etc. They brought their telescopes and cameras with them all the way to the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, and carried out their meticulously planned observations in the biting cold of Hanle throughout the four nights.

    To capture the uniqueness of Hanle Dark Sky Reserve for visual observations, a list of 7 visually detectable objects, all of which can be seen best at Hanle, was compiled by Ajay and Neelam Talwar, renowned astro-photographers from Delhi and frequent visitors to Hanle. This “Seven Wonders of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Night Sky” was released by IIA on 29 September, during a day long workshop on amateur astronomy at its Raman Science Centre in Leh. Said Ajay Talwar, “We compiled this list based on our observations from Hanle over many years. The fact that all of these can be seen with the unaided eye, and also require the spectacular skies of Hanle to see them all, will inspire other astronomy enthusiasts who visit here in the future”.

    Many enthusiasts from established associations like Jyotirvidya Parisanstha in Pune, Khagol Mandal in Mumbai, and the Association of Amateur Astronomers of Delhi were also participants in the event. Many lectures were also organised, including a master class on star trails by Vikas Chander, a demonstration on planetary photography by Sona Shukla, and a talk on astronomy inspired art by Rohini Devasher.

    “We decided to have an Open Night on 2 October, so that tourists can take advantage of the numerous amateur telescopes available at the party. We received more than 450 tourists during the Party, who were shown various celestial events by our HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors”, said Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, one of the organisers of the event from IIA.

    Many of these Ambassadors were also participants of the Star Party, which presented an excellent learning opportunity for them in the company of expert astro-photographers.

    “The uniqueness of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve cannot be overstated. The participation of so many amateur astronomers from various parts of India at this Star Party, who came here at substantial personal expense, is a testament to the importance of preserving the night sky in this region,” Dorje Angchuk, Engineer-in-charge of the Indian Astronomical Observatory pointed out.  

     

    The Star Party participants at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, with two HAGAR telescopes in the background.

     

    The Milky Way overlooking the Star Party participants working at their telescopes.

     

    Release of the “Seven Wonders of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Night Sky”, by (left to right) Neelam Talwar, Dorje Angchuk (IIA), and Ajay Talwar.

     

    The Hanle night sky captured by a fish eye lens.

     

    The comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) photographed at the Star Party rising from behind the eastern hills of Hanle in the early morning.  

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Combination nanotherapeutic clotting implant reduces localized tumor recurrence post-surgery

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 8:34PM by PIB Delhi

    A combination therapeutic implant consisting of metal-based nanomedicine reinforced with patient derived blood clotting components reduces localised tumour recurrence post-surgery.

    The technology can be used to fabricate a therapeutic kit that can generate this autologous hybrid implant by using simple equipment such as handheld homogenizer and a centrifuge which might be beneficial to marginalised cancer patients.

    Surgery and chemotherapy are inevitable in managing solid tumors. However, local recurrence due to residual tumor and systemic toxicity due to drug non-specificity confer these vital modalities inefficient. Nanotechnological tools show promise in reducing toxicity and improving solubility of chemodrugs, but due to their poor tumor bioavailability (<0.7% of injected dose) and rapid clearance by reticulo endothelial system, their progress is deescalated. A key obstacle is also the adsorption of host serum proteins over the surface of nanoparticles termed as ‘protein corona’.

    Protein corona has been recently established as a molecular fingerprint of a patient and has been realized to be integrated into the basic design of nanoparticles for a futuristic personalized treatment strategy. Considering serum proteins being the first line of interaction for a drug molecule soon after its systemic administration, scientists are trying to devise ways in positively channelizing corona proteins towards generation of precision nanomedicines and diagnostic tools.

    Scientists at Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with researchers from IIT Ropar, AIIMS Bilaspur and PGIMER Chandigarh have developed and tested an indigenous intra-operative combination treatment consisting of drug and metal-based nanomedicine stabilized by patient derived serum protein corona termed as Nano-Micro-Sera (NMS) and reinforced them into autologous fibrin to aid in the post-surgical management of locally recurrent tumors.

    The hybrid fibrin implant quickly bonds with damaged tissue in the residual tumor bed. After closure of the surgical site, localized chemo-phototherapy impeded tumor recurrence through immunogenic cell death (ICD) mediated dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation.

    Although fibrin sealants are commercially available, autologously derived fibrin glue is also utilized favourably during mastectomy, maxillofacial and ophthalmological surgery. Due to its wide acceptance for such clinical procedures, strengthening it further with therapeutic functionality by incorporating NMS is highly warranted.

    The autologous hybrid fibrin glue developed by the researchers exhibited remarkable synergy and superior outcomes in suppressing recurrent breast tumors. This host-specific approach published in the journal Nanoscale was meticulously crafted for bedside fabrication using minimal resources, addressing the limitations of conventional therapies and ensuring accessibility for patients across different economic conditions.

    Considering the large number of patients suffering from solid tumors in India, an affordable methodology for localized post-surgical management will have significant impact in controlling recurrence of primary tumor and thereby affecting the probability for local as well as distant metastasis.

    Publication link: DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01076k

    Figure shows work flow for preparation of Nano Micro Sera (NMS) and its application at the tumor bed with hybrid fibrin glue that initiates concurrent chemo-photo thermal attack on residual cancer cells and further activation of immune cells. The combination nanotherapeutic fibrin implant (iv-NMS) effectively decreased post-surgical tumor regrowth in comparison to Control groups (i-autologous implant, ii-combination of chemotherapeutic drug and photothermal agent loaded fibrin implant and iii-immunoadjuvant loaded fibrin implant), thus improving overall survival.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurates GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Janakpuri, Delhi, today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurates GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Janakpuri, Delhi, today

    Shri Chaudhary asks CBIC to showcase how the Government is helping taxpayers by simplifying tax compliance

    CBIC’s large-scale expansion in office and residential infrastructure reflects growth of the department over the years: CBIC Chairman

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 9:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the state-of-the-art Goods and Services Tax (GST) office building in Nangal Raya, Delhi, today. Representing a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to improve tax administration and enhance public service, this new facility will serve as the official complex for various CGST Delhi formations.

    Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Member GST, Member Tax Policy of CBIC, Principal Chief Commissioner of CGST Delhi Zone, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs Delhi Zone, Director General DG Audit and senior officers of CBIC were also present at the inauguration.

     

    In his address on the occasion, Shri Chaudhary emphasised the critical role of GST infrastructure in Delhi, noting that the city’s strategic location positions it as a vital transit hub for goods flowing to and from neighbouring states. This underscores the necessity for seamless GST implementation to facilitate efficient interstate commerce.

     

    Shri Chaudhary added that while on one hand the integrated tax system simplified the indirect tax framework and broadened the tax base; on the other, it highlighted the urgent need to enhance the operational capacity of central GST structures.

    Shri Chaudhary further elaborated that as a significant contributor to the national exchequer, the effectiveness of GST in Delhi has a direct impact on overall tax revenue and the economic vitality of the country and advised officers to specially ensure in their interactions with MSMEs, that they not only remind them of their obligations but also showcase how the Government is helping them by simplifying tax compliance. The Union Minister of State also advised officers to use simple & clear communication with the taxpayers.

    While delineating the modern and advanced facilities installed in the building, the Union Minister of State stated that such modern facilities are not just about accommodating more officials; they are essential for enabling the department to effectively manage the increasing workload, maintain high service standards, and build an efficient tax administration system. He also appreciated that this new facility will save the government ₹5 crore annually in rental costs — recovering the cost of the building, with interest, in a short period of time.

    In his address of the occasion, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, emphasised that over the past 10 years, CBIC has seen large-scale expansion in office and residential infrastructure, which reflects the growth of the department over the years. In the last 10 financial years (2014-24), approvals have been received for infrastructure projects costing over ₹4,000 crore. Not only have approvals been secured, but the pace of construction on the ground has been unprecedented. He mentioned projects such as NACIN Palasamduram; Office and residential complex at Wadala, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Shri Aggarwal said that all projects are being closely monitored by the CBIC.

    While discussing the GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Shri Aggarwal emphasised that with its advanced facilities, including air-conditioned offices, modern workspaces and 24×7 security arrangements, it will streamline the work of our officers while offering greater convenience to taxpayers. One of the building’s key advantages is its proximity to the taxpayers’ jurisdiction as it is located closer to the vibrant and growing tax base of Delhi West & Delhi South, it will allow taxpayers to interact more easily with departmental officials. The newly established GST Suvidha Kendra inside the office building will further enhance this interface, improving both the ease of business and taxpayer compliance, Shri Aggarwal said.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Film Awards : Celebrating Excellence in Indian Cinema

    Source: Government of India

    National Film Awards : Celebrating Excellence in Indian Cinema

    Mithun Chakraborty honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 8:50PM by PIB Delhi

    National Film Awards : Celebrating Excellence in Indian Cinema

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gross enrolments under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) cross 7 crore mark, with over with over 56 lakh enrolments in current Financial Year 2024-25

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 9:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The total gross enrolments under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have crossed 7 crore, with an enrolment of over 56 lakh in the current Financial Year 2024-25. The scheme is in its 10th year of rollout, and has achieved a big milestone by bringing in the most vulnerable sections of society under the coverage of pension has been made possible with the untiring efforts of all the Banks and SLBCs/UTLBCs.

    The Pension Fund and Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA), in the recent past, has taken several initiatives for awareness creation of the scheme i.e., conducting APY Outreach Programmes at State and District levels, organising awareness and training programmes, publicity through various media channels, releasing a one-pager simple APY flyer/handout

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lights, Camera, Awards!

    Source: Government of India

    Lights, Camera, Awards!

    President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu confers 70th National Film Awards

    Mithun Chakraborty receives Dada Saheb Phalke Award for his Lifetime achievement in Indian cinema

    President Draupadi Murmu says the films & social media are the most powerful medium to change society

    Government to set up India’s first Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai soon

    Government’s vision is to develop the film industry around three key pillars; To develop talent pool, Infrastructure & simplification of process involved in filmmaking: Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 9:27PM by PIB Delhi

    “Never allow your dreams to sleep, even if you are asleep”. These are the golden words of film legend Mithun Da to young awardees who received the 70th National Film Award in various categories in the national capital. The entire auditorium of Vigyan Bhawan rose to their feet in a standing ovation when President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu honoured Mithun Chakraborty with the Dada Saheb Phalke award for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Addressing the gathering, Mithun Da, shared the experiences of his struggle in the film industry. He recalled the discrimination he faced due to his dusky complexion and shared his dancing success mantra with the awardees and audience present in the auditorium. His message to the aspiring young talent artists was to identify their talent while chasing their dreams.

    At the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu said that the films & social media are the most powerful medium to change society. She also praised the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for giving a level playing platform through these awards to the budding talents where they can come at the same platform along with the big names and production houses in the country.

    The Award ceremony saw the participation of award winners such as Manoj Vajpayee, Vishal Bhardwaj, Neena Gupta, Karan Johar, Rishabh Shetty etc. Other personalities from Indian cinema such as Sharmila Tagore, Prasoon Joshi, etc were also present. Esteemed personalities such as A.R. Rahman and Mani Ratnam were among the awardees who received the prestigious National Film Award for the seventh time, a testament to their enduring brilliance and influence on the industry. Their achievements continue to inspire both aspiring and established artists in the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

    Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting (I&B), Railways and Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for I&B Dr. L. Murugan, Sh. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Rahul Rawail, Sh. Nila Madhab Panda, & Shri Gangadhar Mudaliar as Jury were also present at the event.

    Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw warmly welcomed all the attendees, expressing his honor to be part of this prestigious event, which celebrates the brilliance of filmmakers, actors, technicians, and all stakeholders involved in the art of cinema.  He also paid tribute to legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty, who was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema and society. “Mithunda, your life is your message. You are an icon for our society, both on and off the screen,” he said, acknowledging the veteran actor’s exemplary career and public service.

    Shri Vaishnaw highlighted the remarkable achievements of nine debut directors, applauding their bold storytelling, and celebrated the role of young innovators, whether in the film industry or startups, in driving the creative economy.

    Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT)

    To further support the growth of creative industries, Sh. Vaishnaw  announced a landmark initiative – the establishment of the first Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai. Modeled after prestigious institutions like the IITs and IIMs, which have produced some of the world’s finest technical and managerial talent (some of them leading the big giants like Google, Microsoft, etc), the IICT will focus on developing creative skills and knowledge. This new institution will serve as a hub for innovation, creativity, and talent development, ensuring India stays at the forefront of the global creative economy.

    He also outlined the government’s vision to develop the film industry with three key pillars:

    1. Development of Talent Pipeline: Recognizing the increasing role of technology in filmmaking, he emphasized the need for a strong talent pipeline. Drawing parallels with India’s success in IT and semiconductor sectors, he highlighted the importance of nurturing talent in creative technologies, with IICTs playing a pivotal role.

    2. Infrastructure Development: Shri Vaishnaw stressed the need for world-class infrastructure to support the evolving needs of the film industry. He invited industry leaders to contribute ideas for creating a foundation that will propel Indian cinema to global standards.

    3. Simplification of Processes: The Minister discussed simplifying permissions for filmmakers, making it easier for them to use diverse locations, such as railways, forests, and archaeological sites, in their projects. Streamlining these processes will encourage creativity and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

    Shri Vaishnaw also emphasized the importance of preserving India’s rich film heritage, from classic films to posters and newspaper clippings. He shared that decisions have been made to safeguard these invaluable treasures for future generations.

    On this occasion, Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju, also mentioned that 309 films in 32 different languages were received in Feature Films category and 128 films in 17 languages in Non-Feature Films category of 70th National Film Awards, thereby signifying the richness of our cultural landscape and inclusivity of our story telling. Recognising the resilience of Film industry in the background of global pandemic, he praised the film makers for captivating the audience through their art of storytelling.

    Highlights from the 70th National Film Awards

    This year’s National Film Awards continue the tradition of recognizing excellence across a diverse array of films and talent. The awards for 2022 feature several standout winners:

    • Best Feature Film: “Aattam (The Play)”, a Malayalam film directed by Anand Ekarshi, has won this prestigious award for its artistic brilliance.

    • Best Non-Feature Film: “Ayena (Mirror)”, directed by Siddhant Sarin, takes home this honor

    • Best Actor in a Leading Role: Rishab Shetty wins the award for his captivating performance in “Kantara” (Kannada)

    • Best Actress in a Leading Role: The Best Actress award will be shared by Nithya Menen for her portrayal in “Thiruchitrambalam” (Tamil) and Manasi Parekh for “Kutch Express” (Gujarati).

    • Best Direction: Sooraj R. Barjatya wins for his work in the Hindi film “Uunchai”

    Some of the other award winners include “Brahmastra – Part 1: Shiva” in the Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic) category, “Kantara” for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and “Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography” for Best Book on Cinema.

    Full list of awards can be found at the link below:

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2045960

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

    India becomes the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 9:01PM by PIB Delhi

    World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem becoming the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. An official Certification was handed over to Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by Ms. Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South East Asia during the WHO’s South East Asia Region, Regional Committee meeting held at New Delhi, today.

    Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. Trachoma is contagious, spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness.

    WHO has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease. WHO estimates suggest that 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma and 6 million of them are blind or at risk of visually disabling complications. Trachoma is found in underprivileged communities living in poor environmental conditions.

    Trachoma was amongst the leading cause of blindness in the country during 1950-60. The Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963 and later on Trachoma control efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).

    In 1971, blindness due to Trachoma was 5% and today, owing to the various interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), it has come down to less than 1%.  WHO SAFE strategy was implemented throughout the country wherein SAFE stands for adoption of surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, environmental cleanliness etc. As a result, in 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma. However, surveillance continued for trachoma cases in all the districts of India from 2019 onwards till 2024.

    The National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey was also carried out in 200 endemic districts of the country under NPCBVI from 2021-24, which was a mandate set by WHO in order to declare that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.

    All the reports were compiled in a specific dossier format by the NPCBVI team and were shared with the WHO country office for final scrutiny. Finally, after years of fighting against Trachoma, WHO declared that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.

    ****

     MV

     HFW/India eliminates Trachoma as a public health problem/8th October 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2063310) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Governor Cooper, FEMA Administrator Criswell Meet with Military Leaders in Western North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Governor Cooper, FEMA Administrator Criswell Meet with Military Leaders in Western North Carolina

    PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Governor Cooper, FEMA Administrator Criswell Meet with Military Leaders in Western North Carolina
    mseets

    Today, Governor Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with U.S. Northern Command Commander General Gregory Guillot and Dual Status Commander Brigadier General Wes Morrison in Western North Carolina. More than 2,500 Soldiers and Airmen are now working in Western North Carolina with approximately 500 more on their way.

    After the meeting, Governor Cooper traveled to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure to thank volunteers and assess damage from Hurricane Helene. While in Chimney Rock, Governor Cooper met with Mayor Peter O’Leary and walked through Main Street to survey damage of the area. The Governor also visited the fire department where he thanked first responders. In Lake Lure, Governor Cooper and Mayor Carol Pritchett stopped at the Lake Lure Inn before touring damage of the area.

    “Today, I visited with military personnel and traveled to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure to talk with people there and see firsthand the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Cooper. “These communities are home to family-owned businesses and neighbors who are helping one another. We will continue to work with Western North Carolina to respond and recover from this catastrophic storm.”

    Photos from today’s visit can be found here.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    More than 2,500 Soldiers and Airmen are now working in Western North Carolina area with approximately 500 more on their way. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit coming from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to the citizens in western North Carolina.

    National Guard and military personnel are operating more than 40 helicopters and more than 1,100 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through a website launched on Saturday.

    FEMA Assistance

    More than $33 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western NC disaster survivors and more than 109,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Nearly 2,111 people are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Federal partners have delivered more than 9.36 million liters of water and more than 7.06 million meals in North Carolina to support both responders and people living in the affected communities.

    More than 800 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,300 responders from 35 state and local agencies have performed 107 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Food, Water and Commodity Points of Distribution

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. More than 20,000 hot meals a day are being prepared and served by mobile kitchens. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Missing Persons

    To report a missing person or request non-emergency support, please call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. NC 211 also has a registry page for missing persons and welfare check requests.

    Shelters

    A total of 19 shelters are open in Western North Carolina and Saturday night served more than 780 people and 95 pets.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, approximately 139,000 customers remained without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Travel remains dangerous, with approximately 650 roads closed. More than 100 of those roads are primary routes connecting the region. As connectivity and reporting measures improve, these number may increase.

    NCDOT is asking people to avoid unnecessary travel to or in Western North Carolina. NCDOT has posted at ncdot.gov an interstate detour map for travelers to avoid western N.C. NCDOT currently has more than 2,050 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on more than 4,100 damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Seventy-seven storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. We expect that this number will continue to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911. To report that you have been unable to reach a person in Western North Carolina, please call 211.

    Volunteers and Donations

    Due to dangerous road conditions and the need to maintain open routes for emergency operations, travel to Western North Carolina is strongly discouraged. Instead, consider the following options for donations and volunteer opportunities:

    • If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.
    • For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    ###

    Oct 7, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: A Review of Digital Creative Industries in Asia: Opportunities and Policies to Foster Growth and Create High-Quality Jobs

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    A collaboration between ADB and Netflix, it focuses on movies, music, and gaming in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Assessing the potential of artificial intelligence, the private sector, and investment challenges, the report looks at ways countries can use incentives, supportive regulation, and better funding options to foster their creative industries and become attractive offshoring destinations.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 07, 2024

    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) 5,23,299.71 6.23 1.93-6.50
         I. Call Money 11,161.74 6.43 5.10-6.50
         II. Triparty Repo 3,51,569.00 6.20 6.11-6.31
         III. Market Repo 1,59,200.97 6.30 1.93-6.45
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,368.00 6.40 6.40-6.48
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 313.50 6.34 5.95-6.50
         II. Term Money@@ 432.25 – 6.50-7.20
         III. Triparty Repo 150.00 6.32 6.32-6.32
         IV. Market Repo 399.99 6.47 6.30-6.65
         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 Mon, 07/10/2024 4 Fri, 11/10/2024 36,825.00 6.49
    3. MSF# Mon, 07/10/2024 1 Tue, 08/10/2024 2,730.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Mon, 07/10/2024 1 Tue, 08/10/2024 89,452.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -123,547.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 04/10/2024 14 Fri, 18/10/2024 44,275.00 6.49
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       6,850.74  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -33,884.26  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -157,431.26  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 07, 2024 10,27,404.10  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 18, 2024 10,01,756.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 07, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on September 20, 2024 4,18,318.00  
    @ 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. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad            
     Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1243

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Targeted Policies for Digital Creative Industries Can Drive Economic Growth in Asia and Pacific

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (8 October 2024) — Coherent national strategies that develop talent and expand digital creative industries can help developing countries tap into the global creative economy, generating high-quality jobs that contribute to economic growth, according to a new report published today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

    “Digital disruption of creative industries can present huge economic potential in Asia and the Pacific,” said ADB Director General for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Bruno Carrasco about the launch of A Review of Digital Creative Industries in Asia: Opportunities and Policies to Foster Growth and Create High-Quality Jobs.

    “Yet the policy environment does not always allow creatives to thrive and connect with the global value chain,” added Mr. Carrasco. “This report can help industry and policy makers shape Asia and the Pacific’s digital creative industries, foster opportunities to bridge the region’s rich cultural heritage with the rest of the world and drive economic growth.”

    Based on more than 40 interviews with key individuals across India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam—including with industry associations and creative professionals in the film, gaming and music industries—the report highlights opportunities for emerging countries to boost their digital creative industries, assess domestic talent development, and encourage policies that create high-quality jobs.

    While there is strong demand from global entertainment companies to produce local content and work with local talent, there are not enough skilled local producers, screenwriters, and programmers. To address this, the report recommends that governments and industry define the essential knowledge and skills required to perform different creative roles, build lifelong training systems, incentivize businesses to upskill their workers, and improve creative industry working standards.

    Such long-term strategies have helped creative powerhouses—such as Canada, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom—to grow their domestic talent pools and attract foreign investment. The report distills key lessons from these countries that can help guide policymakers aiming to develop creative industries.

    Another barrier identified is a severe lack of funding in the four countries examined in South and Southeast Asia. This limits the potential for local film producers, game developers, and musicians to grow, even as high-speed internet, streaming platforms, and portable devices have enabled them to reach much wider audiences.

    Establishing structured funding facilities, including loans, credit guarantees, grants, and venture capital financing, can transform creative ideas into concrete projects, according to the report. With sufficient support from the government or through public–private collaboration, these businesses can be provided with a financial safety net to innovate.

    The report was produced with support from Netflix, the video entertainment streaming service. As ADB’s knowledge partner, Netflix provided experts to be interviewed for the report and enabled access to key stakeholders in the digital creative industry. The work on the report is part of the two organizations’ ongoing collaboration to generate knowledge and boost Asia and the Pacific’s creative industries.
        
    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 3-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on October 08, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on October 08, 2024, Tuesday, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 50,000 3 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM October 11, 2024
    (Friday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1244

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Xalts onboards Polygon on its enterprise grade RWA tokenization platform for financial institutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xalts today announced a deeper collaboration to bring its enterprise-grade real world asset tokenization platform, RWA Cloud, to the Polygon blockchain network. RWA Cloud provides out-of-the-box solutions to enable financial services, governments, and other enterprise developers looking to build digital asset platforms for implementing blockchain, tokenization, and smart contract applications for different use cases.

    Xalts works with financial services and businesses to provide connectivity by leveraging a modern technology stack, including APIs, Blockchains, and Orchestration layers. Its product suite includes solutions such as the RWA Cloud platform, which enables large institutions such as financial services and governments to quickly build complex solutions on blockchains. 

    By integrating Polygon within Xalts’ RWA Cloud platform, enterprise application developers will be able to deploy and build blockchain applications quickly and at a very low cost using Polygon. Xalts will further partner with the Polygon Labs team on a host of institutional applications, including those around trade and supply chain finance, treasury management, and digital currency adoption.

    Xalts’ RWA Cloud addresses challenges enterprises and regulators face while implementing blockchain, such as retaining complex rules, workflows, processes, and user compliances mandated by internal or regulatory governance. Enterprises can manage process complexity associated with events like issuance, servicing, or transfers by leveraging RWA Cloud’s Smart Workflow Core, an orchestration layer that connects with smart contract libraries and multiple off-chain systems. 

    “We are very excited to onboard Polygon. Deeper collaboration and integrations with blockchain partners enables regulated financial institutions to build their enterprise use cases in a seamless way. We look forward to accelerating the adoption of RWA tokenization by enterprises.”, said Supreet Kaur, Chief Operating Officer, Xalts.

    This year has marked a significant step forward in the advancement of tokenization in real-world application within the financial sector with regulators such as Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Project Ensemble for asset tokenization and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) expanding the Project Guardian and Global Layer One (GL1) initiatives. 

    “Integrating Polygon with Xalts RWA Cloud will speed up the enterprise adoption of blockchain & RWA Tokenization use cases. We look forward to working closely with the Xalts team to enable financial institutions and fintechs with a plug and play solution”, said Colin Butler, Global Head of Institutional Capital at Polygon Labs.

    Ends

    About Xalts
    Xalts is a financial technology firm providing enterprise grade, real time connectivity between financial services & businesses by leveraging modern technology stack including APIs, Blockchains & Orchestration layers to automate complex workflows. Xalts is backed by Accel and Citi Ventures and has a presence in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, UAE and UK. To learn more about Xalts, visit https://xalts.io/ 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University chess players held a large-scale tournament

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Botvinnik Chess Club of SPbPU organized an open international interuniversity online chess tournament INTER SEP-24 as part of the Interuniversity Team Battles series. More than 1,000 people took part in the event.

    The chess players included representatives from Russia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Argentina, Kenya, Australia, Switzerland, Fiji, Brazil, India, Ghana, South Africa, Great Britain, Kazakhstan, Liberia and Mexico.

    The organization and conduct of the tournament was carried out by Polytech students Ruslan Barseghyan, Makari Yanchev, Alexey Arkhipovsky, Alexander Khvoshchev, Alena Makovkina, Alexey Aktyufeev, Daniil Agalakov, Lev Bystritsky, Artem Mkrtchyan, Elizaveta Khazagaeva, Anna Sukhova, Anastasia Kotova, Daniil Podreshetnikov, Bogdan Sivov, Angelina Velichko, Anastasia Bulyuk, Denis Zhdanov and Anastasia Kondratyeva.

    As a result, the AITU team from Astana took first place. The representatives of the Baikal State University from Irkutsk came in second. The third place was awarded to the TUSUR team from Tomsk.

    Once again, the largest inter-university tournament brought together representatives from 16 countries. We intend to develop and expand this event further to make it part of the international university culture, – shared the head of the SPbPU chess club Pavel Martynov.

    The final table of the international interuniversity chess tournament INTER SEP-24 can be seen atlink.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/sport/chess-players-Polytechnic-held-a-large-scale-tournament/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 3-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on October 08, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 3-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 50,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 9,398
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 9,398
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.49
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1246

    MIL OSI Economics –