NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Risch Reintroduce Bill to Expand Prohibitions on Use of Foreign Assistance Funding for Abortions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., and James Risch (R-ID) introduced the American Values Act, legislation to permanently enact and expand existing prohibitions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to pay for the performance or promotion of abortion services overseas.
    “As an OBGYN who delivered thousands of babies, I will always fight for our unborn children, both at home and abroad,” Senator Marshall said.  “I’m proud to join Senator Risch in introducing this crucial legislation to protect life and promote true American values abroad.” 
    “American foreign aid should always be used in a way that is in line with American values – and that means that no foreign assistance funds should ever be used to perform or promote abortion services,” said Senator Risch. “I’m proud to introduce the American Values Act with my colleagues to hold our government accountable to this standard and protect the sanctity of life across the globe.”
    If enacted, this legislation would:
    Clarify that existing prohibitions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to pay for the performance or promotion of abortions, forced sterilizations, or biomedical research relating to abortions or forced sterilizations shall apply to all assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act;
    Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the use of foreign assistance funds to lobby for or against abortion;
    Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the provision of foreign assistance funds to organizations that support or participate in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization; and
    Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the use of funds made available to the Peace Corps to pay for abortions.
    Full text of the American Values Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1 Kaiwaka to Te Hana remains closed for truck recovery

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 1 between Kaiwaka and Te Hana remains closed for clean-up and recovery, following a truck rollover this morning.

    The road is likely to remain closed for some time, with specialist machinery required for the clean-up and recovery. Motorists are encouraged to delay their journeys, where possible, or to allow extra time for the detour route.

    There is a detour in place for light vehicles only. Southbound vehicles should turn left on to Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Rd, then continue on to Moir St before turning right on to Insley St. From there they should continue on to Tomarata Rd, then Mangawhai Rd, before returning to SH1 north of Te Hana. Northbound traffic should take the same route, in reverse.

    Traffic on the detour route is currently heavy but flowing. People are asked to stick to the recommended detour as other local roads are not suitable for state highway detour traffic.

    There is no detour route for heavy vehicles and, due to a significant build-up of traffic at the closure point, heavy vehicles are asked to delay their journeys if possible.

    People are encouraged to visit the Journey Planner website for up to date information on the closure and detour route before they travel.

    Journey Planner [JPG, 721 KB]

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Second closure on SH1, Northland

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Update 3.40pm: State Highway 1 between Whakapara and Towai has now reopened to one lane, with contractors managing traffic past the site under stop/go. Please expect delays and allow additional time for travel between Whangārei and Kawakawa.

    3.17pm:

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 1 is closed between Whakapara and Towai, north of Whangārei, due to a crash blocking the road in Hūkerenui.

    Motorists are asked to delay their travel, where possible, or to consider alternate routes, such as State Highway 15.

    SH1 is also closed between Kaiwaka and Te Hana for clean up and recovery, following a truck rollover earlier today.

    Earlier traffic bulletin covering this event:

    People are encouraged to visit the Journey Planner website for up to date information on the closure and detour route before they travel.

    Journey Planner(external link)

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement? 

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic. 

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake? 

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time. 

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational? 

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community. 

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities. 

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore? 

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment. 

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place? 

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well. 

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet? 

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government. 

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues? 

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner. 

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice. 

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this. 

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people? 

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time. 

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement? 

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic. 

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake? 

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time. 

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational? 

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community. 

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities. 

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore? 

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment. 

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place? 

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well. 

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet? 

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government. 

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues? 

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner. 

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice. 

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this. 

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people? 

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time. 

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement?

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic.

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake?

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time.

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational?

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community.

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities.

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore?

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment.

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place?

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well.

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet?

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government.

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues?

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner.

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice.

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this.

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people?

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time.

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The First New Jersey Dem Debate of 2025: Competing Records of Failure

    Source: US Republican Governors Association

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the first debate of the New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial campaign, Republican Governors Association (RGA) issued the following statement:

    “While, the Democratic primary for governor in New Jersey is a complete mess, it turns out that on the issues that matter to voters the candidates are in lockstep: whether it’s taxes, education, or energy, not a single person on stage has a plan to actually improve the lives of New Jersey families. The clearest takeaway is that whoever Democrats nominate will be selling the same bad ideas and failed policies that New Jersey voters clearly want to move on from,”said RGA Communications Director Courtney Alexander.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Alcohol Seizure – Daly River Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a quantity of alcohol intended for distribution within remote communities in the Daly River Region.

    Around 9pm on Friday 31 January, local police members  established a roadblock along Port Keats Road before stopping a vehicle attempting to enter the alcohol restricted area.

    The vehicle was discovered to be transporting:

    • 12 x Bottles of rum
    • 1 x Carton of beer
    • 4 x Cans pre-mix alcohol

    The 37-year-old female driver was issued a Notice to Appear for offences including possess and convey alcohol into a general restricted area.

    Acting Superintendent Erica Gibson said  “ This was fantastic work from local members and our message is simple; You just never know where and when police will be on the road.

    “The disruption of alcohol into restricted communities has a detrimental impact on the health, safety and finances of everyone. Police will continue to proactively target anyone who seeks to take advantage of alcohol restricted areas.

    “If you have any information regarding the distribution of drugs or alcohol into remote communities, please contact police on 131 444.

    “Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. “

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firefighter State Championships a chance for skills to shine

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Anthony Rhodes at state championships

    CFA is encouraging brigades across the state to compete in this year’s CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships in March.

    The events are once again being held at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve across two weekends.  

    Urban Junior State Championships will kick off on 22 and 23 March. The Senior Urban, Junior Rural, and Senior Rural events are being held at the same site the following weekend, 29 and 30 March. 

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships have always been an integral part of CFA since they began in 1874. 

    “The Championships are a great way to show the endurance and reliability of brigades as well as promoting leadership, mental wellbeing, and physical fitness with all competitors celebrated for having a go,” Jason said. 

    “The Championships are one of the most exciting events on the CFA calendar and a great opportunity for our members to engage in friendly competition with their brigade and fellow firefighters.  

    “It’s also a great way for the community to see what we do and hopefully we can inspire them to join their local brigades.  

    “I highly recommend brigades to get involved in the event which includes practical firefighting activities using hoses, hydrants and other equipment. It’s also fantastic for teamwork and comradeship.”   

    Captain of Melton Fire Brigade, Anthony Rhodes, has been competing and coaching teams in the State Championships since he was a teenager and said he loves the family aspect of the event. 

    Not only does he compete and coach alongside his sons he said other members become like your family too.  

    “I love the camaraderie,” Anthony said. 

     “It doesn’t matter where you’re from it is a real family feeling.

    “It gives you a good opportunity to socialise and meet people and then you run into them on strike teams or just out and about and you really feel connected.” 

    Anthony competed in the junior division before becoming a senior competitor. He also spent many years as a coach for both junior and senior teams at Melton brigade.  

    “I used to coach the juniors, but when my two sons came along I decided to step back from that and just be a dad,” he said. 

    This year he is both competing in the senior open running team and coaching the senior women’s teams, he said he can’t wait to share the event with his boys and extended firefighting family. 

    “Champs allow members and family to have an outlet and have a little bit of fun. 

    To anyone thinking of signing up Anthony said, “today is the day”.  

    “When people go to fires, we don’t always deal with great things. This is a great outlet because it isn’t life or death, it is just a bit of fun,” he said. 

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waitangi Day – “Envisioning a Te Tiriti-based future”: Waitangi Day hīkoi in Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington

    Source: Tiriti Action Group Pōneke

    This Waitangi Day, Tiriti Action Group Pōneke will stage a hīkoi from Pukeahu to Waitangi Park starting at 10am. The Hīkoi is in support of mana whenua Te Kotahitanga o Taranaki Whānui, all tangata whenua and in opposition to the ongoing attacks on Māori, on the environment and on a liveable future.

    “Everyone is invited to join us in this celebration of the kotahitanga that Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers every person in this nation,” said Anaru Ryall spokesperson for Tiriti Action Group.

    “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a blueprint for a peaceful and just Aotearoa, where Māori rights and decisions are respected, and non-Māori are invited to call this beautiful place home.”

    “But right now, we are facing multiple breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi which trample on our enduring relationship, and harms instead of heals historic injustices.”

    “These breaches also limit our future aspirations as a nation where everyone has what they need for a good and dignified life, and our children have hope and opportunity.”

    “Just two months ago we made history – and international news – with 100,000+ people at the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti. That was just the beginning of our growing movement for real change.”

    “Waitangi Day is another incredible opportunity for everyone in this country to remember our history, and cultivate the relationships we need to have a Te Tiriti-honouring future. This is a future that will nurture the seeds Te Tiriti planted, and ensure we can flourish together as a healthy, sustainable, equitable Aotearoa.”

    The Waitangi Day Hīkoi aims to bring the local community together in the midst of the government’s assaults on Māori and their tino rangatiratanga, as well as the protections that Te Tiriti offers.

    “This will be an event for the whole whānau, including tamariki, kaumatua, and everyone in the community, no matter where you are in your learning journey about Te Tiriti.”

    “We urge especially Tangata Tiriti to come join us and participate in this show of kotahitanga. Our role as allies cannot be understated, and we must stand up and alongside Tangata Whenua in this troubling political climate.”  

    The Hīkoi will begin with a gathering at 10am at Pukeahu (War Memorial). After speeches, the hīkoi will move down to Waitangi Park via Tory Street, in time to join the Mihi Whakatau at the official Waitangi Day events at Waitangi Park.

    Organisers will set up manaaki stations at Pukeahu and Waitangi Park, with activities for tamariki, education and ‘chill space’ for rest.  

    About Tiriti Action Group Pōneke:

    Tiriti Action Group – Pōneke is a community group who supports actions for rangatiratanga, kotahitanga and justice in Te Upoko o te Ika  (Wellington city and Hutt Valley). We operate under the korowai of mana whenua (Te Kotahitanga o Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika) so that we can live based on the relationship that Te Tiriti o Waitangi promised us.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waitangi Day – “Envisioning a Te Tiriti-based future”: Waitangi Day hīkoi in Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington

    Source: Tiriti Action Group Pōneke

    This Waitangi Day, Tiriti Action Group Pōneke will stage a hīkoi from Pukeahu to Waitangi Park starting at 10am. The Hīkoi is in support of mana whenua Te Kotahitanga o Taranaki Whānui, all tangata whenua and in opposition to the ongoing attacks on Māori, on the environment and on a liveable future.

    “Everyone is invited to join us in this celebration of the kotahitanga that Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers every person in this nation,” said Anaru Ryall spokesperson for Tiriti Action Group.

    “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a blueprint for a peaceful and just Aotearoa, where Māori rights and decisions are respected, and non-Māori are invited to call this beautiful place home.”

    “But right now, we are facing multiple breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi which trample on our enduring relationship, and harms instead of heals historic injustices.”

    “These breaches also limit our future aspirations as a nation where everyone has what they need for a good and dignified life, and our children have hope and opportunity.”

    “Just two months ago we made history – and international news – with 100,000+ people at the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti. That was just the beginning of our growing movement for real change.”

    “Waitangi Day is another incredible opportunity for everyone in this country to remember our history, and cultivate the relationships we need to have a Te Tiriti-honouring future. This is a future that will nurture the seeds Te Tiriti planted, and ensure we can flourish together as a healthy, sustainable, equitable Aotearoa.”

    The Waitangi Day Hīkoi aims to bring the local community together in the midst of the government’s assaults on Māori and their tino rangatiratanga, as well as the protections that Te Tiriti offers.

    “This will be an event for the whole whānau, including tamariki, kaumatua, and everyone in the community, no matter where you are in your learning journey about Te Tiriti.”

    “We urge especially Tangata Tiriti to come join us and participate in this show of kotahitanga. Our role as allies cannot be understated, and we must stand up and alongside Tangata Whenua in this troubling political climate.”  

    The Hīkoi will begin with a gathering at 10am at Pukeahu (War Memorial). After speeches, the hīkoi will move down to Waitangi Park via Tory Street, in time to join the Mihi Whakatau at the official Waitangi Day events at Waitangi Park.

    Organisers will set up manaaki stations at Pukeahu and Waitangi Park, with activities for tamariki, education and ‘chill space’ for rest.  

    About Tiriti Action Group Pōneke:

    Tiriti Action Group – Pōneke is a community group who supports actions for rangatiratanga, kotahitanga and justice in Te Upoko o te Ika  (Wellington city and Hutt Valley). We operate under the korowai of mana whenua (Te Kotahitanga o Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika) so that we can live based on the relationship that Te Tiriti o Waitangi promised us.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NEXT FIVE YEARS PRESENT A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE ‘SABKA VIKAS’; UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    NEXT FIVE YEARS PRESENT A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE ‘SABKA VIKAS’; UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    AGRICULTURE, MSME, INVESTMENT, AND EXPORTS TO BE FOUR POWERFUL ENGINES IN JOURNEY OF DEVELOPMENT

    FOCUS ON GARIB, YOUTH, ANNADATA AND NARI IN THE BUDGET

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Next five years is seen as a unique opportunity to realize ‘Sabka Vikas’, said the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today. In her budget speech, the Union Finance Minister emphasized on stimulating balanced growth of all regions.

    The Minister highlighted that our economy is the fastest-growing among all major global economies. Our development track record of the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention. Confidence in India’s capability and potential has only grown in this period, the Minister added.

    The Union Budget 2025-26 highlights Government’s efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investments, uplift household sentiments, and enhance spending power of India’s rising middle class.

    Specifying Agriculture, MSME, Investment, and Exports to be four powerful engines in journey of development, the Minister underlined that this budget aims to initiate transformative reforms across six domains. During the next five years, the domains of Taxation, Power Sector, Urban Development, Mining, Financial Sector and Regulatory Reforms will augment our growth potential and global competitiveness. The Finance Minister said that in the journey of development, “Our Reforms” is the fuel; where, “Inclusivity” is a guiding spirit; and the “Viksit Bharat” is the destination.

    Focussing on Garib, Youth, Annadata and Nari in her Union Budget 2025-26 speech, the Union Finance Minister underscored on proposed development measures spanning ten broad areas. These are namely, Spurring Agricultural Growth and Productivity; Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience; Taking Everyone Together on an Inclusive Growth path; Boosting Manufacturing and Furthering Make in India; Supporting MSMEs; Enabling Employment-led Development; Investing in people, economy and innovation; Securing Energy Supplies; Promoting Exports; and Nurturing Innovation.

    The Union Minister observed that “Viksit Bharat” encompasses zero-poverty; hundred per cent good quality school education; access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare; hundred per cent skilled labour with meaningful employment; seventy per cent women in economic activities; and farmers making our country the ‘food basket of the world’.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BUDGET OUTLAY FOR JAL JEEVAN MISSION ENHANCED TO RS. 67,000 CRORE

    Source: Government of India (2)

    BUDGET OUTLAY FOR JAL JEEVAN MISSION ENHANCED TO RS. 67,000 CRORE

    JAL JEEVAN MISSION EXTENDED UNTIL 2028

    MISSION TO ACHIEVE 100% COVERAGE OVER NEXT THREE YEARS

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 1:00PM by PIB Delhi

    While presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament today, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that the total budget outlay for Jal Jeevan Mission has been enhanced to Rs 67,000 Crore. She said that the Mission stands extended until 2028.

    Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman stated that 15 crore households representing 80 per cent of India’s rural population have benefitted by the Jal Jeevan Mission since 2019. She added that access to potable tap water connections is provided under this Mission and in the next three years the target is to achieve 100 per cent coverage.

    Jal Jeevan Mission’s focus will be on the quality of infrastructure and O&M of rural piped water supply schemes through “Jan Bhagidhari”. Separate MoUs will be signed with states/UTs, to ensure sustainability and citizen-centric water service delivery, informed Smt. Sitharaman.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMR) WILL BE SET UP: BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    A NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS (SMR) WILL BE SET UP: BUDGET 2025-26

    AT LEAST 5 INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED SMRS WILL BE OPERATIONALIZED BY 2033

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget 2025-2026 in the Parliament today said that a Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of  ` 20,000 crore will be set up. At least 5 indigenously developed SMRs will be operationalized by 2033, she informed.

    Smt. Sitharaman highlighted that development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for our energy transition efforts. For an active partnership with the private sector towards this goal, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be taken up.

    The Budget also proposes that states will be incentivized for electricity distribution reforms and augmentation of intra-state transmission capacity. This will improve financial health and capacity of electricity companies. The Minister informed that additional borrowing of 0.5 per cent of GSDP will be allowed to states, contingent on these reforms.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODS

    EXEMPTION TO 36 MORE LIFE SAVING MEDICINES FOR CANCER AND OTHER RARE DISEASES FROM BASIC CUSTOMS DUTY

    BOOST TO E-MOBILITY: 35 ADDITIONAL CAPITAL GOODS FOR EV BATTERY MANUFACTURING EXEMPTED FROM BCD

    PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING AND VALUE ADDITION WHILE PROMOTING EXPORTS, FACILITATING TRADE AND PROVIDING RELIEF TO COMMON PEOPLE

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in parliament today, focuses its customs proposals on rationalizing tariff structure and addressing duty inversion. The Minister said that the proposals will also support domestic manufacturing and value addition while promoting exports, facilitating trade and providing relief to common people.

    Delivering on the promise to review customs rate structure announced in July 2024, the Budget proposes to remove seven customs tariff rates for industrial goods over and above the seven tariff rates removed in Budget 2023-24. This will leave only eight tariff rates, including ‘zero’ rate. The Budget also proposes to levy not more than one cess or surcharge. This will exempt Social Welfare Surcharge on 82 tariff lines that are subject to a cess.

     

    Relief on import of Drugs/Medicines

    In sector specific proposals, the Budget comes as a big relief to patients, particularly to those suffering from cancer, rare diseases and other severe chronic diseases. The Budget proposes to add 36 life saving drugs and medicines to the list of medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty. The Budget also proposes to add 6 life saving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5%. Full exemption and concessional duty will also respectively apply on the bulk drugs for manufacture of the above.

    Specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies are fully exempt from Basic Customs Duty, provided the medicines are supplied free of cost to patients. The Budget proposes to add 37 more medicines along with 13 new patient assistance programmes to the list.

    Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Value addition

    The Budget proposes to add 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing to the list of exempted capital goods. “This will boost domestic manufacture of lithium-ion battery, both for mobile phones and electric vehicles”, FM stated in her speech.

    The Budget also proposes to fully exempt Basic Customs Duty on cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals. Finance Minister said that this will help secure their availability for manufacturing in India and promote more jobs for our youth. This is in addition to the 25 critical minerals fully exempted of BCD in July 2024 Budget.

    To promote domestic production of technical textile products such as agro-textiles, medical textiles and geo textiles at competitive prices, the Budget proposes to add two more types of shuttle-less looms to the list of fully exempted textile machinery. “I also propose to revise the BCD rate on knitted fabrics covered by nine tariff lines from “10% or 20%” to “20% or Rs.115 per kg, whichever is higher”, said Finance Minister in her speech.

    In line with the ‘Make in India’ policy, the Budget proposes to increase the BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) from 10% to 20% and reduce the BCD to 5% on Open Cell and other components. The Minister informed that it will rectify the inverted duty structure.

    Considering the long gestation period of shipbuilding, the Budget proposes to continue the exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships for another ten years. The Budget also proposes the same dispensation for ship breaking to make it more competitive.

    The Budget also proposes to reduce the BCD from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches to make it at par with Non-Carrier Grade ethernet switches. Finance Minister said that that this will prevent classification disputes.

    Export Promotion

    The Budget also contains certain tax proposals to promote exports. To facilitate exports of handicrafts, it proposes to extend the time period for export from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required. The Budget also proposes to add nine handicraft items to the list of duty-free inputs.

    The Budget also proposes to exempt crust leather from 20% export duty to facilitate exports by small tanners, while fully exempting BCD on Wet Blue leather to facilitate imports for domestic value addition and employment.

    To enhance India’s competitiveness in the global seafood market, the Budget proposes to reduce BCD from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) for manufacture and export of its analogue products. It also proposes to reduce BCD from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.

    To promote development of domestic MROs for aircraft and ships, the July 2024 Budget extended the time limit for export of foreign origin goods that were imported for repairs, from 6 months to one year and further extendable by one year. The Budget 2025-26 proposes to extend the same dispensation for railway goods.

    Trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business

    Presently, the Customs Act, 1962 does not provide any time limit to finalize Provisional Assessments leading to uncertainty and cost to trade. As a measure of promoting ease of doing business, the Budget proposes to fix a time-limit of two years, extendable by a year, for finalizing the provisional assessment.

    The Budget also proposes to introduce a new provision that will enable importers or exporters, after clearance of goods, to voluntarily declare material facts and pay duty with interest but without penalty. “This will incentivize voluntary compliance. However, this will not apply in cases where department has already initiated audit or investigation proceedings”, said Smt Sitharaman.

    The Budget proposes to extend the time limit for the end-use of imported inputs in the relevant rules, from six months to one year. This will not only allow industry to better plan their imports, but also provide operational flexibility in view of cost and uncertainty of supply. Further, such importers will now have to file only quarterly statements instead of a monthly statement.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HIGHLIGHTS OF UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:42PM by PIB Delhi

    PART A

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament today. The highlights of the budget are as follows:

    Budget Estimates 2025-26

    • The total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹ 34.96 lakh crore and ₹ 50.65 lakh crore respectively.
    • The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹ 28.37 lakh crore.
    • The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.
    • The gross market borrowings are estimated at ₹ 14.82 lakh crore.
    • Capex Expenditure of ₹11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) earmarked in FY2025-26.

    AGRICULTURE AS THE 1ST ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – Developing Agri Districts Programme

    • The programme to be launched in partnership with the states, covering 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters, to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.

    Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience

    • A comprehensive multi-sectoral programme to be launched in partnership with states to address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy.
    • Phase-1 to cover 100 developing agri-districts.

    Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

    • Government to launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor.
    • NAFED and NCCF to procure these pulses from farmers during the next 4 years.

    Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits

    • A comprehensive programme to promote production, efficient supplies, processing, and remunerative prices for farmers to be launched in partnership with states.

    Makhana Board in Bihar

    • A Makhana Board to be established to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.

     

    National Mission on High Yielding Seeds

    • A National Mission on High Yielding Seeds to be launched aiming at strengthening the research ecosystem, targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, and commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties.

    Fisheries

    • Government to bring a framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with a special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

    Mission for Cotton Productivity

    • A 5-year mission announced to facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties.

    Enhanced Credit through KCC

    • The loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme to be enhanced from ₹ 3 lakh to ₹ 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

    Urea Plant in Assam

    • A plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons to be set up at Namrup, Assam.

    MSMEs AS THE 2ND ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    Revision in classification criteria for MSMEs

    • The investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs to be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively.

    Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises

    • Customized Credit Cards with ₹ 5 lakh limit for micro enterprises registered on Udyam portal, 10 lakh cards to be issued in the first year.

    Fund of Funds for Startups

    • A new Fund of Funds, with expanded scope and a fresh contribution of ₹ 10,000 crore to be set up.

    Scheme for First-time Entrepreneurs

    • A new scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs to provide term-loans upto ₹ 2 crore in the next 5 years announced.

    Focus Product Scheme for Footwear & Leather Sectors

    • To enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector, a focus product scheme announced to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of ₹ 4 lakh crore and exports of over ₹ 1.1 lakh crore.

    Measures for the Toy Sector

    • A scheme to create high-quality, unique, innovative, and sustainable toys, making India a global hub for toys announced.

    Support for Food Processing

    • A National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management to be set up in Bihar.

    Manufacturing Mission – Furthering “Make in India”

    • A National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India” announced.

    INVESTMENT AS THE 3RD ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    1. Investing in People

    Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

    • The cost norms for the nutritional support to be enhanced appropriately.

    Atal Tinkering Labs

    • 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.

    Broadband Connectivity to Government Secondary Schools and PHCs

    • Broadband connectivity to be provided to all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.

    Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

    • Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme announced to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.

    National Centres of Excellence for Skilling

    • 5 National Centres of Excellence for skilling to be set up with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth with the skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.

    Expansion of Capacity in IITs

    • Additional infrastructure to be created in the 5 IITs started after 2014 to facilitate education for 6,500 more students.

    Centre of Excellence in AI for Education

    • A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education to be set up with a total outlay of ₹ 500 crore.

    Expansion of medical education

    • 10,000 additional seats to be added in medical colleges and hospitals next year, adding to 75000 seats in the next 5 years.

    Day Care Cancer Centres in all District Hospitals

    • Government to set up Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years, 200 Centres  in 2025-26.

    Strengthening urban livelihoods

    • A scheme for socio-economic upliftment of urban workers to help them improve their incomes and have sustainable livelihoods announced.

    PM SVANidhi

    • Scheme to be revamped with enhanced loans from banks, UPI linked credit cards with ₹ 30,000 limit, and capacity building support.

    Social Security Scheme for Welfare of Online Platform Workers

    • Government to arrange for identity cards, registration on e-Shram portal and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojna, for gig-workers.

     

    1. Investing in the Economy

    Public Private Partnership in Infrastructure

    • Infrastructure-related ministries to come up with a 3-year pipeline of projects in PPP mode, States also encouraged.

    Support to States for Infrastructure

    • An outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore proposed for the 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure and incentives for reforms.

    Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30

    • Second Plan for 2025-30 to plough back capital of ₹ 10 lakh crore in new projects announced.

    Jal Jeevan Mission

    • Mission to be extended until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.

    Urban Challenge Fund

    • An Urban Challenge Fund of ₹ 1 lakh crore announced to implement the proposals for ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’, allocation of ₹ 10,000 crore proposed for 2025-26.

    Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat

    • Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to be taken up.
    • Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of ₹20,000 crore to be set up, 5 indigenously developed SMRs to be operational by 2033.

    Shipbuilding

    • The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy to be revamped.
    • Large ships above a specified size to be included in the infrastructure harmonized master list (HML).

    Maritime Development Fund

    • A Maritime Development Fund with a corpus of ₹ 25,000 crore to be set up, with up to 49 per cent contribution by the Government, and the balance from ports and private sector.

    UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme

    • A modified UDAN scheme announced to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.
    • Also to support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and North East region districts.

    Greenfield Airport in Bihar

    • Greenfield airports announced in Bihar, in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta.

    Western Koshi Canal Project in Mithilanchal

    • Financial support for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project in Bihar.

    Mining Sector Reforms

    • A policy for recovery of critical minerals from tailings to be brought out.

    SWAMIH Fund 2

    • A fund of ₹ 15,000 crore aimed at expeditious completion of another 1 lakh dwelling units, with contribution from the Government, banks and private investors announced.

    Tourism for employment-led growth

    • Top 50 tourist destination sites in the country to be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode.

     

    1. Investing in Innovation

    Research, Development and Innovation

    • ₹20,000 crore to be allocated to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative announced in the July Budget.

    Deep Tech Fund of Funds

    • Deep Tech Fund of Funds to be explored to catalyze the next generation startups.

    PM Research Fellowship

    • 10,000 fellowships for technological research in IITs and IISc with enhanced financial support.

    Gene Bank for Crops Germplasm

    • 2nd Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines to be set up for future food and nutritional security.

    National Geospatial Mission

    • A National Geospatial Mission announced to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data.

    Gyan Bharatam Mission

    • A Gyan Bharatam Mission for survey, documentation and conservation of our manuscript heritage with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors to be undertaken to cover more than 1 crore manuscripts announced.

    EXPORTS AS THE 4TH ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT

    Export Promotion Mission

    • An Export Promotion Mission, with sectoral and ministerial targets, driven jointly by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance to be set up.

    BharatTradeNet

    • ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade to be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

    National Framework for GCC

    • A national framework to be formulated as guidance to states for promoting Global Capability Centres in emerging tier 2 cities.

    REFORMS AS FUEL: FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS AND DEVELOPMENT

    FDI in Insurance Sector

    • The FDI limit for the insurance sector to be raised from 74 to 100 per cent, for those companies which invest the entire premium in India.

    Credit Enhancement Facility by NaBFID

    • NaBFID to set up a ‘Partial Credit Enhancement Facility’ for corporate bonds for infrastructure.

    Grameen Credit Score

    • Public Sector Banks to develop ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of SHG members and people in rural areas.

    Pension Sector

    • A forum for regulatory coordination and development of pension products to be set up.

    High Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms

    • A High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms to be set up for a review of all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions.

    Investment Friendliness Index of States

    • An Investment Friendliness Index of States to be launched in 2025 to further the spirit of competitive cooperative federalism anounced.

    Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0

    • The Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 to decriminalize more than 100 provisions in various laws.

     

    PART B

     

    DIRECT TAX

     

    • No personal income tax payable upto income of Rs 12 lakh (i.e. average income of Rs 1 lakh per month other than special rate income such as capital gains) under the new regime.
    • This limit will be Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried tax payers, due to standard deduction of Rs 75,000.
    • The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings and investment.
    • The new Income-Tax Bill to be clear and direct in text so as to make it simple to understand for taxpayers and tax administration, leading to tax certainty and reduced litigation.
    • Revenue of about ₹ 1 lakh crore in direct taxes will be forgone.

     

    • Revised tax rate structure

     

    • In the new tax regime, the revised tax rate structure will stand as follows:

     

    0-4 lakh rupees

    Nil

    4-8 lakh rupees

    5 percent

    8-12 lakh rupees

    10 percent

    12-16 lakh rupees

    15 percent

    16-20 lakh rupees

    20 percent

    20- 24 lakh rupees

    25 percent

    Above 24 lakh rupees

    30 percent

     

     

    • TDS/TCS rationalization for easing difficulties

     

    • Rationalization of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) by reducing number of rates and thresholds above which TDS is deducted.
    • The limit for tax deduction on interest for senior citizens doubled from the present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
    • The annual limit of Rs 2.40 lakh for TDS on rent increased to Rs 6 lakh.
    • The threshold to collect tax at source (TCS) on remittances under RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) increased from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
    • The provisions of the higher TDS deduction will apply only in non-PAN cases.
    • Decriminalization for the cases of delay of payment of TCS up to the due date of filing statement.

     

     

    • Reducing Compliance Burden

     

    • Reduction of compliance burden for small charitable trusts/institutions by increasing their period of registration from 5 years to 10 years.

     

    • The benefit of claiming the annual value of self-occupied properties as nil will be extended for two such self-occupied properties without any condition.

     

    • Ease of Doing Business

     

    • Introduction of a scheme for determining arm’s length price of international transaction for a block period of three years.
    • Expansion of the scope of safe harbour rules to reduce litigation and provide certainty in international taxation.
    • Exemption of withdrawals made from National Savings Scheme (NSS) by individuals on or after the 29th of August, 2024.
    • Similar treatment to NPS Vatsalya accounts as is available to normal NPS accounts, subject to overall limits.

     

    • Employment and Investment

     

    Tax certainty for electronics manufacturing Schemes

     

    • Presumptive taxation regime for non-residents who provide services to a resident company that is establishing or operating an electronics manufacturing facility.
    • Introduction of a safe harbour for tax certainty for non-residents who store components for supply to specified electronics manufacturing units.

     

    Tonnage Tax Scheme for Inland Vessels

     

    The benefits of existing tonnage tax scheme to be extended to inland vessels registered  under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021 to promote inland water transport in the country.

     

     

    • Extension for incorporation of Start-Ups

    Extension of the period of incorporation by 5 years to allow the benefit available to start-ups incorporated before 1.4.2030.

     

     

    • Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs)

     

    Certainty of taxation on the gains from securities to Category I and Category II AIFs which are undertaking investments in infrastructure and other such sectors.

     

     

    • Extension of investment date for Sovereign and Pension Funds

     

    Extension of the date of making investments in Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds by five more years, to 31st March, 2030, to promote funding from them to the infrastructure sector.

     

     

    INDIRECT TAX

    Rationalisation of Customs Tariff Structure for Industrial Goods

    Union Budget 2025-26 proposes to:

    1. Remove seven tariff rates. This is over and above the seven tariff rates removed in 2023-24 budget. After this, there will be only eight remaining tariff rates including ‘zero’ rate.
    2. Apply appropriate cess to broadly maintain effective duty incidence except on a few items, where such incidence will reduce marginally.
    3. Levy not more than one cess or surcharge. Therefore Social Welfare Surcharge on 82 tariff lines that are subject to a cess, exempted.

    Revenue of about ₹ 2600 crore in indirect taxes will be forgone.

    Relief on import of Drugs/Medicines

    • 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
    • 6 lifesaving medicines to attract concessional customs duty of 5%.
    • Specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies fully exempted from BCD; 37 more medicines added along with 13 new patient assistance programmes.

    Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Value addition

    • Critical Minerals :
      • Cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals fully exempted from BCD.
    • Textiles:
      • Two more types of shuttle-less looms fully exempted textile machinery.
      • BCD rate on knitted fabrics revised from “10% or 20%” to “20% or ` 115 per kg, whichever is higher.
    • Electronic Goods:
      • BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) increased from 10% to 20% .
      • BCD reduced to 5% on Open Cell and other components.
      • BCD on parts of Open Cells exempted.
    • Lithium Ion Battery:
      • 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing exempted.
    •  Shipping Sector: 
      • Exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships extended for another ten years.
      • The same dispensation to continue for ship breaking.
    • Telecommunication: 
      • BCD reduced from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches.

    Export Promotion

    • Handicraft Goods:
      • Time period for export extended  from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required.
      • Nine items added to list of duty-free inputs.
    • Leather sector:         
      • BCD on Wet Blue leather fully exempted.
      • Crust leather exempted from 20% export duty.
    • Marine products:
      • BCD reduced from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) for manufacture and export of its analogue products.
      • BCD reduced from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.
    • Domestic MROs for Railway Goods: 
      • Railways MROs to benefit similar to the aircraft and ships MROs in terms of import of repair items.
      • Time limit extended for export of such items from 6 months to one year and made further extendable by one year.

    Trade facilitation

    • Time limit for Provisional Assessment: 
      • For finalising the provisional assessment, time-limit of two years fixed, extendable by a year.
    • Voluntary Compliance:
      • A new provision introduced to enable importers or exporters, after clearance of goods, to voluntarily declare material facts and pay duty with interest but without penalty.
    • Extended Time for End Use:
      • Time limit for the end-use of imported inputs in the relevant rules extended from six months to one year.
      • Such importers to file only quarterly statements instead of a monthly statement.

    *****

    NB/RC/VV/KS/CNAN/GS/SC/AG/NJ

    (Release ID: 2098353) Visitor Counter : 643

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SUMMARY OF UNION BUDGET 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:36PM by PIB Delhi

    NO INCOME TAX ON AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME OF UPTO RS 1 LAKH; TO BOOST MIDDLE CLASS HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS & CONSUMPTION

    SALARIED CLASS TO PAY NIL INCOME TAX UPTO ₹ 12.75 LAKH PER ANNUM IN NEW TAX REGIME

    UNION BUDGET RECOGNISES 4 ENGINES OF DEVELOPMENT – AGRICULTURE, MSME, INVESTMENT AND EXPORTS

    BENEFITTING 1.7 CRORE FARMERS, ‘PRIME MINISTER DHAN-DHAANYA KRISHI YOJANA’ TO COVER 100 LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY DISTRICTS

    “MISSION FOR AATMANIRBHARTA IN PULSES” WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON TUR, URAD AND MASOOR TO BE LAUNCHED

    LOANS UPTO Rs. 5 LAKHS THROUGH KCC UNDER MODIFIED INTEREST SUBVENTION SCHEME

    FY-25 ESTIMATED TO END WITH FISCAL DEFICIT OF 4.8%, TARGET TO BRING IT DOWN TO 4.4% IN FY-26

    SIGNIFICANT ENHANCEMENT OF CREDIT WITH GUARANTEE COVER TO MSMEs FROM ₹ 5 CR TO ₹ 10 CR

    A NATIONAL MANUFACTURING MISSION COVERING SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES FOR FURTHERING “MAKE IN INDIA”

    50,000 ATAL TINKERING LABS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN NEXT 5 YEARS

    CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR EDUCATION, WITH A TOTAL OUTLAY OF ₹ 500 CRORE

    PM SVANIDHI WITH ENHANCED LOANS FROM BANKS, AND UPI LINKED CREDIT CARDS WITH ₹ 30,000 LIMIT

    GIG WORKERS TO GET IDENTITY CARDS, REGISTRATION ON E-SHRAM PORTAL &  HEALTHCARE UNDER PM JAN AROGYA YOJANA

    ₹ 1 LAKH CRORE URBAN CHALLENGE FUND FOR ‘CITIES AS GROWTH HUBS’

    NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION FOR R&D OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS WITH AN OUTLAY OF ₹ 20,000 CRORE

    MODIFIED UDAN SCHEME TO ENHANCE REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY TO 120 NEW DESTINATIONS

    ₹ 15,000 CRORE SWAMIH FUND TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR EXPEDITIOUS COMPLETION OF ANOTHER 1 LAKH STRESSED HOUSING UNITS

    ₹ 20,000 CRORE ALLOCATED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION INITIATIVES

    GYAN BHARATAM MISSION FOR SURVEYAND CONSERVATION OF MANUSCRIPTS TO COVER MORE THAN ONE CRORE MANUSCRIPTS

    FDI LIMIT ENHANCED FOR INSURANCE FROM 74 TO 100 PER CENT

    JAN VISHWAS BILL 2.0 TO BE INTRODUCED FOR DECRIMINALISING MORE THAN 100 PROVISIONS IN VARIOUS LAWS

    UPDATED INCOME TAX RETURNS TIME LIMIT INCREASED FROM TWO TO FOUR YEARS

    DELAY IN TCS PAYMENT DECRIMINALISED

    TDS ON RENT INCREASED FROM ₹ 2.4 LAKH TO ₹ 6 LAKH

    BCD EXEMPTED ON 36 LIFESAVING DRUGS AND MEDICINES FOR TREATING CANCER, RARE AND CHRONIC DISEASES

    BCD ON IFPD INCREASED TO 20% AND ON OPEN CELLS REDUCED TO 5%

    BCD ON PARTS OF OPEN CELLS EXEMPTED TO PROMOTE DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING

    TO BOOST BATTERY PRODUCTION, ADDITIONAL CAPITAL GOODS FOR EV AND MOBILE BATTERY MANUFACTURING EXEMPTED

    BCD EXEMPTED FOR 10 YEARS ON RAW MATERIALS & COMPONENTS USED FOR SHIP BUILDING

    BCD REDUCED FROM 30% TO 5% ON FROZEN FISH PASTE AND 15% TO 5% ON FISH HYDROLYSATE

     

    Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today. Here is the summary of her budget speech;

    PART A

     

    Quoting Telugu poet and playwright Shri Gurajada Appa Rao’s famous saying, ‘A country is not just its soil; a country is its people.’ – the Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2025-26 with the theme “Sabka Vikas” stimulating balanced growth of all regions.

    In line with this theme, the Finance Minister outlined the broad Principles of Viksit Bharat to encompass the following:

    a) Zero-poverty;

     b) Hundred per cent good quality school education;

    c) Access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare;

    d) Hundred per cent skilled labour with meaningful employment;

    e) Seventy per cent women in economic activities; and

    f) Farmers making our country the ‘food basket of the world’.

    The Union Budget 2025-2026 promises to continue Government’s efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investments, uplift household sentiments, and enhance spending power of India’s rising middle class. The Budget proposes development measures focusing on poor (Garib), Youth, farmer (Annadata) and women (Nari).

    The Budget aims to initiate transformative reforms in Taxation, Power Sector, Urban Development, Mining, Financial Sector, and Regulatory Reforms to augment India’s growth potential and global competitiveness.

    Union Budget highlights that Agriculture, MSME, Investment, and Exports are engines in the journey to Viksit Bharat using reforms as fuel, guided by the spirit of inclusivity.

     

    1st Engine: Agriculture

    Budget announced ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states covering 100 districts to increase productivity, adopt crop diversification, augment post-harvest storage, improve irrigation facilities, and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit.

    A comprehensive multi-sectoral ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ programme will be launched in partnership with states to address underemployment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and invigorating the rural economy. The goal is to generate ample opportunities in rural areas, with focus on rural women, young farmers, rural youth, marginal and small farmers, and landless families.

    Union Finance Minister announced that Government will launch a 6-year “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” with special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor. Central agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will be ready to procure these 3 pulses, as much as offered during the next 4 years from farmers.

    The Budget has outlined measures to Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits, National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, and a five year Mission for Cotton Productivity amongst other measures to promote agriculture and allied activities in a major way.

    Smt. Sitharaman announced the increase in loan limits from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh for loans taken through Kisan Credit Cards under modified interest subvention scheme.

     

    2nd Engine: MSMEs

    Finance Minister described MSMEs as the second power engine for development as they constitute for 45% of our exports. To help MSMEs achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital, the investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times, respectively. Further, steps to enhance credit availability with guarantee cover have also been announced.

    The Finance Minister also announced the launch of a new scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes first-time entrepreneurs. This will provide term loans up to Rs. 2 crore during the next 5 years.

    Smt. Sitharaman announced that the Government will also implement a scheme to make India a global hub for toys representing the ‘Made in India’ brand. She added that the Government will set up a National Manufacturing Mission covering small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India”.

    3rd Engine: Investment

    Defining Investment as the third engine of growth, the Union Minister prioritized investment in people, economy and innovation. 

    Under the investment in people, she announced that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in Government schools in next 5 years.

    Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that broadband connectivity will be provided to all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the Bharatnet project.

    She said Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme will be implemented to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education.

    Five National Centres of Excellence for skilling will be set up with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth with the skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.

    A Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education will be set up with a total outlay of 500 crore.

    Budget announced that Government will arrange for Gig workers’ identity cards, their registration on the e-Shram portal and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

    Under the investment in Economy, Smt Sitharaman said Infrastructure-related ministries will come up with a 3-year pipeline of projects in PPP mode.

    She added that an outlay of Rs 1.5 lakh crore was proposed for the 50-year interest free loans to states for capital expenditure and incentives for reforms.

    She also announced the second Asset Monetization Plan 2025-30 to plough back capital of Rs 10 lakh crore in new projects.

    The Jal Jeevan Mission was extended till 2028 with focus on the quality of infrastructure and Operation & Maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes through “Jan Bhagidhari”.

    Government will set up an Urban Challenge Fund of Rs.1 lakh crore to implement the proposals for ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’.

    Under the investment in Innovation, an allocation of ₹20,000 crore is announced to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative.

    Finance Minister proposed National Geospatial Mission to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data which will benefit urban planning.

    Budget proposes Gyan Bharatam Mission, for survey, documentation and conservation of  more than 1 crore manuscripts with academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors. A National Digital Repository of Indian knowledge systems for knowledge sharing is also proposed.

    4th Engine: Exports

    Smt. Sitharaman defined Exports as the fourth engine of growth and said that jointly driven by the Ministries of Commerce, MSME, and Finance; Export Promotion Mission will help MSMEs tap into the export market. She added that a digital public infrastructure, ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade was proposed as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

    The Finance Minister mentioned that support will be provided to develop domestic manufacturing capacities for our economy’s integration with global supply chains. She also announced that government will support the domestic electronic equipment industry for leveraging the opportunities related to Industry 4.0. A National Framework has also been proposed for promoting Global Capability Centres in emerging tier 2 cities.

    The government will facilitate upgradation of infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo including high value perishable horticulture produce.

    Reforms as the Fuel

    Defining Reforms as the fuel to the engine, Smt. Sitharaman said that over the past 10 years, the Government had implemented several reforms for convenience of tax payers, such as faceless assessment, tax payers charter, faster returns, almost 99 per cent returns being on self-assessment, and Vivad se Vishwas scheme. Continuing with these efforts, she reaffirmed the commitment of the tax department to “trust first, scrutinize later”.

    Financial Sector Reforms and Development

    In a demonstrated steadfast commitment of the Government towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’, the Union Finance Minister proposed changes across the length and breadth of the financial landscape in India to ease compliance, expand services, build strong regulatory environment, promote international and domestic investment, and decriminalisation of archaic legal provisions.

    The Union Finance Minister proposed to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit for the insurance from 74 to 100 per cent, to be available for those companies that invest the entire premium in India.

    Smt. Sitharaman proposed a light-touch regulatory framework based on principles and trust to unleash productivity and employment. She proposed four specific measures to develop this modern, flexible, people-friendly, and trust-based regulatory framework for the 21st first century, viz.:

    1. High Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms
    • To review all non-financial sector regulations, certifications, licenses, and permissions.
    • To strengthen trust-based economic governance and take transformational measures to enhance ‘ease of doing business’, especially in matters of inspections and compliances
    • To make recommendations within a year
    • States will be encouraged to be onboarded

     

    1. Investment Friendliness Index of States
    • An Investment Friendliness Index of States will be launched in 2025 to further the spirit of competitive cooperative federalism.

     

    1. Mechanism under the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
    • Mechanism to evaluate impact of the current financial regulations and subsidiary instructions.
    • Formulate a framework to enhance their responsiveness and development of the financial sector.

     

    1. Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0
    • To decriminalise more than 100 provisions in various laws.

    Fiscal Consolidation

    Reiterating the commitment to stay the course for fiscal consolidation, the Union Finance Minister stated that the Government endeavours to keep the fiscal deficit each year such that the Central Government debt remains on a declining path as a percentage of the GDP and the detailed roadmap for the next 6 years has been detailed in the FRBM statement. Smt. Sitharaman stated that the Revised Estimate 2024-25 of fiscal deficit is 4.8 per cent of GDP, while the Budget Estimates 2025-26 is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.

    Revised Estimates 2024-25

    The Minister said that the Revised Estimate of the total receipts other than borrowings is ₹31.47 lakh crore, of which the net tax receipts are ₹25.57 lakh crore. She added that the Revised Estimate of the total expenditure is ₹47.16 lakh crore, of which the capital expenditure is about ₹10.18 lakh crore.

    Budget Estimates 2025-26

    For FY 2025-26, the Union Finance Minister stated that the total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹34.96 lakh crore and ₹50.65 lakh crore respectively. The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹28.37 lakh crore.

    PART B

    Reposing faith on middle class in nation building, the Union Budget 2025-26 proposes new direct tax slabs and rates under the new income tax regime so that no income tax is needed to be paid for total income upto ₹ 12 Lakh per annum, i.e. average income of Rs 1 Lakh per month, other than special rate income such as Capital Gain. Salaried individuals earning upto ₹ 12.75 Lakh per annum will pay NIL tax, due to standard deduction of ₹ 75,000. Towards the new tax structure and other direct tax proposals, Government is set to lose revenue of about ₹ 1 lakh crore.

    Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has taken steps to understand the needs voiced by the people. The direct tax proposals include personal income tax reform with special focus on middle class, TDS/TCS rationalization, encouragement to voluntary compliances along with reduction of compliance burden, ease of doing business and incentivizing employment and investment.

    The Budget proposes revised tax rate structure under the new tax regime as follows;

    Total Income per annum

    Rate of Tax

    ₹ 0 – 4 Lakh

    NIL

     ₹ 4 – 8 Lakh

    5%

    ₹ 8 – 12 Lakh

    10%

    ₹ 12 – 16 Lakh

    15%

    ₹ 16 – 20 Lakh

    20%

    ₹ 20 – 24 Lakh

    25%

    Above ₹ 24 Lakh

    30%

    To rationalize TDS/TCS, Budget doubles limit for tax deduction on interest earned by senior citizens from the present ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1 Lakh. Further, TDS threshold on rent has been increased to ₹ 6 Lakh from ₹ 2.4 Lakh per annum. Other measures include, increasing of threshold to collect TCS to ₹ 10 Lakh and continuing with higher TDS deductions only in non-PAN cases. After the decriminalization of delay in payment of TDS, delay in TCS payments has now been decriminalized.

    Encouraging voluntary compliance, Budget extends time-limit to file updated returns for any assessment year, from the current limit of two years, to four years. Over 90 Lakh taxpayers paid additional tax to update their income. Small charitable trusts/institutions have been given the benefit by increasing their period of registration from 5 to 10 years, reducing compliance burden. Further, tax payers can now claim annual value of two self-occupied properties as NIL, without any condition. Last budget’s Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme has received a great response, with nearly 33,000 tax payers having availed the scheme to settle their disputes. Giving benefits to senior and very senior citizens, withdrawals made from National Savings Scheme Accounts on or after 29th of August, 2024 have been exempted. NPS Vatsalya accounts also to get similar benefits.

    For ease of doing business, Budget introduces a scheme for determining arm’s length price of international transaction for a block period of three years. This is in line with global best practices. Further, self harbor rules are being expanded to provide certainty in international taxation.

    To promote employment and investment, a presumptive taxation regime is envisaged for non-residents who provide services to a resident company that is establishing or operating an electronics manufacturing facility. Further, benefits of existing tonnage tax scheme are proposed to be extended to inland vessels. To promote start-up ecosystem, period of incorporation has been extended for a period of 5 years. To promote investment in the infrastructure sector, Budget extends the date of making investment in Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds by five more years, to 31st March, 2030.

    As part of rationalization of Customs tariffs of industrial goods, Budget proposes to; (i) Remove seven tariffs, (ii) apply appropriate cess to maintain effective duty incidence, and (iii) levy not more than one cess or surcharge.

    As relief on import of Drugs/Medicines, 36 lifesaving drugs and medicines for treating cancer, rare diseases and chronic diseases have been fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD). Further, 37 medicines along with 13 new drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes have been exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), if supplied free to patients.

    To support Domestic Manufacturing and Value Addition, BCD on 25 critical minerals, that were not domestically available, were exempted in July 2024. The Budget 2025-26 fully exempts cobalt powder and waste, scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals. To promote domestic textile production, two more types of shuttle-less looms added to fully exempted textile machinery. Further, BCD on knitted fabrics covering nine tariff lines from “10% to 20%” revised to “20% or ₹ 115 kg, whichever is higher”.

    To rectify inverted duty structure and promote “Make in India”, BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) increased to 20% and on Open cells reduced to 5%. Further to promote manufacture of Open cells, BCD on parts of Open Cells stands exempted.

    To boost manufacturing of Lithion-ion battery in the country, 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing added to the list of exempted capital goods. Union Budget 2025-26 also continues exemption on BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for ship building for another ten years. Budget also reduced BCD from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches to make it at par with Non-Carrier Grade ethernet switches.

    For export promotion, Budget 2025-26 facilitates exports of handicrafts, fully exempts BCD on Wet Blue leather for value addition and employment, reduce BCD from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste and reduce BCD from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.

    Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that Democracy, Demography and Demand are key pillars of Viksit Bharat journey. She said that the middle class gives strength of India’s growth and the Government has periodically hiked the ‘Nil tax’ slab in recognition to their contribution. She said the proposed new tax structure will substantially boost consumption, savings and investment, by putting more money in the hands of the middle class.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LAUNCH OF 9th AMMUNITION CUM TORPEDO CUM MISSILE (ACTCM) BARGE, LSAM 23 (YARD 133)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 11:52AM by PIB Delhi

    Launching ceremony of 9th ACTCM Barge, LSAM 23 (Yard 133) was held on 31 Jan 25 at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. Chief Guest for the launching Ceremony was Cmde R Anand, AGM (COM)/ ND (Mbi).

    The contract for construction of eleven (11) Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge was concluded with MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21. These Barges have been indigenously designed and built by the Shipyard in collaboration with an Indian Ship Designing firm and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Model testing was undertaken at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam to ensure seaworthiness. The Shipyard has successfully delivered eight of these Barges till date and are being utilised by Indian Navy for its operation evolutions by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

    These Barges are proud flag bearers of “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of Government of India.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INAUGURAL EDITION OF INDIAN NAVY HALF MARATHON AT NEW DELHI

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 9:35AM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Navy will host the inaugural edition of the Indian Navy Half Marathon (INHM), on 02 Feb 25 at New Delhi.

    Over ten thousand participants are expected to compete across three race categories: 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km runs, making it an inclusive event for runners of all calibers and backgrounds. This landmark event is being organised in partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank.

    Preparations are underway to deliver an unforgettable experience for every participant. The event will be hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with the race route covering India Gate and the historic Kartavya Path. INHM will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya. In addition, the event will also be graced by senior officers and distinguished personalities from the Armed Forces, civilian guests and renowned sportspersons.

    To celebrate the dedication of the most committed runners, we proudly introduce The Indian Navy Slam – a prestigious honour awarded to those who complete all four races organized by the Indian Navy in Kochi, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, and New Delhi. This distinctive recognition embodies the discipline and determination of the Indian Navy, reflecting the perseverance and grit of runners.

    ⁠Indian Oil Corporation Limited also joins as an Associate Partner and the event has garnered strong support from key agencies, with the Delhi Police and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) playing pivotal roles in ensuring the event’s success.

    The event aims to celebrate the spirit of fitness, discipline, and national pride. With a striking race route, esteemed dignitaries, and the unwavering support of key partners, the event is set to inspire all participants. With this inaugural edition, the Indian Navy reaffirms its commitment to foster a culture of health, resilience, and camaraderie. We eagerly anticipate an exhilarating race day on 2nd Feb 25 and look forward to welcome all participants to this spectacular sporting event in the heart of New Delhi.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public invited to vote in Taxi Service Commendation Scheme 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Public invited to vote in Taxi Service Commendation Scheme 2024
    Public invited to vote in Taxi Service Commendation Scheme 2024
    ***************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) said today (February 1) that the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme 2024 will be open for public voting starting from today. Members of the public are welcome to cast their votes online by May 31 through the Committee on Taxi Service Quality’s (CTSQ) website (www.ctsq.org.hk/voting) or by scanning the QR code on the scheme’s publicity material (see Annex).      Jointly launched by the CTSQ and the TD, the scheme has received a record high number of over 1 400 nominations in total for the Quality Taxi Drivers and Good Driver, Good Service awards. Among them, 70 nominees for the Quality Taxi Drivers award and six for the Good Driver, Good Service award were shortlisted for public voting. After the end of public voting, a professional assessment panel will evaluate the driving records, conduct, in-service training records, commended behaviour and passengers’ satisfaction of the drivers, as well as the management on taxi service quality, application of advanced technology in enhancing the efficiency and quality of taxi service, and social responsibility of the management teams.      Twenty nominees for Quality Taxi Drivers and two for Good Driver, Good Service obtaining the highest combined scores from the public voting and professional assessment panel will receive the awards, while the driver given the highest score from public voting will be named the Most Popular Taxi Driver. In addition, the taxi service management team with the highest score from the panel will receive the Quality Taxi Service Management Team award.      A spokesman for the TD appealed to members of the public and tourists to vote and join hands to recognise the quality taxi services provided by trade practitioners and enhance the image of the industry. Apart from promotional materials displayed inside taxi compartments, at other modes of public transport and the information plates at taxi stands, the scheme is also publicised through the TD’s website, the HKeMobility mobile application and collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

     
    Ends/Saturday, February 1, 2025Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister lauds Indian Coast Guard on their Raising Day for Exemplary Service

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 9:30AM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of Indian Coast Guard’s Raising Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi praised the force for its bravery, dedication, and relentless vigilance in protecting our vast coastline. Shri Modi said that from maritime security to disaster response, from anti-smuggling operations to environmental protection, the Indian Coast Guard is a formidable guardian of our seas, ensuring the safety of our waters and people.

    The Prime Minister posted on X;

    “Today, on their Raising Day, we laud the Indian Coast Guard for safeguarding our vast coastline with bravery, dedication and relentless vigilance. From maritime security to disaster response, from anti-smuggling operations to environmental protection, the Indian Coast Guard is a formidable guardian of our seas, ensuring the safety of our waters and people.

    @IndiaCoastGuard”

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Master’s student studies new materials for spin-polarized electron sources

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    2nd year Master’s student Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University Nadezhda Solovyova studies the conditions for the formation of monocrystalline films of multi-alkali compounds of antimony and bismuth. These materials are used as photocathodes – effective sources of free electrons and important elements of various photoelectron converters, allowing the registration of weak light signals, down to single photons.

    Photocathodes are devices that operate on the principle of external photoelectric effect. They allow to obtain a beam of electrons with the necessary characteristics for various applications: in electron microscopes, for accelerators, colliders, night vision systems, etc.

    GaAs, GaN, and various alkali metal composites combined with antimony (Sb) are used as photocathode materials. Today, photocathode materials have a natural surface disorder, which affects their quantum efficiency, electron beam brightness, and other characteristics. Multialkali compounds (Cs3Sb, Na2KSb, K2CsSb) have been used as electron sources since the 1930s. In 2022, the Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS discovered the possibility of emitting spin-polarized electrons from a multialkali Na2KSb/Cs3Sb photocathode. This discovery sparked a surge of interest in this and other multialkali materials. And at the moment, one of the important issues is the possibility of obtaining crystalline ordered films of these compounds. The answer to this question requires the development of epitaxial growth technology for multialkali materials.

    — Despite the fact that multi-alkali materials have long been used to manufacture photocathodes, single-crystal films of multi-alkali compounds have not been obtained before, so it was not possible to study their electronic structure using experimental methods; only calculations existed. Currently, we have a method that will allow us to study the electronic structure, and now our task is to obtain crystalline ordered compounds. They are needed to control the characteristics of photocathode materials. For example, the growth of photocathode materials on a crystalline ordered substrate can allow us to change the ratios of lattice constants and temperature expansion coefficients, which can increase the spin polarization of photosimulated electrons, as well as affect other characteristics. For example, the diffusion length can change or the quantum efficiency of photocathode materials can increase. And, what is important, we will have the opportunity to control their properties during the growth process, — explained Nadezhda Solovyova.

    At present, a method for growing epitaxial Cs3Sb films on the 3C-SiC(001) surface has been proposed in the literature. Experiments on epitaxial growth of multi-alkali antimony compounds (Na2KSb, K2CsSb, etc.) on various substrates have not been described in the literature.

    The study of such materials should improve the characteristics of photocathodes, but in addition to the practical task, this study also sets a fundamental one: obtaining crystalline ordered films in order to experimentally study their electronic structure.

    Nadezhda Solova’s project “Study of the conditions for the formation of single-crystal films of multi-alkali compounds of Sb and Bi” was among the winners of the youth competition of scientific research projects “X-ray, synchrotron, neutron methods of interdisciplinary research” last year.

    As part of the project, the young researcher is tasked with obtaining such films and determining how replacing antimony with bismuth will affect their properties. It is assumed that the use of single-crystal films of solid solutions of Cs3BixSb1-x will shift the working range of photocathodes to the infrared region and affect the spin polarization of photoemitted electrons (?). At the moment, Nadezhda Solovyova, under the supervision of Vladimir Golyashov, PhD, research fellow at the Institute of Physical Problems of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has obtained quite interesting results: for the first time, it was possible to obtain single-crystal films of Na2KSb.

    — We were able not only to obtain crystalline ordered films, but also to obtain the first experimental measurement of the electronic structure using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. We did not find any publications about such work in scientific journals. Now we have extensive work ahead of us to decipher the obtained structure, perform the necessary calculations and publish our results, but the first steps have already been taken, and they have proven to be quite productive, — said Nadezhda Solovyova.

    The films were grown using two methods. First, in collaboration with the Novosibirsk enterprise ZAO Ekran-FEP, the scientists followed the method used in the production of electron-optical converters and obtained the first crystalline-ordered films. However, they were not satisfied with the fact that under such conditions the growth of photocathodes was difficult to control due to the excess pressure of alkali metals.

    Another growth technique was fully implemented in the laboratory of the A.V. Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS, and was closer to molecular beam epitaxy:

    — Our laboratory has conditions that allow us to create molecular sources from which film growth will be determined by the ratio of several flows, and there will be no excess of a certain chemical element and the stoichiometric composition of the film will be determined by the ratio of these flows. Having tested both methods, we came to the conclusion that new sources for the growth of such materials need to be created. The laboratory setup is currently being improved, — said Nadezhda Solovyova.

    All compounds studied by Nadezhda Solova are extremely unstable in the atmosphere, so their study requires the development of in-situ ultrahigh-vacuum photoelectron spectroscopy methods. Preparation of atomically clean substrate surfaces, synthesis and epitaxial growth of (Na,K,Cs)3(Sb,Bi), as well as their subsequent analysis are carried out directly in the ultrahigh-vacuum chambers of the SPECS Proven-X ARPES photoelectron spectroscopy facility at the ISP SB RAS. It implements such methods for analyzing the surface of solids as angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XRD), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). LEED allows one to quickly determine whether the structure of the grown films is crystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous. XPS is used to study the stoichiometric composition of films, their thickness and the chemical state of atoms on the surface.

    — The electronic structure of the grown monocrystalline films is studied using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPS). However, XPS, ARPES and RFD can be fully realized only when using monochromatic ultraviolet and soft X-ray radiation sources based on synchrotrons. Therefore, if our project shows high potential for further research, we will continue working at the SKIF synchrotron under construction in Novosibirsk. One of the suitable stations where similar measurements can be implemented will be station 1-6-2 “Electronic Structure”, — explained Nadezhda Solovyova.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dating apps could have negative effects on body image and mental health, our research shows

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zac Bowman, PhD Candidate, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University

    Dikushin Dmitry/Shutterstock

    Around 350 million people globally use dating apps, and they amass an estimated annual revenue of more than US$5 billion. In Australia, 49% of adults report using at least one online dating app or website, with a further 27% having done so in the past.

    But while dating apps have helped many people find romantic partners, they’re not all good news.

    In a recent review, my colleagues and I found using dating apps may be linked to poorer body image, mental health and wellbeing.

    We collated the evidence

    Our study was a systematic review, where we collated the results of 45 studies that looked at dating app use and how this was linked to body image, mental health or wellbeing.

    Body image refers to the perceptions or feelings a person has towards their own appearance, often relating to body size, shape and attractiveness.

    Most of the studies we included were published in 2020 onwards. The majority were carried out in Western countries (such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia). Just under half of studies included participants of all genders. Interestingly, 44% of studies observed men exclusively, while only 7% included just women.

    Of the 45 studies, 29 looked at the impact of dating apps on mental health and wellbeing and 22 considered the impact on body image (some looked at both). Some studies examined differences between users and non-users of dating apps, while others looked at whether intensity of dating app use (how often they’re used, how many apps are used, and so on) makes a difference.

    More than 85% of studies (19 of 22) looking at body image found significant negative relationships between dating app use and body image. Just under half of studies (14 of 29) observed negative relationships with mental health and wellbeing.

    The studies noted links with problems including body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

    Dating apps are becoming increasingly common. But could their use harm mental health?
    Rachata Teyparsit/Shutterstock

    It’s important to note our research has a few limitations. For example, almost all studies included in the review were cross-sectional – studies that analyse data at a particular point in time.

    This means researchers were unable to discern whether dating apps actually cause body image, mental health and wellbeing concerns over time, or whether there is simply a correlation. They can’t rule out that in some cases the relationship may go the other way, meaning poor mental health or body image increases a person’s likelihood of using dating apps.

    Also, the studies included in the review were mostly conducted in Western regions with predominantly white participants, limiting our ability to generalise the findings to all populations.

    Why are dating apps linked to poor body image and mental health?

    Despite these limitations, there are plausible reasons to expect there may be a link between dating apps and poorer body image, mental health and wellbeing.

    Like a lot of social media, dating apps are overwhelmingly image-centric, meaning they have an emphasis on pictures or videos. Dating app users are initially exposed primarily to photos when browsing, with information such as interests or hobbies accessible only after manually clicking through to profiles.

    Because of this, users often evaluate profiles based primarily on the photos attached. Even when a user does click through to another person’s profile, whether or not they “like” someone may still often be determined primarily on the basis of physical appearance.

    This emphasis on visual content on dating apps can, in turn, cause users to view their appearance as more important than who they are as a person. This process is called self-objectification.

    People who experience self-objectification are more likely to scrutinise their appearance, potentially leading to body dissatisfaction, body shame, or other issues pertaining to body image.

    Dating apps are overwhelmingly image-centric.
    Studio Romantic/Shutterstock

    There could be several reasons why mental health and wellbeing may be impacted by dating apps, many of which may centre around rejection.

    Rejection can come in many forms on dating apps. It can be implied, such as having a lack of matches, or it can be explicit, such as discrimination or abuse. Users who encounter rejection frequently on dating apps may be more likely to experience poorer self-esteem, depressive symptoms or anxiety.

    And if rejection is perceived to be based on appearance, this could lead again to body image concerns.

    What’s more, the convenience and game-like nature of dating apps may lead people who could benefit from taking a break to keep swiping.

    What can app developers do? What can you do?

    Developers of dating apps should be seeking ways to protect users against these possible harms. This could, for example, include reducing the prominence of photos on user profiles, and increasing the moderation of discrimination and abuse on their platforms.

    The Australian government has developed a code of conduct – to be enforced from April 1 this year – to help moderate and reduce discrimination and abuse on online dating platforms. This is a positive step.

    Despite the possible negatives, research has also found dating apps can help build confidence and help users meet new people.

    If you use dating apps, my colleagues and I recommend choosing profile images you feel display your personality or interests, or photos with friends, rather than semi-clothed images and selfies. Engage in positive conversations with other users, and block and report anyone who is abusive or discriminatory.

    It’s also sensible to take breaks from the apps, particularly if you’re feeling overwhelmed or dejected.

    If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. The Butterfly Foundation provides support for eating disorders and body image issues, and can be reached on 1800 334 673.

    Zac Bowman 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. Dating apps could have negative effects on body image and mental health, our research shows – https://theconversation.com/dating-apps-could-have-negative-effects-on-body-image-and-mental-health-our-research-shows-247336

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Want your loved ones to inherit your super? Here’s why you can’t afford to skip this one step

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tobias Barkley, Lecturer, La Trobe University

    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    What happens to our super when we die? Most Australians have superannuation accounts but about one in five of us die before we can retire and actually enjoy that money.

    If we do die early our money is paid out as super “death benefits”. They can be substantial. Even people who die young can have $200,000–$300,000 of death benefits through super life insurance.

    Death benefits have recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Last week the Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed concern about delays paying out death benefits.

    The Law Council is concerned people do not have enough control over how death benefits are distributed. Others are devastated about death benefits being paid to alleged violent partners.

    How can you decide who gets your unspent super?

    Our first thought might be writing it in our will. However, super is not covered by our will as it does not become part of our deceased estate.

    Instead, death benefits are distributed by the trustee of your superannuation fund. Under the law, there are two main mechanisms controlling distribution: binding nominations and the trustee’s discretion.

    Wills don’t cover super so it is important to lock in a beneficiary using a binding nomination.
    Brian A Jackson/Shutterstock

    Every super member has the option to create a binding nomination. It’s like a will for your super that the super trustee is obliged to follow. It also needs two witnesses to execute it. However, there are actually more ways for a binding nomination to fail than for a will to fail.

    The law only allows you to nominate certain people: your “dependants” or your estate. If you nominate anyone else your entire nomination stops being binding. Plus, unlike wills, there is no way to fix execution errors. Also, many binding nominations expire after three years.

    If you don’t have a binding nomination, then the trustee can choose who your death benefit goes to. There are two main mechanisms controlling how the trustee chooses who gets your death benefit.

    First, legislation requires the trustee to give the death benefit to your dependants or deceased estate before anyone else. This means that your parents, for example, will only receive something if you have no children, partner or other dependants.

    Second, decisions made by trustees can be disputed by complaining to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). The authority has a rigid approach to who should get death benefits and trustees usually follow this course of action.

    Research I’ve done with Xia Li of La Trobe University reveals what AFCA does in practice.

    Most crucially, people’s wishes expressed in non-binding nominations were essentially ignored. Our research found there was no statistically significant association between being nominated in a non-binding nomination and receiving any of the death benefit. This was true even for recent nominations.

    Other factors the complaints authority ignores are family violence and financial need. In one case, five daughters provided evidence, including a police report, that their deceased mother was a victim of violence perpetrated by her new partner. In keeping with the Federal Court, AFCA gave the alleged perpetrator everything because he alone would have benefited from the deceased’s finances if she had lived.

    In another case, the deceased’s adult son received nothing despite living with disability and “doing it tough”. He had refused financial help so was not financially dependent. AFCA gave everything to the partner.

    AFCA ignores these factors because of one key issue. It places “great weight” on whether beneficiaries are financially dependent on the deceased.

    This means when choosing between a financial dependent – such as a new partner who shares home expenses with the deceased, and non-financial dependants, such as most adult children – AFCA will almost always give everything to the spouse.

    A new spouse will often receive their partner’s death benefits ahead of the deceased’s non-dependent children.
    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    Relying on financial dependence can be arbitrary. Unlike in family law, a de facto partner does not need to be living with you for two years before becoming entitled. For example, in one case AFCA gave a partner of possibly only seven months (and 41 years younger than the deceased) everything and the deceased’s three children aged 27–33 nothing.

    Also, AFCA treats any regular payment that supports daily living as financial dependence. For example, a son paying A$100 a week board to parents means both parents are financially dependent on the son. In another case, payments from the deceased to his brother of $5,000, $7,000 and $5,000 made over a year was not financial dependence because they were irregular.

    The whole process is slow. The average time it takes to resolve a death benefit case that goes to AFCA is nearly three years and the longest case I’ve seen took over six.

    The only thing that you can do that will make a difference is execute a binding nomination; non-binding nominations are worthless.

    But take care to execute your binding nomination correctly (get legal advice) and leave reminders for yourself to review it every three years.

    Tobias Barkley is an ordinary member of the Unisuper superannuation fund.

    – ref. Want your loved ones to inherit your super? Here’s why you can’t afford to skip this one step – https://theconversation.com/want-your-loved-ones-to-inherit-your-super-heres-why-you-cant-afford-to-skip-this-one-step-248019

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s annual trade in services exceeds $1 trillion, boasting significant potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s annual trade in services exceeded 1 trillion U.S. dollars for the first time last year, demonstrating significant potential for further growth.

    China’s services import and export value amounted to a record-high of 7.5 trillion yuan (about 1.05 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, expanding 14.4 percent year on year, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce (MOC).

    Exports grew 18.2 percent year on year and imports grew 11.8 percent, according to the MOC.

    Driven by the global trends of digitization, smart technology advancement and green development, China’s trade in services grew in scale, its structure was optimized further and its international competitiveness was enhanced in 2024, said Li Jun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the MOC.

    He noted that the comprehensive relaxation and optimization of China’s visa-free transit policy has played a role in boosting inbound tourism over the last year.

    The broadly welcomed new policy has sparked the rise of “China Travel,” a popular hashtag on social media where many travelers share their experiences in China, with increasing numbers of international tourists being drawn by the country’s cultural landmarks, nature and city walks.

    “‘China Travel’ is booming rapidly, and this growth is expected to boost the country’s services trade further, while helping to drive the global travel industry toward continued recovery and prosperity,” Li said.

    China’s digital cultural platforms and content have been gaining significant traction overseas, Li said, noting the popularity of Chinese video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” the distribution of high-quality Chinese films and TV dramas on overseas streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, and the fact that Chinese internet literature is influencing an increasing number of international readers.

    The Chinese government released a guideline on promoting the high-quality development of trade in services through high-standard opening-up in August last year.

    The document offered robust policy support for the development of China’s services trade, Li said, calling for more efforts to advance opening-up, innovation and international cooperation in the sector.

    Noting that China established a nationwide negative list management system for cross-border trade in services last year, Li suggested that the level of institutional opening-up should be improved continuously, that the negative list should be shortened gradually as appropriate, and that high-standard international economic and trade rules should be aligned with actively.

    He urged launching the construction of national demonstration zones for the innovative development of trade in services as soon as possible.

    To facilitate innovation, Li called for the potential of industrial digitization and digital transformation to be unlocked, for support for the professional organizations offering services in finance, consulting, design and certification to enhance their ability to provide international services, and for the accelerated development of green services.

    Bilateral, multilateral and regional collaboration in digital trade and trade in services should be expanded, Li said, suggesting that the role of major exhibition platforms should continue to be leveraged, and that international services trade cooperation parks should be developed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China estimates 4.8 bln trips in first half of Spring Festival travel rush

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A total of 4.8 billion inter-regional passenger trips were estimated to be made across China from Jan. 14 to Feb. 2, the first half of the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush.

    The figure represents a 7.2 percent increase from the same period last year, according to a special work team established to facilitate sound operations during the Spring Festival travel rush, also known as chunyun.

    Passenger flows have surged since Jan. 30, with daily trips exceeding 300 million on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, both surpassing last year’s levels, according to a research and development center under the Ministry of Transport, adding that the trend is expected to continue during the holiday period.

    On Feb. 2 alone, an estimated 319.32 million trips will be made, with highways accounting for the largest share at 301.02 million trips, according to the special work team.

    A record-breaking 9 billion trips are expected to be made during chunyun in 2025 that will end on Feb. 22. The Spring Festival, an occasion for family reunions, fell on Jan. 29 this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s business community firmly opposes US tariff hikes

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s business community deeply regrets and firmly opposes the U.S. decision to impose an additional 10-percent tariff on goods imported from China, a spokesperson for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) said on Sunday.

    The U.S. unilateral imposition of additional tariffs seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and many U.S. businesses and consumers will have to bear the costs, the CCPIT spokesperson said in a statement.

    This move will disrupt normal China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation and threaten the stability of global industrial and supply chains, the spokesperson added.

    “There is no winner in trade and tariff wars,” the spokesperson stressed, noting that the erroneous actions by the United States will not solve the U.S. problems at home. Instead, they will harm China-U.S. relations and negatively affect global economic development.

    China’s business community has urged the U.S. side to immediately correct its wrongdoings, work with China to meet each other halfway, and strengthen cooperation with other countries to foster a favorable international environment for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes for the business communities of both countries and the world, and to inject more stability and positive energy into the global economy, the spokesperson said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran unveils 3 new homegrown satellites

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Iran on Sunday unveiled three new domestically developed satellites in the Iranian capital Tehran to mark its National Space Technology Day, the official news agency IRNA reported.

    The satellites, namely Navak-1, Pars-2, and an upgraded model of Pars-1, were unveiled in a ceremony attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyyed Sattar Hashemi, as well as a number of cabinet members, officials, and military commanders, the report said.

    Developed by the Iranian Space Research Center, the Navak-1 communications satellite is designed to test the function of an improved version of the homegrown Simorgh launch vehicle in the near future. The carrier is expected to put the satellite into an elliptic orbit, according to IRNA.

    Weighing approximately 34 kg, Navak-1 is equipped with a dosimetry payload to measure cosmic rays, the report said, adding the satellite has a magnetometer sensor to measure the Earth’s electromagnetic field.

    According to IRNA, the Pars-2 remote-sensing satellite weighs 150 kg and is equipped with two imaging payloads with two different homegrown linear position sensors.

    The satellite features a propeller and is capable of carrying out diverse missions in the fields of environmental monitoring, forestry, natural disaster response, and urban management.

    The upgraded model of Pars-1 remote-sensing satellite, weighing under 150 kg, has three imaging payloads: multispectral, short-wave infrared, and thermal infrared, according to IRNA.

    The satellite is powered by energy generated from its gallium arsenide solar cells, according to the report. The first model of the satellite, weighing 134 kg, was launched on Feb. 29, 2024, aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny space base.

    Speaking at another ceremony in Tehran on Sunday to mark the occasion, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said the country plans to conduct two space launches in the coming weeks, before the end of the current Iranian calendar year on March 20. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU criticizes US tariff, vowing to ‘respond firmly’ if targeted

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The European Commission on Sunday criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff imposed upon three countries, saying they disrupt global trade and are harmful to all, and vowing to hit back if targeted.

    “The European Union (EU) regrets the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China,” an EU spokesman was quoted by local media.

    He highlighted the importance of “open markets and respect for international trade rules,” saying they are essential for strong and sustainable economic growth. “Tariffs create unnecessary economic disruption and drive inflation. They are hurtful to all sides,” he added.

    Referring to potential U.S. tariffs on EU products, the spokesman said “the EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods.”

    “Our trade and investment relationship with the United States is the biggest in the world. There is a lot at stake,” he was quoted as saying.

    Since Trump’s second term started, Brussels has been advocating that the two sides should work on strengthening the existing transatlantic relationships, and has dedicated efforts to avoiding a trade conflict with Washington through negotiation. However, Trump doubled down on his plan by saying he would “absolutely” impose tariffs on the EU goods last week.

    On Saturday, Trump signed an executive order to impose a 10-percent tariff hike on goods imported from China, and a 25-percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. The move has drawn widespread opposition and immediate retaliations.

    In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce said Sunday that China will file a complaint at the World Trade Organization and take corresponding countermeasures to firmly safeguard its rights and interests. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday that Canada will impose a levy of 25 percent on 21 billion U.S. dollars worth of American goods as of Tuesday. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has instructed the Secretariat of Economy to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico’s interests. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US tariff move sparks criticism, concern in Germany

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff move against Canada, Mexico and China has sparked criticism and concern in Germany.

    On Saturday, Trump ordered to impose a 25-percent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10-percent tariff on Chinese goods. He also signaled that the European Union (EU) could be next, citing the bloc’s persistent trade surplus with the U.S.

    While reaffirming Germany’s commitment to economic ties with the U.S., German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that the first priority should be “not to divide up the world with many tariff barriers.”

    “Tariffs have never been a good idea to resolve trade policy conflicts,” Chairman of the German Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz said, warning of backlash in the U.S. as rising import costs would fuel inflation and hit American consumers directly.

    Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), described the tariffs as “a clear warning to the EU and Ursula von der Leyen,” stressing that neither Germany nor the EU should remain passive.

    Trump’s move would come at a high cost for Americans, Jandura said, adding, “The losers are always end consumers, who will feel the price increase at the checkout.”

    German companies are also bracing for the impact, as many supply the U.S. market from Mexico, particularly in the automotive industry.

    According to the German newspaper Handelsblatt, Mexico has been Germany’s most important investment location in Latin America for years, with total investments exceeding 45 billion U.S. dollars since the 2000s.

    Volkswagen Group, which operates one of its largest vehicle factories in Mexico, produces nearly 80 percent of its North America vehicles in Mexico and Canada. A Volkswagen spokesman voiced concerns about the tariffs’ potential economic fallout, warning of negative effects on American consumers and the global auto industry.

    According to the credit rating agency S&P, Canada and Mexico produce around 5.3 million passenger cars annually, with approximately 70 percent destined for the U.S.

    Importers are likely to pass most, if not all, of the price increase to consumers, S&P noted, warning that the additional costs would further strain affordability in the U.S. auto market. 

    MIL OSI China News –