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  • MIL-OSI Global: Israel’s ‘generals’ plan’ to clear Palestinians from north of Gaza could pave the way for settlers to return

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Leonie Fleischmann, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, City St George’s, University of London

    Western political leaders were quick to argue that the killing of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, on October 17 presented a window of opportunity. Perhaps the decapitation of the militant group’s senior command would be a chance for renewed ceasefire talks and the release of the Israeli hostages.

    The US president, Joe Biden, urged the Israeli government the following day to “make this moment an opportunity” to end the war in Gaza. But Israel had already launched a major operation in northern Gaza. On October 12, the IDF posted a message in Arabic on social media sites warning civilians living in an area designated as D5 on Israel’s grid map of Gaza to evacuate. It said the area would soon be a “dangerous combat zone” and ordered people to move to safe areas in the south of Gaza.

    This process has continued as the IDF has renewed its offensive in the north of the enclave, with an estimated 400,000 people affected, about 20% of the population of Gaza. The UN reported on October 21 that only a “trickle” of food aid has been allowed into north Gaza over the previous week. The Israeli military has denied this. But it has also been reported that the emergency polio vaccination campaign in north Gaza has had to be suspended, due to Israeli bombardment and a lack of access to UN personnel.

    The forcible transfer of a population during war is illegal under international law, as is denying access to humanitarian aid for civilians. But there are fears that there is a plan to move Palestinians out of north Gaza in a plan which could pave the way for settlers to move in.

    The liberal Haaretz newspaper, a consistent critic of the Netanyahu government, published an editorial on October 22 saying that there was mounting evidence that Israel is now pursuing a policy of siege and starvation to force the complete evacuation of the civilian population of northern Gaza. In doing this, the newspaper said, Israel is implementing the now notorious “generals’ plan”. It asserted:

    Make no mistake, [the generals’ plan] is a war crime, and it runs contrary to UN Security Council decision 2334, which states that land may not be taken through force, referring to acts of war.

    Military plan or land grab?

    The “generals’ plan” is attributed to retired Maj. Gen. Giora Eiland, a former head of national security in Israel. As a strategy to defeat Hamas (something which has proved elusive in 12 months of bitter fighting in Gaza) it proposes the wholesale transfer of north Gaza’s population south beyond the Netzarim corridor. A siege would be imposed on those who remain.

    The Netzarim Corridor runs across the Gaza Strip below Gaza CIty. Israel is moving Palestinians south of the corridor.
    ChrisO/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    In late September Eiland argued in an interview with Haaretz that “it’s permissible and even recommended to starve an enemy to death, provided you’ve allowed the civilians corridors of exits beforehand. And that is exactly what I am proposing”.

    Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, recently told US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, that Israel is not planning to lay siege to northern Gaza. But the evidence of the military’s actions on the ground suggests otherwise. Since October 6 the IDF has been conducting what it calls a “clearing operation” in Jabalia, north of Gaza City, channelling civilians south while launching airstrikes against the Jabalia refugee camp, where it says units of Hamas are embedded.

    Changing the reality

    There is widespread concern that the end game in north Gaza will include the return of settlers. A conference on October 22 attended by members of the ruling Likud Party, including several ministers in the Netanyahu government, heard the national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, assert that “encouraging emigration” of Palestinian residents of Gaza would be the “most ethical” solution to the conflict. The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, told journalists on his way to the conference that the Gaza Strip was “part of the Land of Israel” and that “without settlements, there is no security”.

    Settlers were moved out of the the Gaza Strip in 2005, under the then prime minister Ariel Sharon’s Disengagement Plan. The plan dismantled 21 settlements in the Strip, relocating an estimated 8,000 settlers. Many vowed at the time that they would return one day.

    CIA map of the Gaza Strip in May 2005, a few months prior to the Israeli withdrawal. The major settlement blocs are shaded in blue.
    CIA/Wikimedia Commons

    There was a Jewish presence on the Gaza Strip from biblical times until 1929, when they were driven out during the Arab revolts, in which 133 Gazan Jews were killed. After the six-day war in 1967, Israel occupied the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. In the aftermath of the war, the main focus of settlement was national security, rather than religious ideology. Here the driving force was Israel’s deputy prime minister, Yigal Allon, who believed that national security could be guaranteed by building settlements.

    As a consequence, in the 1970s, the Labour government established the initial modern settlements in the Gaza Strip. The settlements divided the enclave such that the Palestinian inhabitants in each area were isolated from each other, thus enabling Israeli control.

    UK-based historian Ahron Bregman, a former Israeli army officer (who has written for The Conversation on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians), warned in a post on X about how national security could once again be used as a pretext for settlements to be established in north Gaza.

    Warning: Ahron Bregman’s post on X on October 22.
    Twitter

    The current operation in northern Gaza feels like a particularly ominous moment, not only in the Hamas-Israel war, but in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather than use the opportunity of a weakened Hamas to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal and allow the people of Gaza to attempt to rebuild their shattered lives, Israel appears to be illegally, immorally and irreversibly changing the realities on the ground.

    Leonie Fleischmann 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. Israel’s ‘generals’ plan’ to clear Palestinians from north of Gaza could pave the way for settlers to return – https://theconversation.com/israels-generals-plan-to-clear-palestinians-from-north-of-gaza-could-pave-the-way-for-settlers-to-return-241987

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mary Queen of Scots and the clandestine tricks of the women who kept her secrets

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jade Scott, Affiliate in History , University of Glasgow

    Mary, Queen of Scots spent almost 20 years in captivity. She was held in various locations across Britain from 1568 until her execution on February 8 1587. As I explain in my new book, Captive Queen: The Decrypted History of Mary, Queen of Scots, during this period she relied upon letters to maintain her support back in Scotland, encourage international allies to join her cause and foster allegiances in England.

    Mary was aware that her letters were routinely read by her jailers and passed on to be scrutinised by Elizabeth I’s closest advisers, notably William Cecil. At times, she was forced to rely on clandestine techniques, including writing in invisible ink. She wrote that “although such artifices be very hazardous and vulgar, they will serve me in extreme necessity”.

    Less technical means of conveying correspondence covertly also proved useful. Letters were regularly passed surreptitiously in clothing. They could be slipped under the sleeves of ladies’ gowns, sewn into doublets, or even packed into the heel of a shoe.

    In 1572, Mary’s longest-serving custodian, the earl of Shrewsbury, George Talbot, reported that he had discovered that Mary was having letters left hidden under stones in the gardens. These would be collected later by servants and carried out of the property, to avoid unwanted attention.

    Mary also used complex ciphers to disguise the contents of her correspondence, especially when she wished to discuss plots designed to set her free. Hundreds of her coded letters survive in different forms (as copies, translations, and originals), many of them from supporters who were directly involved in schemes including the Babington plot of 1586, which aimed to assassinate Elizabeth I and replace her with Mary.

    Mary, Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay by John Duncan (1929).
    University of St Andrews, CC BY-SA

    The women who carried Mary’s secrets

    The role of women in Mary’s coded correspondence is often overlooked. Yet she relied upon her female supporters to ensure that covert networks were maintained during her captivity.

    The countess of Northumberland, Lady Anne Percy, was one of the noblewomen at the heart of a transcontinental network of Catholic exiles who went to great efforts to preserve clandestine channels of communication between themselves and Mary.

    In August 1571, William Maitland of Lethington, Mary’s principal secretary in Scotland, wrote to her. He explained that he had shared a new cipher so that Lady Percy could write to Mary secretly. Several years later, Mary confirmed that she was still writing in code to Lady Percy and receiving such letters in return.

    Mary Queen of Scots Bidding Farewell to France by William Powell Frith (1851).
    National Trust, Newton House, Dinefwr Park and Castle

    Similarly, Mary communicated with Scottish noblewomen using ciphers. Lady Livingston, Agnes Fleming, journeyed with Mary into England in late 1568 and remained by her side in captivity until 1572, when she returned to Scotland. We know that she communicated with Mary using coded letters because in 1573 Lethington warned her that she must stop using their usual cipher.

    He explained that the letter bearer had been arrested and so their cipher was likely “known to their adversaries”. Lady Livingston remained a loyal supporter of Mary after she returned to Scotland. She was even briefly imprisoned in Dalkeith by the regent of Scotland, James Morton, for sharing news and intelligence via secret messages.



    Read more:
    Letters and embroidery allowed medieval women to express their ‘forbidden’ emotions

    Lady Ferniehirst, Jean Scott, also composed coded correspondence to navigate the surveillance and scrutiny that the Scottish queen was subject to in England. Her husband, Sir Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst, was exiled in 1573 following his attempts to hold Edinburgh Castle on Mary’s behalf. This meant that during the 1580s, Lady Ferniehirst was crucial to the survival of a network of Scottish nobles who continued to agitate for Mary’s restoration.

    She regularly acted as an intermediary between Mary and James VI, allowing at least some of their communication to avoid English detection. Several of Lady Ferniehirst’s own coded letters to Mary survive, and many were intercepted and decoded by contemporary agents seeking evidence of Mary’s plotting.

    In 1578, Mary requested that Lady Ferniehirst’s 13-year-old daughter be allowed to join her household in England. Aware of the clandestine correspondence between the two women, this request was denied by Elizabeth I. She suspected that Lady Ferniehirst’s daughter would ensure even more coded letters managed to make their way from Mary to her supporters.

    The correspondence of Mary’s female supporters reveals early modern women’s skilful navigation of political crisis. Illuminating the examples of women like Lady Percy, Lady Livingston and Lady Ferniehirst challenges gendered assumptions that have led to women being underestimated or dismissed throughout history.


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    Jade Scott previously received funding from Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (AHRC).

    – ref. Mary Queen of Scots and the clandestine tricks of the women who kept her secrets – https://theconversation.com/mary-queen-of-scots-and-the-clandestine-tricks-of-the-women-who-kept-her-secrets-241444

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How asbestos exposure continues to be a dire health risk – 25 years after it was banned

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Jjay69/Shutterstock

    Asbestos may have been banned from use in the UK since 1999 but the hazardous material continues to pose a serious danger to the population.

    Low levels of asbestos are naturally present in the air, water and soil, which usually doesn’t cause people to become ill. However, regular exposure to asbestos – in the workplace, for example – is a real health risk.

    Asbestos exposure can have an insidious effect on health. It can take decades for symptoms to become noticeable but, once diagnosed, most patients die within two years.

    According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, more than 5,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases each year, making asbestos the leading cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

    Perilous but popular

    Asbestos is a group of dangerous but naturally occurring fibrous minerals widely used for decades for their heat-resistant and insulating properties. The primary types of asbestos include the most commonly used chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos).

    These fibres are highly durable and resistant to heat, electricity, and chemical damage, which made asbestos a popular material in various industries, particularly in construction and manufacturing throughout the 20th century.

    Worryingly, despite the known dangers of asbestos, it remains a common material in many UK school buildings. According to a 2019 Department for Education survey, more than 80% of state schools in England and around 60% of schools in Scotland and Wales still have asbestos “present on their estate”.

    Asbestos is considered to be safe as long as it is undisturbed. However, if there are damaged or shedding fibres then the material becomes highly dangerous to those exposed to it.

    An (un)healthy education

    When asbestos fibres become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause significant damage to lung cells and other organs.

    The main health issues linked to asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that leads to lung tissue scarring and severe breathing difficulties.

    Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs – and sometimes the abdomen or heart. Sadly, as my research has shown, it’s extremely difficult to treat patients with this condition.

    HSE statistics show that 111 teachers died from mesothelioma between the years of 2011-20. In 2021, 23 teachers died from the cancer. A 2021 report by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC), a group that was set up to protect workers and students from the risk of asbestos, states estimates that “1,000 teachers and support staff and 9,000 former pupils died from mesothelioma between 1980 and 2017 due to asbestos exposure in schools”.

    Deadly decay

    State school buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1999 in the UK are likely to have been built using asbestos containing materials. Despite the guidance that asbestos is safe if not disturbed, there are concerns that the dilapidated state of many of the UK’s state school buildings is causing teachers and children to be at risk of asbestos exposure.

    In October 2024, the CEO of the Mesothelioma UK charity, Liz Darlison told the MailOnline that:

    The ongoing presence of asbestos in our deteriorating school buildings is like a bomb that is slowly exploding. It’s an unbelievable tragedy and a national disgrace that we are not doing more to protect people, especially children.

    Crumbling school buildings could disturb asbestos fibres, causing them to be released and then inhaled by teachers and students. Asbestos fibres are invisible – they can’t be seen, smelled or felt in the air or on clothes so it’s impossible to know if you’ve been exposed to it – until it’s too late.

    It seems, then, that only way to finally eradicate the health risks of asbestos is to remove it from public buildings. Strict enforcement of regulations, public education, safe removal programs and support for those who’ve been exposed to asbestos will be essential in ensuring that asbestos related health risks are finally eradicated.

    Justin Stebbing 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. How asbestos exposure continues to be a dire health risk – 25 years after it was banned – https://theconversation.com/how-asbestos-exposure-continues-to-be-a-dire-health-risk-25-years-after-it-was-banned-232426

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Moo Deng: the celebrated hippo’s real home has disappeared – will the world restore it?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Huanyuan Zhang-Zheng, College Lecturer at Worcester College, and Postdoctoral Researcher at School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford

    Moo Deng lives with her mother and siblings in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand. I Viewfinder/Shutterstock

    The playful and pudgy mammal that went viral from its Thai zoo enclosure has a sad story to tell about her fellows hippos.

    Moo Deng is the two-month-old pygmy hippo who flicks her ears in joy and likes splashing in water. She lives the life of a superstar at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where huge crowds have massed – but the chances of spotting her relatives in the wild are slim.

    Pygmy hippos (Choeropsis liberiensis) are endangered and estimated to number fewer than 2,500. Their decline has been drastic: a long-term survey in a national park in Ivory Coast found 12,000 pygmy hippos in 1982; 5,000 in 1997 and 2,000 in 2011. Today, these hippos are scarce across their native west Africa.

    Perhaps it’s not surprising that pygmy hippos feel most comfortable deep in the forest. Early European explorers to Liberia wrote in their diaries that this hippo chooses to forage at night and conceal itself in the water or in dense vegetation during the day.

    So secretive is this species that 19th-century explorers observed:

    if someone walks across one of their paths or tunnels (used to navigate through thick vegetation), they will abandon that route for a while.

    Sensitive souls

    Widespread deforestation and constant disturbance have made it difficult for pygmy hippos to survive, requiring as they do a combination of dense forests and swamps which already restricted them to a small area. West African forests have lost over 80% of their original area, which confines wild pygmy hippos to small spots in Gola National Forest (Sierra Leone) and Sapo National Park (Liberia).

    The world once had several pygmy hippo species. Only one remains, in West Africa.
    IUCN, CC BY-SA

    With their forests rapidly disappearing, there simply isn’t enough space for pygmy hippos to find food, thrive and reproduce. A survey in the Gola rainforest and its surroundings revealed that many were hiding on former cropland outside the protected area. Re – Yes the survey includes area outside protected forests area

    Cocoa production is probably the biggest cause of forest loss, then gold mining and unsustainable logging. These activities now encroach on forest reserves and other supposedly protected areas.

    Previous forest conservation efforts have failed. Conservationists argue for a system to financially reward farmers and authorise local forestry communities to safeguard the forests and sustainably manage what remains, as opposed to a top-down model of state management and enforcement.

    A world treasure

    West Africa’s forest loss is particularly heartbreaking as research shows that a remaining patch may be the most productive on Earth, surpassing even the Amazon rainforest.

    Particularly productive forests harness more of the sun’s energy and turn it into lots of palatable herbs and juicy fruits – more food to support animals like pygmy hippos, and so foster rich biodiversity.

    Before extensive fieldwork beginning in 2016, researchers had underestimated the value of west African forests, particularly their capacity to store carbon and thereby offset global warming. This oversight was partly the result of these forests being hidden by clouds, which makes satellite observation difficult, and their relative neglect by western researchers compared with other ecosystems elsewhere.

    It’s not just Moo Deng’s wider family that is at risk. West African forests are home to more than 900 bird species and nearly 400 mammals – more than a quarter of all mammal species in Africa. Their future is highly threatened by extensive deforestation.

    Underestimating the value of west African forests has kept them off the priority list for global forest restoration. It’s sadly not surprising that deforestation continues. In 2022 alone Ghana lost 44,500 acres of forest (twice the size of Manchester), close to a 70% increase from 2021.

    Each tropical forest contributes irreplaceable biodiversity. From the elusive mammals of west Africa to the vibrant birds of south-east Asia, these ecosystems are equally important. Comprehensive plans are needed to restore them which involve empowering local communities to manage their long-term health.

    A global initiative to designate 30% of Earth’s land and ocean as protected by 2030 (known as 30×30) should not conserve a vast area in one or two places, ignoring Earth’s other biodiversity hotspots. The lesson of Moo Deng’s disappearing home should be to value ecosystems equally – and plan their preservation with equal care.


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

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

    Huanyuan Zhang-Zheng receives funding from the US Department of Energy.

    Sulemana Bawa 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. Moo Deng: the celebrated hippo’s real home has disappeared – will the world restore it? – https://theconversation.com/moo-deng-the-celebrated-hippos-real-home-has-disappeared-will-the-world-restore-it-241815

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Remember to put clocks back this weekend

    Source: Northern Ireland Direct

    Date published:

    Make sure you remember to put your clocks back this weekend. British Summer Time ends on Sunday 27 October. You don’t want to miss that extra hour in bed.

    Reset clocks on Saturday night

    Think about resetting any household clocks, watches and time-based equipment on Saturday night that don’t automatically change. You don’t want to spend Sunday wondering why you’re early and everyone else is late.

    The equipment you may need to reset includes:

    • clocks (especially alarm clocks)
    • central heating and hot water timers
    • your mobile phone and computer (if they don’t automatically update)

    Greenwich Mean Time

    British Summer Time starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

    This means that:

    • in autumn the clocks go back – at 2.00 am British Summer Time moves to 1.00 am Greenwich Mean Time
    • in spring the clocks go forward – at 1.00 am Greenwich Mean Time moves to 2.00 am British Summer Time

    More useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU’s world-leading loris expert to receive award

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 25 October 2024 at 10:11

    Professor Anna Nekaris is to be honoured by the Primate Society of Great Britain

    Dr Anna Nekaris, Professor in Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), is to receive a prestigious honour later this year from the Primate Society of Great Britain. 

    Professor Nekaris, one of the world’s leading experts in lorises, will be awarded the Osman Hill Memorial Lecture Medal by the Primate Society of Great Britain at their winter meeting in Bristol on 12-13 December.

    The medal is awarded annually to a distinguished primatologist who has shown excellence in research and has made a substantial, original, and lasting contribution to the discipline.

    Professor Nekaris started her work on nocturnal primates in 1992 and in 2011 she established the Little Fireface Project – a conservation project based in Java, Indonesia, that supports loris conservation worldwide.

    She is Vice Chair of the recently formed IUCN Special Section for African and Asian Prosimians, Co-editor-in-chief of Folia Primatologica, and Section Editor of Nature’s Discover Conservation. Earlier this year, Professor Nekaris was made Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to conservation.

    Professor Nekaris has published more than 300 scientific papers and 10 edited volumes, and her studies cover all species of slow, pygmy and slender lorises, including five she named or elevated from subspecies, and one genus that she named. 

    Her research includes behavioural ecology in zoos, rescue centres and in the wild, including a novel study on slow loris venom, museum studies, genetics, acoustics, taxonomy, conservation education, and community conservation, especially with agroforestry farmers. 

    Much of her conservation work has focused on lorises in the pet trade. Through her advocacy, lorises became protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and Professor Nekaris has worked with the Japanese government to change laws regarding microchipping of CITES I protected species. She hopes her research will convince people that lorises do not make good pets. 

    Professor Nekaris said:

    “All species of loris are threatened with extinction and some are amongst the rarest primates on the planet. They are wild animals and my mission is to ensure that as many as possible remain in their natural habitats so we can learn more about these most unique primates.”

    On news of her award from the Primate Society of Great Britain, she added:

    “Being recognised by my fellow primatologists is a tremendous honour, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be following in the footsteps of some of the wonderful scientists who have previously been awarded the Osman Hill Memorial Lecture Medal. 

    “This award is also extra special to me because it is named after a scientist, William Charles Osman Hill, who made some of the first, significant contributions to our knowledge of lorises.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Libraries gain funding to help communities connect with nature

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester is among twenty-six English public library services that have received funding to launch new projects this month to help their communities build stronger connections with nature.

    The projects are part of Culture Nature England, a partnership between Libraries Connected and Natural England, the government’s adviser for the natural environment. Manchester Libraries have been awarded £10k to develop seed libraries at 8 locations, and to promote nature walks to three local nature reserves. 

    The seed libraries would provide up to 3 packets of free seeds to customers signing up to the scheme. People would be encouraged to allow their seeds to grow to maturity and flower, then collect and return resultant seeds to the seed library for others to access. 

    We would encourage complete beginners and old hands alike to come together to share their knowledge on seed sowing, plant nurturing, compost and soil care and harvesting.

    The initial seeds to be offered would be from 6/7 easy to grow varieties – a mix of wildflowers, herbs and vegetables – chosen to be beneficial to insects and meet local biodiversity requirements.

    The project will include workshops/events in the library, with guided nature walks from three of the libraries to local nature reserves at Boggart Hole Clough, Highfield Country Park and Wythenshawe Park, and better mapping of green infrastructure around each of the 8 libraries.

    Libraries will work with partners including our parks team and local community groups to maximise the benefits of this project. Manchester have signed up to the CILIP Green Manifesto and are developing an increasing range of services to help Manchester reach its carbon emission targets including acting as venues for people to drop off old technology which will be refurbished, and supporting litter picking campaigns.

    Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, said: “Libraries are vital community resources that improve the lives of residents and communities.  It is great that we have been successful in gaining this funding to increase libraries’ role in connecting people with nature.  Manchester is blessed with high quality green spaces and this funding will lead to more people feeling better connected to the natural environment.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What Derby City Council would like to see in the Government’s Autumn budget statement

    Source: City of Derby

    Following weeks of speculation, the Government will outline their actual spending plans for the first time next week in the Autumn budget statement.  Councils across the country, including Derby City Council, will be watching with interest to see what, if any, action will be taken to address the severe financial challenges faced by local government sector.

    In Derby, the Council’s current budget is its most challenging yet, with the Council reporting a predicted £9.6 million overspend on its revenue budget – which funds most of its services outside housing, education, and capital projects – at the end of the first quarter of 2024/25.

    Demand and costs have continued to rise at a much higher rate than forecast, mainly for services affecting the city’s most vulnerable citizens such as social care and homelessness. This is not unique to Derby and is affecting councils across the country. The Council has been lobbying the Government for changes to the way it is funded, together with local government colleagues nationally.

    Derby City Council’s Quarter 2 financial update will be presented to Cabinet in November, but over the medium term the Council faces the challenge of closing a significant budget gap which was estimated to be £13.9 million for 2025/26 before any of the new pressures on services emerged this year. The Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, which is also being considered by Council Cabinet in November, will provide further details on this position.

    As a result, the Council is already in the process of planning a balanced budget for 2025/26, which is a legal requirement, ready to present it to Councillors in December before it goes out to consultation. Although the Council won’t know for certain how much money it will receive from the Government until around the same time, it is hoped the Autumn statement on 30 October will provide some additional financial support.

    In simple terms, the Government currently funds Councils through one-year grant settlements, supplemented by additional grants which can only be used for specific purposes.  Shortfalls therefore have to be met from Council Tax and Business Rates, and as Government funding has significantly declined the Council has become more reliant on these local taxes.

    While the new Government has indicated that it will move towards multi-year settlements that make it easier to plan for the mid-term, it is not known when this will happen.

    Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said:

    We have to be realistic. We are not expecting the Government to announce multi-year grant funding settlements next week. However there are some small changes they could announce which we’ve lobbied for, and would be ‘quick wins’ for local government. They would certainly make a difference to us in Derby.

    A shortage of affordable accommodation means that homeless families are having to stay in temporary accommodation for longer. The amount of Housing Benefit we can claim back from the Government for this is capped, and if this cap was lifted we would be £4 million better off. A review of the right to buy legislation would allow Councils to maintain their levels of social housing.

    Costs in the social care market are spiralling, and introducing caps on fees that Councils pay for care would help ease the pressure on social care.

    A commitment to the much-awaited funding reforms for local government would also see a redistribution of funding to those areas that need it the most. Continuation of a lot of temporary funding, including funding that supports social care services and support to struggling families through the Household Support Fund, would mean that we could continue to support our most vulnerable residents.

    We would welcome any additional funding that the new Government can provide, however we are aware that there is no easy solution to the financial challenges that lie ahead, especially when we have no control over rising costs and demand. Any new burdens on local government need to be adequately funded.

    Let me be clear, we will have to make some very difficult decisions over the next few months if we are to fulfil our legal obligation of setting a balanced budget. Many councils have already had to make a Section 114 declaration or ask for additional Government support. This is not a route we want to take, as it would limit what we could do for Derby, but we accept that we may have to do less but in a safe and managed way.

    It is usually councils that are left to pick up the pieces when people find themselves in crisis. Yet demand continues to rise and we don’t have the funds to meet it. However we are acutely aware that we are not the only public service lobbying for more help.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2024 grain output expected to hit record high

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A farmer loads newly harvested paddy rice seeds in Cengong County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Aug. 26, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s grain output is projected to reach a record high of 700 million tonnes this year amid the country’s efforts to ensure grain security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Friday.
    The anticipated milestone harvest follows nine consecutive years of maintaining grain output above 650 million tonnes, said Vice Minister Zhang Xingwang in a press conference.
    The summer grain and early rice harvests have already been completed, with summer grain output totaling 149.78 million tonnes, up about 3.63 million tonnes from last year, and early rice production remaining stable at around 28.2 million tonnes.
    The autumn grain harvest is also well underway. As of Thursday, about 82.5 percent of the autumn crops have been harvested, signaling a bumper harvest this year, Zhang said.
    He noted that despite a series of bad weather events across different regions, including heavy rains, typhoons and droughts, the total crop area affected by natural disasters is among the lowest in recent years.
    Expanded planting areas, improved insurance coverage, higher minimum purchase prices for wheat and rice, and yield-improvement efforts for corn and soybeans have all contributed to this year’s production growth, Zhang said.
    To encourage grain cultivation, China increased the minimum purchase prices for wheat and rice in 2023 and enhanced subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers.
    While rice and wheat supplies remain stable, Zhang cautioned that demand gaps for corn and reliance on soybean imports persist, underscoring the need for greater farmland protection and increased production capacity.
    Grain security remains a top policy priority. China’s “No. 1 central document” for 2024 has called for robust efforts to advance a new round of grain production expansion.
    The focus is on stabilizing the sown grain area and boosting yield per unit to ensure grain production stays above 650 million tonnes.
    An array of measures has been rolled out to improve grain output over the past years, including building more high-standard farmland and promoting agricultural technologies.
    Since 2021, the total amount of arable land in China has increased by 17.58 million mu (1.17 million hectares), achieving a net increase for three consecutive years, according to official data.
    Looking ahead, Zhang said the ministry will introduce new policies to enhance agricultural productivity, boost farmers’ incomes, and revitalize the rural areas, all aimed at meeting annual agricultural targets and supporting the country’s broader economic goals.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China welcomes Apple’s stable cooperation with Chinese partners

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing on Friday, saying that the tech giant is welcome to maintain stable cooperation with Chinese partners to achieve common development.

    Both sides exchanged views on the development of Apple’s business in China as well as on China-U.S. economic and trade relations at the meeting, where Cook pledged long-term development and increased investment in China, according to a press release from the Ministry of Commerce.

    Noting that China has recently rolled out new opening-up measures and taken solid steps to address concerns of foreign-invested enterprises, Wang said Apple is welcome to seize the opportunities and continue deepening its presence in the Chinese market.

    “China will further optimize its business environment and continue to provide high-quality services for foreign-funded firms,” said the minister.

    Wang stressed that China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation based on mutual benefit and win-win outcomes serves the fundamental interests of both countries and acts as a stabilizing force in bilateral relations.

    “Generalizing national security is detrimental to normal economic and trade exchanges,” Wang noted.

    He said the Chinese side is willing to restore the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations by engaging in regular government-business exchanges.

    Cook said China’s rapid development helps Apple achieve fast and sustainable growth.

    Apple, which regards China as an important market and a key partner in the supply chain, is committed to long-term development in China and will continue to increase investment in areas such as the supply chain and research and development, he said.

    The company will continue to serve as a bridge for communication and exchanges between China and the United States in the economic and trade field, Cook added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s public offering fund value tops 32 trillion yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Assets under the management of China’s public offering funds totaled 32.07 trillion yuan (about 4.51 trillion U.S. dollars) by the end of September, data from the Asset Management Association of China showed Friday.

    In comparison with the end of August, the figure saw an increase of 1.17 trillion yuan, the data showed.

    By the end of September, 163 management companies were operating a total of 12,175 public offering funds, according to the data.

    Open-end funds, including equity, bond and money market funds, reported an asset value of nearly 28.24 trillion yuan, accounting for the lion’s share of the total. The scale of closed-end funds came in at nearly 3.83 trillion yuan.

    Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), last Friday called for efforts to accelerate the implementation of the guidelines on medium and long-term capital entry into the market, while vigorously developing public equity funds.

    The CSRC will deepen the market-oriented, law-based comprehensive reform of capital market investment and financing, Wu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case involving ocean-going vessel and electronic goods worth about $100 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs on October 15 detected a suspected case of using an ocean-going vessel to smuggle goods to Taichung at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. A large batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods with an estimated market value of about $100 million was seized.

         Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods and thus formulated strategies to combat related activities.

         On October 15, Customs officers identified an ocean-going vessel preparing to depart from Hong Kong for Taichung for inspection and seized a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including computers, household gadgets, smart watches, integrated circuits and circuit boards inside a container which was declared as containing electronic accessories aboard the vessel.

         An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

         Customs is the primary agency responsible for tackling smuggling activities and has long been combating various smuggling activities on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to crack down on related crimes.

         Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

         Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Dolly Parton Accepts State Department and Recording Academy’s 2024 Peace Through Music Award

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    We are proud to honor icon, philanthropist and 10-time @RecordingAcademy GRAMMY winner @DollyParton with the 2024 PEACE Through Music Award. Her timeless music and philanthropic efforts continue to bridge divides and promote peace worldwide, showcasing the positive power of music. #DollyParton #MusicDiplomacy

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaiSlknRvZM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Air Force delivers vital food and medical supplies to Lebanese Armed Forces

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has successfully delivered more than 12,500 ration packs and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The RAF plane being unloaded in Beirut

    • More than 12,500 ration packs and 79 medical kits have been delivered to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in Beirut today by the RAF.
    • The LAF are part of the security and stability solution for Lebanon and the wider region, as the sole legitimate military force of the Lebanese state.
    • Delivery comes amid the UK’s continued calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.

    The UK has successfully delivered more than 12,500 ration packs and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces. This package of medical supplies and provisions, delivered by the RAF, is funded by the UK’s Integrated Security Fund and will help support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

    The Lebanese Armed Forces are essential to the future security and stability of Lebanon and the wider region as the only legitimate military force of the Lebanese state.

    For more than a decade, the UK has given critical support to the LAF as a trusted partner, through training, mentoring and the provision of equipment. Since 2009, the UK has trained over 34,000 LAF personnel and dedicated over £106 million in funding The UK has also helped to construct nearly 80 Border Observation posts and Forward Operating Bases as part of efforts to support Lebanese border security.

    The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and increase in humanitarian aid in both Lebanon and Gaza to allow space for a political solution. The FCDO advises all British nationals should leave Lebanon immediately and have arranged several charter flights from Lebanon in recent weeks to support this.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    Today’s delivery of supplies from the RAF is in direct response to a request from the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The UK has supported the LAF for more than a decade, as the sole legitimate force of the Lebanese state.  Our support for the LAF can help build the foundations for a stable Lebanon, as part of our wider efforts towards de-escalation and peace in the region.

    We continue to work closely with our partners and allies in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

    Foreign Secretary David, Lammy said:

    This package of UK support demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Lebanon’s only legitimate armed forces, forces essential for stability and security of the state and wider region.

    We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel and a political plan consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. That is the only way to restore security and stability for the people living on both sides of the border.

    In October 2024, as a direct response to the mass displacement of people and growing number of civilian casualties, the UK boosted its humanitarian support for Lebanon with a further £10 million. The announcement follows the £5 million humanitarian package delivered through UNICEF to support access to clean water and sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies. The UK has also agreed to match public donations to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal of up to £10 million.

    The UK government is completely committed to peace in the Middle East and continues to call for de-escalation in the region after being the first nation in the G7 to do so. A ceasefire would pave the way for civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Australia and the United Kingdom to power up cooperation on climate and energy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the election of the Starmer Government.

    The Prime Ministers discussed Australia’s and the United Kingdom’s modern and dynamic relationship, underpinned by close personal ties and strong security, trade and investment links.

    The two leaders considered how the two countries could step-up their work together to meet common challenges and to realise new opportunities.

    Australia and the UK agree that the transition to net zero represents economic opportunity. The Albanese and Starmer Governments believe private capital and the power of government can be leveraged to shape a clean energy future in the interests of working people. The transition paves the way for new industries, new technologies, new job opportunities and a revitalisation of each nation’s industrial base.

    To this end, the Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a dynamic new partnership. The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership will focus on the development and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, to support the economic resilience and decarbonisation goals of both countries. 

    The partnership will also build upon the two countries’ long-standing cooperation on international climate action, including on renewable energy and climate finance.

    The Prime Ministers agreed the Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom will take this important work forward.

    The two leaders also announced grant recipients under the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. Under this program, the two Governments will support six cutting-edge projects focused on industrial decarbonisation. 

    On trade and investment, Prime Ministers discussed gains under the ambitious Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. The United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership later this year will also present new opportunities for the region. 

    Discussions on defence and strategic cooperation focused on working together to ensure the AUKUS partnership delivers for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a bilateral treaty, as announced by Defence Ministers in September 2024, to develop the SSN-AUKUS submarine for both nations.  

    The Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to an approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standards and to sustaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, respectful of sovereignty and rules.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

    Australia and the UK are longstanding partners, with common values and aligned strategic interests. It was great to congratulate Prime Minister Starmer in person after his election win in July. 

    We had a productive discussion, including agreeing to negotiate a new climate and energy partnership. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net zero transition, and build on our long-standing cooperation on international climate action and shared commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

    We share a vision for a modern and transformed Australia-United Kingdom relationship, which delivers tangible benefits and prosperity to both our nations and the Indo-Pacific.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The UK and Australia share many things in common, including our governments’ determination to improve the lives of working people, drive economic growth and ensure cleaner, more affordable energy. 

    This partnership underscores our commitment to powering up the UK with clean energy projects that will benefit communities across the country.

    Together, we’re delivering better futures for our two countries, whether that’s through protecting our national security with projects like AUKUS or delivering on our net zero commitments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Australia and the United Kingdom to power up cooperation on climate and energy

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the election of the Starmer Government.

    The Prime Ministers discussed Australia’s and the United Kingdom’s modern and dynamic relationship, underpinned by close personal ties and strong security, trade and investment links.

    The two leaders considered how the two countries could step-up their work together to meet common challenges and to realise new opportunities.

    Australia and the UK agree that the transition to net zero represents economic opportunity. The Albanese and Starmer Governments believe private capital and the power of government can be leveraged to shape a clean energy future in the interests of working people. The transition paves the way for new industries, new technologies, new job opportunities and a revitalisation of each nation’s industrial base.

    To this end, the Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a dynamic new partnership. The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership will focus on the development and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, to support the economic resilience and decarbonisation goals of both countries. 

    The partnership will also build upon the two countries’ long-standing cooperation on international climate action, including on renewable energy and climate finance.

    The Prime Ministers agreed the Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom will take this important work forward.

    The two leaders also announced grant recipients under the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. Under this program, the two Governments will support six cutting-edge projects focused on industrial decarbonisation. 

    On trade and investment, Prime Ministers discussed gains under the ambitious Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. The United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership later this year will also present new opportunities for the region. 

    Discussions on defence and strategic cooperation focused on working together to ensure the AUKUS partnership delivers for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a bilateral treaty, as announced by Defence Ministers in September 2024, to develop the SSN-AUKUS submarine for both nations.  

    The Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to an approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standards and to sustaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, respectful of sovereignty and rules.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

    Australia and the UK are longstanding partners, with common values and aligned strategic interests. It was great to congratulate Prime Minister Starmer in person after his election win in July. 

    We had a productive discussion, including agreeing to negotiate a new climate and energy partnership. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net zero transition, and build on our long-standing cooperation on international climate action and shared commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

    We share a vision for a modern and transformed Australia-United Kingdom relationship, which delivers tangible benefits and prosperity to both our nations and the Indo-Pacific.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The UK and Australia share many things in common, including our governments’ determination to improve the lives of working people, drive economic growth and ensure cleaner, more affordable energy. 

    This partnership underscores our commitment to powering up the UK with clean energy projects that will benefit communities across the country.

    Together, we’re delivering better futures for our two countries, whether that’s through protecting our national security with projects like AUKUS or delivering on our net zero commitments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wave of the future: How DASA-backed AI innovation is revolutionising maritime rescue

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Scotland-based SME Zelim has won a contract with the US Navy to deploy their innovative AI-enabled Person-in-Water detection and tracking technology, known as ZOE.

    • Zelim’s detection and tracking system uses AI to scan the water surface to find people in the water much more accurately and consistently than human eyes and current systems can
    • Low-cost and easy to integrate, the software solution can be implemented in any camera or CCTV setup
    • DASA funding has helped take the solution from concept to commercial project, which is now being used on commercial ships, offshore energy infrastructure and commercial ports
    • In 2024, Zelim was awarded a US Navy contract to deploy ZOE – their advanced AI-enabled person in water detection and tracking technology

    In 2024, Edinburgh-based SME Zelim achieved a remarkable milestone: securing a contract with the US Navy to deploy an advanced Person-in-Water detection system. This breakthrough, rooted in artificial intelligence, represents a significant leap forward in maritime rescue technology – and it all began with support from the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

    The US Navy contract, awarded through a Phase I SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, recognises Zelim’s cutting-edge AI-enabled detection and tracking technology. This system, known as ZOE, can scan vast stretches of ocean, identifying and tracking individuals or objects with unprecedented accuracy – even in challenging conditions that would confound human observers and current vision systems.

    How did a small Scottish company attract the attention of the US Navy? In 2022, Zelim presented the search and rescue concept to the DASA Open Call, which offered essential early-stage funding and expertise, allowing Zelim to turn their idea into reality. Zelim’s DASA project helped the SME tackle significant challenges, such as gathering person in water rescue data across a huge range of conditions and creating a comprehensive database for accurately identifying humans in water – a critical component in making the system reliable enough for real-world rescue operations.

    Andy Tipping, Co-Founder and Business Development Director explains:

    The DASA offering is unique, we had a DASA Subject Matter Expert who was always on hand to keep us on track and to make sure whatever we developed would meet defence customer needs, plus we had an Exploitation Manager working tirelessly to secure meetings with a range of MoD and Home Office end users. The result was, by the end of the project we started securing our first contracts in civilian markets, selling our AI enabled detection system to offshore energy operators and several months later our technology was selected for the US Navy SBIR programme. Being a DASA Alumni also gave credibility and it wasn’t long after the project completed that we secured our Series A investment round.

    From UK Innovation to US Navy Contract

    As soon as someone enters the water, rescuers are against the clock. This is greatly understood by Zelim founder, Sam Mayall, a seasoned mariner with a wide range of experience, from small dinghies to 40,000-ton ships. With a background in commercial shipping, Sam has experienced numerous emergencies at sea, including a tragic incident where rescuers discovered a body floating face down in the water.

    This experience ignited the desire to help improve maritime safety for sailors and equip rescuers with better tools, enhanced by AI and automation to ensure safer operations in the vast ocean and help overcome challenges such as:

    • Vastness of Oceans

      Individuals lost at sea can be difficult to spot with only their head often visible, which can be missed or confused with other ocean debris.

    • Poor Weather Conditions

      Fog, ocean spray, and darkness significantly reduce visibility, complicating the search efforts.

    • Imperfect Human Eyesight

      Human vision is fallible; fatigue and level of concentration can lead to false detections and missed rescue opportunities.

    • Reliance on Binoculars or CCTV

      During the critical period, rescuers using only binoculars or viewing camera streams may struggle to keep sight of the individual as they disappear behind waves, sea spray and other vessels

    • Parallax Effect

      The difference in movement speeds between foreground and background can confuse existing vision systems.

    Charting new waters with ZOE

    Zoe works by scanning the sea surface, sifting through the busy marine surroundings to pinpoint individuals or specific objects. These targets can then be recognised, identified, and tracked using their unique AI software.

    A key advantage of ZOE is its flexibility in accounting for the dynamic and chaotic nature of the sea, avoiding false positives from objects like buoys by analysing live daylight and thermal camera feeds for human-like patterns. Zelim spent several years compiling a comprehensive data library to ensure reliable identification, solving the last piece of the puzzle for effective ocean rescue.

    Additionally, ZOE is software-based and hardware agnostic, applicable to any camera or CCTV feed, making it ideal for commercial shipping, passenger vessels, naval ships, search and rescue aircraft and ports.

    How Zelim’s innovation can bolster search and rescue

    • Compatible with various camera systems
    • Alerts users to humans in water with 96% accuracy from 300 meters
    • Operates effectively in adverse weather and low light
    • Automatically tracks spotted individuals, preventing loss
    • Easy-to-install software managing multiple feeds, with local data processing
    • More efficient than traditional methods like binoculars and standard sensors

    Zelim’s ZOE detection solution in action

    Breaking into defence and civilian markets: What does the future hold for Zelim?

    DASA support proved invaluable for Zelim. By the end of the DASA project, Zelim had not only created a working prototype but had also begun securing their first contracts in civilian markets, including:

    • Jack-up drilling rigs in the North Sea
    • A floating wind farm off the coast of Portugal owned by Ocean Winds
    • A cruise ship

    The effectiveness of Zelim’s solution was evident during field trials, demonstrating its accuracy, measurability, and consistency. The system can achieve 96% accuracy from over 330 meters without applying optical zoom, and with optical zoom, it can spot humans in the water over a kilometre away.

    These capabilities caught the attention of defence organisations worldwide. In addition to the US Navy contract, Zelim’s technology was also deployed in a Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue exercise in 2024, where it demonstrated its ability to find and track humans at sea with no false positives.

    The company’s growth reflects its success. Starting the DASA project with just 10 employees, Zelim has now expanded to a team of 28, with further growth anticipated as they work to fulfill the US Navy and offshore energy contracts.

    Looking ahead, Zelim plans to increase deployment of their technology on ships, major global ports, search and rescue assets, and air assets. This ambitious growth strategy underscores the far-reaching impact of DASA’s initial support – from fostering UK innovation to enhancing global maritime safety and creating economic opportunities.

    The US Navy contract stands as a testament to the power of targeted innovation support. By backing Zelim’s vision, DASA has not only contributed to advancing a innovative UK technology but has also opened doors for a British SME on the global stage, demonstrating how investment in innovation can yield significant returns for both national security and prosperity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Tribal Affairs organises “Janjati Samvad: Chunautiya aur Pahal” as part of the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 3:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs, as part of the National Learning Week – Karamyogi Saptah, organised a webinar on theme “जनजाति संवाद: चुनौतियां और पहल” (Tribal Samvad: Challenges and Initiatives) on 24th October 2024.

    Ms. R. Jaya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in her address, stressed the need to understand the significance of the Constitutional provisions in the socio-economic development as well as preservation and promotion of the socio-cultural heritage of the tribes of India. She also spoke about the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at the elimination of Sickle Cell Disease by 2047. During this she shared about the training workshops, modules, promotional campaign as undertaken by the Ministry in the direction of achieving the desired objectives of the Mission. Commending the steps taken so far, she emphasized that the insights gained from this webinar by the participants would be significant in advancing efforts as being taken under the National Learning Week through infusing a culture of continuous learning and capacity building.

    Prof. Nupur Tiwary, Special Director, National Tribal Research Institute and Chair Professor, IIPA, New Delhi contextualised the objectives and agenda of the Webinar as organised under the National Learning Week. During her address, she shared with the audience on the foundational knowledge on understanding the tribes in India, the policy and approach taken by Government towards the development and welfare of the tribes since independence, details on the important legislative frameworks, and the innovative initiatives as undertaken by the Government for Empowering the tribals.

    Dr. Nita Radhakrishnan, Additional Professor and HOD, Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, PGICH, Noida elaborated on the details of the National Mission on Elimination of the Sickle Cell Disease. She highlighted key facts and statistics including introducing the participants with the sickle cell disease, its prevalence in tribal communities, symptoms, complications, treatment, awareness and strategy for achieving the targets under the mission.

    Dr. B.M. Jyotishi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, in his address during the webinar, provided a comprehensive overview of the Constitutional and legal provisions for Scheduled Tribes (STs). His presentation focused on the political, social, and economic rights guaranteed to STs under the Indian Constitution, offering participants valuable insights into the legal framework designed to safeguard the ST communities. Dr. Jyotishi read out key provisions as enshrined in the Constitution. He shared relevant examples concerning these provisions, shedding light on the challenges faced in their implementation and the progress achieved.

    The Webinar ended with a summarisation of key points from the Speakers Address and a formal Vote of Thanks. The participants can watch the recorded video of livestream through this link.
    https://www.youtube.com/live/VMiPYfX2QZg

    ********

    PSF/DK

     

    (Release ID: 2068067) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES CONVOCATION OF AIIMS RAIPUR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 2nd convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur today (October 25, 2024).

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that AIIMS are known for providing good healthcare services and medical education at low cost. People’s trust is associated with AIIMS. That is why a large number of people come from everywhere to get treatment in AIIMS. She was happy to note that AIIMS Raipur has earned a lot of reputation in its journey of just a few years. She noted that AIIMS Raipur is taking various steps for medical treatment and public welfare. She expressed confidence that in the coming times, this institute will expand further in public welfare work.

    Addressing the doctors, the President said that the privileged ones might have many options but the hopes of the underprivileged rest on them. She advised them to serve all people, especially the poor and deprived.

    The President told doctors that medical professionals’ work is extremely responsible. Their decisions are often related to saving lives. As medical professionals, they often face challenging situations. She advised them to learn to control their emotions to face these challenges.

    The President said that moving from student to professional life is a major change. She advised graduating doctors to keep growing their knowledge. She said that the spirit of always learning something new would be beneficial for them.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2068055) Visitor Counter : 86

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Keynote Address by Prime Minister at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Businesses (APK 2024)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Excellency Chancellor Scholz,

    Vice Chancellor Dr. Robert Habeck,

    Ministers of the Indian Government,

    Dr. Busch, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business,

    Industry leaders from India, Germany, and Indo-Pacific countries,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Namaskar!

    Guten Tag!

    Friends,

    Today is a very special day.

    My friend, Chancellor Scholz, has come to India for the fourth time.

    His first visit was as a Mayor, and the next three have been during his terms as the Chancellor, which highlights his focus on India-Germany relations.

    The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business is being held in India after a gap of 12 years.

    On one hand, a CEO forum meeting is taking place, and on the other, our navies are exercising together. German naval ships are currently on a port call in Goa. Additionally, the seventh Inter-Governmental Consultations between India and Germany will be held shortly.

    Clearly, the friendship between India and Germany is deepening at every step, on every front.

    Friends,

    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.

    The next 25 years will see this partnership reach new heights.

    We have created a roadmap for India’s development over the coming 25 years.

    I am happy that at such a critical time, the German Cabinet has released the “Focus on India” document.

    The world’s two strongest democracies,

    Two of the world’s leading economies, together, we can become a force for global good, and the Focus on India document provides a blueprint for this. In this, Germany’s holistic approach and commitment to pursuing the strategic partnership are clearly evident. Especially noteworthy is the trust that Germany has expressed in the skilled workforce of India.

    Germany has decided to increase the number of visas for skilled Indians from 20,000 to 90,000 per year.

    I am confident that this will further boost Germany’s economic growth.

    Friends,

    Our bilateral trade has surpassed 30 billion dollars.

    Today, while hundreds of German companies operate in India, Indian companies are also rapidly expanding in Germany.

    India is becoming a prime center of diversification and de-risking and is emerging as a hub of global trade and manufacturing. Given this scenario, now is the most opportune time for you to make in India, and make for the world.

    Friends,

    The Asia-Pacific Conference has played an essential role in strengthening relations between the EU and the Asia-Pacific region. But I don’t see this platform as limited to trade and investment alone.

    I see it as a partnership for the Indo-Pacific region and a better future for the world. The world needs stability and sustainability, trust and transparency. These values must be emphasized on every front, whether in society or supply chains. Without them, no country or region can envision a brighter future.

    The Indo-Pacific region is very important for the future of the world. Whether it is in terms of global growth, population, or skills, the contribution and potential of this region are immense.

    This conference, therefore, holds even greater significance.

    Friends,

    The people of India value a stable polity and a predictable policy ecosystem.

    This is why, after 60 years, a government has been elected for a third consecutive term. This trust in India has been strengthened over the last decade through reform, performance, and transformative governance.

    When the common citizen of India feels this way, where else would be better for businesses and investors like you?

    Friends,

    India stands on four strong pillars: Democracy, Demography, Demand, and Data. Talent, technology, innovation, and infrastructure are the tools for India’s growth. Today, an additional great force drives all of these: the strength of Aspirational India.

    That is, the combined power of AI — Artificial Intelligence and Aspirational India — is with us. Our youth are driving Aspirational India.

    In the last century, natural resources accelerated development. In this century, human resources and innovations will propel growth. This is why India is committed to democratizing skills and technology for its youth.

    Friends,

    India is working today for the needs of the future world.

    Whether it is Mission AI,

    Our Semiconductor Mission,

    the Quantum Mission,

    Mission Green Hydrogen,

    Missions related to space technology,

    or the Digital India Mission, all of them aim to provide the best and most reliable solutions for the world. These areas offer numerous investment and collaboration opportunities for all of you.

    Friends,

    India is committed to providing every innovation with a strong platform and the best infrastructure. Our digital public infrastructure is creating endless opportunities for new startups and Industry 4.0. India is also transforming its physical infrastructure with record investments in rail, roads, airports, and ports. There are extensive opportunities here for companies from Germany and the Indo-Pacific region.

    I am pleased that India and Germany are working together on renewable energy.

    Last month, the fourth Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet was organized in Gujarat in collaboration with Germany.

    An India-Germany platform has also been launched for investing in renewable energy at the global level. I hope you will take advantage of the green hydrogen ecosystem that India is developing.

    Friends,

    This is the right time to join India’s growth story.

    When India’s dynamism meets Germany’s precision,

    When Germany’s engineering meets India’s innovation,

    When Germany’s technology combines with India’s talent, a brighter future is envisioned for the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

    Friends,

    You belong to the business world.

    Your mantra is “When we meet, we mean business.”

    But coming to India is not only about business; if you miss India’s culture, cuisine, and shopping, you will miss a lot.

    I assure you: You will be happy, and your family back home will be even happier.

    Thank you very much, and may this conference and your stay in India be both fruitful and memorable.

    Thank you.

    DISCLAIMER -This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Establishment of iGOT lab by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting a commendable step for fostering continuous learning: Dr. L. Murugan

    Source: Government of India

    Establishment of iGOT lab by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting a commendable step for fostering continuous learning: Dr. L. Murugan

    AI for Aspirational India: Dr. L. Murugan urges adoption of AI Tools to boost productivity and pnhance governance

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:23PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. L. Murugan, Chief Guest at the National Learning Week 2024 prize distribution ceremony and inauguration of the iGOT lab and learning centre, celebrated the culmination of Karmayogi Saptah.

    Sh. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Smt Neerja Shekhar Special Secretary, senior officers of Ministry and top performers were also present at the occasion.  

    Karmayogi Saptah – National Learning Week (NLW)

    Karmayogi Saptah – National Learning Week (NLW) is a key initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modi for building a future-ready civil service and the week emphasized strengthening the competencies of civil servants at all levels to create a workforce that is deeply rooted in Indian values with a global perspective.

    On this occasion, Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, highlighted the significance of the initiative in enhancing the skills and competencies of over 3 million central civil servants and ensuring access to continuous learning for more than 22 million state-level civil servants and 5 million Urban Local Body (ULB) officials. He also highlighted how this program is open to both permanent and contractual staff, fostering lifelong learning aligned with national goals.

    iGOT lab: Fostering learning

    Dr. L. Murugan highlighted that the Ministry conducted three webinars focused on social media use, the evolution of film viewing, and photography skill enhancement. Additionally, all employees were required to complete a minimum of four hours of training on the iGOT Karmayogi portal, covering key areas such as office procedures, gender sensitivity, and leadership. He also commended the Ministry’s innovative approach, including the establishment of an iGOT lab, which he described as a commendable step toward fostering continuous learning.

    Dr. L. Murugan felicitating the top performers

    AI for Aspirational India

    In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive the vision of “Aspirational India”, Dr. L. Murugan urged the Ministry to actively incorporate AI tools in the workplace to boost productivity. The Minister urged the adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to enhance productivity and reduce the burden of repetitive tasks. With AI-powered data-driven decision-making, civil servants can focus on high-impact areas of governance, ensuring better service delivery and innovation within their departments, he added.

    He also urged to focus on behavioral courses to promote citizen-centric governance and emphasized the importance of efficient grievance resolution for improved service delivery.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s ability to scale up paired with Germany’s precision engineering to benefit the world: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    India’s ability to scale up paired with Germany’s precision engineering to benefit the world: Shri Piyush Goyal 

    India-Germany synergy in AI adoption, semiconductors and green technology to drive global growth: Shri Piyush Goyal

    India committed to combat climate change, on track to meet nationally determined contributions: Shri Goyal

    Asia’s demographic shift fertile ground for businesses seeking to expand, capitalise on emerging sectors: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Germany’s art of precision engineering coupled with India’s ability to scale up in the physical, digital or social infrastructure will help create something extraordinary for the world said Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. He was inaugurating the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) today in New Delhi. The Union Minister speaking on the India-Germany collaboration said that from AI adoption to semiconductors, from fostering the nation’s vibrant startup ecosystem to collaborating on green technology, the synergies between India and Germany can drive unprecedented growth.

    Noting that today’s India is built on strong macroeconomic fundamentals, he added that reform, resilience and readiness is available for the future for businesses across the world. On combating climate change, Shri Goyal emphasised India’s commitment at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in 2015, and said that India collectively with the Global South got together with the developed countries to be a part of the solution. He added that India, currently ranked 7th in Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), is on track to exceed the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and also the targets set before the world. 

    Extending gratitude to the Asia Pacific Committee of German Business and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce for organising the event, Shri Goyal said that the Asia-Pacific region encompasses 60% of world’s population and by 2030, two-thirds of the global middle class will reside in Asia. This demographic shift presents a fertile ground for businesses seeking to

    expand their reach and capitalise on emerging sectors, he said.

    Shri Goyal stressed that the Conference will be key to identifying emerging trends and tackling global challenges. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, drives technological advancements and shapes policies for future industrial growth, he said. The Union Minister expressed hope that India and Germany can deepen strategic partnerships and translate this collaboration into real growth for the economies and the citizens of both the countries.

    Quoting German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer’s expression “Reading the Upanishads is comforting in my life…”, the Minister in the spirit of that ancient wisdom urged all the participants to embrace the richness of India’s culture and diversity especially during this festive season from Diwali until Christmas and New Year.

    Shri Goyal ended his speech with a quote from Rabindranath Tagore, “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal” and urged the participants to create the future where the products made, the industries led and the innovations pioneered, touch every corner of the globe.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mid-term progress of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Special Campaign 4.0 for institutionalizing Swachhata and reducing pendency in government

    Source: Government of India

    Mid-term progress of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Special Campaign 4.0 for institutionalizing Swachhata and reducing pendency in government

    Commitment to Good Governance: Ministry enhances workplace efficiency and environmental responsibility through Special Campaign 4.0

    407 outdoor campaigns conducted, 8,000 Kg of scrap disposed of and ₹21.65 lakhs in revenue generated under the campaign

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:18PM by PIB Delhi

    Implementation of Special Campaign 4.0 is in full swing in Ministry of Information & Broadcasting along with its subordinate/ attached offices across the nation. Significant progress has been achieved so far in enhancing cleanliness, reducing pending matters, and boosting overall efficiency.

    Pendency reduction and swachhata awareness

    In the preparatory phase of the Campaign, this Ministry of Information & Broadcasting identified various targets for reducing pendency such as VIP references, public grievances, weeding out of physical as well as electronic files, conducting outdoor campaigns to raise awareness about Swachhata.

    During the implementation phase Ministry along with its subordinate/ attached offices has undertaken comprehensive cleanliness drive across the country. Dedicated efforts have been made to achieve these targets.

    Ministry’s cleanup drive achieves milestones

    Till date, the Ministry has conducted 407 outdoor campaigns, around 8000 Kg scraps have been disposed of, reviewed more than 22000 physical files and 10800 have been weeded out. A total of 303 e-files have been reviewed and 68 were closed. Revenue of Rs 21,65,031 has been generated out of the disposal of scraps. A total of 97 Public grievances, 6 PG Appeals, 27 VIP References also have been disposed of. 8104 saplings have been planted under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign so far.

    Ministry enhances workplace efficiency and environmental responsibility

    Ministry of Information & Broadcasting will continue to focus on achieving the targets of Special Campaign 4.0, enhancing workplace productivity, and commitment to a cleaner workplace and a more efficient workforce. Officers from Ministry have been deputed to different field offices to oversee the various actions under Special Campaign and plantation under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.”

     

    The following picture glimpse highlights the remarkable developments of the Special Campaign 4.0 initiated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

    Picture: Reviewing/Weeding out of Physical Files At Record Room, Shastri Bhawan After Reviewing more than 15000 files in the record room, 5571 physical files identified and have been weeded out.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal reviews the power sector scenario for Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Sri Vijaya Puram

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, reviewed the power sector scenario for Andaman and Nicobar Islands (AN&Is) at Sri Vijaya Puram today. Hon’ble LG of UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri D K Joshi was present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the UT administration, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India (GoI), and senior officials of the Power Sector CPSEs.

    The meeting started with a presentation on the brief overview of the Power Sector Scenario in the UT of AN&Is. In the course of presentation, the present status of power availability, power generation and gap between demand and supply was highlighted. Also, major challenges and possible solutions were highlighted. Thereafter, officials from Ministry of Power gave a presentation on the projects of interconnection of Island through grid and distribution infrastructure augmentation works sanctioned by Government of India under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in the UT which would help in improving the power supply quality and availability across the islands. Additionally, issues related to current energy mix were also discussed.

    In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs mentioned that it is his first visit to the AN&Is. This visit to the UT will be important in understanding and in resolution of the issues in the Power sector in the UT. He emphasized on the need for reducing dependence on diesel-based generation by increasing share of renewable sources of power generation, especially wind energy, in the archipelago and working towards energy storage. This will result in reducing per unit energy cost. Hon’ble Minister also mentioned to explore the possibility for alternate sources of energy generation like ethanol based. Further, the importance of Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Charging stations was also emphasised.

    He also highlighted the need for timely settlement of dues of the Government departments and asked the UT administration to strive to improve AT&C losses and ACS-ARR Gap. He also advised the UT administration to make all out efforts for expeditious implementation of the sanctioned works under RDSS as well as to implement reforms prescribed under the scheme. He mentioned that sincere efforts will go a long way in making the electricity department financially viable and the UT self-sufficient for its power requirements.

    Union Minister assured for continued support and cooperation of the Government of India in the overall development of the UT.

    LG, A&NIs welcomed the Hon’ble Union Minister for his visit to Sri Vijaya Puram for review of A&NIs in respect of issues related to Urban development and the Power sector. He assured of taking necessary measures for expeditious award and implementation of the Distribution Infrastructure.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal appreciates the progress under AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister, Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India Shri Manohar Lal along with Lt. Governor Shri D.K Joshi reviewed Urban Developments schemes in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at Raj Niwas, Sri Vijaya Puram.

    At the onset, Chief Secretary informed that UT is operating 07 schemes of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). During his first visit to A&N Islands, Minister has appreciated the progress in the Mission especially, projects under AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, which as significantly contributed for ease of living for the citizens. 

    Union Minister encouraged for improvement in Swachhata ranking in coming years. Shri Manohar Lal also encouraged to improve the performance in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and DAY-NULM. A&N administration informed that PM SVANidhi has already achieved its target.

    The Union Minister has also requested to clear-up entire legacy waste and Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) identified during Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. The UT Administration has informed that they have achieved significant progress in remediation of legacy waste.

    Union Minister asked the administration to explore the possibility of increasing the urban area by notifying new ULBs. 

    Shri Manohar Lal lso requested to identify innovative ways to attract more people for tourism, services & education.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying takes Significant Step to Boost Seaweed Industry with New Import Guidelines

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying takes Significant Step to Boost Seaweed Industry with New Import Guidelines

    Notifies ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India’

    Import Permit to be issued within Four weeks of Approval

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 1:54PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has notified the ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India’. This initiative aims to bolster the development of seaweed enterprises as a key economic driver for coastal villages, ensuring livelihood sustainability and socio-economic upliftment of the fisher community while upholding environmental protection and biosecurity concerns at the core of all actions.

    The guidelines will facilitate import of high-quality seed materials or germplasm from abroad, enabling domestic multiplication for ensuring farmers have access to quality seed stock. Currently, the growth of seaweed enterprises in India faces the challenge of seed availability in sufficient quantity for the commercially valuable species, and quality degradation in the seed materials of Kappaphycus, the most commonly farmed seaweed species

    Pradhan Mantri Matsya sampada Yoiana (PMMSY), the flagship scheme of Government of India envisaged to revolutionize the seaweed sector, aiming to increase seaweed production of the country over 1.12 million tonnes by 2025. Under the scheme, the Government have taken many steps to strengthen the seaweed farming activities the prominent of which is establishment of Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu with the total investment of Rs 127.7 crore. 

    The guidelines outline a process for importing live seaweed, including a clear regulatory framework for the import of live seaweed, ensuring transparency and accountability, strict quarantine procedures to prevent introduction of pests and diseases, risk assessment to identify potential biosecurity concerns and post-import monitoring for strengthening ongoing monitoring and risk assessment.

    This guideline will encourage  responsible cultivation of seaweed, ensuring environmental sustainability and economic growth. Further, the import of new seaweed strains will stimulate research and development, leading to enhanced seaweed production of variety of seaweed species belonging to red, brown and green algae, paving way for development of downstream seaweed processing and value addition enterprises which will yield additional livelihoods in the villages while bolstering the overall export of the country. 

    As per the guidelines, for import of live seaweed into India, the importers may submit a detailed application to the Department of Fisheries which will be reviewed by the National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters. Upon approval, the Department will issue an import permit within four weeks, facilitating the import of high-quality seaweed germplasm.

    The guidelines thus provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for the import of live seaweeds into India, ensuring that the process is conducted safely, smoothly and responsibly. Department of Fisheries, Government of India encourage stakeholders, such as researchers, entrepreneurs, and farmers, to take advantage of these new opportunities and contribute to the growth of the seaweed industry.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda Presides over 53rd Foundation Day Celebrations and Convocation of University College of Medical Sciences

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda Presides over 53rd Foundation Day Celebrations and Convocation of University College of Medical Sciences

    Healthcare professionals make crucial contributions to society and approach their work with compassion, integrity, and dedication: Shri JP Nadda

    Reiterates Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system and ensuring that medical services are accessible to all

    “Union Government changed the National Health Policy in 2017 which made a shift in looking at healthcare from only a curative angle previously to a holistic approach that caters to preventive, integrative as well as curative healthcare”

    “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had promised to further add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years and we are going to do it”

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 1:50PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, presided as the Chief Guest at the 53rd Foundation Day and Convocation of the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), a constituent medical institution of the University of Delhi, here today. He was joined by Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lt. Governor of Delhi.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda highlighted the crucial contributions that healthcare professionals make to society and urged the graduates to approach their work with compassion, integrity, and dedication. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system and ensuring that medical services are accessible to all. Reaching out to the students, he stated, “Your efforts should be focused on shaping our national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.”

    The Union Health Minister said that “basic education is everyone’s birthright but professional education is a privilege that the society bestows on only a few”. Highlighting that the government spends between 30-35 lakh for every MBBS student, he urged the new doctors to shoulder more responsibilities as they embark on their professional careers.

    Shri Nadda also informed about the changes made in the National Health Policy by the Union Government in 2017 which made a shift in looking at healthcare from only a curative angle previously to a holistic approach that caters to preventive, integrative as well as curative healthcare. He also emphasized the recent achievements made in the healthcare sector including the establishment of 22 AIIMS, new medical and nursing colleges, increase in MBBS and MD seats by over 100% etc. He added that “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had promised to further add 75,000 medical seats in the next five years and we are going to do it.”

    During the ceremony, degrees were conferred to 146 MBBS students, 145 MD/MS students, 17 B.Sc (MT) Radiology students, and 4 M.Sc (R&MIT) students and 62 awards were given. Additionally, 4 certificates in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) were awarded. Shri Nadda also distributed awards to meritorious students for their exceptional achievements in the field of medical sciences.

    Congratulating the new doctors, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. He remarked that UCMS’s unwavering commitment to nurturing capable and compassionate healthcare professionals is commendable and crucial in meeting the country’s ongoing complex health challenges. “This convocation is a recognition of the tireless legacy of UCMS”, he said.

    To commemorate the event, a special souvenir was also released, highlighting the academic achievements of the UCMS in the last year.

    The convocation ceremony marked a proud moment for graduates, faculty, and family members alike, as the new medical professionals prepare to embark on their careers equipped with the knowledge and skills gained from one of India’s leading medical institutions.

    Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Chairperson, Governing Body of UCMS and Vice-Chancellor, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University; Prof. B Srinivas, Secretary of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Deputy Director General (Medical Education); Dr. Girish Tyagi, Registrar, Delhi Medical Council (DMC) and President-Elect of the Delhi Medical Association; Dr Amita Suneja, Principal, UCMS and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present at the event.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DPIIT forges alliance with HCLSoftware to herald India’s startup revolution

    Source: Government of India (2)

    DPIIT forges alliance with HCLSoftware to herald India’s startup revolution

    Under Startup India initiative, DPIIT signed over 80 MoUs with industry stakeholders till date

    The collaboration to propel India’s manufacturing sector and support its goal of becoming a National production hub

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 12:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)  announced a strategic partnership with HCLSoftware, a global leader in software solutions, as a vital component of its Manufacturing Incubation Initiative, on 23rd October 2024 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. In a bid to revolutionise India’s startup manufacturing ecosystem, DPIIT is creating an environment where corporate houses play a pivotal role in incubating manufacturing startups. Under the Startup India initiative, DPIIT has signed over 80 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industry stakeholders till date.

     

    Startups will have access to the HCL SYNC program for global market exposure, allowing them to showcase their products and services worldwide, thus taking Indian innovation to an international audience. Notably, this collaboration marks a substantial step forward in advancing the Indian manufacturing sector, supporting the nation’s goal of establishing itself as a national production hub.                    

    This initiative’s objectives include developing Indian intellectual property by encouraging startups to create unique products and solutions tailored to India, improving product quality by providing startups with the tools and expertise to produce world-class products that meet global standards, and building a robust manufacturing ecosystem by establishing a network of interconnected startups and suppliers capable of supporting the full manufacturing value chain.

               

    DPIIT Joint Secretary, Mr. Sanjiv Singh, highlighted the necessity of this partnership to establish a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem, stating that HCLSoftware’s expertise and dedication to supporting startups align seamlessly with DPIIT’s vision. Mr. Sanjiv noted that through this collaboration, innovation will flourish, and Indian businesses will gain a stronger foothold on the global stage. Outlining the goals of DPIIT’s flagship program, Startup India, Mr. Sanjiv reaffirmed DPIIT’s commitment to fostering and promoting the nation’s manufacturing ecosystem by motivating and supporting product startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. This collaboration will significantly contribute to the realisation of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and position India as a global manufacturing hub.

    Director, Startup India, Dr. Sumeet K. Jarangal, emphasized that the primary objective of this initiative is to boost India’s manufacturing sector by empowering startups with cutting-edge digital technologies and providing access to global markets. Dr. Jarangal further elaborated that HCLSoftware is dedicated to collaborating with DPIIT and Startup India to elevate Indian manufacturing startups to new heights, fostering excellence and growth, and thereby crafting a success story. HCLSoftware will play an essential role in supporting startups through every phase, from design and development to sales and marketing, utilising its digital manufacturing and aftermarket solutions.

     

    Kalyan Kumar, Chief Product Officer at HCLSoftware, remarked that this collaboration is a pivotal moment in India’s manufacturing journey. Reiterating HCLSoftware’s commitment to equipping startups with essential tools and support, Kumar stated that the company would exhaust all efforts to foster innovation and economic growth, contributing significantly to India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESS RELEASE – VISIT OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL, H.E ANTONIO GUTERRES, 21-23 AUGUST 2024

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    Samoa hosted the United Nations Secretary-General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres on his official visit from 21st to 23rd August 2024. The UN Secretary-General’s visit to Samoa and the Pacific region not only brings global attention to the severe impact of the climate change on Pacific communities but shows commitment to our Blue Pacific region to witness the vulnerabilities of the lived realities as small island states. The visit also highlights Samoa’s leadership at the regional and international level as demonstrated in Samoa’s role as Chair of the AOSIS during meetings at the regional and international fora.

    The UN Secretary-General’s visit marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the last visit by a UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon in 2014 when Samoa hosted the Third International Conference of the Small Islands Developing States.

    The visit included a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister where discussions were held on pertinent matters highlighting the priorities and challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) placing prominence on Climate Change with stark implications for SIDS and sustainable development. The bilateral was followed by a welcome ava ceremony and a field visit to witness climate impacted communities and the resilience of our communities with adaptation measures implemented.

    At the end of the field visit the UN Secretary General attended the handover ceremony of the new wing of the One-Un House at Tuanaimato which will enable the location of all the UN agencies into the Multi-country office to enable collaboration and delivery as One UN on the national development needs of Samoa and the whole cluster including Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Hon Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster on behalf of the Government of Samoa, presented remarks during the Hand-over ceremony and unveiled the plaque together with UN Secretary General.

    The Prime Minister, Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa hosted a dinner at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in honour of the visit of the UN Secretary General and his delegation.

    H.E Antonio Guterres was accompanied by a delegation of eleven (11) officials including Mr. E. Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet and Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, officials and security officers

    The UN Secretary General departs Samoa on Friday 23 August 2024 for Tonga to attend the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting.

    END.

    SOURCE – MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE

    Photos by Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Loan limit under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) increased to Rs.20 lakh from the current Rs.10 lakh

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 12:36PM by PIB Delhi

    As announced by the Finance Minister on 23rd July, 2024 in the Union Budget 2024-25, the limit of Mudra loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has been enhanced from current Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. This increase aspires to further the overall objective of the Mudra Scheme which is Funding the Unfunded. This enhancement is specifically beneficial to upcoming entrepreneurs facilitating their growth and expansion. The move is in alignment with the Governmment’s commitment in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.            

    As per the notification issued in this regard, the new category of Tarun Plus is  for Loans above Rs. 10 lakh and upto Rs. 20 lakh  and would be available to the entrepreneurs who  have availed and successfully repaid previous loans under the Tarun category. The guarantee coverage of PMMY loans upto Rs. 20 lakh will be provided under the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU).

    Click here for notification.

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