NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    FEMA Administrator Criswell Remains in Florida to Survey Storm Damage with Local Officials 

    WASHINGTON – The joint federal and state emergency response and damage assessments are underway today as Hurricane Milton moves out of Florida. FEMA encourages everyone in the affected areas to continue following the directions of state and local officials, only returning home when told to do so. While the immediate danger from the storm has passed, conditions on the ground require Floridians to take extreme caution as they begin their recovery.

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida with state and local officials assessing the impacts of the storm. 

    “Because of President Biden’s swift approval of the pre-landfall emergency declaration, we were able to deploy some of our search and rescue teams to help in those counties that were impacted by the tornados,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We have over 1,000 federal responders that have been in the state supporting the response and recovery efforts, and not just from Helene, but also the recovery efforts from Ian, Idalia and Debby. Once we know more about the impacts of Milton, we can move in more resources to support them at the state’s request.”

    Commodities, volunteer agencies, response assets and federal personnel are being coordinated through the FEMA Region 4 Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. Both facilities are activated on 24-hour operations to support the state.

    • Several FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams have been deployed to various parts of the state to assist with requests for assistance immediately after the storm. 
    • Ten federal search and rescue teams are in the state to assist survivors. 
    • FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams are conducting operations near Orlando and Tampa. Assets including planes, helicopters and boats from the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard are positioned to support the state’s efforts.  
    • Millions of bottles of water and meals are at air bases and logistics sites in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina for rapid deployment should the state request additional supplies, in addition to tarps and sheeting for interim home repairs. FEMA and the state have been in close coordination to pre-position federal resources to best support their needs.
    • Healthcare System Assessment Teams are onsite in Florida to work with state officials to assess the storm’s impacts to hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other healthcare facilities. 
    • As of Thursday morning, more than 280 shelters were open overnight throughout the state with more than 83,000 people.

    Stay Safe After the Storm

    • DO NOT enter your damaged home if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or if authorities have not declared it safe to return. If your home has received significant flood damage, ensure that the electricity is off and that you are wearing appropriate safety gear before entering.  
    • NEVER use generators indoors. Carbon monoxide has no smell or color and can be deadly. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home.
    • Stay out of floodwater. Walking or driving through flood waters is extremely dangerous. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as wild or stray animals, human and livestock waste, and chemicals that can lead to illness. 
    • If you do not feel safe in your home, a list of emergency shelters, including those that can accommodate people who need assistance and those who have pets, can be found at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster.
    • If you need help with damages caused by Hurricane Milton, call Florida’s Crisis Cleanup hotline at 844-965-1386.
    • You can also call 833-GET-HOPE for free assistance and resources such as food, household goods, or debris removal. Hope Navigators stand ready to listen and help.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend New Zealand’s Promotion of Gender Equality, Ask about Initiatives to Address Violence against Women and Discrimination against Māori Women and Girls

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today considered the ninth periodic report of New Zealand, with Committee Experts praising the State’s achievements in promoting gender equality and raising questions about initiatives to address high levels of violence against women and discrimination against Māori women and girls, and reports of reduced funding for those initiatives.

    In the dialogue, several Committee Experts commended New Zealand’s efforts promoting gender equality.  One Expert welcomed that the State party had achieved gender parity in Parliament recently, while another Expert congratulated the State party on ranking fourth in the Global Gender Gap Index.

    Natasha Stott Despoja, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for New Zealand, said the rates of violence against women and girls in New Zealand were alarming. She also expressed concern about reports of reduced funding for initiatives to prevent violence against women.

    Another Committee Expert said Māori women and girls continued to face disproportionate levels of discrimination.  The Committee was alarmed by austerity measures which weakened efforts to fight discrimination in many Government bodies, including the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority.  How would the State party promote the rights of indigenous peoples?

    Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo, Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner of New Zealand, said that although Māori women and girls continued to experience various inequalities, the Government was reviewing the role of the Māori Tribunal and had stopped all efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  The Government needed to implement the Declaration, she said.

    Introducing the report, Kellie Coombes, Secretary for Women and Chief Executive of the Ministry for Women of New Zealand and head of the delegation, said New Zealand’s women leaders had held the role of Prime Minister for 16 out of the last 27 years.  In October 2022, women Members of Parliament gained an equal share of seats in the New Zealand House of Representatives, making the State one of only six countries in the world to have achieved gender equality in Parliament.

    The delegation added that the Government had implemented temporary special measures to improve women’s representation in political bodies and the defence force.  A woman had been appointed as the leader of the New Zealand Army in September 2024. New Zealand also held back funding from sporting bodies that did not have a certain level of female representation on their boards.

    Emma Powell, Chief Executive of the Interdepartmental Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence of New Zealand, said the National Strategy for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence guided efforts to address the underlying social conditions and norms that led to family violence and sexual violence.  The State party aimed to reduce the number of annual crimes against women by 11,000 in the next two years.  For 2024, ministers had agreed not to cut the budget devoted to combatting family and sexual violence.

    Paula Rawiri, Deputy Secretary of Policy at Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development) of New Zealand, said New Zealand was working to ensure that it was a nation where Māori women and girls could thrive.  The Ministry for Māori Development would soon publish reports on disparities in justice, health, education, employment and socio-economic wellbeing.  This body of work would yield valuable insights on legislative and policy levers to combat intersecting forms of discrimination against Māori women and girls.

    In closing remarks, Ms. Coombes said New Zealand had made good progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, underpinned by its commitment to the Convention.  There was more work to be done, and the Committee’s concluding observations would help the State party to achieve its goals.

    Ana Peláez Narváez, Committee Chair, in concluding remarks, thanked the delegation for the constructive dialogue, which had allowed the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in the State party.  The Committee called on the State party to implement its recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls in New Zealand.

    The delegation of New Zealand consisted of representatives from the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence; Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Māori Development); Ministry for Women; and the Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of New Zealand at the end of its eighty-ninth session on 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Monday, 14 October to hold a meeting with non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutes from Chile, Canada, Japan and Cuba, whose reports will be reviewed next week.

     

    Report

     

    The Committee has before it the ninth periodic report of New Zealand (CEDAW/C/NZL/9).

    Presentation of Report

    KELLIE COOMBES, Secretary for Women and Chief Executive of the Ministry for Women of New Zealand and head of the delegation, said New Zealand strongly valued diversity and took pride in promoting human rights and equal treatment for all people.  It was the first country where women gained the right to vote and had a strong record of women’s political leadership.  In September, the State marked the one hundred and thirty-first anniversary of women’s suffrage.  Women leaders had held the role of Prime Minister for 16 out of the last 27 years. In October 2022, women Members of Parliament gained an equal share of seats in the New Zealand House of Representatives, making the State one of only six countries in the world to have achieved gender equality in Parliament.  New Zealand ranked fourth out of 146 nations on the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Index.

    Since the last report was submitted, New Zealand had had a change of Government.  The new Government’s key focus areas included rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services.  It was committed to the protection of the human rights of all women and girls in New Zealand, the promotion of gender equality, upholding women’s safety and wellbeing, protecting women and girls from all forms of violence, and reducing gender inequities in health.  Through deliberate action, the public service gender pay gap had fallen from 12.2 per cent in 2018 to 7.1 per cent in 2023, its lowest level. Work was now progressing alongside New Zealand businesses to develop a gender pay gap calculation tool.

    Work towards improving health outcomes for women and girls included the extension of free breast cancer screening for women aged 70-74, which would mean around 120,000 more women would be eligible for screening every two years.  The introduction last year of a world-leading self-test for cervical screening had seen more than 80 per cent of women being tested take up this option.  In 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, women’s representation on public sector boards reached 50 per cent or above, with women now holding 53.9 per cent of these roles.  Women were also better represented in board chair roles, reaching 46.2 per cent – a significant increase from 41.9 per cent in 2022. 

    Māori and ethnic diversity of public sector boards had also continued to increase since data collection for ethnicity began in 2019. The Global Women and the Champions for Change Group had achieved at least 40 per cent representation of women at board level.  Women’s representation on councils was the highest it had ever been, at nearly 46 per cent at the 2022 elections.  The online safety organization “Netsafe” was developing an online toolkit for workplaces to protect women in leadership positions from harassment and abuse.

    Women’s participation in the New Zealand labour force had steadily increased, from 54.3 per cent in 1991 to 67.4 per cent in June 2024. The women’s employment rate was currently at 64.5 per cent, remaining the fifth highest since measurement began in 1986.  Families in New Zealand had been negatively impacted by rising living costs.  Recent initiatives to support working parents included a six per cent increase in paid parental leave, and the introduction of the “FamilyBoost” payment to help families meet the cost of early childhood education.  The Government had also committed to prioritising a bill to allow parents to share parental leave as they see fit and introduce a three-day stay policy to ensure mothers and babies were entitled by law to 72 hours post-partum care.

    Health outcomes were improving overall for women in New Zealand and women had a longer life expectancy than men.  However, women spent more years in poor health than men with more medical interventions for conditions experienced across their lifetime. Health challenges were bigger for many groups of women and girls, including wāhine Māori (Māori women), Pacific women, rural women and disabled women.

    The State party was committed to gender equality in New Zealand for all women and girls.  Despite significant progress, challenges remained, and the Government needed to continue to build on the progress it had made to improve outcomes for all women and girls.

    EMMA POWELL, Chief Executive of the Interdepartmental Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence of New Zealand, said New Zealand had high and concerning rates of family violence and sexual violence.  Women were three times as likely as men to experience intimate partner violence. One in three women experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. In December 2021, the National Strategy for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence was launched. It guided the efforts of the Government, indigenous peoples, communities and specialist sectors to address the underlying social conditions and norms that led to family violence and sexual violence. 

    The first action plan to implement the strategy, spanning 2021-2023, was now complete, and from its 40 actions progress had been made across a range of areas, including the development and implementation of new family violence workforce capability frameworks and training, and expanded community-led responses to violence.  The next action plan would be published by the end of the year.  It would prioritise improving multi-agency responses, and strengthening the evaluation of what worked to support investment, further equipping workforces to respond to victims of violence.

    PAULA RAWIRI, Deputy Secretary of Policy at Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development) of New Zealand, said that after a period of nationwide mourning of the recent passing of Kingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero IIV, a beacon of implicit reverence for indigenous women had appeared through the anointment of a young Māori queen.  New Zealand was driving a transformational journey of advancement for Māori women and girls, working to ensure that New Zealand was a nation where Māori women and girls could thrive.  The Ministry for Māori Development had implemented research arising from the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry on systemic discrimination, deprivation and inequities experienced by Māori women as a result of Treaty of Waitangi breaches by the Crown.  An initial tranche of reports would shortly be published on the representation of Māori women in public sector decision-making roles and disparities in justice, health, education, employment and socio-economic wellbeing.  This body of work would yield valuable insights on legislative and policy levers to combat intersecting forms of discrimination against Māori women and girls. 

    The Ministry had also developed a series of national strategies, which were driving better outcomes and equality for Māori women and girls across fields such as justice, child protection, living with disabilities, access to technology, housing and education.  It was working to ensure greater representation of Māori women in public sector decision-making roles and within Māori communities. Māori women, girls and families continued to carry the burden of socio-economic inequity.  There was much more to do but when Māori society thrived, New Zealand society also thrived.

    SAUNOAMAALI’I DR KARANINA SUMEO, Acting Chief Human Rights Commissioner of New Zealand, said the Human Rights Commission had “A” status accreditation under the Paris Principles.  Māori women and girls continued to experience various inequalities. The Government was reviewing the role of the Māori Tribunal and had stopped all efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  The Government needed to implement the Declaration and provide mental health support for Māori women and girls.  There had been a recent reduction in funding for responses to gender-based violence. 

    This year, a report from a Royal Commission of Inquiry revealed cases of torture of women and girls in New Zealand institutions. The State party needed to implement the Inquiry’s recommendations and develop legislation to reduce online harm against women.  The social security system disadvantaged women and could lead to their financial entrapment.  In 2023, one in eight children lived in poverty in New Zealand and gender and ethnic pay gaps persisted.  For every one dollar a New Zealand man earned, Māori and Pacific women earned less than 70 cents.  The Government lacked urgency to address this issue.  Workplace harassment was also affecting women.  The Government needed to reinstate the Fair Payment Agreement Act and ensure the right to equal work for all genders and persons with disabilities.

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    NATASHA STOTT DESPOJA, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for New Zealand, said that New Zealand had long been a global leader in national development, both with regard to its labour force, being the first country to introduce minimum wage, and with regard to gender equality, being the first country in the world to afford women with the right to vote.  She commended the progress that had been made toward ensuring women in rural communities had access to abortion through the national establishment of the abortion telehealth service.  However, there were concerns around the Government’s reinterpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi and the removal of several equity measures, including the Māori health authority, and removal of State support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  Māori women and girls had reported feeling unhoused, unnoticed and unsafe.  What progress had been made in protecting their rights, and in implementing the recommendations issued by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse of Māori women and girls in institutions?

    The Committee noted recent steps taken to address family and sexual violence, including the 2018 passing of the Family Violence Act, the Sexual Violence Legislation Act in 2021, and the launch of the National Strategy and Action Plan to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence in 2022.  However, the rates of violence against women and girls in New Zealand were alarming.  Women were disproportionately at risk of facing violence.  Ms. Stott Despoja expressed concern about reports of reduced funding for initiatives to prevent violence against women, and the cessation of a safety-focused regulatory review of online services and platforms before it was completed.  What had been the impact of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting on women and girls?  Were women and girls of Muslim faith facing increased social hostility in the public space?

    It was welcome that the Convention and New Zealand’s reports had been published on the Ministry for Women’s website.  Did the State party plan to publish these in Pacific languages? There was a concerning lack of specific mentions of gender within New Zealand’s Human Rights Act.  What steps had been taken to amend the Act to include specific prohibitions of discrimination on the grounds of gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics?  It was also concerning that legal aid funding for cultural reports had been removed.  Around 67 per cent of women in prison in New Zealand were Māori.  Did the State party have a replacement strategy for these reports? How many times had gender-discrimination cases been brought before the courts in the last five years, and how many times had the Convention been invoked?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the New Zealand Law Commission was reviewing whether the Human Rights Act adequately protected transgender people and people with diverse sexual characteristics.  The Government would consider any recommendations made when the review was completed in 2025.  In September this year, the Government launched a Human Rights Monitor, which recorded and tracked recommendations from the United Nations treaty bodies. The Government would consider the recommendation to publish information related to the Convention in Pacific languages. 

    Recently, New Zealand had changed the threshold for persons who could receive legal aid, increasing access for marginalised women and girls, including Māori and Pacific women and girls.  There had been six court cases since 2018 that had referred to the Convention.

    The Ministry for Women had developed a working relationship with the New Zealand Islamic Council since the Christchurch shooting and was working to support Muslim women and girls in the community, including to reach leadership positions.  The Government had launched an impactful campaign that sought to challenge perceptions of this group.

    New Zealand was committed to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Treaty of Waitangi, and the positive outcomes that both sought for the Māori community.  The Government had decided to focus on meeting targets in nine key areas, aiming to support families at community level, so as to implement the Declaration.  Recent policy changes had affected the Māori community.  The Government would work together with Māori organizations to address concerns related to these changes.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    One Committee Expert congratulated New Zealand for ratifying all nine of the United Nations human rights treaties.  New Zealand’s first national action plan on women, peace and security concluded in 2019.  The Committee hoped that the next iteration of the plan would include measures addressing security both internally and externally.  Could more information on New Zealand’s feminist diplomacy be provided? The omission of language as grounds for discrimination in State legislation needed to be revisited.  It was welcome that the 2023 budget included a gender lens.  Did the budget address intersectional discrimination against women with disabilities?

    It was welcome that there were six Supreme Court judgements on the Convention. Did the Māori Tribunal apply the Convention in its decision making?  Data was part of the Māori knowledge system, and the way that the digital domain was governed had implications in this regard.  The Government had reportedly failed to protect Māori from online risks, including related to the protection of their data.  How would the Government protect and support access to data for Māori women?

    Another Committee Expert said that New Zealand had made history in the nineteenth century by being the first country to allow women to vote.  It was welcome that the State party had achieved gender parity in Parliament recently.  Māori women and girls continued to face disproportionate levels of discrimination. The current Government had disestablished the Māori Health Authority.  The Committee was also alarmed by austerity measures which weakened efforts to fight discrimination in many Government bodies.  What temporary special measures was the State party planning to achieve full gender parity in political representation?  How would the State party address gaps created by budget cuts in the protection of the rights of women and girls?  How would the State party increase Māori representation in local governments and promote the rights of indigenous peoples domestically and internationally?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said New Zealand continued to progress work aligned to its national action plan on women, peace and security.  It was developing a second national action plan, but no decisions had been made yet.  The State had co-hosted a women, peace and security summit in Samoa in 2019, which had launched a gender defence network that included defence forces from countries in the region.  New Zealand had also supported gender mainstreaming in Fiji and the development of the State’s first women, peace and security action plan.  There was also a gender focal point network within the defence force.  The New Zealand police provided support in eight Pacific nations to strengthen the frontline response to gender-based violence.

    New Zealand supported women’s leadership, and equitable access to health and education in the Pacific.  In 2021, it launched a gender action plan to ensure that its official development assistance incorporated a gender lens.  At least 60 per cent of official development assistance focused on promoting gender equality.  The State party published an annual report of official development assistance, which outlined spending on policies promoting gender equality.

    The State party had ministries supporting Pacific peoples and persons with disabilities.  It had developed databases of women in leadership positions.  The Ministry for Women had developed a tool that supported Government bodies to implement a gender perspective.

    The State party ensured the independence of the judiciary.  Judges and members of the judiciary received training that encouraged them to operate in a gender responsive manner.

    The Government had implemented temporary special measures to improve women’s representation in political bodies and the defence force.  A woman had been appointed as the leader of the New Zealand Army in September 2024.  New Zealand held back funding from sporting bodies that did not have a certain level of female representation on their boards.  Women currently held 31 per cent of board-level roles in private companies. The Government was considering policies to accelerate progress in this area.  New Zealand was encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths fields, and was working to address online harassment of women in leadership through its “Netsafe” programme.

    New Zealand was advocating for issues, including reproductive health and rights, equal pay for equal work, and women’s participation within the United Nations human rights mechanisms.  The State had also worked to strengthen language on gender equality and women’s empowerment in General Assembly resolutions.

    Funding for the Ministry for Women had recently been reduced by around seven per cent. It continued to work to fulfil its mandate with this budget.  The Ministry worked collaboratively with other Government bodies to achieve results for the communities they represented.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    NATASHA STOTT DESPOJA, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for New Zealand, asked whether the 2024 budget had gender budgeting.  Was the Government planning a national action plan on the rights of women and girls?

    A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on ranking fourth in the Global Gender Gap Index and for its efforts to reduce harmful gender stereotyping.  However, some stereotypes against women remained prevalent.  What measures were in place to address these?  The high level of violence against women and girls was alarming.  Domestic violence rates had increased over the last five years.  How was the Government responding to this?  How did it protect women who left violent partners? Two-thirds of family violence incidents were not reported to the police.  Was the Government considering restorative justice models to address family and sexual violence, and raising awareness on economic harm as a form of family violence?

    There had been an increase in gender-based abuse on online platforms, yet funding for reducing online harm had been reduced.  Would the State party review laws to increase accountability and transparency for online companies?  The Committee welcomed a new bill that would make stalking a crime.  What was the timeline for its implementation?

    The Crimes Act of 1961 was amended in 2016 to address trafficking in persons for various purposes, including forced labour.  How many traffickers had been penalised for sex trafficking over the reporting period?  The Government had implemented legislation to address modern slavery, but had this year disbanded the modern slavery leadership group.  How was the Government addressing modern slavery?  The State party fully decriminalised prostitution in 2003.  What had been the positive and negative implications of this legal measure?

    The Government had also rolled back protections for migrant workers in work visa and seasonal employment schemes.  Employers were now allowed to increase accommodation costs, and visa applications for migrants’ spouses and children were no longer supported.  Did the State party intend to ratify the International Labour Organization Convention 190 on workplace violence?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said gender budgeting was not included in the 2024 budget due to time constraints after the formation of the new Government.  However, agencies reported on the implications of budgeting for women.  The Ministry for Women was not currently prioritising the development of a national action plan on the rights of women and girls.

    Sport played an important role in countering gender stereotypes.  The 2023 Women’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by New Zealand, had increased the profile of women’s sports and athletes. The Broadcasting Standards Authority monitored portrayals of women and girls in the media and had issued guidance on their representation.

    New Zealand’s Crime and Victims Survey showed that there had been an increase in family violence and sexual assault in the last two years.  The State party aimed to further strengthen data collection on these crimes and reduce the number of annual crimes against women by 11,000 in the next two years.  The National Strategy on Family and Sexual Violence had been renewed and the Government was developing a new set of actions under the strategy.  For 2024, ministers had agreed not to cut the budget devoted to combatting family and sexual violence.  Judicial and police training programmes had clear curricula addressing family and sexual violence and capacity building efforts were ongoing.

    Work was underway to recognise stalking as a crime and the bill on stalking was expected to pass by the end of this year.  Economic harm against women and girls was pervasive in New Zealand. The Government would strengthen awareness raising campaigns on this issue, targeting vulnerable groups.

    New Zealand’s policy was to not ratify international conventions until domestic law aligned with them.  The State party would consider aligning domestic legislation with International Labour Organization Convention 190 before ratifying it.  Employers were allowed to recruit seasonal migrant workers in sectors where there were staff shortages.  They were required to pay for half of workers’ airfares, provide quality accommodation for employees, and respect their rights.

    Work on addressing trafficking in persons was ongoing.  In the last 12 months, there had been 17 certified instances of trafficking identified, but there had been no convictions secured related to people trafficking over the reporting period.  The action plan against forced labour, people trafficking and slavery was in place until 2025.  There had been various policies and laws implemented to prevent trafficking and exploitation of migrants under the action plan.  Training in trafficking in persons had been provided for 400 frontline border officials, and fora on combatting trafficking in persons were held annually.

    The Prostitution Reform Act of 2003 decriminalised prostitution, aiming to protect sex workers’ rights.  There was an issue with section 19 of the Act, which prohibited foreign nationals from engaging in sex work.  This section aimed to protect migrants from exploitation but could have a negative impact on migrant workers.  Changes to this legislation would require careful consultation with stakeholders. On balance, the Act was a positive advancement for sex workers’ rights in New Zealand, but the State party would continue to assess how it was implemented.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked about the causes of the recent rise in gender-based violence.  The Expect welcomed the State’s efforts to prevent underage marriage.  What these made any achievements?  Was the Government working to identify underage and forced marriages that went under the radar?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed efforts by the State party to promote women’s participation in sports and address sexual and family violence.  What work was the State party doing with perpetrators of sexual violence?  How many complaints were reported of discrimination against intersex persons each year?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the cost-of-living crisis had exacerbated the situation of vulnerable families, potentially leading to an increase in rates of violence. There was also a high rate of revictimisation, indicating that some State responses lacked effectiveness. The State party was working with civil society to address this issue.

    Coerced marriage was illegal in New Zealand.  A Family Court judge needed to provide permission for young people aged 16 or 17 to marry.  The police’s policy on forced and underaged marriages had been updated to address a wider range of coerced unions.  Sexual offenders were required to participate in 50 hours of counselling sessions.  The Government was changing the design of rehabilitation programmes to counter reoffending and implementing awareness raising programmes promoting positive masculinity.  The Ministry of Māori Development was involved in community-led efforts to address sexual and family violence against Māori women.

     

    Questions by Committee Experts

    One Committee Expert said New Zealand had made remarkable steps in promoting gender balance.  The Inter-Parliamentary Union ranked New Zealand at fifteenth worldwide in women’s representation in political bodies.  However, the representation of women in Parliament had recently decreased from the 2022 peak.  Some political parties had implemented quotas of 50 per cent female representation, but not all had.  Only 29 per cent of the managerial positions of private companies were held by women. Did the State party plan to introduce gender quotas for all political parties?  What initiatives were in place to support women politicians and women in the foreign service?  What was the representation of women in the judiciary?

    Another Committee Expert said that since 2006, persons born in New Zealand were not automatically entitled to New Zealand nationality; at least one parent needed to now be a New Zealand or Australian citizen for the child to receive nationality.  What was the status of the bill to repeal this legislation and were there measures to address the harm it had caused, including for Western Samoan persons? The process for granting citizenship for stateless persons was too long and did not have a deadline.  Would the State party consider ratifying the 1954 Convention relating to the status of stateless persons?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that in 2022, the Government announced funding for intersex healthcare, including peer support and training for practitioners.  The Government promoted a human rights-based approach to intersex health.  There was a lack of data on intersex healthcare, but work was underway to collect such data by 2027.

    New Zealand had a Harmful Digital Communications Act that addressed online stalking and posting images without consent.  Complaints related to online abuse could be sent to the Online Safety Authority “NetSafe”, which could bring cases to courts as necessary.  The Authority was pushing back strongly against online abuse.

    The issue of gender quotas within political parties was a matter for the parties themselves.  There was a push to make Parliament more family friendly.  Parliamentary recess periods were being aligned with school holidays and there was a play area on Parliament grounds.  Several women parliamentarians were balancing work and childcare.  The share of women in the judiciary was 53 per cent.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    NATASHA STOTT DESPOJA, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for New Zealand, asked if there would be further legal amendments to ensure intersex persons had the same protection as males and females.

    Another Committee Expert commended New Zealand’s progress in women’s education, including its endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, and provision of educational support to pregnant teenagers and Māori girls. Around 34 per cent of women with disabilities had received no education and there was a lack of teaching aides for children with disabilities.  How would the State party address these issues? 

    Indigenous and poor children lacked access to internet services.  How would the State party facilitate online learning for poor and indigenous women?  There continued to be high levels of bullying of marginalised children in schools.  How would the State party address impunity for bullying in schools?  The Government had recently cut funding for the school lunches programme by over 100 million United States dollars.  Did the State party intend to revive this funding?  How was the State party facilitating the teaching of indigenous and Pacific languages in schools?

    One Committee Expert said New Zealand had progressive traditions that had been reflected in its achievements in women’s employment and representation in managerial positions.  What measures were being developed to support migrant women and Pacific Islander women to access employment, particularly in the private sector?  Was the State party using new technologies to analyse the employment market and barriers to it? 

    There was reportedly a high level of workplace violence; 38 per cent of women had suffered such violence.  The State party had not ratified International Labour Organization conventions related to workplace violence.  How many complaints had been submitted to the Human Rights Commission on workplace harassment?  What progress had been made in the plan to combat workplace harassment?  Had the State party considered measures to support working mothers, such as a four-day working week?  Were women able to access employment in fast-growing technology sectors?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Law Commission had published an issues paper on legislation on intersex persons.  Consideration of this paper would address increased protection for intersex persons.

    New Zealand was committed to ensuring that education was accessible and inclusive for all students, including women and girls.  School boards needed to ensure that schools were safe, inclusive places for all students and staff and that students could receive the highest standard of education.  There were measures in place to strengthen the learning support system for children with disabilities, including measures to increase teachers’ ability to meet the needs of all learners. 

    The Ministry of Education’s digital technologies programme aimed to increase students’ access to digital technology for learning and their digital literacy. The rural broadband initiative had significantly increased access to the internet in rural areas.  When the programme was completed in 2025, more than 99 per cent of rural areas would have access to the internet.  More than 650 Māori communities had gained access to the internet through the programme. 

    Data on bullying indicated that students with disabilities, poor students and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex students were disproportionately affected by it.  Bullying prevention and response work by the Bullying Prevention Advisory Group aimed to foster safe and inclusive environments in schools.  The Department of Internal Affairs had developed resources that helped children and parents to stay safe online.  The school lunches programme was still in place, though its funding had been reduced.

    Education legislation included provisions that called on the Crown to respect Māori persons’ education rights.  The Government had committed to a Māori education action plan that promoted their identity, culture, language and rights as indigenous peoples, and fostered educational environments free from racism.  Barriers to implementing this plan included the lack of teachers in rural areas.

    In August 2024, the employment action plan was launched, which aimed to promote access to employment for marginalised groups, including women.  The State party was developing a voluntary calculation tool for the gender wage gap.  It would consider whether to make the tool mandatory in the future.  Over 100 businesses had already published their gender pay gaps online as part of the initiative.

    In 2023, changes were made to the legal system to help women to seek justice when they experienced workplace harassment.  The deadline for filing a complaint was extended from 90 days to one year.  Grievances related to workplace harassment could be raised with mediation bodies, the Employment Relations Authority, or courts if required.  The Government provided 26 weeks of paid parental leave for workers of either gender.  Pay was equal to workers’ normal pay up to a threshold of 700 New Zealand dollars, and leave could be shared between both parents.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert said it was remarkable that the Government provided free period products to students.  Was the State party considering making education in indigenous languages compulsory in all schools across the State?

    Another Committee Expert said New Zealand had a shortage of nurses due to the aging of society and the demands of the profession.  There was also a shortage of midwives.  The wages of these professions were not following inflation. What measures were in place to increase the number of nurses and midwives, particularly in rural areas? What measures were in place to protect persons with disabilities from sterilisation procedures being implemented on them without their free, prior and informed consent?

    Abortion services had been made legal and available for most women, but there was a lack of training on abortion for rural health workers, limiting access in rural areas.  How was the State party ensuring access to abortion services in rural areas and preventing stigmatisation of persons who sought abortions?  What measures were in place to speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis? How would the State party prevent cervical and uterus cancer in Māori women and implement the Committee’s general recommendation 39 on indigenous health?

    NATASHA STOTT DESPOJA, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for New Zealand, said women made up 90 per cent of COVID-19 pandemic-related redundancies in 2020. Marginalised women had disproportionately high levels of poverty and women obtained an average of 25 per cent less superannuation than their male counterparts.  How was the State party addressing this?  The 2023 budget had included funds for free early childcare for two-year-old children.  Had these funds been invested as planned in 2024?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said education providers were required to provide Māori language education to all students who wished to receive it.  Making such education compulsory would require extensive consultations with stakeholders.

    The health workforce plan for 2023 and 2024 aimed to address challenges in the workforce and attract more healthcare staff.  Support funding was provided to former midwives to encourage them to return to the profession.  Support was also being provided to nursing and midwifery students to help them to access work, with additional support being provided to Māori and Pacific students. The State party had exceeded its targets for recruiting Māori and Pacific nurses.

    It was illegal for sterilisations to be performed without consent.  Persons with disabilities had the right to informed consent regarding such procedures and the right to refuse medical treatment. The Health and Disability Commissioner received and worked to resolve complaints related to health services. In 2024, the Ministry of Health had implemented a programme to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities and promote supported decision making.

    Medical practitioners were provided with training on abortion care and contraception.  Self-screening technologies were being implemented to increase cancer screenings. The Māori Health Authority’s role had been brought within the Health New Zealand agency.  The Authority had provided health services tailored to Māori, including Māori women.  Health New Zealand would continue with this mandate, aiming to provide faster and higher quality health services, including cancer screening, for Māori women.

    The 2024 budget included a partial refund for early childhood education fees. The first allotment of these funds had recently been distributed to families.  Families could access 20 free hours of early childhood education per week once their children turned three.

    New Zealand had a high level of occupational segregation, which led to the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacting women in the tourism and hospitality sector.  Support payments were provided to persons impacted by the pandemic.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, said that the 1979 law on sterilisation allowed parents and guardians to make a decision on sterilisation on behalf of persons with disabilities in their care.  Was this law still being applied?

    A Committee Expert asked how women could lead data governance.  What mental health services would be made available to rural women farmers, who were disproportionately affected by climate change? Was the State party implementing relevant international conventions on climate change?

    Would the State party follow the Bangkok Rules in its treatment of women prisoners?  What legal services were available for migrant women who were victims of harmful practices?  Forty per cent of women with disabilities experienced intimate partner violence. How was the State party addressing this?

    Another Committee Expert asked about measures implemented to address issues in the family court system, including measures with a gender lens.  There was a shortage of family law legal aid providers, especially in rural areas.  How was this being addressed?  What child support payments had been ordered for fathers in the past 10 years?  Had payments decreased?  How did the State party train family court mediators on parental alienation?  How were family members protected from violent fathers?  Was the State party investigating discriminatory inheritance practices?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Ministry of Health was focused on delivering better outcomes for women living in rural communities.  It was working to increase awareness of telehealth services and improve transport and accommodation assistance for rural people seeking healthcare.

    The State party had implemented measures to increase access to healthcare, including maternal healthcare, for women in prisons and had invested in employment, re-education and training programmes for those women.  The Bangkok Rules were reflected in the State’s 2004 and 2005 legislation on correctional facilities.

    New Zealand had victims support services and legal aid services that were available for migrants.  In 2025, the Government planned to conduct a review of its legal aid services. Migrants, including temporary migrants, who were victims of family violence could apply for a special residency visa that fast-tracked access to New Zealand citizenship.  The State party would engage with stakeholders to assess how harmful practices were affecting migrant women.

    The State party would continue to increase the reach of training for family court staff.  Resources had been updated to increase the accessibility of family courts for children and young people.  There were bills before parliament that aimed to protect women from abuse in courts and that removed the mandatory two-year period for resolving family disputes. Judges were compelled to take note of family violence when considering guardianship of children, and to incorporate child witness statements when assessing family violence.  The Government continued to pursue improvements in legislation related to family courts.

    Concluding Remarks 

    KELLIE COOMBES, Secretary for Women and Chief Executive of the Ministry for Women of New Zealand and head of the delegation, said the Committee’s questions and reflections showed the time and energy it had invested into analysing the situation of women and girls in New Zealand.  New Zealand had made good progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, underpinned by its commitment to the Convention.  There was more work to be done, and the Committee’s concluding observations would help the State party to achieve its goals.  The dialogue with the Committee had been positive, constructive and engaging.

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for the constructive dialogue, which had allowed the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in the State party.  The Committee called on the State party to implement its recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls in New Zealand.

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

     

    CEDAW24.026E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MR ONG YE KUNG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH, AT THE SINGAPORE HEALTH & BIOMEDICAL CONGRESS 2024, ON THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER 2024, SINGAPORE EXPO

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Navigating Health Technology

    Mr Tan Tee How

    Board Chairman, National Healthcare Group

    Professor Joe Sim

    Group CEO, National Healthcare Group

    Dr David Ng

    Chairman, Organising Committee of the Singapore Health & Biomedical Congress 2024

    Ladies and gentlemen, friends, a very good morning

              It is my pleasure to join you at the Singapore Health and Biomedical Congress.

    2.       Throughout human history, technological breakthroughs have always been doubled-edged swords. For example, the invention of the steam engine and spinning jenny ushered in the industrial revolution. World trade and GDP went up, but at the same time, there was oppression of workers which gave rise to Marxism, Communism, and the Cold War, which is still playing out today. 

    3.       Closer to the present times, the Internet makes infinite amounts of knowledge accessible to everybody, but with it comes cybercrime and a threat to the mental health of one whole generation. 

    4.       Healthcare is at the verge of a historical technological breakthrough. The unprecedented availability of data can fundamentally transform healthcare. 

    5.       In particular, I believe the convergence of three very powerful scientific and policy forces – genomics, AI (or artificial intelligence) and the focus on preventive care – these will have profound impact on healthcare when they come together.

    6.       Today, I will talk about how we are going to respond to the healthcare technological breakthrough, recognising that this will be a double-edged sword.

    Safeguarding the Downsides

    7.       Let me talk first about mitigating the key risks. I believe innovation can only take off in its fullest potential only when we know we are protected against the main risks. There are two significant ones in healthcare. 

    8.       First, the undermining of the moral and ethical mores of society. Genetics define the core make-up of a person. Advances in science have made it possible for genetic information to be easily and inexpensively mapped out, and even for the genes to be manipulated. 

    9.      Hence, defective genes can now be edited to treat diseases. But the same technology could theoretically be used to design babies before they are born, or select employees and grant university and medical school places, based on genetic qualities. It is not impossible.

    10.    Insurers can use genetic information to decide on insurance coverage – how much can you be charged and what to exclude. That undermines the whole purpose of insurance, which is to protect us against unexpected bad luck, including being dealt with a bad genetic hand at birth. 

    11.    That is why the Ministry of Health (MOH) has worked with the Life Insurance Association to put in place a ‘Moratorium on Genetic Testing and Insurance’, which disallows the use of genetic test results for insurance underwriting. At some point, we need to strengthen the moratorium and give it some permanence.

    12.    MOH is therefore working on new legislation to govern the use of genetic and genomic test data. It aims to address the potential undesirable outcomes, such as the discriminatory use of genetic information in areas such as insurance and employment. We will conduct broad consultations and hope to submit the Bill to Parliament in the next one to two years.  

    13.    The second major risk is the escalation of healthcare costs. Genomics has made precision medicine possible. This means tailoring medical treatment to the unique genetic qualities of a patient to treat serious diseases like cancer. But because this is tailor-made treatment, precision medicine can be very expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars per treatment.

    14.     In healthcare, the language of innovation is quite different from most other sectors. In other  sectors, innovation means better performance or quality, at the same or even lower price. Just look at the performance and prices of semiconductor chips, TVs, smart phones, laptops and automobiles over the decades, and we understand the value and benefit of innovation.

    15.     However, in healthcare, innovation often means something else. It means increasing the chances of treating a serious disease, or prolonging quality life, at a higher cost. This is the double-edged dimension of precision medicine.

    16.    In time, precision medicine will increasingly become mainstream clinical practice. However, I don’t think any healthcare financing system in this world is designed to fully fund precision medicine. This means that left on its own, it is very likely that only the rich will be able to afford precision medicine, leading to serious inequity in healthcare. 

    17.    We are therefore taking steps to embrace precision medicine, and prepare for the day when it becomes mainstream and do it in a sustainable way. 

    18.     For example, we are investing in local capabilities to develop precision medicine treatments, shorten production times and lower costs in the near future. 

    19.     We have strengthened health technology assessment to robustly evaluate the cost effectiveness of high-cost treatments, including precision medicine. Even if the medicine increases the chance of a treatment that can prolong quality life, but costs so much more, we can conclude that it is not cost-effective. Where they are proven to be clinically and cost effective, we will subsidise these therapies.   

    20.    The MediShield Life Council is releasing their recommendations next week. on the review of MediShield Life. They are releasing the report next week, but let me break some of the news that they are going to recommend. They have recommended for MediShield Life coverage to be extended to approved precision medicine therapies. 

    21.    MOH intends to accept this recommendation. That way, the approved precision medicine therapies or high-cost therapies can be  brought into our subsidy, MediShield Life and MediSave, or S+2M, support framework, and all Singaporeans can benefit from these therapies. 

    22.     Mitigating the risks of technological breakthrough is often a reactive necessity, but harnessing its opportunities to transform healthcare requires proactive enterprise. 

    23.     For the rest of my speech today, I will focus on the upside of breakthrough technology in healthcare. There are three aspects:

    • First, applying AI in health institutions;
    • Second, developing predictive preventive care; and
    • Third, building up the IT infrastructure systems to enable these capabilities.  

    AI-Enhanced Healthcare

    24.    First, how we apply AI in hospitals and clinics.

    25.    Healthcare has an advantage in embracing technology because it is a highly regulated sector. Contrast this with the creative industry, where AI is almost wreaking havoc. You can use publicly available AI tools to create a song in the style of say, Taylor Swift, sung in her voice. and even create her image Or you can make a dead actor come to life. and star in a movie. All this is possible. It undermines artistic creation, and the genie is already out of the bottle. I don’t think you can bottle it back.

    26.     In healthcare, because we are so well regulated and we have so many well-established laws and regulations, you can ensure there is always clinical gatekeeping, and the judgment of a healthcare professional is never disintermediated.

    27.     Our basic approach is therefore to ensure healthcare can be AI-enabled or AI-enhanced, but not AI-decided.

    28.     That said, we also cannot swing to other extreme, hemming ourselves in with rules and regulations, and failing to harness the opportunities of AI. We must proactively identify use cases for AI in healthcare and adapt our rules and regulations to facilitate them.

    29.      Part of this effort is to encourage ground-up innovation by our public healthcare clusters. I can see that the National Healthcare Group is doing a lot of it. During my regular visits to hospitals and polyclinics, a key highlight is to witness how such innovations are being done on the ground.

    30.      For example, at Sengkang General Hospital, doctors are using AI to detect polyps in patients undergoing colonoscopy. The polyps are automatically highlighted in green boxes and appear on the screen. I was there with Dr Koh Poh Koon and he was so excited. It is like having an extra pair of eyes to detect the polyps. This has helped increase detection rates by endoscopists, and also made their job easier as it is less strenuous.

    31.     At Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, AI tools will analyse the vital signs of warded patients and send predictive warnings to doctors and nurses of possible worsening conditions. I met a nurse who was holding four phones and two walkie-talkies. She said that each one is for a different pilot and one particular phone is for warning her if any patient has a possibility of a worsening condition in the next 12 hours. This AI tool has reduced the number of ICU admissions of warded patients from the wards by over 10%.

    32.      Doctors at Geylang Polyclinic are using imaging AI to triage chest X-rays. This helps them to prioritise the X-rays with significant abnormalities, allowing patients with more urgent conditions to see a doctor more quickly.

    33.      To support ground up innovation initiatives, MOH will inject about $200 million over the next five years into the MOH Health Innovation Fund. This is over and above the government’s investments in research and development through the Research, Innovation and Enterprise initiative.

    34.     However, if we want to make a strong impact with technology, we got to go beyond ground up innovation. Some centralised push will be necessary. MOH will identify proven and impactful technology or use cases, and scale them up into system-wide, national projects. We will start with two projects.

    35.     First, we will use generative AI to reduce toil. One immediate opportunity is to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as routine documentation and reviewing of medical records.

    36.     It is essential for healthcare professionals to do that for every patient, to keep their medical history up to date. But it takes up a lot of time. Further, many patients thought that the doctor or nurse is busy on their computer and is not paying attention to them, when they are actually carefully listening to and updating the record of the patients at the same time.

    37.     AI tools can now automatically transcribe and summarise conversations between healthcare professionals and patients, and then ingest this information into medical records.

    38.     The information will still have to be reviewed by a healthcare professional, before becoming official medical records. That is what I meant when I said AI-enabled and not AI-decided. It will therefore not replace the human, but will enhance our efficiency.

    39.     GovTech has developed a tool to do this, called Scribe, which can handle English, Malay, Chinese, and even Singlish, and it will be progressively rolled out to more public healthcare users. Our health clusters have also adopted various tools to do this.

    40.     MOH will coordinate the effort of our public health institutions to roll out automated record updating throughout our public healthcare system, before the end of 2025.

    41.     With that, our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and medical social workers can spend more time interacting with patients and hopefully, will not be mistaken as being preoccupied with their computer screens and keyboards.

    42.     Second, use AI for imaging, to improve quality of care. I mentioned earlier how our hospitals are using AI for chest X-rays and colonoscopy. We can make these standard practices across our system.

    43.     A word of caution here: imaging AI is very powerful and can pick up even the most minute anomalies, but not all anomalies seen in a scan are clinically significant. We should not try to respond to every anomaly detected – it will just raise unnecessary patient anxiety and lead to excessive and unproductive care. We will create a nation of hypochondriacs.

    44.     There is a phrase to describe this. It was taught to me by Professor Kenneth Mak. It is called V.O.M.I.T., which stands for Victims of Modern Imaging Technology. Hence, we should use AI imaging technology responsibly, to detect and follow up only on clinically significant signs. That way, we can detect these signs earlier, and manage them in good time before they become serious, without causing unnecessary worry and alarm.

    45.      Other than colonoscopy and chest X-rays, we will also evaluate how AI image analysis can be adopted for screening mammography.

    46.      If proven effective, from end 2025, we will start progressive rollout of screening using AI for mammography across the system, with the proper workflows and care pathways in place.

    47.    To accelerate its deployment, we have set up an IT platform, called AimSG. Through AimSG, public hospitals can access different imaging AI models through one single platform and monitor the performance of the models.

    Developing Predictive Preventive Care

    48.   Second, we will use AI to deliver predictive preventive care.

    49.    There is well known correlation between current risk factors and future diseases. For example, if you smoke or vape, you are more likely to develop many chronic diseases, including cancer or dementia. If you do not exercise and consume too much sugar, you are predisposed to diabetes. If a teenager is deprived of sleep and spends a lot of time on social media, he or she is at higher risk of developing depression.

    50.    With AI, it is now possible to have disease prediction models that are far more sophisticated and multi-variate, including parameters such as health status, lifestyles, social economic circumstances. The addition of genetic information can make such models even more powerful. 

    51.     In Singapore, about 60 people every day have a heart attack or stroke. With enough data and a well-trained model, it can be possible to pre-warn many of these individuals well ahead of time. We can then prescribe precautionary measures, including changes to their lifestyles or taking some medication.

    52.      We can therefore avoid pain and suffering in a very significant way. It is a major transformation. We need to be careful with predictions, if not it can also cause a lot of unnecessary worry and alarm. We should therefore proceed deliberately but cautiously.

    53.     We will start with the first use case, which is Familial Hypercholesterolemia, or FH. FH is caused by defects in our genes that affect the way the body processes cholesterol. Individuals with this condition are more prone to having very high cholesterol levels. They are 20 times more likely to have a heart disease, and at much higher risk of experiencing a heart attack at a much younger age. It is also hereditary, meaning it can be passed down in families.

    54.      We are starting with FH for this use case, because it is relatively straightforward for us to tell if someone has FH through a genetic test. It is a panel test. The association between the genetic mutations and abnormally high cholesterol levels is also very well established for FH.

    55.      MOH has been working with Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE) and our hospitals over the last year, to design an appropriate predictive preventive care pathway for FH.

    56.      Healthier SG family doctors and polyclinics will help identify patients with abnormally high cholesterol levels and recommend them to be tested for the defective gene for FH. The test will be subsidised and the remainder can be paid using MediSave.

    57.      If an individual tests positive for FH, their parents, siblings and children will be encouraged to undergo the same test. Not the spouse – for obvious reasons – but parents, siblings, and children. This is called cascade screening. By repeating this process, we can pick up as many people in Singapore with the genetic disorder early.

    58.      We will then advise them to adopt healthier lifestyles as early as possible and start cholesterol lowering therapies, if necessary, to reduce their risk of premature heart diseases.

    59.      As a matter of fiscal discipline, our health economists at MOH have done the sums.  Essentially, we are incurring more costs to do genetic screening and support preventive care. In return, we avoid the costs in treating heart attacks. Our estimation shows that over a 30-year period, we will incur about $14,000 to avoid a heart attack, which is considered cost-effective. This is a pure fiscal calculation.

    60.      However, in time to come, as the cost of genetic tests continues to fall, we get better at identifying affected individuals, we can test once but use the results to prevent a few diseases, such a predictive preventive care approach may become not just cost-effective, I think it can become cost-saving. This is before counting the avoided pain and suffering.

    61.      We will start implementing the FH use case from the middle of next year, including setting up a Genetic Assessment Centre. If successful, we will work on other major severe diseases, the possibilities are breast and colon cancers, diabetes, kidney failure, stroke and heart attacks. They will require sophisticated, high-parameter, and multi-variate AI models to be trained. 

    62.      This is predictive preventive care. We will not be able to implement this if we have not invested in genomics research for many years, and we will not be able to do this now if we had not set up the Healthier SG system, which gives us a policy implementation platform.

    63.      Just think about this – behind the scenes we leverage the wizardry of AI and its predictive powers. At the front end it is a friendly interface, through Healthier SG and through our family doctors.

    64.     Family doctors will be alerted by the backend systems if their patients are at high risk of specific severe conditions. The doctors would therefore be able to take the necessary medical actions, to counsel and advise the patients on what to do, to avoid a serious disease in the future.

    65.      With new technology, we enable the family doctor to deliver better care, and empower individuals to better take care of our own health.

    Building Up IT Infrastructure

    66.     Finally, we will build up the necessary IT infrastructure to underpin these new capabilities I talked about.

    67.     As we use a large amount of data to transform healthcare delivery and prevent severe disease, there will inevitably be concerns about data security and privacy.

    68.     We had a serious health data breach in 2018. Since then, we have thoroughly reviewed our IT systems and processes, and have been investing heavily in cyber security. For security reasons, I won’t be able to elaborate on what we have done, but let me cite two commonly known initiatives.

    69.     Number one, we have stored our healthcare data onto dedicated clouds managed by GovTech and Synapxe, where we have full control of the data.

    70.     Two, our office devices are not fully connected to the Internet. Healthcare staff use a virtual browser to access whitelisted internet sites. Although inconvenient, this is one of the simplest and most effective cybersecurity measure.

    71.     As for safeguarding data privacy, the government developed the TRUST data exchange two years ago. This is a national platform where datasets can be shared for purposes of research.

    72.     Through TRUST, patients’ identity and identifiers are removed from various datasets according to government anonymisation standards. Researchers have to submit a detailed request to access data for research and if approved, the requested data will be brought together in the secure TRUST environment to allow analysis. Researchers cannot download any of the data and once the analysis is done, the data is deleted.

    73.    In the coming years, we will further develop our IT systems to power up innovation, while ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy.

    74.    The first major development is a consolidated Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system throughout the public healthcare system. Two out of our three health clusters are already using the same EMR system. The final cluster will come on in a few years’ time.

    75.     By then, I think Singapore will probably be the only country in the world where the entire public healthcare system uses the same EMR System. This will increase the accessibility and quality of data collected at every step of a patient’s journey, to better inform doctors’ decisions across institutions and settings.

    76.     At the same time, AI tools will be accessible and integrated into the EMR system, to be part of the clinical and operational workflow. It will be embedded and you don’t have to toggle between screens or between software and systems.

    77.     Second, we will develop the IT platform to train and develop AI tools. As you know, AI capabilities are strictly speaking not developed or built. They emerge after being trained and continuously refined using real-life data. So as you train an AI model, sometimes they surprise us by doing things that we didn’t intend them to do, and their capabilities emerge.

    78.     This is done through a new platform called HEALIX, which stands for Health Empowerment through Advance Learning and Intelligent eXchange. It will enable the secure sharing of up-to-date, consistent and anonymised clinical, socio-economic, lifestyle, healthcare operations and genomic data.

    79.     With these data, HEALIX will train various AI and machine learning tools, including for predictive preventive care initiatives I mentioned earlier. HEALIX will be the AI technology factory of the healthcare system.

    Closing

    80.     Today’s speech verges on being esoteric but is probably the most significant I made this year. Because it is many years in the making, it is about the future, it is about a positive transformation of healthcare.

    81.      I speak before many learned and experienced participants. I hope what I have painted is a sufficiently ambitious plan that is befitting of the technological era that we are living in.

    82.      If I have, it is due to the work of many experts and agencies, over many years. We have been building this block by block, step by step – from EMR in one cluster, to two clusters, to three, and TRUST to Healthier SG and HEALIX – and now we have a strategic plan for the future.

    83.     We embarked on this journey because we have been compelled by necessity, for Singapore is ageing very fast and the status quo is unsustainable. Indeed, necessity is the mother of invention.

    84.     I hope this spirit of innovation and hunger will continue to grow in the healthcare sector and spread to every venture that Singapore embarks on. With this spirit and hunger, I hope we can achieve 15 million years of good life. Thank you very much and I wish you a successful conference. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister’s participation in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Lao PDR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The 21st ASEAN-India Summit was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 10 October 2024. Marking a decade of India’s Act East Policy, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi joined ASEAN leaders to review the progress of ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of cooperation. This was Prime Minister’s 11th participation in the Summit.

    2. In his address, PM reiterated India’s support for ASEAN Unity, ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Calling the 21st century as the Asian century, he noted that India-ASEAN ties were critical to guiding Asia’s future. Emphasizing the vibrancy of India’s Act East Policy, PM noted that in the last ten years India-ASEAN trade had doubled to over USD 130 billion; ASEAN is today one of India’s largest trade and investment partners; direct flight connectivity established with seven ASEAN countries; promising beginning made with Fin-tech collaboration with the region; and significant progress made in restoration of shared cultural heritage in five ASEAN countries. PM underlined the need to complete the review of ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA) in a time bound manner towards harnessing greater economic potential for the benefit of the ASEAN-India community. PM also spoke about the progress in India-ASEAN knowledge partnership through the scholarships provided to ASEAN youth at the Nalanda University.

    3. In keeping with the Chair’s theme of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”, PM announced a 10-point plan which includes:

    i) Celebrating the year 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism for which India would make available USD 5 million towards joint activities;

    ii) To celebrate a decade of Act East Policy through several people centric activities including Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks and Delhi Dialogue;

    iii) To organise ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave under ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund;

    iv) Doubling the number of scholarships at Nalanda University and provision of new scholarships for ASEAN students at Agricultural Universities in India;

    v) Review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025;

    vi) Enhancing Disaster Resilience for which India would make available USD 5 million;

    vii) Initiate a new Health Ministers’ track towards building Health Resilience;

    viii) Initiate a regular mechanism of ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue towards strengthening Digital and Cyber Resilience;

    ix) Workshop on Green Hydrogen; and

    x) Invited ASEAN Leaders to join ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ campaign towards building climate resilience.

    4. In the meeting, Leaders agreed to create a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030) that will guide both sides in realizing the full potential of the ASEAN-India partnership and adopted Two Joint Statements:

    i) Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region in the context of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with the Support of India’s Act East Policy (AEP) – Leaders recognized the contribution of India’s Act East Policy in advancing the partnership between ASEAN and India. Full text of the Joint Statement can be accessed here.

    ii) ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation Leaders appreciated India’s leadership in the field of digital transformation and welcomed partnership with India in digital public infrastructure. Full text of the joint statement can be accessed here.

    5. Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister of Laos for successfully hosting the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and for his warmth and hospitality. Prime Minister also thanked Singapore for its constructive role as Country Coordinator over the last three years and looked forward to working with the Philippines, the new Country Coordinator for India.

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2063890) Visitor Counter : 79

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare celebrates World Mental Health Day and two years of Tele MANAS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Health & Family Welfare celebrates World Mental Health Day and two years of Tele MANAS

    Theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day Prioritises Mental Health at Workplace

    Tele MANAS Mobile App, WHO’s Tele MANAS Rapid Assessment Report and a Selfcare Module for Employees released

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Health Ministry celebrated the completion of two years of National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele MANAS) on World Mental Health Day, here today. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is: “It is time to prioritize Mental Health at Workplace”.

    Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary, MoHFW & Managing Director, National Health Mission (NHM) launched the Tele MANAS app and Tele MANAS video call facility in the presence of Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to India, Shri Saurabh Jain, Joint Secretary, MoHFW, Dr. Partima Murthy, Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and other senior officers from the Ministry.

    Tele MANAS app is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed for providing support for mental health issues. The app has a library of information including tips on self-care, recognizing distress signals, managing early signs of stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. It facilitates engagement of the user through mind challenges, games and mindfulness practices providing a user-friendly experience. The app will help users connect for free and get confidential mental health support through trained mental health professionals across India, 24×7 for immediate counseling.

    Video consultations in Tele MANAS is another upgrade to the already existing audio calling facility. This will be undertaken by the mental health professionals who are taking audio call escalations to get further information about the caller as part of history taking and clarification. This can also enable a brief physical examination or a Mental State Examination (MSE) for the caller to confirm any findings. This facility will be initially launched in the states of Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu and later scaled up to the whole country.

     

    In her inaugural address, Smt. Aradhana Patnaik stated that “Mental health is fundamental to health and plays a crucial role in enabling individuals, families and communities to function at their highest level, work productively and contribute to society. Unhealthy work environments and other unfavorable working conditions have an impact on one’s general health, well-being, mental health, and involvement or productivity at work. There is a need for creating a good work environment and work-life balance for more productive results in the workplace.”

     

    She stated that “Tele MANAS has reached a significant milestone, having handled over 14.5 lakh calls since its launch.”

    Underlining the importance of adolescent mental health and issues faced by the adolescent population, Smt. Patnaik stressed “the need for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)  to ensure awareness about the Tele MANAS App”. 

    Talking about mental health in the workplace, Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, stated that issues like gender inequity, disrespectful unsupportive colleagues, lack of work-life balance, and job satisfaction lead to mental health challenges for the employees in the workplace. He emphasized the responsibility of employers and managers to create a supportive work environment.

    Congratulating the Ministry for two years with the successful implementation of Tele-MANAS, he stated that “WHO review of Tele-MANAS has shown a successful model for mental health. It has the potential to work well. The primary healthcare especially the Ayushmann Arogya Mandirs have proven to be successful in improving mental health and well-being of the people”. He also highlighted the importance of collective efforts of all stakeholders to enhance mental health at the workplace. 

    Tele MANAS reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing the nation’s mental well-being. The Tele MANAS toll-free helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 offer multi-language support in 20 languages and have been pivotal in facilitating communication between callers and mental health professionals.

    The Report of Tele MANAS rapid assessment by World Health Organizations (WHO) and a Selfcare Module for Employees titled ‘Taking charge of your mental health- because it matters” was also released at the event.

     

    In order to evaluate the performance and progress of Tele MANAS, a rapid assessment was organized by MoHFW in coordination with WHO India, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for South-East Asia (WHO SEARO), WHO Headquarters & NIMHANS. The assessment was based on desk reviews of national data and primary data collected from four states/Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. The report appreciates the novel initiative of the Government of India and highlights some significant milestones achieved by Tele MANAS in providing mental health support and its robust technological architecture.

    The booklet ‘Taking Charge of Your Mental Health- Because It Matters” focuses on the efforts that individuals could make to maintain mental health and well-being. The booklet attempts to clear some of the misconceptions regarding mental health and offers a few strategies that individuals could try to explore by themselves. It also specifically focuses on stress arising out of difficult workplace situations.

     

    The event further had roundtable discussions with a variety of panelists coming from a diversified group of people that include Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Institutions such as National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), WHO, Industry associations such as Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NAT Health (Healthcare Federation of India), Development partners such as Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), organizations promoting wellness such as Art of Living Foundation and Arogya World, and Civil society organization like Jan Sahas.

    The topics discussed during the sessions included policies and frameworks to foster mental health resilience at workplaces; Mental Wellbeing at Informal Workplaces / Challenges, Opportunities, and Inclusive Solutions; and Preventive Mental Health- The Role of Holistic Practices in Promoting Well-being. The panelists also explored the role of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) & Tele MANAS in promoting mental health support. Furthermore, Union Health Ministry has sought active participation from other Ministries of the Government to implement employee engagement activities designed to support mental health in the workplace.

     

    ****

     

    MV

    HFW/Tele MANAS app launched at World Mental Health Day Celebration/10th October 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2063830) Visitor Counter : 100

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri George Kurian Inaugurated Animal Quarantine & Certification Service at Cochin International Airport in Kerala : Aims to facilitate “Ease of Living” for Pet travelers

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 3:46PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian inaugurated the newly established Animal Quarantine & Certification Service (AQCS) at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) in Kochi, Kerala today. This facility is a significant step in facilitating the import of pet dogs and cats, aligning with the Government’s commitment to enhancing the “Ease of Living” for pet owners.

    On this occasion, Union Minister of State Shri George Kurian invited suggestions from various stakeholders for further improving import and export processes for livestock, fishery products and related activities which is expected to boost economic activity in the region.

    In support of this initiative, Cochin International Airport has established several facilities including a 24-hour air-conditioned pet station, a dedicated cargo section, a veterinary doctor on call, a customs clearance center and a facilitation center for travelers accompanying pets. This new service marks a crucial advancement in supporting pet travelers and improving overall import and export processes related to animal and fishery products in Kerala.

    During the event an agreement was signed by Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying with CIAL for operating the Animal Quarantine facilities. Managing Director of CIAL, Mr. S. Suhas said that the decision will greatly benefit travelers accompanied by pets. This partnership aims to streamline the process, providing world-class services for pet owners and travelers making it easier to bring animals into Kerala.

    The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying regulates the import of livestock and livestock products under the Livestock Importation Act of 1898, amended in 2001, with a focus on preventing the introduction of exotic diseases into India. At present, live animals, including pets, are imported through six major entry points where AQCS stations are located: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. This new facility at Cochin International Airport will reduce the cost and effort for pet owners importing animals into Kerala, offering them a more convenient option.

                                    ***

     

    AA

    (Release ID: 2063826) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: With 11% YoY growth in RMG of all Textiles exports, India’s textiles sector to grow to USD 350 Billion by 2030

    Source: Government of India (2)

    With 11% YoY growth in RMG of all Textiles exports, India’s textiles sector to grow to USD 350 Billion by 2030

    PM MITRA Parks, PLI Scheme, and National Technical Textiles Mission to attract investment and propel exports

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s textiles sector is set for significant expansion, with an 11% year-on-year growth in Ready-Made Garments (RMG) of all Textiles exports, as per India’s trade data of August 2024, signaling a bright future. The Textiles sector in the country is expected to grow to USD 350 billion by 2030, driven by India’s inherent strengths and a strong policy framework that encourages investment and exports. With end-to-end value chain capability, a strong raw material base, a large export footprint and a vibrant and rapidly expanding domestic market, India is a traditional leader in the textiles sector. The encouraging reports of a number of investment decisions in the pipeline are healthy portents for the industry.

    A number of schemes and policy initiatives as part of the government’s roadmap aim to leverage and catalyse these inherent strengths to help the textile sector achieve the USD 350 billion goal by 2030. While over Rs. 90,000 Crore of investment is expected to flow through PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in the next 3-5 years, schemes like the National Technical Textiles Mission are expected to help India acquire leadership position in emerging sectors such as technical textiles.

    Last month, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the PM MITRA Park at Amaravati in Maharashtra. This is one of the 7 Parks sanctioned across the country under the flagship PM MITRA Park scheme. With world class infrastructure including plug and play facilities, PM MITRA Parks shall be a major step in realizing the vision of making India a global hub for textile manufacturing investment and exports. Each PM MITRA Park when complete is expected to attract an investment of Rs 10,000 crores and generate nearly 1 lakh direct employment & 2 lakh indirect employment.

    PLI Scheme, with a total projected investment of over Rs. 28,000 crore, projected turnover of over Rs. 2,00,000 crore and proposed employment generation of nearly 2.5 lakhs is intended to promote production of MMF Apparel & Fabrics and Technical Textiles products in the country to enable textile industry to achieve size and scale.

    The National Technical Textiles Mission is specialized mission with a focus on developing usage of technical textiles in various flagship missions and programmes of the country including strategic sectors. The Mission promotes startups and research projects covering specialty fibres and composites, geotextiles, agro textiles, protective textiles, medical textiles, defence textiles, sports textiles, and environment friendly textiles.

    The supportive policy framework at the central level is supplemented by the policy initiatives of a number of states with a high growth potential in textiles.

     ***

    VN  

    (Release ID: 2063835) Visitor Counter : 86

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Implementation of Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign 2024 in NITI Aayog from 15th September, 2024 to 2nd October, 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    As a run up to Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2nd October, 2024, a day that the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Dept. of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti organised the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign from 15th September to 2nd October, 2024, in collaboration with other Ministries, to celebrate 10 years of Swachh Bharat Mission, to reaffirm the commitment of all to make India clean and garbage free. The theme for SHS 2024 is “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata”.

    NITI Aayog actively participated in the campaign during the period, and the major events organized under the Department during the campaign are as following:

     

    1. Inspection of Record Room in NITI Aayog: An Inspection of Record Room in NITI Aayog was conducted on 23-09-2024 by the senior Officers with special emphasis on File reviewing, Weeding out & Digitisation of old records and disposal of scrap.

     

                    

     

    1. Awareness Campaign: The campaign Banners & Standees were installed all across NITI Aayog gates, outdoor areas and office premises for generating awareness amongst Officers/Staff of NITI Aayog. SHS-2024 campaign banners were also displayed on NITI Aayog Website Homepage for the campaign duration.

     

             

     

    1. Cleanliness Drive in NITI Aayog Office Premises: A Cleanliness Drive was conducted in NITI Aayog Office Premises on all floors from 24-09-2024 to 27-09-2024 with active participation of NITI Aayog staff.

     

         

     

    1. Deep Cleaning of NITI Aayog Departmental Canteen: The Welfare Team undertook the activity of Deep Cleaning of NITI Aayog Departmental Canteen Hall & Kitchen from 24-09-2024 to 27-09-2024.

     

                     

     

    1. Swachhta Pledge: Commemorating the Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2nd October, 2024, the Hon’ble Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog administered the Swachhta Pledge to NITI Aayog staff, followed by the Cleanliness Drive of NITI Aayog outdoor campus led by the Hon’ble Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog (Shri Suman K. Bery); the Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog (Shri Ramesh Chand); and the Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog (Shri Arvind Virmani).

           

     

              

    *****

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2063844) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Online registrations for Yuva Sangam (Phase V) commence for participation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Online registrations for Yuva Sangam (Phase V) commence for participation

    Registrations will be accepted till 21st October 2024

    More than 4790 youth across India participated in 114 tours in various phases of Yuva Sangam

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 4:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The registration portal for Phase V of Yuva Sangam, under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB), was launched today by the Ministry of Education. Yuva Sangam is an initiative by the Government of India to strengthen people-to-people connect between youth belonging to different States/UTs of India. Interested youth in the age group of 18-30 years, mainly students, NSS/NYKS volunteers, employed/self-employed persons, etc. may register through the YUVA SANGAM portal to participate in the forthcoming Phase of this unique initiative which was launched in 2023. Registrations will be accepted till 21st October 2024.

    Detailed information is available at: https://ebsb.aicte-india.org/

     

    The idea of a sustained and structured cultural connect between people of different regions was mooted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas held on 31st October 2015 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. To crystallise this idea, the EBSB programme was launched on 31st October 2016. The origins and evolution of EBSB along with activities, special initiatives and campaigns organised under the programme are available in the e-Book (https://ekbharat.gov.in/JourneySoFarCampaign/index.html)

    Yuva Sangam, launched under EBSB, takes forward twin elements of Panch Pran – Strength in Unity and Pride in Legacy. The initiative aligns with key themes in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by focusing on experiential learning and imbibing knowledge of the rich diversity of India on a first-hand basis. It is an ongoing educational cum cultural exchange with celebration of diversity at its core wherein participants gain an immersive experience of diverse facets of life, natural landforms, development landmarks, engineering and architectural marvels, recent achievements, and the opportunity to interact and deeply engage with the local youth in the host State/UT.

    Twenty eminent institutions across India have been identified for Phase V of Yuva Sangam during which participants from these states/ UTs, led by the nodal HEI of the state/UT, respectively, will be visiting their paired state/ UTs.

    List of Paired States

     

    1. Maharashtra and Odisha
    2. Haryana and Madhya Pradesh
    3. Jharkhand and Uttarakhand
    4. Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu
    5. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
    6. Bihar and Karnataka
    7. Gujarat and Kerala
    8. Telangana and Himachal Pradesh
    9. Assam and Chhattisgarh
    10. Rajasthan and West Bengal

     

    During Yuva Sangam tours, multi-dimensional exposure under five broad areas- the 5 Ps viz; Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology) will be provided to the visiting delegation over a period of 5-7 days (excluding travel days). The previous phases of Yuva Sangam have witnessed massive enthusiasm with registrations crossing 44,000 in the last Phase. Till now, 4,795 youth across India have participated in 114 tours in various phases of Yuva Sangam (including the pilot phase in 2022).

    Yuva Sangam, which exemplifies the ‘Whole of Government’ approach, is organised collaboratively with the support of participating Ministries/Departments/Agencies and State Governments. This includes M/o Home Affairs, Culture, Tourism, Youth Affairs & Sports, Information & Broadcasting, Department for Development of North-East Region (DoNER), and Railways. Each participating stakeholder has distinct roles and responsibilities for implementing the programme.  The selection of delegates and end-to-end execution of the Yuva Sangam tours is done by nodal Higher Education Institutes (list at Annexure); which drive the initiative.

    Annexure

    Pairing of States / UTs and HEIs for Yuva Sangam Phase-V

    S.No.

    State 1

    Name of HEI

    State 2

    Name of HEI

    1

    Maharashtra

    IIM Mumbai

    Odisha

    IIT Bhubaneswar

    2

    Haryana

    CU Haryana

    Madhya Pradesh

    IGNTU, Amarkantak

    3

    Jharkhand

    IIT Dhanbad

    Uttarakhand

    IIT Roorkee

    4

    Jammu & Kashmir

    IIM Jammu

    Tamil Nadu

    NITTTR Chennai

    5

    Andhra Pradesh

    SPA, Vijayawada

    Uttar Pradesh

    IIIT Allahabad

    6

    Bihar

    CU of Bihar, Gaya

    Karnataka

    IIT Dharwad

    7

    Gujarat

    IIT Gandhinagar

    Kerala

    IIIT Kottayam

    8

    Telangana

    Maulana Azad National Urdu

    University, Hyderabad

    Himachal

    Pradesh

    NIT Hamirpur

    9

    Assam

    Assam University, Silchar

    Chhattisgarh

    IIM Raipur

    10

    Rajasthan

    IIT Jodhpur

    West Bengal

    IIEST, Shibpur

    *****

    SS/AK

    (Release ID: 2063848) Visitor Counter : 11

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Become cultural ambassadors of the country, urges Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Become cultural ambassadors of the country, urges Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Union Culture and Tourism Minister addresses students at Viksit Bharat Ambassador-Yuva Connect programme at DY Patil Deemed To Be University

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 4:30PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 10 October 2024

     

    Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat urged the youth of the country to become cultural ambassadors of the country. Shri Shekhawat was speaking at the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Yuva Connect programme at DY Patil Deemed To Be University, in Navi Mumbai today. Shri Shekhawat said that India is a point of attraction for huge number of global tourists. In this connection, he asked the youth and student community to be the bearers and protectors of the country’s culture, traditions and values.

    Speaking on the occasion, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Shekhawat said youth of the country will be builders of Viksit Bharat and in the future, people living in a developed India will give today’s youth credit for bringing about Viksit Bharat. He urged them to fulfill the dreams of the country’s revered freedom fighters who sacrificed themselves for making India independent from colonial rulers. The Union Minister said that now is the time and opportunity to contribute towards nation building with the aim to bring about Viksit Bharat in 2047, which then will be a true homage to our freedom fighters.

    Shri Shekhawat stated that the Central Government, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, in the last years had adopted the strategy of ‘Reform, Perform, Transform’ that brought about a change in the lives of many citizens. This strategy led to initiatives for Banking the Unbanked and start of the world’s largest financial inclusion, Funding the unfunded, Public Distribution System, Skilling the Unskilled, One Nation One Market for Agricultural Produce and Insuring the uninsured. In the last ten years, the country has also seen development and transformation of infrastructure at a huge scale. The Government has also stressed on digitization and digital payments which has become a precedence for many other countries.  The emphasis on Digital India also led to implementation of the biggest vaccination drive in the country during COVID-19. Stating these, Shri Shekhawat said, today India is the third largest economy in the world and the youth of the country have largely contributed towards taking the country forward. 

    Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Shekhawat said that self-sufficiency or ‘aatmanirbharta’ is the way forward. In this context, the Minister stated the thrust ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ has been felt in many sectors, like the defence manufacturing sector. Tejas aircrafts are highly sought after by many countries, he added. Shri Shekhawat said India’s success story has been brought about by speed and scale of development, zero tolerance towards corruption and traditional values of the country. 

    Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also interacted with the student achievers on the occasion. Dr. Vijay D. Patil, Chancellor and President of DY Patil Deemed To Be University, Dr. Shivani V. Patil, Pro Vice Chancellor and Vice President of DY Patil Deemed To Be University, Vice Chancellor Smt. Vandana Mishra and NYKS Director (Maharashtra and Goa) Shri Prakash Kumar Manure were present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion.  

     

    * * *

    PIB Mumbai | SC/ DR

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

    (Release ID: 2063854) Visitor Counter : 80

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inviting Comments on Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

    Inviting Comments on Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has put in public domain the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for inviting comments/suggestions of general public and the stakeholders, as part of pre-legislative consultation process.

    The Bill aims to

    • Provide for the development and promotion of sports, welfare measures for sportspersons, ethical practices in sports through good governance practices;
    • Establish institutional capacity and prudential standards for the governance of sports federations that are based on basic universal principles of good governance, ethics and fair play of the Olympic and sports movement, the Olympic Charter, the Paralympic Charter, international best practices and established legal standards;
    • Establish measures for the resolution of sports grievances and sports disputes in a unified, equitable and effective manner

    Following are the salient features of the Bill:

    1. Establishment of Sports Regulatory Board of India, which will act as central regulatory authority responsible for granting recognition to National Sports Federations (NSFs) and ensuring compliance with governance, financial, and ethical standards. It will have flexibility and autonomy in regulating governance of sports in the country. No fix formula is provided in how NSF will be recognised.
    2. Structure of IOA/PCI/NSF: The bill prescribes a governance structure in alignment with the international policies and keeping in view the national interest. It restricts the sizes of the EC to 15 members and make the leadership positions open to the citizens with usual terms and conditions. NSFs have been encouraged to put a salaried professional full time management in place headed by a CEO. NSFs to ensure that all constituent units follow good governance practices as prescribed. The recognised bodies will be governed on the lines of Olympic Charter, Paralympic Charter and Regulations established by concerned International Federations.
    3. Mandatory Ethical and Governance Standards: The bill introduces mandatory provisions for ethical governance in sports federations, with the establishment of Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions at the NOC, NPC, and NSF levels. These measures ensure adherence to integrity, transparency, and fairness in administration and decision-making processes. The bill ensures the governance of sports federations, aligning with the Olympic and Paralympic charters and international best practices, creating a globally acceptable governance framework critical for hosting international events like the Olympics.
    4. Athletes Commissions: This bill mandates the formation of Athletes Commissions in NOC, NPC, and all NSFs, ensuring that athletes are represented and have a platform to raise concerns, participate in decision-making, and contribute to policy formulation. This athlete-centred approach enhances India’s standing in international forums and makes the country more athlete-friendly for global events. Provision of additional funding to the Athlete Commissions by the Government.
    5. Athlete Representation in Executive Committees: The bill ensures that 10% of the voting members in the General Body of the NOC, NPC, and NSFs are sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) who are elected by the Athletes Commission. At least two of these SOM representatives (one male and one female) must serve on the Executive Committee.
    6. Safe Sports Policy: A “Safe Sport Policy” is introduced, focusing on the protection of athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment and abuse and strict adherence to the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act (POSH) Act, 2013. This is a critical step toward creating a safe environment for sportspersons.
    7. National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs): Bill establishes guidelines for the recognition and regulation of NSPOs that promote sports governance, athlete support, and development. This strengthens institutional capacities and offers an expanded role for NGOs and private organizations.
    8. Appellate Sports Tribunal: A dedicated Appellate Sports Tribunal will handle all sports-related disputes in India, reducing reliance on civil courts and ensuring faster resolution of grievances. It will reduce multiplicity of court cases and will have a single window system and will provide faster, cheaper and easier resolution of disputes.
    9. Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees: In case of non-compliance or suspension of sports federations, the Bill allows the Sports Regulatory Board to form ad-hoc normalization committees to administer these bodies temporarily in consultation with international federations, ensuring continuity in sports governance.
    10. Strict Compliance with Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Standards: The Bill underscores the importance of ethical behaviour in sports, with anti-doping measures, stringent compliance with international rules, and strict penalties for violations, positioning India as a clean and fair host for the Olympics. All the bodies have to formulate their Code of Ethics in accordance with the IOC Code of Ethics and Law of Land.
    11. Public Accountability and Transparency: By subjecting the NOC, NPC, and NSFs to the Right to Information (RTI) Act (with specific exclusions for performance and medical data), the Bill enhances transparency, ensuring sports governance is accountable to the public.
    12. Promotion of Inclusivity and Gender Representation: The Bill mandates gender representation in Executive Committees and other governing bodies, ensuring that at least 30% of the members are female, which aligns with global trends in gender equality and inclusivity in sports.
    13. Sports Election Panel: IOA/PCI/NSFs to engage electoral officers for conduct of free and fair elections from an Sports Election Panel. The Panel will comprise of officials who have had extensive experience in conduct of the elections in the country.
    14. Restriction on use of national name and insignia: Only recognised sports bodies will be allowed the use of Indian Flag or national names. Contravention will lead to fine and punishment which can go upto one year or Rs 10 lakhs or both.

    Stakeholders and general public have been requested to send suggestions/comments to the Ministry preferably by email at email id draft.sportsbill[at]gov[dot]in by 25.10.2024.

    Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 can be accessed at  https://yas.nic.in/sports/draft-national-sports-governance-bill-2024-inviting-comments-suggestions-general-public-and.

    ****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2063882)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah pays tribute to legendary industrialist Ratan Tata

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah pays tribute to legendary industrialist Ratan Tata

    Home Minister lays a wreath on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in Mumbai

    Ratan Tata ji will always be remembered as a beacon of patriotism and integrity

    As an industrialist respected across the world, he steered Tata Group into global prominence

    Ratan Tata’s life & commitment to the nation stand as a pole star in India’s industrial landscape

    Ratan Tata ji’s legacy will continue to guide those who lead the industrial sector of the country for a long time to come

    Time cannot take away Ratan Tata ji from his beloved nation, he will live on in our hearts

    Ratan Tata’s commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah paid tribute to legendary industrialist Ratan Tata in Mumbai today. Home Minister laid a wreath on the behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji.

    In his post on ‘X’ Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, “Have joined millions of Indians to grieve the sad demise of Ratan Tata Ji. Also laid a wreath on behalf of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Ratan Tata Ji will always be remembered as a beacon of patriotism and integrity. As an industrialist respected across the world, he steered Tata Group into global prominence. His life & commitment to the nation stand as a pole star in India’s industrial landscape”.

    Shri Amit Shah said, “He led the Tata group with clean corporate governance, adhering to the rules, and made efforts to build a better society through the Tata Trusts. Ratan Tata Ji’s legacy will continue to guide those who lead the industrial sector of the country for a long time to come”.

    In another post Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said, that “Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams. Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirer.

    *****

    RK/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2063881) Visitor Counter : 25

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY SIGNS MoU WITH BAJAJ ALLIANZ LIFE INSURANCE FOR PROVIDING INSURANCE TO NAVAL CIVILIANS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Navy is committed to excellence, innovation, adaptability and enhanced functional efficiency in HR management of Civilian Personnel and one of the key objectives to achieve this goal is fostering a culture of inclusivity and inculcating strong sense of belongingness by instituting various welfare measures.

    2024 has been declared ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ by Indian Navy (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2001395) in order to provide thrust to new initiatives and effectively improve the overall work environment for Naval Civilians. Welfare measures to enhance quality of life is a major focus area in the Year of Naval Civilians.                                                                                                             

    One of the key concerns for Naval Civilians is monetary relief to the family of Civilian employees in case of untimely death of the incumbent in service. It is of utmost importance to have life insurance to financially support the bereaved family.

    IN has accordingly entered into an MoU with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company for offering diverse product portfolio including Term Insurance to Naval Civilians at affordable premiums with various options. The insurance can be availed by Naval Civilians on a voluntary basis. This will help in providing instant financial relief in case of the death of the incumbent or any other eventuality as covered under insurance policy.

    Highlighting the importance of the occasion as part activities of the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’, VAdm Sanjay Bhalla, Chief of Personnel appreciated the life insurance solutions offered by Bajaj Allianz Life, which have been specially tailored to meet the needs of IN Civilian personnel. He reiterated IN’s commitment towards welfare of Naval Civilians and families.

    _________________________________________________________________

    VM/SPS                                                                                                         201/24

    (Release ID: 2063886) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region in the context of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with the support of India’s Act East Policy (AEP)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of India, gathered on the occasion of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to promote the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the fundamental principles, shared values and norms that have steered the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations since its establishment in 1992, including those enunciated in the Vision Statement of ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit (2012), the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations (2018), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region (2021), the Joint Statement on ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation (2023) and ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises (2023);

    WELCOMING the Decade of Act East Policy of India, where ASEAN is at the heart and of utmost priority, which has contributed to advancing ASEAN-India relations through cooperation in areas of political-security, economic, cultural and people-to-people relations;

    ACKNOWLEDGING the deep civilisational linkages and cross-cultural exchanges, facilitated through both land and maritime routes between Southeast Asia and India, encompassing the various seas and oceans of the Indo-Pacific, providing a strong foundation for the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership;

    WELCOMING the activities and initiatives held in the year 2024 on the occasion of the decade of Act East Policy to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership;

    RECOGNISING India’s support for ASEAN Centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture and its commitment to work closely through ASEAN-led mechanisms and fora including the ASEAN-India Summit, East Asia Summit (EAS), Post Ministerial Conference with India (PMC+1), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) as well as support to ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Community building process including Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP);

    NOTING the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/78/69 which emphasises, in the Preamble, the universal and unified character of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and reaffirms that the Convention sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector, and that its integrity needs to be maintained;

    APPRECIATING efforts towards implementation of the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region through trust and confidence based on shared democratic values, strong belief in sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a shared commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to upholding multilateralism, the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and respect for international law, while recognising ASEAN’s rising global relevance and unique convening power amid the emerging multipolar global architecture and noting the growing and active role of India in major international economic and political affairs.

    Do hereby declare to

    1. Reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and other lawful uses of the seas, including unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In this regard, we support the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS;

    2. Build on ongoing collaboration in defense and security within the framework of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus, including the first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in 2023 and co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (2024-2027), as well as noting the two initiatives announced at the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in 2022;

    3. Strengthen cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, military medicine, transnational crime, defence industry, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping and demining operations and confidence building measures. This will be achieved through the exchange of visits, joint military exercise, maritime exercise, port calls by naval ships and defence scholarships;

    4. Advance the implementation of ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation and continue to cooperate on areas such as maritime security, blue economy, sustainable fisheries, marine environmental protection, marine biodiversity, and climate change issues, among others;

    5. Promote and work towards the strengthening of multilateralism through the UN and the multilateral processes to address global concerns, pursue shared goals and complementary initiatives, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of our peoples;

    6. Build on the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region by advancing cooperation between the AOIP and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI);

    7. Expedite the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more effective, user-friendly, simple, and trade-facilitative for businesses and relevant to the current global trading practices and promote mutually beneficial arrangements and strengthen economic cooperation between ASEAN and India;

    8. Promote diverse, secure, transparent and resilient supply chains while exchanging information on identifying and proactively addressing potential risks in supply chains in areas of mutual interest to promote sustainable development;

    9. Cooperate on emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technology, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Quantum Computing, 6-G technology, building and strengthening of startups ecosystem with special emphasis on digital connectivity and financial technology;

    10. Welcome the launch of the ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future to support joint activities;

    11. Cooperate to unlock the full potential of safe, secure, responsible, trustworthy AI by promoting international cooperation and further discussions on international governance for AI, considering that the rapid progress of AI has the potential for prosperity and expansion of the global digital economy. We should endeavor to leverage AI for public good by solving challenges in a responsible, inclusive and human-centric manner while protecting people’s rights and safety;

    12. Note the proposal to celebrate the year 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism to further strengthen people-to-people ties while recognising the crucial role of tourism in promoting sustainable socioeconomic development and economic prosperity, and as one of the vehicles for achieving the SDGs. In this endeavour, we support the implementation of the ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027, and to explore deeper cooperation to support joint programs for tourism education, training and research to build capacity and ensure a high-quality tourism industry. We also encourage the expansion of business networks among travel stakeholders, the practice of sustainable and responsible tourism, as well as the exchange of tourism trends and information. In addition, we support the enhancement of crisis communications, promotion of tourism investment opportunities, as well as development and joint promotion of niche markets, cruise tourism and tourism standards;

    13. Strengthen health systems by enhancing collaboration on public health including, inter alia, in the areas of research and development (R&D), public health emergency preparedness, training of healthcare professionals, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, vaccine security and self-reliance, vaccine development and production, as well as general and traditional medicine;

    14. Enhance cooperation in the field of environment, including biodiversity and climate change as well as explore cooperation in the field of energy security, including cooperation on clean, renewable, and low-carbon energy in line with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2021-2025 and India’s renewable energy priorities, as well as other national models and priorities such as bio-circular-green development;

    15. Promote disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure systems through knowledge sharing and best practices, capacity building and technical assistance, which can be pursued such as through the framework of Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as well as the proposed Memorandum of Intent (MOI) between ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) and National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of India;

    16. Enhance connectivity between ASEAN and India in line with the “Connecting the Connectivities” approach, by exploring synergies between the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its successor document, the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) and India’s connectivity initiatives in the region under India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision to ensure seamless connectivity in the Indo-Pacific by collaborating for quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure and enhancing cooperation in transport in land, air, and maritime domains including through the early completion and operationalisation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway while looking forward to its eastward extension to Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam;

    17. Stressing the importance of strengthening multilateralism and comprehensive reform of the multilateral global governance architecture, including the United Nations and international financial architecture, international financial institutions, and multilateral development banks, to make them fit for purpose, democratic, equitable, representative and responsive to the current global realities and the needs and aspirations of the Global South;

    18. Call for an inclusive and balanced international agenda, that responds to the concerns and priorities of the Global South, recognising that the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’ (CBDR-RC) within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) applies to all relevant global challenges;

    19. Explore potential synergies with sub-regional frameworks, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), Singapore-Johor-Riau (SIJORI) Growth Triangle, Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and Mekong sub-regional cooperation frameworks, including Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and Ayeyawady Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), and to support ASEAN and India’s efforts in promoting equitable development by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive, mutual growth and development of ASEAN and India;

    20. Continue to work together on regional and global issues of common concern while endeavouring to strengthen our partnership through the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2063888) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets with the Prime Minister of Japan on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 7:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan H.E. Mr. Shigeru Ishiba today on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos.

    Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Ishiba on his new responsibility and wished him success in leading Japan to greater heights. He underscored that India will continue to accord the highest priority to its ties with Japan, a trusted friend and strategic partner.

    The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership through enhanced cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade and investment, infrastructure development, defense and security, semiconductors, skilling, culture and people to people exchanges.

     Both leaders emphasized that India and Japan are indispensable partners for a peaceful, safe, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and renewed their commitment to working together to achieve this goal.

    The two leaders looked forward to the next India-Japan annual summit.

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2063934) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of India, on the occasion of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to promote the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the fundamental principles, shared values and norms that have steered the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations since its establishment in 1992, including those enunciated in the Vision Statement of ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit (2012), the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations (2018), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region (2021), the Joint Statement on ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022), the ASEAN- India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation (2023) and ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises (2023);

    RECOGNISING the significant role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in catalysing digital transformation and promoting inclusivity, efficiency, and innovation in public service delivery; connecting individuals, communities, industries, organizations and countries across geographies, taking into account different domestic and international contexts;

    RECOGNISING that technology can enable rapid transformations for bridging the existing digital divides in the region and accelerate progress for inclusive and sustainable development while promoting region’s economic integration;

    APPRECIATING the contribution made by India towards implementation of ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025) and noteworthy achievements of cooperation activities in the successive ASEAN-India Digital Work Plans including through knowledge sharing and capacity building programmes and the establishment of Centers of Excellence in Software Development and Training in CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam) countries;

    ACKNOWLEDGING the leadership and significant advancements made by India in developing and implementing successful DPI initiatives, which have resulted in substantial social and economic benefits;

    ACKNOWLEDGING the development of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2026-2030 (ADM 2030), to build upon the accomplishments of the ADM 2025, which aims to expedite digital transformation across ASEAN, to facilitate the seamless transition into the next phase of digital advancement by 2030, in line with the common goals of ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

    APPRECIATING India for setting up the ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future focusing on cooperation in digital transformation in ASEAN countries;

    Do hereby declare to strengthen cooperation in:

    1. Digital Public Infrastructure

    1.1 We acknowledge the opportunities for collaboration, with the mutual consent of ASEAN Member States and India, to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the development, implementation, and governance of DPI by utilizing various kinds of platforms to promote DPI development across the region;

    1.2 We recognise potential opportunities for joint initiatives and projects that leverage DPI for regional development and integration;

    1.3 We shall explore collaboration to leverage DPI across sectors in addressing diverse challenges such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate action.

    2. Financial Technology

    2.1 We recognise that Financial Technology (FinTech) and innovation as vital drivers for the bilateral economic partnership:

    2.2 We aim to:

    a. Explore potential collaboration of cross-border linkages between payment systems in ASEAN and India through innovative digital solutions enabling digital service delivery available in India and ASEAN.

    b. Explore partnerships between national agencies for fintech innovations and support digital solutions, including digital financial solutions.

    3. Cybersecurity

    3.1 We recognize that cooperation in cybersecurity is a crucial part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    3.2 We welcome the establishment of the ASEAN India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue and look forward to its first meeting in October this year;

    3.3 We intend to expand our cyber security cooperation to support digital economy. As we gradually move towards growing digital economies, we shall endeavour to ensure the security and resilience of digital infrastructure and services;

    4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    4.1 We support collaboration the development of necessary knowledge, skills, infrastructure, risk management frameworks and policies to effectively and responsibly leverage AI technologies and applications to harness the potential of AI advancements.

    4.2 We recognize that access to AI technologies including, but not limited to, computing, data-sets and foundational models is key to achieving sustainable development through AI. Therefore, we shall collaborate for democratisation of AI resources for social good in accordance with respective national laws, rules and regulations.

    4.3 We recognize that AI is changing job landscapes rapidly and there is a need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. We support collaboration in capacity building on AI education initiatives, develop Al-focused vocational training programs, and create platforms for knowledge exchange to prepare the workforce for the future job market.

    4.4 We welcome collaboration to develop studies on governance, standards and tools to support and assess the achievement of fairness, robustness, equitable access and other mutually agreed principles of responsible AI to promote trustworthiness in artificial intelligence systems.

    5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

    5.1. We shall use the existing frameworks including the ASEAN India Digital Ministers’ Meeting for regular exchanges, workshops, seminars, training programs and other capacity building exercises focusing on relevant topics aimed at facilitating digital transformation;

    5.2. We support sharing knowledge about our respective digital solutions including DPI for mutual study and adaptation to our needs.

    6. Sustainable Financing and Investment

    6.1. While initially the activities shall be financed under ASEAN India Fund for Digital Future, being launched this year, we shall explore mechanisms for financing digital initiatives, including through public-private partnerships, international funding, and innovative financing models.

    7. Implementation Mechanism

    7.1. Task the relevant bodies of ASEAN-India to follow-up and implement this Joint Statement, in order to ensure cooperation between ASEAN and India for the advancement of digital transformation.

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2063889) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets with Prime Minister of New Zealand on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

    ​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of New Zealand H.E. Mr. Christopher Luxon met on the sidelines of ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR today. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.

    The two Prime Ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across a range of areas including trade and investment, defence and security, renewable energy, education, dairy, agri-tech, sports, tourism, space, and people-to-people ties. They noted that frequent high-level contacts have imparted a strong momentum to bilateral relations. In this context, they recalled the recent visit of the President of India to New Zealand, which was a huge success.

    ​Prime Minister welcomed New Zealand’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

    ​The Prime Ministers renewed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in multilateral fora and reiterated their commitment to take the India-New Zealand relationship to greater heights.

    Prime Minister extended an invitation to Prime Minister Luxon to visit India on mutually convenient dates, which he accepted.

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2063937) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express, Enhancing Rail Connectivity in Jharkhand

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express, Enhancing Rail Connectivity in Jharkhand

    Sahibganj Station to Serve as First Halt in Jharkhand for Anand Vihar-Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express, Fulfilling Long-Standing Demand of Santhal Paragana Region

    Jharkhand Achieves 100% Electrification and 1,200 Kilometers of New Railway Lines in Last Decade, with ₹56,000 Crore Investment and Redevelopment of 57 Stations Underway

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 7:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today presented a significant gift to the people of Jharkhand by flagging off the daily Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express through video conferencing. This new train service will connect Sahibganj to Howrah, covering a distance of 350 km in just 7 hours at an affordable fare of ₹125, providing considerable relief to the residents of Jharkhand. Currently, travelers spend ₹700 to ₹800 to journey from Sahibganj to Howrah by road. The introduction of this train service will not only simplify travel but also enhance business opportunities and employment in the region.

    The Railway Minister has given another gift to Jharkhand today. From today, the weekly Anand Vihar – Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express (20501), which travels from Anand Vihar in the national capital region to Agartala, has now stoppage at Sahibganj station in Jharkhand. Sahibganj will be the first stop of this train in the state, making it the only station in Jharkhand between Bihar and West Bengal where this train will stop. This was the long-standing demand of the people of Jharkhand, which has now fulfilled the dream of people.

    The Sahibganj-Howrah Intercity Express (13428) will operate daily between Sahibganj and Howrah stations. The train will make stops at Sakrigali, Tinpahar, Barharwa, Pakaur, Rampur Hat, Bolpur Shantiniketan, Barddhaman, and Bandel. The train will depart Sahibganj at 5:20 AM and arrive in Howrah at 12:15 PM. The return journey of this train (13427) will depart Howrah at 13:45 PM and arrive in Sahibganj at 20:35 PM. The train will be composed of 9 general coaches and 2 SLR/SLRD coaches.

    Agartala Anand Vihar-Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express(20502) will have new stoppage at Sahibganj station on Malda Division. The train will stop at Sahibganj station at 13:56 PM on 15.10.2024 and depart at 13:58 PM. The return journey of this train (20501) will stop at Sahibganj station at 17:01 PM on 10.10.2024 and depart at 17:03 PM.

    While addressing the gathering, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said “the Santhal Pargana region has a long history and has made significant contributions to our struggle for independence. Jharkhand is a large state with a historical culture, and many industries across the country depend on Jharkhand for power supply. If we look at Jharkhand’s role in the history of independence, we should remember the contributions made over the last ten years under Modi’s leadership. Ten years ago, the railway budget allocation for Jharkhand was merely ₹450 crores, but today it has increased to ₹7,300 crores. This is a 16-fold increase in investment for the development of Jharkhand”.

    He further added that in last decade, 1,200 kilometres of railway lines have been constructed, and 100% electrification has been achieved in Jharkhand. The redevelopment of 57 stations is underway, and many new projects has been launched throughout the state. An investment of ₹56,000 crores is planned for the railway sector in Jharkhand. This will provide residents with better travel facilities, attract new industries, and create job opportunities. Students will have means to commute for their education, and those in need of medical services will also have access to transportation.

    While extending his best wishes to the residents of Sahibganj and the villages, towns, and cities along the route from Sahibganj to Howrah, the minister expressed his special gratitude to Shri Nishikant Dubey and Shri Anant Kumar Ojha for their commendable efforts in serving their respective regions. He acknowledged their continuous follow-up and commitment, not only to highlight challenges but also to bring forth effective solutions. This collaborative spirit has made it possible to inaugurate the new train service operating from Sahibganj to Howrah

    Shri Nishikant Dubey, Member of Parliament from Godda, was also present on this occasion via video conferencing at Rail Bhawan, while Shri Anant Kumar Ojha, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Rajmahal, Jharkhand, attended the event at Sahibganj Railway Station. Both leaders praised the railway initiatives introduced by the Railway Minister. Shri Dubey noted that trains had not operated at the Giridih railway station, which was built 140 years ago, until the Modi government took office. He emphasized that this development, along with the new services, provides the people of Jharkhand the opportunity to connect with three significant Shakti Peeths—Kamakhya, Tripura Sundari, and Kalighat—as a special gift during the Navratri festival.

    ****

    DT/SK

    (Release ID: 2063945) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 32 closed between Old Taupō Rd, Tokoroa and SH30

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    State Highway 32 (SH32) is closed at Kinleith between Old Taupō Rd, Tokoroa and State Highway 30 (SH30) due to a serious crash.

    The closure point is north of the intersection with Albacore Road West.

    State Highway 1 (SH1) is also closed  between Tokoroa (SH32) and Kinleith (SH30) in both directions until Mid-November, for major renewal works.

    SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru maintenance

    Road users are advised to plan their journey.

    For northbound traffic, the detour is via Rotorua. Turn Right from SH1 onto SH30, left at the roundabout from SH30 onto SH5, then continue along SH5 until you rejoin SH1 in Tīrau.

    Southbound Traffic – detour via Rotorua as per above in reverse.

    The serious crash unit is on site and the road is expected to remain closed until early afternoon.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Asphalt resurfacing for section of SH2 in Dannevirke

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A section of State Highway 2 (SH2) in Dannevirke will be closed to northbound traffic for 4 days, while the road is resurfaced later this month.

    This asphalt resurfacing work will take place on SH2 Stanley Street, between Denmark Street and Miller Street from Tuesday 29 October.

    During day-time work hours, a detour will be in place for northbound traffic; southbound traffic will continue to flow freely on SH2. The detour is suitable for all vehicle types.

    Crews will be working from 6.30am to 5pm each day between Tuesday 29 October and Friday 1 November (weather permitting).

    During these work hours, northbound traffic will be detoured via Rawhiti Street, Queen Street, Allan Street and onto Cole Street, before rejoining SH2.

    A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place for southbound traffic near the worksite. Outside of work hours, SH2 will be open with a reduced speed limit in place.

    This resurfacing work will improve the durability and long-term condition of this section of road. A one-way daytime closure allows crews to complete the work as efficiently and safely as possible while keeping traffic moving, and minimising ongoing disruption and long delay times.

    Resident and business access remains and northbound road users are advised to follow the detour to get to your destination. The detour is expected to add less than 5 minutes to journey times.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this important road renewal work.

    We know that a well-maintained state highway network promotes safety and improves options for moving people and freight. 

    Other works underway or coming up on SH2

    • State Highway 2, rebuild: Work has begun on a section of SH2 at Matamau, near Factory Road, north of Dannevirke. Stop/go will be in place each day for about 4 weeks, finishing on 30 October.
    • State Highway 2, resurfacing: Asphalting works are underway on SH2 near the Mangatera Stream Bridge, north of Dannevirke. Stop/go is in place at night, with works expected to finish on Saturday 12 October.
    • State Highway 2, rebuild: From 31 October – 28 November, road rebuild work will take place on SH2 in Papatawa, north of Ball Road, between Woodville and Dannevirke. Daytime stop/go will be in place.

    More information about SH2 Dannevirke works

    For more information about the 2024/2025 road maintenance season, please visit:

    NZTA’s Manawatū-Whanganui maintenance and operations webpage

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Public health warning: viral gastroenteritis on the rise

    Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

    ​NSW Health is encouraging the community to stay on alert for symptoms of gastroenteritis, with testing and hospital data showing a significant rise in cases in recent weeks across the state.
    The increase is being driven by two pathogens which commonly cause vomiting and diarrhoea, rotavirus and norovirus. Rotavirus can be particularly severe in young children. Norovirus is common cause of outbreaks are common in residential aged care facilities, schools and child care centres.
    The latest testing data shows rotavirus notifications are at some of their highest levels in recent years.
    Director of NSW Health’s One Health branch Keira Glasgow said it’s important to reduce the spread of gastro before schools return next week.
    “Last week, there were more than 2,700 presentations to NSW emergency departments with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Presentations were particularly high in children who are under five years of age,” Ms Glasgow said.
    “The message to the community is clear – simple measures can help stop the spread of gastro. Maintaining good hand hygiene and keeping children at home when they are unwell will give us a good chance to slow the spread.”
    Viruses are spread from the vomit or stool (faeces) of an infected person. This can occur through close contact with unwashed hands, touching contaminated surfaces, when cleaning up body fluids, sharing of contaminated objects, consuming contaminated food or drink, and occasionally inhaling airborne particles when people vomit.
    Viral gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. They can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, and sometimes longer.
    Advice for parents and caregivers includes:

    Immunisation to prevent rotavirus infection is recommended and part of the childhood immunisation schedule. Immunisation is free for children under six months of age. The vaccine is given as two oral doses, at six weeks and four months of age, with completion of the course by 24 weeks of age.
    The main treatment for viral gastroenteritis is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover without complications but more urgent care may need to be sought for infants, people with suppressed immune systems, and the elderly, who may experience more serious illness.
    View more information on how to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis.​

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Road safety prioritised through new education programs

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Twenty-three projects will share in just under $9 million in grants to improve road safety thanks to the Albanese Government’s National Road Safety Action Grants Program. 

    The National Road Safety Action Grants program will fund non-infrastructure projects critical to reducing deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads, across five key streams: 

    • Vulnerable Road Users
    • Community Education and Awareness 
    • First Nations Road Safety
    • Technology and Innovation
    • Research and Data.

    Grants of between $20,000 and $1.5 million have been awarded to 13 organisations under the Community Education and Awareness stream including a safe speeds campaign, Rural Road Safety Month, and the National Road Safety Partnership Program to support businesses to develop a positive road safety culture. 

    Ten organisations under the Vulnerable Road Users stream of the program have received funding that will deliver projects focussed on implementable solutions and innovation for road safety around schools, people living with disability, cyclist visibility and awareness, road worker safety, and older drivers. 

    More information on the program, including the successful projects, can be accessed here. 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisolm:

    “Education can play a vital role in making Australia’s roads safer.

    “These grants will support innovative solutions, campaigns and programs targeting priority road safety areas, including reducing road trauma amongst children, cyclists, road workers and the elderly.

    “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and with programs like this, we can work together to make a big difference on our roads.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Danny K. Davis, Mayors Rory Hoskins and Nathaniel Booker, Former State Senator Rickey Hendon, and State Representative Camille Lilly Stand United Against Project 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    Chicago, IL—Today, Congressman Danny K. Davis joined Mayors Rory Hoskins of Forest Park, Nathaniel Booker of Maywood, former State Senator Rickey Hendon, and State Representative Camille Lilly for a powerful press conference denouncing Project 2025’s dangerous implications. Standing together, the leaders warned about the devastating impact this extreme agenda could have on Illinois’s 7th Congressional District and called for unified action to protect their communities.

    Congressman Danny K. Davis: 

    “Project 2025 is an outright assault on the most vulnerable members of our district—low-income families, seniors, and children. This radical agenda seeks to dismantle the essential services that keep our communities afloat, from healthcare and education to food assistance and disaster preparedness. We cannot let this happen. Together, we will fight to ensure that the needs of our communities come first.”

    Mayor Rory Hoskins of Forest Park echoed Congressman Davis’s concerns, particularly focusing on the harmful effects Project 2025 would have on local education and healthcare programs. “The proposal to eliminate Title I funding will be catastrophic for our schools, putting the futures of thousands of children at risk. We stand with Congressman Davis in opposing this attack on our public education system.”

    Mayor Nathaniel Booker of Maywood added: “This plan strips away Medicaid and Medicare support from families who rely on it the most. It’s an attack on the basic human right to healthcare. The residents of Maywood deserve better, and we will fight for them.”

    State Representative Camille Lilly emphasized the broader impacts on Illinois residents, stating: “Project 2025 threatens to undermine decades of progress in reproductive rights, food security, and public services. We stand together today to say ‘no’ to this extreme agenda and ‘yes’ to the well-being of our families and our communities.”

    The leaders unanimously called for their constituents to stay vigilant and engaged, urging them to contact their representatives and demand that Project 2025 be stopped before it further endangers the welfare of the district and the state.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bell’s Point  — Increased police presence in Bell’s Point

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Saskatchewan RCMP advises there is an increased police presence in the Bell’s Point area in relation to an ongoing investigation. People are asked to avoid the area where officers are present and to follow any police direction provided.

    We will issue an update on this investigation as soon as we are able. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eighteen Individuals and Entities Charged in International Operation Targeting Widespread Fraud and Manipulation in the Cryptocurrency Markets

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

    First-ever criminal charges against financial services firms for market manipulation and “wash trading” in the cryptocurrency industry

    BOSTON – Eighteen individuals and entities have been charged for widespread fraud and manipulation in the cryptocurrency markets. Charges were unsealed in Boston against the leaders of four cryptocurrency companies, four cryptocurrency financial services firms (known as “market makers”) and employees at those firms.

    Four defendants have pleaded guilty, another defendant has agreed to plead guilty, and authorities apprehended three other defendants in Texas, the United Kingdom and Portugal this week. More than $25 million in cryptocurrency has been seized and multiple trading bots responsible for millions of dollars’ worth of wash trades for approximately 60 different cryptocurrencies have been deactivated.

    According to the charging documents, the defendants who created cryptocurrency companies made false statements about their cryptocurrencies (“tokens”) and executed sham trades in those tokens (“wash trades”) to create the appearance of trading activity that would make the tokens look like good investments. These deceptive tactics allegedly attracted new investors and purchasers, which resulted in an increase in the tokens’ trading prices. The defendants are then alleged to have sold their tokens at the artificially inflated prices, a fraud commonly known as a “pump and dump.” The largest of these cryptocurrency companies, Saitama, at one point had a multi-billion-dollar market value.

    The cryptocurrency companies also allegedly hired financial services firms ( “market makers”) to wash trade their tokens in exchange for payment. As one market maker defendant, who has agreed to plead guilty, described the practice to a prospective client: the “objective on the secondary markets” is to find “other buyers from the community, people you don’t know about or don’t care about” because “we have to make [the other buyers] lose money in order to make profit.”

    Three market makers—ZM Quant, CLS Global and MyTrade—along with their employees are charged with allegedly wash trading and/or conspiring to wash trade on behalf of NexFundAI, a cryptocurrency company and token created at the direction of law enforcement as part of the government’s investigation. A fourth market maker, Gotbit, its CEO, and two of its directors are also charged for perpetrating a similar scheme.

    Specifics regarding the defendants and conduct are detailed in Attachment A below.

    “This investigation, the first of its kind, identified numerous fraudsters in the cryptocurrency industry. Wash trading has long been outlawed in the financial markets, and cryptocurrency is no exception. These are cases where an innovative technology – cryptocurrency – met a century old scheme – the pump and dump. The message today is, if you make false statements to trick investors, that’s fraud. Period. Our Office will aggressively pursue fraud, including in the cryptocurrency industry,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy. “These charges are also a stark reminder of how vigilant online investors must be and that doing your homework before diving into the digital frontier is critical. People considering making investments in the cryptocurrency industry should understand how these scams work so that they can protect themselves.”

    “What the FBI uncovered in this case is essentially a new twist to old-school financial crime. ‘Operation Token Mirrors’ targeted nefarious token developers, promoters, and market makers in the crypto space. What we uncovered has resulted in charges against the leadership of four cryptocurrency companies, and four crypto ‘market makers’ and their employees who are accused of spearheading a sophisticated trading scheme that allegedly bilked honest investors out of millions of dollars,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI took the unprecedented step of creating its very own cryptocurrency token and company to identify, disrupt, and bring these alleged fraudsters to justice.”

    If you bought or sold any of the tokens referenced below, please fill out this form.

    The Securities & Exchange Commission has filed civil complaints alleging violations of the securities laws in relation to the conduct at Gotbit, CLS, ZM Quant, Saitama and Robo Inu. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Legal Attachés (Madrid and London), Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria European Network of Fugitive Active Search Team (ENFAST), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.  

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.  

    ###
     

    ATTACHMENT A

    The following individuals and entities have been charged in U.S. District Court in Boston, Mass.:

    Aleksei Andriunin, Fedor Kedrov, Qawi Jalili, Gotbit Consulting LLC (Gotbit) – According to court documents, Gotbit was a well-known “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry. Aleksei Andriunin, 26, of Russia and Portugal, was Gotbit’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder. Andriunin was arrested on Oct. 8, 2024 in Portugal and awaits extradition. Fedor Kedrov, of Russia, was Gotbit’s Director of Market Making. Qawi Jalili, of Russia was Gotbit’s Director of Sales. Gotbit, Kedrov and Jalili are each charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud. Andriunin is also charged in a separate criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    It is alleged that between 2018 and 2024, Gotbit provided market manipulation and wash trading services to several cryptocurrency companies, including companies located in the United States. Gotbit allegedly made wash trades worth millions of dollars on behalf of clients and received tens of millions of dollars in proceeds for these illicit services. In a 2019 interview published online, Andriunin allegedly described how he developed a code to wash trade and artificially inflate cryptocurrency trading volume. Andriunin allegedly kept track of Gotbit’s market manipulation, including with spreadsheets that compared “Created Volume” from wash trades with naturally occurring “Market Volume.” Gotbit’s employees, including Jalili and Kedrov, allegedly described these wash trading tactics to prospective clients and how to avoid detection. Jalili and Kedrov also allegedly provided these services to multiple cryptocurrencies, including the Saitama and Robo Inu cryptocurrencies.

    Riqui Liu, Baijun Ou, ZM Quant Investment LTD (ZM Quant) – ZM Quant was a “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that allegedly advertised illicit market manipulation services to clients. Riqui Liu, 26, of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, was an employee of ZM Quant. Baijun Ou, 32, of Hong Kong, was also an employee of ZM Quant. ZM Quant, Liu and Ou are each charged in a superseding indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    According to court documents, ZM Quant allegedly advertised a “trading bot” that could “create volume.” ZM Quant employees allegedly discussed these illicit services with clients through Telegram messages and during video teleconferences. For example, as alleged in the charging documents, during a video teleconference in March 2024, Liu and Ou described how ZM Quant would trade “maybe ten times per minute or twenty times a minute” to “increase the trading volume” and “pump the price.” Liu and Ou also described how ZM Quant allegedly used multiple trading wallets to avoid having the trading look “fake.” It is further alleged that ZM Quant provided market manipulation services for multiple cryptocurrency companies, including Saitama and NexFundAI.

    Andrey Zhorzhes, CLS Global FZC, LLC (CLS) – CLS was a “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that allegedly advertised illicit market manipulation services to its clients. Andrey Zhorzhes, of the United Arab Emirates, was an employee of CLS. Both CLS and Zhorzhes are charged in an indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    It is alleged that Zhorzhes described to a prospective client how CLS’s algorithm generated trading volume on multiple cryptocurrency exchanges, as follows: 

    • “We have an algorithm that . . . basically does self-trades, buying and selling.”
    • “The idea of volume generation is . . . so the token looks organic and looks live and people get interested in trading it.”
    • “It’s very hard to track. . ..We’ve been doing that for many clients.”
    • “I know that it’s wash trading and I know people might not be happy about it.”

    Zhorzhes and other CLS traders allegedly provided these market manipulation services for NexFundAI.

    Liu Zhou, MyTrade MM – MyTrade MM was another “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that advertised illicit market manipulation services to its clients, including “pump and dump” consulting services and “wash trades” facilitated by “bots.” Liu Zhou, 39, of China and Canada, was the founder of MyTrade MM. Zhou is charged and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    MyTrade MM’s clients had access to a dashboard on MyTrade MM’s website through which clients specified the desired amount of daily wash trades on identified cryptocurrency exchanges. MyTrade MM’s dashboard described the service as “Volume Support” and allowed for millions in wash trades per day for each client cryptocurrency, for example:

    In conversations with purported promoters of NexFundAI, Zhou allegedly described MyTrade MM as superior to “CLS” and “Gotbit” because those market makers “keep clients in the dark” and “control the pump and dump,” which means “they can do inside trading easily.” Zhou allegedly also described the various purposes for wash trading, including showing “continuous trading activity every hour”; generating large enough trading volumes for cryptocurrency exchanges to waive listing fees; and executing “pump and dumps.” According to court documents, Zhou further described that the “objective on the secondary markets” was to find “other buyers from the community, people you don’t know about or don’t care about” because “we have to make [the other buyers] lose money in order to make profit.”

    Manpreet Kohli, Haroon Mohsini, Nam Tran, Max Hernandez, Russell Armand, Vy Pham, Saitama LLC (Saitama) – Saitama was a cryptocurrency company, originally incorporated in Massachusetts in August 2021.

    Manpreet Kohli, 43, of the United Kingdom, was the CEO of Saitama. Kohli was arrested in the United Kingdom on Oct. 7, 2024 and is awaiting extradition. Haroon Mohsini, 37, of Texas, also worked at Saitama. Mohsini was arrested on Oct. 7, 2024 in the Southern District of Texas. Nam Tran, 32, of Vietnam, worked at Saitama and is currently in Vietnam. Kohli, Mohsini and Tran are each charged in a superseding indictment with wire fraud, market manipulation, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, commit market manipulation and conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business. Max Hernandez, 36, of Massachusetts, and Russell Armand, 42, of Texas, also worked at Saitama and are charged separately and have both pleaded guilty to market manipulation and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Vy Pham, 32, of California, is also charged for conduct at a different cryptocurrency company but, as part of that guilty plea, admitted to certain conduct involving Saitama.

    Saitama allegedly purported to create a series of products that could be used with its token and, at its peak, boasted a market value of $7.5 billion. Saitama’s leadership allegedly made a variety of false public statements, including that Saitama’s business plan had been reviewed by regulators, that its leadership was not selling the Saitama tokens they owned and that the Saitama token was coded in a way that prevented market manipulation. According to charging documents, in reality Saitama’s leadership was actively manipulating the market for the Saitama token and secretly selling their Saitama tokens for tens of millions in profits.

    Saitama’s market manipulation campaign allegedly began in or about July 2021, when leadership coordinated a series of small purchases spread across multiple cryptocurrency wallets. These trades were coordinated on Telegram, where Armand allegedly explained that the goal was to “create an illusion of massive buys and new holders” to “incite ppl [people] to buy 
    more…W[e] want list of small buys to look like it’s mor[e] buyers. That’s the idea.” Saitama’s leadership allegedly confirmed their purchases to one another, discussed how they were successfully getting others to purchase the Saitama cryptocurrency and exchanged “pump it” memes and GIFs:

    Thereafter, the Saitama leadership allegedly paid several market makers to wash trade the Saitama cryptocurrency on cryptocurrency exchanges, including BitMart, LBank and XT.com. The market makers that Saitama paid allegedly included ZM Quant and Gotbit.

    Robo Inu Finance (Robo Inu) – Robo Inu was a cryptocurrency company and token that Vy Pham created after she left Saitama in 2021. Pham has been charged and agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation, to commit wire fraud and to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Pham founded and promoted Robo Inu from the United States. Like Saitama, Robo Inu allegedly purported to create a series of products that could be used with its cryptocurrency. Beginning in or about 2022, Robo Inu allegedly paid Gotbit to artificially inflate the trading volume of the Robo Inu token through wash trades on cryptocurrency exchanges such as Bitmart.

    Michael Thompson, VZZN – VZZN was a cryptocurrency company and token that Armand created after he left Saitama in 2023. Michael Thompson, 50, of Virginia, also worked at VZZN. As with Armand, Thompson is charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation. VZZN allegedly purported to be a video streaming service that could be used with the VZZN token. While promoting that service, Armand and Thompson allegedly also made misleading public statements about VZZN and artificially inflated the trading volume of the VZZN token through wash trades.

    Bradley Beatty, Lillian Finance LLC (Lillian Finance) – Lillian Finance was a cryptocurrency company and token founded by Bradley Beatty, 48, of Florida. Beatty is charged in an indictment with wire fraud. Lillian Finance allegedly purported to use blockchain technology in the healthcare industry and to use a portion of proceeds generated from token sales for charitable purposes. Beatty allegedly made a series of false statements about Lillian Finance to attract investors, for example, that he was a defense contractor and that he had addressed Congress on the topic of cryptocurrency. Thereafter, it is alleged that Beatty generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds from retail sales of the Lillian Finance token and misappropriated a portion of Lillian Finance’s profits that were supposed to be used for charity.

    The charge of market manipulation provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $5 million or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense and forfeiture. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, market manipulation and/or to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 to twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with President Zelensky of Ukraine

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    10 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome this evening.

    The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most immediate military, financial and humanitarian needs as well as the forthcoming diplomatic initiatives and the pathway to bring an end to the conflict. The President of the Council of Ministers reaffirmed Italy’s support, also as G7 Presidency, for Ukraine’s legitimate defence and for the Ukrainian people. This comprehensive support will continue at both bilateral and multilateral level in order to put Kyiv in the best position possible to build a just and lasting peace.
        
    Italy will continue to do its part also in the future reconstruction of Ukraine and in this regard the President of the Council of Ministers announced the dates for the next Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in Rome on 10 and 11 July 2025.

    [Press statements]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Charged in Elder Fraud Conspiracy That Defrauded Elderly Victim of Over $400,000

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

    BOSTON – A South Boston man has been arrested and charged in connection with a scheme that defrauded a 75-year-old man from Berkshire County, Mass., of approximately $420,000.

    Urvishkumar Vipulkumar Patel, 21, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Patel was arrested on Oct. 7, 2024 and subsequently released by the Court on conditions including GPS monitoring and orders that he remain in Massachusetts.

    According to the charging documents, in or around June 2024, the victim received a pop-up message on his computer claiming that his computer was frozen. The message contained a phone number, which the victim believed to be associated with Microsoft, and directed the victim to call for assistance. The victim then called the phone number listed in the pop-up and allegedly spoke with an individual before being transferred to another individual who called himself, “Sam Wilson.”

    It is alleged that Wilson claimed to be a federal agent with the U.S. Treasury Department and purported to confirm the victim’s name and address. When the victim stated that was not the correct address, Wilson provided additional addresses until the victim identified his correct address. Wilson then allegedly told the victim that the victim’s name and address were listed as being involved in a money laundering scheme and that the “Treasury” showed a number of houses had been purchased in the United States and Russia in the victim’s name. Wilson allegedly told the victim that he was going to help him get out of this trouble and would speak to a judge but that, in the meantime, the victim needed to safeguard his money from being further implicated in the supposed money laundering scheme. Specifically, Wilson allegedly told the victim he should withdraw cash from his bank and send it to the Treasury Department, where it would be kept in a lock box until the victim was cleared of the scheme. Wilson also allegedly cautioned that the bank would not let the victim withdraw all of his money at once – directing the victim to make the withdrawals in smaller amounts and send it to Wilson at the “Treasury” in installments.

    On approximately five separate occasions over the course of three months, the victim withdrew and provided approximately $420,000 in cash to several individuals he believed to be associated with “Sam Wilson.” On each occasion, Wilson asked the victim how much he could withdraw from his bank account, directed the victim to place the cash in a taped box with the victim’s own name and address written on it. Wilson also allegedly told the victim a specific date and time at which he would send a courier for the cash. On each occasion, the courier would pull alongside the curb in front of the victim’s house, lower one of the passenger side windows and provide a prearranged “PIN” passcode to the victim. The victim would then place the box of cash into the courier’s vehicle who would then drive away.  

    The victim’s sister reported this activity to law enforcement on Oct. 1, 2024. According to the charging documents, on Oct. 7, 2024, Patel served as the courier waiting outside of the victim’s home and was approached by an undercover officer posing as the victim. It is alleged that, after receiving the prearranged “PIN” passcode from Patel, the undercover officer placed the box into Patel’s vehicle and Patel quickly drove away. He was immediately apprehended.

    At the time of his arrest, Patel was allegedly driving a rental car and was actively engaged in a WhatsApp call on his cell phone. Patel allegedly told law enforcement that he had been collecting packages for weeks at the direction of another individual in exchange for payment. Patel also allegedly told law enforcement that he would deliver each package to a prearranged location before receiving his payment.

    The investigation remains ongoing. Members of the public who believe they are victims of a cybercrime – including elder fraud scams, cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and business email compromise fraud scams – should contact USAMA.CyberTip@usdoj.gov. To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10a.m.- 6p.m. EST.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the North Adams Police Department and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Rising Dragon Acquisition Corp. Announces Pricing of $50 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANXI, CHINA, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rising Dragon Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: RDAC) (the “Company”) announced today that it priced its initial public offering of 5,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) and trade under the ticker symbol “RDACU” beginning October 11, 2024. Each unit consists of one ordinary share and one right. Each right entitles the holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10) of one ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business combination. No fractional rights will be issued upon separation of the units. As a result, ten rights are needed to receive one ordinary share at the closing of the initial business combination. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the ordinary shares and rights are expected to be listed on NASDAQ under the symbols “RDAC” and “RDACR”, respectively.

    The underwriters have been granted a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 units offered by the Company to cover over-allotments, if any.

    The offering is expected to close on October 15, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Lucid Capital Markets acted as sole book running manager in the offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Company. Blank Rome LLP is serving as legal counsel to Lucid Capital Markets.

    A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2024. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Lucid Capital Markets, 570 Lexington Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Rising Dragon Acquisition Corp.

    Rising Dragon Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The Company’s efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    Contact:

    Wenyi Shen
    woody.shen@hywincapital.cn
    Rising Dragon Acquisition Corp.
    No. 604, Yixing Road, Wanbolin District, Taiyuan City,
    Shanxi Province, People’s Republic of China

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prominent Law Enforcement Groups Back Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s Bipartisan Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    National Fraternal Order of Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s union and more endorsed Vasquez’s bill

    LAS CRUCES, N.M. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) announced the support of several prominent law enforcement organizations for his bipartisan Stop Fentanyl at the Border Actthatprovides increased funding, technology and staffing for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to keep our communities safe and combat the growing fentanyl crisis. Endorsements include the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National Treasury Employees Union (representing CBP officers), National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and Major County Sheriffs of America.

    These groups, representing thousands of officers and law enforcement professionals on the front lines of the opioid crisis, support Vasquez in his efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling and stop the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.

    “Having the support of the men and women in law enforcement who work to protect our communities is an important endorsement to stop this crisis at the source. Fentanyl is having a tragic impact on young people and our families. I’m grateful for law enforcement’s support of my bill to combat fentanyl smuggling,” said Vasquez. “My bipartisan Stop Fentanyl at the Border Actprovides additional screening resources and staff to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help save lives. This is not a partisan issue, we must come together to prevent further tragedy, overdoses and death.”

    The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act provides increased funding for personnel, advanced inspection technology and equipment to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ensuring that officers have the resources to effectively detect and stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States. This bipartisan bill also addresses the illegal exportation of goods, firearms and currency, which are often tied to drug trafficking networks.

    “Our law enforcement members are the first line of defense against the scourge of fentanyl that comes across the American border each day,” said Patrick Yoes, President of theNational Fraternal Order of Police. “On behalf of more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on the issue.” 

    “The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act provides much needed support, resources, and funding to the southwest border to help federal, state, and local law enforcement fight the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the country,” said William J. Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organization (NAPO). “Law enforcement at all levels of government have long been asking for these resources to support their efforts to prevent and detect fentanyl coming into this country and our communities. NAPO continues to fight for resources to support law enforcement’s efforts to combat fentanyl, its analogues, and similar opioids. We thank [Rep. Vasquez] for your leadership on this issue and we look forward to working with you to pass this important legislation.”

    The opioid crisis continues to devastate hundreds of thousands of American families as deadly, illicit narcotics are smuggled into the county. Fentanyl-related overdoses are responsible for over 70,000 deaths a year in the United States. Vasquez’s bill addresses CBP’s lack of necessary personnel, technology and resources to prevent these deadly substances from entering the United States.

    Vasquez’s Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act remains a key part of his broader commitment to safeguard New Mexico’s families and address the opioid crisis. The bill has gained momentum as it continues to receive bipartisan support and endorsements from law enforcement professionals dedicated to ending the fentanyl epidemic.

    In Congress, Vasquezhas worked across the aisle to find real solutions to these problems, securing over $280 million for border security, voting to add 22,000 new Border Patrol agents and introducing a series of bipartisan bills that would improve security at ports of entry, crack down on cartels and ensure that those who work hard and play by the rules have an opportunity for legal citizenship.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Milton Crosses Florida

    Source: NASA

    Your browser does not support the video tag.

    Hurricane Milton barreled into Florida’s west-central coast on the evening of October 9, 2024, making landfall south of Tampa as a major Category 3 storm. The hurricane lashed the region with heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge, according to the National Hurricane Center.
    This animation shows Milton in the days before, during, and after its devastating encounter with Florida. The false-color images depict infrared signals known as brightness temperature, which is useful for distinguishing cooler cloud structures (white and purple) from the warmer surface below (yellow and orange). Data for the animation were acquired by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instruments on several NASA and NOAA satellites.
    Since infrared data are based on temperatures rather than visible light, the data can be obtained day or night. This animation shows both daytime and nighttime images, beginning at 3:35 p.m. Eastern Time (19:35 Universal Time) on October 8 and ending at 3:08 a.m. Eastern Time (07:08 Universal Time) on October 10.
    Shortly before the first image of this series, Milton was a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 miles (250 kilometers) per hour. It soon grew to a Category 5 storm and then weakened to a still-potent Category 3 storm prior to making landfall on October 9. The storm maintained hurricane-strength intensity and fast, forward speed while crossing Florida, emerging over the western Atlantic as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 85 miles (140 kilometers) per hour at the end of this animation on October 10.

    On the morning of October 8, 2024, an astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of Hurricane Milton as it churned over the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 4 storm. Astronaut photos of the region are being made available to various agencies via the International Disasters Charter and NASA’s Disasters Response Coordination System (DRCS).
    NASA’s DRCS has been activated to support agencies responding to the storm, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida Geospatial Information Office. The team will be posting maps and data products on its open-access mapping portal as new information becomes available about flooding, power outages, precipitation totals, and other topics.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using MODIS and VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Astronaut photograph ISS072-E-29325 was acquired on October 8, 2024, with a Nikon Z 9 digital camera using a 50 millimeter lens and is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 72 crew. The image has been cropped and enhanced to improve contrast, and lens artifacts have been removed. The International Space Station Program supports the laboratory as part of the ISS National Lab to help astronauts take pictures of Earth that will be of the greatest value to scientists and the public, and to make those images freely available on the Internet. Additional images taken by astronauts and cosmonauts can be viewed at the NASA/JSC Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth. Story by Kathryn Hansen.

    MIL OSI USA News –