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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IWAI signs MoU with J&K to boost river cruise tourism

    Source: Government of India

    IWAI signs MoU with J&K to boost river cruise tourism

    MoU signed on the sidelines of Chintan Shivir being held in Srinagar in presence of Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 4:29PM by PIB Delhi

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), to boost river cruise tourism on three National Waterways in J&K.

    The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Chintan Shivir being held in Srinagar in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur.  Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Satish Sharma; Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri T.K. Ramachandran; Chairman, IWAI, Shri Vijay Kumar along with other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India has been actively promoting cruise tourism in India and the agreement with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir aims to further boost tourism, generate employment, boost economic growth and provide a new mode of leisure/budget tourism on rivers in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Of the 111 national waterways in the country, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has three declared national waterways, i.e., River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49) and River Ravi (NW-84). With the vision to promote river cruise tourism, various cruise circuits were announced for development – spanning from Kashmir to Kerala and Assam to Gujarat – in the recently concluded Second Meeting of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC). Within a period of two months, IWAI took a significant step to develop river cruise tourism in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir for an approximate cost of Rs 100 crore.

    Under the framework of MoU; the IWAI will provide waterside infrastructure, i.e., ten floating jetties and landside infrastructure comprising of waiting hall and other amenities for cruise passengers. Out of ten, two floating jetties will be installed at Akhnoor and Reasi (near Jammu) the declared portion of River Chenab (NW-26); seven floating jetties at Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Shah-e-Hamdan, Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine, Sumbal Bridge and Gund Prang (in Srinagar and Bandipora) River Jhelum (NW-49) and one jetty at Sohar on River Ravi (NW-84).  Additionally, IWAI will develop navigational fairway by executing dredging wherever required, provide navigational aids and conduct regular hydrographic surveys for safe plying of vessels in these waterways.

    The J&K government will provide land for construction of landside facilities, facilitate all statutory clearances and appoint cruise operators in identified sectors of the three National Waterways.  The IWAI will also provide any technical assistance required by Government of J&K.

    Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been making several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth.  With its concerted efforts, IWAI is expanding its footprint throughout the country and is presently working towards capacity augmentation of NW 1, NW 2, NW 3 and NW 16 among other waterways by means of developing IWT terminals, fairways through end-to-end dredging contracts, navigational aids like night navigation facility, navigational locks among others.

    With proactive steps like developing cruise terminals and related infrastructure, IWAI is working towards promoting river cruise tourism by utilising the immense potential of rivers in the country.  The Authority has rolled out initiatives to boost cruise tourism on River Ganga and River Brahmaputra. The success of world’s longest cruise MV Ganga Vilas underlines the same. The partnership between IWAI and Jammu and Kashmir government is an exciting initiative that promises to promote sustainable tourism practices while stimulating local economic growth and enhancing tourist experience.

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    G.D. Hallikeri / Henry

    (Release ID: 2108820) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s AI Revolution

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India’s AI Revolution

    A Roadmap to Viksit Bharat

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 4:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    India is undergoing a remarkable transformation in Artificial Intelligence, driven by the visionary leadership of PM Modi. For the first time in India’s history, the government is actively shaping an AI ecosystem where computing power, GPUs, and research opportunities are accessible at an affordable cost.

    Unlike in the past, AI in India is no longer confined to a privileged few or dominated by global tech giants. Through forward-looking policies, the Modi government is empowering students, startups, and innovators with world-class AI infrastructure, fostering a truly level playing field. Initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and the establishment of Centres of Excellence for AI are strengthening the country’s AI ecosystem, paving the way for innovation and self-reliance in this critical sector.

    These efforts align with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, where India aspires to become a global AI powerhouse, leveraging cutting-edge technology for economic growth, governance, and societal progress.

    AI Compute and Semiconductor Infrastructure

    India is rapidly building a strong AI computing and semiconductor infrastructure to support its growing digital economy. With the approval of the IndiaAI Mission in 2024, the government allocated ₹10,300 crore over five years to strengthen AI capabilities. A key focus of this mission is the development of a high-end common computing facility equipped with 18,693 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), making it one of the most extensive AI compute infrastructures globally. This capacity is nearly nine times that of the open-source AI model DeepSeek and about two-thirds of what ChatGPT operates on.

    Here are the key developments:

    • Scaling AI Compute Infrastructure: The initial phase of the mission has already made 10,000 GPUs available, with the remaining units to be added soon. This will enable the creation of indigenous AI solutions tailored to Indian languages and contexts.
    • Opening Access to High-Performance Computing: India has also pioneered the launch of an open GPU marketplace, making high-performance computing accessible to startups, researchers, and students. Unlike many countries where AI infrastructure is controlled by large corporations, this initiative ensures that small players have an opportunity to innovate.
    • Robust GPU Supply Chain: The government has selected 10 companies to supply the GPUs, ensuring a robust and diversified supply chain.
    • Indigenous GPU Capabilities: To further strengthen domestic capabilities, India aims to develop its own GPU within the next three to five years, reducing reliance on imported technology.
    • Affordable Compute Access: A new common compute facility will soon be launched, allowing researchers and startups to access GPU power at a highly subsidised rate of ₹100 per hour, compared to the global cost of $2.5 to $3 per hour.
    • Strengthening Semiconductor Manufacturing: In parallel, India is advancing semiconductor manufacturing, with five semiconductor plants under construction. These developments will not only support AI innovation but also reinforce India’s position in the global electronics sector.

     

    Advancing AI with Open Data and Centres of Excellence (CoE)

    Recognising the importance of data in AI development, the Modi government has launched the IndiaAI Dataset Platform to provide seamless access to high-quality, non-personal datasets. This platform will house the largest collection of anonymised data, empowering Indian startups and researchers to develop advanced AI applications. By ensuring diverse and abundant datasets, this initiative will drive AI-driven solutions across key sectors, enhancing innovation and accuracy.

    • IndiaAI Dataset Platform for Open Data Access: The platform will enable Indian startups and researchers to access a unified repository of high-quality, anonymised datasets, reducing barriers to AI innovation.
    • Boosting AI Model Accuracy with Diverse Data: By providing large-scale, non-personal datasets, the initiative will help reduce biases and improve the reliability of AI applications across domains such as agriculture, weather forecasting, and traffic management.
    • Centres of Excellence: The government has established three AI Centres of Excellence (CoE) in Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities in New Delhi. The Budget 2025 further announced a new CoE for AI in education with an outlay of ₹500 crore, making it the fourth such centre.
    • Skilling for AI-Driven Industries: Plans are in place for five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, which will equip youth with industry-relevant expertise. These centres will be set up in collaboration with global partners to support the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ vision in manufacturing and AI innovation.

     

    India’s AI Models & Language Technologies

    The government is facilitating the development of India’s own foundational models, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and problem-specific AI solutions tailored to Indian needs. To foster AI research, multiple Centres of Excellence have also been set up.

    • India’s Foundational Large Language Models: IndiaAI has launched an initiative to develop indigenous foundational AI models, including LLMs and Small Language Models (SLMs), through a call for proposals.
    • Digital India BHASHINI: An AI-led language translation platform designed to enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including voice-based access, and support content creation in Indian languages.
    • BharatGen: The world’s first government-funded multimodal LLM initiative, BharatGen was launched in 2024 in Delhi. It aims to enhance public service delivery and citizen engagement through foundational models in language, speech, and computer vision. BharatGen involves a consortium of AI researchers from premier academic institutions in India.
    • Sarvam-1 AI Model: A large language model optimised for Indian languages, Sarvam-1 has 2 billion parameters and supports ten major Indian languages. It is designed for applications such as language translation, text summarisation, and content generation.
    • Chitralekha: An open-source video transcreation platform developed by AI4Bhārat, Chitralekha enables users to generate and edit audio transcripts in various Indic languages.
    • Hanooman’s Everest 1.0: A multilingual AI system developed by SML, Everest 1.0 supports 35 Indian languages, with plans to expand to 90.

     

    AI Integration with Digital Public Infrastructure

    India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has redefined digital innovation by combining public funding with private sector-led innovation. Platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker serve as the foundation, while private entities build application-specific solutions on top of them. This model is now being enhanced with AI, integrating intelligent solutions into financial and governance platforms. The global appeal of India’s DPI was evident at the G20 Summit, where several countries expressed interest in adopting similar frameworks. Japan’s patent grant to India’s UPI payment system further underscores its scalability.

    For Mahakumbh 2025, AI-driven DPI solutions played a crucial role in managing the world’s largest human gathering. AI-powered tools monitored real-time railway passenger movement to optimise crowd dispersal in Prayagraj. The Bhashini-powered Kumbh Sah’AI’yak Chatbot enabled voice-based lost-and-found services, real-time translation, and multilingual assistance. Its integration with Indian Railways and UP Police streamlined communication, ensuring swift issue resolution. By leveraging AI with DPI, Mahakumbh 2025 set a global benchmark for tech-enabled, inclusive, and efficient event management.

    AI Talent & Workforce Development

    India’s workforce is at the heart of its digital revolution. The country is adding one Global Capability Center (GCC) every week, reinforcing its status as a preferred destination for global R&D and technological development. However, sustaining this growth will require continuous investment in education and skill development. The government is addressing this challenge by revamping university curricula to include AI, 5G, and semiconductor design, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This ensures that graduates acquire job-ready skills, reducing the transition time between education and employment.

    • AI Talent Pipeline & AI Education: Under the IndiaAI Future Skills initiative, AI education is being expanded across undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. Fellowships are being provided to full-time Ph.D. scholars researching AI in the top 50 NIRF-ranked institutes. To enhance accessibility, Data and AI Labs are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a model IndiaAI Data Lab already set up at NIELIT Delhi.
    • India Ranks 1st in Global AI Skill Penetration: According to the Stanford AI Index 2024, India ranks first globally in AI skill penetration with a score of 2.8, ahead of the US (2.2) and Germany (1.9). AI talent concentration in India has grown by 263% since 2016, positioning the country as a major AI hub. India also leads in AI Skill Penetration for Women, with a score of 1.7, surpassing the US (1.2) and Israel (0.9).
    • AI Innovation: India has emerged as the fastest-growing developer population globally and ranks second in public generative AI projects on GitHub. The country is home to 16% of the world’s AI talent, showcasing its growing influence in AI innovation and adoption.
    • AI Talent Hubs: The India Skills Report 2024 by Wheebox forecasts that India’s AI industry will reach USD 28.8 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 45%. The AI-skilled workforce has seen a 14-fold increase from 2016 to 2023, making India one of the top five fastest-growing AI talent hubs, alongside Singapore, Finland, Ireland, and Canada. The demand for AI professionals in India is projected to reach 1 million by 2026.

    AI Adoption & Industry Growth

    India’s Generative AI (GenAI) ecosystem has seen remarkable growth, even amid a global downturn. The country’s AI landscape is evolving from experimental use cases to scalable, production-ready solutions, reflecting its growing maturity.

    • Businesses Prioritising AI Investments: According to BCG, 80% of Indian companies consider AI a core strategic priority, surpassing the global average of 75%. Additionally, 69% plan to increase their tech investments in 2025, with one-third allocating over USD 25 million to AI initiatives.
    • GenAI Startup Funding: According to a November 2024 report by National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), Indian GenAI startup funding surged over six times quarter-on-quarter, reaching USD 51 million in Q2FY2025, driven by B2B and agentic AI startups.
    • AI Transforming Workplaces: The Randstad AI & Equity Report 2024 states that seven in 10 Indian employees used AI at work in 2024, up from five in 10 a year earlier, showcasing AI’s rapid integration into workplaces.
    • AI Empowering Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs): AI-driven technologies, such as autonomous agents, are helping SMBs scale efficiently, personalise customer experiences, and optimise operations. According to Salesforce, 78% of Indian SMBs using AI reported revenue growth, while 93% stated AI has contributed to increased revenues.
    • Rapid Expansion of India’s AI Economy: As per the BCG-NASSCOM Report 2024, India’s AI market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25-35%, reinforcing its potential for innovation and job creation. While AI automates routine tasks, it is simultaneously generating new opportunities in data science, machine learning, and AI-driven applications.
    • AI Startup Support Ecosystem: India hosts 520+ tech incubators and accelerators, ranking third globally in active programs. 42% of these were established in the past five years, catering to the evolving needs of Indian startups. AI-focused accelerators like T-Hub MATH provide crucial mentorship in product development, business strategy, and scaling. In early 2024, MATH supported over 60 startups, with five actively discussing funding, highlighting India’s growing AI startup landscape.

     

    A Pragmatic AI Regulation Approach

    India’s pragmatic AI regulation balances innovation and accountability, steering clear of overregulation that could stifle growth and unchecked market-driven governance that may create monopolies. Instead of relying solely on legislation, India is investing in AI-driven safeguards, funding top universities and IITs to develop solutions for deep fakes, privacy risks, and cybersecurity threats. This techno-legal approach ensures AI remains a force for inclusive growth, fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives while ethical concerns are proactively addressed.

    Conclusion

    India’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, underpinned by strategic government initiatives, have positioned the country as a global AI powerhouse. By expanding AI compute infrastructure, fostering indigenous AI models, enhancing digital public infrastructure, and investing in talent development, India is creating an inclusive and innovation-driven ecosystem. The emphasis on open data, affordable access to high-performance computing, and AI-driven solutions tailored to local needs ensures that the benefits of AI reach businesses, researchers, and citizens alike. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, India’s proactive approach is not only strengthening its digital economy but also paving the way for self-reliance in critical technologies. With a clear vision for the future, India is set to become a leader in AI innovation, shaping the global AI landscape in the years to come.

    Source: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

    Click to see in PDF

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    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2108810) Visitor Counter : 108

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “M” Mark status awarded to LIV Golf Hong Kong 2025 and 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “M” Mark status awarded to LIV Golf Hong Kong 2025 and 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
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    The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to LIV Golf Hong Kong 2025 (March 7 to 9) and the 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens (March 28 to 30).     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (March 6), “LIV Golf returns to Hong Kong this year and will take place at the Fanling Golf Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club, which fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s strength in hosting international sports events. As for the Hong Kong Sevens, it has been moved to the 50 000-seat Kai Tak Stadium this year for the very first time. These two events not only highlight Hong Kong’s status as a hub for major international sports events but also contribute to Hong Kong’s event economy.”     ???The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events.     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

    Ends/Thursday, March 6, 2025Issued at HKT 19:46

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO, Brussels celebrates Chinese New Year in Madrid and Barcelona (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO, Brussels celebrates Chinese New Year in Madrid and Barcelona (with photos)
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    The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) hosted Chinese New Year receptions in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain, on March 3 and 4 (Spanish time) respectively, concluding the series of celebration for the Year of the Snake.     The reception in Barcelona was officiated by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, who led a delegation of representatives from Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) sector to attend the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona. The visit aimsto strengthen ties and co-operation between Hong Kong and Spain in the field of I&T, promote Hong Kong’s I&T advantages, and explore overseas business opportunities for Hong Kong’s I&T sector.     At the reception, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, highlighted in her welcoming remarks that under “one country”, Hong Kong has convenient and often priority access to the huge Mainland market, while maintaining the qualities of an international city under “two systems”.      “These distinct advantages are recognised in the latest international ranking, in which Hong Kong is ranked among the world’s top three international financial centres,” Ms Yung added.     At the reception in Madrid, HKETO, Brussels took the opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West culture by staging a music performance featuring two Hong Kong flutists and one German cellist, who performed both classical Chinese and Spanish music, as well as contemporary Hong Kong pop.     The two receptions in Madrid and Barcelona attracted over 200 guests from the sectors of government, business, culture, academia and media in Spain. They were co-organised with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and with the support of the Spain Hong Kong Business Association.     The MWC is one of the world’s leading technology fairs where tens of thousands of technology experts and companies gather. This year, the Hong Kong delegation include heads of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC), Cyberport, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, and the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, as well as representatives of 24 Hong Kong I&T enterprises and institutions. The HKSTPC and the HKTDC co-ordinate the participation of the I&T representatives in the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at the MWC.

    Ends/Thursday, March 6, 2025Issued at HKT 20:47

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What You Need to Know about NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Mission

    Source: NASA

    Four crew members are preparing to launch to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission to perform research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities aboard the microgravity laboratory.
    NASA astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    The flight is the 10th crew rotation mission with SpaceX to the space station, and the 11th human spaceflight as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
    As teams progress through Dragon spacecraft milestones for Crew-10, they also are preparing a second-flight Falcon 9 booster for the mission. Once all rocket and spacecraft system checkouts are complete and all components are certified for flight, teams will mate Dragon to the Falcon 9 rocket in SpaceX’s hangar at the launch site. The integrated spacecraft and rocket will then be rolled to the pad and raised to vertical for a dry dress rehearsal with the crew and an integrated static fire test prior to launch.

    Selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2013, this will be McClain’s second spaceflight. A colonel in the U.S. Army, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and holds master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering, International Security, and Strategic Studies. The Spokane, Washington, native was an instructor pilot in the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. McClain has more than 2,300 flight hours in 24 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including more than 800 in combat, and was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team. On her first spaceflight, McClain spent 204 days as a flight engineer during Expeditions 58 and 59 and completed two spacewalks, totaling 13 hours and 8 minutes. Since then, she has served in various roles, including branch chief and space station assistant to the chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office. Follow @astroannimal on X and @astro_annimal on Instagram.
    This mission will be the first spaceflight for Ayers, who was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2021. Ayers is a major in the U.S. Air Force and the first member of NASA’s 2021 astronaut class named to a crew. The Colorado native graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a minor in Russian, and was a member of the academy’s varsity volleyball team. She later earned a master’s in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Rice University in Houston. Ayers served as an instructor pilot and mission commander in the T-38 ADAIR and F-22 Raptor, leading multinational and multiservice missions worldwide. She has more than 1,400 total flight hours, including more than 200 in combat. Follow @astro_ayers on X and @astro_ayers on Instagram.
    With 113 days in space, Crew-10 will mark Onishi’s second trip to the space station. After being selected as an astronaut by JAXA in 2009, he flew as a flight engineer for Expeditions 48 and 49, becoming the first Japanese astronaut to robotically capture the Cygnus spacecraft. He also constructed a new experimental environment aboard Kibo, the station’s Japanese experiment module. After his first spaceflight, Onishi became certified as a JAXA flight director, leading the team responsible for operating Kibo from JAXA Mission Control in Tsukuba, Japan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Tokyo, and was a pilot for All Nippon Airways, flying more than 3,700 flight hours in the Boeing 767. Follow astro_onishi on X.
    The Crew-10 mission also will be Peskov’s first spaceflight. Before his selection as a cosmonaut in 2018, he earned a degree in Engineering from the Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation School and was a co-pilot on the Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft for airlines Nordwind and Ikar. Assigned as a test cosmonaut in 2020, he has additional experience in skydiving, zero-gravity training, scuba diving, and wilderness survival.

    Following liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket will accelerate Dragon to approximately 17,500 mph. Once in orbit, the crew and SpaceX mission control in Hawthorne, California, will monitor a series of maneuvers that will guide Dragon to the forward-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. The spacecraft is designed to dock autonomously, but the crew can take control and pilot manually, if necessary.
    After docking, Crew-10 will be welcomed aboard the station by the seven-member crew of Expedition 72 and conduct a short handover period on science and maintenance activities with the departing Crew-9 crew members. Then, NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will undock from the space station and return to Earth. Ahead of Crew-9 return, mission teams will review weather conditions at the splashdown sites off the coast of Florida prior to departure from station.
    Crew-10 will conduct new scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefit humanity on Earth. The crew is scheduled to conduct material flammability tests for future spacecraft designs, engage with students via ham radio and use its existing hardware to test a backup lunar navigation solution, and participate in an integrated study to better understand physiological and psychological changes to the human body to provide valuable insights for future deep space missions.
    These are just a few of the more than 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations taking place during the mission.
    While aboard the orbiting laboratory, Crew-10 will welcome a Soyuz spacecraft with three new crew members, including NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, and they will bid farewell to the Soyuz carrying NASA astronaut Don Pettit. The crew also is expected to see the arrival of the SpaceX Dragon, Roscosmos Progress, and Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft, as well as the short-duration private Axiom Mission 4 crew.
    The cadre will fly aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Endurance, which previously flew NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3, Crew-5, and Crew-7 missions.
    Commercial crew missions enable NASA to maximize use of the space station, where astronauts have lived and worked continuously for more than 24 years, testing technologies, performing research, and developing the skills needed to operate future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit, and explore farther from Earth. Research conducted on the space station benefits people on Earth and paves the way for future long-duration missions to the Moon and beyond through NASA’s Artemis missions.
    Learn more about the space station, its research, and crew, at: https://www.nasa.gov/station

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Resident Who Led Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Mikal Davis, 47, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to Counts One, Three, and Four of the Superseding Indictment.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Davis conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture of heroin, five kilograms or more of a mixture of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and 28 grams or more of crack. Davis, who led the drug trafficking organization’s activity in Philadelphia and Johnstown, was one of the targets of a federal wiretap and was intercepted obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Accompanied by distributors below him, Davis frequently traveled between Philadelphia and Johnstown with drug shipments which were then stored and processed at “stash houses” throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania for distribution. During a meeting with a drug source in California for a resupply, Davis arranged for the drug parcels to be mailed to Johnstown for distribution. In the Philadelphia area, Davis met with drug sources and purchased over 2,000 grams of heroin and fentanyl and over 5,000 grams of cocaine from a source in New Jersey.

    Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Davis. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Large-Scale Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of federal supervised release, on his drug trafficking and firearms convictions, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Dante Webb, 43.

    “The seizure of more than 26,000 doses of illegal narcotics, eight firearms—including two ghost guns and several with extended magazines, and thousands of dollars in drug profits during the 2022 search of Dante Webb’s residence speaks to how dangerous a criminal Webb has been, through both his large-scale dealing and through his use of weapons in carrying out his crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “This sentence reflects the danger and serious nature of his conduct. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels to identify and prosecute armed drug traffickers such as Webb in order to protect our communities.”

    According to information presented to the Court, on June 3, 2022, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police responded to a Pittsburgh residence, from which, upon law enforcement’s arrival, Webb ran. Law enforcement learned that Webb stored both controlled substances and firearms there and obtained a search warrant for his residence. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of digital scales, cellular phones, firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a safe, which contained a garbage bag of over 26,000 doses of packaged controlled substances, including mixtures of fluorofentanyl, heroin, and fentanyl. Officers also seized packaged cocaine and crack.

    Law enforcement seized eight firearms from Webb’s residence, some of which were loaded with attached extended magazines. Two of the firearms were Polymer 80 pistols, or ghost guns, which are untraceable due to the lack of a serial number; one of these pistols was later determined by a forensic scientist to operate only as a fully automatic firearm. Many of the firearms were easily accessible from a duffel bag located under a bed and were recovered in close proximity to the safe containing the packaged controlled substances. Prior to the seizure, Webb was twice convicted of aggravated assault related to shootings in Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    On June 7, 2022, law enforcement located Webb in the Bloomfield area of Pittsburgh. When a detective attempted to arrest Webb, the defendant fled by running in and out of traffic. After falling while jumping a low wall, Webb was arrested. A search incident to arrest resulted in the seizure from Webb of approximately $6,000, a digital scale, an owe sheet, a flip phone, and packaged controlled substances. The glassine bags seized from Webb bore similar markings to the bags recovered from Webb’s safe on June 3, 2022. A search of one of Webb’s phones revealed numerous photographs of Webb posing with large amounts of cash and multiple firearms inside his residence.

    Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan emphasized that fentanyl is a plague on the community and that drug dealers like Webb pose the greatest risk of harm because they use firearms. Judge Ranjan also stated that he did not sense that Webb had any genuine remorse for his crimes.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and Justin E. Lewis prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Webb.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Joins Senate Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Ensure Legal Representation for Vulnerable Children in Immigration Custody

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined 33 of her Senate colleagues in a letter demanding that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum ensure legal services are available, as required by law, for unaccompanied children caught up in the U.S. immigration system. Last month, the Trump Administration issued a stop work order to organizations that provide legal services for unaccompanied children. Then, following public pressure, the order was rescinded.
    “Pausing or terminating the provision of legal services to unaccompanied children under this contract runs directly counter to the requirements of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) and places 26,000 unaccompanied children at increased risk of trafficking, exploitation, and other harm,” wrote the Senators. “The TVPRA, passed by Congress in 2008 on a bipartisan basis, requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that all unaccompanied children have counsel to represent them in legal proceedings and protect them from mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking.”
    “Cutting off access to legal services makes it more likely that the government will lose track of unaccompanied children, given the challenges such children would face in independently appearing for immigration court hearings, submitting address updates, or otherwise communicating with immigration authorities,” they continued. “Not only will this make children more vulnerable to trafficking, but it will also create further inefficiencies in an already backlogged immigration court system.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been clear in her support for securing the border and making sure the asylum process is humane and orderly. Last month, she helped introduce legislation to reaffirm access to legal counsel during immigration proceedings. She has also been outspoken in opposing mass deportation, and strongly supporting DACA and TPS recipients and their families. She also condemned the Trump Administration’s decision to revoke a previously authorized TPS extension for Venezuelans. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Rosen Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Layoffs at Department of Veterans Affairs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to oppose the actions of the Trump Administration and Elon Musk to mass fire employees working at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In her speech, Senator Rosen called for them to reverse course on these layoffs, and  emphasized the impact that these cuts have had on Nevada veterans and their ability to access the care and benefits they earned through their service.
    Below are excerpts of Senator Rosen’s floor remarks:
    Mr. President,
    I rise today to speak out against the harmful actions taken by the Trump administration and Elon Musk.
    What they’re doing, it isn’t about “government efficiency.” 
    They’re mass firing the men and women who help provide vital services that countless Nevadans rely on, from Medicaid to food assistance.
    And this is being felt in nearly every corner of our country. 
    It’s impacting our veterans who rely on the VA,  our seniors who rely on Social Security and Medicare, our families who rely on Medicaid and CHIP for their kids’ health care, and so many others.
    The actions taken by the Trump Administration and Elon Musk, an unelected billionaire, are tearing at the fabric of American society.
    And this is no way to run a country, and the people in my state, they’re being hurt in the process.
    And so today, I want to focus on a specific aspect of the Trump firings: how it’s impacting veterans. Not just veterans across the country, but particularly those veterans in Nevada. 
    Just yesterday, it was reported that Elon Musk and his “DOGE” tech bros are planning to cut 80,000 employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 80,000.
    This is in addition to the 1,000 VA employees they have already laid off, which included people who staffed the Veterans Crisis Hotline.
    And so, maybe Mr. Musk and his team, his team of, like I said, teenybopper tech bros, they don’t understand the magnitude of their actions. So, let me explain to them what the VA does. What the VA means.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs provides critical health care to the men and women who were willing to sacrifice their very lives for our nation, and for their families. It provides them with the benefits that they have earned and that they, frankly, deserve.
    It is quite literally the least that we can, as a nation, do for our veterans. 
    Firing those employees who work at the VA will hurt our veterans, plain and simple. 
    It will hurt veterans not only because they rely on VA staff, but because many of those who work at the VA are themselves veterans. The VA [is] the largest employer of veterans in this nation.
    […]
    You know, many veterans already face significant challenges in accessing the care and the services that they need: long wait times for medical appointments, overwhelmed but dedicated staff, and a system already stretched thin that they have created barriers that delay essential care. 
    And these layoffs, these layoffs, the Trump layoffs, they’ll only worsen an already difficult situation. 
    […]
    With these positions being eliminated, there will be fewer hands to process claims, handle scheduling, and make sure that our veterans are getting the care and attention that they deserve. 
    This is going to lead to even longer wait times for veterans, further delays in access to care, resulting in potentially worse health outcomes for our veterans.
    It is simply unconscionable that, after years of sacrifice and service, that our veterans will suffer due to cuts being made by people like Elon Musk, who were never elected by the American people. 
    So I urge this administration to take immediate action to halt and reverse these unnecessary and, frankly, unjust layoffs. 
    We must always stand up for our veterans. We must always stand up for the workers who serve them.
    God bless our veterans. God bless our troops.
    I thank you, Mr. President.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Lead Entire California Delegation in Urging FEMA to Extend LA Fire Victims Assistance Deadline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff Lead Entire California Delegation in Urging FEMA to Extend LA Fire Victims Assistance Deadline

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with the Chairs of the Republican and Democratic Congressional Delegations — Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) — led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to extend the application deadline for federal disaster assistance for victims of the Los Angeles fires to May 9, 2025. Currently, the application deadline for most federal disaster assistance programs is March 10, 2025. 

    “Due to the massive scale of destruction caused by the January wildfires, many victims will not know the total sum of their losses or whether these losses exceed their insurance coverage before the end of the 60-day application period. The widespread damage to infrastructure has made access to many homes in the affected areas difficult or impossible,” wrote the lawmakers. “Additionally, many fire victims have lost computers, cell phones, and other technological devices, limiting their ability to submit applications and to receive messages transmitted by FEMA and other authorities pertaining to relief.”

    “We urge you to swiftly extend the application deadlines so that Southern Californians impacted by the fires can evaluate their losses with ample time and apply for relief. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your commitment to delivering relief to those who lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones in this disaster,” continued the lawmakers.  

    According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst fires destroyed over 11,600 homes, displaced 22,600 households, and took at least 29 lives. These fires devastated homes, schools, businesses, places of worship, and entire neighborhoods. Initial estimates show that the economic losses resulting from these fires could make this one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. 

    Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Padilla also delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation.

    Last month, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to protect firefighter pay.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Acting Administrator Hamilton, 

    As members of the California delegation, we write to express our appreciation for Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) assistance and support in response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles this past January. We also write to respectfully urge FEMA to approve Cal OES’s request to extend the application deadline for Individual Assistance (IA) to May 9, 2025, for victims under the January 8, 2025, California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds Major Disaster Declaration. 

    As you know, FEMA has the authority to extend these deadlines in extraordinary circumstances, such as this disaster. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst fires destroyed over 11,600 homes, displaced 22,600 households, and took 29 lives. These fires devastated homes, schools, businesses, places of worship, and entire neighborhoods. Initial estimates find that the economic losses resulting from these fires could make this one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. 

    Currently, the application deadline for Individual Assistance through FEMA is March 10, 2025, in line with the standard 60-day application period for most disaster declarations. Due to the massive scale of destruction caused by the January wildfires, many victims will not know the total sum of their losses or whether these losses exceed their insurance coverage before the end of the 60-day application period. The widespread damage to infrastructure has made access to many homes in the affected areas difficult or impossible. Additionally, many fire victims have lost computers, cell phones, and other technological devices, limiting their ability to submit applications and to receive messages transmitted by FEMA and other authorities pertaining to relief. For these reasons, it is imperative that FEMA grant California’s request to extend the IA application deadline to May 9, 2025. 

    We urge you to swiftly extend the application deadlines so that Southern Californians impacted by the fires can evaluate their losses with ample time and apply for relief. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your commitment to delivering relief to those who lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones in this disaster.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Women in local and regional government: Trends, challenges and best practices – 06-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing analyses the participation of women in local and regional government from a multilevel governance perspective. It seeks to present the current state of affairs and identify best practice and ideas for the future on the part of governmental organisations at all levels of the European system of multilevel governance.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DMER Delegation of 6 March 2025 – Delegation for relations with Mercosur

    Source: European Parliament

    This meeting of the Delegation for relations with Mercosur (DMER) took place on 6 March 2025.

    It included an exchange of views on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement in terms of the appraisal of the provisions on trade on agricultural and livestock products in the Agreement. There was also an exchange of views on the political and human rights situation in Venezuela with the two Sakharaov laureates of 2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Appointment of MEP Markus Pieper as the new ‘EU envoy for small and medium-sized enterprises’ – P-000809/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Mr Pieper was appointed for the function of Hors Classe Adviser — EU SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) Envoy following a thorough procedure, based on merit and conducted in full compliance with the applicable rules. For any selection procedure that involves several stages, the results obtained by a candidate who is successful in one stage of the process do not prejudge the outcome of the subsequent stages. The preselection panel and the Consultative Committee on Appointments (CCA) identified the candidates with the necessary qualifications and competences to proceed to the subsequent stage. There was no ranking between the candidates shortlisted by the CCA and the candidate considered best by the College was chosen after the CCA stage and the interviews with the relevant members of the Commission.

    2. The criteria for the selection were laid down in the vacancy notice as published. The selection procedure is laid down in the policy on senior officials[1] and includes several stages: a pre-selection stage, an assessment centre with external human resources consultants, interviews with the CCA and interviews with the relevant members of the Commission.

    3. The individual assessments of candidates in a selection procedure are confidential and covered both by the secrecy of panel deliberations, as recognised by the case-law of the EU courts[2] and by data protection rules.

    For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that Mr Pieper decided not to take up his post as EU SME Envoy on 16 April 2024 as planned.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/jobs-european-commission/job-opportunities/managers-european-commission_en
    • [2] See, for instance, the judgment of 4 July 1996, Parliament v Angelo Innamorati, Case C-254/95 P, EU:C:1996:276, paragraphs. 24-30 and, more recently, in the context of a selection procedure for a post in the Regulatory Scrutiny Board, the judgment of the General Court of 21 December 2022, OM v Commission, T-118/22, EU:T:2022:849, paragraph 24 and the case-law cited.
    Last updated: 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Non-compliance with the European Social Charter in the overseas territories – E-000881/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000881/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rody Tolassy (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), France Jamet (PfE)

    In a Republic that claims to be united and indivisible, it is unacceptable for our overseas compatriots to be treated as second-class citizens. The exclusion of the overseas territories from the European Social Charter constitutes a profound injustice and a flagrant breach of the principle of equal rights.

    This situation reflects a persistent contempt on the part of the elites towards these territories, which are already facing serious economic, social and environmental inequalities: wages are much lower than in mainland France, access to drinking water is still precarious and the issue of chlordecone poisoning has not been properly addressed.

    Against this backdrop, the inaction of the European and national authorities is unacceptable. It is time to mobilise all parliamentary bodies to demand justice and compensation. The ratification of the European Social Charter for Overseas France would be a major step forward in guaranteeing these citizens the same rights and protections as those in mainland France.

    • 1.In light of the foregoing, how can the Commission justify this discriminatory exclusion?
    • 2.What concrete commitments will it make to guarantee the genuine equality of social rights for overseas citizens?
    • 3.Will it finally recognise that this situation violates the fundamental principles of justice and human dignity?

    Submitted: 28.2.2025

    Last updated: 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Future actions related to the Global Gateway strategy – E-000832/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000832/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomas Tobé (PPE), Lukas Mandl (PPE), Hildegard Bentele (PPE), Andrzej Halicki (PPE), Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE), Ondřej Kolář (PPE)

    It is a geopolitical imperative for the EU to deliver on the Global Gateway strategy in order to secure strategic partnerships with non-EU countries that safeguard and promote the values, interests and objectives of the Union. This is a matter of urgency given the rapidly changing global landscape. As the President of the Commission stated in January 2025, ‘we have entered a new era of harsh geostrategic competition’ in which ‘the world’s major economies are vying for access to raw materials, new technologies and global trade routes’[1].

    The 2025 Commission work programme outlines an ambition to bring Global Gateway from start-up to scale-up. Furthermore, the Commissioner for International Partnerships has been tasked with putting in place effective and visible tracking and reporting of Global Gateway, including the mobilisation of private funding and measuring the impact and results of investments[2]. However, the concrete actions that will be taken to realise these aims have not yet been specified.

    With this in mind, we would like to ask the Commission the following:

    • 1.What concrete actions does the Commission intend to take in 2025 to take Global Gateway to the next level?
    • 2.How and when does the Commission intend to put measures in place to track and report on Global Gateway projects?

    Submitted: 25.2.2025

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/it/speech_25_285.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/6ead2cb7-41e2-454e-b7c8-5ab3707d07dd_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20SIKELA.pdf.
    Last updated: 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier announces new measures to defend B.C. from Trump tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has announced new tariff-response measures with the intention of bringing forward legislation that will defend British Columbians, workers and businesses from U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and energy.

    “The White House started a trade war we didn’t want, and we must answer with strength,” Premier Eby said. “We are responding to this unprecedented attack with several targeted measures and in the coming weeks we will arm ourselves with even more tools as next steps to fend off a sustained economic aggression.”

    The B.C. government intends to introduce tariff-response legislation in the coming days that will give the Province new tools to defend B.C. jobs and businesses and respond swiftly and nimbly to emerging challenges brought on by Trump’s trade war. This would enable a range of responses, including the ability to remove interprovincial trade barriers, mandating that low-carbon fuels added to gasoline and diesel be produced in Canada, and allowing B.C. to apply tolls/fees to U.S. commercial vehicles using B.C. infrastructure to travel to Alaska.

    “The tariffs imposed by Trump are a profound mistake and are hurting families on both sides of the border,” Premier Eby said. “My team will continue to work hard every day to defend British Columbians through this and come out stronger on the other side. Every option is on the table.”

    The Province’s initial response to tariffs includes directing the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop buying American liquor from “red” states and remove red-state brands from the shelves of public liquor stores. The B.C. government and Crown corporations have also been directed to buy Canadian goods and services first.

    The counter-measures are a first step and part of a Team Canada approach that includes 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported U.S. products imposed by the federal government, as well as additional measures from other provinces and territories.

    First ministers have also agreed to take meaningful action to reduce barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by June 1, 2025. The B.C. government’s plan to fight back against the tariffs and defend British Columbians includes:

    1. responding to U.S. tariffs with tough counter-actions and outreach to American decision-makers;
    2. strengthening B.C.’s economy by expediting projects and supporting industry and workers; and
    3. diversifying trade markets for B.C. products so British Columbia is less reliant on U.S. markets and customers, including by breaking down domestic trade barriers.

    As part of this approach, B.C. is moving full steam ahead on new actions to seize economic opportunities and find new trade markets to reduce B.C.’s reliance on the U.S.

    The Province is accelerating approvals and permits on major projects that are ready to move forward to create good jobs and support B.C.’s economy in the face of tariffs. The initial list of projects is valued at $20 billion in investment and is expected to create 8,000 family-supporting jobs, especially in rural and remote communities.

    To support B.C.’s strong tariff response and ensure actions are swift, responsive and co-ordinated, Premier Eby has established a trade and economic security task force to bring together business, labour and Indigenous leadership. A new task force on agriculture and the food economy will help ensure B.C.’s food supply and food economy continue to grow in the face of tariffs, a B.C. softwood advisory council is developing a diplomatic and trade strategy to fight for B.C.’s interests in the ongoing softwood lumber dispute, and a new cabinet committee is co-ordinating the whole-of-government approach the Province is taking.

    Quick Facts:

    • Estimates indicate 25% tariffs on Canadian mineral exports will cost American companies more than US$11 billion and have a profound effect on the U.S. defence industry, energy production and manufacturing.  
    • The share of B.C.’s goods exports to the U.S. dropped to 52.8% in 2024, compared to 65.8% in 2000. At the same time, B.C. has expanded its trade relationships with key Asian markets, including China and South Korea.
    • In comparison, approximately 88% of Alberta’s goods exports and an average of 76.1% of Ontario and Quebec’s goods exports went to the U.S. in 2024. This places B.C. in a relatively better position than other provinces when it comes to mitigating the impacts of U.S. tariffs. However, the impact would still be significant.
    • Some sectors are more reliant on the U.S. for exports. For example, in 2024, B.C. exported all its natural gas and electricity and 74.8% of its softwood lumber to the U.S.
    • For goods coming into B.C., U.S. imports make up 34.5% of total incoming trade, including machinery and equipment, agriculture and food, as well as energy products

    Learn More:

    To learn more about B.C.’s response to unjustified U.S. tariffs, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs

    To read the First Ministers March 5, 2025, statement on reducing interprovincial trade barriers, visit: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2025/03/05/first-ministers-statement-eliminating-internal-trade-barriers

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Politics – Hey Minister, how about saving 700 lives?

    Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand

    The Health Minister has allocated many millions of dollars in recent days for primary healthcare and bowel cancer, which is very welcome, but so far can’t find anything in the cupboard for the 700 men who die each year of prostate cancer.

    “Everyone agrees that the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the clinical outcomes for individual patients. And it’s generally cheaper to treat cancer earlier on than later on. So its a win-win! However it appears that perhaps the government may think differently about prostate cancer?” said Peter Dickens, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
     
    “While it’s admirable that Minister Brown has increased the eligibility for bowel cancer screening, funded more kiwis to train as doctors, and injected $285 million into general practice, it’s disappointing that once again there’s nothing for men at risk of dying of prostate cancer.”
     
    The Prostate Cancer Foundation is asking for an initial investment of only $6.4 million over four years to establish a prostate cancer screening pilot in Waitemata and Tairāwhiti. Lessons learned would support a national screening programme eventually.  An NZIER report shows that the return on this investment is compelling. It compares very well on a value of money basis to some other health interventions.  
     
    It’s frustrating that successive Ministers seem to be ignoring the benefit of allocating a miniscule part of the $30 billion health budget to reduce prostate cancer death and harm for our dads, brothers, partners and sons.
     
    “What are we waiting for?  More than 700 men die each year of prostate cancer, and about 4,000 are diagnosed. These numbers are increasing and forecast to double by 2044. Between 2015-2019, there were 19,132 diagnoses of prostate cancer, but between 2040 and 2044, researchers are projecting 42,009 will be diagnosed[1].
     
    “But despite the death toll and two national screening programmes for women, the government hasn’t yet committed to funding a screening programme for a cancer that is specific to men.”
     
     
    After the government last year found $600 million for Pharmac, the Health Minister made further announcements this week at ‘In Pursuit’, a cancer conference with an agenda dominated by diseases  such as breast, bowel and cervical cancer – all of which have large screening programmes – and lung cancer, likely to be next screening cab off the rank.
     
    At the conference, Te Aho o Te Kahu Cancer Control Authority chief executive Rami Rahal said if we think we’re having trouble now, in 20 years’ we’re not going to be able to cope if we keep doing things the same way.
     
    “Rami is 100 percent correct. That’s why it’s essential to get moving on a PSA-based screening pilot in two regions. A prostate cancer screening programme starting with simple blood tests will halve the number of deaths from prostate cancer,” Mr Dickens said.

    [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877782124000146

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MeitY launches AIKosha, a secured platform that provides a repository of datasets, models and use cases to enable AI innovation. It also features AI sandbox capabilities through an integrated development environment along with tools and tutorials.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    MeitY launches AIKosha, a secured platform that provides a repository of datasets, models and use cases to enable AI innovation. It also features AI sandbox capabilities through an integrated development environment along with tools and tutorials.

    Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils India AI compute portal, AIKosha and other AI initiatives on IndiaAI Mission anniversary to enable India’s AI research and innovation ecosystem

    The IndiaAI Compute Portal launched for providing accessible and affordable AI compute, network, storage, platform, and cloud services

    AI Competency Framework released to equip public sector officials with skills related to AI competency mapping, and upskilling initiatives

    Launch of iGOT-AI: An advanced AI-powered personalized content recommendation system, developed to enhance the learning experience for government officials on the iGOT Karmayogi platform

    Launch of IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program: A collaborative acceleration program with Station F and HEC Paris that will provide ten selected Indian AI startups with a four-month immersive acceleration program in Paris

    30 AI solutions addressing critical challenges shortlisted under IndiaAI Innovation Challenge, from over 900 submissions, for the next stage

    Introducing the IndiaAI Fellowship Students under IndiaAI Futureskills Pillar

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 10:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw marked a major milestone in India’s AI journey with the launch of several key initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission during its anniversary celebration in New Delhi today.

    The newly introduced initiatives include AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform, the AI Compute Portal, the AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials, iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F, the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative and IndiaAI FutureSkills all aimed at strengthening AI-driven research, innovation, and skill development.
     

    While speaking at the event in New Delhi, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the launch of AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform and the AI Compute Portal marks a major milestone in enabling AI research and innovation in India. He highlighted that the AI Compute Portal will initially provide access to 10,000 GPUs, with 8,693 more to be added, offering AI compute services at a highly subsidized rate to support startups, researchers, and enterprises. He also noted India’s remarkable progress in global AI rankings, securing Rank 1 in AI skill penetration and being recognized among the Top 10 AI nations.

    He further stressed India’s DPI framework for AI, which ensures ethically sourced, consent-based datasets, reducing reliance on synthetic and foreign data. Speaking on AIKosha, he highlighted that the platform hosts over 300  datasets and over 80 models, fostering the development of diverse and unbiased AI solutions. Shri Vaishnaw also underscored the role of AI in governance and capacity building, mentioning the iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, which integrates AI-driven learning recommendations for public officials.

    Speaking on this occasion, MeitY Secretary Shri S. Krishnan emphasized that the launch of the AI Compute Portal is set to revolutionize AI deployment across the country. He highlighted that this portal represents the largest component of the IndiaAI Mission, with nearly 45% of the mission’s funding allocated to it. He further noted that AI is a cross-cutting technology that can enhance productivity and prosperity across government, corporate, and social sectors. Shri Krishnan stressed that leveraging AI is essential to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, requiring a technological leap to drive economic growth. Addressing comparisons with global AI investments, he pointed out that India’s Rs, 10,372 crore AI Mission is a structured, government-led initiative with seven clear verticals to ensure nationwide AI adoption.

    The IndiaAI Mission, approved in March 2024, is a landmark initiative dedicated to fortifying India’s AI ecosystem through strategic programs and partnerships spanning both public and private sectors. With a vision to democratize AI access, enhance data quality, cultivate indigenous AI capabilities, and ensure ethical AI practices, the Mission is structured around seven core pillars:

    ●       IndiaAI Compute

    ●       IndiaAI Datasets Platform

    ●       IndiaAI Application Development Initiatives

    ●       IndiaAI FutureSkills

    ●       IndiaAI Innovation Center

    ●       IndiaAI Startup Financing

    ●       Safe & Trusted AI

     

    Last month, Union Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched several initiatives under the aforementioned pillars. These included a call for proposals for developing and deploying indigenous foundation models which garnered 67 submissions within just 15 days—the establishment of an AI Safety Institute for adoption of a techno-legal approach, and the announcement of eight selected projects under the Safe & Trusted AI pillar.

    Applauding the series of new ground-breaking developments by IndiaAI Mission, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said “Prime Minister Shri Modi’s last 10 years of efforts are culminating in unexpected growth for India. His vision and investments in technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and deep tech will propel India among the top 5 countries. Our Prime Minister’s vision has always been to democratize tech—imagine DPI enhanced by AI.” These initiatives will serve as a pivotal enabler for AI research, innovation, and application development in India, fostering an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem.

    Launch of AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform

    To provide a unified portal for seamless access to datasets, tools and AI models, Hon’ble Union Minister has launched AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform. AIKosha is a secured platform that provides a repository of datasets, models and use cases to enable AI innovation. It also features AI sandbox capabilities through an integrated development environment along with tools and tutorials. The platform is equipped with the features like content discoverability, AI readiness scoring of datasets, permission based access & security mechanisms like data encryption at rest and in motion, secure API, and firewalls for real-time filtering of malicious traffic.

    Launch of IndiaAI Compute Portal

    IndiaAI had published a Request for Empanelment (RFE) inviting applications for the empanelment of AI services on the cloud. A competitive bidding process saw the participation of 19 bidders, offering diverse AI services, including GPUs and AI platforms. Following a rigorous technical evaluation, 10 bidders were shortlisted for the commercial bid opening. To ensure equitable access to computational resources, Hon’ble Union Minister has launched the IndiaAI Compute Portal that will offer AI compute, network, storage, platform and cloud services at discounted rates to startups, MSMEs, academia, researchers, PhD scholars, students, startups and government agencies. The portal will facilitate easy access to high end and mid range GPUs such as NVIDIA H100, H200, A100, L40S, and L4, AMD MI300x and 325X, Intel Gaudi 2, AWS Tranium and Inferentia along with network and storage services, ensuring cost-effective AI development capabilities and innovation. Eligible AI users will receive up to 40% subsidy on AI compute services on cloud. RFE for Inviting Applications for Continuous Empanelment of Agencies for providing AI services on Cloud is live.

    AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials

    Recognizing the critical role of AI in governance the AI Competency Framework was released at the event. The competency framework aims to equip public sector officials with skills related to AI competency mapping, and upskilling initiatives. This framework aligns with global best practices to ensure informed AI policy-making and implementation.

    iGOT-AI: AI-Powered Personalized Learning for Government Officials

    An advanced AI-powered personalized content recommendation system, developed to enhance the learning experience for government officials on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.

    IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F

    In collaboration with STATION F and HEC Paris, the IndiaAI Mission will launch an acceleration program for Indian AI startups. This four-month immersive program (1 month online, 3 months onsite at STATION F in Paris) at the world’s largest startup campus will provide 10 selected AI startups with access to mentorship, networking, and global market expansion opportunities in Europe. A call for applications has been announced at the event.

    IndiaAI Innovation Challenge: Felicitation of AI Innovators

    The IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI) pillar under the IndiaAI Mission focuses on developing, scaling, and promoting the adoption of impactful AI solutions with the potential for large-scale socio-economic transformation. Under this pillar IndiaAI has launched the IndiaAI innovation challenge which seeks to promote impactful AI solutions in critical sectors, over 900 AI solutions were submitted to address pressing challenges in Healthcare, Climate Change & Disaster Management, Governance, Agriculture, and Learning Disabilities. These solutions aim to improve healthcare outcomes, enhance access to public services, boost agricultural productivity, support individuals with learning disabilities, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 30 AI solutions have been shortlisted for the next stage across three stages of maturity: Idea, Prototype, and Existing Solutions.

    IndiaAI FutureSkills Fellowship: Introducing the IndiaAI Fellowship Student

    The IndiaAI FutureSkills initiative is conceptualized to mitigate barriers to entry into AI programs and will increase AI courses in undergraduate, masters-level, and Ph.D. programs. IndiaAI Fellowship students were introduced who  demonstrated their skills in AI Projects and shared their experiences how IndiaAI Fellowship has supported them in AI research. IndiaAI is disbursing tranches of the IndiaAI Fellowship, UG students PG students from various centrally funded institutes, including IITs, NITs, IIITs, as well as other government and private academic institutes.

    Additionally, IndiaAI Data Labs are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India to impart foundational level courses. IndiaAI has developed two courses for the roles of Data Annotator and Data Curator, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture to be imparted in IndiaAI Data Labs across NIELIT and ITI centres.

    The Launch of AIKosha, AI Compute Portal and other IndiaAI initiatives signifies a major step in democratizing AI access, enabling research-driven innovation, and strengthening India’s global AI leadership. The event brought together key stakeholders from the AI ecosystem, including government officials, researchers, industry leaders, and startups, fostering collaboration to build a robust AI-powered future for India.

    Click Here to see List of team selected for next stage of IndiaAI Innovation challenge & IndiaAI Fellowship students felicitated at the launch event

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Republic Plenary Summit 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Republic Plenary Summit 2025

    India’s achievements and successes have sparked a new wave of hope across the globe: PM

    India is driving global growth today: PM

    Today’s India thinks big, sets ambitious targets and delivers remarkable results: PM

    We launched the SVAMITVA Scheme to grant property rights to rural households in India: PM

    Youth is the X-Factor of today’s India, where X stands for Experimentation, Excellence, and Expansion: PM

    In the past decade, we have transformed impact-less administration into impactful governance: PM

    Earlier, construction of houses was government-driven, but we have transformed it into an owner-driven approach: PM

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 10:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Republic Plenary Summit 2025 in the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated Republic TV for its innovative approach for involving youth at the grassroots level and organizing a significant hackathon competition. He remarked that when the nation’s youth get involved in the national discourse, it brings novelty to ideas and fills the entire environment with their energy. He emphasized that this energy was being felt at the summit. He further stated that the involvement of youth helps break all barriers and go beyond boundaries, making every goal achievable and every destination reachable. He appreciated Republic TV for working on a new concept for this summit and extended his best wishes for its success. Shri Modi reiterated his idea of bringing one lakh youth without any political background to the politics of India

    “World is now recognizing this century as India’s century and India’s achievements and successes have sparked new hope globally”, highlighted Shri Modi. He stated that India, once perceived as a nation that would sink itself and others, is now driving global growth. He added that the direction of India’s future is evident from the work and accomplishments of today, pointing out that even 65 years after independence, India was the world’s eleventh-largest economy. However, in the past decade, India has become the fifth-largest economy and is now rapidly moving towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world. 

    Recalling the situation 18 years ago, in 2007, when India’s annual GDP reached US $1 trillion, the Prime Minister highlighted that back then, the economic activity in India for an entire year was US $1 trillion. He added that today, the same amount of economic activity is happening in just one quarter, which demonstrates the rapid pace at which India is progressing. He provided examples to show the significant changes and results achieved in the past decade, highlighting that in the last 10 years, India has successfully lifted 25 crore people out of poverty, a number greater than the population of many countries. Shri Modi also reminded the audience of the time when only 15 paise out of one rupee sent by the government reached the poor, with 85 paise lost to corruption. In contrast, over the past decade, more than ₹42 lakh crore have been transferred directly to the accounts of the poor through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring that the entire amount reaches the beneficiaries.

    Underlining that 10 years ago, India lagged behind in solar energy, the Prime Minister remarked, “today, India is among the top 5 countries in solar energy capacity, having increased it 30 times, while solar module manufacturing has also seen a 30-fold increase”. He also stated that 10 years ago, even children’s toys like Holi water guns were imported, while today, India’s toy exports have tripled. He also pointed out that 10 years ago, India imported rifles for its army, but in the past decade, India’s defense exports have increased 20 times.

    Prime Minister further highlighted that in the past 10 years, India has become the world’s second-largest steel producer, the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, and the third-largest startup ecosystem. He remarked that in the same period, India’s capital expenditure on infrastructure has increased fivefold and the number of airports in the country has doubled, and the number of operational AIIMS has tripled. He further emphasized that in the past decade, the number of medical colleges and medical seats has nearly doubled.

    “Today’s India thinks big, sets ambitious targets, and achieves significant results”, emphasised the Prime Minister, remarking that this is happening because the nation’s mindset has changed, and India is moving forward with great aspirations. He highlighted that previously, the mindset was to accept the status quo, but now, people know who can deliver results. He cited examples of how the aspirations of the people have evolved, from requesting drought relief work to demanding Vande Bharat connectivity and international airports. He pointed out that the previous dispensations had crushed the aspirations of the people, leading them to lower their expectations. However, today, the situation and mindset have changed rapidly, and people are now driven by the goal of a Viksit Bharat. 

    Underscoring that the strength of any society or nation increases when barriers and obstacles are removed for its citizens, Shri Modi said that this enhances the capabilities of the citizens, making even the sky seem small. He pointed out that the Government is continuously removing the obstacles placed by previous administrations and cited the example of the space sector, where earlier everything was under ISRO’s purview. While ISRO did commendable work, the potential of space science and entrepreneurship in the country was not fully utilized. He remarked that the space sector has now been opened up for young innovators, resulting in the creation of over 250 space startups in the country. These startups are now developing rockets like Vikram-S and Agnibaan, he added. The Prime Minister also mentioned the mapping sector, where previously government permission was required to create maps in India. This restriction has been removed, and today, geospatial mapping data is paving the way for new startups. Pointing out that the nuclear energy sector was previously under government control with various restrictions, the Prime Minister said that this year’s budget has announced the opening of this sector to the private sector, paving the way for adding 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. 

    Prime Minister emphasized that there was over ₹100 lakh crore of untapped economic potential in India’s villages and that this potential was present in the form of houses in villages, which lacked legal documents and proper mapping, preventing villagers from availing bank loans. He pointed out that this issue is not unique to India, as many large countries also lack property rights for their citizens. International organizations state that countries providing property rights to their citizens see a significant boost in GDP, he added. “The Swamitva Scheme has been launched to provide property rights for village houses in India and drones are being used to survey and map each house in villages”, remarked the Prime Minister, emphasising that property cards are being distributed across the country, with over 2 crore property cards already issued. He pointed out that the lack of property cards previously led to numerous disputes and court cases in villages, which have now been resolved. He further stated that villagers are now able to obtain bank loans using these property cards, enabling them to start businesses and pursue self-employment.

    Adding that the biggest beneficiaries of the examples he provided were the youth of the country, Shri Modi said, “youth are the largest stakeholders in a Viksit Bharat and the X-Factor of today’s India, where X stands for Experimentation, Excellence, and Expansion”. He explained that the youth have created new paths by moving beyond old methods, set global benchmarks, and scaled up innovations for 140 crore Indians. He pointed out that the youth could provide solutions to the country’s major problems, but this potential was not utilized earlier. The Prime Minister mentioned that the government now organizes the Smart India Hackathon every year, with 10 lakh youth participating so far. He remarked that various ministries and departments have presented numerous problem statements related to governance to these young participants, who have developed around 2,500 solutions. He expressed his happiness that the hackathon culture was being promoted further by Republic TV too. 

    “In the past decade, the country has experienced new-age governance, transforming impact-less administration into impactful governance”, stated the Prime Minister. He added that people often say they are benefiting from government schemes for the first time, even though these schemes existed before. The difference now is the ensured last-mile delivery, he said. Emphasising that previously, houses for the poor were sanctioned on paper, but now, houses are being built on the ground, Shri Modi remarked that the entire process of house construction was government-driven, deciding the design and materials. However, the government has now made it owner-driven, transferring money to the beneficiary’s account, allowing them to decide the house’s design, he mentioned. The Prime Minister said that competitions were held across the country for house designs, involving public participation, which improved the quality and speed of house construction. He highlighted that earlier, incomplete houses were handed over, but now, the government is providing dream homes for the poor, complete with water connections, gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme, and electricity connections under the Saubhagya scheme. “We have not just built four walls but have brought life to these homes”, he added.

    Stressing the importance of national security for a country’s development, the Prime Minister underlined the significant work done in the past decade to enhance security. He recalled that earlier, serial bomb blast breaking news and special programs on sleeper cell networks were common on TV, but today, such incidents are absent from both TV screens and Indian soil. He remarked that Naxalism is now on its last breath, with the number of affected districts reduced from over a hundred to less than two dozen. This was achieved by working with a “nation first” spirit and bringing governance to the grassroots level in these areas, he added. Shri Modi highlighted the construction of thousands of kilometers of roads, schools, hospitals, and the reach of 4G mobile networks in these districts and the results are evident for all to see.

    Shri Modi highlighted that decisive government actions have cleared Naxalism from the jungles, but it is now spreading to urban centers. He remarked that Urban Naxals have rapidly infiltrated political parties that were once opposed to them and inspired by Gandhian ideology, rooted in India’s heritage. He said that the voices and language of Urban Naxals are now heard within these political parties, indicating their deep-rooted presence, and warned that Urban Naxals are staunch opponents of India’s development and heritage. He acknowledged Shri Arnab Goswami’s efforts in exposing Urban Naxals and stressed that both development and strengthening heritage are essential for a developed India, urging caution against Urban Naxals.

    “Today’s India is reaching new heights by facing every challenge”, said Shri Modi, expressing confidence that the Republic TV network will continue to elevate journalism with a “nation first” spirit. He concluded by saying that Republic TV’s journalism will continue to catalyze the aspirations of a developed India. 

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Debate Needed To Address The Shift From Democracy To ‘Emocracy’—Emotion-Driven Policies Threaten Good Governance, Says VP

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Debate Needed To Address The Shift From Democracy To ‘Emocracy’—Emotion-Driven Policies Threaten Good Governance, Says VP

    Excessive Spending On Electoral Promises Reduces The State’s Ability To Invest In Infrastructure, Says VP

    Election Is Important In Democracy But Not The End Of It, Cautions VP

    Good Governance Demands Fiscal Prudence, Not Short-Term Populism, Says VP

    Historically, Populism Is Bad Economics; Once A Leader Gets Attached To Populism, It Is Difficult To Get Out Of The Crisis, Warns VP

    Leadership Is Not A Pedestal But A Pilgrimage Of Service, Says VP

    True Leadership Empowers People To Empower Themselves, Not Just Momentarily, Says VP

    Vice-President Delivers Inaugural Address At The First ‘Murli Deora Memorial Dialogues’ On The Theme ‘Leadership And Governance’ In Mumbai

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 10:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today called for a national debate on the shift from democracy to ‘Emocracy, saying, “National debate is required so that we take note of shift from Democracy to Emocracy. Emotion-driven policies, emotion-driven debates, discourses threaten good governance. Historically, populism is bad economics. And once a leader gets attached to populism it is difficult to get out of the crisis. The central factor must be the good of the people, the largest good of the people, the lasting good of the people. Empower people to empower themselves rather than empower them momentarily because that affects their productivity.”

    Delivering the inaugural address at the first ‘Murli Deora Memorial Dialogues’ on the theme ‘Leadership and Governance’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra today, Shri Dhankhar expressed deep concern over the emergence of appeasement politics and placatory strategies across the political spectrum, saying, ” There is emergence of a new strategy, and the strategy is of appeasement or being placatory. If there is excessive spending on electoral promises, then the state’s ability to invest in infrastructure is correspondingly reduced. This is detrimental to the growth scenario. Election is important in democracy but not the end of it. I would call upon the leadership of all political parties in the interest of democratic values to generate a consensus that engaging in such electoral promises, which can be performed only at the cost of CAPEX expenditure of the state, must be reviewed. Some governments that took recourse to this appeasement and placatory mechanisms are finding it very difficult to sustain in power.”

    He clarified that affirmative action for marginalized communities is distinct from appeasement politics, stating, “I should not be misunderstood, ladies and gentlemen, because while the Indian Constitution has given us the right of equality, it does provide in Article 14, 15, and 16 an acceptable category of affirmative governance—affirmative action, the reservation for SC, ST, for those who are in the economically weaker section. That is sanctified. There are exceptional situations for rural India, for the farmer, where affirmative steps are required to be taken. But this is very distinct from the other aspects I was talking about. This is not placatory or appeasing. It is justifiable economic policy. And therefore, it is good leadership that can take a call on where to draw the line in the fiscal sense in the matter of political foresight and leadership spine.”

    Highlighting demographic challenges and illegal migration, Shri Dhankhar said, “The Nation houses millions of illegal migrants causing a demographic upheaval. Millions of illegal migrants are in this country making a huge demand on our health services, education services. They are depriving our people of employment opportunities. Such elements have alarmingly secured electoral relevance in some areas and their securing electoral relevance is shaping the essence of our democracy. Emerging dangers can be evaluated through historical reference where nations were swept of their ethnic identity by similar demographic invasions.”
    Expressing deep concern over mass conversions through allurements, the Vice-President remarked, “This malaise, far more severe than COVID, is aggravatingly intersected with conversions through allurements, with vulnerable sections trying to be trapped. The marginalized, the tribal, the weaker become easy prey to these temptations and allurements. Faith is your own. Faith is dictated by conscience. The Indian Constitution gives freedom of faith. But if this faith is held hostage by temptations, it is, according to me, defacing freedom of faith.”

    Shri Dhankhar asserted that the sovereignty of ‘We the People’ must not be diluted, “Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity, is the oldest, largest, most vibrant, and functional democracy. Bharat is the only nation in the world that has constitutionally structured democratic institutions from the village to the national level. Our Constitution’s Preamble indicates ‘We the People’ as the foundational source and premise of governance. Preamble of the Constitution also reveals the purpose of governance as Justice, Equality, and Fraternity for all. We must appreciate the contours of ‘We the People’—the ultimate repository of sovereignty. A sovereignty that we cannot afford to dilute or to be taken away.”

    Honoring the late Murli Deora, the Vice-President described him as one of the finest public figures in politics, “Murli Deora was one of the finest public figures in politics, who nurtured all his life friendships. He bridged the differences and was loved by all. In his life, he missed one thing—he had no adversaries. That was his stature. Murali bhai, as fondly reminisced by his peers, exemplified public spirit and dedication to worthy societal causes.”

    The Vice-President praised Murli Deora’s pioneering role in securing a ban on smoking in public places, stating, “Murli Deora will always be remembered for his proactive efforts to save the country from the hazards of smoking. He approached the highest court of the land and sought affirmative intervention to secure a ban on smoking in public places.”

    Concluding his address, Shri Dhankhar described Murli Deora’s life as a testament to leadership as a journey of service, “Life of Murli Deora Ji was a testament to the idea of leadership—that this idea is not a pedestal but a pilgrimage, a journey of service to the last, the least, and the lonely.”

    Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Milind Deora, MP Rajya Sabha & Senior Kotak
    Representative, Shri Raghavendra Singh, President, Kotak Mahindra Bank and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Office Complex of Zonal Office Telangana and Regional Office, Banjara Hills in Hyderabad

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Office Complex of Zonal Office Telangana and Regional Office, Banjara Hills in Hyderabad

    Union Minister Virtually Inaugurates Regional Office, Naroda, Gujarat and Laid Foundation Stone of Staff Quarters, Gurugram, Haryana

    “This Building is Not Just a Structure, But a ‘Temple’ for the Workforce,” Says Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    “EPFO 3.0 Will Make the System as Accessible as a Bank,” Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Future Plans

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 9:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the Office Complex of the Zonal Office Telangana and Regional Office in Banjara Hills in Hyderabad today. In addition, he virtually inaugurated the Regional Office in Naroda, Gujarat, and laid the foundation stone for staff quarters in Gurugram, Haryana. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, senior officials from the Ministry, State Government representatives, and distinguished guests were also present on the occasion.

    These initiatives marked a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure and operational capacity to better serve workers and stakeholders across the country, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening labour welfare and administrative efficiency.

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, while addressing the gathering, emphasized that this building is not just a physical structure but a “temple” for the workforce, where workers will find their needs met, and they can be assured of the government’s unwavering support for their well-being and satisfaction.

    Union Minister highlighted that these new office buildings are being inaugurated to better serve the people of India, with EPFO offices dedicated to fulfilling their needs. He further praised the ongoing reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in managing EPFO funds prudently, ensuring an interest rate of 8.5%—an offer unmatched by any bank. He also highlighted the convenience brought by digital platforms, allowing workers to manage their EPFO accounts, withdraw pensions, and make claims without the need for physical visits or signatures.

    Dr. Mandaviya also spoke of the upcoming EPFO 3.0, which will make the EPFO system as accessible as a bank, including future plans for withdrawing money via ATMs. He reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is undergoing a transformation where workers—both formal and informal—are at the heart of building a new Bharat. Dr. Mandaviya assured that the government is committed to enhancing EPFO services and infrastructure to better serve workers and promised that the office will always be there for the service of the people.

    Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, during the event, highlighted the significant role of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in society, acknowledging the many important reforms introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also extended his gratitude to Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for his tireless efforts in ensuring the welfare of the people, commending his dedication and leadership in improving the infrastructure and services of EPFO.

    The inauguration of offices is part of EPFO’s broader strategy of outreach to members and to rationalize the bigger offices for effective workload management. The newly inaugurated Regional Office, Banjara Hills will serve approximately 5.5 lakh members and more than 11,000 establishments. The Regional Office at Naroda services 5 lakh members and 8,000 establishments.The new building at Begumpet, Hyderabad will also house the Additional Data Centre of EPFO which will help augment the technological improvements in service delivery.

    EPFO’s Staff Quarters near Dwarka Expressway at Gurugram spread in a total area of 10,534 sq. mt. will provide for residential facilities including a community hall to 155 families of EPFO Officials.  These state-of-the-art facilities, equipped with modern digital infrastructure, represents EPFO’s commitment to enhancing service delivery through office rationalization and technological integration and at the same time fulfilling the aspiration of the staff of EPFO to have quality residential facilities.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DIALOGUE, COOPERATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING ARE THE KEYS IN AN INCREASINGLY INTERCONNECTED WORLD FOR RESOLVING CONFLICTS AND FOSTERING GLOBAL HARMONY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    Source: Government of India

    DIALOGUE, COOPERATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING ARE THE KEYS IN AN INCREASINGLY INTERCONNECTED WORLD FOR RESOLVING CONFLICTS AND FOSTERING GLOBAL HARMONY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    LOK SABHA SPEAKER EMPHASIZES THE CRITICAL ROLE OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND MILITARY LEADERSHIP IN SHAPING NATION’S PROGRESS

    PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IS ROBUST AND IDEAL MECHANISM FOR INDIA’S DIVERSITY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES OFFICERS OF NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE IN PARLIAMENT PREMISES

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 8:37PM by PIB Delhi

    New Delhi; 6 March, 2025: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today said that the Constitution of India has time and again proven to be a guiding light for the nation, shaping its democratic ethos and governance through the ideals enshrined in it. Shri Birla made these observations while addressing the Course Members of the 65th batch of the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi. The event saw the participation of 124 officers from India and 32 friendly foreign countries.

    Shri Birla underscored the critical role of civil servants and military leadership in shaping the nation’s progress. He urged them to leverage their training and expertise to understand India’s diverse social fabric and work towards the upliftment of society. Shri Birla observed that capacity-building of stakeholders in governance could be enhanced significantly through effective use of technology.

    Highlighting the 75th year of the adoption of Indian Constitution, Shri Birla recalled the rigorous deliberations and debates that shaped the document over a three-year period. He lauded the vision and dedication of the members of the Constituent Assembly, who crafted a constitution that continues to guide the nation’s democratic framework. He reiterated that India’s parliamentary democracy—as envisioned in the Constitution—is a strong, inclusive and well-suited for a diverse nation like India.

    Shri Birla advised the participants to embrace the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family). He emphasized that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding are the keys in an increasingly interconnected world for resolving conflicts and fostering global harmony. He lauded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and leadership in positioning India as a world leader at different global fora including G-20, International Solar Alliance for a sustainable future.

    Referring to several initiatives being taken to facilitate the work of Members of Parliament and in the larger interest of the people, Shri Birla applauded the digitization exercise aimed at preserving and making accessible parliamentary debates and historical records. He highlighted how technology is being utilized to modernize governance and ensure transparency. He also mentioned about different steps being taken for making Parliament of India a digital organisation and efficient source of information for all stakeholders.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Consultation Meet with Industry associations for ‘Engaging Dialogue on Entity Locker’ held at MeitY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 8:00PM by PIB Delhi

    A consultation meeting to invite suggestions and inputs from industry bodies and partner organisations for Entity Locker was held at Electronics Niketan on March 6, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Shri Nand Kumarum, President & CEO, Nation E-Governance Mission (NeGD); MD & CEO Digital India Corporation, and CEO, MyGov.

    Participants included senior officials from various chambers and national boards such as FICCI, CII, Indian Banks Association, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, India SME Forum, PHDCCI, Federation of Indian Export Organisations, SEBI, NASSCOM, Data Security Council of India, and government enterprises viz. Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Rail India Technical and Economic Service, and Engineering Projects India Ltd. etc.

    The meeting aimed to apprise the members about Entity Locker’s process flow and encourage them to promote its usage among associated entities. Feedback and suggestions to incorporate additional features and functions were also collected and the team at National e-Governance Division (NeGD) welcomed a stream of dialogues for continous improvements and better onboarding experience for all kinds of entities, including private players in the buinsess/financial ecosystem.

    Shri Nand Kumarum emphasised on the need for organisations to develop relevant use cases pertaining to the document interactions and exchange mechanism followed in their respective companies/organisations. He highlighted that Entity Locker provides secure data storage for important documents of business entities and the like, thus leading to ‘Ease of Doing Buisness’, and this along with the free 10 GB storage being provided by the Government is a big incentive for all organisations to onboard themselves and their allied partners on this platform.

    Several questions were raised regarding document visibility and sharing access, API integration, extendable storage facility, option to group users, and the verification protocol to be followed for Aadhaar & other licenses.

    All the current challenges, specific onboarding issues being faced, and concerns or problems and need regarding particular integration requirements were duly noted by the team and responded to. These will be formally allayed and worked upon once the participating members send back their replies addressing the same.

    About Entity Locker

    Entity Locker is a secure, cloud-based solution that simplifies the storage, sharing, and verification of documents for a wide range of entities, including large organisations, corporations, micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSMEs), trusts, startups and societies. The platform is a critical component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, aligning with the vision of the Union Budget 2024-25 for enhanced digital governance and ease of doing business.

    As a part of the Digital India Programme, Entity Locker exemplifies the innovative use of technology to solve complex administrative challenges and promote economic growth. Its phased implementation will see gradual integration with more government platforms and agencies.

    Businesses, regulators and other stakeholders are encouraged to adopt this transformative digital solution to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

    Visit Entity Locker: https://entity.digilocker.gov.in/

    For further details, contact: partners@digitallocker.gov.in

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Jitendra Singh Flags Off CSIR’s E-Tractor roadshow from Jammu, to ahead for Kanyakumari , Covering the entire country:

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Flags Off CSIR’s E-Tractor roadshow from Jammu, to ahead for Kanyakumari , Covering the entire country:

    The Minister Highlights India’s Push for Sustainable Farming, inaugurates E-Tiller of CSIR-CMERI at CSIR-IIIM Chatha Farm

    Ease of Agriculture, Cost Savings, Green Energy—Dr. Jitendra Singh on CSIR’s Agriculture Innovations

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 7:44PM by PIB Delhi

     

    JAMMU, March 6 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today flagged off the CSIR-developed e-Tractor roadshow from Jammu, which will ahead for Kanyakumari, covering the entire country.

    This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable and technology-driven agriculture. The e-tractor, which was initially launched in Delhi, has been put on a nationwide roadshow to raise awareness about eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions in farming. After its stop in Jammu, the e-tractor will travel across various regions before reaching its final destination in Kanyakumari.The Minister has also inaugurated and E-Tiller developed by CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur, a constituent lab.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of innovation in agriculture and how CSIR’s technology will contribute to the ease of farming, reducing operational costs and promoting sustainability. “This e-tractor is not just an advanced technological intervention but a step towards ensuring affordable and environment-friendly farming solutions. It reflects our commitment to integrating innovation with agriculture, benefiting both farmers and agri-startups,” he stated.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the e-tractor aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting green energy and self-reliance in agriculture. He pointed out that while traditional farming practices rely on expensive fossil fuels, the electric tractor offers a viable alternative that significantly reduces carbon emissions and operating expenses. “By adopting this technology, farmers will not only reduce their fuel costs but also contribute to environmental conservation. The roadshow will allow farmers across the country to witness firsthand how this new technology can transform agriculture,” he added.

    The Minister further emphasized that CSIR’s initiatives are aimed at bridging the technological divide in Indian farming by bringing scientific innovations directly to the grassroots. “CSIR has been actively working on technologies that enhance efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector. The e-tractor is an example of how research-driven innovations can be commercialized for widespread adoption,” he said.

    In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the government’s concerted efforts to promote agricultural entrepreneurship through policies that support agri-startups, rural youth, and women entrepreneurs. He reiterated that the government’s Bio-E3 policy—Biotechnology for Environment, Economy, and Employment—is ensuring that scientific advancements translate into economic opportunities for farmers. “The government is providing comprehensive support, from technological assistance to financial aid, to ensure that our farmers and startups can seamlessly adopt modern solutions. The Mudra loan scheme, for example, has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs, including women-led businesses in agriculture,” he added.

    The e-tractor roadshow is expected to generate significant interest among farmers, agri-startups, and policymakers as it moves from Jammu to Kanyakumari. Through this initiative, CSIR aims to showcase how clean-energy solutions can revolutionize Indian agriculture, making it more sustainable, cost-effective, and accessible to a larger segment of the farming community.

    The Minister also stressed that with increasing awareness and government support, India is witnessing a transformation in its agricultural landscape. He cited examples of successful agritech interventions such as drone-assisted farming, soil health cards, and high-value crops like lavender, which are creating new income avenues for farmers.

    On the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh also inaugurated the Agro-Soil Research Laboratory at CSIR-IIIM Chatha Farm in which a group of Scientists and researchers would work on Soil testing, agrotechnology development and plant testing.

    As the e-tractor makes its journey across the country, the roadshow will serve as an opportunity for direct farmer engagement, demonstrating the tangible benefits of adopting sustainable farming practices. “The roadshow is not just a demonstration—it is an invitation for farmers to be part of India’s agricultural revolution. By embracing new technologies, they can enhance productivity while also protecting the environment,” Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded.

    Director CSIR-IIIM Dr Zabeer Ahmed and Director CSIR Durgapur Dr Murmu were present on the occasion.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Nitin Gadkari highlights on immediate need for improved road safety measures

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 7:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari highlighted the immediate need for improved road safety measures to put in place and called upon the road construction industry to develop strategies to enhance road safety by adopting newer technologies and sustainable recyclable construction materials.

    Speaking after inaugurating two-day Global Road Infratech Summit & Expo (GRIS) with the theme “Vision Zero: Sustainable Infratech and Policy for Safer Roads,” in New Delhi today, Shri Gadkari observed that most of the road accidents that happen in the country are due to poor civil engineering practices in road design, construction, and management and improper road signages and marking systems.  He suggested that they can be rectified by emulating from what is being practiced in countries like Spain, Austria and Switzerland.

    India witnessed 4,80,000 road accidents, 1,80,000 deaths, and about 4,00,000 serious injuries. Out of these 1,40,000 accident deaths are in the age of 18-45 years and affecting mostly two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.  These accidents contribute to an economic loss of 3 % to GDP, Shri Gadkari noted.

    Holding engineers largely responsible for the rise in road accidents due to poor planning and design of roads, the Union Minister also pointed to substandard detailed project reports (DPRs).  With road safety a top priority, the government aims to reduce accident rates by 50% by 2030, he added.

    Shri Gadkari urged the industry and government to collaborate in finding solutions to prevent road accidents, emphasising the importance of education in building safer infrastructure and promoting awareness on safer driving habits. He also highlighted the need for stronger law enforcement and responsive emergency medical services.

    The summit being organised by the International Road Federation-India Chapter (IRF-IC) is crafted to inspire innovation, showcase cutting-edge solutions from industry providers, foster knowledge exchange, and open valuable networking opportunities for experts and decision-makers from government bodies and private organisations.

    The summit through the conference-cum-expo mode, aims to deliver a holistic experience that educates, inspires, and drives progress in the industry by seamlessly blending the formats”, said Mr K K Kapila, President Emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF) a global road safety body working for better and safer roads worldwide.

    Ms Susanna Zammataro, Director General, IRF, Geneva, Lt. Gen. Harpal Singh, President, IRF -India Chapter and Akhilesh Srivastva, Vice President, IRF, also spoke on the occasion.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Empowering Women in the Mining Sector: A Pivotal Event Celebrating Inclusivity and Leadership

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Delhi

    As a precursor of International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with CIL organised “Celebrating Women in Mining Sector”, marking a significant step in recognizing and empowering women in the mining sector. The event was graced by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, and the Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Telangana Smt D Anasuya Seethakka.

    As gesture of appreciation for their contribution to the sector, ministers invited women participants to light the lamp begin the function. During the event, 46 outstanding professionals were felicitated for their exceptional contributions to the mining industry. Women from leading organizations like IBM, TATA, GSI, ADANI, Vedanta, NGOs, and several PSUs were honoured for breaking barriers and driving progress in the industry. The participation of the women heads of the mining departments from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat further highlighted the collaborative effort to enhance women’s participation in mining.

    In his address, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the importance of women in the mining sector, acknowledging their valuable contributions and encouraging further efforts to create equal opportunities in this traditionally male-dominated industry. Union Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote gender diversity and provide a conducive environment for women professionals in mining. The Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Telangana Smt D Anasuya Seethakka reiterated the government’s dedication to empowering women across all sectors, including mining, through supportive policies and initiatives.

    The event also featured two panel discussions, with experts from across the industry sharing insights on the challenges and strategies for women’s empowerment in mining.

    Panel Discussion I: Women’s Perspective on Inclusivity in Mining – Challenges & Way Ahead

    The panel delved into the barriers women face in the mining sector and how inclusivity can further be promoted. The discussion was moderated by Smt Nirupama Kotru, JS & FA, Ministry of Mines, who guided the conversation on the need for structural and cultural changes to ensure women’s active participation and leadership in the sector. Panelists shared their personal journeys and offered practical solutions for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.

    Panel Discussion II: Empowering Women in Mining – Inclusivity, Need, Approach, and Way Forward

    The second panel focused on strategies to empower women and the steps required to create a more inclusive mining sector. The discussion was moderated by Smt. Farida M. Naik, JS, Ministry of Mines. The session explored the approaches needed to break down gender barriers and ensure that women have access to equal opportunities in mining. The panelists discussed the vital role of mentorship, leadership, and policy interventions in creating sustainable, inclusive opportunities for women to thrive in the industry.

    Both discussions emphasized the crucial need for collective action to ensure that women are not only represented but also empowered to excel in mining. From encouraging mentorship and skill development to implementing supportive policies, the event reflected a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive mining sector.

    Their achievements are a testament to the growing presence of Naari Shakti in mining, inspiring future generations to step forward and lead. The event reaffirmed the government’s and the industry’s resolve to continue creating opportunities for women and ensuring their growth and success in the mining sector. By highlighting the importance of empowerment, inclusivity, and leadership, the discussions served as a powerful reminder that women’s contributions are vital to the continued progress and success of the mining industry.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “The vision of Investment in People stands on three pillars – Education, Skill and Healthcare” – Shri Narendra Modi

    Source: Government of India

    “The vision of Investment in People stands on three pillars – Education, Skill and Healthcare” – Shri Narendra Modi

    “The government is committed to equip youth with future-ready digital skills” – Shri Jayant Chaudhary

    Industries should collaborate, connect and leverage global expertise: Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organized a Breakout session, on  “National Centres of Excellence for Skilling”, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The session brought together representatives from state governments, industry, international organizations and academia to discuss the roadmap for effective implementation of the budget announcements.

    The Breakout Session on the “National Centres of Excellence for Skilling” was moderated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and convened by Ms. Archana Mayaram, Economic Adviser, MSDE. The Panellists included  Ms. Rashmita Panda, CEO, World Skills Centre, Odisha, Ms. Ragapriya, CITE and MD, KSDC, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Vinod Rao, Secretary, Labour, Skill Development & Employment, Government of Gujarat, Ms. Xiaoyan Liang, Lead Education Specialist, World Bank, Shri N Varaprasad, Founder & Partner, Singapore Education Consulting Group, Mr. Suresh Natarajan, CEO, ITE Education Services, Singapore, Shri Amit Kapoor, Chair, Institute of Competitiveness, Shri Sabyasachi Das, CEO, Tata Indian Institute of Skills, Shri Sudarshan, Head-Skilling, Reliance Foundation, and Shri Ashish Singh, Head – Vocational Education & Skill, J&K Cements Ltd.

    Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE while steering the discussions emphasized on the importance of industry collaboration and connect and leveraging global expertise by engaging with the international stakeholders. He also highlighted the need for forging strong partnerships with the state governments and academia and that all stakeholders must come together for effective implementation of the budget announcement.

    The breakout session was one of the eleven such sessions which were held in the follow up to the Post-budget webinar on “Investing in People”, which was conducted on March 5 for which Department of Higher Education was the Lead Department along with MSDE. During the webinar, Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi said, that the vision of investment in people stands on three pillars – education, skill and healthcare. Since 2014, we have provided skill training to over 3 crore youth, announced plans to upgrade 1000 ITIs, and are establishing five Centres of Excellence with global partnership to ensure that our youth can compete at the global level. The Hon’ble Prime Minister also stated that the PM Internship Scheme is providing fresh opportunities and practical skills to the youth by collaborating with industries. In his closing remarks, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India highlighted the government’s commitment to equipping India’s youth with future-ready digital competencies. He said that the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship is developing Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Program, aimed at integrating AI literacy with vocational training from as early as Class 6. The Minister emphasized that SOAR aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of skill-based education and aims to foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and industry-aligned AI skills. Moreover through stackable micro-credentials, digital platforms, and partnerships with global tech leaders, students will be able to seamlessly transition from foundational AI learning to advanced careers, strengthening India’s position as an AI powerhouse. He further noted that as technology evolves rapidly, India is not just preparing its workforce for AI-driven industries but shaping the next generation of AI innovators and leaders, ensuring inclusive growth and global competitiveness. As we approach closer to the International Women’s Day, the Minister also reaffirmed government’s commitment to provide greater opportunities for women in education, skill development, and entrepreneurship. The webinar concluded with several key recommendations, such as, enhancing quality of trainers, bringing about greater autonomy and accountability within the CoEs, stronger industry connect, global partnerships, increased focus on PPP, making curriculum industry-aligned, and focus on new-age courses. All the panellists appreciated and welcomed this budget announcement which would contribute towards India’s skilling journey to prepare its youth for future ready jobs and compete at global level.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department Of Administrative Reforms And Public Grievances Organized A Virtual Round Table Webinar ‘Women In Civil Services” On 06.03.2025 To Commemorate International Women’s Day 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Department Of Administrative Reforms And Public Grievances Organized A Virtual Round Table Webinar ‘Women In Civil Services” On 06.03.2025 To Commemorate International Women’s Day 2025

    Lead Speakers Were Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry Of Labour & Employment And
    Smt. Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Department Of Posts

    Key Interventions By Young Civil Servants Ms. Varnali Deka, Ms. Harichandana Dasari, Ms. Keerthi Jalli And Ms. Tina Dabi

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 6:16PM by PIB Delhi

    The International Women’s Day is observed globally on March 8 each year to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has organized a virtual round-table webinar on March 6, 2025 on the theme “नारी शक्ति से विकसित भारत“ to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2025, celebrating the invaluable contributions of women and highlighting the ongoing efforts towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in India.

     

     

    Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, made the welcome address and emphasized empowering the next generation—young women and adolescent girls—who will be the driving force of transformative change. He added that the idea of an empowered India by 2047 cannot be realized without harnessing the full potential of women and in this journey, every individual and every woman matters.

    Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, highlighted how the doors of Civil Services opened for women post-independence and since then, the role of women in Civil Services is shaping the Indian growth story. She highlighted how the legislations like Maternity Leave, Child care leave, etc helped women to contribute better towards nation-building along with balancing their family duties and also how India has witnessed a positive trend in female workforce participation over the past six years, with higher economic engagement, declining unemployment, and more educated women entering the workforce. She also highlighted the significance of strengthening workplace safety, equitable policies and underscored the need for compliance mechanisms, gender audits, and enforcement of PoSH regulations.

     

     

    Smt. Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Department of Posts, reflected upon the struggle of women being involved in far greater share of unpaid care work than men. She shared about the transformative impact of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, emphasizing its role in empowering women. She also underscored the crucial contributions of women in government administration and urged collective efforts to inspire and retain more women in civil services. She also shared her personal experiences about how she herself faced various challenges as a woman during the Civil Services preparations.

     

    During the webinar, key interventions were made by Ms. Varnali Deka, IAS (D.C. Nalbari, Assam), Harichandana Dasari, IAS (Special Secretary, Govt. of Telangana), Ms. Keerthi Jalli, IAS (Commissioner, Panchayat and Rural Development, Govt. of Assam), Ms. Tina Dabi, IAS (D.C. Barmer, Rajasthan). They elaborated on the efforts of their administration towards empowerment of women. Smt. Snehlata Shrivastava,1982 batch IAS officer and Smt Rita Menon, 1975 batch IAS officer also shared their experiences as women civil servants.

    The virtual webinar was attended by more than 250 officers of Government of India and State Governments. The event provided a platform for thoughtful discussion and exchange on critical issues surrounding women’s empowerment in India.

    Smt. Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances presented the Vote of Thanks.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025

    Affordable Quality Medicines For A Healthier Future

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 6:13PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    Every year, March 7th is celebrated as ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. Week-long events are organized across the country from March 1st to 7th to support this initiative.

    This year, the celebration was flagged off on March 1 to disseminate information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR). The “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)” was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).

    Key Activities of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

    With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. Some of the activities under this initiative include:

    • Raising Awareness: One of the primary goals is to educate the public about the benefits of generic medicines, emphasizing that affordability does not compromise quality. The initiative aims to dispel the misconception that higher prices indicate better quality.
    • Encouraging Prescriptions of Generic Drugs: PMBJP aims to inspire healthcare professionals, particularly those in government hospitals, to prescribe generic alternatives, thereby promoting cost-effective treatment options.
    • Enhancing Accessibility: The initiative seeks to provide a wide range of commonly used generic medicines across various therapeutic categories, ensuring that essential healthcare products are available to everyone, especially the marginalized.

    Despite the country being one of the leading exporters of generic medicines to the world, the majority of Indians lack sufficient access to affordable medicines. Branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, though they are identical in their therapeutic value.

    Major Initiatives under PMBJP

     
     

    Suvidha Sanitary Napkins- As an important step in ensuring the health security for Indian women, Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkins were launched on 27th August 2019 to be made available at Rs.1/- per pad only. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Napkins are being made available for sale in more than 15000 PMBJP Kendras across the country. The cumulative sales of Suvidha Napkins as on 31.01.2025 is 72 Crores.

    The Jan Aushadhi SUGAM mobile application was launched the month of August, 2019. The App has various user-friendly features like – to locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendra through Google map, search Jan Aushadhi generic medicines, compare prices of Generic v/s Branded medicines in terms of MRP, overall savings, etc.

    Features of PMBJP

    A unique feature of the scheme is that it is operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.

    • Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50%-80% less than that of branded medicine’s prices available in the open market.
    • Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers for ensuring the quality of the products.
    • Each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories’ (NABL) for ensuring best quality.
    • The incentive up to Rs. 20,000/- per month is given @ 20% of monthly purchases made and subject to the stocking mandate.
    • A one-time incentive of Rs. 2.00 lakh is provided to PMBJP Kendras opened in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories and backward areas mentioned as aspirational district by NITI Aayog or opened by women entrepreneur, Ex-serviceman Divyang, SC & ST.

    Transforming Healthcare: A Look at the Growth

    NUMBER OF PMBJP KENDRAS OPENED

    Source: https://janaushadhi.gov.in/ – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10SB9jUZ6r3v4-wv_n-u3XwcmSvEWUJqA 202

    NUMBER OF MEDICINES AND SURGICAL EQUIPMENT

    Source: https://janaushadhi.gov.in/ – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10SB9jUZ6r3v4-wv_n-u3XwcmSvEWUJqA 202

    7 Days of Promoting Access to Quality Medicine


    The 7-day Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025 celebration began with Union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda flagging off a Rath and vehicles to promote the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. Day 2 featured Jan Arogya Mela with heritage walks and 500+ health camps for senior citizens. Day 3 focused on children’s participation and distributing nutraceutical products. Day 4 highlighted women’s involvement with sanitary pad distribution to showcase the affordability of Jan Aushadhi products. Day 5 organized pharmacist awareness seminars in 30 cities. Day 6 featured the Jan Aushadhi Mitra Volunteer Registration Campaign and Day 7 will culminate with the Jan Aushadhi Diwas Celebration.

    Conclusion

    The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has significantly contributed to making quality medicines accessible at affordable prices to the common masses, ensuring healthcare reaches every corner of the country. With over 15,000 Janaushadhi Kendras now operational across all districts, the scheme has not only enhanced healthcare affordability but also created a promising avenue for self-employment, offering sustainable and regular earnings. As the government continues to promote the use of generic medicines, the scheme is set to witness further growth, strengthening its role in improving public health and boosting entrepreneurship in India.

    References:

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  • MIL-OSI USA: WA, RI attorneys general condemn Bondi’s threats to undermine American justice

    Source: Washington State News

    OLYMPIA — Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released the following statement in response to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s character attacks on prosecutors and illegal threats to fire them for their political beliefs. Brown and Neronha are both former U.S. Attorneys who worked for the U.S. Department of Justice that Bondi now oversees.

    “Not only is firing someone for their political beliefs blatantly illegal, it is deeply un-American. As former DOJ attorneys, we both worked with qualified individuals of integrity, honesty and transparency, some of whom held political beliefs different from our own. An ideological purge of the Justice Department directly undermines the diversity of opinion and expertise that helps promote justice consistently across presidential administrations.

    “President Trump spent his campaign openly threatening to weaponize the Justice Department; an institution that we were proud to work for. Attorney General Bondi’s intent to ‘find’ and ‘root out’ DOJ employees whose personal views don’t align with the president’s make plain that she is willing to dismantle American principles of justice to satisfy a lawless president. Those of us who still believe in the rule of law, at every leadership level, must come together to protect the Constitution, because it is abundantly clear that this administration seeks to disregard it.”

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    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

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