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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission position on the Polish Government’s declaration that Poland will not participate in the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum – P-000699/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000699/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maciej Wąsik (ECR)

    During a joint press conference with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 7 February 2025, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated unambiguously that ‘Poland will not accept any burdens related to the relocation mechanism that could result from some provisions of the migration pact’[1]. As the reason for his refusal, Donald Tusk indicated that Poland is facing constant pressure from Belarus, acting in cooperation with Russia, and that Poland took in 2 million refugees from Ukraine immediately after the Russian invasion of the country.

    In the light of the foregoing:

    • 1.What is the opinion of the Commission regarding the above statements made by the Polish Prime Minister?
    • 2.Will the Commission confirm that Poland may, by its own decision, refuse to accept relocation as a solidarity measure?
    • 3.May Poland refrain from implementing elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum?

    Submitted: 14.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auq-eO_PKPM , (accessed: 12.02.2024); https://www.brusselstimes.com/1434814/polish-eu-presidency-we-want-to-make-the-eu-and-its-member-states-secure, (accessed: 12.02.2024).
    Last updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mercosur – E-002033/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission views the EU-Mercosur Agreement as politically and economically vital. The Commission’s objective is to ensure that the EU-Mercosur Agreement[1] delivers on the EU’s sustainability goals, while respecting the EU’s sensitivities in the agricultural sector.

    Chief Negotiators met in October 2024 to discuss the outstanding issues. These include: the EU proposal for a Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) Joint Instrument[2], inclusion of the Paris Agreement as an essential element of the EU-Mercosur Agreement and Mercosur’s interests in the areas of public procurement, vehicles, export duties, a rebalancing mechanism, and a protocol on cooperation.

    On 6 December at the Mercosur Summit in Montevideo, the EU and Mercosur reached a political agreement concluding the negotiations.

    In September 2024, eleven Member States[3] addressed a letter to the President expressing strong support for a rapid conclusion of the negotiations on the EU-Mercosur Agreement.

    These Member States reiterated the high geopolitical and geoeconomic importance of the Agreement and its essential role in maintaining the EU’s economic and political influence in the region.

    They also noted that the agreement provides a unique platform for cooperation between the EU and the Mercosur countries on trade and sustainable development matters, ensuring that we can achieve our common sustainability and climate change ambitions.

    • [1] https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/mercosur/eu-mercosur-agreement_en
    • [2] https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/09242a36-a438-40fd-a7af-fe32e36cbd0e/library/da997440-4edb-437d-aa4a-3cb9a5e77930/details?download=true
    • [3] The following Member States are signatories to the letter: Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – International Women’s Day: women in foreign affairs and international security

    Source: European Parliament

    Parliamentarians will gather in Brussels on Thursday to discuss ensuring the full participation of women in decision-making, particularly in defence, security and peacebuilding.

    When: Thursday 6 March 2025, 09:00 – 12:30 CET

    Where: European Parliament in Brussels, ANTALL building, room 6Q2 and via streaming.

    To mark the 2025 International Women’s Days, the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality is organising an interparliamentary committee meeting on “Strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda – Upholding Women’s Rights in Defence, Security and Peace Building”. Representatives of member states, EU institutions, the European Parliament and EU national parliaments will discuss the need to ensure the full participation of women in decision-making processes, particularly in defence, security, and peacebuilding, where their leadership can lead to more inclusive and lasting peaceful outcomes.

    The event will be opened by committee chair, Lina Gálvez (S&D, ES), followed by a video message by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

    The introductory remarks will be delivered by Polish Minister of Equality Katarzyna Kotula (by remote connection) and by Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management.

    The meeting will include two sessions, each comprising presentations and a Q&A session.

    Please find here the full programme of the event.

    Media seminar

    Journalists are also invited to a media seminar, organised on Wednesday afternoon on the same topics, with MEPs and guests from Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and international organisations.

    Background

    The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 19 December 2024 stressing the importance of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and the 25th anniversary of the UN landmark resolution that set up the WSP. In the adopted text, MEPs called for a renewal of the Agenda and for an EU action plan to combat pushbacks against it.

    Parliament also committed to developing a foreign, security and development policy that prioritises gender equality, protects and promotes the human rights of traditionally marginalised groups, such as transgender people, and takes into account the voices of women and LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders and civil society.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The transparency and impact of the preparatory process for the European Commission’s Omnibus Sustainability package on the EU’s sustainability goals and businesses – E-000842/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000842/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Li Andersson (The Left)

    According to the latest information, the European Commission will be publishing its Omnibus Sustainability package this week. It contains amendments to key acts in EU legislation, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Directive on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD). Leaked information suggests that the Commission is proposing measures that would significantly undermine companies’ duty of diligence, such as opportunities for victims to seek justice, fines for those who break the law and the implementation of climate requirements. Furthermore, it is proposed that the requirements concerning reporting be limited to the biggest companies only, meaning that a large number of companies would not need to report on sustainability. This would compromise the EU’s sustainability goals and would result in legal uncertainty, both for companies and the Member States, which have begun to implement the current legislation.

    It is worth noting that, when the Omnibus project was being prepared, no proper assessment was undertaken of its impact and there was no public consultation on it. There were serious flaws in evidence in the selection of those to attend the ‘Reality Check and Roundtable’ organised by the Commission in February: participating in the talks were mainly representatives of large companies, including companies that are currently the subject of legal proceedings for human rights violations and environmental offences, while the voices of civil society, trade unions and responsible companies virtually went unheard. This is a breach of the Commission’s own principle of ‘better regulation’ and jeopardises the EU’s principles of the rule of law and democracy.

    • 1.How can the Commission justify the preparation of the Omnibus project in the absence of any adequate assessment of its impact or any public consultation, especially given the fact that the changes may seriously undermine the EU’s sustainability goals?
    • 2.Does the Commission think that the preparatory process for the Omnibus package was transparent, democratic and in line with the Commission’s own principle of ‘better regulation’?
    • 3.How will the Commission respond to those companies that have already invested substantially in implementing the current sustainability requirements?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 25.2.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the author: Jussi Saramo (The Left), Merja Kyllönen (The Left)
    Last updated: 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Decisions have been made on 43 more unfinished construction projects

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Presidium (headquarters) of the Government Commission on Regional Development made management decisions on 43 more unfinished construction projects included in the federal register of unfinished construction projects.

    “At the recent operational meeting with deputy prime ministers, the Prime Minister noted the importance of improving the efficiency of federal property management for the sustainable development of regions. In this area, we are doing a lot of work to involve unused land plots in economic circulation so that they benefit people. Another area of work is unfinished construction projects financed from the federal budget, of which, unfortunately, there are many in the country. Among them are schools, clinics, dormitories, utility facilities and much more that people are waiting for. In recent years, the situation has gradually begun to change. Since 2022, the Ministry of Construction has begun to maintain a federal register of unfinished projects, and the government commission for regional development makes management decisions on them. Thanks to this, people can receive objects that are important for a comfortable life. In addition, an additional favorable environment is created for the development of populated areas, their appearance is improved, and citizens get new jobs. “So, we have made decisions to complete and commission another 43 unfinished buildings,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that there are currently 773 unfinished construction projects in the federal register, of which management decisions have already been made for 696. Of these, 321 will be completed.

    In addition, the Ministry of Construction is collecting and analyzing information regarding 77 unfinished buildings for subsequent submission to headquarters for consideration.

    “The Russian Ministry of Construction is actively working with the subjects of the Russian Federation in terms of monitoring the development of regional regulatory legal acts similar to federal level documents. They provide for the maintenance of regional registers of unfinished capital construction projects, the construction and reconstruction of which were carried out in whole or in part at the expense of the budgets of the subjects and local budgets,” noted Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Yuri Gordeyev.

    Information about unfinished construction projects financed by federal funds is included in the federal register based on data from the main budget funds administrators. This information is first sent to the Ministry of Construction and then checked by the interdepartmental commission. Entering an object in the register enables the presidium (headquarters) of the Government Commission for Regional Development to make decisions regarding the future fate of such an object.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on tariffs imposed by the U.S.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump:

    “We didn’t ask for this fight the president has brought to Canada and to British Columbia. I’ll tell you this — we’re not going to shrink from it.  

    “Effective immediately, BC Liquor Stores will be pulling all red-state liquor products off the shelf and will not order any more. Here at home, the government, including Crown corporations and health authorities, will be buying Canadian first, then non-U.S. products. This is something that we can’t do ordinarily because of trade agreements with the United States. Finally, we’re going to make sure support is in place so B.C. businesses can pivot to global and domestic markets.

    “The federal government has committed that the revenues from counter tariffs announced this morning will be redistributed to businesses and individuals to provide support. We’ll make sure that that happens. As a province, we’ll fill in the blanks wherever there is an area that isn’t being addressed by Ottawa.  

    “We’re having conversations today that we never thought we would have. Today is our chance as Canadians, and as British Columbians, to send a message. At the grocery store, buy B.C., buy Canadian. If you have a choice about where to travel, avoid the United States. Visit somewhere in Canada or elsewhere in the world.

    “This threat to our sovereignty has brought out a sense of pride, a sense of courage and a sense of solidarity among all Canadians.  

    “We’re big enough to stand on our own two feet. This is a moment for us to take an attack and turn it into a source of strength for ourselves as a province and as a country. We are tough. We are resilient. We are exceptional. 

    “Together, we’ll ensure that Canada remains the true north, strong and free. We will meet this moment with dignity and with courage. We are resolute in our willingness to stand up for what we believe, to partner with people who share our values around the world, and to lead the way in a moment of great uncertainty and, for some people, significant fear. People need Canada right now, they need British Columbia right now and we’ll be there to deliver for them. We’re going to fight and we’re going to win.”  

    Learn More:

    For more information on B.C.’s tariff response, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/tariffs

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida woman ordered to pay $3+ million for wire, tax fraud scheme

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Florida woman has been sentenced March 3 to house arrest and ordered to pay more than $3 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for wire fraud and tax fraud following a joint investigation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Feliciano Rodriguez, 47, of Orlando, was ordered to pay $3,338,558 in restitution, and ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release. The court also entered a money judgment against Rodriguez in the amount of $347,760, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud.

    “Fraudulent schemes that provide under-the-table cash payments ultimately exploit undocumented aliens for large profits and undermines the integrity of the industry, endangering both the workers and the system that’s meant to protect them,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “ICE, alongside our law enforcement partners, will investigate those who engage in illegal practices and hold them accountable for their actions.”

    According to court documents, Rodriguez established a shell company that purported to be involved in the construction industry. She obtained a workers’ compensation insurance policy in the name of the shell company to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees, then “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance to work crews who had obtained subcontracts with construction contractors on projects in various Florida counties as well as contractors in other states. Rodriguez sent the contractors a certificate as “proof” that the work crews had workers’ compensation insurance, as required by Florida law. By sending the certificate Rodriguez falsely represented that the work crews worked for the shell company. Over the course of the scheme, Rodriguez “rented” the certificates to dozens of work crews, defrauding the worker’s compensation carrier, typically allowing numerous undocumented illegal workers to be employed unlawfully.

    As part of the scheme, the contractors issued payroll checks for the workers’ wages to the shell companies and Rodriguez cashed these checks, then distributed the cash to the work crews, after deducting their fee, which was typically about 6 percent of the payroll. During the scheme, Rodriguez cashed payroll checks totaling approximately $13 million. Neither the shell company nor the contractors reported to government authorities the wages that were paid to the workers, nor did they pay either the employees’ or the employer’s portion of payroll taxes – including Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax. The amount of payroll taxes due on wages collected by Rodriguez totaled over $3 million.

    The scheme also facilitated the avoidance of the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance for the numerous workers on the work crews to whom Rodriguez “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance. The policy that Rodriguez purchased and then “rented” out was for an estimated payroll of $121,800 and the insurance company issued a policy for a premium of approximately $8,006. Had a workers’ compensation insurance policy been purchased for the actual payroll totaling approximately $5 million dollars, the policy premium would have totaled about $461,679.

    “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that off the books payroll schemes which enable illegal immigrants the ability to work without paying taxes will not be tolerated. These schemes are violations of a number of serious federal criminal statutes including wire fraud and tax evasion. The impact of this scheme, and others like it, harm law-abiding businesses and legal workers who are unable to compete against the tax-free labor of illegal immigrants,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Tampa Field Office. “We are proud to work alongside our partners at Homeland Security Investigations on this case, and we will continue this partnership to ensure all employers are on an even playing field.”

    This case was investigated by ICE Jacksonville, IRS-CI, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How NASA Employee Went from Rock Climbing to Rocket Propulsion

    Source: NASA

    Jason Hopper’s journey to NASA started with assessing the risk of stepping into the unknown.
    One day, while taking a break from his hobby of rock climbing at Mississippi State University, a fellow student noticed Hopper reading a rocket propulsion textbook with a photo of a space shuttle launch on the cover.
    Rocket propulsion – the technology that propels vehicles into space, usually through liquid rocket engines or solid rocket motors – is a highly complex field. Engineers rigorously test the propulsion systems and components to understand their capabilities and limitations, ensuring rockets can safely reach space.
    “A guy just walked up and randomly said, ‘Hey, my dad works testing rocket engines,’” Hopper recalled.
    Hopper, an aerospace engineering student at the time, did not know about NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He soon would learn more.
    The fellow student provided him with contact information, and the rest is history.
    A Meridian, Mississippi, native, Hopper graduated from Mississippi State in 2007 and made his way to America’s largest rocket propulsion test site in south Mississippi.
    On the other side of Hopper’s risk of stepping into the unknown came the reward of realizing how far he had come from reading about rocket propulsion work to contributing to it.
    The career highlight happened when Hopper watched a space shuttle launch, powered in part by an engine he had fired up as a test conductor working at NASA Stennis.  
    “You cannot really put it into words because it permeates all through you, knowing that you are a part of something that big while at the same time, you are just a little piece of it,” he said. 
    Hopper transitioned from his contractor position to a civil servant role as test conductor when he joined NASA in 2011.
    His work as a test conductor throughout all the NASA Stennis test areas and as test director at the E Test Complex has benefited NASA and industry, while giving him a good perspective on the value of the center’s work.
    Among the projects he has played a large role in include the J-2X engine test program, build up for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) core stage hot fire ahead of the successful Artemis I launch and multiple projects throughout the E Test Complex.
    “We offer operational excellence that I would argue you cannot get anywhere else,” Hopper said. “NASA Stennis is a smaller, family-oriented center renowned for excellence in rocket propulsion testing. It is a small place, where we do amazing things.”
    Propulsion test customers at NASA Stennis include government and commercial projects. The NASA center is engaged in two projects to support the agency’s SLS rocket – testing of RS-25 engines to help power SLS launches and of NASA’s new exploration upper stage to fly on future missions to the Moon.
    Current commercial companies conducting work at NASA Stennis include Blue Origin; Boeing; Evolution Space; Launcher, a Vast company; Relativity Space; and Rolls-Royce. Three companies – Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, and Evolution Space – are establishing production and/or test operations onsite.
    After leaving south Mississippi for a four-year stint at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Hopper returned to NASA Stennis as risk manager of NASA’s Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office.
    In his day-to-day work, Hopper assesses risk around two questions – what is the risk and what do I really need to be focusing on?
    Making decisions through this filter helps the Poplarville, Mississippi, resident make the best use of the agency’s rocket propulsion test assets, activities, and resources.
    “With a risk perspective, if things are high risk, we need to address these items and focus our attention on them,” Hopper said. “If we lose a national test capability, that impacts more than just NASA; it impacts the nation because NASA is a significant enabler of commercial spaceflight.”
    Hopper helps oversee the maintenance and sustainment of propulsion test capabilities across four sites – NASA Stennis; NASA Marshall; NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio; and NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
    By establishing and maintaining world-class test facilities, the agency’s Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office ensures that NASA and its partners can conduct safe, efficient, and cost-effective rocket propulsion tests to support the advancement of space exploration and technology development. 
    Hopper looks to the future with optimism.
    “We have an opportunity to redefine kind of what we as NASA and NASA Stennis do and how we do it,” he said. “Before, we were trying to help commercial companies figure things out. We were trying to get them up and going, but now we are in more of a support role in a lot of ways and so if you look at it, and approach it the right way, it can be very exciting.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM, NFFE-IAM Say Thank You to Federal Workers Outside Veterans Affairs Headquarters

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The IAM Union and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) held an event on Monday, March 3 to celebrate and honor federal employees’ hard work and dedication. During peak commute hours, the event took place outside the McPherson Square Metro Station, with supporters gathering to show appreciation for federal workers who provide essential services across the nation. The U.S. Veterans Affairs Department is housed above the station’s Vermont Avenue exit.

    View photos from the event here. 

    The IAM Union, America’s largest defense labor union, boasts the highest percentage of military veteran members in the labor movement. NFFE-IAM, which represents more than 100,000 federal workers, and other labor allies joined the event.

    ‘Federal workers are heroes’: Unions show support for federal employees amid layoffs DC News Now

    “Federal workers are the backbone of our country, serving our communities and protecting our citizens every day,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Today, we stood together to show them our gratitude and support, not just for one day, but every day. It is an honor to represent these dedicated individuals who deserve our thanks and recognition for their service to our nation.”

    Federal workers rally in DC FOX 5 News DC

    Union members engaged with commuting federal workers and held signs thanking them for their service. Many of the workers were thankful for today’s appreciation event. 

    Watch a video recap here.

    “Federal workers are the unsung heroes of our government,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “We value their commitment to serving the American people, and we are proud to represent our members at Veterans Affairs. We will always fight to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected.”

    The event underscored the importance of supporting federal employees when they are under attack from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

    Unions, federal workers show out to support in DC amid sweeping government cuts WTOP

    “We wanted to send a strong message today and let this current administration know that federal workers are not waste, fraud, and abuse, but people,” said IAM Union National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “Today, we celebrated the strength and dedication of being a federal worker. Federal workers matter, their work matters, and their Union will stand with them through this fight.”  

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Appoints John A. Sarcone III as U.S. Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Attorney General Pamela Bondi has appointed John A. Sarcone III as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. Mr. Sarcone will start on March 17.

    As United States Attorney, Mr. Sarcone will serve as the Northern District of New York’s chief federal law enforcement officer, supervising an office of 49 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 4 Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 41 support staff members, and 9 contract support staff members. He will be responsible for prosecuting federal criminal offenses and representing the United States in civil litigation in the Northern District of New York and in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

    Mr. Sarcone stated: “Coming from a humble, blue-collar background – growing up in Croton-on-Hudson, having the same teachers at Croton High School as my parents had, and with my grandmother and children also graduating from that school, and having worked full-time while going at night to the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University– I am deeply humbled and honored to have been named U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York. 

    “I shall carry out my duties faithfully and with steadfast dedication to our nation, community, and the citizens of the Northern District of New York. 

    “Thank you, Attorney General Bondi, for trusting me to carry out this important mission and most importantly thank you President Trump for once again having faith and confidence in me to do my part to accomplish one of your most important tasks – to restore public confidence and trust in our government and the Department of Justice.”

    Mr. Sarcone, who will be based in Albany, has been a dedicated public servant and lawyer for many years. From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Sarcone served as Northeast and Caribbean Regional Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, overseeing a large team responsible for federal buildings and facilities, procurement, and IT initiatives, and working with dozens of federal agencies and courthouses, including in the Northern District of New York. Earlier in his career, he served as Town Attorney in Eastchester, New York, and General Counsel to the United Federation of Special Police Officers, Inc. and to the Association of Commuter Rail Employees.

    Mr. Sarcone also founded and built a general practice law firm, providing advice to small businesses and family-owned corporations, handling large real estate transactions, and litigating and arbitrating in areas including business and construction disputes, insurance defense, and toxic torts.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Recidivist Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Racially Motivated Attack on Asian American Woman

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for punching an Asian American woman in the head while shouting racial slurs and then leaving her bloodied in a Culver City street in 2021, the Justice Department announced today.

    Jesse Allen Lindsey, 38, who was transient at the time of the attack, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald.

    Lindsey pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of a hate crime. He has been in federal custody since July 2024.

    On June 14, 2021, at approximately 1 a.m., Lindsey began following the victim on her walk to work. According to the government’s sentencing position, Lindsey shouted racial slurs, cursed at the victim, and told her, “You don’t belong here.” He then violently punched her in the head. While the victim lay face down in the street, defendant shouted, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, bitch!”

    Emergency personnel later transported the victim to a hospital to treat injuries to her head and ear. She was unable to work for a month and suffered years of psychological trauma, prosecutors said.

    At sentencing, Judge Fitzgerald called the attack a “shocking and horrible crime” and noted Lindsey’s “serious criminal record.” Lindsey has 13 criminal convictions for firearms and narcotics offenses, domestic battery, grand theft, and attempted extortion. He also has at least 14 violations of probation or pretrial release and 19 additional arrests or contacts with law enforcement, the government said at Monday’s sentencing hearing.

    Lindsey fled California after seeing news reports about the attack. Law enforcement officers eventually located Lindsey in a California state prison serving time for an unrelated conviction. 

    During an interview with law enforcement about the assault, Lindsey eventually admitted to punching the victim, but falsely claimed self-defense, the government’s sentencing position stated. Lindsey said the “little Asian person” was “mouthy” and looked like a “gangbanger.” Referencing the Asian actor known for his martial arts ability, Lindsey claimed the victim might pull “some Jet Li [expletive].” The victim was a middle-aged Asian woman who stood five feet tall and weighed approximately 120 pounds. Lindsey was over six feet tall and weighed approximately 250 pounds.

    The FBI investigated this matter and received substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft AI powers a new energy future

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft AI powers a new energy future

    Global energy leaders from the power and utilities, oil and gas, and mining sectors are turning to the power of data and AI for streamlined workflows, more efficient operating systems, and better performing assets—the types of changes that help companies to empower their people and grow sustainable business. We’re prioritizing this work with customers and partners because we believe that widespread AI adoption signifies a pivotal shift for the energy industry, with huge value to be gained from digital and AI transformation. But beyond the individual productivity and efficiency gains that AI brings for any single company or industry, it can help us collectively expand renewables, decarbonize the energy value chain, and ignite climate innovation—and that’s a win for everyone.  

    We look forward to participating in CERAWeek 2025 to connect with business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across the global energy ecosystem from March 10 to 14, 2025, where we’ll explore the theme of “Moving ahead: energy strategies for a complex world”. This year’s theme covers a variety of topics across energy sectors and technologies and will include deep dives into geopolitics, business strategies, AI transformation, and climate impact. 

    Microsoft at CERAWeek

    Power the new energy future with AI.

    AI innovation and digital transformation in energy 

    Across the energy ecosystem, AI-powered solutions are becoming the foundation of global success stories in which companies like Maaden save thousands of hours of worktime, while Aydem Energy boosts customer satisfaction with a digital assistant powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Sevice. Another one of our leading customers, JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, uses Azure OpenAI to drive digital transformation. The collaboration helps JERA to access advanced AI tools and cloud infrastructure, facilitating innovation and the development of new energy solutions for energy performance management, failure prediction, and advanced maintenance, leading to significant cost savings and increased reliability. JERA’s Digital Power Plant (DPP) project is improving functionality in the areas of operations, maintenance, performance management and health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE), and helps promote innovation and workplace safety at power stations. As a result, the number of remote monitoring sites provided by the Global Data Analyzing Center increased by 25% last year, and the number of sites offering 24-hour services tripled. JERA also implemented a dedicated AI agent called Emily which is being used by 3,000 employees and in some cases, has achieved operational efficiencies of more than 90%. By utilizing AI and data analytics, JERA can make more informed decisions, improve energy management, and support Japan’s energy transition efforts.

    We’re eager to highlight these and other success stories at CERAWeek, where leaders from our energy, sustainability, cloud and AI, and security teams will share perspectives on the role of AI and digital technologies in the energy sector. For example, we will dive into sustainability topics such as carbon capture and emissions reduction, highlighting the many ways AI and cloud solutions are reshaping the energy landscape and driving net-zero goals across the energy value chain like Cosmo Energy who harnesses the power of Microsoft AI solutions to better analyze data and improve its ESG results. We’ll also discuss the latest learnings and opportunities around innovative services such as direct air capture and CO2 as a service.  

    Cybersecurity is another topic of increasing urgency, especially in the power and utilities sector. Throughout the week, we’ll discuss AI-powered approaches to securing grid infrastructure, as well as how to address vulnerabilities to allow resilient energy delivery. We’ll also join other power and utilities leaders at a fireside chat to discuss how AI adoption can help grid operators break through common industry roadblocks and drive faster, more secure innovation.  

    I look forward to participating in a Strategic Roundtable conversation on the topic of “AI Applications and Impacts in Action,” where we’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI in driving sustainable business initiatives.  

    These conversations are both inspiring and insightful, as we’re witnessing every day the impact AI is having across the industry. Whether it’s Uniper strengthening cybersecurity, Petrobras streamlining employee workflows, or Enerjisa Uretim accelerating data processing for improved decision making, AI is changing the way we work in energy. We’re looking forward to not only sharing success stories, but also hearing from other technology and energy experts about how AI is creating more value for them.      

    Startups accelerate AI transformation and the energy transition 

    The climate crisis impacts everyone, and diversity in the startup ecosystem helps to ensure that solutions also reach everyone. People of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet Black and Latino founders receive less than 1.5% of total United States venture capital funding, women-founded organizations receive 1.9% of those funds, and Black and Latino women founders less than 0.1%1. 

    An important outcome of CERAWeek is knowledge sharing with a diverse group of global energy leaders that represent vastly different backgrounds and stages of business experience. Energy startups are a tremendous source of knowledge and innovation driving real impact across the industry. Transformation starts with people, not technology, and Microsoft is proud to support climate technology from underrepresented startups and CEOs. This year, we’ll hear from nine innovative startups sharing their unique perspectives on advancing diversity and inclusion in energy, and how they think creatively to secure reliable and sustainable energy sources.   

    Partnership, collaboration, and AI innovation in energy 

    The energy industry’s biggest challenges call for strategic collaboration and innovation across sectors and geographies, as real progress cannot be accomplished alone. Our partners are at the forefront of accelerating data modernization and AI innovation, helping to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity for the industry at large. You can hear from many of them at this year’s Innovation Agora, a marketplace buzzing with energy innovation and emerging technologies. The Agora promotes partnership, connection, and sharing among the energy community, and we’re excited to uncover new synergies, lead demonstrations, and explore opportunities to learn from other industry leaders.  

    At the Microsoft Agora House, we’re joined by partners and customers in sharing some of the ways they empower an AI-first energy workforce, operate for a secure and efficient energy future, advance their net-zero journeys, and grow sustainable and AI-powered businesses. Be sure to explore the Microsoft Experience Zone, featuring presentations from many partners that showcase transformative solutions and foster insightful discussions on energy innovation. 

    We’re honored to highlight many of the change-makers attending CERAWeek with us this year, including the following partners: 

    Accenture  Hertha Metals* 
    AIQ Honeywell 
    Amperon  IBM
    Aveva  IFS
    Axis Sky Renewables*  Kanin* 
    Baker Hughes Kauel*
    c3.AI  Kongsberg Digital 
    Carbon Negative Solutions* Loop Bioproducts*    
    Cegal  Mars Materials* 
    Cognite  NobleAI 
    Context Labs  NVIDIA 
    Crux OCM*  Schneider Electric
    Decimetrix*  SLB
    EY Worlds
    Halliburton 

    *Microsoft startup partner 

    Recently, Microsoft, alongside our partners SLB, Halliburton, Cognite, and AspenTech, convened in Munich, Germany with many of our customers, who shared AI-powered transformation stories driving increased productivity and improved operating efficiencies. Events like this allow us to not only highlight the work of our industry partners and customers, but also to share their expertise and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.  

    Power an AI-first energy future 

    Together with our customers and partners, we’re collectively empowering organizations to innovate for a new energy future and advance sustainability goals with AI you can trust. We look forward to engaging with you on the future of carbon markets, regional energy challenges, latest developments in consumer energy, and unlocking AI to transform the energy and resources value chain.   

    Learn more about Microsoft at CERAWeek.

    Learn how Microsoft can help accelerate your AI and digital transformation journey: 

    Source:

    1McKinsey and Company, Underrepresented start-up founders: The untapped opportunity, June 2023. 

    Darryl Willis

    Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Energy and Resources Industry

    Darryl leads a global team driving digital transformation across the energy sector through the deployment of Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology and partner solutions. With a deep knowledge of the global energy sector, Darryl leads this cross-functional team in building strategic partnerships and helping enable the energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and fulfill growing demand with renewable sources.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Speaks Out Against Trump’s Tariffs On Mexico & Canada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    March 04, 2025
    Durbin: Instead of improving the lives of and lowering prices for Americans, President Trump is doing the very opposite
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke out against President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. As of today, President Trump has instituted a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10 percent on goods from China, bringing the total to 20 percent tariffs on China. In his remarks, Durbin underscored that the Trump tariffs would not lower prices, as he promised during his campaign, but instead spike prices for Americans.
    “Instead of improving the lives of or lowering prices for Americans, we are seeing policies of the Trump Administration do exactly the opposite. The President has spent his time trying to systematically dismantle the federal government, creating rifts with our closest allies, and now, imposing destructive tariffs on our biggest trading partners. The tariffs that he has unleashed… will hurt American consumers and supply chains and undermine American manufacturing.” 
    Durbin pointed to the harm that will come to Illinois’ economy as a result of the Trump tariffs, as Illinois relies on Canada and Mexico to purchase the state’s goods and agricultural products. In 2023, Illinois, which ranks first among the 50 states in imports from Canada, exported a total of $20.55 billion in products to Canada. Additionally, Illinois exports to Mexico in 2023 totaled $12.93 billion.
    “Illinois is the fourth largest exporter in the nation… These tariffs will hurt Illinois’ farmers, workers, and manufacturers—not to mention consumers,” Durbin said. “Additional tariffs on our three biggest trading partners will add to the economic strain that is already beginning to show under the new Administration. A survey of consumer sentiment published last month recorded its largest monthly decline in four years, due in large part to concerns about trade and tariffs. Tariffs are taxes and they are taxes that the consumers of America will have to pay. These levels of concern have not been seen since the trade wars in President Trump’s first term.”
    Durbin concluded, “While the President claims that foreign countries will pay for U.S. tariffs, that isn’t the truth and we know what the truth is—the burden of tariffs is carried by American companies and passed on to American customers. Indiscriminately slapping tariffs on the goods American consumers need will mean higher costs—higher costs on groceries, gas, and cars, while inspiring retaliatory tariffs, and even boycotts, on American-made products, further hurting our economy.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada is now in a trade war with the U.S. — here’s what you need to know to prepare for it

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Xiaodan Pan, Associate Professor, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University

    United States President Donald Trump has officially imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, sending shockwaves through Canadian consumers and businesses.

    The decision escalates tensions in an increasingly fragile relationship between the countries, marking a significant shift in North American economic ties.

    The unfolding trade war between is expected to have far-reaching consequences for people and businesses on both sides of the border. How can Canadians navigate the trade war and minimize the financial strain of the tariffs?

    As experts in supply chain management, we aim to break down the impact of these tariffs and offer practical strategies for Canadians to help navigate the economic turbulence ahead.

    How consumers react to trade wars

    When the news of a potential trade war is first publicized, consumers tend to react by monitoring the situation until further information is available.

    Once the government announces which products will be affected, consumers begin to take action. Some Canadians have already started stockpiling products whose prices are likely to rise or be in short supply following the imposition of tariffs.

    Stockpiling can lead to product shortages at retailers, which may be worsened by the fear of missing out. Media headlines highlighting empty shelves can act as reinforcement loops, further fuelling frenzied shopping behaviour.

    This kind of “panic buying” is common in times of crisis, much like the rush to buy supplies before the onset of a major hurricane and the hoarding of essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Consumers and retailers face challenges

    With a trade war breaking out, both consumers and retailers will need to adapt.

    Shortages are likely to occur as new importation procedures slow the time products take to cross the border. The ensuing delays, along with higher tariff rates, will push some retailers to raise prices to cover cost increases. Others may limit purchases to discourage hoarding behaviour.

    Some firms may even take advantage of the situation by raising prices on products not covered by the tariffs to pad their profits — a practice known as “greedflation,” which happened during the pandemic. Another potential consequence is “shrinkflation,” where package sizes become smaller while prices remain unchanged.

    As consumers adapt by changing their shopping habits or using their stockpiled reserves, some of the shortages may be eased. However, retailers may struggle to manage their inventories as demands fluctuate — a phenomena known as the “bullwhip effect.” Navigating these shifts will require careful planning.

    Challenges of buying domestic

    Trump’s trade war has intensified calls to “buy Canadian” as a way to support domestic products.

    Recently, the Canadian government has threatened counter-tariffs on imported products that have Canadian substitutes — for example, targeting Kentucky bourbon in favour of Canadian whiskey or Florida orange juice for Canadian apple juice.



    Read more:
    ‘Buying Canadian’ is an opportunity to reflect on the ethics of consumerism

    However, fully replacing imports with domestic goods presents significant challenges. Many Canadian farmers and manufacturers lack the capacity to quickly scale up production to meet demand, at least in the short run.

    Production costs may also be significantly higher in Canada than abroad, which is a major reason for relying on imports in the first place. Apparel manufacturing is a good example. It has a high labour component — the reason that most of it has been moved to low-cost countries in Asia.

    In general, U.S. productivity is higher than Canadian productivity, contributing to lower costs in the U.S. In addition, some products simply cannot be produced in Canada at all, such as tropical fruits and vegetables.

    Furthermore, trade wars create uncertainty, making farmers and manufacturers hesitant to make large-scale investments that may not pay off once the trade conflict ends. While this approach foregoes potential short-term gains for long term stability, it also exacerbates shortages and price hikes during and after the trade war.

    The new normal

    Unlike one-off events like hurricanes, or fluctuating disruptions such as COVID-19, the outcome of a trade war is difficult to predict. This makes it difficult to forecast what the “new normal” will be.

    Certainly, some consumers who substitute domestic products for imported products may continue to do so in the long run. However, others may switch back to imported products if the tariffs are lifted and prices are lowered.

    Knowing that this might happen, domestic producers may not ramp up production during a tariff war. Those who do increase production may later find themselves with excess capacity and inventory surpluses after the conflict ends.

    Meanwhile, manufacturers and retailers that raise prices to cover tariff-related costs may choose to keep them elevated even after tariffs are removed. For instance, canned food prices saw a significant price rise following the implementation of the 2018 U.S. steel tariffs.

    Consumer acceptance of the price increases, adjustments to new higher cost supply chain structures, or efforts to maintain profit margins, may potentially establish a higher baseline prices in the post-trade-war economy.

    Navigating the trade war

    How can Canada best shield itself from the effects of the trade war? The easy answer is to become more self-reliant, but this is a costly option that requires technology, skilled labour and capital investments.

    As a result, this option should only be chosen for the most necessary and essential items, like certain pharmaceuticals and food staples. Other strategies must also be considered:

    1. Building supply chain resilience: Sourcing from multiple suppliers and retaining inventories of the most essential products may increase inventory and purchasing costs, but will reduce risks. It allows enterprises to withstand short-term supply chain disruptions and puts them in a better position to survive a trade war.

    2. Engaging in honest communication: Governments and retailers should regularly update the public on negotiations, new tariff schedules and potential price changes, reducing the guesswork that fuels panic buying and stockpiling. Transparency allows individuals to make the best purchasing decisions.

    3. Protecting low-income consumers: Retailers should limit sales quantities of staple products during disruptions to avoid hoarding behaviour. Governments should consider tax relief and subsidies aimed at budget-constrained individuals to relieve the burden of higher tariff-related costs.

    Supply chain disruptions inevitably result in higher costs and product shortages, often impacting low-income households the hardest. Even after the trade war ends, higher prices may persist as the new norm. To minimize the impact of tariffs, governments and enterprises need to adopt policies that reduce economic strain and result in fairer outcomes for all.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Canada is now in a trade war with the U.S. — here’s what you need to know to prepare for it – https://theconversation.com/canada-is-now-in-a-trade-war-with-the-u-s-heres-what-you-need-to-know-to-prepare-for-it-250989

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A basic income can be a strong investment in mental health

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Tracy Smith-Carrier, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Royal Roads University

    To eradicate poverty, we need policy actions that address the root of financial hardship. A basic income does just that. (Shutterstock)

    Over half of Canadians feel “financially paralyzed” by the cost-of-living crisis, according to a recent poll. As life becomes more unaffordable for more people, we need governments to create policies that will improve public health and well-being.

    One such policy is a basic income guarantee: an unconditional cash transfer from government to ensure people can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.

    A basic income guarantee differs from the universal basic income (UBI) model often discussed. While a UBI is set at the same amount and made available to everyone, a basic income guarantee is targeted to those need it, through a benefit that rises as income declines.

    Our recently published research looks into one basic income program, the Ontario Basic Income Pilot that was launched in 2017 but abruptly ended the following year. We conducted a study to understand how Ontario’s pilot impacted the lives of those who participated in it.

    We interviewed 46 participants across four cities included in the pilot. We asked about their experiences before the pilot, during their participation in it and after its abrupt end.



    Read more:
    Dear politicians: To solve our food bank crisis, curb corporate greed and implement a basic income

    Ontario’s basic income pilot

    In 2017, the Ontario government, under then-premier Kathleen Wynne, launched the Ontario Basic Income Pilot to test the efficacy of an unconditional cash transfer. A total of 4,000 people were enrolled, and the pilot was slated to run in Hamilton, Lindsay, Brantford and Thunder Bay over a three-year period.

    Set at 75 per cent of the low-income measure (one of Statistics Canada’s three poverty lines), the pilot provided $1,415 monthly for single people and an additional $500 for people with disabilities (up to $1,915 monthly), with every dollar earned subject to a 50 per cent claw-back.

    Despite a campaign promise to complete the pilot, incoming premier Doug Ford abandoned it in 2018. Participants weren’t forewarned but learned of its cancellation like everyone else — on the news or through social media.

    The government claimed the pilot did not help people become “independent contributors to the economy.” The lack of evidence to justify this claim, along with other government statements, suggests the pilot’s premature cancellation was an ideological decision.



    Read more:
    Implementing a basic income means overcoming myths about the ‘undeserving poor’

    Impact on participants’ mental health

    The pilot’s guiding principles, written by the late-Senator Hugh Segal, affirmed that “no individual will be made worse off during or after the pilot, as a result of participation in the pilot.” Our study, however, indicates that the mental health of many participants was demonstrably worsened in the pilot’s demise.

    With a three-year promise of stable income, participants told us of being able to plan better for their futures. Some pursued higher education, others found better paying and more stable jobs or started their own businesses. Some moved into better housing, leaving behind mold-infested or poorly maintained dwellings, only to plead with their landlords to break their new leases after the pilot was cancelled.

    We found that increased income security improved participants’ mental health, reduced their stress and allowed them to improve diets with healthier food options. Some spoke of no longer having to rely on food charity as they could go the grocery store like everyone else.

    Interviewees described what life is like in poverty: not being able to go out for a cup of coffee with friends or buy gifts for your children on their birthdays, not being able to entertain family over the holidays or go out and socialize.

    Some had not disclosed their financial situation to family or friends because their sense of shame was so profound. Yet, feeling unable to discuss their situation essentially cut them off from valuable sources of social support.

    Structural violence

    Ontario’s premature cancellation of the pilot was an act of structural violence — a policy decision that caused needless and avoidable harm and suffering. Anthropologist Nancy Scheper-Hughes explains that structural violence refers to “the invisible social machinery of inequality that reproduces social relations of exclusion and marginalization.”

    Structural violence upholds the poverty, racism, sexism and other social inequities that lead to higher rates of illness, suffering and premature death. It is often invisible and can result from policy omissions, but the termination of the pilot was a public, deliberate decision.

    By throwing participants’ lives and carefully laid plans into chaos, and thrusting them back into poverty, our research shows the Ontario government’s policy decision caused significant harm.

    Our research is consistent with a larger body of evidence demonstrating that unconditional cash transfer programs, like basic income, can improve mental well-being. As young people are more vulnerable to the mental stress resulting from financial insecurity, these programs provide the necessary protection to mitigate the lifelong damaging impacts of childhood poverty.

    We also know that welfare systems are associated with poor health outcomes and increase recipients’ psychological distress. These haven’t been subject to the rigorous experimentation that a basic income has, yet they persist, despite the voluminous research documenting their harms.



    Read more:
    We gave $7,500 to people experiencing homelessness — here’s what happened next

    The cost of mental illness in Canada already amounts to over $50 billion annually (in direct health-care costs and lost productivity) but without intervention could increase to $291 billion by 2041.

    Research shows how poor mental health is a direct consequence of poverty. Money not only helps meet people’s material needs but also alleviates their worries. Reducing poverty translates into significant savings for the economy and the public purse. Canada could save $4 to $10 for every dollar spent on mental health supports.

    Eradicating poverty

    Poverty is not caused by personal failings. It is the social environment people live in that has the greatest impact on life trajectories.

    To eradicate poverty, we need policies that address the root of financial hardship. A basic income does just that. The Parliamentary Budget Officer of Canada recently released estimates that show a basic income, using parameters similar to the Ontario pilot’s, could cut poverty by up to 40 per cent. This is an affordable option with the potential for broad positive effects.

    We already have the Canada Child Benefit for families and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for older adults that provide forms of a basic income guarantee, although these benefits must be enlarged to be truly adequate. What we need now is a program that provides a robust income floor beneath which no one can fall.

    As citizens, we have few ways to hold leaders accountable for acts of structural violence, like cancelling the pilot. A class-action lawsuit lodged against the Ontario government for breach of contract is ongoing; it remains to be seen whether this will prove successful.

    Whatever their ideological leanings, politicians have a duty to advance policies that bolster public health and well-being. Improving mental health through a basic income is a wise investment, one that will prevent the needless suffering of generations to come.

    Tracy Smith-Carrier has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and from the Canada Research Chairs program.

    Elaine Power has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

    – ref. A basic income can be a strong investment in mental health – https://theconversation.com/a-basic-income-can-be-a-strong-investment-in-mental-health-250018

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: It’s important to protect trans athletes on campuses, and this benefits all students

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Daniel Del Gobbo, Assistant Professor and Chair in Law, Gender & Sexual Justice, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor

    United States President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender and gender diverse (trans) women athletes from competing in women’s sports, at the beginning of his presidential term on Feb. 5, showed the president accelerating a long-standing moral panic about queer and trans people.

    Bearing the offensive title “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” the executive order misinterprets a U.S. law called Title IX to suggest falsely that trans-inclusive policies in collegiate and elite-level sports are somehow harmful to cisgender women. The force of this claim is backed by a threat: ban trans women, or face having your funding rescinded. The order came following a flurry of political moves entrenching transphobia in U.S. law and society.

    The moral panic around trans women athletes can be seen in Canada as well. In both countries, the issue has emerged as fundamental to a right-wing strategy that positions trans women athletes as scapegoats, fuelling social anxieties about trans inclusion and gender equality more broadly. As leading trans scholar and professor of political science, women’s and gender studies Paisley Currah puts it, “the situation is dire — an unrelenting assault on our ability to go about our daily lives.”

    Canadian universities must take action to protect trans students as part of a comprehensive strategy to promote gender equality on campuses.

    Myths about trans women athletes, debunked

    Right-wing commentators rely on two main arguments in support of banning trans women athletes.

    The first argument is the so-called “lost opportunity” argument, which holds that trans women athletes prevent cisgender women from participating by taking up limited spots reserved for women. This claim is based on a misapprehension.

    The number of trans athletes competing in women’s sports at the collegiate and elite levels is extremely small. In 2024, NCAA President Charlie Baker told a U.S. Senate panel that, to his knowledge, fewer than 10 of the 510,000 student athletes competing in NCAA schools were trans. It is unclear how many identify as trans women, a group that is systemically underrepresented in every level of sports, both in terms of participation and results in competitions.



    Read more:
    Transgender athletes face an uncertain future at the Olympics as reactionary policies gain ground

    The second argument is the so-called “unfair advantage” argument, which roots itself in the idea that “natural” biological sex-based differences exist that give trans women a competitive edge. This claim is equally problematic.

    In 2024, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport released a review of research that summarized the data on trans women athletes. It found that research in this area is limited, often methodologically flawed and inconclusive in its results. Evidence indicates that trans athletes who have undergone testosterone suppression, for example, have no clear advantages over cisgender women.

    Even if certain advantages exist, however — and that’s a big “if” — the fact remains that cisgender male athletes like Michael Phelps, an American swimmer and 23-time Olympic gold medalist, are celebrated for their physiological differences from other athletes. The choice to ban trans athletes is based on a pretext, not principle.

    Harms of excluding trans people

    Trans women athletes have faced backlash. A notable target of these attacks is Lia Thomas, a trans swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania and the NCAA Division I champion who was banned from competing at the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials.

    As of February 2025, Fox News had published over 3,200 stories about Thomas, many of which contain dehumanizing language about trans people.

    Racialized and Indigenous athletes face additional obstacles, particularly when they fail to meet racial and gender stereotypes about women. The barriers are often greatest in colonial sporting cultures where whiteness is upheld as a standard of femininity.

    At the 2024 Olympics, right-wing commentators singled out Imane Khelif, a cisgender woman from Algeria who won the gold medal in women’s 66 kg boxing, based on false claims that she was trans. President Trump repeatedly misgendered Khelif, feeding the fire of racist, misogynistic and transphobic attacks that scrutinized Khelif’s appearance and behaviour to assess her gender conformity.

    Effects on campus

    Myths about trans athletes have turned Canadian universities into battlegrounds. In 2024, Harriette Mackenzie, a trans basketball player at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, B.C. spoke out about her mistreatment, saying she was physically targeted by an opposing team after their coach said she should not have been allowed to compete against cisgender women.

    Cases like Mackenzie’s affect not only trans students who experience discrimination on campus at disproportionate rates. They affect everyone because transphobia reinforces the gender binary and its assumptions about how people should look, act and compete in sports. The problem extends to broader academic climate and culture at universities, given that escalating rhetoric and hatefulness can amplify risks of gender-based violence on campuses.



    Read more:
    The stabbing attack at the University of Waterloo underscores the dangers of polarizing rhetoric about gender

    How universities can lead the change

    Every province has passed human rights legislation providing that students have the right to be free from discrimination on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Canadian universities have a legal and moral responsibility to provide trans women athletes with equal opportunities to participate in campus life.

    As a first step, universities should protect trans athletes in their non-discrimination and gender-based violence policies, many of which have been criticized on equality grounds. Through needs assessments studies (like the one conducted at University of British Columbia focussed on trans, two-spirit and gender diversity, completed in 2023), universities can identify gaps in their policies and programming and make recommendations.

    Consider the issue of access. Many universities continue to show men’s and women’s bathrooms and locker rooms on campus maps without highlighting the location of trans-inclusive facilities. Research confirms that trans students are more likely to feel isolated and marginalized when campus services exclude them.

    Additionally, universities should expand their athletics programs, improve training for coaches and staff, and create gender and sexuality support and affinity centres to celebrate the achievements of trans athletes and foster acceptance of trans students generally. These efforts should form part of a comprehensive strategy to promote equality, diversity, inclusion and decolonization on campuses, particularly in the face of right-wing pressure to curb these initiatives without good reason.

    Finally, it bears mentioning that for many trans athletes, particularly those who face barriers to inclusion in other family and community spaces, the opportunity to participate in sports is more than a human right — it can be life-saving for them. Athletics provide an important outlet for trans people’s self-expression, discovery and community building at a formative time in their lives. Gender equality is not a game for these students. Universities must recognize that.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. It’s important to protect trans athletes on campuses, and this benefits all students – https://theconversation.com/its-important-to-protect-trans-athletes-on-campuses-and-this-benefits-all-students-249664

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Beyond blame: The role of malfunctioning fat tissue in the disease of obesity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Muhammad Ilyas Nadeem, PhD Candidate in Obesity & Diabetes | Public Scholar (2024-2025), Concordia University

    For too long, societal attitudes have focused on blaming individuals for poor lifestyle choices, ignoring the deeper, multifaceted causes of obesity. (Shutterstock)

    Many people who have struggled with their weight have been told to “eat less and move more.” Others have spent years juggling trendy diets, from keto to fasting, with minimal results. Despite their best efforts, what they often hear from physicians, friends, family and even strangers, is that they lack discipline. However, for many people with obesity, their bodies are fighting against them — a battle dictated by biological mechanisms beyond sheer willpower.

    Millions struggle under the weight of societal blame for a condition rooted in complex metabolic science.

    Obesity is a critical public health concern affecting millions worldwide. Yet, it is often oversimplified as an issue of personal choice. Canadian data highlights the staggering prevalence of obesity (26.6 per cent) and diabetes (8.1 per cent). For too long, societal attitudes have focused on blaming individuals for poor lifestyle choices, ignoring the deeper, multifaceted causes of the condition.



    Read more:
    Stop asking me if I’ve tried keto: Why weight stigma is more than just being mean to fat people

    The need to understand obesity beyond lifestyle changes is urgent — particularly through scientific inquiry into its genetic, environmental and physiological roots. It is beyond the simple equation of calories in versus calories out; this perspective only serves to create stigma by oversimplifying the science.

    Malfunctioning fat tissue

    The reality lies within the fat in our bodies. Body fat, particularly fat under the skin, known as subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), plays a crucial role in energy regulation and metabolic health. When fat accumulates, SAT malfunctions. This seemingly adds to excessive fat storage in organs like the liver and muscles, increasing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

    Through identifying these specific dysfunctions, researchers can work towards therapies that restore SAT function rather than simply reducing body weight.

    Researchers are exploring the cellular and genetic aspects of these different fat depots, and their link with obesity and diabetes.
    (Shutterstock)

    Research from our metabolism, nutrition and obesity (MON) lab at Concordia University focuses on understanding the adipose tissue (fat tissue) environment to uncover how these complex mechanisms and their interactions can lead to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The goal is to eventually use our discoveries to provide more effective treatment approaches based on individual differences.

    One aspect that can contribute to individual differences is where fat is stored in the body. SAT from the lower body, around the hips and thighs, seems to function differently from SAT around the belly in the upper body. We are exploring the cellular and genetic aspects of these different fat depots, and their link with obesity and diabetes.

    Obesity is not just about extra weight — it’s about how the body stores and processes fat. Our research also shows that external factors may come into play in how SAT behaves. For example, different SAT depots behave differently depending on sex. Whether a person is male, or female makes a difference to how their fat tissue handles fat.

    A closer look at fat tissue under a microscope shows that the tissue is made up of different types of cells including fat cells or adipocytes, and immune cells. Fat cells, or adipocytes, are not passive storage units; they regulate energy, produce hormones, and interact with other systems in the body. However, when these cells become dysfunctional, they can trigger inflammation, insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances.

    We have found that not only is sex a factor in fat cell characteristics of different depots but fat cell characteristics are also affected by whether obesity develops during childhood compared to adulthood. Immune cells are also important components of fat tissue that also play a role in inflammation and metabolic disturbances.

    Shifting the conversation

    Instead of blaming individuals, we need to shift the conversation towards understanding these pathophysiological mechanisms. By doing so, we can develop targeted treatments that address the root causes of obesity rather than relying on generic, often ineffective solutions.

    The need to shift our perspective on obesity is not solely a medical necessity but a societal one.
    (Shutterstock)

    Obesity Canada reports that failing to treat obesity costs Canada $5.9 billion in health care and $21.7 billion in lost workplace productivity annually, with a $5.1 billion hit to government revenue from premature deaths and reduced workforce participation. Women with obesity face disproportionate impacts, earning four per cent less and being 5.3 per cent less likely to be employed than those with a healthy weight.

    In 2023, obesity-related diseases placed over 10,000 seniors in long-term care, costing $639 million. Yet, fewer than 20 per cent of privately insured Canadians have access to approved treatments, and bariatric surgery wait times stretch up to eight years — reinforcing harmful stigma and delaying essential care.

    The challenge is that our health-care system still leans toward tried and tested weight-loss approaches, such as medication, exercise and nutrition, often to the exclusion of how individual bodies respond biologically. Personalized medicine is a potential replacement. By matching treatment to each patient’s metabolic profile, we can move away from one-size-fits-all approaches and toward more effective interventions.

    The need to shift our perspective on obesity is not solely a medical necessity but a societal one. The stigma attached to excess weight and obesity prevents people from receiving medical treatment, drives mental illness and perpetuates damaging myths. A more empathetic, science-based approach could help reshape public attitudes and clinical practices.

    Millions of people have been misled by the myth that self-control can cure obesity. Seeing obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a moral one is a way forward for effective remedies. The future of obesity treatment depends on research-driven, personalized interventions — ones that substitute blame with knowledge and stigma with support. Only then can we fully address this global public health crisis.

    Sylvia Santosa receives/has received funding from NSERC, CIHR, CRC, MITACS, CFDR, QBIN, HSF. She is affiliated with Obesity Canada, and Canadian Nutrition Society.

    Cristina Sanza and Muhammad Ilyas Nadeem do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Beyond blame: The role of malfunctioning fat tissue in the disease of obesity – https://theconversation.com/beyond-blame-the-role-of-malfunctioning-fat-tissue-in-the-disease-of-obesity-249264

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Government ‘must stop equivocating’ on Israel’s genocide against Palestinian people

    Source: Amnesty International –

    ‘We are long past the point of Israel merely risking violations of international law’ – Karla McLaren

    Responding to the debate in parliament on Palestinian rights today, Karla McLaren, Amnesty International UK’s Government Relations Manager, said:

    “It’s true that humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool, but we are long past the point of Israel merely risking violations of international law.

    “Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza is a war crime and amounts to collective punishment of the civilian population. It’s a continuation of the policy to impose on Palestinians conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction. This is genocide.

    “The UK government must stop equivocating when it comes to the widespread breaches of international law Israel is clearly responsible for – this only serves to conceal the truth about the crimes of apartheid and genocide being inflicted daily on the Palestinian people.

    “The UK has a legal obligation to prevent and punish genocide. At the minimum, it should immediately stop all transfers of arms to Israel and actively support international justice mechanisms. Not doing so risks UK government complicity in genocide and other grave violations of international humanitarian law.”

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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UN Report: Bleak conclusions on UK poverty action echo Amnesty warning of ‘devastating domino effect’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    UN gives a damning view on failing performance of politicians on fundamental human rights 

    A domino effect of poor housing, a broken social security system and inadequate healthcare is leaving communities on their knees 

    Published yesterday, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) concluding obligations set out a bleak view of the UK Government’s performance on tackling poverty, managing the impact of austerity, and ensuring people have a decent home, enough money to pay for the essentials (like food), and access to decent work, good health care, and education.   

    They outlined a worsening picture of food insecurity, poverty, homelessness, health inequalities, and educational outcomes, which impact those communities already marginalised, such as single mothers, racialised communities, gypsy Roma and traveller communities, and people seeking asylum. 

    Amnesty UK presented evidence to CESCR in Geneva in February 2025 on the government’s failure to protect fundamental human rights, outlining the domino effect of poor housing, a broken social security system, and inadequate healthcare in communities. 

    Jen Clark, Economic and Social Lead at Amnesty UK, said:   

    “The UN committee set out clearly how a devastating domino effect of unmet rights leads to destitution and hardship, a conclusion borne out by our own research.    

    “Reading between the lines of the committee statement, you get a sense of frustration that little progress has been made since they last reviewed the UK performance in 2016.   

    “They call again for independent evaluation on the impact of austerity on the most disadvantaged groups and communities to be undertaken as a matter of priority and for the punitive nature of sanctions and deductions from social security payments to be reviewed. 

    “Like Amnesty, the UN is calling for the end to the two-child limit, benefit caps, and five-week wait for benefits. They are concerned that social security is already not paid at a level that enables an adequate standard of living for essentials such as food, utility bills, and clothing.   

    “It is all tied together by addressing that our human rights are not adequately protected in the UK. The government has failed to provide legal protections for these rights under the covenant, meaning people who experience violations cannot access justice. Amnesty echoes their call on the government to undertake an independent review of how legal status can be given to these rights to provide routes to justice and safeguards against further rollback of these rights.” 

    Additional elements addressed in the report include: 

    • Concern regarding the specific plight of people with certain immigration status who have no recourse to public funds and that people experiencing homelessness are criminalised by punitive policy.  

    • To address depleted public services and struggling local authorities, CESCR calls on the government to shift fiscal priorities away from tax freezes and toward measures that will broaden the tax base and increase the funding available for them (such as capital, corporate, and property taxes). 

    • The UK’s failings at home were not the only concern of the UN Committee.  They too share concerns about the UK’s role in ensuring these rights abroad, citing the need to address the extent to which the ODA budget has slipped away from the target (at the time of reporting this was to 0.5%) and call for the UK to take a stronger approach on the world stage in relation to tackling debt in the global south and taking more decisive leadership to ensure that the UK addresses tax evasion from multinational companies.  

    The three top priorities that the UK Government must report back on in the next 24 months: 

    • Conduct an independent, participatory impact assessment of the extra-territorial effects of its financial secrecy and corporate tax policies on the economies of developing countries. 

    • Conduct an independent assessment of the cumulative impact of austerity measures introduced since 2010 on economic, social, and cultural rights, focusing on disadvantaged groups, regional disparities, and the effects of subsequent policy shifts 

    • Assess the impact of welfare reforms introduced since 2010 on the most disadvantaged groups and take corrective measures, including reversing policies such as the two-child limit, the benefit cap, and the five-week delay for the first Universal Credit payment. 

    Amnesty’s complete submission to the United Nation’s Committee for Cultural, Economic, and Social Rights can be read here. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Senate Armed Services Committee Colleagues Demand Answers on Abrupt Firings of JAG Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined twelve of his SASC colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding legal justification for the recent abrupt dismissals of several Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) and documentation of the decision-making process. The senators also requested a response to several oversight questions on the removal and appointment process and expressed serious concerns about Secretary Hegseth’s statements regarding these actions.
    “This action not only undermines the integrity of the military justice system but also appears to be in direct violation of federal law, specifically 10 U.S.C. §§ 7037(e) (Army) and 9037(f) (Air Force),” wrote the senators. “The Army statute explicitly states: “No officer or employee of the Department of Defense may interfere with— (1) the ability of the Judge Advocate General to give independent legal advice to the Secretary of the Army or the Chief of Staff of the Army; or (2) the ability of judge advocates of the Army assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, military units to give independent legal advice to commanders.”
    The senators continued, “By arbitrarily and baselessly removing duly selected and highly qualified JAG officers, the Administration undermines the military justice system and has interfered with the independent legal counsel that uniformed attorneys provide to commanders and the Department itself. Such removals create an unmistakable chilling effect, signaling to all judge advocates that their positions are contingent not upon their legal expertise and adherence to the law, but rather upon political or personal loyalty. Further, this move undermines the rigorous selection and confirmation process established by Congress.”
    In the letter, the senators specifically raise their concerns on Hegseth’s plan to reduce the rank of JAG leadership from three-star to a two-star general or flag officer: “This position was elevated to three-stars to signal the United States’ commitment to the rule of law as the foundation of good decisions and to ensure they could advise policymakers on our most critical national security decisions, following the abuses at Abu Ghraib. Demoting the military’s champions for lawfulness sends a clear and troubling message across the force.”
    “Without independent legal counsel, military operations risk violating international law, exposing U.S. forces to war crimes allegations, damaging alliances, and undermining global legitimacy. The absence of sound legal advice can lead to unlawful targeting decisions, excessive use of force, or misuse of emerging technologies, increasing operational and strategic risks. It endangers uniformed service members by ceding moral high ground to our adversaries in their own conduct and prosecution of armed conflict,” the senators warned.
    The senators concluded, “These arbitrary dismissals are a direct violation of their statutory protections. It sends a dangerous message that military legal professionals who provide objective, legally sound advice may be removed at will, thereby making it impossible for the JAG Corps to function as prescribed by law.”
    In addition to Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
    A copy of the letter is available here and below.
    Secretary Hegseth:
    The Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps is an essential pillar of our military, ensuring adherence to the rule of law, upholding the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and providing critical independent legal advice to commanders at all levels. The JAG Corps is not only a vital element in maintaining good order and discipline within our armed forces, but it is also a key component of operational readiness. By law, JAG officers provide guidance on military justice, international law, operational law, administrative compliance, and ethics, ensuring that our warfighters operate within the bounds of national and international legal frameworks. The stability and impartiality of the JAG Corps are paramount, and any undue interference in its functioning directly impacts the effectiveness and credibility of our military.
    We write to you with deep concern regarding the recent relief of Judge Advocate Generals. This action not only undermines the integrity of the military justice system but also appears to be in direct violation of federal law, specifically 10 U.S.C. §§ 7037(e) (Army) and 9037(f) (Air Force). The Army statute explicitly states: “No officer or employee of the Department of Defense may interfere with— (1) the ability of the Judge Advocate General to give independent legal advice to the Secretary of the Army or the Chief of Staff of the Army; or (2) the ability of judge advocates of the Army assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, military units to give independent legal advice to commanders.” The Air Force and Navy statutes contain substantively identical language.
    By arbitrarily and baselessly removing duly selected and highly qualified JAG officers, the Administration undermines the military justice system and has interfered with the independent legal counsel that uniformed attorneys provide to commanders and the Department itself. Such removals create an unmistakable chilling effect, signaling to all judge advocates that their positions are contingent not upon their legal expertise and adherence to the law, but rather upon political or personal loyalty. Further, this move undermines the rigorous selection and confirmation process established by Congress.
    We are also deeply troubled by your follow-up statement after the firings where you said, “We want lawyers who give sound constitutional advice and don’t exist to attempt to be roadblocks.” This characterization of legal advisors within the military undermines the critical apolitical role they play in ensuring adherence to the Constitution, the UCMJ, and international law. Military lawyers are not “roadblocks” as you describe; they are guardrails, ensuring that orders issued by commanders are lawful and the armed forces uphold the principles that distinguish our military from those that serve autocrats around the world. Furthermore, your assertion that the selection process for senior legal officers is an “insulated” system that perpetuates the status quo disregards the legal framework established by 10 U.S.C. Chapter 36, which specifically governs the appointment, promotion, and selection of military officers, including those of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. This is not a self-perpetuating bureaucracy; it is a system codified by law to ensure that those entrusted with legal oversight are experienced, competent, and independent enough to provide candid legal counsel, even under difficult circumstances. Undermining this structure risks politicizing the military and eroding the very professionalism that has long been its foundation.
    We are also troubled that you plan to reduce the rank of JAG leadership from a three-star to a two-star general or flag officer. This position was elevated to three-stars to signal the United States’ commitment to the rule of law as the foundation of good decisions and to ensure they could advise policymakers on our most critical national security decisions, following the abuses at Abu Ghraib. Demoting the military’s champions for lawfulness sends a clear and troubling message across the force. JAGs play a crucial role in ensuring the U.S. military complies with international law, including the DoD Law of War Manual, DoD Directive 3000.09, and the Army Field Manual on Interrogation, which govern the conduct of armed conflict, the use of autonomous weapon systems, and authorized military interrogation techniques. Without independent legal counsel, military operations risk violating international law, exposing U.S. forces to war crimes allegations, damaging alliances, and undermining global legitimacy. The absence of sound legal advice can lead to unlawful targeting decisions, excessive use of force, or misuse of emerging technologies, increasing operational and strategic risks. It endangers uniformed service members by ceding moral high ground to our adversaries in their own conduct and prosecution of armed conflict.
    Such actions by the Administration amount to a betrayal of public trust and an erosion of the apolitical foundation of our military legal system. These arbitrary dismissals are a direct violation of their statutory protections. It sends a dangerous message that military legal professionals who provide objective, legally sound advice may be removed at will, thereby making it impossible for the JAG Corps to function as prescribed by law.
    Given these grave concerns, we demand immediate clarification on the legal justification for these reliefs and an explanation as to how these actions comply with Title 10 statutes governing the selection and tenure of JAG officers. Additionally, we request a detailed account of the individuals involved in the decision-making process and any documentation that led to these dismissals.
    To facilitate proper congressional oversight, we request responses to the following questions by March 13, 2025:
    What is the legal basis for the removal of these JAG officers?
    Were any communications or directives issued to justify these removals? If so, please provide them for review.
    Do you plan to appoint two- or three-star officers to replace these JAG officers?
    What analysis has the Department conducted to determine that the replacements for these JAG officers should be two-stars?
    How does the Department plan to ensure the continued independence of the JAG Corps in light of these dismissals?
    Were any external political or administrative pressures exerted on the decision to remove these officers?
    How will the Department mitigate the chilling effect this decision has had on the ability of JAG officers to provide independent legal counsel?
    What measures will be put in place to restore trust in the military justice system and prevent similar actions in the future?
    Will you follow the legally-prescribed process in selecting the next Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force?
    The rule of law is a foundational pillar of our nation, and the DoD must uphold it without exception. The independence of military legal professionals must be preserved, and any actions that erode this independence must be rectified without delay. Failing to integrate JAGs into military planning who are free to give independent legal advice to the commander threatens not only compliance with the law but also the safety and effectiveness of U.S. forces. As you committed at your confirmation hearing to respond promptly to the committee, we expect a response to these straightforward questions, along with full transparency in addressing the damage these firings have inflicted upon the military justice system.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement: USAID Cuts Will Lead to Millions of Preventable Deaths

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 4 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement about the impact that cuts to USAID from the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE will have on vulnerable people around the world. 
    Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will lead to millions of preventable deaths. The decision of the richest person in the world to destroy an agency that delivers life-saving aid to the poorest people on the planet is unconscionable. 
    According to internal USAID memos, the cuts to foreign aid will mean, every single year: 
    Two to three million additional deaths from lack of vaccinations;
    166,000 more deaths from malaria;
    28,000 new cases of highly-infectious diseases., including Ebola and Marburg virus; and
    200,000 more children paralyzed from polio.
    Separately, independent researchers estimate that the illegal freeze on global AIDS funding has already taken nearly 19,000 lives, and that the toll will increase as the funding freeze continues. 
    These actions are not just immoral, they are unconstitutional.
    Congress created USAID as an independent agency – it cannot be unilaterally eliminated by the president based on the whim of an unelected billionaire. The Constitution explicitly gives Congress the power of the purse. 
    Make no mistake: These cuts will not only lead to millions of unnecessary deaths throughout the world, they are an attack on our democracy and the checks and balances our Founding Fathers established more than 230 years ago. Further, it will weaken our national security and our standing in the global community. When we abandon desperate people in some of the poorest countries in the world, we can be sure that geo-political adversaries will fill the void.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Princess Astrid of Belgium

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Princess Astrid of Belgium

    PM deeply appreciates the initiative of the Princess Astrid to lead a 300 member delegation to India

    PM recalls positive association of the Royal Family of Belgium with India

    The two leader’s commitment to new mutually beneficial partnership with Belgium including in the areas of trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, agriculture, life sciences, space, skilling among others

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 9:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, who is leading a high-level Belgian Economic Mission to India from 1-8 March 2025.

    Prime Minister welcomed Princess Astrid to India and deeply appreciated her initiative of a big delegation of over 300 members, including prominent business leaders, government officials, and representatives from various sectors.

    This is the second time Princess Astrid in spearheading an Economic Mission to India, underscoring the significance of strong economic ties between the two nations which have been on an upward trajectory.

    The discussions between PM and HRH Princess Astrid spanned a wide array of areas, including trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation, clean energy, infrastructure, agriculture, skilling, academic exchanges, and cultural and people-to-people ties.

    Both sides agreed to work closely to discover new pathways for cooperation across emerging and high-impact sectors, which would strengthen economic resilience, foster innovation-led growth, and deepen bilateral cooperation to benefit the people of both countries.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone for capacity expansion at AMCH in Dibrugarh

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 6:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for a 37-bedded patient care cabin facility block to be developed within the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) premises in Dibrugarh, today. The cabins will be spaced out across four floors with advanced medical care for patients. The fully furnished four storied facility will be developed with an investment of ₹8.89 crore. The Oil India Limited will support the cost as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

    Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, the healthcare system in India has undergone a tremendous transformation which has made it effective for people from all sections of the society. The Ayushman Arogya Bharat is transforming India’s healthcare landscape—affordable, accessible, and world-class. A Viksit Bharat begins with a healthy Bharat, and we are steering the nation towards excellence in healthcare for every citizen. Healthcare excellence is key to achieve the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s Viksit Bharat.”

    Highlighting the role that AMCH has played, Shri Sonowal said, “AMCH Dibrugarh, Northeast India’s pioneering medical college, has long been the backbone of healthcare in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and beyond. As demand surges for affordable, high-quality treatment, a new facility in Assam emerges—not just as an expansion, but as a promise to redefine specialised care for the region. I am confident that the capacity expansion at AMCH will further bolster the commitment of Narendra Modi government to reshape and strengthen country’s healthcare system—accessible, affordable, and built to last—boosting the region’s medical backbone with vision and resolve.”

    The Union Minister advised students of AMCH who gathered on the auspicious occasion, that, “Good health is a way of life. Through yoga, balanced nutrition, and mindful living, we build strength, resilience, and inner harmony. A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to years. Breathe, move, and thrive—your wellness journey is equally crucial for an efficient healthcare delivery system in the country. As the future caregivers of humanity, you hold the power to heal and transform lives. We wish you the best health and a sound mind, for with these strengths, your contribution to nation-building and improving lives will be even more meaningful.”

    Rituparna Baruah, Chairman, Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), Government of Assam; Akhim Hazarika, Chairman, District Development Authority (DDA), alongside senior officials from OIL and AMCH were present on the occasion.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” for Capacity Building of Women Elected Representatives of PRIs Launched

    Source: Government of India

    “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” for Capacity Building of Women Elected Representatives of PRIs Launched

    “Women need to be empowered for a Justice Based Equitable Society; can achieve anything, given an Opportunity”: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

    Issues of Proxy Sarpanchs Highlighted; Women Urged to Take Lead

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj today launched the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” (सशक्त पंचायत–नेत्री अभियान) at a landmark National Workshop of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions in New Delhi. The historic gathering brought together more than 1,200 women Panchayat leaders from across the country ahead of International Women’s Day 2025.The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan (सशक्त पंचायत–नेत्री अभियान) is a comprehensive and targeted capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the nation. It focuses on sharpening their leadership acumen, enhancing their decision-making capabilities, and reinforcing their role in grassroots governance. Recognizing the crucial role of Women Elected Representatives in rural local governance, the Ministry has devised a strategic roadmap through this initiative to enhance their leadership skills and ensure their active participation in decision-making.

    The event was graced by Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annapurna Devi, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse. Senior officials present on the occasion included Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, alongwith representatives from various Ministries, Departments, SIRD&PRs, TRIF and international organizations including UNFPA.

    In his inaugural keynote address, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized upon the vital role of women leaders in transforming rural governance. “The initiative of “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” marks a significant milestone in our journey toward inclusive development where women’s leadership will drive positive change at the grassroots level”, he stated. Shri Singh said that the government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is fully committed to undertake capacity and confidence building measures to further strengthen women leadership in the country, particularly in gram panchayats. He highlighted the pivotal role of women in governance, stressing that empowered women strengthen democracy from the grassroots up to the national level. He lauded the impact of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which has resulted in over 1.4 million elected women representatives in PRIs and noted that several states, including Bihar, have seen women representation beyond reservations, witnessing increased participation of women in unreserved seats also. The Union Minister praised women for performing multidimensional roles – from managing households to governing communities and running governments. “Women are proving that with proper support and opportunity, they can excel in any field they choose”, he remarked. He emphasized that capacity building is key to empowerment as it builds confidence; enabling women to achieve anything they aspire to. “This revolution in grassroots democracy is essential for creating a justice-based, equitable society”, he said.

    Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, in her address stated that women-led governance enhances investment in health, education, sanitation, and economic stability, ensuring sustainable community and national development. She urged elected women representatives to exercise their authority independently and eliminate the influence of male interference in decision-making. She said that women empowerment entails economic, social, and political equality. Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have been catalysts for change in the last ten years, helping in transforming societal mindsets. Smt. Annpurna Devi highlighted that through Self-Help Groups, “Lakhpati Didis” and “Drone Didis” are etching an empowered life for themselves and their families. Schemes like Ujjwala, PM Awas Yojana, MUDRA yojana etc. have significantly contributed to women’s empowerment in India.

    Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel addressed the concerning practice of “Mukhiya Pati”, “Pradhan Pati”, and “Sarpanch Pati” culture, where male relatives act as de facto leaders, undermining the leadership position of elected women representatives. He urged women leaders to exercise caution, especially in financial matters, while executing their official duties. The Minister of State referenced the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and called for concerted efforts to address pressing issues like nutritional discrimination, female feoticide, and domestic violence in India. He asserted that achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat” is not possible without the active participation of women, who constitute half the population. He urged women Panchayat representatives to define their own leadership roles and work towards creating women-friendly Gram Panchayats.

    Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who began her political journey as a Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat in Maharashtra, shared her personal experience and highlighted the issue of proxy Sarpanches. She placed the responsibility on women representatives themselves to assert their authority. “Your journey from Panchayat to Parliament is both possible and necessary for inclusive governance”, she stated.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, emphasized that women representatives must not be proxy representatives but actual leaders driving change at the grassroots level. “The vision of women-led development is being realized through our PRIs, where today 43 percent are Women Elected Representatives. It is noteworthy that Gram Panchayats receiving national awards are increasingly women-led”, he stated. Union Secretary Shri Bharadwaj highlighted that through the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” for the first time a dedicated capacity-building program for women is being implemented across India.

    The workshop witnessed the launch of specialized training modules designed specifically for capacity building of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions. A comprehensive “Primer on Law Addressing Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices” for Panchayat Elected Representatives was also introduced on this occasion. Outstanding women leaders from Panchayats across States and Union Territories were felicitated, who have demonstrated exemplary work in rural local self-governance. The National Workshop featured two insightful panel discussions on “Women’s Participation and Leadership in PRIs: Changing the Dynamics in Local Self-Governance”, examining how increased female representation is reshaping rural governance structures and “Women-Led Local Governance: Sectoral Interventions by WERs”, covering vital areas including health and nutrition, education, safety and security of women and girl children, economic opportunities, and digital transformation.

    Primer on Law Addressing Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s circular economy to generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050 – Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav

    Source: Government of India

    India’s circular economy to generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050 – Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav

    Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

    Delegates visits Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall, and Patrika Gate

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 6:39PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s circular economy could generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050. Expressing this view, while speaking at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav said, the ‘circular economy’ may be about to drive one of the biggest transformations in business since the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago. Through a radical departure from the traditional ‘take, make, waste’ production and consumption models, the circular economy could provide a potential $4.5 trillion in additional economic output by 2030 world over.

     

     

    Shri Yadav also informed the forum about India’s candidacy for organising the World Circular Economy Forum in the year 2026. Every year, World Circular Economy Forum is organised and in this year, 2025 it is being organized in Sao Paulo, Brazil. India has expressed the willingness to host World Circular Economy Forum 2026.

    Emphasising on the steps taken, the Minister said, India remains committed to addressing plastic waste challenges and their associated ecological impacts. The Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) have led to significant measures targeting municipal, industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. India has banned certain categories of single-use plastics through notification in 2022. In alignment with the Mission ‘LiFE’ initiative, MoEFCC has notified the Eco-Mark Rules to encourage demand for environmentally friendly products while promoting energy efficiency and circular economy principles.

    He further said, Circular Economy Action Plans for 10 waste categories have been finalized, for which regulatory and implementation framework is under progress. India has already notified various waste management and extended producer responsibility rules in certain sectors, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, e-Waste Management Rules, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, and Metals Recycling Policy, among others.

     

     

    Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Srinivas Kathikala, and Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Shri Sudhansh Pant jointly chaired a significant session today, focusing on advancing waste management and circular economy initiatives. The session saw the launch of several key reports, best practices and the signing of important agreements aimed at strengthening India’s waste management ecosystem.

    Launch of SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal

    A major highlight of the session was the launch of the SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal, an innovative online platform developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The portal is designed to enhance project monitoring, streamline data management, and facilitate resource sharing, thereby supporting the mission’s broader objective of transforming waste into valuable resources. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and effective solid waste management.

    Release of IFC Document Reference Guide

    The session also marked the release of the IFC Document Reference Guide: Business Models and Economic Assistance for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Projects. This guide provides comprehensive insights into various business models for MSW processing, including waste-to-electricity, biomethanation, and bioremediation. The document serves as a crucial resource for municipalities and private players looking to implement effective and economically viable waste management projects.

    MoU Between CSIR and MoHUA

    In a significant step toward fostering scientific collaboration in waste management, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This partnership will facilitate research-driven solutions and innovative technologies to enhance urban waste management practices across India.

    Release of ‘India’s Circular Sutra’

    The event also saw the release of ‘India’s Circular Sutra: A Compendium of Best Practices in 3R & Circular Economy’. This compendium documents successful case studies and innovative approaches in the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) framework, providing valuable insights for urban local bodies and stakeholders looking to implement circular economy solutions.

    These initiatives mark a significant step forward in India’s efforts to promote sustainable waste management, encourage innovation, and drive the transition toward a circular economy.

    CEEW Report on Solid Waste Management in Million-Plus Cities

    The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) presented its latest study, which offers a detailed outlook on solid waste management (SWM) practices in cities with populations exceeding one million. The report highlights sustainable waste management strategies, circular economy principles, and decentralized solutions that can be tailored to meet the unique challenges of India’s rapidly urbanizing regions.

     

    Technical and Heritage Visit of Delegates

     The delegates undertook a technical site visit to key waste management and sanitation facilities in Jaipur, including the Waste to Energy Plant and Sanitary Landfill Site at Langariyawas and the Dehlawas Sewage Treatment Plant. These visits provided firsthand insights into innovative waste processing techniques, energy recovery from waste, and efficient sewage treatment mechanisms.

    In addition to the technical visits, the delegates also explored Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage, visiting iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall, and Patrika Gate. These heritage visits offered a glimpse into the city’s architectural grandeur and historical significance, providing a holistic experience that blended urban infrastructure advancements with Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural legacy.

    (Release ID: 2108165) Visitor Counter : 73

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM Shri Narendra Modi addresses Post Budget Webinar on Manufacturing, Exports and Nuclear Energy

    Source: Government of India (2)

    PM Shri Narendra Modi addresses Post Budget Webinar on Manufacturing, Exports and Nuclear Energy

    Stakeholders discuss export ecosystem and e-commerce growth at the Webinar

    Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a proposed ₹2,250 crore initiative, to boost India’s exports: Experts

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

    As part of the Post-Budget Webinar on the Union Budget 2025-26, organized by NITI Aayog, various outreach sessions on Theme 3 comprising of discussions on the topics – Manufacturing, Exports and Nuclear Energy Missions, were successfully held on March 4, 2025. The Exports session, led by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in consultation with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), brought together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, exporters, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, to deliberate on strategies to enhance India’s export capabilities and fortify the country’s global trade position.

    At the outset, Prime Minister of India addressed the participants of the Webinar. He highlighted the reforms undertaken by the Government to create an enabling and nurturing ecosystem for promoting Manufacturing and Exports in the country. He highlighted the transformative approach of the Union Budget 2025-26 which is in line with the reform-oriented agenda undertaken of the Government. He encouraged the participants to come forward with fresh and innovative ideas and contribute to policy formulation and implementation on the themes of Manufacturing, Exports, and Nuclear Energy with a view to promote India’s Exports to the world. His ideas were appreciated by all the stakeholders and shaped the subsequent discussion on various themes.

    Subsequently, the Breakout session on Exports was moderated by Shri Sanjay Nayyar, President ASSOCHAM, with an esteemed panel comprising of Shri Rajesh Nambiar, President, NASSCOM, Shri Ajay Sahai, Director General, Federation of Indian Export Organization (FIEO), Shri Pankaj Mohindroo, President, Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), Shri Kalyan Basu, Managing Director, MonetaGo, Ms. Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI, and Ms. Nivruti Rai, CEO, Invest India. Their insights and expertise contributed to meaningful discussions on fostering a conducive ecosystem for exports and driving economic growth through policy interventions and digital innovation.

    During the deliberations, several key initiatives were discussed as potential pathways to strengthening India’s exports. Among them was the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a proposed ₹2,250 crore initiative aimed at boosting India’s exports, particularly for MSMEs, by providing financial incentives, market access support, and compliance facilitation. Participants emphasized that a partnership-driven, whole-of-government approach is needed to address market access issues and facilitate the growth of new and e-commerce exporters.

    Additional strategic policy recommendations included expanding Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) coverage to high-risk markets, enhancing collateral-free export credit through EXIM Bank, and providing incentives for MSMEs to adopt sustainability standards and global certifications. Industry experts also stressed the need to strengthen the Driving International Holistic Market Access Initiative (DISHA) to offer sector-specific MSME support.

    Participants also highlighted the importance of Export Readiness Programs to train MSMEs in e-commerce, digital marketing, and international trade regulations. The expansion of the E-Commerce Niryat Credit Card Scheme was another key area of discussion to bolster cross-border digital trade.

    Another major point of discussion was BharatTradeNet (BTN), envisioned as a pioneering Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to create a seamless, electronic and paperless trade ecosystem for international trade and trade finance. Institutionalizing BharatTradeNet as India’s Digital Public Infrastructure for Trade, integrating it with Aadhaar, DigiLocker, UPI, and other digital platforms, and aligning it with financial institutions for seamless trade finance approvals were also considered integral to simplifying export operations. Strengthening State/District Export Cells, expanding Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) Programs, and developing a Central Trade Registry and Interoperability Framework for BharatTradeNet were seen as critical steps toward increasing efficiency in trade facilitation. Stakeholders suggested that by aligning with global trade facilitation standards, BTN could help streamline trade documentation, enhance trade financing, and deepen export credit accessibility. It was also suggested that one of the ways to prioritise implementation of BTN would be, by establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

    A structured plan under the National Framework for GCCs was also discussed to expand Global Capability Centres (GCCs) beyond Tier-1 cities by re-orienting regulations, taxation policies, and infrastructure. Based on the discussion, the following recommendations were made by the panellists for the dispersal of GCCs into emerging GCC cities: reducing compliance burden and ease of doing business, building a quality talent pool and talent pipeline, GCCs partnerships in R&D with academia, a national framework on GCC and dedicated policy interventions, the GIFT city model for emerging Tier 2 cities, tax incentives for GCCs in SEZ in Tier 2 cities, a national policy to streamline incentives for GCCs such as incentivizing employment generation, R&D activities, and skilling, transfer pricing rationalization, improving physical and digital infrastructure in emerging Tier-2 hubs for GCC, partnership with National Mission e.g. AI and Quantum, and marketing and branding of GCCs in India and emerging Tier 2 cities.

    The session concluded with a final address by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, who highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a globally competitive export ecosystem and ensuring the seamless integration of Indian enterprises into global value chains.

    The Breakout Session on Exports successfully provided a forward-looking actionable roadmap, capturing key insights and recommendations from industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. These discussions will play a crucial role in shaping future policies for strengthening India’s exports through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and digital transformation. The key takeaways from the session shall be implemented by the respective departments.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Obesity is a multifactorial challenge and needs multifactorial preventive strategies”.

    Source: Government of India

    “Obesity is a multifactorial challenge and needs multifactorial preventive strategies”.

    Obesity Needs Multifactorial Effort with Collective Endeavour: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    India’s Growing Obesity Challenge: Minister Urges Unified Response from Govt, Industry & Medical Fraternity

    Tackling Obesity Needs Policy, Awareness, and Industry Support: Minister at CII Summit

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    “Obesity is a multifactorial challenge and needs multifactorial preventive strategies”.

    This was stated here today by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also a Professor of Medicine and a renowned Diabetologist, while underscoring the urgent need for a multifaceted and collective approach to combat the growing obesity crisis in India.

    Addressing the ‘National Obesity Summit”, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the occasion of “World Obesity Day”, the Minister emphasised that obesity is not just a lifestyle issue but a major public health challenge that requires coordinated efforts from the government, industry, the medical fraternity and also the society.

    Citing alarming statistics, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 1.4 crore children affected. “We often take pride in having chubby babies, but this comes at a cost. Central obesity, particularly among Indians, is an independent and a serious health risk factor,” he said. He further elaborated that obesity significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases such as type-2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and fatty liver disease, making it imperative to take preventive action.

    The Union Minister acknowledged the Indian phenotype’s unique vulnerability to central obesity, citing studies that show even lean-looking Indians carry a higher percentage of visceral fat compared to their Western counterparts. “Our traditional attire may mask central obesity, but that does not eliminate the associated health risks,” he remarked.

    Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advocacy for healthier lifestyles, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled how the Prime Minister has frequently addressed obesity in his Mann Ki Baat broadcasts and public interactions, even urging citizens to reduce their food intake by 10%. “PM Modi has a remarkable ability to transform messages into mass movements, as seen in campaigns like Swachh Bharat and the COVID-19 response. A similar approach is needed to tackle obesity,” he said.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed concern over the rising prevalence of obesity despite widespread awareness campaigns and medical advancements. “On one hand, we talk about fitness and wellness, but on the other, obesity rates continue to surge. This paradox must be addressed with scientific rigor and societal commitment,” he noted. He also highlighted the economic burden obesity places on families, with many patients struggling to afford long-term treatment for metabolic disorders.

    Emphasizing the need for a strategic response, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for an industry-government partnership to develop cost-effective, universal screening models for obesity and metabolic diseases. “We cannot leave this fight solely to diabetologists or obesity specialists. It requires a national commitment involving policymakers, medical experts, and industry leaders,” he asserted. He suggested a public-private model where routine health screenings include obesity markers, particularly in hospital settings, to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also cautioned against new quick-fix solutions, such as weight-loss injections and fad diets, stressing the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes. “The real solution lies in self-discipline—understanding our body, regulating our diet, and adopting a balanced approach to health,” he said. He humorously pointed out how dietary habits have evolved, with intermittent fasting and exotic diet plans becoming fashionable trends. “Our grandmothers would have been amused by the concept of ‘5 PM eating schedules’ and calorie counting apps,” he quipped.

    Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh called upon all stakeholders to take immediate action rather than waiting for annual summits to reiterate the same concerns. “Obesity is not just a personal concern; it is a national responsibility. As we envision India in 2047, we must ensure that our young population remains healthy, productive, and free from preventable lifestyle diseases,” he asserted.

    The summit saw participation from leading medical experts, policymakers, and industry representatives, all of whom echoed the need for collective action to address obesity at a systemic level.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Nuclear Energy is Critical for India’s Net Zero Goal, Major Expansion Planned: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Nuclear Energy is Critical for India’s Net Zero Goal, Major Expansion Planned: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    India to Open Nuclear Sector for Private Players, Key Legislative Changes on the Horizon

    Government Unveils Nuclear Power Roadmap: Private Investments, SMRs, and 100 GW Goal by 2047

    Public Awareness Drive on Nuclear Energy Crucial for India’s Clean Energy Transition: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Addressing a post-budget webinar organized by NITI Aayog, 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 emphasized that Nuclear Energy is critical for India’s Net Zero goal.

    He highlighted the Union Budget 2024-25’s vision for India’s nuclear power expansion, which sets a target of achieving 100 GW by 2047.

    Pointing out the crucial role of nuclear energy in India’s transition to clean energy and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, he called for private sector participation, regulatory reforms, and sustained public engagement.

    Highlighting the growing energy demand, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India’s electricity needs are expected to increase four to five times by 2047. While renewable energy sources are expanding, they alone cannot meet the base-load demand, making nuclear power a key component of India’s energy strategy. “Achieving 100 GW of nuclear power will require a focused and determined approach, adding around 4 GW annually from now onwards,” he said, expressing confidence in meeting the goal with proper planning and execution.

    A major shift in India’s nuclear policy is the proposed involvement of the private sector in designing, building, and operating nuclear power plants. Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged that legislative amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, and Electricity Act would be required to enable this participation. “Opening up the nuclear sector will send a strong policy signal to industry players, boosting investor confidence and encouraging long-term investments,” he noted.

    He also highlighted that NPCIL, along with its subsidiaries, aims to contribute nearly half of the 100 GW target by leveraging domestic and international partnerships. Meanwhile, NTPC’s joint venture, Ashwini, has already taken the lead in constructing four 700 MWe PHWRs at Mahi-Banswara.

    The Minister further announced the launch of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) R&D Mission, with the objective of developing five SMRs by 2033. These reactors, known for their adaptability, could be deployed in industrial zones, remote areas, and hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel manufacturing.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India’s nuclear energy journey, pioneered by Dr. Homi Bhabha, was often met with skepticism, both domestically and internationally, due to restrictive global policies and misplaced concerns over nuclear proliferation. However, he noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2014, India has witnessed a paradigm shift, with greater acceptance of its nuclear energy program as a key component of clean and sustainable power generation. He pointed out that unlike in the past, the announcement of a 100 GW nuclear target has not faced any negative implications, reflecting India’s growing credibility in the global nuclear community and the recognition of its responsible and transparent approach to nuclear energy development.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also underscored the need for a nationwide awareness campaign to address public concerns regarding nuclear energy. “A much more vigorous and sustained public outreach program is necessary to dispel fears and highlight nuclear power as a safe and clean energy source,” he said, urging collaboration among government agencies, private players, and environmental groups.

    With a roadmap now being formulated in consultation with stakeholders, the Minister affirmed that while challenges exist, achieving the 100 GW target by 2047 is both ambitious and achievable.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TWO-DAY VISITOR’S CONFERENCE AT RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN CONCLUDES TODAY

    Source: Government of India

    TWO-DAY VISITOR’S CONFERENCE AT RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN CONCLUDES TODAY

    THE PRESIDENT ADVOCATES FOR A STRONG ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY INTERFACE

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    The two-day Visitor’s Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan concluded today (March 4, 2025).

    The Conference deliberated on the themes – Flexibility in academic courses, Credit Sharing and Credit Transfer with multiple entry and exit options; Internationalisation efforts and collaboration; Translation Research and Innovation related to converting research or innovation into useful products and services; Effective student selection processes and respecting student choices in context of NEP; and Effective assessments and evaluation. The outcome of deliberations was presented before the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu.

    In her concluding remarks, the President said that our national goal is to make India a developed country before the end of the first half of this century. To achieve this goal, all stakeholders of the educational institutions and students would have to move forward with a global mindset. Young students would make a more effective identity for themselves in the 21st century world with the strengthening of internationalisation efforts and collaborations. Availability of excellent education in our higher education institutions would decrease the tendency to study abroad. Our young talent would be better utilized in nation building.

    The President said that India is moving towards becoming the third largest economy in the world. Being self-reliant is the hallmark of a truly developed, large and strong economy. Self-reliance based on research and innovation would strengthen our enterprises and economy. Such research and innovation should get every possible support. She highlighted that in developed economies, the academia-industry interface appears strong. Due to continuous exchange between the industry and higher education institutions, research work remains linked to the needs of the economy and society. She urged the heads of institutions of higher learning to make institutional efforts to have continuous discussions with senior people of industrial institutions in mutual interest. She said that this would benefit the teachers and students doing research work. She also told them that connecting the laboratories of educational institutions with local, regional, national and global needs should be their priority.

    The President said that it is imperative and challenging to have an education system that is system-based and flexible according to the special talents and needs of the students. In this context, there is a need to remain constantly alert and active. Appropriate changes should continue to take place based on experience. Empowering students should be the objective of such changes.

    The President said that a nation becomes strong and developed only on the strength of characterful, sensible and capable youth. In educational institutions, the character, prudence and capability of our young students are developed. She expressed confidence that the heads of institutions of higher learning would achieve the proud ideals of higher education and would present a bright future to the young children of Mother India.

    Click here to see the President’s speech

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to participate in Post-Budget Webinar on Employment on 5th March

    Source: Government of India (2)

    PM to participate in Post-Budget Webinar on Employment on 5th March

    Key themes: Investing in People, Economy, and Innovation

    Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 5:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the Post-Budget Webinar on Employment on 5th March, at around 1:30 PM via video conferencing. The key themes of the webinar include Investing in People, Economy, and Innovation. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

    Employment generation has been one of the key focus areas of the government. Driven by the vision of the Prime Minister, the government has taken multiple steps to promote job growth and generate greater avenues of employment. The webinar will foster collaboration among government, industry, academia, and citizens encouraging discussions to help translate the transformative Budget announcements towards the same into effective outcomes. With a key focus on empowering citizens, strengthening the economy, and fostering innovation, the deliberations will aim at paving the way for sustainable and inclusive growth; leadership in technology and other sectors; and a skilled, healthy workforce working towards realising the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

     

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