NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets and interacts with dignitaries at NXT Conclave

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 4:07PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with various dignitaries at the NXT Conclave in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. The list of dignitaries includes Mr. Carlos Montes, Prof. Jonathan Fleming, Dr. Ann Liebert, Prof. Vesselin Popovski, Dr. Brian Greene, Mr. Alec Ross, Mr. Oleg Artemyev and Mr. Mike Massimino.

    In separate posts on X, he wrote:

    “Interacted with Mr. Carlos Montes today at the NXT Conclave. He has made rich contributions to furthering social innovations. He has been appreciative of India’s strides in digital technology, FinTech and more.”

    “Met Prof. Jonathan Fleming, who is associated with the MIT Sloan School of Management. His work in life sciences, both in the public and private sectors, is exemplary. His passion for mentoring upcoming talent and innovation in this field is equally inspiring.”

    “Delighted to meet Dr. Ann Liebert. Her work in treating Parkinson’s disease is commendable and will ensure a better quality of life for several people in the times to come.”

    “It was a pleasure meeting Prof. Vesselin Popovski. He has done appreciable work in deepening the understanding of international relations and geo-politics in a rapidly changing world.”

    “Happy to meet Dr. Brian Greene, a leading academic with a strong passion towards physics and mathematics. His works are widely admired and will shape academic discourse in the coming times. @bgreene”

    “Pleased to meet Mr. Alec Ross today. He has made a mark as a prolific thinker and author, emphasising aspects relating to innovation and learning.”

    “Pleased to meet Mr. Oleg Artemyev, a leading Cosmonaut from Russia. He has been at the forefront of some of the most pioneering expeditions. His accomplishments will motivate many youngsters to shine in the world of science and space. @OlegMKS”

    “Delighted to meet the distinguished astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. His passion towards space and also making it popular among the youth are widely known. It is also commendable how he is working to promote learning and innovation. @Astro_Mike”

    *******

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2107253) Visitor Counter : 87

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at the Colloquium on ‘International Arbitration: Indian Perspective’ organised by India International Arbitration Centre (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 2:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Good Morning all of you,

    When Chairman, International Arbitration Centre of India extended invitation to me, I had a very frank, forthright thought exchange with him.

     I indicated to Justice Gupta that he has a daunting task to impart much needed credibility to the Indian arbitral system. I was so happy and delighted when he reflected that some step has to be taken. I still recall what he told me. Realistic assessment of a malice and authentic diagnosis is fundamental and quintessence to find a resolution. My response was not encouraging.

     Justice Gupta was insistent. I reacted. Justice Gupta, when UNCITRAL Model came in 1994, UK and India were two countries that had historical connect and had legislation in the same year-1996, but look at the kind of jolts our Act has had ever since then. And compare it with what happened in the United Kingdom, and therefore, to impart credibility and to undertake this very daunting task, there will have to be convergence of stakeholders.

     Those stakeholders are in the legislature, in the executive, in the judiciary, and in the bar. I am so happy and delighted that he has taken the first step, and in the process, though I may be blowing out of proportion, but for a country that is home to one-sixth of humanity, this may be that step which Neil Armstrong took on 20th of July, 1969, when man landed on the moon for the first time. So my best wishes to you.

    I continue to have my concerns and reservations that every inch you will traverse will be difficult. And therefore, my caveat to what the Attorney General reflected, we are not in the global room of arbitration. We are far distant from it. We have to go much beyond our words. Our convergence will have to be on realistic fabric.

     Each one of us will have to contribute, and when we’ll self-assess, we will find we have been in neglect, and therefore, Justice Gupta, I have known him for a very long time. He means business. I therefore compliment him for getting sponsors, Baker, McKinsey, Miss Samantha Mobley, Miss Minnie Van De Pol. Your presence matters because it was in late 90s I had the occasion to attend a conference in your organisation about the state of arbitral position.

     Our Attorney General is as much in law as in academics, and my expectations from him are always more. But I can tell you and share with you, my expectations from the Attorney General are realistic. And I am sure he would carry a message from this place that he will use his office to catalyse the change, particularly with respect to legislation that is ailing our arbitral process with painful interventions that evade finality and expedition.

     I am happy to greet your Secretary General, Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation, Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol. I recall vividly what happened in G20. It was Prime Minister Modi’s vision and he succeeded in getting African Union as a permanent member of G20. European Union was already a member. When we examine this development in historical perspective, we will realise the qualitative import of it.

     Added to this, an attorney was keenly involved with that process also to put on global radar the concerns of Global South. You were there in some conferences involving members of Judiciary in the past, and therefore, indeed, a good convergence, soothing convergence Asian-African aspect. This forum has brought together accomplished minds, but I find absence of some as impactful as presence of those who are here.

     I had expected there will be greater participation of those who are reaping the harvest, those who are occupying the century stage, who happen to be your peers. In a country like ours, change takes place only when we slightly depart from formality and talk straight. But I have no doubt that this step that has generated confidence and optimism in me and I would be certainly a soldier of your agenda that the deliberations would go a long way and I would urge let the deliberations not end with this colloquium.

     Let there be extension of brainstorming sessions between individuals. We have some of the finest minds here. When I look around, when I look at my friend senior advocate, Gaurav Bannerjee look at his lineage, how many times we have discussed passionately in mission mode and then rested because handholding has to be by government stakeholders. Handholding has to be by law. Handholding has to emanate from people whose pen matters, and therefore, Justice Gupta has taken a big challenge and every challenge has inbuilt potential opportunity.

     I have no doubt we will so convert. I need not underscore the relevance of arbitral process, its need, but in our country and I can say with modest exposure to global arbitral process, I think being in the International Court of Arbitration for about three years and associated with the commission of that outfit for about nine years. Here, we are not to regain credibility. We have to establish credibility of arbitration. There is a moment subterranean where people in commerce fear arbitral process and that has to be overcome. Arbitrators play as much critical role as members of the board associated with arbitral process.

     Surprisingly, there is, I’m saying it with utmost restraint, absolute tight-fist control of a segment of a category that is involved with arbitral process determination and this tight-fist control emanates out of judicial fields and if we examine it on an objective platform, it is excruciatingly painful. This country has a rich human resource in every facet, Oceanography, Maritime, Aviation, Infrastructure and what not and the disputes are relatable to the experience which is sectoral.

     Unfortunately, we have taken in this country a very myopic view of arbitration as if it is adjudication. It is much beyond adjudication. It is not conventional adjudication as historically evaluated globally. I am enthused in making these observations because Justice Gupta’s mind is stirred by these thoughts. With all my intent not to come here, I have to yield under the pressure of his determination. Now if any country needs smoothest of judicial process, it is India, and India needs it more than any other country for several reasons.

     And why? We are a country that is on the rise. The rise is unstoppable. The rise is incremental. Ladies and gentlemen, let me reflect on the state of the nation at the moment, and I do it on some authority because I had the occasion to be in Parliament in 1989, in seat of governance as a Minister, 1991. I therefore know what the scene was then and what the scene is now.

     Exponential economic upsurge that we are witnessing. India has transformed from 11th economy a decade ago to the 5th largest global economy on way to becoming the 3rd largest ahead of Japan and Germany very shortly.

     We have 8% growth heading towards 4 trillion economy US dollars. Get little away from it. Phenomenal infrastructure growth. Those who have been to this country a decade ago and now and this very place you can see how swiftly it came or Yashobhoomi, or Indian Parliament building newer even in the phase of COVID our Highways, our Aviation sector, our Space sector, our Deep sea sector. So we have phenomenal infrastructure growth. We have 4 new airports and 1 metro system built every year. Which country in the world can do it?

     Daily 14 km of highways and world class Highways and 6 km of Eailways. A nation of 1.4 billion has deep technological penetration. 85 million have been benefited with affordable housing. 330 million with health coverage and 29 million small businesses with loans annually.

    I am giving out these figures because they have rational and rational to the extent arbitral process is concerned. Where the nation is heading? We boast of lunar and mars missions, vaccine productions, we are focussing on Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, green Hydrogen Mission. We are in single digit countries least that is focussing on artificial intelligence. We are one of the few countries in the world that is on way to exploitation of 6G commercially. And look at our spread of 4G all over the country. Every village has it. And therefore, we have all pervasive digitisation. 6.1 billion monthly digital transactions.

     Third largest global ecosystem and the largest Unicorn–Well spread out. People centric policies. Toilet in the house, gas connection in the house, electricity connection in the house, internet connection in the house, road connection, everything is there. And therefore, this development of a decade has converted India as the most aspirational nation in the world. People are now rest even in restlessness. They want more. They want more because they have tasted development. They have benefited from people centric policies. All this can come up only with the surge in economic activity. And every economic activity will have differences, disputes, requiring quick solutions.

     Sometimes, disputes and differences arise on account of perceptional variations, inadequate support, or helplessness. In this situation, it is very significant that we focus on adjudication. Now is the time when India is emerging in every field globally. Why not India should emerge as a global dispute resolution centre? If I reflect to myself and I enormously benefited by my stay as a member in the International Court of Arbitration.

     What do they have which we don’t? Their infrastructure is hardly comparable to what we have. There are cultural centres where arbitrators can really engage. Go to Kolkata, go to Jaipur, go to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, any part, get away from the metro then you’ll have. I have seen in 10 years growth of arbitral centres with credibility in Dubai and Singapore on self-assessment without fear of contradiction. For this reason, I can say we are nowhere.

     We are not in the mind of people who are having commercial relationship with us if it is international commercial arbitration. There was a time when this country had for the first time a power purchase agreement. My friend Gaurav Banerjee will bear me out. The agreement was settled by a law firm outside the country, but Justice Gupta, it provided for tariff on three terms. One tariff was A, if arbitration is in India as per Indian law, then the tariff will be cheaper by A minus 1. If the arbitration is in India but not according to Indian law. It will still be cheaper if the arbitration was outside India and under outside legal regime. That we have to change, and this finds reflection in power purchase agreement of UNRWA.

     We when are particularly suited naturally, culturally and otherwise the richest human resource on the globe with highest adaptability of Indian mind to highly skilled required techniques and that is why you will find formal economy taking place on account of digital transactions, therefore, time for us to get into a groove to be part of the marathon march that is taking place in the country for India to be a developed nation and India is no longer a country with potential and developed nation status is not our dream it is our destination, and all world organisations that in ‘90 when I was a part of the government were absolutely on us are accolading us global centre favourite centre of Investment and opportunity– International Monetary Fund says World Bank has applauded us that our digitisation accomplished in about six years is not otherwise attainable even in more than four decades we have done it.

     And therefore we will have to go to certain basics I can suggest some, A Former Chief Justice of this country, I am not concerned about the legacy left or the footprints, the nature of which he left but he did make an observation process has become old boys club he was referring to retired judges participation arbitral process.

     I should not be misunderstood even for a moment retired judges of this country are an asset to arbitral process they lend credibility to us. I know some of the former Chief Justices and Judges being absolutely appreciated globally for international commercial arbitration – Justice Lodha, Justice Thakur.

     Let me tell you amazing all of the judges justice everyone is doing I am not for a moment saying keep away from them, No!

     But there are areas where the arbitral tribal needs to be supplemented by experts in the field of Oceanography in Aviation in Infrastructure our judges are perhaps the best in the world. They apply mind, and therefore not for a moment, I should be misunderstood. I do not share the observation of the former Chief justice of old boys’ club. Justice Gupta is immediately suited going by his passion and commitment for bringing about a big change, but I am taking a critic’s view and critic’s view is that the Attorney General of the country can really reflect and make a big change this country in the world tell me has suo-moto cognisance by the highest court.

     I am sure I can’t look around, and Article 136 intervention was supposed to be a narrow slit. The wall has been demolished with anything and everything under the sun including what a Magistrate has to do, What a Sessions Judge as to do, what a District Judge has to do, what a High Court judge has to do, that wall demolition is also hurting Arbitral process.

     All I am suggesting in all humility and a concerned citizen of this country that the issue which you are debating is of critical importance to Micro-small industries they want facile easy arbitral process. For want of time I would not be able to say all I wish to say, and since I have shared my thoughts in private with Justice Gupta, I would concludingly sum up.

     Let us navigate because it is time for us to navigate step by step from alternative resolution to amicable resolution. Why should it be alternative it must be first option why should it be substitute to litigation so amicable resolution from dispute resolution to difference resolution why do we label it, dispute these are differences these are differences because a new person has taken to a particular enterprise in Make in India, he has engaged in a startup. there is some difference this difference he wants to iron out because he is not all in all.

     He can’t have various departments and therefore, let us convert it from dispute resolution to difference resolution and then why resolution? Why not make it from resolution to settlement and why look for judicially enforceable package of Awards. Let us get into consensual convergence.

     All these in my modest assessment will secure commercial partnerships. They will not break partnerships. They will nurture partnerships in commerce, business, trade and industry they will ensure their blossoming. This will augur well for the economic growth and this will also place us in the global arbitration room where presently we are far distanced.

     At the moment, ladies and gentlemen, I have no doubt, let me make my mind clear in a concluding sentence: the arbitral process in our country is just an additional burden to the normal hierarchical mechanism of adjudication. I am grateful to the opportunity accorded to me by Justice Gupta. I wish him good luck and I stand committed to be at your disposal in any manner you feel appropriate or expedient.

    Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for your time and patience.

    ******

    (Release ID: 2107228) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the post-budget webinar on agriculture and rural prosperity

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the post-budget webinar on agriculture and rural prosperity

    Our resolve to move towards the goal of Viksit Bharat is very clear: PM

    Together we are working towards building an India where farmers are prosperous and empowered: PM

    We have considered agriculture as the first engine of development, giving farmers a place of pride: PM

    We are working towards two big goals simultaneously – development of agriculture sector and prosperity of our villages: PM

    We have announced ‘PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ in the budget, under this, focus will be on the development of 100 districts with the lowest agricultural productivity in the country: PM

    Today people have become very aware about nutrition; therefore, in view of the increasing demand for horticulture, dairy and fishery products, a lot of investment has been made in these sectors; Many programs are being run to increase the production of fruits and vegetables: PM

    We have announced the formation of Makhana Board in Bihar: PM

    Our government is committed to making the rural economy prosperous: PM

    Under the PM Awas Yojana-Gramin, crores of poor people are being given houses, the ownership scheme has given ‘Record of Rights’ to property owners: PM

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the post-budget webinar on agriculture and rural prosperity today via video-conferencing. Emphasizing the importance of participation in the post-budget webinar, the Prime Minister thanked everyone for joining the program and highlighted that this year’s budget is the first full budget of the Government’s third term, showcasing continuity in policies and a new expansion of the vision for Viksit Bharat. He acknowledged the valuable inputs and suggestions from all stakeholders before the budget, which were very helpful. He stressed that the role of stakeholders has become even more crucial in making this budget more effective.

    “Our resolve towards the goal of Viksit Bharat is very clear and together, we are building an India where farmers are prosperous and empowered”, exclaimed Shri Modi and highlighted that the effort is to ensure no farmer is left behind and to advance every farmer. He stated that agriculture is considered the first engine of development, giving farmers a place of pride. “India is simultaneously working towards two major goals: the development of the agriculture sector and the prosperity of villages”, he mentioned.

    Shri Modi highlighted that the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, implemented six years ago, has provided nearly ₹3.75 lakh crore to farmers and the amount has been directly transferred to the accounts of 11 crore farmers. He emphasized that the annual financial assistance of ₹6,000 is strengthening the rural economy. He mentioned that a farmer-centric digital infrastructure has been created to ensure the benefits of this scheme reach farmers across the country, eliminating any scope for intermediaries or leakages. The Prime Minister remarked that the success of such schemes is possible with the support of experts and visionary individuals. He appreciated their contributions, stating that any scheme can be implemented with full strength and transparency with their help. He expressed his appreciation for their efforts and mentioned that the Government is now working swiftly to implement the announcements made in this year’s budget, seeking their continued cooperation.

    Underlining that India’s agricultural production has reached record levels, the Prime Minister said that 10-11 years ago, agricultural production was around 265 million tons, which has now increased to over 330 million tons. Similarly, horticultural production has exceeded 350 million tons. He attributed this success to the Government’s approach from seed to market, agricultural reforms, farmer empowerment, and a strong value chain. Shri Modi emphasized the need to fully utilize the country’s agricultural potential and achieve even bigger targets. In this direction, the budget has announced the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, focusing on the development of the 100 least productive agricultural districts, he added. The Prime Minister mentioned the positive results seen from the Aspirational Districts program on various development parameters, benefiting from collaboration, convergence, and healthy competition. He urged everyone to study the outcomes from these districts and apply the learnings to advance the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, which will help increase farmers’ income in these 100 districts.

    Prime Minister underscored that efforts in recent years have increased the country’s pulse production, however, 20 percent of domestic consumption still relies on imports, necessitating an increase in pulse production. Heremarked that while India has achieved self-sufficiency in chickpeas and mung, there is a need to accelerate the production of pigeon peas, black gram, and lentils. To boost pulse production, it is essential to maintain the supply of advanced seeds and promote hybrid varieties, he stated, stressing on the need to focus on addressing challenges such as climate change, market uncertainty, and price fluctuations.

    Pointing out that in the past decade, ICAR has utilized modern tools and cutting-edge technologies in its breeding program, and as a result, over 2,900 new varieties of crops, including grains, oilseeds, pulses, fodder, and sugarcane, have been developed between 2014 and 2024, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure that these new varieties are available to farmers at affordable rates and that their produce is not affected by weather fluctuations. He mentioned the announcement of a national mission for high-yield seeds in this year’s budget. He urged private sector participants to focus on the dissemination of these seeds, ensuring they reach small farmers by becoming part of the seed chain.

    Shri Modi remarked that there was a growing awareness about nutrition among people today and underscored that significant investments have been made in sectors such as horticulture, dairy, and fishery products to meet the increasing demand. He mentioned that various programs were being implemented to boost the production of fruits and vegetables, and the formation of the Makhana Board in Bihar has been announced. He urged all stakeholders to explore new ways to promote diverse nutritional foods, ensuring their reach to every corner of the country and the global market.

    Recalling the launch of the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana in 2019, aimed at strengthening the value chain, infrastructure, and modernization of the fisheries sector, the Prime Minister stated that this initiative had improved production, productivity, and post-harvest management in the fisheries sector, while the investments in this sector had increased through various schemes, resulting in a doubling of fish production and exports. He underlined the need to promote sustainable fishing in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and open seas, and a plan will be prepared for this purpose. Shri Modi urged stakeholders to brainstorm ideas to promote ease of doing business in this sector and start working on them as soon as possible. He also stressed the importance of protecting the interests of traditional fishermen.

    “Our Government is committed to enriching the rural economy”, said the Prime Minister and highlighted that under the PM Awas Yojana-Gramin, crores of poor people are being provided with homes, and the Swamitva Yojana has given property owners ‘Record of Rights.’ He mentioned that the economic strength of self-help groups has increased, and they have received additional support. He noted that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has benefited small farmers and businesses. Reiterating the goal to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, while efforts have already resulted in 1.25 crore women becoming Lakhpati Didis, Shri Modi emphasized that the announcements in this budget for rural prosperity and development programs have created numerous new employment opportunities. Investments in skilling and technology are generating new opportunities, he added. The Prime Minister urged everyone to discuss how to make the ongoing schemes more effective. He expressed confidence that positive results will be achieved with their suggestions and contributions. He concluded by stating that active participation from everyone will empower villages and enrich rural families. He expressed confidence that the webinar will help ensure swift implementation of the schemes of the budget. He urged all the stakeholders involved to work in unison to achieve the targets of the budget.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2107215) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurates the week long celebrations of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 by flagging off vehicles carrying the information about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurates the week long celebrations of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 by flagging off vehicles carrying the information about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in New Delhi today

    Let us create a Jan-Andolan for Janaushdahi: Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda

    PMBJP has led to total savings of approx. Rs.30,000 crores for the citizens during the past 10 years

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 1:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the weeklong celebrations of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 by flagging off the Rath (Chariot) and 10 other vehicles carrying the information about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana from Nirman Bhawan today. Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Ms. Anupriya Patel and Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Shri Amit Agrawal were also present on the occasion.

     

    Addressing the gathering during the flag off ceremony Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda urged the citizens of the country to participate in these programs for wider awareness about this noble project of the Government so that a Jan-Andolan is created for Jan-Aushadhi.

    Ms. Anupriya Patel also addressed the gathering and gave a brief about seven days week long programs to be held across the country for celebration of 7thJan Aushadhi Diwas.

    At the initiative of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the 7thof March is celebrated every year as “Jan Aushadhi Diwas” with a view to enhance awareness about the scheme and promote generic medicines.  As in earlier years, week-long events have been planned at various locations across the country from the 1st to the 7th of March 2025. The vehicles that have been flagged off today will disseminate the information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR).

    With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Under this scheme, dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are opened to provide generic medicines.

    As on 28.02.2025, 15000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened across the country. Product basket of PMBJP comprises 2047 drugs and 300 surgical equipment which are sold at retail shops at 50% to 80% cheaper than branded medicines.

    Under PMBJP, the government has set a target to open 25000 JAKs by 31st March, 2027 across the country. The target of opening 15000 JAKs by March, 2025 has already been achieved by PMBI on 31.01.2025.

    In order to cover large category of medicines, 29 Major Therapeutic Groups like Antibiotics & Anti-infectives, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Diabetics, Cardiovascular Drugs, Analgesics and Antipyretic, Anti-Allergic, Gastro-Intestinal Agents, Vitamins & Minerals, Food supplements/Nutraceuticals, Topical Medicines etc have been covered in PMBJP basket. Further, 300 Surgical Equipment & Consumable like Masks, Orthopedic Rehabilitation Products, Surgical Dressings, Syringes & Needles, Sanitary Napkins, Sutures, Diapers, Rubber Gloves, Oximeter, Rapid Antigen Test Kit, etc have also been covered under PMBJP basket.

    In the financial year i.e., 2023-24, PMBJP has made sales of Rs. 1470 Crore (at MRP) which has led to savings of approximately Rs. 7350 Cr. to the citizens. In the current financial year i.e., 2024-25, PMBJP has made sales of Rs. 1760 Crore (at MRP) till 28.02.2025. In the last 10 years, the no. of Kendras have increased by 180 times and the sales have also increased more than 200 times. In all, during the past 10 years, total savings of approximately Rs. 30,000 crores for the citizens have been possible due to this noble scheme.

     *****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2107206) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 88th Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates key Infrastructure projects

    Source: Government of India

    88th Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates key Infrastructure projects

    NPG evaluates Road, Railway, Information Technology and Metro Projects

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 11:29AM by PIB Delhi

    The 88th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), chaired by Shri E. Srinivas, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), convened today to evaluate infrastructure projects in the Road, Railway, InformationTechnology and Metro sectors. The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

    The NPG evaluated eleven projects (7- Road, 2- Railway, 1- InformationTechnology and 1- Metro) for their conformity to the PM GatiShakti principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes and intermodal coordination. These initiatives are expected to boost logistical efficiency, reduce travel times, and deliver significant socio-economic benefits across regions. The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

    Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

     

    4 lane NH from Kishanganj – Bahadurganj

    The 4-Lane NH from Kishanganj-Bahadurganj Road Project is a Greenfield development with alignment length of 23.649 km in Kishanganj, Bihar. The road will connect NH-27 and NH-327E, enhancing regional mobility, reducing congestion and enhance trade connectivity between Bihar and West Bengal. The project includes flyovers, major bridges, service roads and underpasses to ensure smooth vehicular movement and improved accessibility.

     

    Greenfield Regional Expressway  from Girmapur village (on NH-65) in Sangareddy district to Choutuppal (on NH-65)

    The Northern Portion of Hyderabad Regional Ring Road Expressway is a Greenfield expressway project under Bharatmala Pariyojana. It aims to develop a 158.64 km long 4-lane access-controlled expressway connecting Girmapur village (on NH-65) in Sangareddy district to Choutuppal (on NH-65) in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, passing through Sangareddy, Medak, Siddipet and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts in Telangana. It is designed to provide a high-speed corridor with grade separators, interchanges. Additionally, it will facilitate better linkages to key economic nodes, including SEZs, mega food parks, pharma hubs and textile clusters.

    4 lane Access Controlled Sirhind – Sehna section

     

    The project includes development of the four-lane access-controlled Sirhind-Sehna section of NH-205AG as part of the Mohali-Barnala Inter Corridor Route in Punjab. The project has alignment length of 106.92 km. The project is a key component of the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, providing an alternative to congested urban roadways and linking critical expressways such as the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor.

     

    Six Lane Connectivity to Visakhapatnam Port Road (Sabbavaram to Sheelanagar Junction)

     

    The proposed project consists of development of a six-lane connectivity road from Sabbavaram to Sheelanagar Junction in Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh, under Bharatmala Pariyojana. The project with length of 12.66 km, is designed to ease congestion on NH-16 by providing a dedicated corridor for port-bound traffic, thereby reducing interference with local commuters in Visakhapatnam city. The Greenfield corridor (97%) will ensure efficient cargo evacuation and improve overall logistical operations for Visakhapatnam Port.

     

    Jaipur Northern Ring Road

     

    The proposed greenfield project is aligned outside the urban core of Jaipur, connecting key corridors including Ajmer Road, Agra Road and the Jaipur Bandikui Spur. This ring road will alleviate traffic congestion in the northwest region of the city by diverting heavy commercial traffic from NH-48 and NH-52. Additionally, the design incorporates major and minor bridges, toll plazas and service roads, augmenting connectivity enhancements for both residents and businesses.

     

    Upgradation to two lane with paved shoulder from Limbdi to Dhrangadhra

    The proposed project includes upgradation of the Limbdi- Dhrangadhra section of NH-51 in Gujarat to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders. This Brownfield project with Greenfield bypasses and realignments spans 62.822 km in Surendranagar district and aims to enhance connectivity between the Saurashtra and Kachchh regions. The corridor links key highways, namely Ahmedabad- Viramgam-Maliya (SH-7) and Ahmedabad-Rajkot (NH-47).

     

    6 Lane Zirakpur Bypass including 3 level interchange at both ends

     

    The proposed Zirakpur Bypass is a 6-lane highway project that will connect NH-7 (Zirakpur-Patiala) and NH-5 (Zirakpur-Parwanoo), spanning 19.2 km across Punjab and Haryana. The project aims to alleviate heavy congestion in Zirakpur, Panchkula and surrounding areas. The bypass will include three-level interchanges at both ends, multiple culverts, vehicular overpasses and underpasses, ensuring smooth traffic flow.

     

    Ministry of Railways (MoR)

     

    New BG Line from Bhagalpur to Jamalpur

     

    The New Broad Gauge (BG) Line from Bhagalpur to Jamalpur (52.810 km) is a brownfield project. The project aims to enhance railway capacity and connectivity in Bihar’s Bhagalpur and Munger districts. The project will connect Bhagalpur, Sultanganj and Jamalpur, facilitating efficient freight and passenger movement while reducing congestion on existing railway lines.

     

    Doubling line between Aurangabad-Parbhani stations

     

    The Proposed Doubling of the Aurangabad-Parbhani Railway Line (177.29 km) is a brownfield expansion project. The project aims to decongest the Vijayawada-Balharshah (HDN) and Secunderabad-Mumbai corridors, providing an efficient alternative for freight and passenger movement. The line runs through Aurangabad, Jalna and Parbhani districts in Maharashtra, benefiting industries, tourism and trade in the region.

     

    Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

     

    National Knowledge Network Phase – II

     

    The National Knowledge Network (NKN) Phase-II is an advanced high-speed network initiative by the Government of India, aimed at strengthening the backbone of national research, education and e-Governance infrastructure. The network facilitates seamless connectivity for research institutions, universities and government departments, ensuring uninterrupted access to data resources and digital platforms.

     

    Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

     

    Metro Project- GIFT City to GIFT

     

    GIFT City Metro Corridor, having length of 7.585 km and to be implemented in two phases, is designed to enhance urban mobility for the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gujarat. This will yield significant socio-economic benefits such as reduced travel time, lower fuel consumption and a substantial drop in vehicular emissions and accidents.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2107181) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Towards a Fit and Healthy India: Combating Obesity Through Collective Action

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 10:41AM by PIB Delhi

    “By making small changes in our food habits, we can make our future stronger, fitter and disease-free.”

    • Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi

     

    Introduction

    Obesity has become a major public health challenge in India, affecting people across all age groups and increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Driven by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors, obesity is rising at an alarming rate, impacting both urban and rural populations. The shift towards processed foods, reduced physical activity, and lifestyle changes has further contributed to this growing crisis.

     

    Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent Mann Ki Baat address, emphasized the need for nationwide awareness and collective action to reduce obesity, particularly through lower edible oil consumption. He nominated prominent individuals across India to lead an awareness movement. This call for collective action highlights the importance of tackling obesity at both individual and community levels, reinforcing the need for a fitter and healthier India. The Government of India has launched several initiatives, including the Fit India Movement, NP-NCD, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Eat Right India, and Khelo India, to promote healthier lifestyles, better nutrition, and physical activity. These programs aim to encourage long-term behavioural change, ensuring a healthier future for all. As India moves towards Amrit Kaal, a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is being adopted to tackle obesity through policy reforms, community engagement, and regulatory measures. Strengthening public health systems, promoting sustainable food habits, and increasing awareness are key to reversing this trend and safeguarding future generations from obesity-related health risks.

    Understanding Obesity: Definition and Causes

    What is Obesity?

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. The commonly used metric to classify obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 25 or above is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese. In India, a person is considered overweight if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 23.0 and 24.9 kg/m², and obese if their BMI is 25 kg/m² or higher. Morbid obesity occurs when a person’s BMI is 35 or more.

    What is BMI?

    Body Mass Index (BMI), previously known as the Quetelet index, is a simple way to check if an adult has a healthy weight. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (kg/m²). To find BMI, take a person’s weight (kg) and divide it by their height (m) squared.

    Healthy BMI Range
    A normal BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

    Global Statistics

    The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been rising steadily among both adults and children worldwide. Between 1990 and 2022, the percentage of children and adolescents (aged 5–19 years) with obesity increased fourfold, from 2% to 8%. During the same period, the proportion of adults (aged 18 and older) with obesity more than doubled, rising from 7% to 16%.

    India’s Obesity Statistics

    • As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), overall, 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are overweight or obese
    • As per the NFHS-5, (2019-2021) in the category of ages 15-49 years, 6.4 % of women and 4.0 % of men, are obese.
    • There has also been an increase in the percentage of children under 5 years who are overweight (weight-for-height) from 2.1 percent in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 3.4 percent in NFHS-5 (2019-21) at All-India level.

    Key Factors Driving the Rise of Obesity in India

    Government of India’s Strategic Framework for Obesity Prevention

    Policy Innovations and Measurable Outcomes

     

    Recognizing obesity as a critical public health concern, the Government of India has launched comprehensive, multi-pronged initiatives to prevent, manage, and reduce obesity at all levels. The interventions are strategically designed by multiple ministries to promote a holistic approach that integrates health, nutrition, physical activity, food safety, and lifestyle modifications. These efforts can be categorized under the following key intervention areas:

     

    1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) – Strengthening Public Health Responses

    1.1 National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) 

    In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause 63% of all deaths, according to WHO’s 2018 – NCD India profile. The leading causes are cardiovascular diseases (27%), followed by chronic respiratory diseases (11%), cancers (9%), diabetes (3%), and other conditions, including obesity (13%).

    Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases are largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors, including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. Air pollution further increases the risk. These factors contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and raised cholesterol levels, all of which significantly increase the likelihood of developing NCDs. Since many of these risk factors are preventable, addressing obesity and unhealthy habits can play a crucial role in reducing the burden of NCDs.

    The Department of Health and Family Welfare under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) (NP-NCD) through the National Health Mission (NHM), aims to promote health through behaviour change by engaging communities, civil society, media, and development partners. It focuses on screening, early diagnosis, management, referral, and follow-up at all healthcare levels to ensure continuous care. The program also strengthens the capacity of healthcare providers for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, awareness (IEC/BCC), monitoring, and research. Additionally, it enhances supply chain management for essential drugs, equipment, and logistics while ensuring effective supervision, evaluation, and nationwide implementation through a uniform ICT system.

    Mortality due to Non Communicable Diseases in India

    Key Components

    • Facilities Established Under NPCDCS – 682 District NCD Clinics, 191 District Cardiac Care Units, 5,408 CHC NCD Clinics. 
    • Preventive Care & Awareness – Implemented through Ayushman Bharat HWCs with wellness activities & community outreach.

    2. Ministry of AYUSH: Promoting Traditional & Holistic Wellness Practices

    The Ministry of Ayush has implemented several initiatives to address obesity and promote effective weight management through Ayurveda:

     

    1. Specialized Ayurvedic Care: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi offers specialized treatments for obesity and related lifestyle disorders. These treatments combine Panchakarma therapies, Ayurvedic medications, personalized dietary guidelines, and yoga therapy. To date, approximately 45,000 patients with diabetes and metabolic disorders have benefited from these services.

     

    1. Research and Evidence Generation: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) conducts research to validate the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions for lifestyle disorders, including obesity. Studies have demonstrated that practices such as Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Ahara (dietary guidelines), and Yoga are effective in maintaining overall health and preventing conditions like obesity.
    2. Ayurswasthya Yojana: This Central Sector Scheme, operational since FY 2021-22, includes the ‘Ayush and Public Health’ component aimed at promoting AYUSH interventions in community healthcare. The scheme supports projects focused on managing lifestyle disorders and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with 11 projects currently addressing issues such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
    3. Collaborative Research Efforts: The Ministry has partnered with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to enhance scientific research in Ayurveda. This collaboration focuses on developing and implementing research programs that integrate traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern science, particularly in managing lifestyle disorders like obesity.

    Through these comprehensive measures, the Ministry of Ayush is actively contributing to the prevention and management of obesity, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being.

     

    3. Ministry of Women and Child Development:

    POSHAN Abhiyaan : Preventing Childhood Obesity

     

    POSHAN Abhiyaan, launched on 8th March 2018, is the Government of India’s flagship initiative for holistic nourishment. It aims to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers by fostering a convergent ecosystem that enhances nutrition content, delivery, and awareness to combat malnutrition and promote overall wellness.

     

     

    Key Components of POSHAN Abhiyaan & Poshan 2.0

     

    POSHAN Abhiyaan adopts a holistic approach to tackle malnutrition through technology-driven monitoring, multi-ministerial collaboration, and community engagement under the Jan Andolan Movement. It promotes Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-Gardens) for homegrown nutrition, strengthens Anganwadi services and adolescent health under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 (2021), and integrates AYUSH-based wellness practices. The program emphasizes maternal and child nutrition, dietary diversity, and food fortification, encouraging millet consumption and nutrient-rich diets to combat anemia and deficiencies.

     

    4. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports: Fostering a Culture of Physical Fitness

    4.1 Fit India Movement: A Mass Fitness Revolution 

    • Launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019, the Fit India Movement promotes active lifestyles and encourages individuals to incorporate fitness into daily routines.
    • Key Components:
      • Fit India School Certification for schools incorporating physical activity in their curriculum.
      • Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative promoting cycling and walking in urban spaces 

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated the ‘Fit India Cycling Drive’

    • Community-led fitness programs such as mass yoga sessions, running clubs, and workplace fitness challenges.

    4.2 Khelo India Programme: Building an Active Generation

    The Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports was launched in 2016-17 to promote sports participation at all levels, from schools to elite competitions, by fostering a culture of athletic excellence across the country. It focuses on providing top-notch training and world-class infrastructure to young athletes, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to excel in their respective sports. The scheme ensures equal sports opportunities across rural and urban India.

     

    Major Achievements:

    5. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Regulating Food for Public Health

    5.1 Eat Right India Movement (FSSAI): Reforming Food Choices for a Healthier Future 

    The Eat Right India movement, initiated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), encompasses several key initiatives aimed at ensuring safe, healthy, and sustainable food for all. Below are the primary initiatives:

    Key Initiatives of Eat Right India

     

    Supply-Side Initiatives:

    • Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC): The Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) certificate is issued by FSSAI, certifying food safety supervisors in every food business.
    • Certification Programs: Ensures hygiene in street food hubs, markets, stations, and places of worship.
    • Hygiene Rating: Rates restaurants, catering services, sweet shops, and meat vendors on hygiene standards.

     

    Demand-Side Initiatives:

    • Consumer Awareness: Promotes food safety through Eat Right Campus & Eat Right School programs.
    • Adulteration Detection: Provides DART Book & Magic Box for home and school food testing.

     

    Food Safety DART Book – The Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test (DART) booklet provides over 50 easy household tests to detect food adulteration using simple solutions. Freely downloadable for public awareness, it cannot be used for commercial purposes or imply FSSAI endorsement.

     

    Food Safety Magic Box – FSSAI’s Food Safety Magic Box-Companion Book is a learning tool for schools, teachers, and parents, featuring 102 simple tests to detect food adulterants, along with a companion guidebook.

     

             FOOD SAFETY-MAGIC BOX                                    FOOD SAFETY – DART BOOK

     

    • Mobile Testing: Deploys Food Safety on Wheels for remote-area testing & training.
    • Food Fortification: Promotes fortified staples to tackle micronutrient deficiencies.

    The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a pivotal role in guiding public dietary choices and regulating food safety standards to combat obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.

    5.2 Nationwide Awareness Campaign – ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’
    To encourage healthier eating habits, FSSAI launched the ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ campaign, urging consumers to gradually reduce their intake of fat, sugar, and salt. This multimedia campaign includes:

    • Short educational videos with subtitles in 12 languages to reach a diverse audience.
      1. Flyers, banners, and audio clips reinforcing the message of mindful eating.
      2. A dedicated ‘Eat Right India’ website, offering valuable resources for making informed dietary changes.

     

     

    5.3 Regulating High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) Foods
    FSSAI, in collaboration with the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), has recommended mandatory labeling of High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) foods. This initiative aims to:

    1. Ensure clear front-of-pack labeling on ready-to-eat foods.
    2. Help consumers make informed choices and moderate their intake of unhealthy foods.

    5.4 Multi-Platform Public Awareness Initiatives
    The Government, with FSSAI’s leadership, has been actively spreading awareness through:

    a. Print, electronic, and social media campaigns educating the public on healthier food choices.

    b. Integration with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), which supports state-level awareness activities on obesity prevention and healthy living.

    5.5 RUCO Initiative

    FSSAI’s RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) initiative ensures that used cooking oil is not re-entered into the food chain but is safely repurposed. When oil is repeatedly used for frying, harmful Total Polar Compounds (TPC) form, increasing the risk of diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and liver disorders. To protect public health, FSSAI has set a 25% TPC limit beyond which oil must not be used. Under the EEE Strategy (Education, Enforcement, Ecosystem), used cooking oil is collected by aggregators from food businesses and redirected for biodiesel or soap production, promoting health, energy security, and environmental sustainability.  

    Conclusion

     

    Obesity is a pressing public health challenge in India, but the nation is actively addressing it through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has launched strategic interventions integrating health, nutrition, fitness, and regulatory measures. Initiatives such as the Fit India Movement, NP-NCD, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Eat Right India, and Khelo India are fostering a culture of health consciousness, preventive care, and active living. As India moves towards Amrit Kaal, the vision of a Fit and Healthy India is becoming a reality. With sustained commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and active citizen participation, the country is well-positioned to reverse obesity trends and safeguard future generations. By prioritizing awareness, lifestyle changes, and policy-driven action, India can set a global example in tackling obesity—building a nation that thrives on wellness, vitality, and holistic well-being.

     

    References

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2105618&reg=3&lang=1

    · https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1

    · https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/a-healthy-lifestyle—who-recommendations#:~:text=Note.,osteoarthritis%2C%20some%20cancers%20and%20diabetes.

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1823047

    · https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/1712/AU3780.pdf?source=pqals – LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3780

    · https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Obesity-English.pdf

    · https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/NP-NCD%20Operational%20Guidelines_0.pdf

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1812388

    · https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/267/AU168_aJuwFy.pdf?source=pqars – RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 168

    · https://x.com/moayush/status/1771778688310210809/photo/1

    · https://www.mygov.in/campaigns/poshan-abhiyaan-2024/

    · https://x.com/PIBWCD/status/1702599507563946219

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1910409

    · https://fitindia.gov.in/

    · https://fitindia.gov.in/fit-india-school-registration

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105644

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2085581

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2078544

    · https://x.com/kheloindia/header_photo

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1740750

    · https://eatrightindia.gov.in/eri-initiatives.jsp

    · https://foodsafetystandard.in/eat-right-india/

    · https://eatrightindia.gov.in/eri-initiatives.jsp

    · https://foodsafetystandard.in/eat-right-india/

    · https://www.fssai.gov.in/book-details.php?bkid=363

    · https://www.fssai.gov.in/book-details.php?bkid=346

    · https://eatrightindia.gov.in/eatrightschool/assets/resource/file/fs_magicbox.pdf

    · https://eatrightindia.gov.in/EatRightIndia/images/gallery/books/aaj_se_thoda_kam.jpg

    · https://westregion.fssai.gov.in/RUCO.php

    · https://eatrightindia.gov.in/ruco/

    Click here to download PDF

    ******

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2107179) Visitor Counter : 96

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore ETO holds first Chinese New Year dinner in Vietnam to promote closer relationship (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Singapore ETO holds first Chinese New Year dinner in Vietnam to promote closer relationship (with photos)
    Singapore ETO holds first Chinese New Year dinner in Vietnam to promote closer relationship (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) hosted the first Chinese New Year dinner in Vietnam at Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) yesterday (February 28), taking the opportunity to celebrate the new year and the Singapore ETO’s 30th anniversary with the rapidly growing Vietnamese partners and counterparts.           Jointly organised with the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV), the dinner welcomed about 200 guests, including the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in HCMC, Mr Wei Huaxiang; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Foreign Affairs in HCMC, Mr Tran Xuan Thuy; the Deputy Chief of Office of the People’s Committee of District 1 of HCMC, Mr Mac Hong Linh; the Chairman of the HKBAV, Mr Michael Chiu; the Director of Indochina of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Tina Phan; and representatives from government and business sectors, chambers of commerce, Hong Kong communities in Vietnam, etc.           Speaking at the dinner, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, recapped the multi-front work and achievements of Hong Kong and Vietnam collaboration efforts. Last summer, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the then Vietnam President and the present General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Vietnam Central Committee, Mr To Lam, during his official visit to Hanoi and HCMC with a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation. Meanwhile, the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Hoa Binh, visited Hong Kong last September to attend the Belt and Road Summit.           On business and trade relations, Mr Fung mentioned that Vietnam had become Hong Kong’s sixth-largest merchandise trading partner in 2024, with a total trade volume increasing by 26 per cent from 2023. With regard to foreign direct investment (FDI), Hong Kong investors have had a keen interest in the Vietnamese market for years. On an accumulated basis, Hong Kong is one of Vietnam’s top five largest FDI investors in areas such as manufacturing, real estate, retail, logistics, infrastructure, etc. In addition to other positive developments, as in tourism and education, the relations of the two places could reach a new level in the imminent future.           During the dinner, the Singapore ETO also introduced to guests the grand opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong history, in the evening of March 1. The cultural performances presented including lion dance, playing of Chinese and Vietnamese songs by a live band using traditional music instruments, and jamming of Cantonese and Vietnamese songs by a local singer.           Mr Fung concluded that Hong Kong has unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, serving as a gateway between Mainland China and global markets, with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a key focus for collaboration. The Singapore ETO, celebrating its 30th anniversary, will continue to relentlessly enhance bilateral relations and provide help to enterprises and businesses to enter and expand in Hong Kong and take a proactive role to help enterprises and businesses in Hong Kong and the GBA go abroad. Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will certainly be a priority destination.

     
    Ends/Saturday, March 1, 2025Issued at HKT 10:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Nine more arrested in PNG for brutal kidnap, rape and murder of woman

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    Content warning: This story discusses rape and violence.

    Police in Papua New Guinea have arrested nine more men in connection with the rape and murder of a Port Moresby woman.

    The arrests, announced by Police Commissioner David Manning, follow a two-week investigation supported by forensic experts from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

    Margaret Gabriel, 32, was abducted from her home at Port Moresby’s Watermark Estate by more than 20 armed men. She was was later raped and murdered.

    The attack sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for stronger protections for women and faster justice in gender-based violence cases.

    Commissioner Manning confirmed the suspects were apprehended on February 27 and subjected to DNA and fingerprint testing.

    “DNA evidence and fingerprints are conclusive forensic evidence and afford irrefutable evidence to ensure convictions in a court of law,” he said.

    The nine men join three others already in custody, though police have not clarified their specific roles in the crime.

    Forensic analysis
    AFP forensic specialists from Canberra assisted PNG’s Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in analysing evidence.

    Manning praised the collaboration, saying it underscored the integration of these advanced investigative techniques into PNG’s investigations is strengthening the cases put before the court.

    Gender-based violence remains pervasive in PNG, with a 2023 UN report noting that more than two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetimes.

    Limited forensic resources and slow judicial processes have historically hampered prosecutions.

    Police increasingly rely on international partnerships, including a longstanding forensics programme with Australia, to address these gaps.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: ING acquires stake in Van Lanschot Kempen

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ING acquires stake in Van Lanschot Kempen

    ING announced today that it has reached an agreement with Reggeborgh Groep B.V. on the acquisition of a 17.6% stake in Van Lanschot Kempen N.V., a specialist wealth manager serving Private, Institutional and Investment banking clients, operating predominantly in the Netherlands and Belgium. Together with an existing 2.7% stake, ING will hold a 20.3% stake in Van Lanschot Kempen after completion of the transaction.

    “Van Lanschot Kempen is a respected, listed, well-capitalised, profitable wealth manager with a strong specialist position in amongst others the Netherlands and Belgium. Their history goes back almost three centuries. Acquiring this stake presents an attractive financial opportunity and with this transaction we are executing on our goal to enhance our position in private banking and wealth management,” said ING CEO Steven van Rijswijk. “We see this transaction as a long-term financial investment and we support Van Lanschot Kempen’s management, recognising the strong progress in the execution of their strategy.”

    Under the terms of the agreement, ING has directly acquired a stake of 7.2%, bringing its stake in Van Lanschot Kempen to 9.9%. The remainder of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to have a minimal impact on ING’s CET1 ratio.

    Note for editors

    For more on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

    ING PROFILE

    ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank’s more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries.

    ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

    ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING’s ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as ‘AA’ in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of December 2023, in Sustainalytics’ view, ING’s management of ESG material risk is ‘Strong’. Our current ESG Risk Rating, is 17.2 (Low Risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers including Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell.

    IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION

    Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 (‘Market Abuse Regulation’).

    ING Group’s annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (‘IFRS- EU’). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2023 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. The Financial statements for 2024 are in progress and may be subject to adjustments from subsequent events. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

    Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: (1) changes in general economic conditions and customer behaviour, in particular economic conditions in ING’s core markets, including changes affecting currency exchange rates and the regional and global economic impact of the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and related international response measures (2) changes affecting interest rate levels (3) any default of a major market participant and related market disruption (4) changes in performance of financial markets, including in Europe and developing markets (5) fiscal uncertainty in Europe and the United States (6) discontinuation of or changes in ‘benchmark’ indices (7) inflation and deflation in our principal markets (8) changes in conditions in the credit and capital markets generally, including changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness (9) failures of banks falling under the scope of state compensation schemes (10) non- compliance with or changes in laws and regulations, including those concerning financial services, financial economic crimes and tax laws, and the interpretation and application thereof (11) geopolitical risks, political instabilities and policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, including in connection with the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and the related international response measures (12) legal and regulatory risks in certain countries with less developed legal and regulatory frameworks (13) prudential supervision and regulations, including in relation to stress tests and regulatory restrictions on dividends and distributions (also among members of the group) (14) ING’s ability to meet minimum capital and other prudential regulatory requirements (15) changes in regulation of US commodities and derivatives businesses of ING and its customers (16) application of bank recovery and resolution regimes, including write down and conversion powers in relation to our securities (17) outcome of current and future litigation, enforcement proceedings, investigations or other regulatory actions, including claims by customers or stakeholders who feel misled or treated unfairly, and other conduct issues (18) changes in tax laws and regulations and risks of non-compliance or investigation in connection with tax laws, including FATCA (19) operational and IT risks, such as system disruptions or failures, breaches of security, cyber-attacks, human error, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including in respect of third parties with which we do business and including any risks as a result of incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise flawed outputs from the algorithms and data sets utilized in artificial intelligence (20) risks and challenges related to cybercrime including the effects of cyberattacks and changes in legislation and regulation related to cybersecurity and data privacy, including such risks and challenges as a consequence of the use of emerging technologies, such as advanced forms of artificial intelligence and quantum computing (21) changes in general competitive factors, including ability to increase or maintain market share (22) inability to protect our intellectual property and infringement claims by third parties (23) inability of counterparties to meet financial obligations or ability to enforce rights against such counterparties (24) changes in credit ratings (25) business, operational, regulatory, reputation, transition and other risks and challenges in connection with climate change and ESG-related matters, including data gathering and reporting (26) inability to attract and retain key personnel (27) future liabilities under defined benefit retirement plans (28) failure to manage business risks, including in connection with use of models, use of derivatives, or maintaining appropriate policies and guidelines (29) changes in capital and credit markets, including interbank funding, as well as customer deposits, which provide the liquidity and capital required to fund our operations, and (30) the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the most recent annual report of ING Groep N.V. (including the Risk Factors contained therein) and ING’s more recent disclosures, including press releases, which are available on www.ING.com.

    This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information.

    Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are “green” or “sustainable.” Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security.

    This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING’s control.

    Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

    This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – General Practice gives cautious thumbs up to primary healthcare boost

    Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

    General practice is giving a cautious thumbs up to the government saying it will increase investment in general practice and help grow the workforce, said Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

    “On the face of it, today’s announcement is good news for general practice and our patients, but we’ll need to look more closely at the package before celebrating,” Dr Chambers said.

    “While general practice will welcome the focus on growing the numbers of GPs – which is essential to an accessible high-quality GP service – and we’re pleased to see investment in nursing, we are disappointed that the key issue of nurse pay parity has not yet been addressed.”
     
    In regard to the announced 100 placements for overseas-trained doctors, Dr Chambers said while this was positive, retaining the current workforce should have equal priority to bringing in new staff.
     
    “And we need to see the detail around the 24/7 digital service, as overseas experience suggests that telehealth has little impact on key targets for access and waiting times,” Dr Chambers said.
     
    GenPro looks forward to working with the Minister of Health to support this investment achieving the right outcomes.
     
    GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National Children’s Commissioner welcomes Senate Inquiry report calls for child justice reform

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds has welcomed the interim findings by the first ever Senate Inquiry into Australia’s child justice and incarceration system. 

    Tabled on Friday, the interim report highlights the urgent need for political leaders to drive systemic reform to ensure child justice is made a national priority. It followed 223 submissions and testimonies from 40 witnesses, including all of Australia’s Children’s Commissioners, Guardians, and Advocates. 

    National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said: “The Inquiry heard compelling and consistent testimonies about the failures of child justice systems across Australia. There is evidence of widespread breaches of human rights, and a persistent lack of accountability by state and territory governments to act to prevent crime by children and keep communities safe.   

    “The Senate Committee also heard there is a role for the Federal Government to provide national leadership on reform based on evidence and human rights.” 

    Commissioner Hollonds said the “significant and disturbing evidence” is reflected in the interim report’s two recommendations. The Committee recommends ‘the Senate continues to pursue an inquiry into the incarceration of children’, and that the next Australian Parliament refer to the Senate ‘an inquiry into Australia’s child justice and detention system, with particular reference to the Commonwealth’s responsibilities’.  

    The Senate Committee also commended the landmark Help Way Earlier! report into child justice reform, led by Ms Hollonds and tabled in Parliament last August. It noted four key recommendations: establishing a National Taskforce to ensure child justice reform, appointing a federal Minister for Children, creating a Ministerial Council for Child Wellbeing, and embedding the international child rights convention into a National Children’s Act and federal Human Rights Act.  

    Commissioner Hollonds: “It is very heartening to see the confirmation of our contribution, which we could not have achieved without the support of fellow child rights advocates, and the many children and families who bravely shared their experiences with the justice system. 

    “I sincerely hope this interim Senate Inquiry report will be a turning-point for systemic change, after decades of neglect of our youngest citizens.   

    “These are children in the most vulnerable of circumstances, and we have failed them. It is time for all Australian governments to be accountable for the human rights of children consistent with our obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.”  

    Read more about our report: ‘Help Way Earlier!’ How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing.  

    ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or 0457 281 897 (only calls, no texts please) 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: North Coast cattle treated for tick fever

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    3 Mar 2025

    NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) have reminded producers to be alert following the confirmation of tick fever on two North Coast cattle properties.

    North Coast LLS district veterinarian, Phillip Carter, said the cattle were treated for tick fever,  Babesiosis, once confirmed by DPIRD Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute laboratory tests.

    “If treatment is delayed tick fever can kill susceptible animals and producers should contact a vet immediately if cattle show signs of tick fever,” Dr Carter said.

    “These two positive cases of tick fever are the first new confirmed cases in NSW this year and we saw signs of cattle tick infestation during our inspection of the animals.

    “We advise producers to monitor herds for cattle tick and cattle tick fever as other animals may be infected and are yet to show signs.

    “Unexplained death can be the first sign of tick fever. Other signs producers should look out for in their cattle include lethargy, depression, salivation, red urine, elevated temperature, jaundice and anaemia.

    “Tick fever is spread by cattle tick, which thrive in warm, humid conditions and we urge producers to practice good farm biosecurity to prevent more tick fever cases in these seasonal conditions.

    “Producers should regularly check cattle for ticks, especially when cattle are yarded in preparation for autumn sales.”

    NSW DPIRD Cattle Tick Operations leader, Larry Falls, said producers should immediately report signs of cattle tick on their animals by calling the NSW Biosecurity Helpline, 1800 680 244.

    “Early intervention is key to minimising the spread and impact of cattle tick and tick fever,” Mr Falls said.

    “The NSW record of movement for cattle tick lists the mandatory biosecurity requirements which must be followed when bringing cattle from cattle tick infested areas into NSW and moving from cattle tick restricted properties in NSW.
    “Following these biosecurity requirements helps prevent the introduction and spread of cattle tick and minimises costs and losses to your enterprise and livestock industries.”

    Tick fever and cattle tick are notifiable under NSW biosecurity legislation, supporting the efforts of industry, producers and government who work together to keep NSW tick-free.

    Cattle tick and tick fever pose significant economic impact on cattle production in northern Australia due to potential large losses of animals, production losses, restrictions on trade and treatment costs.

    If you find sick or dead cattle or suspect tick fever, immediately contact your LLS DV or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, 1800 675 888.

    Information about cattle tick and tick fever is available from the NSW DPIRD website.

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – PSNA demands the government condemn Israel’s cutting off of all humanitarian aid to Gaza – PSNA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    PSNA is demanding the government condemn Israel’s cutting off of all humanitarian aid to Gaza.

     

    Israel announced its latest humanitarian outrage against the Palestinian people of Gaza as it tries to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement it signed with Hamas in January.

     

    “Israel is trying to weasel its way out of the agreement because it doesn’t want to negotiate stage two which requires it to withdraw its troops from Gaza” says PSNA Co National Chair John Minto. 

     

    “Israel signed the ceasefire agreement and it must be forced to follow it through.”

     

    “Cutting off humanitarian aid is a blatant war crime and New Zealand must say so without equivocation”

     

    “Our government has been complicit with Israeli war crimes for the past 16 months and has previously refused to condemn Israel’s use of humanitarian aid as a weapon of war”

     

    “It’s time we got off our knees and stood up for international law and United Nations resolutions.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Submitted an Article to The Daily Telegraph on Chinese Navy’s Incursion to Australian Waters

    Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2

    《Why is China sending ships our way? Just ask Taiwan》
    Cheng-Wei Wu, Director General of the Taipel Economic and Cultural Office In Sydney
    The surprise visit of three Chinese warships just 150 nautical miles east of Sydney serves as a wake-up call, bringing up distant memories of World War II when Australia, a country “girt by sea”, was exposed to threat of an authoritarian power’s navy suddenly appearing in the nation’s waters.
    Yet for some time Australian opinion leaders have debated the nature of the China threat.
    But the simple fact is, last week Chinese warships conducted live-fire drills in Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the very first time, and from afar. And at least 49 commercial flights flying over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand were forced to change course, after receiving a short-notice verbal warning broadcast from the Chinese warships.
    Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that China did not follow the best practice of giving 12 to 24 hours’ prior notice and the Australian government has expressed concern to the Chinese government.
    There has plenty of analysis in the past few days on the purpose to rationalise China’s flagrant military moves. It is worth noting that a comment published by Chinese Communist Party’s mouthpiece, the Global Times, stated that: “The People’s Liberation Army is expected to host more such far seas voyages … Some countries may have not yet adapted to seeing the PLA Navy’s normal voyages”.
    Coming from Taiwan, a neighbouring country which faces China’s military harassment and economic coercion on a regular basis, I want to share observations that China is trying to create its “new normal” now in Australia’s front yard with the grey zone tactics, just as they have done in the Taiwan Strait.
    We have seen an uptick of frequency of PLA aircraft’s incursions into our ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone) from 960 sorties in 2021 to 3074 sorties in 2024.
    China does this to protest the world’s engagement with Taiwan and to cast a shadow over our elections.
    On this score, it is sure that China knows about Australia’s upcoming federal election and calculated it was “worthwhile” sending a fleet to make an impression.
    China would also like to test the determination of our democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as Donald Trump recalibrates US foreign policy.
    The development of international relations may have its own course. Nevertheless, there are still some rules in world politics which have been verified throughout the pain and history.
    “Like-minded countries must band together”, should be the one to help
    stand up against aggression and authoritarian expansionism.
    When Australia faces the Chinese military bully and intimidation, do not forget the rules we learned, and all democracies would be united by your side, including Taiwan.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China plays major role in global climate affairs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China is a critical force in the global energy transition and its involvement in international climate talks is essential, the head of the United Nations’ climate science panel said on Saturday.
    Jim Skea, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, made the remarks ahead of the release of its findings from its 62nd plenary session, which concluded on Saturday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
    Skea emphasized China’s leading role in deploying renewable energy, noting it has the world’s highest levels of solar and wind energy.
    “Without China’s participation, global efforts would be much less effective,” Skea said, highlighting the country’s importance in discussions under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
    The weeklong session focused on outlining reports for the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle, covering the physical science of climate change, its impacts, adaptation, vulnerability and mitigation, as well as greenhouse gas inventories.
    The Hangzhou meeting stressed the importance of integrating climate action with economic growth and improved quality of life.
    “The idea of improving people’s well-being and quality of life is not opposed to taking climate change action. They actually go together,” Skea said.
    He praised China’s advancements in climate monitoring technologies, including early warning systems and meteorological satellites, which are crucial for tracking climate conditions, greenhouse gas emissions and socioeconomic changes, particularly in developing nations.
    Xiong Shaoyuan, deputy head of China’s delegation, said the nation will collaborate with other countries to build early warning platforms and share its experiences in meteorological services.
    Established in 1988, the IPCC provides scientific information to governments on climate change. For its current cycle, the IPCC will focus on climate change in urban areas and carbon dioxide removal technologies, including carbon capture, utilization and storage. The first meeting on urban climate change will be held from March 10 to 14 in Osaka, Japan, Skea said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Little Blue Houses go long way to boosting circular economy

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Numerous plastic waste classification and recycling stations, known as Little Blue Houses, dotting the 6,715-kilometer-long coastline of Zhejiang province in East China, are playing a pivotal role in the fight against marine plastic pollution.

    These houses are a core component of the Blue Circle project, China’s largest environmental initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of marine plastic waste. In 2023, Blue Circle was given the Champions of the Earth award by the United Nations Environment Programme — the UN’s highest environmental honor.

    After local volunteers sort through recyclable plastic debris at the Little Blue Houses, the materials are transported to Zhejiang Vision-Blue Technology Co, a high-tech company specializing in marine sustainable development. From there, the waste is sent to a recycling facility where it undergoes a series of processes, including crushing, cleaning, melting and granulation.

    The journey of each piece of plastic, from coast to factory, is meticulously tracked using internet of things devices and blockchain, ensuring the traceability and transparency of the origin of the plastic. Each batch of marine plastic waste is assigned a unique QR code containing details of the full recycling process from start to finish.

    According to UNEP estimates, over 9 million metric tons of plastics enter the oceans annually. Plastic waste ending up in the sea ranges from microplastics to large debris such as bottles and bags, which can take hundreds of years to degrade, threatening the marine ecosystem.

    While recycling offers a potential solution to reducing the demand for new plastic production, and thus helping curb emissions from plastic manufacturing, incineration and landfills, it faces challenges in terms of collection logistics and high recycling costs.

    “The average price of recycled marine plastic pellets is 1.3 times that of primary plastic pellets. The good quality of marine plastics, coupled with their environmental and social benefits, justifies their premium price,” said Chen Yahong, director of the marine business unit at Zhejiang VisionBlue Technology Co.

    “Many clients, including international brands, are willing to pay more for recycled marine plastics, as it aligns with their growing sustainability needs,” she said.

    Recycled plastics from the Blue Circle project, including PET(polyethylene terephthalate) plastics derived from ocean waste, significantly reduce carbon emissions. The emissions from recycled PET are about a quarter of those associated from virgin PET.

    According to Chen, the recycled plastics of the Blue Circle project have helped reduce 3,900 metric tons of carbon emissions.

    These recycled materials are repurposed into a variety of products, including clothing, electronics, phone cases, stationery, shopping bags and T-shirts.

    Zhu Liyang, president of the China Association of Circular Economy, said: “The Chinese government has placed a strong focus on tackling plastic pollution, implementing comprehensive governance across the entire waste management chain. By recycling discarded plastics and ensuring proper collection, these materials can be reintegrated into the supply chain.”

    The circular economy is an important path to achieving green transformation, Zhu emphasized. “In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward green living and consumption, creating vast opportunities for the development of China’s circular economy,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Companies expand footprint overseas

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Cargo ships carrying steel products are heading toward African ports from Zhangjiagang Port in East China’s Jiangsu province, and canned beans from Yancheng, Jiangsu, are reaching the dining tables of Middle Eastern families, as local Chinese enterprises continue to expand their businesses overseas, according to Nanjing Customs.

    Chinese companies nationwide, not just enterprises in Jiangsu, are revving up their efforts to expand their footprint overseas and strengthen international cooperation.

    In the two weeks following the Spring Festival holiday, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said it arranged for eight groups of Chinese entrepreneurs to travel abroad for economic and trade activities.

    Representatives from more than 200 companies visited Kazakhstan, Germany, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the Beijing-based council said on Friday.

    “During the visits, the willingness of foreign companies to cooperate with China exceeded our expectations, and 33 cooperation intent agreements were reached, covering sectors such as finance, energy, infrastructure, automobile manufacturing and the digital economy,” said Yang Fan, a spokeswoman for the CCPIT.

    “This has fully demonstrated the strong desire and broad prospects for pragmatic cooperation between Chinese and foreign business communities,” she said.

    The more difficult the times, the more determined the global business community is to work together and achieve win-win cooperation, Yang said, noting that this is the greatest certainty that balances many uncertain factors in global economic growth.

    Unilateralism and protectionism can’t interfere with the main theme of economic globalization, she added.

    In mid-February, a delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs visited Kazakhstan and achieved better-than-expected results. During the two-day visit, representatives of enterprises from China and Kazakhstan signed eight cooperation agreements, including an energy strategic cooperation agreement and an agricultural products import and export agreement.

    The visit was aimed at deepening trade, investment and industrial and supply chain cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and further consolidating the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, the CCPIT said.

    Chinese entrepreneurs were also warmly welcomed in other countries, and Chinese and foreign business communities engaged in enthusiastic talks.

    In South Africa, the country’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile met with a Chinese business delegation in person, while in Germany, the management teams of major multinational corporations, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Bosch, held in-depth talks with Chinese entrepreneurs, Yang said.

    In the UAE, officials from government departments and major business associations actively engaged in dialogues with Chinese entrepreneurs, she added.

    In the past few years, Chinese enterprises have shown strong willingness to promote industrial and supply chain cooperation with their foreign counterparts.

    Last year, the CCPIT organized a total of 2,249 business groups to visit 102 countries and regions, which means on average six Chinese delegations went abroad for business talks each day.

    Jiangsu Kanghui New Material Technology Co, an affiliate of Hengli Group, which focuses on the full production chain in oil refining, petrochemicals, polyester new materials and textiles, is a leading company in producing wide polyester films. A variety of polyester film products have rolled off its production line for exports.

    In particular, the company has been actively expanding its business in emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to Nanjing Customs.

    “Last year, our products exported to ASEAN countries enjoyed preferential tariffs and received an exemption of 8.47 million yuan ($1.16 million), thanks to the China-ASEAN free trade agreement,” said Zhang Liping, director of imports and exports at Jiangsu Kanghui New Material Technology.

    “With preferential tariffs, our products have become more competitive in overseas markets. In 2024, the company’s export value in the ASEAN market reached $24 million,” Zhang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s special envoy attends inauguration of Uruguay’s new president

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    MONTEVIDEO, March 2 — Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special envoy and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun on Saturday attended the inauguration ceremony of Uruguay’s new President Yamandu Orsi.

    On Sunday, Orsi met with Han at the presidential palace, where Han conveyed Xi’s cordial greetings and best wishes to Orsi.

    Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations 37 years ago, China-Uruguay relations have maintained sound and steady development, becoming a model of mutual respect, harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries with different political systems and economic sizes, said Han.

    China attaches great importance to the development of China-Uruguay relations and is willing to work hand in hand with Uruguay to lift bilateral relations to higher levels so as to better benefit the two peoples, inject more stability and certainty into Latin America and the international community, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

    Orsi asked Han to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to Xi, and sincerely thanked Xi for sending a special envoy to attend his inauguration ceremony.

    Successive governments of Uruguay, he said, have attached great importance to developing relations with China, and there is broad consensus on this across all sectors of society.

    The new Uruguayan government is willing to work with China to continuously deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, steadily strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, and make joint effort to defend multilateralism and free trade and cope with global challenges, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How to prepare for a cyclone, according to an expert

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yetta Gurtner, Adjunct senior lecturer, Centre for Disaster Studies, James Cook University

    Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to make landfall anywhere between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales this week. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has warned it may bring severe hazards and “dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding”.

    So, how do you prepare for a cyclone – and what do you do if it’s too late to leave?

    How to prepare

    Your starting point is to consider the risk to yourself and everyone in your household (including pets). Consider ensuring you have:

    • non-perishable food that everyone in the family will eat (enough for five to seven days)
    • water for drinking and cleaning (three litres per person per day)
    • medication (two weeks worth)
    • toiletries and first aid kit
    • pet food/supplies
    • torches
    • batteries
    • a back up battery for your phone
    • baby formula and nappies if needed
    • protective clothing and closed-in shoes
    • cash in small denominations
    • valuable documents such as passports, title deeds, ID, insurance details, photos (these can be photographed or packed in weather-proof container or envelope)
    • kids’ books, card games, board games, headphones
    • anything else you may need or really value (and isn’t too heavy to carry).

    Make sure you have a grab-and-go kit that you can carry by yourself if authorities suddenly tell you to evacuate immediately.

    Conventional wisdom used to be to prepare enough supplies for three days of disruption. Now, experts recommend having enough for five to seven days. After the initial disaster there may be road blockages or supply chain problems.

    Ensure you have enough medication for a week or two, because pharmacies may take days or weeks to re-open. And remember that many medications, such as insulin, need to be refrigerated, so consider how you’d keep them cool if the power went out.

    Fill containers with water and stick them in your freezer now; they can keep your freezer cool if you lose power. They can also become drinking water in future.

    Talk to your neighbours. Do they have a generator or a camping fridge you can use? This is a great opportunity to get to know your community and pool your resources.

    Ask yourself if you have friends with whom you or a pet can stay. One of the main reasons people don’t evacuate is because they can’t bring their pets (not all evacuation shelters allow them, so check in advance).

    Consider what you can do now to prepare your house. One of the most common call-outs the SES receives is about blocked drains and gutters, so check if there’s time to clean your gutters now. You won’t be able to do it during the storm.

    Stay informed – and don’t rely on hearsay

    Have a plan for getting truthful information before, during and after the cyclone.

    Rely on the information provided by official sources, as they will tell you when it’s too late to evacuate or when it’s safe to come out. This is highly context-specific and will depend on where you are located.

    Get advice where possible from your local council’s disaster dashboard (most councils have one).

    It should provide information such as where to get sandbags, which roads are closed (which can affect your evacuation plan) and evacuation centre openings and locations.

    Anyone who monitors social media will see how many amateur meteorologists and maps are out there, but these are often not the best source. Always rely on official sources rather than hearsay, trending footage or amateur “experts”.

    Always have an battery-operated AM-FM radio. If power goes out, relying on your phone to track information will drain your phone battery very quickly.

    You may be able to charge it via your car or laptop, but telecommunications networks may not be active.

    So having a battery-operated radio on hand – and plenty of batteries – is crucial.

    What if the cyclone hits while you’re at home?

    If it’s too late to evacuate, have a plan for sheltering in place.

    Find the smallest room in your house with the least windows (which can shatter in a storm). This is often the bathroom, but it could be under the stairs. It is usually on the lowest level of the house.

    Bring your food, water, radio, blankets and supplies there. Avoid walking around the house during the cyclone to fetch things; there could be glass on the floor or debris flying around.

    It’s hard to predict how long you will need to shelter there, but it’s important not to leave until official sources say it is safe to do so.

    Cyclones come in stages. They arrive from one direction, then comes an eerie calm as the “eye of the storm” passes over. Next, the other half of the cyclone arrives. Don’t go outside during the eye of the storm, because it’s not over.

    Outside the house, there may be powerlines down, broken glass and other hazards. Don’t venture out until you get official clearance from the disaster dashboard or official sources on the radio saying it is safe.

    For non-life threatening emergencies – such as a tree on your roof, or water running through your house – call the SES on 132 500 or register on the SES Assistance app (if you’re in Queensland). They will not come during the event itself but will come later.

    If it’s a life threatening emergency, always call triple 0.

    After the storm

    After the storm, consider how to make your house more cyclone-ready in future. Many houses in North Queensland are designed for cyclone zones, but not as many further south will be.

    Climate change means cyclones are likely to be more severe in future. These days, be cyclone-ready 365 days a year.

    Yetta Gurtner has received funding in the past from the Bureau of Meteorology. She is a community engagement officer with the Queensland State Emergency Services.

    – ref. How to prepare for a cyclone, according to an expert – https://theconversation.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-cyclone-according-to-an-expert-251251

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: False economies: the evidence shows higher speed limits don’t make financial sense

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Shutterstock

    Despite community resistance and legal push-back, the government isn’t slowing down on its plan to roll back speed limit reductions on many roads. In the process, it’s going against expert advice from transport officials and solid economic evidence showing the benefits of slower speeds.

    Documents recently released quietly by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) show Land Transport Director Brent Alderton raised serious concerns in 2024 about the proposed speed limit changes and urged decision makers to rely on evidence rather than ideology:

    There is well founded evidence, nationally and internationally, that establishes the link between vehicle speed and the likelihood of a crash occurring, as well as the severity and consequences of any crash.

    But the government is also bypassing evidence that contradicts its own justification that raising some speed limits will help increase productivity.

    A comprehensive economic assessment prepared by engineering consulting firm WSP for the NZTA in March 2024 (later released under the Official Information Act) analysed the impact of previous speed limit changes implemented between 2020 and 2023 (with one dating back to 2011). It found the reductions delivered substantial economic benefits to New Zealand.

    For road corridors with reduced speed limits, nearly 27 fewer deaths and serious injuries per year were recorded: “The crash cost savings generally outweigh the travel time disbenefits by a factor of 2 to 10 (or more).”

    In other words, for every dollar lost in slightly increased travel times, the report estimates New Zealand gains between NZ$2 and $10 in reduced crash costs.

    Economic benefits of lower speeds

    All the road corridors with reduced speed limits in the WSP assessment showed positive benefit-cost ratios using NZTA’s standard methodology. Even under various sensitivity tests, including if crash benefits were reduced or project costs increased, most speed reductions maintained positive ratios.

    But despite the local and international evidence showing lower speed limits save lives and money, the government persists in claiming raising some limits will reduce travel times and therefore increase productivity.

    In fact, everything points to any productivity gains from faster travel being significantly outweighed by increased crash costs. As of 2023, the Ministry of Transport estimates those costs at $769,400 per serious injury and $14,265,600 per fatality.

    When the WSP report was released, it projected traffic would experience mean speed reductions of between 5% and 9% on roads with lowered limits. This projection was based on actual changes in driving speeds recorded using GPS-based traffic data.

    The data showed these reductions resulted in actual death and injury savings “much greater than predicted”. While the observed speed reductions aligned with expectations, the projected safety benefits significantly underestimated the actual harm reduction.

    For example, on the Blenheim to Nelson stretch of State Highway 6, the predicted death and injury reduction was 22%, but the actual reduction was 82%. On State Highway 51, the reduction was 100% compared to an expected 31%.

    Conversely, where speed limits were increased from 100 km/h to 110 km/h, as on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway in December 2017, deaths and serious injuries rose by 133% compared to pre-increase levels.

    In Auckland, dozens of urban corridors will soon see speed limits rise from 50 km/h to 60 km/h. The Auckland Transport agency will also raise the limit on one stretch of Te Irirangi Drive from 60 km/h to 80 km/h – exactly the kind of substantial increase the WSP report linked to dramatically higher crash risks.

    Expediency vs evidence

    Overall, the WSP report shows speed limit reductions worked better than expected at preventing harm, with significantly lower numbers of deaths and serious injuries annually across the studied corridors.

    It is likely the number of lives saved from these speed limit reductions are reflected in the 2024 road fatality statistics, where road deaths across New Zealand were below 300 for the first time in a decade.

    The director of land transport can only promise to “monitor” the impacts of the speed limit increases. In reality, there has been sufficient monitoring and measuring already to show speed limit reductions reduce harm as well as deliver economic benefits.

    But the speed limit issue fits within a broader pattern of transport policy where ideology or political expediency appear to trump expert advice and economic analysis.

    The government has frozen funding for cycling and walking projects, cancelled Auckland’s light rail plan, abandoned regional passenger rail initiatives and prioritised new highway construction over maintenance of existing roads.

    This is despite economic assessments consistently showing better benefit-cost ratios for public and active transport investments than for new road projects.

    Such decisions also contradict the government’s own climate commitments and overlook mounting evidence that car-centric transport planning worsens congestion rather than alleviating it.

    Similarly, economic assessment shows unequivocally that the financial benefits of lower speeds and safer roads far outweigh the costs. If economic rationality were the driving force behind transport policy, speed limit reductions would be expanded rather than rolled back.

    Timothy Welch does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. False economies: the evidence shows higher speed limits don’t make financial sense – https://theconversation.com/false-economies-the-evidence-shows-higher-speed-limits-dont-make-financial-sense-251138

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Microsoft cuts data centre plans and hikes prices in push to make users carry AI costs

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Witzenberger, Research Fellow, GenAI Lab, Queensland University of Technology

    After a year of shoehorning generative AI into its flagship products, Microsoft is trying to recoup the costs by raising prices, putting ads in products, and cancelling data centre leases. Google is making similar moves, adding unavoidable AI features to its Workspace service while increasing prices.

    Is the tide finally turning on investments into generative AI? The situation is not quite so simple. Tech companies are fully committed to the new technology – but are struggling to find ways to make people pay for it.

    Shifting costs

    Last week, Microsoft unceremoniously pulled back on some planned data centre leases. The move came after the company increased subscription prices for its flagship 365 software by up to 45%, and quietly released an ad-supported version of some products.

    The tech giant’s CEO, Satya Nadella, also recently suggested AI has so far not produced much value.

    Microsoft’s actions may seem odd in the current wave of AI hype, coming amid splashy announcements such as OpenAI’s US$500 billion Stargate data centre project.

    But if we look closely, nothing in Microsoft’s decisions indicates a retreat from AI itself. Rather, we are seeing a change in strategy to make AI profitable by shifting the cost in non-obvious ways onto consumers.

    The cost of generative AI

    Generative AI is expensive. OpenAI, the market leader with a claimed 400 million active monthly users, is burning money.

    Last year, OpenAI brought in US$3.7 billion in revenue – but spent almost US$9 billion, for a net loss of around US$5 billion.

    Microsoft is OpenAI’s biggest investor and currently provides the company with cloud computing services, so OpenAI’s spending also costs Microsoft.

    What makes generative AI so expensive? Human labour aside, two costs are associated with AI models: training (building the model) and inference (using the model).

    While training is an (often large) up-front expense, the costs of inference grow with the user base. And the bigger the model, the more it costs to run.

    Smaller, cheaper alternatives

    A single query on OpenAI’s most advanced models can cost up to US$1,000 in compute power alone. In January, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said even the company’s US$200 per month subscription is not profitable. This signals the company is not only losing money through use of its free models, but through its subscription models as well.

    Both training and inference typically take place in data centres. Costs are high because the chips needed to run them are expensive, but so too are electricity, cooling, and the depreciation of hardware.

    The growing cost of running data centres to power generative AI products has sent tech companies scrambling for ways to recoup their costs.
    Aerovista Luchtfotografie / Shutterstock

    To date, much AI progress has been achieved by using more of everything. OpenAI describes its latest upgrade as a “giant, expensive model”. However, there are now plenty of signs this scale-at-all-costs approach might not even be necessary.

    Chinese company DeepSeek made waves earlier this year when it revealed it had built models comparable to OpenAI’s flagship products for a tiny fraction of the training cost. Likewise, researchers from Seattle’s Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) and Stanford University claim to have trained a model for as little as US$50.

    In short, AI systems developed and delivered by tech giants might not be profitable. The costs of building and running data centres are a big reason why.

    What is Microsoft doing?

    Having sunk billions into generative AI, Microsoft is trying to find the business model that will make the technology profitable.

    Over the past year, the tech giant has integrated the Copilot generative AI chatbot into its products geared towards consumers and businesses.

    It is no longer possible to purchase any Microsoft 365 subscription without Copilot. As a result subscribers are seeing significant price hikes.

    As we have seen, running generative AI models in data centres is expensive. So Microsoft is likely seeking ways to do more of the work on users’ own devices – where the user pays for the hardware and its running costs.

    A strong clue for this strategy is a small button Microsoft began to put on its devices last year. In the precious real estate of the QWERTY keyboard, Microsoft dedicated a key to Copilot on its PCs and laptops capable of processing AI on the device.

    Apple is pursuing a similar strategy. The iPhone manufacturer is not offering most of its AI services in the cloud. Instead, only new devices offer AI capabilities, with on-device processing marketed as a privacy feature that prevents your data travelling elsewhere.

    Pushing costs to the edge

    There are benefits to the push to do the work of generative AI inference on the computing devices in our pockets, on our desks, or even on smart watches on our wrists (so-called “edge computing”, because it occurs at the “edge” of the network).

    It can reduce the energy, resources and waste of data centres, lowering generative AI’s carbon, heat and water footprint. It could also reduce bandwidth demands and increase user privacy.

    But there are downsides too. Edge computing shifts computation costs to consumers, driving demand for new devices despite economic and environmental concerns that discourage frequent upgrades. This could intensify with newer, bigger generative AI models.

    A shift to more ‘on-device’ AI computing could create more problems with electronic waste.
    SibFilm / Shutterstock

    And there are more problems. Distributed e-waste makes recycling much harder. What’s more, the playing field for users won’t be level if a device dictates how good your AI can be, particularly in educational settings.

    And while edge computing may seem more “decentralised”, it may also lead to hardware monopolies. If only a handful of companies control this transition, decentralisation may not be as open as it appears.

    As AI infrastructure costs rise and model development evolves, shifting the costs to consumers becomes an appealing strategy for AI companies. While big enterprises such as government departments and universities may manage these costs, many small businesses and individual consumers may struggle.

    Kevin Witzenberger receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Michael Richardson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Microsoft cuts data centre plans and hikes prices in push to make users carry AI costs – https://theconversation.com/microsoft-cuts-data-centre-plans-and-hikes-prices-in-push-to-make-users-carry-ai-costs-250932

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The only ‘winner’ here is Putin: Ukraine unites in response to Trump-Zelenskyy spat and resigns itself to new reality

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lena Surzhko Harned, Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science, Penn State

    A trap or a misstep? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sit-down with Donald Trump and JD Vance heads south. AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov

    “A president just disrespected America in the Oval Office. It wasn’t Zelenskyy.”

    That was the verdict of the editorial team at the Kyiv Independent, one of Ukraine’s leading media outlets, on a remarkable spat in the Oval Office that played out on Feb. 28, 2025.

    The online newspaper European Pravda characterized the “quarrel at the highest level” as a diplomatic failure, but added that it was “not yet a catastrophe.”

    Some Ukrainians I have spoken to since the fractious encounter, during which Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy was repeatedly hectored by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have indeed characterized it as disastrous for the country. But for others, the incident has been calmly accepted as the new reality in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

    There have been some questions directed at Zelenskyy – did he allow himself to be baited into an an argument that could have real consequences? Should he have remained silent? But for the most part, the treatment of Ukraine’s president by Trump and Vance has produced a presumably unintended consequence: It has unified a war-weary Ukrainian people.

    As one friend who has been displaced by war from the now occupied city of Nova Kakhovka told me, there has not been this level of mobilization and patriotism in three years.

    ‘The country needs unity’

    This unity is seen in the response across Ukraine’s political divide.
    Petro Poroshenko, an often outspoken opponent of Zelenskyy and leader of the opposition party European Solidarity, said on March 1 that, to the surprise of many, he will not criticize Zelenskyy’s performance at the White House. “The country does not need criticism, the country needs unity,” he said in the video posted on X.

    Anecdotally, even those Ukrainians who did not vote for Zelenskyy have told me that events in the Oval Office made them feel more supportive of Zelenskyy.

    However, a sense of realism is sinking in over the shifting stance of the U.S. administration. Trump’s stated trust in Vladimir Putin and his conciliatory comments over Russian aggression – including a refusal to acknowledge Russian war crimes – have, for many Ukrainians, set low expectations that the White House can help achieve a quick and lasting peace. Yet, as Inna Sovsun of the opposition party Holos noted, “It was difficult to watch a president who’s been a victim of Russian aggression being attacked by the leader of the free world.”

    Setting the record straight

    The Feb. 28 meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders followed weeks of increasingly harsh Trump rhetoric toward Zelenskyy. Since being inaugurated on Jan. 20, Trump has called the Ukrainian leader a “dictator without elections,” claiming – incorrectly – that Zelenksyy had 4% approval ratings. He also indicted that the invasion by Russian troops in February 2022 was Ukraine’s fault.

    Such comments had already made Ukrainians rally around Zelenskyy, who has a healthy 63% approval rating, according to the latest polls.

    The ugly scenes in the Oval Office could see a further rallying around Zelenskyy, especially if he can successfully characterize his role in the dispute as that of defender of his people. Doing so would tap into growing popular resentment over the new U.S. administration’s apparent unwillingness to acknowledge Russian war crimes.

    Large U.S. and Ukrainian flags hang on the Kyiv River Port building on March 2, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images

    In the days leading up to the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting, the U.S. voted with Russia against a United Nations resolution condemning Russian aggression and opposed the wording of a draft G7 statement marking the third anniversary of the war, which depicted Russia as the aggressor.

    Letting Putin off the hook

    The angry exchanges in the Oval Office seemed to have been sparked by Zelenskyy’s objection to Trump’s assertion that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a man of his word.

    That refusal to call out Putin – who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court – angers Ukrainians who have suffered Russian aggression for three years. To hammer that point home, Zekenskyy showed Trump and others in the Oval Office photos of Ukrainian prisoners of war who return from Russian captivity tortured and abused.

    As Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Nobel Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk noted in a Feb. 17 speech, 65% of Ukrainians polled early in the conflict said their main disappointment in ending the war would be “impunity for Russian crimes.” Three years of conflict will have only hardened that sentiment – yet the U.S., under Trump’s leadership, looks increasingly willing to let Putin off the hook.

    Defender of the nation – and truth

    A large section of Ukrainian media – both traditionally pro- and anti-Zelenskyy alike – have since Feb. 28 portrayed the president in the role of a defender of both his nation and the truth.

    He was, this framing has it, forced into the difficult position of having to set the record straight and challenge untrue statements in real time, and in front of the seemingly antagonistic leader of the world’s largest economy, whose support has been crucial in Ukraine’s attempt to repel the invading Russian army.

    To some, keeping silent would have been tantamount to capitulation, but others have questioned Zelenskyy’s approach.

    While still maintaining that Zelenskyy’s key message was correct, some Ukrainians have suggested that his emotional tone in the Oval Office was not constructive.

    Opposition lawmaker Oleskiy Goncharenko suggested in an interview on CNN that Zelenskyy should have been more “diplomatic” and more “calm” given that the stakes were so high.

    Meanwhile, there were also those who questioned the decision to hold such an important conversation in front of the press, especially without the use of professional translators who potentially could have tamped down the rhetoric and slowed the pace of the exchange. Thus, as Tymofiy Mylovanov, the adviser to the office of the president and head of the Kyiv School of Economics put it, some things could “have been lost in translation.”

    ‘Zelensky is our democratic leader’

    So where does the Oval Office dispute leave both Zelenskyy and U.S.-Ukrainian relations?

    In the aftermath of the dispute, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham – who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine – suggested that Zelenskyy should resign, the implications being that his relationship with Trump was so broken that his presence is now counterproductive for Ukraine’s priorities.

    It is a line that hasn’t gone down well in Ukraine. Kira Rudyk, the leader of opposition party Holos, retorted that it was up to the Ukrainian people alone to decide on their leadership and future.

    Moreover, to many Ukrainians the barrier to harmonious Ukraine-U.S. relations is not Zelenskyy, but Trump.

    Mustafa Nayyem, who served in Zelesnkyy’s government, summed up the view of many Ukrainians by claiming in a social media post that the Trump administration “does not just dislike Ukraine. They despise us.” The “contempt is deeper than indifference, and more dangerous than outright hostility,” he added in the Feb. 28 post.

    Intentional provocation

    Serhii Sternenko, a Ukrainian activist lawyer and blogger, described the Oval Office spat as an intentional provocation on behalf of Trump to discredit Ukraine as an unreliable partner in the peace negotiations.

    Sternenko is not alone in his assessment. Journalist and blogger Vitaly Portnikov argued that the spat was the result of Trump’s unrealistic promise of ending the war quickly being confronted with the reality that perhaps Russia does not want to make any concessions. The thinking here is Putin has shown no indication that he will bend on his war goals, so for Trump, framing Zelenskyy as “not ready for peace” allows the U.S. president to walk away from his campaign promise without accepting defeat.

    Among friends: Zelenskyy with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron on March 2, 2025.
    Justin Tallis – WPA Pool/Getty Images

    A new reality

    Beyond the headlines and initial reactions from Ukrainian politicians, journalists and civilians, there is also another sentiment that is emerging: resignation to the new reality.

    Most Ukrainians want an end to war, but in a way that preserves their sovereignty and guarantees future security. Until recently, that was shared by the occupants of the White House. It is becoming increasingly clear to many Ukrainians that, in regards the war in Ukraine, the U.S. will play a different role under Trump – meaning Ukraine will increasingly look to European leaders as primary partners.

    Perhaps Goncharenko, the opposition member of Ukraine’s Parliament, best summed up the consequences of the Oval Office spat: “It was not Ukraine, it was not the United States who won … it was Putin.”

    Lena Surzhko Harned does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The only ‘winner’ here is Putin: Ukraine unites in response to Trump-Zelenskyy spat and resigns itself to new reality – https://theconversation.com/the-only-winner-here-is-putin-ukraine-unites-in-response-to-trump-zelenskyy-spat-and-resigns-itself-to-new-reality-251228

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: We must not risk going backwards on racism

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    Nearly every day, my phone buzzes with messages of distress: community leaders, faith groups, families and individuals from all walks of life, each carrying the weight of racism’s impact.

    A mother fearful for her child’s safety calls after yet another racial slur at school. A faith leader grapples with hate targeting their congregation. A teacher gets in touch because they confront racism daily.

    The stories are different, but the pain is the same – frustration, exhaustion, asking what can be done. The hard-fought progress that we have made towards equality is being challenged before our eyes and we cannot risk going backwards.

    Bearing witness to what many others do not see, and supporting those affected, is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I cannot do it alone, however. Everyone has a role to play.

    Last week, a Jewish doctor emailed me asking how we can stop anti-Semitism after the confronting video of two nurses in Bankstown saying they would kill Israeli patients. The tone in his email was urgent. He was concerned for the safety of Jewish healthcare workers and patients.

    In his email, he focused on the need for education and building an understanding of racism, but I could feel his frustration.

    In the weeks prior, a Muslim woman sent me messages about white supremacists letterboxing in Adelaide. She sent me screenshots of the abhorrent leaflets and asked what I could do to get police to take the matter more seriously. Again, frustration.

    The weeks before that, it was messages from members of the Indian community, sending me videos of racism towards Indian fans at the cricket. Bewildered, they also asked me what could be done.

    Each reflect a system failure that enables racism: a health system where staff and patients feel unsafe; a justice system that is focused on criminalising offences after the harm is done, rather than early community-led prevention; a sporting sector that cannot protect victims of racism.

    The thing about systems is that they can be fixed, when we know how to diagnose the problem.

    For those who are unfamiliar with racism, it is easier to imagine its more overt forms. People are familiar with the racist uncle you see once a year, or the one racist person at work whom your colleagues tolerate because they’re part of the furniture.

    The reason why it’s easy to imagine this form of racism is because it is easy to separate ourselves from it. We tell ourselves we do not do that and we move on.

    For those who are familiar with systemic racism, we know that it is everywhere. Many of the examples I hear sit with me long afterwards.

    One was of a Palestinian child whose picture of a Palestinian flag was thrown in the bin by their teacher. Another was of an African-born mother whose son was told that he could not walk onstage to accept his first ever academic award because his hairstyle didn’t conform to school standards.

    When his mother raised it with the all-white school executive and administration, she was dismissed and told rules must be upheld. She was persistent, however, and produced photos of white kids with much longer hair who were allowed onstage. Eventually, the school conceded it was wrong, but the damage had been done.

    At no point in this story is there name-calling or the hurling of abuse. The school claimed it was applying the rules equally to everyone. Yet it is another example of the pervasive nature of systemic racism and the way it operates.

    African hair did not fit the school rules, and without the courage and resilience of an African mother nothing would have happened. The burden to challenge racism falls too greatly on its victims.

    Late last year I launched the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework. The framework comes at a time when race is on the front page of our newspapers every other day. Anti-Semitism, anti-Arab racism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia are on the rise, with disgusting displays of hate and racist violence becoming more frequent across communities.

    In this climate, I cannot think of a more pressing need for a national approach to ending racism. Solutions to systemic racism are in everyone’s best interest. A society where everyone can flourish benefits us all.

    Systemic racism is like cancer. The tumours can be removed, but the cancer will keep making us sick until we confront its source.

    It is an illness that began 237 years ago. As Stan Grant wrote, “Racism isn’t killing the Australian dream. The Australian dream was founded on racism.”

    When I meet with First Nations communities, one of the common threads among the conversations is that colonisation is not just a date in history but an ongoing reality. It has impacted every institution and informed every dominant way of thinking since 1788.

    So, when we talk about systemic racism in Australia, we are talking about systems that have been built to advance the interests of colonising white settlers. These systems don’t consider or protect the interests of First Nations people and others who experience racism.

    Our education system is built for white knowledge and our workplaces elevate white people into leadership by default. This is not just a mere inconvenience for people who experience racism – these systems cause harm to communities, so that those who benefit can thrive.

    We only need look at the over-imprisonment and harm experienced by First Nations people within our legal system for an example of the systemic bias baked into our society.

    To say, then, that it can be disheartening when my bid to call out systemic racism falls flat is an understatement.

    Recently I’ve even been asked why I’m so focused on race when we’re facing serious levels of economic and class inequality, which can also impact white people. For those who feel the harms of racism, however, these issues are deeply intertwined.

    Migrant workers of colour have become even more vulnerable to exploitation in order to keep their jobs. Worse, economic inequality is exploited by racist rhetoric that blames migration for what are far more complex and deeply entrenched problems.

    When migrants are blamed, too often the only signal as to whether someone is a migrant is the colour of their skin. Race compounds the inequality experienced in hard times and is vital to consider when we chart the way forward.

    The commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework has 63 recommendations for eliminating racism. They span government, education, healthcare, justice, workplaces and the media.

    The framework calls for a hard look at the composite parts of our nation. We need to examine the insidious way in which racism has made its nest in almost every facet of Australian life. Then we need to deploy our tools: law reform, new policies, relevant training and whatever else is needed to dismantle racism at its roots.

    In education, this means making the need for anti-racist education explicit in curriculums from early childhood through to our tertiary institutions. In healthcare, this means partnerships and shared decision-making with at-risk communities, so that those who are most harmed by racism in our healthcare system have a stronger, louder voice.

    Online, it means better regulation of racist hate. It means a more coordinated anti-racist approach to collecting data on racism.

    Across sectors, we have also outlined the need to deepen our understanding of how racism continues to be upheld, with a mandate to prevent and eliminate these vicious cycles. We’ve highlighted that listening to and valuing the leadership of First Nations people is essential to this work.

    We are at a critical juncture where race and racism need to go from “too hard” to actionable, durable solutions. The longer we leave things to fester, the more severe the outcome. It is our collective responsibility to act now and do more.

    Racism is estimated to cost the Australian economy $37 billion each year. It would cost a fraction of that to implement the recommendations put forward in the National Anti-Racism Framework.

    It is not good enough to expect those who are most affected by racism to be responsible for calling out and addressing racism in their schools, at work and in the community at large. We need a more preventive, systemic response.

    Many people came forward as we developed the framework to share the ways racism has diminished them, and to offer their solutions for change. We all deserve to live without fear and with dignity.

    Our next step in the journey must be one that results in a fairer and more equitable society that allows us all to be our whole selves. A united commitment will lay the foundations for a safer future where everyone can thrive free from the damaging impacts of racism.

    We need our leaders in politics, civil society and business to be brave. They’ve been handed a road map. It’s time for the rubber to hit the road.

    This article was first published in the print edition of The Saturday Paper on March 1, 2025 as “How to fight racism”.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU calls for rapid resumption of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Palestinian child walks in one of the displacement camps at the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City, on Feb. 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The European Union (EU) called on Sunday for a rapid resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza.

    “A permanent ceasefire would contribute to the release of all remaining Israeli hostages while ensuring the necessary conditions for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza to begin. All parties have a political responsibility to make this a reality,” Anouar El Anouni, the spokesperson for EU foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement.

    The EU reiterates its calls for full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need and for allowing and facilitating humanitarian workers and international organizations to operate effectively and safely inside Gaza, the spokesperson said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia-US cooperation unlikely to yield immediate results

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Quick results from thawing Russia-U.S. relations shouldn’t be expected, but the two countries are seeking to outline their priorities for cooperation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

    “It seems to me that even now we need to outline the range of possible topics for cooperation, but we should not expect any quick results in this area right now,” Peskov said during a recent interview with local media.

    There will be much to do to repair the badly-damaged Russia-U.S. relations, Peskov said.

    Meanwhile, he stressed that normalizing Russia-U.S. relations could be achieved more quickly if both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump have the political will to do it.

    The U.S. administration is reshaping its foreign policy contents, which are largely consistent with Russia, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel widely condemned for blocking aid to Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Palestinian people have their iftar meal among destroyed houses on the first day of Ramadan in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalia, March 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza since early Sunday has sparked fierce condemnation from Palestinian factions, regional countries, and international organizations.

    At the start of a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision “to prevent any entry of goods and supplies into Gaza” was made to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, which he said was put forth by U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

    He warned that Hamas would face “additional consequences” if it did not agree to the proposal.

    In response, Hamas condemned the decision, calling it in a statement a “blatant attempt to renege on the agreement and evade negotiations for its second phase.” The group said blocking aid to Gaza’s 2 million residents was “cheap blackmail and a war crime” and urged mediators and the international community to press Israel to reverse the decision.

    Mahmoud Meedawi, a senior Hamas official, said in a press statement that the group refused to extend the first phase of the agreement with Israel, stressing the need to implement all its phases as originally signed.

    The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine called the decision “a flagrant violation of the ceasefire” and an indication that Israel seeks to evade the second phase of the agreement.

    The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine also condemned the decision, calling it an escalation of Israel’s “starvation warfare” against Gaza’s population, which will only deepen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

    Islamic Jihad called the decision “a crime against humanity” in a press statement. It accused the United States of shielding Israel as it continues to provide military aid and political cover for it.

    Faisal Aranki, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee, told Xinhua that Israel’s decision will worsen Gaza’s already severe shortages of essential goods and medical supplies.

    “The Israeli government bears full responsibility for the deteriorating humanitarian conditions due to its violations of the ceasefire agreement and its obstruction of aid deliveries,” Aranki said, urging international pressure on Israel to reopen border crossings.

    In a press statement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned of the decision’s catastrophic consequences, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

    “We strongly reject the politicization of humanitarian aid and its use as a tool for extortion,” it said, calling on the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Sunday that using aid as a weapon of collective punishment and starvation in Gaza is unacceptable and impermissible, affirming that this act represents a blatant and explicit violation of international humanitarian law.

    At a joint press conference in Cairo with European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica, Abdelatty reaffirmed the importance of fully and faithfully implementing the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.

    Israel’s decision constitutes a flagrant breach of the ceasefire agreement and a blatant violation of international law, and poses a serious threat of renewed escalation in the region, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday in a statement.

    The ministry emphasized the urgent need for Israel to cease using starvation as a weapon against Palestinians and innocent civilians by imposing a blockade, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

    It also called on the international community to compel Israel to abide by the ceasefire agreement, ensure the implementation of all its phases, and reopen the crossings designated for delivering humanitarian aid to all areas of Gaza.

    According to a UN statement posted Sunday on social media platform X, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “humanitarian aid to flow back into Gaza immediately and for the release of all hostages,” and urged “all parties to make every effort to prevent a return to hostilities in Gaza.”

    Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, called Israel’s decision “alarming” on X.

    “International humanitarian law is clear: We must be allowed access to deliver vital lifesaving aid. We can’t roll back the progress of the past 42 days. We need to get aid in and the hostages out. The ceasefire must hold,” he wrote.

    The ceasefire has “saved countless lives and provided a glimmer of hope amid immense suffering” and “is essential to prevent the region from plunging back into despair,” Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said Sunday in a statement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank reiterates commitment to bold action on energy and climate finance at 2025 Finance in Common Summit

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    Energy access and sustainable finance took center stage at the 2025 Finance in Common Summit, where two roundtable discussions addressed critical financing gaps and highlighted pathways to achieving universal energy access in Africa. 

    During the discussions, the African Development Bank reiterated its commitment to unlocking investment for Africa’s energy future and scaling climate financing as part of its recently-launch Mission 300 initiative, in anticipation of COP30.

    With 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still without electricity, the urgency of addressing energy access cannot be overstated. The first roundtable convened Local Finance Institutions (LFIs), national and local governments, utilities, and private sector leaders to explore solutions to financing constraints. Participants shared best practices, tackled investment bottlenecks, and discussed innovative de-risking mechanisms for energy projects.

    “LFIs are the lifeblood of our economies, possessing a unique understanding of local contexts, needs, and opportunities,” noted African Development Bank Vice President, Nnenna Nwabufo, who moderated the session. “They are essential for mobilizing the necessary capital, fostering local entrepreneurship, and scaling sustainable energy projects.”

    While significant progress has been made in expanding energy access across Africa, major challenges remain. In January 2025, the Mission 300 Energy Summit generated strong political momentum, with 48 African Heads of State committing to accelerating policy reforms, and 12 countries presenting National Energy Compacts outlining clear targets for energy access.

    Backed by the World Bank, the African Development Bank and other development partners, Mission 300  aims to provide  300 million Africans with electricity access by 2030. “This ambitious goal is within reach, but it demands concerted action, innovative financing solutions, and strong partnerships,” emphasized Nwabufo.

    However, financing remains a major bottleneck, particularly for last-mile connectivity and off-grid solutions. Public development banks and local finance institutions play a pivotal role in mobilizing the estimated $170 billion needed to achieve universal access. “Traditional financing models often fall short in meeting the specific needs of local communities and small-scale energy projects…this is where LFIs, with their local expertise, can make a transformative difference,” Nwabufo added.

    Private funds such as the Gaia Energy Impact, a venture capital firm dedicated to renewable energy, are crucial for financing early-stage innovation and making projects investment-ready to attract more capital. “However, de-risking tools provided by public institutions, such as concessional funding, blended finance and guarantees, play a major role in leveraging private capital,” explained Hélène Demaegdt, President and Founder, of the impact fund.

    A united vision for the future of energy access

    The second roundtable shifted focus to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where development banks have been at the forefront of climate finance. Experts from sovereign wealth funds, vertical funds, and private investors joined key institutional players to explore pathways for scaling sustainable financing.

    With COP30 on the horizon, panelists emphasized the importance of a robust taxonomy to attract global capital. Brazil’s pioneering efforts—through initiatives like the Brazil Climate and Ecological Transformation Investment Platform (BIP) and Eco Invest Brazil—served as a model for emerging markets.

    “As we move to COP30 we are committed to doubling down on looking at all sources of revenues and pulling all levers,” said Tatiana Rosito, Secretary for International Affairs for Brazil’s Ministry of Finance.

    Discussions reinforced the necessity of blended finance models, philanthropic support, and sovereign wealth funds to bridge the climate adaptation and mitigation financing gap. The session set the stage for deeper engagements leading up to COP30, ensuring that emerging markets secure the capital needed for a just energy transition.

    “COP30 will be a defining moment for Africa and the world. We cannot afford another cycle of pledges without action,” insisted Nwabufo.

    “This needs to be an accountability COP,” echoed Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund. “We need less big announcements but more giving a sense of trust and confidence that we will focus deliberately on critical partnerships, implementation and results.”

    Duarte also emphasized the need to broaden the investor base beyond multilateral development banks. “We know that the private investors are not doing as much as they could and should, so should be included as part of a more integrated narrative.”

    “We must demonstrate that finance will not remain a barrier to Africa’s sustainable future but a catalyst for shared prosperity. It is not just about securing financing for Africa’s climate goals; it is about demonstrating that investing in Africa’s climate resilience is smart economics, benefitting both Africa and the global economy,” Nwabufo affirmed.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s energy transition: capitalising on global investment shifts post-US election

    Source: Allens Insights

    An increasingly complex global environment 13 min read

    Within hours of his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Trump signed almost 100 executive orders and issued several memorandums and announcements. These included a wind-back of the Inflation Reduction Act (the IRA), withdrawal from The Paris Agreement, halting approvals for new offshore wind farm projects, fast-tracking approval processes for fossil fuels and implementing tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, some of which were subsequently paused.

    It is early days, so there is limited evidence as to whether this will result in a meaningful change to actual investment allocations in sectors such as renewable energy, but it certainly demonstrates that the global investment environment is becoming increasingly complex, and we believe there is potential for some portion of capital to be redirected away from the US.

    While a potential global reallocation of debt and equity capital and other key energy transition resources such as labour and equipment may be advantageous for a number of countries, the extent to which Australia will be able to capitalise on these opportunities will be tested by the many existing challenges that remain and need to be solved.

    In this Insight, we reflect on the potential consequences of recent policy changes in the US following the re-election of the Trump administration and how this may impact the energy transition in Australia.

    Key takeaways

    • The winding back of the Inflation Reduction Act and other renewables policies under the new US administration may lead to a global redirection of capital away from the US to other jurisdictions, with the reallocation of key resources such as labour and materials easing global supply chain pressures in some pockets.
    • Features specific to Australia’s clean energy market, including our debt and equity markets, and supportive legislative environment may be attractive to certain classes of investors seeking to reallocate capital that was previously earmarked for the US.
    • Similarly, certain local projects experiencing challenges with labour and materials shortages will welcome the potential redistribution and freeing up of such resources.
    • However, the upcoming federal election adds uncertainty to the future direction of Australia’s clean energy policy. Anti-ESG sentiment, fuelled by the renewed emphasis of this theme from the US, may have a further chilling effect on investor confidence.
    • In addition to political uncertainties, Australia’s energy transition continues to face domestic challenges such as approval and connection delays, skilled labour and materials shortages (which are not easily solved even if there is a global redistribution of such resources), and a slow transmission infrastructure build-out. These challenges need to be addressed to fully attract inbound capital.
    • While recognising the very real ongoing local challenges, on the global stage Australia will still be viewed as an attractive investment destination for renewable energy, including relative to the US and parts of Europe. The competitive advantages that are specific to the Australian renewables sector will help Australia compete for the redirection of global capital flows.

    Recent policy changes in the US

    The new US administration has wasted no time in implementing executive orders with the intention of sending policy signals and directing investment in the energy industry in the US in the short to medium term. While the policy situation in the US continues to change on a daily basis, key policies and actions that are expected to directly curb investment in the renewable energy industry in the US are:

    Winding back of the IRA

    Trump’s ‘Unleashing American Energy’ executive order pauses the disbursement of funds allocated under the IRA. This will have direct impacts on existing and planned energy transition projects, including Australian investment into the US in areas such as hydrogen.

    While the IRA is not expected to be fully repealed given a number of projects benefiting from the IRA are in Republican states, the change in stance under the new administration certainly represents a significant shift in direction, given that—up until the commencement of the new administration—the IRA was widely promoted as the single biggest climate investment in US history, with more than US$369 billion of government spending earmarked for energy transition projects, including a vast range of renewable energy technologies. Indeed, it is estimated that as at January 2025, the IRA in its previous form had attracted nearly US$500 billion of investment in low carbon energy and domestic manufacturing, with private investment exceeding public spending by five to six fold.1

    Offshore wind ban

    The withdrawal by President Trump of the Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS) from wind energy leasing is anticipated to create major hurdles for the offshore wind industry in the US. The terms of the withdrawal will mean new offshore wind projects are unlikely to get off the ground, as they will not be able to get leases on the OCS. Projects with existing leases may also be at risk of review, which may result in revisions to the sizing of such leases, or even their cancellation.

    Drill, baby drill

    Trump’s energy strategy pivots away from the clean energy initiatives under the Biden administration towards a prioritisation of oil and gas. Through a number of executive orders, President Trump has decreased regulatory roadblocks to new oil and gas projects, expanded the areas in which hydrocarbon exploration can take place, restarted approval processes for LNG export projects and initiated a renewed push for the adoption of fracking across the US mainland.

    As a result, the US will immediately become a more attractive destination for oil and gas companies to deploy capital and develop new projects. This is in distinct contrast to the Australian investment landscape. Despite the change in the discourse relating to gas that we’ve seen over the past few years, with both the federal and various state governments now publicly calling out the role of gas as an important part of the energy transition, new projects are still facing long delays in securing approvals and opposition from community groups.

    Anti-ESG investment sentiment

    All of these and many other actions and policies under the new US administration have contributed to a further rise in anti-ESG investment sentiment. Globally, and in part as a possible reaction to that sentiment, we have seen major financial institutions and asset managers pulling back from public net zero and other climate-related commitments.

    Australia’s clean energy investment landscape

    Australia’s clean energy landscape is likely to be influenced by a number of global shifts arising from key US policy changes, including the global reallocation of debt and equity capital, disruption and redistribution of supply chains, key materials and labour, and a changing political environment and public sentiment.

    While these shifts may, in some respects, be positive for Australian clean energy projects and investment, our energy transition continues to face significant challenges. The impact on energy policy following a possible change in federal government is significant, with uncertainty around whether a number of the key initiatives pursued over the past few years will continue. These include the Rewiring the Nation initiative, which funds the construction of new transmission infrastructure, and the offshore wind industry which is underpinned by federal legislation. Of course, there is then the issue of the Coalition’s nuclear policy and how this might impact the direction of the energy market in Australia.

    In addition to this sovereign risk, Australia continues to grapple with significant approval delays and transmission connection issues for energy transition projects, preventing developers from fully capitalising on the opportunity to attract capital. We will cover these issues in more detail in future Insights in this series.

    Many of the orders and policies under the Trump administration are expected to:

    • present significant hurdles for new projects in the US (particularly in the renewable energy sector and generation projects both onshore and offshore);
    • create or exacerbate delays and challenges for certain existing US projects, some of which may be shelved or abandoned completely; and
    • increase political and social complexity and scrutiny of investment policies that are explicitly linked to decarbonisation or climate-related targets.

    In particular, the winding back of the IRA is expected to result in capital of up to US$80 billion being diverted away from the US.2 Should this eventuate, a huge global reallocation of capital can be expected to occur, potentially creating new opportunities for certain segments and projects in the Australian energy sector.

    Emerging technologies and non-traditional revenue structures

    While Australia benefits from a mature, sophisticated and liquid project finance market, for certain clean energy projects, such as those involving newer and emerging technologies or non-traditional revenue profiles (like hydrogen, batteries and other storage assets), there is often a need for support from a range of traditional and non-traditional funding sources. These can include government lender support or private debt providers who may be willing to provide greater flexibility in their terms for certain projects that are higher up the risk curve given their different investment mandates and risk appetite.

    The capital expected to ‘free up’ as a result of a more challenging investment environment in the US will come from a wide range of sources, including commercial banks, private debt lenders and funds. With strong existing liquidity in the Australian project finance bank debt market, we see opportunities for non-traditional lenders, particularly private debt lenders who may be looking to reallocate their investment, to increase their participation in the Australian energy market, especially on projects involving emerging technologies or with non-traditional revenue profiles. We may see more of those types of lenders providing standalone funding or supplementing and sitting alongside traditional bank debt and government funding on certain clean energy projects.

    This activity may be facilitated by other current features of the Australian market, such as the RBA recently starting a gradual easing cycle on interest rates, as well as industry-specific features that support new project development and funding, such as legislated emissions reduction targets, and government-led funding and revenue underwriting initiatives, at both a federal and state level, such as the Commonwealth Capacity Investment Scheme and NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap for renewable energy zones and Long Term Energy Services Agreements. It remains to be seen what effect the Australian election outcome may have on federal energy policy, and we have already seen a shift in Queensland in terms of government support for energy transition-related targets and projects.

    M&A activity and expansion of energy platform investment

    On the equity side, for similar reasons noted earlier, we anticipate that Australia should be viewed as a relatively attractive jurisdiction for increased investment from equity investors who may be pulling back their investment allocations in projects in the US. In the Australian context, potential increased equity interest from investors looking for scale and diversification may further drive the proliferation of energy platforms and portfolios. This is a major trend that has proven to be highly attractive and viable for sponsors in the local market across the past 12-24 months, leading to a number of platforms and portfolios becoming available in the pipeline and seeking to be connected with equity and debt capital providers. Investors with more specific asset or technology-based mandates may also look to increase their investment in sectors that have proven to be increasingly bankable, such as the utility-scale batteries sector or, depending on their investment mandate, sectors involving more emerging technologies.

    The extent to which these potential opportunities will result in a net benefit for Australia will be tested by a number of existing sector challenges. These include political uncertainty and a possible pullback by certain investors from the sector generally in the context of heightened scrutiny from stakeholders around ‘environmental agendas’. We have also seen a retreat by certain investors from some technologies such as utility-scale solar, and there are, of course, the pain points with permitting, connection, access and social licence affecting all projects. All of these factors lessen competition for assets, placing downward pressure on returns and presenting issues for Australia as an investment destination for capital seeking a home.

    The significant hurdles, delays and other challenges for renewable energy projects in the US, combined with more general measures such as tariffs, leading to potential trade wars, are expected to significantly disrupt supply chains, key materials and labour. Looking at some of Australia’s existing challenges under these themes, we anticipate that there may be upside for certain segments of the clean energy industry.

    Labour and supply chain opportunities

    The redistribution of resources such as labour and equipment that is no longer required for projects in the US may present opportunities for Australian projects such as solar, wind and storage, as well as facilitating the buildout of transmission infrastructure. Shortages in skilled labour and materials have been a key hurdle facing Australia’s ambitious pipeline of energy development projects and transmission infrastructure buildout. Key equipment and components for energy projects are in high demand globally. Production slots for these items can be booked out years in advance and prices have continually been increasing. Program timing for these large-scale projects is critical, with delays resulting in projects losing their position in the queue for both key components and grid access, which is contributing to cost overruns and blowouts.

    While there is no easy solution to existing supply chain problems, we expect that a redistribution of supply of material, transportation and labour resources away from the US may provide some assistance with overcoming these challenges.

    Offshore wind sector

    The sweeping actions taken by the Trump administration raise serious concerns for the offshore wind industry in the US. From a global perspective, it will mean a huge volume of such development projects may be withdrawn from the US or delayed for some time. In addition to the associated equity and debt investment that will no longer be deployed for those projects and will therefore need to be reallocated, this also means key resources such as contractors, suppliers and operators, as well as key materials, transportation and components, which were previously committed to that project pipeline, will become available globally. The freeing up of some of these resources may assist to address existing shortages in the Australian offshore industry.

    This redistribution presents opportunities for Australia, in particular when we consider some of the current regulatory and policy settings already in place for our offshore wind industry. While still in its early stages, the federal and Victorian governments have been at the forefront of developing an offshore wind market in Australia, with the introduction of an offshore electricity licensing framework at a federal level and a clear policy direction from the Victorian Government outlining its offshore wind targets.

    That said, the offshore wind industry in Australia is still very much in its infancy, and the progress that has been made under current Labor governments at the state level is at risk of being paused or wound back should we see a change of federal government at the upcoming election.

    The substantial shift in stance that the new US administration has taken on energy policy has heightened criticism of energy investment from certain political and social voices and, relatedly, has contributed to a general anti-ESG and anti-woke narrative.

    This increases the complexity of the investment environment surrounding the energy sector globally. In Australia, we see this potentially amplifying certain political and social licence challenges, but will not necessarily be a significant detractor from opportunities for the energy transition in Australia given that, as an investment destination, it remains attractive relative to other parts of the world.

    Emboldening political and community challengers

    We expect to see key planning and environment approvals required under federal and state legislation remaining a challenge for developers, both in terms of delays in securing those approvals and increasingly stringent assessment requirements and conditions once those approvals have been obtained.

    This may be exacerbated depending on the outcome of the upcoming federal election this year. The Coalition has taken a considerably stronger stance against renewables generally, and this may be further fuelled by the renewed emphasis on anti-ESG investing and anti-woke sentiment from the US. For example, we have seen the federal opposition’s recent announcement of its intention to revoke the Southern Ocean Offshore Wind Zone if elected, criticism from federal opposition leader, Peter Dutton, of ‘woke’ bankers who refuse lending to certain sectors on environmental grounds and a promise that, if elected, the opposition would unwind emissions reporting rules that came into effect on 1 January.

    Similarly, we may see community opposition and social licence challengers emboldened by that anti-ESG and anti-woke narrative. In the context of the build-out of generation and transmission projects, this may result in even more protracted stakeholder consultation and negotiations with underlying tenure owners, as well as legal challenges to approved and operating projects.

    Green lending and investment policies

    There is increased complexity and uncertainty around ESG investment and, as part of that, renewable energy investment. As discussed earlier, the political climate in the US has contributed to this and that climate is potentially emboldening certain local political players to more explicitly support policies that curb renewables investment. It may be that we see Australian businesses feeling pressure to follow what we have seen globally in terms of businesses withdrawing or distancing themselves from explicit climate-related commitments. However, we see limited evidence and rationale that this alone will drive a substantive diversion of capital away from the renewables sector, especially where the investment case for projects is commercially and scientifically compelling.

    Further, while we have seen certain anti-woke and anti-ESG sentiment echoed in Australia and specifically in the renewable sector, this has not been at the same level of intensity as in the US and so, from that perspective, it is another consideration for investors who are seeking to redeploy capital that was previously committed to US renewables projects, when assessing Australia as a relatively appealing destination.

    That said, shifts in sentiment against ESG agendas will certainly add to the already growing scrutiny from corporate, political and community stakeholders, and this may become more pronounced should there be a change of government at the next election. Against this backdrop, to ensure the Australian renewables sector can capitalise on the potential opportunities presented by the global reallocation of capital and resources, it has never been more important to demonstrate a compelling investment case to equity and debt investors. Crucially, this will involve continued work to overcome the many industry, community and project-level hurdles in the sector.

    Looking to the future

    Despite these local challenges, there remain many reasons why Australia should still be viewed as an attractive investment destination for renewable energy. The advantages Australia has in terms of its stable legal and political system (including bipartisan support for 2050 net zero targets and significant government support for industry at both state and federal level) and its vast, high quality renewable energy sources will continue to bolster Australia’s ability to compete for global capital flows.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Appointment of new Austrade CEO

    Source: Minister for Trade

    The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Paul Grimes PSM as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).

    Austrade plays a critical role helping Australian businesses to grow and reach new markets, attract investment including to build a Future Made in Australia and promoting Australia as a premier destination for tourism and study.

    Having held a number of senior positions across state, federal and territory governments, Dr Grimes is a highly experienced public servant and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. He has previously served as Secretary of the NSW Department of Treasury, as well as Secretary of the Federal Department of Agriculture and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Population and Communities.

    Dr Grimes joins Austrade from his current positions as Chair of the NSW Net Zero Commission and Chair of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council, among other roles.

    In recognition of his outstanding work in the development of the Australian Government’s response to the global financial crisis, he was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal in 2010.

    I look forward to working closely with him to continue to support local businesses to expand, reach new markets and create more jobs in Australia.

    I would like to give my thanks again to former CEO Mr Xavier Simonet for his distinguished service, and to Acting CEO, Daniel Boyer, for his strong and effective leadership of Austrade during the CEO transition period.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong accelerates integration into national development

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (agreement II) was implemented on Saturday, allowing Hong Kong to accelerate its integration into the overall national development.

    The agreement II further opens up the services market of the Chinese mainland to Hong Kong, enabling Hong Kong businesses and professionals to enter the mainland market with more preferential treatments.

    This move was welcomed by various sectors in Hong Kong, and the industry is looking forward to making good use of the Central Government’s policies to support Hong Kong and promote high-quality economic development, further integrating into the national development.

    The agreement II introduces new liberalization measures across a number of service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages, such as financial services, construction and related engineering services, testing and certification, telecommunications, motion pictures, television and tourism services.

    The liberalization measures take various forms, including removing or relaxing restrictions on equity shareholding and business scope in the establishment of enterprises; relaxing qualification requirements for Hong Kong professionals providing services; and easing restrictions on Hong Kong’s exports of services to the mainland market.

    Most of the liberalization measures apply to the whole mainland, while some of them are designated for pilot implementation in the nine Pearl River Delta municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said earlier that according to the agreement II, the restriction for the mainland branches of Hong Kong banks to conduct bank card business will be lifted starting from March, which will facilitate them in expanding their businesses in the mainland.

    Tommy Tam, chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, said that the new measures are expected to attract more foreign tourists to enter Hong Kong to explore the city and travel further to the mainland. The industry is preparing to promote these arrangements and believes that the demand from ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) tourists is relatively large.

    Law Society of Hong Kong President Roden Tong Man-lung said that this is very good news for the entire Hong Kong legal sector. The legal industry hoped to seize the opportunity to expand their business.

    By the end of last year, the cumulative customs duty concessions under CEPA had exceeded 10.2 billion yuan (about 1.39 billion U.S. dollars). Last year, the total trade in goods between the mainland and Hong Kong exceeded 4.8 trillion Hong Kong dollars (about 613.92 billion U.S. dollars), more than three times the amount before the implementation of CEPA, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6 percent.

    The number of sectors in which the mainland has fully or partially opened up to Hong Kong’s service industry has increased to 153, accounting for 96 percent of all 160 service trade sectors.

    The agreement II also brings along institutional innovation and collaboration enhancements. It includes the addition of “allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law” and “allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong” as facilitation measures for Hong Kong investors; and removal of the period requirement on Hong Kong service suppliers to engage in substantive business operations in Hong Kong for three years in most service sectors.

    Paul Lam, secretary for justice of the HKSAR government, said on the social media that qualified Hong Kong-invested enterprises can choose to use Hong Kong law as the governing law for their contracts. He encouraged the business community to take full advantage of this new opportunity.

    Jonathan Choi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, recently pointed out that the agreement II covers multiple important system innovations, not only providing convenience for Hong Kong businesses entering the mainland market, but also offering broader legal service options for investors in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    It encourages more foreign investors to use Hong Kong as a springboard to invest in the Greater Bay Area, further consolidating Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”, Choi said.

    The mainland and Hong Kong signed CEPA in 2003. CEPA has now been upgraded to a comprehensive and modern free trade agreement and has brought significant economic benefits to Hong Kong.

    Since the implementation of CEPA, all products manufactured in Hong Kong that meet CEPA’s rules of origin can enjoy zero-tariff benefits when exported to the mainland. In addition, in terms of trade in services, the mainland and Hong Kong have essentially achieved trade liberalization.

    John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR, mentioned on multiple occasions that the agreement II creates more favorable conditions for Hong Kong enterprises and professionals to enter the mainland market. He encouraged Hong Kong and global enterprises to make full use of the new preferential treatments under CEPA, to explore the continuous opportunities in the mainland market.

    On Feb. 19, the HKSAR government and the country’s Ministry of Commerce co-organized a forum on the agreement II to familiarize business sectors with the content and implementation arrangements of the relevant measures.

    Over 350 people, including representatives from local and foreign chambers of commerce, consulates, major trade associations and professional sectors, participated in the forum.

    Fan Shijie, director of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs under the Ministry of Commerce, said that through CEPA, the Central Government aims to strengthen open cooperation, supporting Hong Kong and global investors in their efforts to enter the mainland via Hong Kong.

    The Central Government also supports more Hong Kong enterprises in participating in major exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, and the China International Fair for Trade in Services, providing matchmaking services for Hong Kong businesses to tap into the mainland market and share development opportunities, Fan added.

    MIL OSI China News –