NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom cuts more red tape by further streamlining permitting laws to accelerate rebuilding Los Angeles

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 13, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today issued an executive order to cut more red tape and continue streamlining rebuilding, recovery, and relief for survivors of the Los Angeles area firestorms. 

    SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to further cut red tape and streamline the rebuilding and recovery of homes in communities impacted by the recent Los Angeles area firestorms. The order clarifies existing exemptions, further facilitates local streamlining efforts, and implements additional recommendations by state agencies.

    “We will not let overly strict regulations get in the way of rebuilding these communities. The state stands with its local partners to ensure that we cut red tape and make recovery as easy as possible.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Expanding on previous executive orders to suspend California Coastal Act and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) permitting requirements and expand the availability of temporary housing, today’s order further clarifies and expands the scope of those suspensions under the Coastal Act and CEQA, in close coordination local governments and to provide the full scope of flexibility those governments have requested. The order also provides additional flexibility to facilitate rebuilding, including extending the duration of permits, ensuring homeowners can access the building plans for their homes, and allowing homes recently approved for development under modern building safety standards, including fire protection standards, to be rebuilt to the approved specifications.

     Additionally, the order implements recommendations by state agencies provided in response to the Governor’s January 12 executive order, which directed agencies to identify state permitting requirements that may be suspended to accelerate recovery efforts.

    “I will not allow red tape to stand in the way of Angelenos who want to rebuild their homes,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “From allowing LA to automatically reissue permits for homes built in the last few years to quickly getting copies of building plans in the hands of residents who lost theirs in the fire, I am proud to partner with Governor Newsom to help Angelenos get back home.”

    “I deeply appreciate Governor Newsom’s action to expedite the rebuilding process for families impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “His executive order provides much-needed regulatory relief, ensuring that homeowners can rebuild their homes efficiently and without unnecessary delays. By clarifying permit waivers, streamlining access to original plans, and extending key deadlines, the state is demonstrating its commitment to being a critical partner in our local recovery efforts. Los Angeles County stands ready to work alongside the Governor and state agencies to ensure a smooth and swift rebuilding process for our affected residents.”

    “Governor Newsom is once again stepping up for Los Angeles County in our moment of greatest need by working with us to alleviate every hurdle possible in the rebuild process,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “We will continue this successful, coordinated partnership to deliver results our communities deserve. Our focus remains on our residents, and their ability quickly and safely rebuild their homes and communities.”

    The executive order issued today:

    • Updates the Governor’s previous executive orders waiving permitting requirements under the Coastal Act and CEQA by clarifying the scope of the waivers and that local planning or permit approval is determinative of eligibility for these suspensions.
    • Expedites rebuilds of recently constructed homes by allowing them to be rebuilt to approved specifications. 
    • Helps speed access to original plans held by local planning and building departments, to minimize delays in rebuilding. 
    • Extends deadlines for construction permits, to limit the administrative burden for homeowners seeking to rebuild. 

    Extends deadlines related to local housing element rezoning requirements for Los Angeles County so local government staff can focus fully on issuing permits for rebuilding efforts.

    Historic recovery and rebuilding efforts — faster than ever before 

    • Cutting red tape to help rebuild Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. The Governor also issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.
    • Providing tax and mortgage relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline. The Governor also worked with state– and federally-chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain zip codes.
    • Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms.
    • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 
    • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.
    • Directing immediate state relief. The Governor signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. The Governor also launched LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts. Governor Newsom announced that individuals and families directly impacted by the recent fires living in certain zip codes may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.
    • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.
    • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.
    • Helping businesses and workers get back on their feet. The Governor issued an executive order to support small businesses and workers, by providing relief to help businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensing fees and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery.

    Recent news

    Feb 12, 2025

    News Kate Hoit, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Hoit has been the PACT Act Enterprise Program Management Office Communications and Outreach Lead at the U.S. Department of Veterans…

    Feb 11, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Karen Morrison, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Morrison has held multiple positions at the Department of Pesticide…

    Feb 11, 2025

    News What you need to know: Across all of state government, highly-specialized personnel and response equipment are on the ground working to protect communities statewide from storm impacts.  Los Angeles, California – With another significant winter storm system…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – P10_TA(2025)0017 – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Nicaragua,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas since 2018, the Nicaraguan regime has systematically, repeatedly and arbitrarily persecuted human rights defenders (HRDs), opposition and religious representatives, among others; whereas over 5 600 NGOs have been dissolved, including religious groups – mainly Catholic – and their assets confiscated;

    B.  whereas imprisoned political opponents, along with HRDs, have been expelled from the country, stripped of their nationality and deprived of their political rights; whereas since 2018, 245 members of the clergy have been arbitrarily arrested or expelled, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez, Sakharov Prize finalist;

    C.  whereas in January 2025, the regime passed a constitutional reform that eliminates the separation of powers and political pluralism, establishing an Ortega-Murillo co-presidency that controls all branches of government, independent institutions and the media, and ignores adherence to international human rights conventions and treaties;

    1.  Strongly condemns the Ortega-Murillo regime’s widespread, systemic human rights violations against its population, democratic opposition, students, civil society organisations (CSOs) and its persecution of religious leaders, primarily Catholic; urges the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, and the restoration of the rule of law and the legal status of all organisations, freedoms and the rights of exiled individuals, including their safe return; insists that these are essential conditions for any prospect of meaningful dialogue;

    2.  Denounces the use of statelessness and exile as a weapon against dissenting voices; reiterates the need to end restrictions on civic space and to respect the right to dissent;

    3.  Calls on the Ortega-Murillo regime to reverse its constitutional reform and all repressive laws institutionalising totalitarianism, to fully respect its international human rights obligations, and to implement the recommendations made by the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua; calls for its mandate to be extended;

    4.  Calls for the EU to include specific guarantees of human rights compliance when allocating EU funds, including through multilateral and financial institutions, and to ensure that the funds do not contribute to strengthening the Ortega-Murillo regime;

    5.  Highlights the key role played by CSOs, HRDs, the Catholic Church and journalists in Nicaragua; calls for the EU to reinforce its regular dialogue with them, including those in exile, to support their vital work, as well as countries receiving migrants fleeing Nicaragua, such as Costa Rica;

    6.  Calls on the Member States, in accordance with the Rome Statute, to open investigations through the International Criminal Court into the Ortega-Murillo regime for crimes against humanity;

    7.  Reiterates its demand that the democratic clause of the EU Association Agreement be triggered; rejects any prospect of holding any parliamentary dialogue with members of Nicaragua’s regime-controlled National Assembly;

    8.  Reiterates its call to expand the list of sanctioned individuals to include Ortega, Rosario Murillo and their inner circle;

    9.  Calls for the immediate extradition of Alessio Casimirri to Italy;

    10.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, the VP/HR, the Member States and the Nicaraguan authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – P10_TA(2025)0019 – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular that of 28 November 2024 on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud(1),

    –  having regard to Georgia’s status as an EU candidate country, granted by the European Council at its summit of 14 and 15 December 2023,

    –  having regard to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which demands the implementation of all possible measures to guarantee Georgia’s complete integration into the EU and NATO,

    –  having regard to the final report of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on 26 October 2024,

    –  having regard to Rules 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas the democratic backsliding in Georgia has dramatically accelerated since the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024, which were deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities, and failed to meet international democratic standards and Georgia’s OSCE commitments; whereas these elections violated the democratic norms and standards set for free and fair elections, failing to reflect the will of the people and rendering the resulting ‘parliament’, and subsequently the ‘president’, devoid of any democratic legitimacy; whereas from the very beginning of its activity, the current Georgian parliament has operated as a one-party (Georgian Dream) organ, which is incompatible with the essence of pluralistic parliamentary democracy;

    B.  whereas Article 2 of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement(2) concerns the general principles of the agreement, which include democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms;

    C.  whereas Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution states that the constitutional bodies must take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union;

    D.  whereas the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, publicly condemned the parliamentary elections as rigged, declared that she would not recognise them and called for an international investigation; whereas the current Georgian regime, led by the Georgian Dream party and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has orchestrated an unconstitutional usurpation of power, systematically dismantling democratic institutions, undermining judicial independence and eroding fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, thereby deepening Georgia’s political and constitutional crisis;

    E.  whereas Georgia has officially held the status of EU candidate country since December 2023; whereas on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would delay initiating accession talks with the EU and reject its financial assistance until the end of 2028, disregarding the country’s constitutional commitment to European integration and effectively undermining Georgia’s sovereign Euro-Atlantic aspirations;

    F.  whereas on 28 November 2024, peaceful mass anti-government protests began across the country, demanding new, free and fair elections, an end to political violence and repression, and the return of the country to its European path; whereas the protests have been taking place without interruption for over 75 days;

    G.  whereas on 14 December 2024, the de facto parliament held a ‘presidential election’ with a single candidate from the Georgian Dream party, former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected with 224 out of 225 votes cast;

    H.  whereas Georgia’s self-appointed authorities have plunged the country into a fully fledged constitutional and political crisis, as well as a human rights and democracy crisis; whereas this has been marked by the brutal repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives, with judges, prosecutors and police officers actively fabricating politically motivated administrative and criminal charges against protesters, journalists and opposition figures detained during peaceful anti-government demonstrations; whereas, as of December 2024, more than 460 people have been arrested or punished since the protests began, with this number growing by the day;

    I.  whereas riot police deliberately lacking force identification numbers have forcefully dispersed protesters with tear gas and water cannons; whereas numerous journalists have reported being targeted and beaten, and having their equipment destroyed and personal items stolen; whereas dozens of protesters have been brutally assaulted, and several hundred people have been arrested; whereas Georgia’s Public Defender has revealed that 80 % of those detained reported experiencing violence and inhumane treatment at the hands of law enforcement officers; whereas despite international condemnation, the illegitimate Georgian Government has awarded medals to officials involved in the crackdown;

    J.  whereas independent media outlets, including TV Formula, TV Mtavari and TV Pirveli, face severe operational and financial constraints due to the regime’s interference, while dozens of media representatives are being subjected to various forms of intense physical and psychological pressure; whereas numerous violent attacks on journalists have been documented, including the severe beatings of Aleksandre Keshelashvili, Maka Chikhladze and Giorgi Shetsiruli, and the harassment of detained journalist Saba Kevkhishvili; whereas on 12 January 2025, the Georgian authorities arrested journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been in pre-trial detention since then and is on hunger strike in solidarity with all political prisoners in Georgia; whereas she faces between four and seven years in prison;

    K.  whereas, on the night of 14 January 2025, Giorgi Gakharia, opposition leader of the For Georgia party and former Prime Minister, and Zviad Koridze, journalist and Transparency International activist, were physically assaulted by Georgian Dream officials in separate incidents at the same venue in Batumi;

    L.  whereas on 2 February 2025, Nika Melia, a leader of the pro-European Akhali party, and Gigi Ugulava, the former mayor of Tbilisi, were arrested during the anti-government protests and subjected to physical violence in detention; whereas on 12 January 2025, Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa political movement, was detained in Batumi;

    M.  whereas the de facto Georgian authorities have used disproportionate force and excessive violence against peaceful protesters and resorted to arbitrary mass arrests to thwart dissent; whereas independent human rights organisations have reported the systemic mistreatment of detainees, including torture; whereas to date, not a single law enforcement official involved in the brutal crackdowns, arbitrary arrests and mistreatment has been brought to justice;

    N.  whereas the self-appointed authorities introduced new draconian legislation that came into force on 30 December 2024 and amended the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offences and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, imposing further arbitrary restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, introducing, among other things, hefty fines for putting up protest slogans and posters, and granting police the power to detain individuals ‘preventively’ for 48 hours on suspicion of planning to violate the rules governing public assembly; whereas on 3 February 2025, the Georgian Dream party unveiled further draft legislation designed to tighten control, ramping up penalties for a variety of offences directly targeting protestors, critics and political dissent, such as harsher punishments for ‘insulting officials’, the criminalisation of road blocks and an increase in the duration of administrative detention from 15 to 60 days;

    O.  whereas on 27 January 2025, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement for Georgian diplomats and officials, but failed to impose individual sanctions in response to the continued crackdown; whereas the Hungarian and Slovak Governments have been consistently blocking impactful EU-wide sanctions, preventing the remaining 25 Member States (EU-25) from effectively introducing sanctions against the self-appointed Georgian authorities;

    P.  whereas several Member States, including Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Czechia, have imposed bilateral sanctions on some Georgian politicians, judges and other officials responsible for the brutal crackdown on protesters, violations of human rights and abuse of the rule of law; whereas in December 2024, the United States sanctioned Bidzina Ivanishvili, alongside Georgia’s ‘Minister of Internal Affairs’ Vakhtang Gomelauri and Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department Mirza Kezevadze, for their involvement in brutal crackdowns on media representatives, opposition figures and protesters; whereas the UK and Ukraine have imposed similar sanctions on high-level Georgian officials; whereas Ivanishvili, through hastily adopted laws tailored to his personal situation, is moving his offshore assets to Georgia in anticipation of further sanctions;

    Q.  whereas on 29 January 2025, Georgian Dream announced that it would withdraw its delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) after it demanded new, genuinely democratic parliamentary elections, the release of political prisoners and accountability for perpetrators of violence; whereas UN experts have condemned the pattern of repression and human rights violations in Georgia, while the OSCE has called this suppression a serious breach of the right to freedom of assembly;

    R.  whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party convened the new parliament in violation of the country’s constitution, resulting in a boycott of parliament by the opposition; whereas on 5 February 2025, the self-appointed ‘parliament’ voted to approve the early termination of the mandates of 49 out of 61 members of parliament, representing the Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia and the United National Movement, in order to strip them of their immunity and facilitate their arrest and prosecution; whereas the same ‘parliament’ established a commission to punish former ruling party United National Movement;

    S.  whereas a growing number of civil servants have been dismissed after speaking out against the halting of Georgia’s EU accession process; whereas Georgian Dream has amended laws on public service, simplifying procedures to dismiss public servants, several of whom have been dismissed for participating in protests, in a clear attempt to silence critical voices;

    1.  Condemns the Georgian Dream ‘authorities’ and urges them to immediately cease the violent repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives; underlines that Georgia’s self-appointed authorities are currently violating fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the core international obligations of the country, thereby undermining decades of democratic reforms driven by the country’s political class and civil society; considers Georgia as a state captured by the illegitimate Georgian Dream regime; expresses deep regret over the fact that the ruling Georgian Dream party has abandoned its path towards European integration and NATO membership; recalls that the ongoing democratic backsliding and adoption of anti-democratic laws has effectively suspended Georgia’s EU integration process; reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and their wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country;

    2.  Does not recognise the self-proclaimed authorities of the Georgian Dream party established following the rigged election of 26 October 2024, which was neither free nor fair, was held in violation of democratic norms and standards, and did not reflect the will of the people of Georgia; underlines that the extensive electoral fraud has undermined the integrity of the election process, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the result and eroded public trust, both domestically and internationally, in any new government;

    3.  Calls for the EU and its Member States, as well as national parliaments and interparliamentary institutions, not to recognise the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream one-party parliament and their appointed president; calls, therefore, on the international community to join the boycott of the self-proclaimed Georgian authorities;

    4.  Continues to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia and representative of the Georgian people; praises her efforts to peacefully steer the country back towards a democratic and European path of development; calls on the President of the European Council to invite President Zourabichvili to represent Georgia at an upcoming European Council meeting and at the next European Political Community summit;

    5.  Underlines that the settlement of the current political and constitutional crisis in Georgia can only be achieved by way of new parliamentary elections; demands that new elections take place in Georgia within the next few months in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process; encourages the Member States and EU officials to firmly demand new elections and to make any future engagement explicitly conditional on setting a new date for parliamentary elections and establishing a mechanism to ensure they are free and fair;

    6.  Calls on the Council and the Member States, particularly the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose immediate and targeted personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family and his companies, and to freeze all his assets within the EU for his role in the deterioration of the political process in Georgia, enabling democratic backsliding and acting against the country’s constitutionally declared interests of Euro-Atlantic integration; calls on the French Government to strip Bidzina Ivanishvili of the Legion of Honour and impose individual sanctions on him; welcomes, in this regard, the sanctions imposed bilaterally by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Czechia, as well as those already imposed by the US and the UK;

    7.  Calls for the EU and its Member States, in particular the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose personal sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party Kakha Kaladze, and Chair of the Georgian Dream party Irakli Garibashvili; calls for them to extend these sanctions to judges, including those of the Constitutional Court of Georgia who are passing politically motivated sentences, and representatives of the law enforcement services, as well as to financial enablers tacitly or openly supporting the regime and the owners of regime-aligned media outlets, including TV Imedi, Pos TV and Rustavi 2 TV, for their role in spreading disinformation and seeking to manipulate public discourse in order to sustain the current ruling party’s authoritarian rule;

    8.  Calls on the Council and the Member States to impose sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili’s network of enablers, elite entourage, corrupt financial operatives, propagandists and those facilitating the repressive state apparatus, including, among others, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, Uta Ivanishvili, Tsotne Ivanishvili, Bera Ivanishvili, Gvantsa Ivanishvili, Alexander Ivanishvili, Shmagi Kobakhidze, Ucha Mamatsashvili, Natia Turnava, Ivane Chkhartishvili, Sulkhan Papashvili, Giorgi Kapanadze, Tornike Rizhvadze, Ilia Tsulaia, Kakha Bekauri, Lasha Natsvlishvili, Vasil Maglaperidze, Grigol Liluashvili, Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Rukhadze, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, Tamaz Gaiashvili, Anton Obolashvili and Gocha Enukidze;

    9.  Maintains the view that the measures taken so far by the EU in response to the flagrant democratic backsliding and reneging on previous commitments does not yet fully reflect the severity of the situation in Georgia and the latest developments; welcomes the Council’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials, but considers it as only a first step, which must be followed by tougher measures; deplores the obstruction by the Hungarian and Slovak Governments of the Council decisions on introducing sanctions against individuals responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia;

    10.  Emphasises that respect for fundamental rights is vital to the EU’s visa liberalisation benchmarks; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to review Georgia’s visa-free status, with the possibility of suspension if it is considered that EU standards on democratic governance and freedoms are not being upheld;

    11.  Strongly condemns the brutal violence and repression used by Georgia’s ruling regime against peaceful protesters since 28 November 2024; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and those detained during the anti-government protests; demands the release of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on hunger strike for over four weeks now because of her unjust detention and risks facing critical, irreversible and life-threatening consequences; denounces the assault and beating of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, resulting in his hospitalisation, followed by the arrest on 2 February 2025 of political leaders including Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava, as a shocking escalation of state-orchestrated violence by Georgian Dream and its allies against peaceful demonstrators and political opponents; reminds of the detention of Elene Khoshtaria on 12 January 2025 in Batumi;

    12.  Reiterates its solidarity with the people of Georgia and its vibrant civil society in fighting for their legitimate democratic rights and for a European future for their country; urges the Georgian Government to reverse its current political course and return to implementing the will of the Georgian people for continued democratic reforms that would reopen the prospect of future EU membership;

    13.   Strongly condemns the enactment of draconian legislation that imposes unjustified restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and demands the annulment of such recently adopted repressive legislation; urges the Georgian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and to ensure prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of unlawful and disproportionate use of force by the law enforcement agencies; considers that the Georgian justice system has been weaponised to stifle dissent, instil fear and silence free speech;

    14.  Calls for the ‘Georgian authorities’ to take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and to investigate all instances of violence and misconduct by law enforcement agencies; emphasises the importance of fostering a democratic environment where media, civil society and the opposition can operate freely without fear of retaliation or censorship;

    15.  Demands an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into police brutality and the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators; calls for those responsible for human rights violations, including law enforcement and government officials ordering acts of repression, to be held fully accountable before the law;

    16.  Denounces the launch of an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office on 8 February 2025 into non-governmental organisations accused of aggravated sabotage, attempted sabotage and assisting foreign and foreign-controlled organisations in hostile activities aimed at undermining the state interests of Georgia, for which they could receive multiple-year sentences; views this action as further escalation of repression by the regime, misuse of the judicial system and accelerated democratic backsliding;

    17.  Condemns the broader campaign of attacks by the Georgian authorities vilifying civil society organisations and reputable international donors that support democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Georgia;

    18.  Denounces the termination by Georgian Dream of the mandates of 49 opposition members of parliament as a sign of further democratic backsliding, and considers this the latest move in Georgian Dream’s attack on political pluralism in the country;

    19.   Welcomes PACE’s decision to challenge the credentials of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation due to democratic backsliding and human rights abuses; supports PACE’s call for Georgia to immediately initiate an inclusive process involving all political and social actors, including the ruling party, the opposition and civil society, to urgently address the deficiencies and shortcomings noted during the recent parliamentary elections and to create an electoral environment conducive to new, genuinely democratic elections to be announced in the coming months;

    20.  Notes that Georgia, once a front runner for Euro-Atlantic integration, is undergoing an accelerated process of democratic backsliding, in a seemingly deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the will of the Georgian people no longer determines the country’s future, which could result in the country taking the Belarussian path of political development, transitioning from the current authoritarian state to a dictatorial regime;

    21.  Deplores the decision of Irakli Kobakhidze to suspend accession talks and reject EU funding until the end of 2028; recalls that all polls consistently show the overwhelming support of the Georgian population for a Euro-Atlantic future; expresses strong support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people;

    22.  Calls for an immediate and comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia due to the democratic backsliding; calls on the Commission to review the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in the light of the self-declared Georgian authorities’ breach of the general principles, as laid down in Article 2, namely respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms; points out that non-fulfilment of obligations may result in the conditional suspension of economic cooperation and privileges afforded by the Agreement;

    23.  Welcomes the Commission’s decision to cease all budgetary support to the Georgian authorities and to suspend the initiation of any future investment projects; encourages the Commission to terminate all financial support for ongoing projects; calls for a moratorium on all investment projects in the field of connectivity; calls on the Commission to start identifying economic sectors of relevance to the oligarchic interests that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule, with a view to a potential future decision about restrictive measures or economic sanctions; calls on the Commission to start identifying connectivity projects that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule and to consider their suspension until a rerun of the parliamentary elections;

    24.  Condemns the climate of intimidation and polarisation fuelled by statements by Georgian Government representatives and political leaders, as well as by attacks against political pluralism, including through disturbing cases of intimidation and violence against the Georgian democratic political forces and repeated threats to ban opposition parties, to arrest their leaders and even ordinary supporters, and to silence dissent; underlines that anything but the full restoration of Georgia’s democratic standards will entail a further deterioration of EU-Georgia relations, make any move towards EU accession impossible and result in additional sanctions;

    25.  Calls on the Commission to swiftly redirect the frozen EUR 120 million originally intended as support for the Georgian authorities to enhance the EU’s support for Georgia’s civil society, in particular the non-governmental sector and independent media, which are increasingly coming under undue pressure from the ruling political party and the authorities, as well as to support programmes supporting democratic resilience and electoral integrity; calls for the EU’s funding mechanisms to be adjusted to take into account the needs that arise in a more hostile and anti-democratic environment; highlights the urgency of the need to support civil society in the light of growing repression and the suspension of activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and therefore urges the Commission to ramp up support without delay;

    26.  Expresses deep concern about the increasing Russian influence in the country and about the Georgian Dream government’s actions in pursuing a policy of rapprochement and collaboration with Russia, in spite of its creeping occupation of Georgian territory; deplores, in this regard, the growing anti-Western and hostile rhetoric of the Georgian Dream party’s representatives towards Georgia’s strategic Western partners, including the EU, and its MEPs and officials, and Georgian Dream’s promotion of Russian disinformation and manipulation;

    27.  Strongly reiterates its urgent demand for the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds, specifically for the purpose of seeking medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the self-appointed authorities bear full and undeniable responsibility for the life, health, safety and well-being of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and must be held fully accountable for any harm that befalls him; calls, furthermore, on the Georgian Dream authorities to ensure that Members of the European Parliament are granted unhindered access to Mikheil Saakashvili;

    28.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – P10_TA(2025)0020 – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

    –  having regard to the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 25 January 2025 on the latest escalation in eastern DRC,

    –  having regard to the statement by G7 foreign ministers of 2 February 2025 on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,

    –  having regard to the press statement of the UN Security Council of 26 January 2025 on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

    –  having regard to the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

    –  having regard to the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 28 January 2025 on the recent developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,

    –  having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women of 18 December 1979,

    –  having regard to the Partnership Agreement of 15 November 2023 between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part(1),

    –  having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas in January 2025, the armed rebel group M23, backed by Rwandan forces, further advanced in the eastern DRC and seized the regional capital city of Goma; whereas violence between rebel groups and the Congolese army increased sharply, causing a high number of civilian casualties; whereas an estimated 3 000 deaths occurred during the offensive on Goma; whereas approximately 800 000 internally displaced people were sheltering at that time in densely populated displacement sites around the city;

    B.  whereas M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire to begin on 4 February 2025; whereas fighting has nonetheless continued, Goma airport remains closed, air traffic management equipment is damaged and humanitarian access is still limited; whereas there are reports that the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu has been captured by M23; whereas M23 leaders have declared their intention to continue advancing in the DRC; whereas the latest advances of M23 mark an alarming escalation of the devastating conflict in the eastern DRC, a violation of territorial integrity and an escalation in violence, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis, human rights violations and the further destabilisation of the country;

    C.  whereas the region has been plagued by decades of cyclical violence, causing a security and humanitarian crisis; whereas after a ceasefire that lasted several years, the M23 fighters took up arms again at the end of 2021; whereas martial law has been in force since 2021 in the eastern DRC and the civilian government has been replaced by the military; whereas the M23 forces have been expanding their presence in the eastern DRC, setting up new governance administrations and taxation systems, establishing military training camps and exporting minerals directly to Rwanda; whereas the long-term consequences of the terrible 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi are still fuelling violence, hatred and forced displacements today;

    D.  whereas on 23 and 24 January 2025, M23 fired on positions of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), which resulted in the deaths of 13 peacekeepers deployed with MONUSCO and the peacekeeping mission led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC);

    E.  whereas the UN Group of Experts concluded in its June 2024 report that the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) ‘violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’ and that the RDF’s ‘de facto control and direction over M23 operations also renders Rwanda liable for the actions of M23’;

    F.  whereas the seizing of Goma has led to significant displacement of civilians; whereas over 500 000 people are estimated to have been displaced since early January 2025; whereas thousands of Congolese people had previously fled to the city to escape violence and have been further driven from camps for internally displaced people into makeshift tents or forced to sleep out in the open; whereas the safety of internally displaced people is now seriously threatened, with women and girls suffering disproportionately;

    G.  whereas the deputy head of the UN peacekeeping force based in Goma has reported on the mass rape and killing of women inmates inside Goma’s Munzenze prison, and it is estimated that hundreds of women were raped and many burned alive in the prison;

    H.  whereas women and girls in the DRC face increased levels of sexual and gender-based violence, resulting in there being one victim of rape every four minutes; whereas the staff of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, which receives many survivors of sexual violence, is alarmed about the deteriorating security situation in the area and about the security of the staff and patients in Panzi Hospital itself;

    I.  whereas the seizure of Goma triggered violent protests in Kinshasa, with dozens of protesters attacking embassies and calling on the international community to halt the advance of M23;

    J.  whereas the conflict in the DRC is at risk of regional spillover; whereas a peacekeeping deployment from the East African Community Regional Forces withdrew in 2023; whereas the SADC deployed a peacekeeping mission to the DRC in December 2023 with troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi; whereas at least 20 peacekeepers were killed during the M23 advance on Goma; whereas on 6 February 2025, Malawi announced the withdrawal of its troops from this mission;

    K.  whereas it is widely acknowledged that Rwanda is active in the conflict in the eastern DRC, including through its de facto control of M23, to which it supplies weapons, logistical support and troops; whereas UN experts estimate that there are between 3 000 and 4 000 Rwandan troops operating with M23;

    L.  whereas North Kivu is a resource-rich region, with vast supplies of critical raw materials including cobalt, gold and tin, which are necessary for the global digital and energy transition; whereas Goma is a major transport and trading hub for the export of minerals; whereas the UN estimates that around 120 tonnes of coltan are being moved by M23 to Rwanda each month; whereas UN experts further estimate that M23 is financed by around EUR 288 000 per month generated through its control of the mineral trade in the DRC; whereas the rebel groups often recruit child soldiers in a blatant violation of international law and humanity;

    M.  whereas the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations in the DRC have focused on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed mainly in the eastern DRC, in the Ituri region and the North and South Kivu Provinces, since 1 July 2002; whereas the DRC made a second referral to the ICC in May 2023 concerning alleged crimes committed in North Kivu since 1 January 2022;

    N.  whereas on 8 February 2025 at a joint summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the regional blocs of southern Africa, the SADC, and eastern Africa, the East African Community (EAC), called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, demanded the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the DRC territory, urged all warring parties to hold peace talks within five days, and demanded the reopening of Goma airport and other key routes to facilitate humanitarian aid; whereas the African Union is set to address the matter at a meeting in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2025; whereas other mediation efforts are ongoing, notably by France, which aims to bring all actors to the negotiation table;

    O.  whereas the Foreign Affairs Council of the Council of the EU is expected to exchange views on the situation in the DRC on 24 February 2025;

    P.  whereas between 2021 and 2024, the EU provided EUR 260 million in funding to Rwanda, with an additional EUR 900 million pledged under the Global Gateway strategy; whereas following the latest developments in the eastern DRC, the EU declared that it stood ready to boost emergency assistance, particularly for the newly displaced populations in and around Goma, and on 28 January 2025, the Commission announced new humanitarian support for the DRC with an initial amount of EUR 60 million for 2025; whereas the EU is trying to intensify its presence in the region, including through its recent support for the ‘Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa’ programme via a Global Gateway initiative, which aims to help establish a sustainable 2 600 km corridor connecting the eastern DRC to Kinshasa and the Atlantic Coast, covering 540 000 km2;

    Q.  whereas the EU has formed raw materials partnerships with several countries, including the DRC, Rwanda and other countries in the region; whereas these partnerships are focused on, among other things, advancing due diligence and traceability, cooperation in fighting against the illegal trafficking of raw materials, and alignment with international environmental, social and governance standards; whereas Parliament, unlike the Council, was not given the opportunity by the Commission to share its political assessment of the decision to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rwanda or to provide technical feedback on the draft MoU;

    R.  whereas the DRC Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Nobel Prize laureate Denis Mukwage briefed Parliament on 5 February 2025, at an extraordinary meeting of the Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly (DAFR) and the Committee on Development, on the occupation of the eastern DRC and the dire humanitarian impact on the local population and internally displaced people;

    S.  whereas the Council appointed Johan Borgstam as the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region on 1 September 2024; whereas on 30 January 2025, DAFR organised an extraordinary hearing with the EU Special Representative and Bintou Keita, Head of MONUSCO;

    T.  whereas prior to recent developments, the DRC faced one of the largest displacement crises in Africa, with 6,7 million internally displaced persons, including 4,6 million in South and North Kivu; whereas the DRC also hosts over 520 000 refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries, while 1,1 million refugees from the DRC are being hosted in neighbouring countries in the region, more than half of them in Uganda; whereas the recent surge in violence has internally displaced over half a million people since the beginning of the year; whereas given the severe overcrowding in the displacement sites where people remain and the lack of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, the risk of a cholera outbreak is extremely high, along with that of a rapid spread of the Mpox epidemic;

    1.  Strongly condemns the occupation of Goma and other territories in the eastern DRC by M23 and the RDF as an unacceptable breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; urges the Rwandan Government to withdraw its troops from DRC territory, as they are in clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and to cease cooperation with the M23 rebels; demands that Rwanda and all other potential state actors in the region cease their support for M23;

    2.  Strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas of North Kivu by all parties, including on displacement camps and other densely populated areas near Goma, as well as the unlawful killings, rapes and other apparent war crimes, forced labour, forced recruitment and other abusive practices committed by M23 with the support of the RDF and by the armed forces of the DRC, the FARDC;

    3.  Is appalled by the shocking use of sexual violence against women and girls as a tool of repression and weapon of war in the eastern DRC as well as the unacceptable recruitment of child soldiers by the various rebel groups; demands that these matters be addressed by the international community without delay; strongly reiterates that any attack against UN-mandated forces is inexcusable and might be considered a war crime;

    4.  Calls for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war; calls on the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and appropriately prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility;

    5.  Is extremely concerned by the critical humanitarian situation in the country; calls for the immediate reopening of Goma airport to re-establish humanitarian operations and bring in supplies via the airport and the land border; calls for the creation and immediate opening of humanitarian corridors and for all parties, including armed groups operating in the eastern DRC, to allow and facilitate full humanitarian access based on needs and humanitarian principles, including ensuring that civilians and displaced people are not denied access to items essential for their survival;

    6.  Emphasises that humanitarian workers must be able to operate safely to deliver life-saving assistance to Congolese civilians, and that the safety of medical facilities must be preserved; stresses that this is a central obligation under international humanitarian law, and that perpetrators violating these obligations should be held to account; underlines that Rwanda and the neighbouring countries have a special responsibility to facilitate humanitarian access to the region;

    7.  Strongly condemns the attack on diplomatic institutions of the EU, its Member States and civil society organisations, such as political foundations in Kinshasa; underlines that the protection of civilians and diplomatic staff must be guaranteed;

    8.  Expresses concern over the lack of coherence in the EU response to the Great Lakes region’s crises and calls on the Council to reassess the implementation of its renewed EU Great Lakes strategy; recalls that the EU and its special representative for the region are ready to assist all mediation efforts;

    9.  Welcomes the increased humanitarian support pledged by the EU, notes that this still falls far short of meeting the basic needs for food, water, medical assistance and shelter in the eastern DRC, especially in the light of the recent termination of support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); calls on the Commission and the international community to significantly step up financial support for urgent and life-saving assistance;

    10.  Regrets that the EU has not taken appropriate measures to sufficiently address the crisis and effectively press Rwanda to end its support for M23, and that it has instead taken steps – including the signing in February 2024 of an MoU on sustainable raw materials value chains without sufficiently discussing the conflict, and the decision to top up support for Rwanda’s deployment in Mozambique under the European Peace Facility (EPF) – that have failed to demonstrate sufficient safeguards and that have contributed to sending an inconsistent message to the Rwandan authorities;

    11.  Urges the Commission and the Council to immediately suspend the EU-Rwanda MoU on sustainable raw materials value chains until Rwanda proves that it is ceasing its interference and its exportation of minerals mined from M23-controlled areas; calls on all actors to increase transparency and to effectively ban the entry of all blood minerals into the EU;

    12.  Calls on the Commission to render the future re-activation of cooperation on critical raw materials conditional upon Rwanda joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which the DRC is already part of;

    13.  Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the current Conflict Minerals Regulation(2) is strongly enforced and on the Commission to propose a revision of the EU rules, with the aim of ensuring the highest standards of traceability and transparency;

    14.  Notes that parliamentary oversight and civil society involvement in the preparation, signing and implementation of raw material MoUs and roadmaps are essential for an inclusive process with adequate scrutiny, and must become part of the MoU;

    15.  Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support to Rwanda subject to it meeting conditions on, among other things, humanitarian access and the breaking of all links with M23; urges the Commission and the Member States to freeze their military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces to ensure that they do not contribute directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in the eastern DRC; calls strongly, in particular, for a review of the EU’s renewed support under the EPF to ensure that troops deployed in northern Mozambique and benefiting from EPF support, as well as their commanders, have been properly vetted and have not been involved in the eastern DRC or in other human rights violations, with a view to suspending the support if it is found to contribute directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in the eastern DRC;

    16.  Urges the Commission and all Member States to ban the transfer of weapons to the Rwandan forces and M23 and to ensure greater transparency of trade in EU weapons;

    17.  Urges the Council to expand sanctions against senior M23 commanders, leaders of other armed groups and senior officials from the DRC and Rwanda – including Major-General Eugene Nkubito, the commander of the RDF’s 3rd Division, and Major-General Ruki Karusisi, RDF Special Force Commander, identified in the June 2024 report of the UN Group of Experts, and Major-General Emmy K. Ruvusha, Commander of the Rwanda Security Forces, identified in the June 2023 report of the UN Group of Experts – and from other countries across the region, as being responsible for or complicit in recent serious abuses by their forces or those for which they have command responsibility;

    18.  Urges the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Member States and the Government of the DRC to take immediate action to prevent sexual violence and improve care for survivors, including by adapting the national legal framework to guarantee access to medical abortion care; draws attention to the health needs of pregnant women, notably those who are displaced and out of reach of medical support; calls on the EEAS and the Member States to further prioritise the disbursement of humanitarian support for women and girls in the region;

    19.  Calls on the Commission to continue supporting anti-corruption efforts and the strengthening of governance in the DRC;

    20.  Commends the Prosecutor of the ICC’s announcement that the ICC will continue to investigate alleged crimes committed by any person, irrespective of affiliation or nationality; reiterates the EU’s unwavering support for the ICC and calls on the Council and Commission to fulfil their obligations to ensure the functioning and effectiveness of the ICC;

    21.  Reiterates its full support for MONUSCO in protecting civilians and stabilising the region; urges the EU to cooperate with all actors on the ground, in particular MONUSCO, to ensure the protection of civilians in the eastern DRC; calls on the UN to work towards a stronger mandate for MONUSCO in order to enable peacemaking; calls on the UN to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, particularly given the increased risk of gender-based violence, and to preserve the safety of humanitarian staff, health workers and medical facilities;

    22.  Calls on the UN to take immediate and specific measures to protect Panzi Hospital and its patients and staff;

    23.  Welcomes the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the DRC; supports the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into serious violations committed since January 2022;

    24.  Reiterates its condemnation of hate speech and xenophobia, as well as ethnic-based politics; underlines that all those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC must be held accountable;

    25.  Is concerned about the consequences of Russian interference in the conflict and more widely in the region, and about the increasing presence of disinformation campaigns; condemns, in particular, efforts by Russia to foster anti-Western sentiment through the dissemination of fake news on social media about Western players;

    26.  Expresses its concern about the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the mining sector of the DRC and the region acting without respect for economic and social responsibilities, and recalls that European industries and companies in the region will only have long-term security of supply if a long-lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict is found;

    27.  Recalls that only an inclusive and regional approach will be able to address and tackle the multifaceted, long-standing problems in the region; strongly welcomes the joint SADC and EAC peace summit in Dar es Salaam on 8 February 2025; reiterates, in this regard, its full support for the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calls upon all Great Lake countries, in particular the DRC and Rwanda, to urgently pursue negotiations within these frameworks; emphasises that any solution must also address the root causes of the conflict, including, but not limited to, the illicit trafficking of natural resources; calls on the Commission and the Member States to fully support national and regional initiatives, such as the initiative of the Congolese Catholic and Protestant leaders, and the Luanda Process; underlines that regional organisations, such as the African Union, the SADC and the EAC, must play a central role in all of these efforts; underlines also that a lasting solution requires a reform of the DRC security sector, with a better organised DRC army and administration;

    28.  Calls on the international community and all actors involved to use the Addis Ababa framework agreement and to organise an international conference for peace in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region; stresses that this ‘Business for Peace’ conference will have the unique feature of having the private sector around the peace negotiation table, since the war is about strategic minerals; underlines that business people can have significant leverage to push their countries to act for peace; believes that the business for peace approach can help us move forward in finding a solution;

    29.  Calls for the cancellation of the 2025 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships in Kigali if Rwanda does not change course;

    30.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of Rwanda and of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the African Union, the secretariats of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, and other relevant international bodies.

    (1) OJ L, 2023/2862, 28.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2023/2862/oj.
    (2) Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (OJ L 130, 19.5.2017, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/821/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye – P10_TA(2025)0016 – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas Türkiye is expected, as a candidate country, to align with the EU acquis in all areas, including adherence to the rule of law and fundamental rights, as outlined in the Copenhagen criteria; whereas the accession process has been stalled since 2018 due to a continued deterioration in democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law;

    B.  whereas Türkiye has systematically misused counter-terrorism laws to target elected officials, opposition politicians and human rights defenders, as noted by the UN Special Rapporteur and the Venice Commission;

    C.  whereas Türkiye’s practice of replacing democratically elected mayors with government-appointed trustees instead of a member of the municipal council is a blatant attack on the most basic principles of local democracy, predominantly targeting Kurdish regions;

    D.  whereas since the 2024 local elections, the interior ministry has dismissed eight mayors from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and two from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), replacing them with Ankara-appointed trustees; whereas this practice has been enabled by legal amendments introduced through an emergency decree in 2016;

    E.  whereas several mayors, including DEM mayors Mehmet Sıddık Akış (Hakkâri) and Abdullah Zeydan (Van), have been arrested or convicted on the basis of vague and unsubstantiated terrorism-related allegations; whereas Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul, is facing multiple legal challenges and possible political disqualification;

    1.  Condemns the arbitrary dismissal and imprisonment of democratically elected mayors and their replacement by unelected government trustees, a practice that violates democratic principles and disenfranchises millions of voters;

    2.  Calls for the immediate release, acquittal and reinstatement of all elected mayors, unless there is credible, court-verified evidence of wrongdoing, in line with international legal standards;

    3.  Expresses deep concern over the impact of these actions on local governance, particularly in Kurdish-majority areas; underlines the need to resume the Kurdish peace process;

    4.  Calls for judicial reforms to abolish the trustee system, in line with the recommendation by the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission, and restore the independence of the judiciary;

    5.  Urges Türkiye to align its policies with the ECHR and fully implement all ECtHR rulings, in line with Article 46 ECHR, including in cases involving political imprisonment;

    6.  Recalls that financial assistance to Türkiye under the IPA III and the NDICI is conditional upon respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights, and that sufficient funding needs to be allocated to civil society;

    7.  Reaffirms the EU’s commitment to supporting democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Türkiye, and calls for the EU to closely monitor the situation and take the necessary diplomatic measures; calls on the VP/HR to consider imposing restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Turkish officials assuming the role of trustee and those appointing them;

    8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Council of Europe and the Turkish authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Open letter from local Jewish Voices condemns Zionist ‘colonisation’ project

    Asia Pacific Report

    Two independent Jewish Voices groups in Aotearoa New Zealand have written an open letter to the government condemning the Zionist “colonisation” project leading to genocide and criticising the role of the NZ Jewish Council for its “unelected” and “uncritical support” for Israel.

    The groups, Alternative Jewish Voices and Dayenu: New Zealand Jews Against Occupation, have also criticised a scheduled meeting this week between Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other ministers and the NZJC.

    “The NZJC is an extremist voice. Their politics are harmful, and their actions jeopardise the good standing of Jews in Aotearoa,” the open letter said.

    ALTERNATIVE JEWISH VOICES AND DAYENU

    “We protest in the strongest terms that Israel’s advocates are being given Prime Ministerial access.”

    The alternative voices also appealed to be consulted along with representatives of the Muslim and Palestinian communities “who have lost the most to racism in recent years”.

    “Hear us out before you act,” the open letter said.

    The full letter (dated 16 February 2025):

    We are Jewish New Zealanders, members of Alternative Jewish Voices and Dayenu: New Zealand Jews Against Occupation. We understand that your office has scheduled a meeting this week with the NZ Jewish Council (NZJC) and additional ministers. We object in the strongest terms. The NZJC is unelected coterie, forever uncritically aligned with Israel. That is not the Jewish community.

    We have documented in depth that the NZJC is not representative. They are not elected. Their constitution outlines a regional structure for indirect democracy, but much of that structure does not seem to exist.

    They are not accountable to the community. Their president has broadcast her intention to “disempower as much as possible” Jews like Alternative Jewish Voices (AJV) members who “raise their voices”.

    Several of us attended the Wellington Regional Jewish Council’s last community meeting, in 2021. The meeting roundly disavowed the Jewish Council’s tone and their relentless focus on Israel.

    Indeed, the NZJC’s constitution does not even mention Israel or Zionism. The Wellington Regional Jewish Council dissolved itself after that meeting, acknowledging that they have no community mandate. They haven’t been heard from since. So much for regional representation.

    Through public and private channels, members of the Jewish community have repeatedly asked the NZJC to embrace some positive, rights-based vision of the future.

    Instead, through Israel’s 15-month “plausible genocide” in Gaza, the NZJC’s militarism has only become more overt. Juliet Moses was to share a platform with IDF’s head of infantry doctrine Yaron Simsolo at an Auckland event in March, until Jewish objections drove Simsolo’s session offsite.

    This is not solely an issue for the Jewish community. For years, we have protested that the Jewish Council’s related Community Security Group shares politically slanted information about New Zealanders with Israel’s embassy.

    They interpret objections to Israel’s occupation as a security threat to the New Zealand Jewish community, and they share their views of individual Palestinian, Muslim and other New Zealanders with a regime accused of genocide against Palestinians. This creates particular risk for Palestinian New Zealanders, should they ever travel to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to visit family and whānau.

    Let us say this clearly: there is nothing essentially Jewish about Zionism. Zionism is a project of colonisation, erasure, apartheid, ethnic cleansing — finally, of genocide. Institutions that wrap their nationalism in our Jewishness are shielding the brutality that we witness daily.

    In this country, the NZJC has been a leading voice in the campaign to confuse Jewish with Zionist, enabling decades of oppression in our names.

    The NZJC does not serve, represent or account to the Jewish community. How many Jewish New Zealanders would choose a representative who, like NZJC president Juliet Moses, retweets defences of Elon Musk’s Nazi salute?

    A Juliet Moses retweeting of the defence of a “Nazi salute” by US billionaire Elon Musk who is unelected head of the controversial US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Image: Screenshot Alternative Voices

    The NZJC is an extremist voice. Their politics are harmful, and their actions jeopardise the good standing of Jews in Aotearoa. We protest in the strongest terms that Israel’s advocates are being given Prime Ministerial access.

    It’s not hard to guess what the NZJC will be asking for: some special “antisemitism regime” that uses our Jewish identity to shield Israel from the directives of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They will be asking to divorce the Jewish community from our shared mahi of antiracism and our human rights framework. They will be seeking some exceptional status, suppressing principled protest for Palestinian rights and the criminal accountability of Israeli leaders.

    That conversation should not take place without representation from the Muslim and Palestinian communities. They are the New Zealanders whose voices are being silenced, and frankly they are the communities who have lost the most to racism in recent years.

    Prime Minister, any meeting with the NZJC ought to be recorded in the ministerial diaries as a session with Israel’s ambassadors. And damn it, they will be doing it in our name. We are also the New Zealand Jewish community, and we are so tired of being used this way.

    We would like to join your meeting with the NZJC, bringing Jewish diversity into the room. If you will not open this meeting to the real breadth of the Jewish community, then we wish to schedule a second meeting which includes Muslim and Palestinian representation.

    We work closely with the Muslim and Palestinian communities in Aotearoa, modelling the change that we would like to see in the Middle East.

    Hear us out before you act.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: PM must take ‘urgent action’ after meeting with Alaa Abdel Fattah’s mother and committing to secure release

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Alaa Abdel Fattah, an Egyptian-British national has been in detention in Egypt since September 2019

    Abdel Fattah’s 68-year-old mother Laila Soueif has been on a hunger strike for over four months in desperate appeal for her son

    In response to the Prime Minister’s meeting with Alaa Abdel Fattah’s family, Eilidh Macpherson, Campaign Manager for Individuals at Risk at Amnesty UK, said: 

    “We are delighted that the Prime Minister met with Laila and has committed to securing the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah and we appeal for increased and urgent action.

    “Alaa’s mother has been on hunger strike for 139 days as a desperate appeal to bring her son home and end this injustice.

    “Successive UK governments have a history of doing too little on behalf of UK nationals arbitrarily held overseas. The Prime Minister should make it absolutely clear to President Sisi that Alaa needs to be released as a matter urgency and allowed to safely leave the country.”

    Trumped up charges

    Abdel Fattah, a 43-year-old UK national, is a prominent blogger and writer who’s been in detention in Egypt since September 2019. He has already served a five-year jail sentence on trumped-up charges of “spreading false news” after a grossly unfair trial, yet last year his family were told he wouldn’t be released until January 2027.

    Despite having completed his unjust and arbitrary five-year sentence on 29 September 2024, the Egyptian authorities have refused to release him, ignoring his time served in pre-trial detention. This situation violates both international legal norms and Egyptian law. Amnesty is calling for the UK government to help secure Alaa’s release and ensure his safe return to the UK.

    Mother on hunger strike

    Abdel Fattah’s 68-year-old mother Laila Soueif has been on a hunger strike for over four months as part of the family’s campaign to push the UK government into doing more to secure the jailed activist’s release.

    Laila Souief previously, said:

    “I’ve been on hunger strike because I cannot allow my son to continue languishing in prison. Enough is enough, my son’s life should not be ignored. Alaa is a prisoner of conscience – he should never have been forced to spend a single minute behind bars. We know from how the Egyptian regime works that if he doesn’t get out now, he will never get out. Alaa has been unjustly prisoned longer than necessary and it’s time for his release.”

     

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Russia: One year on we demand truth and accountability for Navalny’s death

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Commemorating the first anniversary of the death in custody of Russian opposition politician and prisoner of conscience Aleksei Navalny, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:

    “One year has passed since Aleksei Navalny, a prisoner of conscience and a fearless voice against corruption and Russian state repression, lost his life in a remote Russian prison. This is an occasion to remind Putin that questions about Navalny’s death are not going away, and neither are calls for accountability. The Kremlin is mistaken in its calculation that Aleksei’s memory will fade away and a thorough investigation into his death can be avoided. Our resolve for justice remains as strong as ever. Only an investigation conducted by independent and impartial international experts can ensure that truth is revealed, and the world must insist on nothing less.

    “Aleksei Navalny embodied courage and resilience. He brought optimism and hope, uniting thousands of people who dared to stand against abuse of power and human rights violations. He challenged a stagnant status quo marked by repression and the silencing of political opponents and minorities.

    The Russian state could not break Aleksei Navalny with unjust imprisonment, torture and repeated isolation. Even in death, his legacy of resistance continues to inspire those who believe in a better future

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    “The Russian state could not break Aleksei Navalny with unjust imprisonment, torture and repeated isolation. Even in death, his legacy of resistance continues to inspire those who believe in a better future. We honour his memory by standing in solidarity with all those who, despite growing repression, continue to pursue truth, justice and freedom.

    “Among them are Antonina Favorskaya, Sergei Karelin, Konstantin Gabov, and Artyom Kriger, who face prison terms under charges of ‘participating in an extremist community’ for working with media projects founded by Aleksei Navalny. Their resilience embodies the very principles that Navalny fought for. We are outraged by the eight year sentence handed to Daniel Kholodny, prosecuted on similar arbitrary ‘extremism’ charges simply for working as an IT director at one of Navalny’s media channels.

    “We also resolutely condemn the criminal prosecution of Navalny’s lawyers – Aleksei Liptser, Vadim Kobzev and Igor Sergunin – who have been imprisoned on ‘extremism’ charges simply for defending their client. Amnesty International calls for their immediate and unconditional release and urges the international community to intensify pressure on the Russian government to end these and other politically motivated prosecutions.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Deputy Head of Office in Sudan, Edmore Tondhlana, describes the situation in Sudan as dire, as the conflict continues and people continue to be displaced. OCHA will require $4.2 billion for Sudan in 2025, as they look to meet soaring humanitarian needs.
    Tondhlana mentioned four priorities; first, respect for life and an end to the war. Second, unimpeded humanitarian access. Third, funding. And fourth, strong diplomatic efforts towards a political solution.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhpOiXVcn14

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address to the Faculty and Staff of National Judicial Academy, Bhopal (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 2:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Distinguished audience, this is my maiden visit to this prestigious university. While I hold the office of the Vice-President of the country, and by that virtue I happen to be ex-officio chairman of the Council of States, commonly referred to as the Rajya Sabha. 

    My recent public life started in 2019, when the honourable President on 20th of July signed a warrant appointing me Governor, State of West Bengal. It was an act of providence, because that happened to be the birthday of my wife. Another providential convergence, it was 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon but for me, it was painful, because for three decades as a Senior Advocate, and for four decades as an advocate, I was with the jealous mistress, the legal profession. 

    The jealous mistress left me, and my wife got liberated so my active connection with the institution was virtual, not physical. But I can assure anyone who is listening to me, I jealously pondered the jealous mistress. And I thoroughly relished being an advocate for about ten and a half years, and thereafter senior advocate for three decades. 

    Given this background, I will not fail in availing an opportunity on this platform to reflect on issues that are dominating discourse at the present, and the largest democracy on the planet, the oldest, the most vibrant, and home to one-sixth of humanity. I would reflect on constitutional institutions that define democracy, that is, legislature, judiciary, executive but before that, let me advert, democracy has been evolved and defined by two words, One, expression. You must have right to express. If that right is compromised, throttled, or diluted, democracy gets thinner and thinner and thinner. 

    It is your right of expression that makes you the most important factor in the democracy, the stakeholder. One facet of expression is right to vote. But more important is to express your views, your point of view. You participate in governance, administration, by having a voice of expression. This expression is not standalone, this expression requires dialogue. Expression without dialogue means my way or no way. 

    Dialogue is nothing but reflection, either approval of your expression or the other point of view. My own experience says that in life, the other point of view is not only important but more often than not the correct point of view. But lending consideration to the other point of view is quintessential for humanity’s development, because consideration does not mean you concede a point. Consideration means you respect all points of view, and you can find a way out. 

    If the two points cannot be reconciled, herein comes the human spirit of cooperation, convergence, coordination. A difference of opinion should not result in confrontation. A difference of opinion must ignite an urge to converge to find a common ground. Sometimes yielding is a better part of discretion. 

    In this backdrop, let me focus on the state of the nation. I say so because I had the occasion to see the state of the nation in 1989 when I was elected to the Parliament for the first time. Also when I became a Union Minister then and I had the occasion to see the state of the nation now, also last decade or so. 

    In last few years, as a consequence of affirmative governance, innovative policies, the nation is filled with an environment of hope and possibility that can be seen all around. It is all prevailing. We have witnessed economic upsurge that is being accoladed by global institutions like the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank. 

    Economic growth of this country amongst large economies is outstanding because we are at the peak. This economic growth has fuelled a phenomenal infrastructure growth which everyone has come across. Unimaginable, beyond dreams, people-centric policies have led to ground realisation of facilities that are very wholesome to the people at large. Every house with electric connection, with toilet, with cooking gas availability, with banking inclusion. Ongoing schemes like pipe water, roof top solar schemes. There has been handholding of those who are in the last row by way of making available resources to them including affordable housing or Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. 

    What has impressed our young people, and the public at large is deep digital penetration. The technological accessibility and adaptation have been massive, stunning the world. This has enhanced both easy service delivery and ease of governance, ease of business. Once there was a system when because of lack of transparency, lack of accountability, power corridors were infested with agents known as liaison. They corrupted the system; technology has neutralised that. 

    Therefore, to cut it short, no country in the world has grown so fast as Bharat in last few years. Now, this development that the people have tasted has converted our Bharat at the moment as the most aspirational Nation in the world and imagine, a one-sixth of humanity is in high aspirational gear. There are chances of people getting restive or getting in restlessness but if unleashed, this nuclear energy can take us to great heights and that is a challenge before institutions that define our democracy. This calls for optimal performance by pillars of democracy, the legislature, the judiciary and the executive. 

    Friends, time constraint permits me only suggestive focus and for the kind of intelligence that is there in the audience, a suggestion or even a subtle suggestion will make my point. 

    India’s democratic framework did not start in 1947. We have several millennia of rich jurisprudence and that demands careful preservation of institutional autonomy and mutual respect amongst its pillars. Jurisdictional respect and deference require that these institutions operate within defined constitutional bounds while maintaining cooperative dialogue, keeping national interest ever in mind. The principle of separation of powers, necessitates clear demarcation of responsibilities to prevent institutional overreach. 

    Legislatures to begin with because I am directly connected with this in my position as Chairman of the Council of States. Our Parliament, once a theatre of profound dialogue and debate, has yielded to disruption and disturbance. You all are aware. 

    The deliberative dignity envisioned by our Constitution makers stands compromised today with partisan interpretations even on matters of National Security prevailing. How can we ever sacrifice Nation-First principle! How can we relegate national interest to any other interest! 

    Friends, Parliament’s transformation from deliberative dignity to disruptive discord virtually threatens democratic essence. Let me remind you of the Constituent Assembly that, painstakingly, over 18 sessions, spread over little less than three years, dealt with issues that were highly contentious. They were divisive, but there were no disruptions. Tough issues and tough terrain were negotiated with the spirit to find solutions through dialogue, debate, consensus, give and take. 

    Through dialogue of the highest order, these institutions now must achieve, in contemporary times, synergy in serving greater national causes. While doing so, they can maintain their distinct identities. It is concerning because I see day in and day out. 

    Friends, I was inviting your attention that the high standards set by the Constituent Assembly are today compromised. How can we allow in temples of democracy disturbance and disruption? That means the public representatives are not mindful of their constitutional ordinance. How can national interest be overtaken by partisan concerns? How can confrontational stance, and often of irretrievable nature, show exit door to consensus? I urge all through this platform to be cognisant of alarmingly potential and dangers inherent in such kind of derailments undermining the sanctity of parliamentary institutions. To sacrifice such institutions is to taint and tarnish democracy and this indicates lack of commitment to national development. Time for us to be in togetherness, in tandem, to get a reprieve from this malady. I said, I am in a diagnostic clinic of the highest order. 

    Coming to Judiciary, being a member of the bar, I have association. I am therefore a foot soldier. Lawyers are extension of the Bench. They work in togetherness with mutual respect and admiration. Judgements are as good as the assistance of the Bench. It is one of the factors. 

    Like legislature, the judicial architecture also faces critical structural changes. When I became a parliamentary affairs minister in 1990, I went to that room from where the Supreme Court operated. For many years it operated from the Parliament building. There were eight judges, they were not sitting on odd days because there was no work. More often than not, all the eight judges sat together. Gradually we know the situation that is now, and rightly reflected by Justice Bose, but I invite to steer your minds on one aspect. When the strength of the Supreme Court was eight judges, under Article 145(3) there was a stipulation that interpretation of the Constitution will be by a bench of five judges or more. 

    Please note, when the strength was eight, it was five and Constitution allows the highest court of the land to interpret the Constitution. You interpret what is interpretable. In the guise of interpretation, there can be no arrogation of authority. That being the situation, without reflecting more, for fear of being understood or misunderstood, understood in one pretext or misunderstood in another pretext, we need to urgently focus to ensure that the essence and sprit which the founding fathers had in mind under Article 145(3) about interpretation of the Constitution must be respected. If I analyse arithmetically, they were very sure interpretation will be by a majority of judges because the strength then was eight. That five stands as it is and the number is more than fourfold. 

    I seek to recall observations made in speech imparted by a former Chief Justice of India, Shri Gogoi, as nominated Member of Rajya Sabha, nominated by the Honourable President of India in the distinguished category of 12. The former Chief Justice of India as sitting member of Rajya Sabha in the nominated category which is elevated, reflected, I seek to quote him, “The law may not be to be my liking but that does not make it arbitrary. Does it violate the basic feature of the Constitution? I have to say something about the basic structure. There is a book by former Solicitor-General of India Andhyarujina on the Kesavananda Bharati case. Having read the book, my view is that the doctrine of the basic structure of the Constitution has a debatable, very debatable jurisprudential basis. I would not say anything more than this.” 

    The basic structure doctrine debate reflects our institutional tendency to question foundations while ignoring structural cracks. 

    Slightly digressing, we are a country where iconic status is accorded to parameters that are baffling. We don’t scrutinise or probe and that reputation becomes a serious cause of concern because we label someone a jurist without proper analysis. Time for us to give it up. And as much as I have reflected on occasions, we can’t allow others to calibrate us. 

    Another facet, and I try to make it as noticeable as possible, the Judiciary’s public presence must be primarily through judgments. Judgments speak for themselves. Judgments carry weightage and under the Constitution, if the judgement emanates from the highest court of the land, it has binding presidential value. Any other mode of expression other than through judgments avoidably undermines institutional dignity. Again, with the total command that I have, I exercise restraint to assert I seek revisitation of the present state of affairs, so that we get back to the groove, a groove that can give sublimity to our judiciary. 

    When we look around the globe, we never find judges reflecting the way we see here on all issues. I must indicate there is a soothing development. Of late, the storm is withering, calm is prevailing. I hope it continues because we really had a very stormy session echoed in the country, outside the country, on issues, and on occasion so personalised through public domain reflections that sanctity of the highest court was compromised when a judgement of the Supreme Court was called, that it is final because it is the last one. Someday, my view will prevail. 

    Sir, I have known you from a distance. In the High Court at Jharkhand, even if I did not have a case in your court, I used to sit in the last row. There is an aura of the court. Judgments are read, and they will be read by generations that come. When institutions compete instead of complement, democracy pays the price. For Constitutional democracy to survive, institutions must learn to differ without disrupting. And dissent without destroying. Democracy thrives not on institutional isolation, but in coordinated autonomy. Indisputably, institutions contribute productively and optimally while working in their respective domains. Out of difference, I will not advert to instances, except observe that executive governance by judiciary is being frequently noticed and discussed nearly in all quarters. 

    We are a sovereign nation, our sovereignty resides in the people. The constitution given by the people makes this sovereignty inviolable. Executive governance reflecting the will of the people is constitutionally sanctified. Accountability is enforceable when executive roles are performed by elected government. Governments are accountable to legislature and periodically accountable to the electorate but if executive governance is arrogated or outsourced, enforceability of accountability will not be there. 

    Exclusively, governance lies with the government. Sir, with utmost respect, from any other source in the country or outside, from legislature or judiciary, it is antithetical to Constitutionalism and certainly not in consonance with fundamental premise of democracy. Sir, executive governance by judicial decree is a Constitutional paradox that largest democracy on the planet cannot afford any longer. When institutions forget their bounds, democracy is remembered by the wounds this forgetfulness imparts. The constitution envisions harmony, synergetic approach, to be in sync, surely, a concert of chaos was never in the contemplation of the founding fathers of the Constitution. Constitutional consultation without institutional coordination is mere Constitutional tokenism. 

    Sir, let me give one illustration, when two words were interpreted for the first time, consultation and concurrence, and it was indicated that consultation will be concurrence by a judicial directive. Those who engaged in this interpretation conveniently did not avert to article 370 where both the words are used. Article 370 of the Constitution, which is no longer therefortunately, because it was the only temporary article of the Constitution, uses both, consultation and concurrence. How can the two words forget the lexical premise of it used in the constitution? I have distinguished people on the academic side be so taken. I have often said, when it comes to gender discrimination, if it is obvious, is tolerable but when gender discrimination is subtle, it is very painful. That has to be remedied. Similarly, the line between judicial activism and overreach is thin, but the impact on democracy is thick. 

    Sir, you are aware of a case decided, if I’m not mistaken, by Justice Vivian Bose. The line between may be true and must be true is very thin. It has to be negotiated by unimpeachable evidence of great veracity. Similarly, the situation when we come to revenue matters, tax planning, tax evasion, tax avoidance. The line is very thin. Justice Desai, while sitting with Justice Krishna Iyer, had said so and it says, if you are a good chartered accountant, plan. If you are a powerful man, it is avoidance. If you are vulnerable, then you know, wrath of love. 

    Similarly, I say, the line is thin, but this thin line is between democracy and despotism. To stir your minds, how can in a country like ours, or in any democracy, by statutory prescription, Chief Justice of India participates in the selection of the CBI director. Can there be any legal rationale for it? I can appreciate that a statutory prescription took shape because executive of the day yielded to a judicial verdict. But time has come to revisit. This surely does not merge with democracy. How can we involve Chief Justice of India with any executive appointment? 

    I have no doubt the nation is on its way to emerging as a developed nation.

    For the first time, Bharat is not a nation with a potential. Potential is getting harnessed and exploited day in and day out. Viksit Bharat is not our dream. It is a definitive object we are bound to achieve but this requires earnest, coordinated functioning of the three vital institutions. I therefore, strongly suggest evolution of a structured dialogue mechanism must be there for inter-institutional coordination. Thereby, national interest will be served. Constitutional consultationsmust have a protocol for the same. 

    Sir, the blurring line again between judicial review as you are aware was evolved in the American Supreme Court long back. It’s very blurred, Judicial review and judicial overreach. Let me invite attention of all of you. In the Supreme Court of America, before 1869 had judges varying in number, six, eight, but strength was in single digit. In 1869, they decided eight judges. Today, there are eight judges, all the eight judges sit together with quorum being six. They have no pendency. 

    It is this place where you can examine that the jurisdiction of the American Supreme Court is nearly the same as our jurisdiction. Is there a matter in judicial domain which lies exclusively with the magistrate or a district judge or the High Court not being dealt by the Supreme Court? The structure of the Constitution is very categorical. Judicial governance is left to the High Courts in their areas. There’s a constitutional prescription, all subordinate courts and tribunals in the jurisdictional area of the High Court are subject to the control of the High Court but there is no similar control of the Supreme Court of either the High Courts or subordinate judiciary. 

    When I analyse the disposals, Sir, to play and fudge it with figures, it’s very dangerous because we are monetising ignorance of the people. If informed minds get into the habit of exploiting the ignorance of others, nothing can be more dangerous than this. I have examined the recent two volumes sent by the Supreme Court registry. The disposal has to be two-faceted. 

    Dismissal at the threshold of Article 136 that is largely their disposal. The disposal after leave is granted or otherwise the statutory appeals are there is the only real disposal. And how can there be disposal when in a country unknown to the other dispensations in the world we have a PIL court, we have Suo moto cognizance. Day in and day out we are appointing committees, SITs, groups. I wouldn’t say more, except executive decision-making. The autonomy is not autonomy. The autonomy comes with a great sense of accountability and that accountability is enforceable rigorously and on occasions in a stringent way by several agencies that virtually are at the neck of the bureaucrats or politicians deciding it. Let us preserve it. 

    Parliamentary supremacy in law-making I concede is subject to judicial review. It’s a good thing, the judicial review has to be on the anvil that the legislation is in conformity with the Constitution but when it comes to making an amendment in the Indian Constitution, the ultimate repository, the ultimate power, the ultimate authority and the last authority is only the Indian Parliament. There can be no intervention from any quarter whatsoever on any pretext whatsoever because will of the people is reflected in a representative manner on the most sanctified platform through elections. 

    The world and the nation face existential challenges today. Our institutions cannot afford to be standalone. Our institutions cannot believe as being a repository of an authority dictating others how to conduct their affairs. Neither the legislature can do it nor any other institution, climate change means a global existential challenge. Within our country we have challenges of illegal migrants, demographic dislocations. These are not small issues, conversion through allurements. These issues must engage our attention. We have to find solutions to the problems and neutralise these menacing forces that have sinister design and are activating perniciously anti-national narratives. 

    I conclude that time has come for each one of us individually and for each institution collectively to introspect, reform and return to the Constitutional groove as envisioned by our founding fathers, ensuring democracy’s sustainable growth through proper jurisdictional deference and coordination. 

    I am grateful for the patient hearings, and I am sure this institution will emerge as a think tank to discuss issues because there is no other platform to sum up. I have reflected only on tip of the iceberg. 

    Thank you so much.

    ***

    JK

    (Release ID: 2103499) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New Kashmir is no longer a story of conflict, but a story of trust being restored, faith being rewarded, says Vice-President

    Source: Government of India (2)

    New Kashmir is no longer a story of conflict, but a story of trust being restored, faith being rewarded, says Vice-President

    Highest voter turnout in 35 years during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in J&K reflects democracy’s true resonance, says Vice-President

    The region is a confluence of confidence and capital, says VP

    Abrogation of Article 370 gave wings to the aspirations of generations, says VP

    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar refused to draft Article 370; Sardar Patel integrated most princely states but not Jammu & Kashmir, says VP

    Investment proposals worth ₹65,000 crores received in Jammu & Kashmir signal a new era of progress, says VP

    VP Addresses the 10th Convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 2:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said, “Jammu and Kashmir, which had the highest voter turnout in 35 years during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, witnessed a 30-point increase in participation in the Kashmir Valley. Democracy has found its real voice, its real resonance. The region is no longer a story of conflict; Every investment proposal in New Kashmir isn’t just about capital, it’s about trust being restored, faith being rewarded.
    The change is not imperceptible; it is perceptible. Perception has changed, ground reality is changing, hopes of the people are soaring”, he stated.

    Addressing the gathering at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, Jammu &Kashmir today, Shri Dhankhar said, “In just two years, Jammu and Kashmir received investment proposals worth ₹65,000 crores, signaling strong economic interest in the region. For the first time since 2019, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has entered Jammu and Kashmir, with multiple international companies showing interest. The region is a confluence of confidence and capital,” he stated.

    “The aspirations of generations found wings when the constitutional walls of separation crumbled in 2019 with the historic abrogation of Article 370. To the young minds present, I would like to emphasize that Article 370 was a temporary provision. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, refused to draft it. Sardar Patel, who integrated most princely states into the Indian Union, was unable to integrate Jammu & Kashmir. In 2019, a new journey began on this sacred land—one from isolation to integration,” said Shri Dhankhar.

    He further said, “In 2023, over 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, giving a tremendous boost to the local economy. What was once called heaven on earth is now a symbol of hope and prosperity,” said the Vice-President.

    The Vice-President further said, “A great son of the soil once voiced the demand for ‘Ek Desh Mein Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan.’ That dream has been accomplished. Where there was once disorder, we now witness real order and stability.”

    “Nationalism is our identity. It is our supreme duty to always prioritize national interest above everything else. No political or personal interest is greater than the interest of the nation,” he urged.

    Highlighting the importance of duties, the Vice President said, “Every individual has certain duties. Our culture teaches us what our duties are. We must discharge our civic duties diligently, and when we do so, the results will be remarkable. We must march ahead, fast-tracking our journey toward a developed Bharat. One significant step in this direction is the transformation from the Danda Vidhan to the Nyaya Vidhan—unshackling the colonial mindset.”

    “You are living in a confident and resilient India. Today, Bharat is being celebrated globally as a favorite destination for investment and opportunity. Never before in our history since independence has the voice of an Indian Prime Minister been so resonant with global leaders,” he added.

    He emphasized that the transformation in Jammu & Kashmir is not just a regional phenomenon but a significant part of India’s national renaissance.

    “The winds of change have brought peace and progress. Let us be the architects of a new dawn for Jammu & Kashmir and for Bharat,” he concluded.

    Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of UT of J&K, Shri Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of UT of J&K, Smt. Sakeena Masood, Minister of Education UT of J&K and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

    ****

    JK

    (Release ID: 2103492) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI, Prof. Ajay Sood inaugurates RuTAGe Smart Village Center to drive Rural Innovation and sustainable solutions

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI, Prof. Ajay Sood inaugurates RuTAGe Smart Village Center to drive Rural Innovation and sustainable solutions

    RuTAGe Smart Village Center (RSVC) launched in Mandaura, Haryana: A Landmark Initiative to Transform Rural India with Integrated Technologies

    Mandaura Village becomes hub for Rural Technological innovations with launch of RuTAGe Smart Village Center

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 1:10PM by PIB Delhi

    The much-awaited launch of the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAGe) Smart Village Center (RSVC) took place yesterday in Mandaura village, Sonipat, marking a transformative moment in rural technological advancement. The RSVC Mandaura was inaugurated by Prof. Ajay Sood, the Hon’ble Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, alongside key implementation partners including Commodore Sridhar Kotra, Founder of the Modern Village Foundation, and Mr. DP Goel, Chairman of the Chaalis Gaon Vikas Parishad. Both partners have played pivotal roles in turning this visionary initiative into reality.

    Speaking at inauguration of RSVC Mandaura, Prof. Ajay Sood said that the RuTAGe Smart Village Center (RSVC) is a pivotal step towards bridging the gap between rural needs and technological advancements, ensuring that innovation reaches the grassroots and transforms the lives of our communities.

    Prof Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India also shared the concept behind the creation of RSVCs, highlighting the major challenges faced by rural communities in accessing technologies that directly address their basic needs. These challenges include innovative solutions for animal intrusion, organic farming, and livelihood-enhancing technologies such as bead-making and bakery machinery. The Principal Scientific Adviser emphasized the significance of ensuring that technologies reach the bottom of the pyramid, a concept championed by Prof. CK Prahalad, thus creating a direct link between innovations and the market to improve rural livelihoods.

    This unique center, developed under the aegis of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies with rural needs, enhancing the quality of life and empowering communities through sustainable solutions.

    Their efforts in taking forward technologies such as satellite data, water monitoring kits, Internet of Things (IoT), solar power, organic fertilizers, assistive technologies, and livelihood-focused innovations to the grassroots level are a testament to the collaborative spirit driving this initiative.

    (Prof Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India sharing the concept behind the creation of RSVCs)

    Key Highlights of the RuTAGe Smart Village Center (RSVC) Model:

    • Location & Physical Presence: The RSVC is designed to serve as a permanent presence at the Panchayat level, providing deep handholding to cater to the technological needs of 15-20 villages over several years. The center aims to build trust and confidence among the community members, ensuring the seamless adoption of innovative solutions.
    1. The RuTAGe Smart Village Center (RSVC) offers a comprehensive range of 12 technology tracks to address diverse rural challenges:
      1. Agriculture & Waste Management: Services for agriculture, waste management, homestays, and village tourism, supported by pre-sowing to post-harvest technologies, in collaboration with KVKs.
      2. RuTAG Technologies: Innovations from 7 IITs, developed under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
      3. Livelihood & Entrepreneurship: Promoting local entrepreneurship through schemes like NRLM and TRIF in Uttar Pradesh.
      4. Renewable Energy: Solar hybrid and wind technology solutions, with technical assistance from SELCO Foundation.
      5. National Innovations: Technologies from Manthan, Pune Cluster, and IIT Madras for various rural needs.
      6. Affordable Housing: Innovative housing technologies from Manthan and HR Corporation Pvt Ltd.
      7. WASH: Waste management, water, and sanitation solutions, including IIT Madras Aquamaps and weVois technologies.
      8. FinTech: Financial inclusion apps and AR/VR technologies developed by IISC and XR Group.
      9. Capacity Building: Research and capacity-building initiatives with Tier 2 & 3 colleges where NIFTEM is facility for piloting biscuit manufacturing from locally sourced materials like sugar, ghee. NAARM undertaking capacity building of RSVC centre heads.
      10. Govt. Scheme Apps: Dissemination of government schemes through citizen-centric apps for science, tech, and welfare programs.
      11. Assistive Technologies: Solutions for differently abled individuals through the Assistive Technology Foundation.
      12. Custom Solutions: Deployment of technologies like animal intrusion prevention and electronic medical record-keeping based on local needs.
    • Quality Assurance: The RSVC ensures quality and feasibility through anchor leads from institutions such as Selco, IIT Madras, and the Assistive Tech Foundation. These entities guide the RSVC team in the on-the-ground deployment of technologies from platforms like Manthan and RuTAG.
    • Market Access & Linkages: The RSVC also emphasizes market linkages through collaborations with platforms like ONDC, Amazon, and Market Mirchi (a RuTAG innovation by IIT Bombay), ensuring that rural producers have access to larger markets and can sell their goods effectively. Additionally, a Government Schemes Help Desk provides villagers with crucial information on available financial assistance and government schemes.
    • Integration with Government Ministries: The initiative aligns with the objectives of various Ministries, including Rural Development, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Labour, through collaboration on schemes that will further enhance the welfare of rural communities.
    • Scalability: The RSVC model is set to expand, with plans for 20 new centers across India. In addition to expanding the physical network, the Techpreneurs (Foot Soldiers) program will empower women entrepreneurs to sell and promote technologies in their local communities, ensuring the sustainability of this model.

    This launch marks the beginning of a new era of technology-driven rural development, where the community, local entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders work together to bridge the rural-urban divide.

    The launch also witnessed presence of steering committee members from various Ministries, Foundations, Corporates, and NGOs, all of whom have played a crucial role in making the RSVC a reality. Their collective support and engagement ensure that this initiative will have a lasting impact, not just on Mandaura village but on rural communities across India.

    As Mandaura leads the way as a model village, it is set to inspire and mentor future RSVCs nationwide. The Principal Scientific Adviser’s office expressed its commitment to regular updates and continuous feedback on the progress of the project to refine and scale up its reach and impact.

    This launch is a significant step in the Government of India’s efforts to empower rural India, providing solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and impactful.

    ***

    MJPS/ST

    (Release ID: 2103483) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appoints members of Advisory Committee on Attracting Strategic Enterprises

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government appoints members of Advisory Committee on Attracting Strategic Enterprises
    Government appoints members of Advisory Committee on Attracting Strategic Enterprises
    *************************************************************************************

         The Government announced today (February 15) the reappointment of 10 incumbent non-official members, as well as the appointment of Dr Rocky Cheng as a new member, to the Advisory Committee on Attracting Strategic Enterprises (Advisory Committee). Their appointments will take effect on February 15 for a term of two years.     The Advisory Committee is chaired by the Financial Secretary. Its members comprise representatives from the business sector and community leaders, as well as relevant government officials. The Advisory Committee will provide advice on the overall strategy of attracting strategic enterprises. Non-official members are appointed by the Financial Secretary.     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “Attracting strategic enterprises from around the globe is especially important in accelerating the development of the innovation and technology industries in Hong Kong, including artificial intelligence and data science, life and health technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology and financial technology, thereby creating strong impetus for Hong Kong’s economy. With the valuable advice and recommendations provided by members of the Advisory Committee, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has achieved substantive results throughout the past period. I look forward to continuing to work closely with members of the Committee to ensure that our efforts on attracting strategic enterprises would be more effective.”      The membership list of the Advisory Committee is as follows:Chairman————–Financial SecretaryOfficial Members————–Deputy Financial SecretarySecretary for Commerce and Economic DevelopmentSecretary for Culture, Sports and TourismSecretary for DevelopmentSecretary for Financial Services and the TreasurySecretary for Innovation, Technology and IndustryChief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary AuthorityDirector-General of Office for Attracting Strategic EnterprisesGovernment Economist Non-official Members————–Dr Sunny ChaiDr Rocky ChengMr Duncan ChiuMr Victor ChuDr Victor FungDr Peter LamMs Nisa LeungMr David LiaoDr Weijian ShanProfessor Harry ShumMr Sun YuSecretary————–Executive Director of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises

     
    Ends/Saturday, February 15, 2025Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The President of India Inaugurates Aadi Mahotsav – 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The President of India Inaugurates Aadi Mahotsav – 2025

    A Grand Celebration of Tribal Heritage from February 16th–24th, 2025

    Posted On: 16 FEB 2025 7:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Aadi Mahotsav-2025, the flagship initiative of the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, was inaugurated today by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. Organised from February 16 to 24, 2025, this vibrant festival celebrates India’s rich tribal heritage, culture, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce.

    Aadi Mahotsav 2025 brings together:

    • 600+ tribal artisans from 30+ States and Union Territories.
    • 500 performing artists showcasing mesmerizing tribal dance forms.
    • 25 tribal food stalls presenting indigenous cuisines from different regions.

    The inaugural ceremony featured captivating performances by Tribal artists that included: Chhau Dance (Jharkhand), Kalbelia Dance (Rajasthan), Gaur Mariya Dance (Chhattisgarh), Siddhi Dhamal Dance (Gujarat), Angi Ger Dance (Rajasthan).

    Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu emphasized the significance of Aadi Mahotsav in empowering tribal artisans and entrepreneurs. She stated: “During the last 10 years, many effective steps have been taken for the overall development of the tribal society. The idea behind special attention to the development of tribal society is that only when the tribal society progresses, our country will also progress in the true sense.

    The role of education is most important in the development of any society. It is a matter of happiness that about 1.25 lakh tribal children are being provided school education through more than 470 Eklavya model residential schools in the country.

    Aadi Mahotsav is a major event to showcase and promote tribal heritage. Such festivals provide a great opportunity to entrepreneurs, craftsmen and artists of the tribal society to connect with the market”.

    Advancing Tribal Welfare – PM-JANMAN & Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, transformative initiatives have been launched for the holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):

    • PM-JANMAN Abhiyan (launched in 2023): ₹24,000 crore budget, ensuring doorstep delivery of essential services.
    • Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (launched on October 2, 2024): ₹80,000 crore budget, focusing on:
      • Connecting 63,000 tribal villages to roads and mobile networks.
      • Providing permanent housing to tribal families.
      • Ensuring tribal citizens benefit from government welfare schemes.

    Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Minister, Shri Jual Oram, commended the festival, stating:

    “Aadi Mahotsav is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities. Visitors can experience live painting sessions and interact with artisans who have been meticulously selected.”

    Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, highlighted the festival’s economic impact:

    “Aadi Mahotsav strengthens the livelihoods of tribal artisans by providing access to national and international markets. We are committed to expanding these opportunities for our tribal entrepreneurs.”

    Aadi Mahotsav 2025 – Key Highlights

    • Display of Republic Day 2025 Best Tableau Award among all Ministries by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
    • Live painting sessions by tribal artisans.
    • Collaboration with 20 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and 35 training institutes.
    • Signing of 25+ MoUs with design institutes and corporate houses.
    • State and international pavilions featuring unique tribal crafts.
    • Brand integration on eight major e-commerce platforms.
    • Delegations from Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
    • MoU with IFCA for digital onboarding of tribal culinary items.
    • MoU with NEST for capacity building in EMRS.
    • MoU with HPMC for value addition to minor forest products like Mahua.

    Dignitaries in Attendance

    The event witnessed the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including: Miss. Basuri Swaraj, MP – Delhi,Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs,Shri Ashish Chatterjee, MD, TRIFED, Senior officers, tribal leaders, artisans, and other distinguished guests.

    Aadi Mahotsav – A Movement for Tribal Empowerment

    Aadi Mahotsav is more than just a festival—it is a movement fostering economic self-reliance, cultural preservation, and social empowerment for India’s tribal communities. By bridging tradition with modernity, the event ensures that tribal India’s invaluable contributions are recognized, respected, and celebrated globally.

    With this vision, Hon’ble President extended her heartfelt congratulations to all citizens on the occasion of Aadi Mahotsav 2025 and Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.

    ******

    PSF/DK

    (Release ID: 2103858) Visitor Counter : 80

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi, visits Dibrugarh, Assam

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi, visits Dibrugarh, Assam

    ₹4.49 Lakh Crore allocated for women’s development in this year budget , marking a significant increase from previous years

    Women’s Labour force Participation Jumps from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24

    Posted On: 16 FEB 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, visited Dibrugarh, the industrial capital of Assam, to assess and review the progress of various women and child welfare initiatives in the state. Addressing the media during a press conference, she highlighted the remarkable strides made under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Smt. Annpurna Devi encouraged community participation in fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment for women. She applauded the relentless efforts of grassroots workers and assured continued government support in expanding opportunities for skill development and financial independence. Further highlighting Assam’s progress under the Double Engine Government model, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Minister commended the state’s remarkable efforts in preventing child marriage, strengthening maternal and child healthcare, and promoting women’s empowerment through skill development and entrepreneurship programs.

    Significant Achievements towards Social and Economic Development

    • Women’s Labour Force Participation: Increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, driven by state-led employment programs.
    • Strengthened Nutrition Programs: Enhanced investment in early childhood nutrition programs like SNP (Supplementary Nutrition Program) and Mission Poshan 2.0 to combat malnutrition.

    Reflecting the government’s steadfast commitment to women-led development, the Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated substantial resources to empower women, support children, and strengthen family welfare programs. Smt. Annpurna Devi highlighted the following key budgetary allocations:

    • Gender Budget: ₹4.49 lakh crore allocated for women’s development in this year budget , marking a significant increase from previous years.
    • Stand-Up India Scheme: Ceiling limit for term loans has been increased up to ₹2crore for first-time women entrepreneurs.
    • Infrastructure Development: Special emphasis on rural electrification and infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life for women in remote areas.

    With landmark projects like the Bogibeel Bridge and India-East Asia connectivity initiatives, Assam is emerging as a hub of economic activity and industrial expansion. The establishment of AIIMS Guwahati and technology parks is paving the way for improved healthcare facilities and job opportunities in the region.

    Infrastructure Development Milestones:

    • Since 2024, 11,824 km of new railway tracks have been constructed in the Northeast and Eastern regions, surpassing previous milestones.
    • Railway Budget: Increased fivefold from ₹2,122 crore in 2009-14 to ₹10,440 crore in 2025-26.

    “Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Assam has witnessed remarkable infrastructure growth, ensuring better connectivity, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities for its people,” Smt. Annpurna Devi remarked.

    Women in Assam are playing a crucial role in shaping the state’s economic and social landscape. The government’s initiatives have empowered women to take on leadership roles in various sectors, from entrepreneurship to governance. The Minister reiterated the government’s pledge to continue its mission of women-led development, ensuring every woman and child in Assam has access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

    Key Highlights of Women Empowerment Initiatives:

    • ₹5,000 crore allocated for setting up working women hostels in key industrial zones.
    • 12 crore toilets and 12 crore tap connections have been provided over the past 10 years, improving sanitation and clean water accessibility.

    The Minister concluded her address by reaffirming the government’s dedication to strengthening Assam’s socio-economic landscape. She expressed confidence that with the continued support of the people and the robust policies of the government, Assam will continue to scale new heights in development and prosperity.

    **** 

    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2103848) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address at ET Now Global Business Summit

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 11:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri Vineet Jain ji, industry leaders, CEOs, all other esteemed dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen! Greetings to all of you…

    Last time when I attended the ET Summit, elections were just around the corner. At that time, I had humbly said that Bharat would work at a new speed in our third term. I am satisfied that this speed is now visible, and the country is also supporting it.  After the formation of the new government, the BJP-NDA has been continuously receiving the blessings of the people in various states across the country! In June, the people of Odisha accelerated the resolution of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), then the people of Haryana extended their support, and now the people of Delhi have given us overwhelming support.  This is an acknowledgment of how the people of the country are standing shoulder to shoulder in pursuit of the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

    Friends,

    As you mentioned, I just returned last night from my visit to the U.S. and France. Today, whether it’s the world’s major countries or global forums, the level of trust they have in Bharat is unprecedented. This was also reflected in the discussions during the AI Action Summit in Paris. Today, Bharat is at the centre of global discussions about the future, and in some areas, it is even leading.  Sometimes, I wonder—if in 2014, the people of this country had not blessed us, just think—if a new wave of reforms had not begun in Bharat, would we have seen this transformation? I don’t think so, not at all. And I am sure you would not be convinced otherwise either. Would so many changes have taken place? Those of you who understand Hindi must have immediately grasped my point.  The country was functioning before as well. But back then, Bharat witnessed two things—the Congress speed of development and the Congress speed of corruption. If that had continued, what would have happened? A crucial time period for the country would have been wasted.  In 2014, the Congress government had set a target—that by 2044, they would make Bharat the third-largest economy. That means they were thinking in terms of a 30-year timeline. That was the Congress speed of development. And now, you have also seen the speed of development of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. In just one decade, Bharat has made it to the top five economies of the world.  And friends, I say this with full responsibility—you will see Bharat becoming the world’s third-largest economy in the next few years. Just do the math—2044 vs. today’s speed.  A young nation like ours needs this very speed, and today, Bharat is moving forward with exactly that momentum!

    Friends,

    Previous governments avoided reforms, and we must not forget this. The ET folks may forget, but I remind them. The reforms that were eventually implemented in the past were not out of conviction but out of compulsion. Today, the reforms happening in Bharat are being carried out with conviction. The earlier mindset was—why put in so much effort? Why bother with reforms? We’ve been elected, let’s just enjoy, complete five years, and think about elections when they come. There was hardly any discussion about how major reforms could transform the country.  You all belong to the business world. You don’t just deal with numbers—you review your strategies, discard old methods, even if they were profitable once. No industry moves forward by carrying the burden of outdated practices—it lets them go.  Unfortunately, governments developed a habit of living under the burden of colonial rule in Bharat. Therefore, British-era policies and systems were carried forward mindlessly even after independence. We often hear a phrase—Justice delayed is justice denied. It’s spoken like a sacred mantra. We’ve been hearing this for years, but did anyone work seriously to fix it? No.  Over time, we became so accustomed to these inefficiencies that we stopped noticing the need for change. And then, there’s an ecosystem—some of them may be present here too—that actively prevents discussions on positive developments. Their entire energy is spent on blocking progress. But in a democracy, it’s equally important to discuss and reflect on good things as it is to critique the negatives. Yet, a mindset has been created where spreading negativity is considered democratic, and if positive developments are highlighted, democracy is labelled as weak.  It’s critical to break free from this mentality.  Let me give you some examples… 

    Friends,

    Until recently, the penal codes in Bharat were from 1860. Yes, 1860! The country became independent, but we never thought of changing them because we had developed a habit of living with a colonial mindset. What was the purpose of these 1860 laws? Their aim was to strengthen British rule in Bharat and punish Indian citizens. When a system is built with punishment at its core, how can justice be delivered? That’s why, justice used to take years under this system.  We made a massive change. It wasn’t easy—it took tremendous effort, millions of human hours—but we finally brought in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Indian Parliament approved it, and now, even though it has been only 7–8 months since its implementation, the changes are already visible. You may not see it in newspapers, but if you go among the people, you’ll notice it. Let me share some real examples of how justice delivery has transformed since Nyaya Sanhita has been introduced.  It took just 14 days to solve a triple murder case —from FIR to final judgment! The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment.  In one such case, a minor’s murder case was resolved within 20 days.  In regard to a gang rape case in Gujarat —FIR was filed on October 9, the charge sheet was submitted by October 26, and today, February 15, the court has convicted the accused. In Andhra Pradesh, the court sentenced the accused to 25 years of imprisonment in a crime against a 5-month-old child. Digital evidence played a crucial role in this case. In another case of rape and murder, the suspect was tracked through the e-prison module. Similarly, a rape and murder case was registered in another state, which revealed that the accused had already been jailed for another crime in a different state. His arrest happened without delay. There are countless such cases where justice is being delivered swiftly. 

    Friends,

    A major reform has also been undertaken in property rights. A UN study has identified the lack of property rights as a major challenge for people in many countries. Across the world, millions of people do not have legal documents for their property. But having clear property rights helps in reducing poverty. Earlier governments didn’t even realize this, and even if they did, who would take on the headache? Who would put in the effort? After all, this kind of work doesn’t make it to ET headlines, so why bother? But this is not how nations are run or built! That’s why we launched the Svamitva Yojana. Drone surveys have been conducted in over 3 lakh villages under the Svamitva Yojana. More than 2.25 crore people have received property cards. And today, I’m giving ET a headline: I know writing about Svamitva might not be easy for ET, but with time, even habits change!

    Due to the Svamitva Yojana, property worth 100 lakh crore rupees has been unlocked in rural areas of the country. This means that these properties worth 100 lakh crore rupees already existed in villages, belonging to the poor, but it could not be utilized for economic development. Since people in villages did not have property rights, they could not avail loans from banks. However, this issue has now been permanently resolved. Today, reports from across the country highlight how property cards under the Svamitva Yojana are benefiting people. A few days ago, I spoke to a sister from Rajasthan who had received a property card under this scheme. Her family had been living in a small house for 20 years. As soon as they got the property card, they were able to secure a loan of 8 lakh rupees from the bank. With this money, she started a shop, and the income from it is now helping her family support their children’s higher education. This is how change happens! In another state, a person in a village used his property card to get a loan of 4.5 lakh rupees from the bank. With that money, he purchased a vehicle and started a transportation business. In yet another village, a farmer took a loan against his property card and set up modern irrigation facilities in his fields. There are many such examples where new earning opportunities are emerging for villagers and the poor. These are the real stories of reform, perform, and transform—stories that don’t make it to newspaper headlines or TV channels.

    Friends,

    After independence, there were many districts in our country where governments failed to bring development. This was a failure of governance—not a lack of budget. Funds were allocated, announcements were made, and even stock market reports were published about rising and falling indices. But what should have been done was a focused effort on these districts. Instead, these districts were labelled as backward districts and left to fend for themselves. No one was willing to work on them. Even government officials posted there considered it a punishment posting.

    Friends,

    Amidst this negativity, I took this challenge head-on and completely changed the approach. We identified more than 100 districts across the country, which were once called backward districts, but I called them Aspirational Districts—not backward. We started assigning young officers to these districts and worked on improving governance at the micro level. We focused on the indicators where these districts lagged the most. Then, we implemented the government’s flagship schemes in these areas in mission mode through special camps. Today, many of these aspirational districts have transformed into inspirational districts.

    I want to talk about some of the Aspirational Districts in Assam—those that previous governments labelled as backward—and I want to highlight their transformation. Take Barpeta district in Assam, for example. Back then in 2018, only 26% of elementary schools had the correct student-to-teacher ratio. Only 26%. Today, that number has reached 100% in that district, ensuring that every school meets the required teacher-student balance. Similarly, in Begusarai, Bihar, only 21% of pregnant women were receiving supplementary nutrition, despite the availability of budget and resources. But despite that only 21% women were receiving supplementary nutrition. In Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, the figure was even lower at 14%. But today, this number has reached 100% in both districts. We’ve also made remarkable progress in child vaccination campaigns. In Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, vaccination coverage has increased from 49% to 86%. In Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, it has improved from 67% to 93%. Seeing these successes, we realized that this grassroots transformation model was highly effective. So, after successfully identifying and working on 100 Aspirational Districts, we have now taken this mission to the next level. We have identified 500 Aspirational Blocks, where we are now focusing on rapid development. Just imagine—when these 500 blocks experience fundamental improvements, the entire nation’s development indicators will transform!

    Friends,

    Here, we have a large number of industry leaders present. You have seen multiple decades and have been in business for a long time. The kind of business environment Bharat should have was often part of your wish list. Now, think—where were we 10 years ago, and where are we today? A decade ago, Bharat’s banking system was in crisis. It was fragile, and millions of Indians were outside the formal banking network. As Vineet ji just mentioned about Jan-Dhan accounts, Bharat was one of the few countries where accessing credit was very difficult.

    Friends,

    We worked on multiple levels simultaneously to strengthen the banking sector. Our strategy has been: Banking the unbanked, Securing the unsecured and Funding the unfunded. Ten years ago, the argument was that financial inclusion was impossible because there weren’t enough bank branches. But today, nearly every village in Bharat has a bank branch or banking correspondent within 5 km. One example of how credit access has improved is the MUDRA Yojana, which has provided 32 lakh crore rupees to those who would have never qualified for loans under the old banking system. This is a huge change. MSME loans have become much easier to access. Today, even street vendors are getting collateral-free loans, and loans for farmers have more than doubled. We are not only disbursing more loans with bigger amounts but also ensuring that our banks remain profitable. A decade ago, even Economic Times was publishing headlines about banking scams and record NPAs (Non-Performing Assets). Editorials were filled with concerns about the fragility of our banking system. And today what is being published? Between April and December, public sector banks have recorded over 1.25 lakh crore rupees in profits! Friends, this is not just a change in headlines. This is a change in the system, driven by our banking reforms. It proves that the pillars of our economy are growing stronger than ever.

    Friends,

    In the past decade, we have transformed the fear of business into the ease of doing business. With GST, Bharat now has a Single Large Market, which has significantly benefited industries. Our unprecedented infrastructure development has reduced logistics costs and increased efficiency. We have eliminated hundreds of unnecessary compliances and are now further reducing them through Jan Vishwas 2.0. I firmly believe that government intervention should be minimized. To achieve this, we are also setting up a Deregulation Commission to streamline regulations even further.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat is witnessing another major transformation—one that is preparing us for the future. When the First Industrial Revolution began, Bharat was sinking deeper into colonial rule.
    During the Second Industrial Revolution, while the world was witnessing new inventions and factories, Bharat’s local industries were being destroyed. Raw materials were being exported out of Bharat, leaving us behind. Even after independence, the situation didn’t change much. When the world was moving toward the computer revolution, Indians had to get a licence just to buy a computer! Bharat missed out on the benefits of the first three industrial revolutions, but in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we are ready to move forward alongside the world!

    Friends,

    In its journey toward becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’, our government considers the private sector a key partner. The government has opened several new sectors for private participation, including the space sector. Today, many young entrepreneurs and start-ups are making significant contributions in this space sector. Similarly, the drone sector, which was once closed to the public, now offers huge opportunities for youth. We have also opened up commercial coal mining for private firms, making auctions more liberalised. The private sector has played a major role in the country’s renewable energy achievements, and now, we are also expanding private participation in the power distribution sector to enhance efficiency. One of the biggest reforms in this year’s budget is something that no one dared to do before—we have opened the nuclear sector for private participation as well!

    Friends,

    Today, our politics has also become performance-oriented. The people of Bharat have made it clear—only those who stay connected to the ground and deliver real results will survive. A government must be sensitive to people’s problems—that is the first requirement of good governance. Unfortunately, those who handled policy-making before us often lacked both sensitivity and willpower to bring real change. Our government, however, has listened to people’s problems with empathy and taken bold, decisive steps to solve them with passion and commitment. Various global studies confirm that because of the basic facilities provided to citizens and their empowerment in the last decade, 25 crore Indians have moved out of poverty. This massive shift has created a new neo-middle class, which is now aspiring to buy their first two-wheeler, first car, and first home. To support the middle class, we made a significant change in this year’s budget—we increased the zero-tax limit from 7 lakh rupees to 12 lakh rupees. This decision will strengthen the middle class and further boost economic activity across the country. This is possible only with a government that is both proactive and sensitive to the needs of the people!

    Friends,

    A ‘Viksit Bharat’ is built on a foundation of trust—trust among citizens, the government, and business leaders. This element of trust is essential for progress. Our government is working tirelessly to strengthen this trust among the people. We are creating an environment of confidence for innovators, where they can incubate their ideas freely. We are ensuring that businesses can rely on stable and supportive policies for sustainable growth. I hope that this ET Summit will further reinforce this trust. With these words, I conclude my remarks. Best wishes to all of you. Thank you very much!

     

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tripura CM Calls on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Tripura CM Calls on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Tripura to Get Advanced Weather Radar as CM Discusses Rainfall Forecasting with Union Minister

    Tripura’s Bamboo Industry Set for Boost with Central Support, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link Strengthens India-Bangladesh Connectivity, Opens New Trade Avenues

    Posted On: 16 FEB 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

     Chief Minister of Tripura,  Dr. Manik Saha called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today to discuss key state-related issues, including advanced weather forecasting, administrative matters and boosting of the bamboo industry. The meeting also touched upon the recently inaugurated Agartala-Akhaura railway link, strengthening connectivity between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh.

    With Tripura witnessing unusually heavy rainfall this year—exceeding 500 mm—the Chief Minister sought technological support for improved forecasting and disaster preparedness. Dr. Jitendra Singh assured that the Ministry of Earth Sciences will set up a state-of-the-art weather radar in the State within a year. This radar, complemented by an existing Space research centre in the region, will enhance real-time weather predictions for rainfall and cyclones, helping mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

    The discussions also focused on the strategic development of Tripura’s vast bamboo reserves. The Union Minister stated that specialized institutes in Assam (Jorhat) and Manipur, dedicated to biotechnology and bamboo research, will work closely with the Tripura government to harness bamboo’s economic potential. This initiative is expected to drive industrial applications, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth in the state.

    Another key issue raised was administrative matters, including the placement of bureaucrats and officers in the state. The Union Minister acknowledged the concerns and assured necessary discussions with relevant authorities.

    Dr. Manik Saha also briefed Dr. Jitendra Singh about the establishment of Tripura’s first Government Dental College, a significant development given his personal background as a dental professional. The college aims to bolster healthcare infrastructure and provide better educational opportunities in the State.

    The meeting also highlighted the operationalization of the Agartala-Akhaura railway link, a project Dr. Jitendra Singh had actively pursued during his tenure as Minister for the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). The 12.24 km rail corridor—comprising 5.46 km in Tripura and 6.78 km in Bangladesh—re-establishes historic ties between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh’s ports, boosting trade and people-to-people connectivity. The link is expected to enhance economic prospects for Tripura and the entire Northeast region by providing a faster route to international markets.

    The meeting underscored the Centre’s commitment to supporting Tripura’s development through technological advancements, administrative coordination, and improved regional connectivity.

    *******

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2103831) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the ET Now Global Business Summit 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses the ET Now Global Business Summit 2025

    Today, be it major nations or global platforms, the confidence in India is stronger than ever: PM

    The speed of development of a Viksit Bharat is remarkable: PM

    Many aspirational districts have now transformed into inspirational districts of the nation: PM

    Banking the unbanked, Securing the unsecured and Funding the unfunded has been our strategy: PM

    We have transformed the fear of business into the ease of doing business: PM

    India missed the first three industrial revolutions but is ready to move forward with the world in the fourth: PM

    In India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, our government sees the private sector as a key partner: PM

    25 crore Indians have risen out of poverty in just 10 years: PM

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 10:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at the ET Now Global Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi today, recounted that in the last edition of ET Now Summit, he had humbly stated that India would work at a new speed in their third term. He expressed satisfaction that this speed is now evident and receiving support from the country. He thanked the people of Odisha, Maharashtra, Haryana and New Delhi for showing immense support for the commitment to Viskit Bharat. He acknowledged this as a recognition of how the citizens of the country are shoulder-to-shoulder in the pursuit of the goal of a developed India. 

    “Today, be it major nations or global platforms, the confidence in India is stronger than ever”, exclaimed Shri Modi, who returned yesterday from his visit to France and the USA. He added that the sentiment was reflected in the AI Action Summit in Paris as well. The Prime Minister remarked, “Today, India is at the center of the Global Future Discussions and also leading in some as well”. He added that this was a consequence of a new revolution of reforms in India since 2014. Shri Modi highlighted that India entered in the top 5 largest economies in the world in just the last decade, denoting the speed of development of Viksit Bharat. He added that people would soon witness India becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world in a few years. He emphasized that this was the necessary pace for a young country like India and stressed that India was moving ahead with this very speed. 

    Prime Minister remarked that previous dispensations avoided reforms, with a mindset of not wanting to undertake hard work. He added that today the reforms being undertaken in India was with full conviction. He highlighted that there was rarely any discussion about how major reforms could bring significant changes to the country. He pointed out that living under the burden of colonialism had become a habit in India. Even after independence, remnants of the British era continued to be carried forward. He cited an instance where phrases like ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ were heard for a long time, but no concrete steps were taken to address this issue. The Prime Minister highlighted that over time, people became so accustomed to these things that they didn’t even notice the need for change. He added that there was an ecosystem that doesn’t allow discussions about good things to take place and puts energy into preventing such discussions. Shri Modi emphasized that in a democracy, it is crucial to have discussions and debates about positive things. However, he added that a narrative has been created that saying something negative or spreading negativity is considered democratic, whereas if positive things are discussed, democracy is labeled as weak. He stressed that it was essential to come out of this mentality.

    Highlighting that until recently, the penal codes in India dated back to 1860 which aimed at strengthening colonial rule and punishing Indian citizens, Shri Modi noted that a system rooted in punishment could not deliver justice, leading to prolonged delays. He remarked that since the implementation of the new Indian Judicial Code 7-8 months ago, noticeable changes have occurred. For example, a triple murder case was resolved in just 14 days from FIR to sentencing, resulting in life imprisonment. Similarly, a case of a minor’s murder was concluded within 20 days. The Prime Minister pointed out that in Gujarat, a gang rape case registered on October 9, 2024 saw a charge sheet filed by October 26, and today, the court has convicted the accused. He cited another example from Andhra Pradesh, wherein a crime involving a 5-month-old child, the court sentenced the perpetrator to 25 years, with digital evidence playing a crucial role. In another case, the e-prison module aided in locating a rape and murder suspect who had previously served time for a crime in another state, leading to a swift arrest. He said now there were numerous instances where people are now receiving timely justice.

    Pointing to a major reform undertaken related to property rights, Shri Modi referred to a UN study indicating that the lack of property rights in a country is a significant challenge. He pointed out that millions worldwide lack legal property documents, and having property rights helps reduce poverty. He noted that previous governments were aware of these intricacies but avoided such challenging tasks. He emphasized that this approach doesn’t build or run a country. Shri Modi said the Swamitva Yojana was initiated, in which over 3 lakh villages in the country underwent drone surveys, and over 2.25 crore people received property cards. He remarked that due to the Swamitva Yojana, property worth ₹100 lakh crore has been unlocked in rural areas. This property existed earlier but couldn’t be utilized for economic development due to the lack of property rights, he added. Shri Modi highlighted that due to the absence of property rights, villagers couldn’t obtain loans from banks. He added that this issue has now been permanently resolved and today, there are numerous reports from across the country on how people benefit from Swamitva Yojana property cards. The Prime Minister shared a recent conversation with a woman from Rajasthan who received a property card under the scheme, and her family had been living in a small house for 20 years, and after receiving the property card, she secured a loan of around ₹8 lakh from a bank. With this money, she started a shop, and the income now supports her children’s higher education. Recounting another instance from another state, he said that a villager used his property card to obtain a loan of ₹4.5 lakh from a bank and bought a vehicle to start a transportation business. In another village, a farmer used a loan against his property card to set up modern irrigation facilities on his land. The Prime Minister highlighted many such examples where villages and the poor have found new income avenues due to these reforms. He termed these as real stories of reform, perform, and transform that don’t usually make headlines in newspapers and TV channels.

    Remarking that after independence, numerous districts in the country were left untouched by development due to poor governance, Shri Modi said instead of focusing on these districts, they were labeled as backward and left to their fate. No one was willing to address their issues, and government officers were sent there as punishment postings, he noted. “We changed this approach by declaring over 100 districts as Aspirational Districts”, said the Prime Minister. He added that young officers were sent to these districts to improve governance at the micro-level, who worked on indicators where these districts lagged behind and implemented flagship government schemes in mission mode. “Today, many of these aspirational districts have become inspirational districts”, he said. Citing an instance, Shri Modi said that in 2018, only 26% of elementary schools in Barpeta, Assam, had the correct student-to-teacher ratio, which is now 100%, He added that in Begusarai, Bihar, the number of pregnant women receiving supplementary nutrition was 21%, and in Chandauli, UP, it was 14%, while today, both districts have achieved 100%. The Prime Minister also noted the remarkable improvement in child immunization campaigns. In Shravasti, UP, the percentage increased from 49% to 86%, while in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, it rose from 67% to 93%. He highlighted that seeing such successes, 500 blocks in the country have now been declared aspirational blocks, and rapid work is underway in these areas.

    Acknowledging the decades of experience in business of the industry leaders at the summit, the Prime Minister recalled how the business environment in India used to be a part of their wish list and emphasized the progress made in the last 10 years. He highlighted that a decade ago, Indian banks were in crisis, and the banking system was fragile, with millions of Indians outside the banking system. “India was among the countries with the most challenging access to credit”, he added. “Government’s strategy to strengthen the banking sector: Banking the unbanked, Securing the unsecured, and Funding the unfunded”, outlined Shri Modi. He noted that financial inclusion has significantly improved, with nearly every village now having a bank branch or banking correspondent within a 5-kilometer radius. He cited the example of the Mudra Yojana, which has provided around ₹32 lakh crore to individuals who couldn’t obtain loans under the old banking system. He highlighted that loans for MSMEs have become much easier, and even street vendors have been linked to easy loans while the loans given to farmers have more than doubled. The Prime Minister remarked that while the Government is providing large numbers and amounts of loans, the banks’ profits are also increasing. He contrasted this with 10 years ago, when reports of record bank losses and editorials of newspapers expressing concern over NPAs were common. He added that today, from April to December, public sector banks have recorded a profit of over ₹1.25 lakh crore. Shri Modi emphasized that this isn’t just a change in headlines but a systemic change rooted in banking reforms, demonstrating the strengthening pillars of the economy.

    “Over the past decade, our Government has transformed the ‘fear of business’ into ‘ease of doing business’, underscored the Prime Minister.  He highlighted the benefits industries have gained from the establishment of a Single Large Market through GST. He emphasized that there has been unprecedented development in infrastructure over the past decade, leading to reduced logistics costs and increased efficiency. Shri Modi pointed out that the Government has eliminated hundreds of compliances and is now further reducing compliances through Jan Vishwas 2.0. To reduce Government interference in society, a Deregulation Commission is also being established, he added.

    Highlighting that India is witnessing a significant transformation related to future preparedness, Shri Modi remarked that during the first Industrial Revolution, India was under the grip of colonial rule. He added that during the second Industrial Revolution, while new inventions and factories emerged worldwide, local industries in India were being destroyed, and raw materials were being taken out of the country. He pointed out that even after independence, conditions did not change much. When the world was moving towards the computer revolution, in India, one had to obtain a license to buy a computer, he noted. “Although India couldn’t benefit much from the first three Industrial Revolutions, the country is now ready to match steps with the world in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, the Prime Minister emphasized.

    “Our Government considers the private sector a crucial partner in the journey towards a Viksit Bharat”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He noted that many new sectors have been opened up for the private sector, such as the space sector, where many young people and startups are making significant contributions. He highlighted that the drone sector, which was closed to the public until recently, now presents vast opportunities for the youth. The commercial coal mining sector has been opened to private firms, and auctions have been liberalized for private companies, he added. The Prime Minister remarked that the private sector plays a significant role in the country’s renewable energy achievements, and the Government is promoting private sector participation in the power distribution sector to enhance efficiency. He also underlined that a significant change in the recent budget is the opening of the nuclear sector for private participation.

    Prime Minister remarked that today’s politics has become performance-oriented and the people of India have clearly stated that only those connected to the ground and delivering results will sustain. He emphasized that the Government must be sensitive to people’s problems and noted that previous policymakers lacked sensitivity and willpower. He added that their Government has understood people’s issues with sensitivity and taken necessary steps with passion and enthusiasm to resolve them. Shri Modi cited global studies showing that over the past decade, the provision of basic amenities and empowerment has helped 25 crore Indians rise out of poverty. He added that this large group has become part of the neo-middle class, now dreaming of their first two-wheeler, first car, and first home. He further added that to support the middle class, the recent budget increased the zero tax threshold from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh, strengthening the entire middle class and boosting economic activity. “These achievements are possible due to a proactive and sensitive government”, exclaimed Shri Modi.

    “The true foundation of a developed India is trust and this element is essential for every citizen, every government, and every business leader”, emphasised Shri Modi. He highlighted that the Government is working with full strength to instill confidence among the citizens. He added that Innovators were being provided with an environment where they can incubate their ideas, while businesses were assured of stable and supportive policies. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing hope that the ET Summit will further strengthen this trust. 

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2103700) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, visits ESIC Hospital, Andheri and DGFASLI in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 7:16PM by PIB Mumbai

     

    Mumbai, 15th February 2025

    Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on his two-day visit to Mumbai, Maharashtra, visited ESIC Hospital in Andheri and Directorate General, Factory Advice and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) today.

    During his visit to ESIC Hospital, Dr. Mandaviya assessed various facilities, including registration counters, the online registration facility under the Dhanwantri module, the dental unit, and the internal medicine department. He interacted with patients and staff to understand their experiences and feedback on the services provided.

    Emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to insured workers, he instructed the officials to prioritize efficient medical service delivery and expedite the timely completion of hospital renovation and construction projects.

    Later in the day, Union Minister visited DGFASLI, where he was briefed on the institution’s pivotal role in occupational safety and health (OSH), regulatory frameworks, and ongoing training programs. He toured various infrastructure facilities, including training halls, conference rooms, and digital resource centers.

    Dr. Mandaviya showed a keen interest in the laboratories maintained by DGFASLI, particularly those focused on industrial hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) testing. He underscored the importance of strengthening OSH frameworks and enhancing technical expertise in the sector.

    To improve efficiency and transparency, he directed officials to accelerate digitization of processes, including inspections, ensure better upkeep of laboratories, and maintain a strong focus on transparency in regulatory activities.

    *****

    NJ/PK

     

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

    (Release ID: 2103623) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interactive Training Programme Organized Under the “Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Program”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi

    In line with the Government of India’s commitment to enhance the skills and effectiveness of public servants, the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), in collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission, organized a dynamic and interactive training programme under the “Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Program.” The programme aimed at capacitating officers across various levels, from Assistant Section Officer to Director/Deputy Secretary.

    The session was graced by Secretary, Shri V. Srinivas, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, who joined the interactive training alongwith Joint Secretary, Smt. Jaya Dubey of the Department. Their presence highlighted the importance of this initiative and reinforced the government’s focus on empowering civil servants to build a responsive and effective administration.

    Ms. Sarita Taneja, Deputy Secretary & Master Trainer, has conducted an interactive session with Directors, Under Secretaries, and Assistant Section Officers actively participating.

    The training programme comprised four engaging modules designed to foster a deeper understanding of the “Karmayogi Mission”:

    1. Who is a Rashtriya Karmayogi?
    2. Expanding Our Vision of Success and Fulfillment
    3. Creating a Karmayogi
    4. Rashtriya Karmayogi as a Nation-Builder

    The interactive modules sought to inspire participants to broaden their horizons, strengthen their roles as nation-builders, and ensure that they lead with a sense of duty and commitment to the nation’s progress.

    This initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of excellence within the public service and build a more effective, accountable, and transparent administration.

    ****

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2103633) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Yogi Adityanath, and Dr. L. Murugan inaugurate KTS 3.0

    Source: Government of India

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Yogi Adityanath, and Dr. L. Murugan inaugurate KTS 3.0

    We celebrate the unbroken cultural unity of our nation, reaffirming our commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

    Nearly 1200 delegates from Tamil Nadu will attend 10-day-long event

    Theme of KTS 3.0 is Sage Agasthyar

    1st time the participants of KTS 3.0 to experience Mahakumbh and visit Ram Mandir at Ayodhya

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath; and Union Minister of State for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, today.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a message expressed his delight on organisation of the 3rd Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Being held in the midst of the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, this occasion has become even more significant, he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the abiding connection between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, between Kaveri and Ganga, that goes back several thousands of years. He also mentioned how the heart-warming sentiments and experiences of the people during the previous two Sangamams showcased the beauty of India’s diverse culture, as well as the strong connections between people.

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in his address, quoted a Tamil verse by Pandya King Parakrama Pandiyan: Neerellam Gangai, Nilamellam Kashi (‘नीरेल्लाम् गंगे, निलमेल्लाम् कासी’), which means all water is as sacred as the Ganga, and every land in Bharat is as revered as Kashi. He highlighted that Kashi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and India’s cultural capital, stands as a beacon of the civilization’s rich heritage, while Tamil Nadu, the epitome of Tamil culture, represents the heart of India’s ancient wisdom and literary glory. He also emphasized how the Tamil people have carried their culture and traditions across the globe, enriching lives wherever they go.

    Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for envisioning the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, he noted that the event serves as a bridge connecting the sublime traditions of North and South India, reinforcing India’s unity in cultural diversity. The event also celebrates the nation’s unbroken cultural continuity, reaffirming the commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He further stated that cultural unity is the key to India’s national resurgence, and this Sangamam is a crucial step toward overcoming distances and fostering deeper understanding.

    The Minister mentioned that the theme of this edition of KTS was Rishi Agasthyar, a significant link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, revered in both spiritual and intellectual traditions and revered in both spiritual and intellectual traditions.

    In his speech, Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for organizing the third edition of KTS in Varanasi and warmly welcomed the delegates attending the event during the Sangamam. He expressed his delight that the Sangamam coincides with the Mahakumbh, which has already seen participation from nearly 51 crore people and noted that Tamil delegates would also be part of this grand gathering. He emphasized that the theme represents India’s rich knowledge and traditions, revolving around the 4S—Sant Parampara, Scientists, Social Reformers, and Students. Yogi Adityanath further highlighted that the theme has been Sage Agastyar and underscored the profound significance of the Sage in strengthening the confluence of North and South as well as Sanskrit and Tamil.

     

     

     

    While speaking at the event, Dr. L. Murugan highlighted how the Kashi Tamil Sangamam has been celebrated for the past two years, following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He mentioned that just as Tamils wish to visit Kashi, people from Kashi aspire to visit Rameswaram, emphasizing that this cultural connection has existed since ancient times. Dr. Murugan also stated that the relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu spans over 5,000 years, with references found in ancient texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as in Sangam literature like Kurunji Thinai, Ettuthogai, and Kalithogai. He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for promoting the greatness of the Tamil language and Thirukkural across the world. Additionally, he informed that efforts are underway to establish Thiruvalluvar cultural centres.

    The objective of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi—two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning. The central theme of this edition of KTS is Maharishi Agasthyar. During the event the delegates will also visit Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham. The event will offer a divine experience and bring Tamil Nadu and Kashi more closer.

    This year, the government has decided to bring around 1000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five categories/groups: (i) Students, Teachers, and Writers; (ii) Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories); (iii) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs; (iv) Women (SHG, Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks); and (v) Start-up, Innovation, Edu-Tech, Research. This year, an additional group of around 200 students of Tamil origin studying in various CUs will be a part of this event to enliven the bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Participation of youth in all categories will be encouraged this year. The duration of the tour will be 8 Days (4 for travel, 4 at site). The first batch arrived today and attended the event. The last group will return to Tamil Nadu on 26th February 2025.

    An exhibition on the different facets of Sage Agasthyar and his contributions to world of Health, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Literature, Polity, Culture, Art, particularly to Tamil and Tamil Nadu, etc. and seminars, workshops, book release, etc. will be organised at Kashi during KTS 3.0.

    Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Govt. of UP. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each other’s experience. It also aims to make the youth aware and experience cultural oneness. The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge. IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme.

    KTS 2.0 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Varanasi on 17th December, 2023, with the first-ever real-time, app-based translation of a part of the Prime Minister’s speech in Tamil for the benefit of visiting Tamil delegates.

    Shri Ravindra Jaiswal and Dr. Dayashankar Mishra “Dayalu, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti; Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Acting Vice Chancellor, Benaras Hindu University; Prof. V. Kamakoti; IIT Madras; Director Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Prof. Amit Patra, and other dignitaries and officials were also present at the event today.

    *****

    MV/AK

    MOE/KTS/15 February 2025/4

    (Release ID: 2103627) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The President of India to Inaugurate Aadi Mahotsav 2025 tomorrow

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The President of India to Inaugurate Aadi Mahotsav 2025 tomorrow

    Aadi Mahotsav 2025: A Grand Celebration of Tribal Heritage from February 16-24

    Delegation from Srilanka & Indonesia

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is set to organize the prestigious Aadi Mahotsav 2025 from February 16-24, 2025, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium New Delhi. The festival aims to celebrate and showcase the vibrant culture, heritage, and economic potential of India’s tribal communities.

    The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will grace the inauguration ceremony as the Chief Guest, marking the commencement of this grand event. The festival will bring together over 600 tribal artisans, 500 performing artists, and 25 tribal food stalls, representing the diverse traditions of more than 30 states and Union Territories.

    Hon’ble Tribal Affairs Minister, Shri Jual Oram, who has been personally reviewing the preparations, stated, “Aadi Mahotsav is not just an event; it is a initiative empower tribal communities by providing them with an extensive marketplace. This festival ensures the promotion of tribal products, bridging the gap between traditional art forms and modern consumers.”

    Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das  Uikey, expressed his enthusiasm about the festival’s impact, saying, “The Aadi Mahotsav strengthens the livelihoods of tribal artisans by facilitating access to national and international markets. We are committed to expanding these opportunities for our tribal entrepreneurs.”

    Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Shri Vibhu Nayar, emphasized TRIFED’s dedication to ensuring the success of the event: “The meticulous preparations undertaken for Aadi Mahotsav 2025 reflects our commitment to uplifting tribal artisans. With strategic partnerships, technological interventions, and enhanced marketing avenues, this year’s event is poised to be one of the most impactful yet.”

    Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Ashish Chatterjee, highlighted the festival’s significance, stating, “Aadi Mahotsav is a platform to showcase the incredible art, culture, heritage, and cuisines of our tribal communities. I urge everyone to come and experience the rich traditions and craftsmanship of India’s indigenous artisans while supporting their livelihoods.”

    Key Highlights of Aadi Mahotsav 2025:

    • Live demonstrations by tribal artisans from various states
    • Collaboration with 20 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and 35 training institutes
    • Signing of over 25 MoUs with design institutes and corporate houses
    • State and International pavilions showcasing unique tribal crafts
    • Brand integration on eight major e-commerce platforms
    • Delegations from  from Sri Lanka and Indonesia
    • Partnership with IFCA for digital onboarding of tribal culinary items
    • MoU with NEST for training and capacity building in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
    • MoU with HPMC for value addition to minor forest products like Mahua

    The festival is a significant initiative under TRIFED’s mission to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for India’s tribal communities. Through retail marketing initiatives, digital platforms, and international collaborations, TRIFED continues to enhance the market reach and economic potential of tribal enterprises.

    Aadi Mahotsav 2025 is expected to attract a large audience, including government officials, corporate leaders, and the general public, as they  witness and support the extraordinary craftsmanship and talent of India’s tribal artisans.

    ****

    PSF/DK

    (Release ID: 2103604) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SECL approves CSR Projects worth ₹ 170 crores, Strengthening Health, Education and Skill Development in Coalfield areas of CG & MP

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of Coal India under Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India, has approved ₹170 Crores for various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in FY 24-25. These initiatives will significantly boost health, education and skill development infrastructure in the coalfields regions.

    This allocation surpasses SECL’s statutory CSR budget of ₹99.76 crores for FY 24-25, demonstrating the company’s dedication to community development. These projects will be implemented over the next 2-3 years as per respective agreements.

    These projects reflect SECL’s commitment to holistic community development. A key initiative includes a ₹48.19 crore MoU with the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, for the construction of a 500-beded ‘SECL girls’ hostel’, fully funded by SECL. The foundation stone has been laid by Vice- President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar on January 21, 2025 at Raipur, CG. This will provide a safe and comfortable living environment for female students, promoting higher education among women.

    Recognizing the critical need for cardiac care, SECL has launched the second phase of its flagship project, “SECL ki Dhadkan” (an extension of Coal India ka Nanha Sa Dil). On February 14, 2025, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Sri Sathya Sai Sanjivani Hospital, Raipur, organized the ‘Gift of Life’ ceremony on World Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness Day and Coal India Limited’s (CIL) Golden Jubilee celebrations. The event, chaired by Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Personnel) of SECL, highlighted SECL’s CSR initiative, ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan,’ which has successfully performed 60 surgeries for children with CHD. With an initial assessment revealing 57 CHD cases in Balrampur, CG, SECL approved ₹4.71 Crore to treat next 300 children across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted that SECL’s aim is to treat every child with Congenital Heart Defects in the state of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. 13 children have already been treated under the 2nd phase of the project. The program ensures that financial barriers do not prevent children from receiving life-saving treatment. The initiative aims to expand to other regions with high CHD cases, making a significant impact on child healthcare in coalfield areas.

    SECL’s ‘Digi Vidya’ program has also gained momentum with a tripartite MoU signed between SECL, the Anuppur District Administration and EdCIL India Limited. This ₹13.73 Crore project will equip 84 government higher secondary and high schools in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, with 265 smart classroom solutions and 84 science labs.

    In line with the 100-Day Intensified Campaign for TB Elimination, SECL has partnered with RK HIV & AIDS Research and Care Centre, Mumbai, for a ₹3.82 Crore project for TB screenings for 50,000 people and provide medicines and nutrition kits to 300 patients across Chhattisgarh (Bilaspur, Raigarh, Surajpur) and Madhya Pradesh (Anuppur).

    SECL is also investing in skill development through a ₹3.12 Crore MoU with Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram. This vocational training program will empower 400 underprivileged youth with skills relevant to the apparel and textile industry, creating opportunities for self-employment. The program will include residential and non-residential options for candidates of various SECL operational areas.

    Other significant projects approved by SECL include:

    • Providing a 3.0 Tesla MRI Machine for Late Bisahu Das Mahant Memorial Medical College, Korba (₹28.08 Crores).
    • Financial assistance to the Vidisha District Administration, Madhya Pradesh, for addressing malnutrition and stunting, and screening for anemia and sickle cell anemia (₹30.92 Crores).
    • A Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI) project in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to establish a state-of-the-art training center, benefiting 1260 youths in SECL operational areas (₹6.87 Crores).

    ****

    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2103573) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), IEIC and WinZO launch the Tech Triumph Season 3 to showcase India’s gaming innovation at global platforms

    Source: Government of India

    World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), IEIC and WinZO launch the Tech Triumph Season 3 to showcase India’s gaming innovation at global platforms

    Win in Tech Triumph Season 3, the Nation’s biggest gaming competition, and get a chance to showcase your talent at the Game Developers Conference 2025 in San Francisco from March 17-21

    WAVES offers a golden opportunity: Submit your form by February 20, registrations closing soon, don’t miss your chance

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 5:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Aspiring to build a career in the gaming industry but struggling with the right platform and funding? The World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) offers Tech Triumph Season 3 an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, whether you’re in India or abroad! Open to both domestic and international participants, this challenge now has an extended application deadline of February 20, 2025.

    Winners of the country’s largest gaming competition will get a chance to showcase their product, IP and technology at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco from March 17th to 21st, and later at WAVES in India on a fully sponsored basis.

    Tech Triupmh Program

     The Tech Triumph Program (TTP), has been launched by the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) as part of the Create in India Challenge Season – 1. In the run-up to the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), this Challenge will identify, recognize, and showcase India’s gaming talent at the international platform of WAVES and India Pavilion at the Game Developer Conference, 2025.

    Over 1,000 Already Registered as Tech Triumph Season 3, India’s gaming ecosystem is set to make a lasting impact on the international stage, advancing the nation’s ambitions for a dynamic and globally recognized ‘Made in India’ tech industry.

    This initiative aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global powerhouse in gaming technology and intellectual property, bolstered by the growth of India’s AVGC and (Extended Reality) XR sectors, which now contribute significantly to the economy. According to a FICCI-EY report, digital and online gaming grew the most within the Indian media sector.

    For more information please visit: https://www.thetechtriumph.com/

     Stages of the contest

    1. Feb 20, 2025 – Game Submission
      Register for the contest
    2. Feb 23, 2025 – Expert Evaluation
      Shortlisted candidates pitch to the jury
    3. Feb 28, 2025 – Grand Finale
      Result declaration
    4. March 5, 2025 – Gearing Up for Events
      Prepare with us for global showcase

    Eligibility Criteria

    Open to all entities or individuals within the interactive entertainment ecosystem, including developers, studios, startups, and tech companies focused on PC, console, and mobile games, alongside gaming-related technologies. Participants can be at any stage of development but must have at least a working prototype.

    Gaming studios and Esports – Individual Developers, studios, Indie startups creating games (pc/mobile/console) and entities involved in esports, including event production and talent management, esports clubs and esports influencers.

    Business of Gaming – Businesses developing solutions for functions critical for gaming companies: payments, security, live ops, engagement, distribution, monetization, localization, quality assurance, legal and financial services.

    How to Participate

    Step 1: Game Submission: Initiate your journey by submitting your game through the contest form available on the official contest website.

    Step 2: Expert Evaluation: Our esteemed panel of experts will meticulously review all submissions, shortlisting the finest entries for the pitching round. Following the pitches, the final results will be unveiled by the distinguished jury.

    Step 3: Gearing Up for Events: Upon announcement of the winners, our organizers will promptly get in touch to guide and assist them in gearing up for their prominent showcase at the events.

    About different seasons of Tech Triumph

    The Tech Triumph is a contest to identify and empower the top gaming and interactive entertainment innovators.

    THE TECH TRIUMPH: BHARAT SEASON 3

    TTT Bharat Season 3 aims to make India grow as a leader in tech on the world stage by providing opportunities to innovators to present at global platforms. TTT focuses on fostering cutting-edge innovations, offering participants a platform to showcase their technologies at the global stage.

    THE TECH TRIUMPH: BHARAT SEASON 2

    Season 2 of The Tech Triumph Bharat, offered developers a platform to showcase Bharat’s evolving gaming ecosystem at the India Pavilion during Gamescom LATAM 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil.

    THE TECH TRIUMPH: BHARAT SEASON 1

    Season 1 of Bharat Tech Triumph, a collaboration between WinZO and IGDC, provided developers with a stage to present Bharat’s thriving gaming landscape at GDC 2024 in San Francisco, USA.

    TTP Winners Shine on Global Stages

    In past editions, TTP by WinZO & IEIC has empowered 10 winners to showcase their games at prestigious global events like GDC 2024 (India Pavilion), Gamescom (Germany & Brazil) and the Brazil Gaming Show. With guidance from top industry and government leaders—including former Secretary to the Government of India Rohit Kumar Singh, Ambassador to Brazil Suresh K Reddy, Info Edge co-founder Sanjeev Bhikchandani, and Kalaari Capital MD Rajesh Raju participants have gained invaluable mentorship and the opportunity to shine on an international stage.

    What is the Game Developers Conference (GDC)

    The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the world’s premier event for developers who make the games we love. GDC is the destination for creativity, innovation, and excellence.

    Over the past 30 years, GDC has brought thousands of developers together to learn, grow, and connect. Whether you’re a game developer, industry leader, or company looking to grow your reach and realize your potential, GDC is the place for you.

    ***

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2103564) Visitor Counter : 18

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSIR-NIScPR Hosts One-Day Workshop on the Need and Significance of Communicating Science in India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) successfully organized a one-day workshop on the “Need and Significance of Communicating Science in India” at its premises in New Delhi. The event aimed to evaluate existing efforts in science communication in Indian languages and explore strategies to enhance public engagement with science across diverse linguistic communities of India.

    In her welcome address, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, emphasized the crucial role of science communication in bridging the gap between scientific research and society. She highlighted the importance of communicating science in regional languages to ensure inclusivity and broader outreach, stating, “True scientific progress is inclusive. Promoting science in regional languages ensures that knowledge reaches every corner of society.” Dr. Naresh Kumar, Head, PME, provided introductory remarks, reinforcing the need to disseminate scientific knowledge in regional languages. Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and Primcipal Investigator of Indian language project said that public engagement is essential to percolate the authentic information of science and technology in regional languages of the country.

    The workshop featured insightful discussions by esteemed speakers from various scientific and media institutions. Shri Deepak Kumar, Assistant Director, Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology, addressed “Current Form, Problems, and Utility of Science Terminology.” Shri Balendu Sharma, Digital Media Communication Head, Microsoft, provided insights into “The Present and Future of AI and the Digital World.” Dr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, Executive Secretary, National Academy of Sciences, India, discussed “Science Writing and Popular Science Literature in Indian Languages,” while Ms. Neha Tripathi, a Digital and Social Media Expert, elaborated on “Different Sources of Scientific Content and Their Authenticity.”

    Further, Dr. Krishna Nand Pandey, Former Scientist-F, ICMR, highlighted “The Role of Health Communication in Creating Awareness in Indian Society.” Ms. Ankita Mishra, Editor, NRDC, explored “The Utility and Importance of Print Media in Science Popularization in the Social Media Era.”

    The afternoon session featured regional perspectives. Shri Shivanandan, Programme Executive, All India Radio, shared insights into “Radio and Agricultural Science Programmes: Nature and Possibilities.” Shri Samir Ganguly, Science Writer, highlighted “Social References of Science Fiction Stories.”

    The workshop provided a dynamic platform for experts, communicators, and participants to engage in meaningful interactions. Discussions yielded policy recommendations to strengthen science communication in Indian languages, emphasizing increased academia-government-media collaboration and strategies for capacity building among science communicators. The event drew 40 participants, including faculty and students from Banaras Hindu University, Central Sanskrit University, Gurugram University, and CSIR-NIScPR, along with scientists, researchers, and policymakers. A total ofo8 speakers participated, with 06 joining online and 02 attending in person, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.

    The event concluded with an interactive session and a Q&A round with students, followed by closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and coordinator of the workshop. The workshop reaffirmed CSIR-NIScPR’s commitment to promoting accessible and inclusive science communication in India.

    About CSIR-NIScPR

    The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) is a constituent laboratory under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is dedicated to science communication, policy research, and the promotion of scientific awareness among the public.

    *****

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2103558) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia-Indonesia Institute board appointments

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Today I announce the appointment of Ms Lydia Santoso as Chair of the Australia-Indonesia Institute.

    The Australia-Indonesia Institute has long championed initiatives that strengthen personal, institutional and cultural ties between Australia and Indonesia. Our relationship with Indonesia is grounded in a history of friendship and cooperation between our people and governments.

    The Board sets the strategic direction for the Institute’s programs and activities, which support partnerships in business, the arts, education, health, science, technology and sport.

    Ms Santoso has been a Board Member since 2015 and long been an advocate for forging cultural connections and deepening Australia’s economic engagement with Indonesia. She is currently Chair of the Australia Indonesia Business Council (NSW) and serves on the board of the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies.

    I am also pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members, who each bring a wealth of experience to support the goals of the Institute, including the broadening and deepening of Australian-Indonesian relations:

    • Dr Jemma Purdey is an Adjunct Fellow at the Australia Indonesia Centre, Monash University, the editor of Inside Indonesia magazine and a founding Director of the ReelOzInd! Australia Indonesia Short Film Festival.
    • Mr Robert Law is a Director at Asialink Business, advising businesses on engagement with Asia.
    • Mr Robbie Gaspar was the first Australian to play professional soccer in Indonesia and is President of the Indonesia Institute.

    Ms Amanda Hodge, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Australian newspaper, and Ms Armina Rosenberg, portfolio manager at Minotour, an AI-powered hedge fund, have also been reappointed for a second three-year term.

    I would like to thank outgoing Chair, Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy AM, and fellow Board Member, Franchesca Cubillo, for their contributions to the work of the Institute.

    To find out more, see Australia-Indonesia Institute.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice President’s Address At The 10th Convocation Of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Jai Mata Di.

    From every consideration, a convocation address is difficult because the expectations are high. There is obvious belief that the person imparting the convocation address will say something novel. My task has been rendered very difficult. It is daunting and formidable because the Honourable Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has with enormous talent focused on relevance of convocation. One of the best addresses on the point I have come across and let me tell you he comes in the same league as that of chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, a former diplomat, former foreign Secretary, Kanwal Sibal.

    I am sure you would bestow full attention on what the Honourable Chief Minister has imparted to you, but I have been completely pre-empted by the Lieutenant Governor, who has traversed much beyond what I had in mind, his address is inspirational, motivational and gives you a direction. His focus has been on what we need to reflect, he has as a matter of fact made a clarion call that you before us today and your class, the class of young minds, boys and girls, you are the most vital stakeholders of democracy, and you are lucky. If I may quote Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore has visualised and envisioned, what Bharat should do. “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.” we missed this ecosystem for a very long time. But now, boys and girls, you are living in times where you can have mind without fear because our economy is blossoming. Bharat is witnessing economic upsurge unknown before, and we are without fear because the
    nation’s rise is being accoladed by global institutions as a favourite destination of investment and opportunity.

    Never before in the history of this country since independence, the voice of Indian Prime Minister was so resonant with global leaders. With his election for the third time after 60 years, as Prime Minister has put him in the big league of global leaders and now India’s prime minister is not noticed, he his epicentre of notice and that is the achievement which you have. Boys and girls, another big change, which we did not have during our times and the change is you have an ecosystem because of affirmative governance initiative, forward-looking policies, and a new education policy that allows you to fully exploit your talent and potential and realise your dreams and ambitions. And therefore, those who after getting the degrees I congratulate them, frog leaping into the larger domain, have enormous vistas before them to make themselves in satisfaction mode. Make the teachers and parents proud and contribute for the nation.

    And therefore, I have no hesitation in saying, I would not like to reiterate what has been said with great emphasis by the Honourable Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister. But for me, it’s a nostalgic moment, there are three visits to Jammu and Kashmir that I recollect. One was in early 80s. I visited places Gulmarg, Sonamarg, all places that could possibly be there along with my wife and our daughter. The second was a very painful experience. I was elected to Parliament in 1989. I was a Union Minister when I came to Srinagar as a member of the council of ministers. Boys and girls, you may not recollect because you have to look back into history. We did not see even dozens of people on the streets of Srinagar and the national scene was one of gloom.
    भारत जिसको सोने की चिड़िया कहते थे उसका सोना विदेशों में जहाज के द्वारा गिरवी रखा गया Switzerland के बैंक में। and why, because our foreign exchange was in doldrums. Around US$1 billion and look at where we are at the moment. It was a glorifying moment for me in Rajya Sabha when it was declared that in Jammu and Kashmir, more than two crore tourists had visited. The aspirations of generations found wings when the constitutional walls of separation crumbled in 2019 with the historic abrogation of Article 370. Article 370 was a temporary article in the Constitution. And to young minds, let me invite your attention to two aspects. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution drafted all articles of the Constitution except Article 370.

    I would urge you to go into historical perspective to know the background why he declined. Another towering giant of Indian political firmament, Sardar Patel took upon himself the task of integrating princely states except the state of the Jammu and Kashmir. But now in 2019 a big change has taken place. In the sacred land of Mata Vaishno Devi, a new pilgrimage began. The journey from isolation to integration, the winds of change have brought peace and progress. For the first time, the region experienced true national integration.

    There was a demand by a great son of the soil. एक देश में एक निशान, एक प्रधान, एक विधान। That is accomplished. And what will happen? I am sure about it. Disturbance has yielded to order where we witness disorder as the normal order, we now have the real order. Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed the highest voter turnout in 35 years during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and just take note of it. With a 30-point increase in Kashmir Valley participation, democracy has found its real voice, its real resonance. I reiterate it. In 2023, over 2 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. The result was boosting local economy. The heaven on earth is now full of hope and prosperity. It is a global attraction. Every investment proposal in New Kashmir isn’t just about capital, it’s about truth being restored, faith being rewarded.

    The change is not imperceptible; it is perceptible. Perception has changed, ground reality is changing, hopes of the people are soaring. Private investment proposals I am happy to share with you worth Rs 60000 crores were received in two years. They signal economic interest in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in this area. Foreign direct investment entered Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after 2019 with multiple International companies showing interest. The area is no longer a story of conflict, but it is confluence of confidence and capital. The opportunity basket in Jammu and Kashmir is expanding and continues to bloom. There is no need now to leave the region. The call is be the architects of this new dawn. Education undoubtedly is the most impactful transformative mechanism. It brings about equality that is need of the society. It caps inequities. education defines democracy. And imagine educational institutions show significant growth. This being one, but IIT, IIM, AIIMS establishing campuses in the region. Post 2019 is a great signal.

    The change, boys and girls, with urge to have passion for a particular stream in academics at prestigious institutions, institutions of eminence in their area. The region’s first Multiplex opened in Srinagar in 2022 marking the return of cinema after three decades. When we look around infrastructural growth, the development in this area is standing out. Around thousand recognised start-ups and more significantly as I find in the audience also, amongst the youth, a gender balancing. One third of the start-ups are led by women. Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation is a part of a larger national revolution with everyone contributing to a new developed India. This is not just a change. It is a renaissance.

    I fully agree with the Lieutenant Governor when he reflected the history of industrial revolutions. We are at the cusp of no less than an industrial revolution on account of onslaught of disruptive technologies. There is paradigm shift every moment. we have to content with disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence, internet of things, machine learning, Blockchain, and the kind. And I’m happy to share with the young minds that the focus which India has bestowed by way of quantum computing, green hydrogen mission, 6G, the commercial exploitation of 6G in the second phase will start in 2025 to 2030. It is for the first time the country has seen development in sea, on sea surface, under the ground, on the ground, in the sky, in the space and that offers new opportunities to young minds. Space economy, blue economy, are the things that attract your attention. Your opportunity basket, you have to focus on it. The traditional groove, the silos of  government jobs, you must get detached because hand-holding policies of the government allows you to take a big leap.

    Let me tell you, this day is Dikshaant, it is not Sikshaant. Learning never stops. You cannot stop learning, it has to be with you lifelong. Let me make a reference to what a Pre-Socratic philosopher said, Heraclitus. The only constant in life is the change. He buttressed it by an illustration that the same person cannot enter the same river twice because neither the person is the same nor the river is the same.

    In addition to what the Honourable Chief Minister has imparted to you, I will just add fear of fear invites failure. Fear of fear is myth. Never hesitate to experiment if an idea occurs in your mind. This mind irrespective of technology of any nature, there is no substitute of this. Don’t allow it to be a parking space of an idea, experiment, as rightly pointed out by the Honourable Chief Minister. There is nothing like failure, a setback is a step towards success. Chandrayaan 3, which created history by landing India’s spacecraft on the South pole of moon, in ShivShakti point with Tiranga, owes its success to Chandrayaan 2. I wholly disagree with people who thought Chandrayaan was not a success, it was. But we believe in a mindset that success has to be hundred percent. No. If you look into historical innovations great creations, you can see. And therefore, I wish to convey to my young friends you are seeing a Bharat which is not a nation of potential, it is a nation fully exploiting its potential. A developed nation status is not our dream. It’s our goal, a definitive goal.

    I joined the LG when the Lieutenant Governor made a clarion call to you. ये यज्ञ है, इस यज्ञ में आप अपनी आहुति दीजिए । सामर्थ्य के अनुसार दीजिए क्योंकि youth से ज़्यादा प्रजातंत्र में और कोई stakeholder नहीं है ।You have to drive the engine of progress. Nothing stops you because we are proud Indians. हम भारतीय हैं, भारतीयता हमारी पहचान है, राष्ट्रवाद हमारा धर्म है। हमारा परम कर्तव्य है कि हर हालत में हम राष्ट्रहित को सर्वोपरि रखें। कोई भी ऐसा हित नहीं है, राजनीतिक और व्यक्तिगत, जो राष्ट्रहित से बड़ा है।अब समस्या आती है और कई नवयुवक मुझे कहते हैं कई नवयुवती कहती हैं हम क्या करें । I will call upon you on this particular day to focus on five points in particular. Each one of you boys and girls, you can do it, and you must do it. पाँच प्रान । ये पंच प्रण बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है। इनके अंदर है पारिवारिक मूल्य। परिवार के साथ जुड़ कर रहिए, माता पिता का सम्मान कीजिए, पड़ोसी का आदर कीजिए, समाज का अभिन्न अंग बनिए, पर्यावरण की चेतना करनी चाहिए। अपने पास धरती माँ के अलावा रहने की दूसरी जगह नहीं है। जब प्रधान मंत्री ने देश को आह्वान किया कि माँ के नाम एक पेड़ लगाओ, वो एक भावना को उजागृत करना था कि पाँच हजार की संस्कृति के अंदर जो ज्ञान है पर्यावरण के लिए उसका हमे बोध होना चाहिए। अब ये जन आंदोलन बन गया है इसका ध्यान दीजिए । India is nerve center of culture in the world, no country can take pride the way we can take because we have 5,000 years of civilisational ethos. हमारी सांस्कृतिक विरासत, सांस्कृतिक सभ्यता, ज्ञान का भंडार अद्वितीय है। ऐसी स्थिति में we must nurture our cultural values.

    आत्मनिर्भरता। महात्मा गांधी ने कहा था – स्वदेशी, एक शब्द था, उस समय की अर्थव्यवस्था को हिला कर रख दिया। खादी के उपयोग से शुरू हुआ। वर्तमान प्रधानमंत्री ने इसको एक नया आयाम दिया है – Vocal for Local। आपसे आग्रह करूँगा, गंभीरता से इसका पालन कीजिए। और हर व्यक्ति के कुछ कर्तव्य हैं। अधिकारों की बात हम करते हैं क्योंकि भारत के संविधान में हमें अधिकार मिले हैं—मौलिक अधिकार। पर भारत के संविधान में मौलिक दायित्व भी हैं, पर इसमें संविधान को देखने की आवश्यकता नहीं है। हमारी संस्कृति हमें सिखाती है कि हमारा दायित्व क्या है। We must discharge our civic duties diligently, और यह जब हम करेंगे तो नतीजे निकलेंगे। पहला – we will march, and the march will be fast-tracked for attaining a developed Bharat. We will unshackle ourselves from the colonial mindset। एक तो हम कर चुके हैं, हाल में बहुत बड़ा कदम उठाया गया है। पहले जो दंड विधान था, उसको न्याय विधान कर दिया गया है— unshackling the colonial mindset.

    हमे हमारी विरासत पर गर्व होना चाहिए, क्योंकि ये बेमिसाल है, जड़े मजबूत है । Lieutenant Governor focused कि ११ शताब्दी के आसपास कुछ भटकाव आ गया था, नालंदा गड़बड़ हो गया था, उसका  सृजन हो रहा है। But reflect back on our historical perspective and you will find we had educational institutions like Nalanda, Takshila and many more. People from all over the world took to these institutions for gaining wisdom, knowledge and also sharing it. हमारी एक ही पहचान है वसुधैव कुटुंबकम् । and that is the message we gave to the entire world. One family one planet one future. वसुधैव कुटुंबकम् G20 message.

    मेरा आपसे विनम्र आग्रह रहेगा कि आपको जो डिग्री मिली है  मैं आपको बधाई देता हूँ। a convocation as indicated by the Honourable Chief Minister is a milestone to be ever remembered. This moment will ever be etched in your memory. Please be in connect with people, your friends, all your lives that will be your nectar for the rest of your life. Make it a point. I would urge the vice chancellor that under the visionary guidance of the chancellor, the alumni association must be very vibrant. Institutions thrive on the strength of alumni confederations. I had indicated an idea for a long time that our institutions of eminence like IITs, IIMs, they must have a Confederation of alumni associations because these are natural think tanks. They can help us evolve policies for national interest. I am sure something will be done positive in that direction. I am particularly touched when honour was awarded to Shiv Dutt ji, Nirmoi Ji and Dr Ram Sevak ji.

    A society that recognises talent, a society that acknowledges unimpeachable credentials, a society awards those where the award is well earned by the person that is a signal to the rest of the people merit has a place because we have made exit of patronage. Patronage is no longer a password for opportunity, for success. But what struck me more fundamentally was look at doctorate in literature, doctorate in science. Two are fundamental, there has to be a synergy between the two. The two have to be in sync and that has to be our historical background. If you look at our history, you will find there has been a due regard to both, so I congratulate the chancellor and vice chancellor for being so thoughtful, for such thought-provoking choice that will ever stir our minds inviting our focus. And the address of both of them, though brief, was very illuminating.

    Boys and girls, समय का अभाव है । Time is always a constraint. I will give you 2-3 suggestions. One go for your aptitude. Don’t stress yourself. Don’t carry tension. Because for the first time you are living in an ecosystem, where you can fully utilise your talent, your exploitation of talent by yourself is unstoppable like the rise of Bharat. It is unstoppable now. Two, believe in the words of Vivekanand Ji “arise awake stop not till the goal is achieved”. These are words of Vivekanand Ji when you have to study who he was, he departed from mother India at what age, how he made global impact in that time zone, where travel was very difficult. May Mata Vaishno Devi ever bless you, ever enlighten you, ever guide you, and be a perennial source of inspiration and strength. To ensure your endeavours fructify and that you are always and ever committed to serving the Nation because when Bharat prospers it contributes to global peace.

    I am extremely grateful to the Chancellor, the Honourable Chief Minister and Vice Chancellor for affording me this opportunity. But I am conscious of the divine intervention of Maa Vaishno Devi. माँ का बुलावा आज आया था और माँ का नाम आते ही शरीर में एक संचार होता है sublimity का spirituality का religiosity का और सबके लिए शुभ सोचने का ।

    Thank you so much!

    ***

    JK

    (Release ID: 2103514) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: In Parliament, Finance Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Ji has given a very clear picture of the Indian economy and the reform trajectory we are undertaking: Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 3:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman’s address in Parliament, stating that it provides a clear picture of the Indian economy and the reform trajectory government is undertaking.

    The Prime Minister posted on X;

    “During her remarks in Parliament, Finance Minister @nsitharaman Ji has given a very clear picture of the Indian economy and the reform trajectory we are undertaking. 

    Here are the links to her speeches…”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf-qw-g2OwY

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PIJR-GEMRM

    ****

    MJPS/ST

    (Release ID: 2103512) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Coalition leading narrowly in four polls and would likely win an election held now

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    A national Newspoll, conducted February 10–14 from a sample of 1,244, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, unchanged from the previous Newspoll, three weeks ago. Primary votes were 38% Coalition (down one), 31% Labor (steady), 12% Greens (steady), 7% One Nation (steady) and 12% for all Others (up one).

    Newspoll previously used 2022 election preference flows, but they have adjusted for stronger One Nation preferences to the Coalition at the Queensland state election. The one-point drop in the Coalition’s primary vote suggests Labor gained, but preference flow changes affected the unchanged two-party estimate.

    The graph below shows Labor’s two-party vote for each pollster’s headline voting intentions. As the pollsters are making adjustments to the 2022 election preference flows, I don’t think it’s useful anymore to use the 2022 flows as a baseline.

    I’ve revised some of the previous iterations of Morgan and Essential so they use their headline respondent preferences. The four new polls included since the last federal update are Newspoll, the YouGov MRP below and last week’s Morgan and Redbridge polls.

    All polls have the Coalition leading by about 51–49. Labor had a better result (a 50–50 tie) from Morgan two weeks ago, but last week it reverted to a Coalition lead. Labor can recover this lead by the election that is due by May, but they’re currently losing.

    In Newspoll, Anthony Albanese’s net approval slid one point to a new low of -21, with 58% dissatisfied and 37% satisfied. Peter Dutton’s net approval was up one point to -10. Albanese led Dutton by 45–40 as better PM (44–41 previously).

    The graph below shows Albanese’s deteriorating ratings in Newspoll. The plus signs mark the data and a smoothed line has been fitted.

    In more bad news for Labor, just 34% said they deserved to be re-elected, while 53% said it’s time to give someone else a go.

    YouGov has Coalition winning the most seats

    YouGov conducted a national MRP poll (multi-level modelling with post-stratification) from January 22 to February 12 from an overall sample of over 40,000. MRP polls are used to estimate the outcome in each House of Representatives electorate using huge samples and modelling.

    YouGov’s central forecast if the election were held now is the Coalition winning 73 of the 150 lower house seats, three short of a majority. Labor would win 66 seats, independents eight, the Greens one and others two. At lower limits, the Coalition could win 65 seats and Labor 59, while at higher limits the Coalition could win 80 and Labor 72.

    The overall vote share in this MRP poll was 51.1–48.0 to the Coalition, a 3.2% swing to the Coalition since the 2022 election. Primary votes were 37.4% Coalition, 29.1% Labor, 12.7% Greens, 9.1% One Nation, 8.9% independents and 2.8% others.

    YouGov is using respondent preferences for its MRP polls, and it has a weakening of flows to Labor from both Green and One Nation voters compared with 2022. By 2022 election preference flows, this poll would be 50.2–49.8 to Labor.

    Labor’s primary vote is down most in its once safe working-class seats. But the Coalition is not likely to regain any of the seats taken by teal independents at the last election.

    Redbridge and Morgan polls

    The Poll Bludger reported last Tuesday that a national Redbridge poll, conducted February 3–7 from a sample of 1,013, gave the Coalition a 51.5–48.5 lead, a 1.5-point gain for the Coalition since early November. Primary votes were 40% Coalition (up two), 31% Labor (down three), 11% Greens (steady) and 18% for all Others (up one).

    Coalition supporters were more firm in their voting intentions (61% solid, 34% soft) than Labor supporters (51% solid, 39% soft). The poll suggested a 9% two-party swing against Labor in the outer suburbs, but this would have been based on a small subsample. Other swings were 5% against Labor in inner and middle suburbs, no change in provincial cities and a 3% swing to Labor in rural areas.

    The Poll Bludger reported Sunday that a Redbridge and Accent Research poll of 20 marginal seats, conducted February 4–11 from a total sample of 1,002, gave the Coalition a 52–48 lead (51–49 to Labor across these seats in 2022). Primary votes were 43% Coalition, 33% Labor, 12% Greens and 12% for all Others.

    A national Morgan poll, conducted February 3–9 from a sample of 1,688, gave the Coalition a 51.5–48.5 lead by headline respondent preferences, a 1.5-point gain for the Coalition since the January 27 to February 2 poll.

    Primary votes were 40.5% Coalition (up two), 29% Labor (down one), 11% Greens (down 0.5), 4% One Nation (down 1.5), 9.5% independents (down one) and 6% others (up two). This is the lowest support for the Greens in this poll since November 2022. By 2022 election preference flows, the Coalition led by 51.5–48.5, a two-point gain for the Coalition.

    UAP can’t register for election

    Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party (UAP) voluntarily deregistered during this term, and were unable to re-register under this name. Palmer and the UAP’s only federal parliamentarian, Victorian Senator Ralph Babet, challenged this law, but the High Court last Wednesday denied the challenge.

    Babet was elected in 2022 and won’t be up for election as his six-year term expires in June 2028. The coming election will be a normal one for the full House and half the Senate, not a double dissolution where all senators are up for election.

    The UAP could still register under a different name, but their registration would need to be completed before writs are issued for the election. If the election is on May 17, the latest possible date, writs would need to be issued by April 14.

    Victorian Labor retains Werribee at byelection

    I previously covered the February 8 Victorian state byelections for Werribee and Prahran. On the election night count, Prahran was a Liberal gain from the Greens, with Labor ahead in Werribee but not certain to hold.

    Over 2,000 additional postals have been counted in Werribee, and Labor increased its lead, and now leads by 50.8–49.2 against the Liberals, a 10.2% swing to the Liberals since the November 2022 state election.

    Left-wing parties will do badly in Germany

    I covered next Sunday’s German election for The Poll Bludger on Saturday. The conservative CDU/CSU and far-right AfD are the top two parties in the polls, with the governing centre-left SPD and the Greens trailing.

    In Canada, Mark Carney is almost certain to be elected Liberal leader, replacing Justin Trudeau. In recent weeks, the Liberals have closed the gap on the Conservatives, but still trail by a large margin. US and UK polls were also covered.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Coalition leading narrowly in four polls and would likely win an election held now – https://theconversation.com/coalition-leading-narrowly-in-four-polls-and-would-likely-win-an-election-held-now-249694

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Deaths of two Nanjing Massacre survivors leave just 28 living witnesses

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Two survivors of the Nanjing Massacre passed away on Saturday, bringing the number of living registered survivors to 28, according to the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders on Sunday.
    Yi Lanying, who died at the age of 99, had a front tooth knocked out by a Japanese officer during the massacre. She also witnessed a Japanese soldier stab to death with his bayonet a young man who had been eating breakfast, as well as a group of Japanese soldiers searching homes and abducting more than 70 young men.
    These traumatic experiences left her with deep fear that led to panic attacks, heart palpitations and tinnitus. During her life, she expressed her hope that future generations would never forget the innocent lives that were lost in the massacre.
    Tao Chengyi, who died at the age of 89, lost his father, uncle and cousin at the hands of the Japanese invaders. “After my father was killed, my mother struggled to make a living by running a small business with us children. The war destroyed my childhood,” Tao had said.
    The Nanjing Massacre occurred when Japanese troops captured the then Chinese capital on Dec. 13, 1937. Over six weeks, they killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of World War II.
    In 2014, China’s top legislature designated Dec. 13 as a national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. 

    MIL OSI China News –