NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 4, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 4, 2025.

    Too many journalists remain silent over the Gaza genocide, a threat to our media credibility
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – By David Robie on World Press Freedom Day 2025 I ask you now: Do not stop speaking about Gaza. Do not let the world look away. Keep fighting, keep telling our stories – until Palestine is free. These are not my words, although I believe and

    Labor makes Senate gains, and left-wing parties will hold a Senate majority
    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 On Saturday, Labor won a thumping victory in the House of Representatives, and this has carried over to the Senate results. Only 35% of enrolled voters have

    Rabuka salutes Fiji media but warns against taking freedom for granted
    By Anish Chand in Suva Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has paid tribute to all those working the media industry in his message to mark World Press Freedom Day. He said in his May 3 message thanks to democracy his coalition government had removed the “dark days of oppression and suppressions”. “Today as we join

    Albanese increases majority and Dutton loses seat in stunning election landslide
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government has been re-elected with a substantially increased majority, and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has lost his seat, in a crushing defeat of the Coalition. As of late Saturday night, there was a two-party swing to Labor of

    Labor wins election in landslide: full results
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Digital Storytelling Team, The Conversation The Conversation, CC BY-SA Digital Storytelling Team 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. Labor

    Labor wins surprise landslide, returned with a thumping majority
    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 With 52% of enrolled voters counted, The Poll Bludger has Labor ahead in 92 of the 150 House of Representatives seats, the Coalition in 43, the Greens

    Labor routs the Coalition as voters reject Dutton’s undercooked offering
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In a dramatic parallel, what happened in Canada at the beginning of this week has now been replicated in Australia at the end of the week. An opposition that a few months ago had looked just possibly on track to

    Dutton and the Coalition did not do the work, and misread the Australian mood
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Kenny, Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University The former federal director of the Liberal Party, Brian Loughnane, used to tell media companies that their practice of commissioning expensive opinion polls right through a parliamentary term was a waste of money. Election 2025 seemed to vindicate

    Labor wins with a superior campaign and weak opposition – now it’s time to make the second term really matter
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Wallace, Professor, School of Politics Economics & Society, Faculty of Business Government & Law, University of Canberra Superior campaigning by the Labor machine, a lift in the personal performance of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and a woeful campaign by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have seen Labor

    Albanese’s government might not thrill, but it has shown unity and competence – and that’s no mean feat
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University The Coalition’s election campaign of 2025 has a strong claim to be considered among the worst since federation. I know of none more shambolic. Barely a day passed without some new misstep

    Palestine protesters march on TVNZ, accuse broadcaster of bias on Gaza
    Asia Pacific Report About 1000 pro-Palestinian protesters marked World Press Freedom Day — May 3 — today by marching on the public broadcaster Television New Zealand in Auckland, accusing it of 18 months of “biased coverage” on the genocidal Israeli war against Gaza. They delivered a letter to the management board of TVNZ from Palestine

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Too many journalists remain silent over the Gaza genocide, a threat to our media credibility

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    By David Robie on World Press Freedom Day 2025

    I ask you now: Do not stop speaking about Gaza.

    Do not let the world look away.

    Keep fighting, keep telling our stories – until Palestine is free.

    These are not my words, although I believe and support them absolutely. They are the words of Palestinian journalist Hossam Shabat in his final message left behind when he was killed by an Israeli air strike on March 24.

    His message is a poignant one today, especially today which is May 3 — World Press Freedom Day.

    It is a message that I have been carrying in my heart since even earlier, since the assassination of another Palestinian journalist, the famous Shireen Abu Akleh, who was murdered by Israeli sharpshooters six days after Media Freedom Day in 2022 while reporting in Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank.

    It was her blatant killing in plain view on live video with impunity that signalled how the rogue state Israel was flaunting all international laws and accountability with contempt. And it was a hint of how it would it conduct itself in this disaster.

    According to the United Nations Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OHCHR), since October 2023, Israeli occupation forces have killed 211 Palestinian journalists, including 28 women reporters reporting on Gaza. At least 47 journalists have been killed while on duty, and at least 49 media people are languishing in Israeli detention or hidden in prisons, mostly without charge.

    Why? To silence the journalists.

    To silence their storytelling, as Hossam Shabat indicated in his final message.

    And for more than 18 months Israel has refused access to Gaza by international journalists.

    Why? To kill the truth. To stop the world’s media from exposing the Israeli lies and their controlled narrative.

    But it hasn’t worked. The Zionists are losing control of the narrative — and they know it. As Amnesty International called it this week, the mass atrocity is a “livestreamed genocide” thanks due to the courage and dedication of the Gazan reporters and citizen journalists.

    A year ago — on this very day — the Gazan journalists were honoured with the UNESCO Guillermo Cano Prize in Santiago, Chile, in recognition of their “unique suffering and fearless reporting”.

    The protest march to Television New Zealand headquarters. Image: Asia Pacific Report

    Who would have thought this grotesque war, this obscene war would still be causing such terrible suffering more than year later?

    And we can’t even really call it a war at all because it is continuous massacres carried out by one of the most advanced and powerful military machines in the world, supplied and aided by the United States, on one side, with a relatively tiny resistance force armed with small arms on the other.

    Gaza is a “killing field – and civilians are in an endless death loop”, as the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, said the other day. Horrendous!

    And since the Cano award for the Gazan journalists, a further 111 media workers have been killed by Israel.

    Gazan journalist Hossam Shabat’s final message . . . he was killed by the Israeli military last month. Image: APR screenshot

    In the latest survey by Reporters Without Borders 2025 World Press Freedom Index released yesterday, global zones have been flagged where press freedom is “entirely absent and practising journalism is particularly dangerous”.

    “This is the case in Palestine, where the Israeli army has been annihilating journalism for more than 18 months, killing more than 200 media professionals — including at least 43 murdered while working — and imposing a blackout on the besieged strip.”

    Just a couple of weeks ago, a group of French and international journalists staged a “die-in” in Paris. They lay down on the steps of the Opera-Bastille as a street theatre representation of the unprecedented scale of the killing of journalists.

    It was organised by Reporters Without Borders, and secretary-general Thibaut Bruttin said:

    “The difficulty of making the cause of Palestinian journalists heard is proof that the insidious poison of the Israel armed forces has sometimes even penetrated our own narrative.

    “I have never seen a war in which, when a journalist is killed, you are told that they were really a terrorist.”

    Bruttin also reflected: “I think it must be said that solidarity is a form of strength. It is a source of strength, I hope, for Palestinian journalists to whom we send these images and to whom we express our solidarity through words and action.

    “And I also think that is an appeal to the media profession, and it’s true that this demonstration is happening late, perhaps too late. It must be recognised.

    “In the 10 years that I have been working at Reporters Without Borders, this is the first time that I have been asked if the journalist was really a journalist when they were killed. This had never happened. Never.

    “And I think we must salute all those who have been marching and all those professionals who have come and who say: ‘Yes, we must continue to report what is happening but we must also protest and do more. Journalists are being targeted. And they are also being defamed after their deaths.’”

    In January 2024, I wrote an article for Declassified Australia headlined: “Silencing the messenger: Israel kills journalists, while the West merely censors them.”

    I declared then that reporting Israel’s war on Gaza had become the greatest credibility challenge for journalists and media of our times.

    Dr David Robie and Del Abcede speaking at Auckland’s “Palestine Corner” rally on World Press Freedom Day. Image: Bruce King

    “Covering the conflict has opened divisions among media groups about fairness and balance that have become the most bitter since the climate change and covid pandemic debates when media ‘deniers’ and ‘bothsideism’ threatened to undermine the science.”

    It shocks me that so many journalists have remained silent. They should also be on the streets like us and reporting the truth. To me, the deafening silence is a betrayal of the 50 years of truth to power journalism that I have grown up with.

    Silence is complicity.

    Finally, I would like to quote from PSNA’s co-chair John Minto in the letter that we are taking today to Television New Zealand appealing for an independent review of 1News reporting on Palestine/Israel.

    Minto says: “Over the past 18 months of industrial scale killing of Palestinians by the Israeli military in Gaza we have been regularly appalled at the blatantly-biased reporting on the Middle East by Television New Zealand.

    “TVNZ’s reporting has been relentlessly and virulently pro-Israel . . .

    “The damage to human rights, justice and freedom in the Middle East by Western media such as TVNZ is incalculable.”

    I endorse and support these comments and call a halt to Israel deliberately targeting of Palestinian journalists. Let the truth be told, as Hossam told us, over and over again and prevent this blatant Western attempt to “normalise” genocide.

    Dr David Robie is editor of Asia Pacific Report and convenor of Pacific Media Watch. He gave this address at the World Press Freedom Day rally in “Palestine Corner” in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Te Komititanga Square on 3 May 2025.

    The Television New Zealand protest on World Press Freedom Day – “Remembering the journalists killed by Israel”. Image: APR

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “WE’RE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO STOP THIS BUDGET IN ITS TRACKS, BURY IT IN THE GROUND AND MAKE SURE IT NEVER RISES AGAIN”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Rancho Mirage, CA—Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Steering and Policy Co-Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) for a Steering and Policy Committee Town Hall to share updates on how House Democrats are standing up for the American people and to hear from local residents on the issues most important to them.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: These are very challenging times. This administration is completely and totally out of control. They promised—they promised to lower the high cost of living. Costs aren’t going down, they’re going up. Inflation is going up. They’re crashing the economy in real time and driving us toward a recession. The economy is under assault, Social Security is under assault, healthcare is under assault, the American way of life is under assault, democracy itself is under assault, which is why we’ve been taking these town hall meetings on the road. We’ll continue to do it in Democratic districts and Republican districts across America. They’re going to run away from you, we’re running towards you.

    Because we recognized—last observation, and then I look forward to our conversations—Congress is a separate and co-equal branch of government. A separate and a co-equal branch of government. We don’t work for this president. We don’t work for any president. We don’t work for Donald Trump. We don’t work for Elon Musk. We don’t work for far-right extremists. We work for you, the American people. The American people. And that is why—that is why we’re committed to doing everything we can at this moment to stop the Republicans from trying to jam this reckless, extreme budget down the throats of the American people, which includes the largest proposed cut to Medicaid in American history. It will hurt children and families and seniors and women and older Americans and everyday Americans with disabilities. Hospitals will close, nursing homes could shut down and, in fact, people could die. This is a matter of life and death.

    And when we talk about this budget, we’re going to be very clear with the American people as to what it represents. It’s unacceptable, it’s unconscionable and it’s un-American. And we’re going to do everything we can to stop this budget in its tracks, bury it in the ground and make sure it never rises again—on your behalf, the people’s behalf.

    Full town hall meeting can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor makes Senate gains, and left-wing parties will hold a Senate majority

    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

    On Saturday, Labor won a thumping victory in the House of Representatives, and this has carried over to the Senate results.

    Only 35% of enrolled voters have been counted in the Senate so far, compared with 71% in the House. It’s likely that the current Senate count is biased to Labor, so Labor is likely to drop back in some states as more votes are counted.

    There are 76 senators, who have six-year terms, with about half up for election at every House election. Each state has 12 senators, with six up for election, and the territories have two senators each, who are all up for election.

    Senators are elected by proportional representation with preferences. A quota in a state is one-seventh of the vote, or 14.3%. In the territories, it’s one-third or 33.3%. I had a Senate preview on April 16.

    Comments on each state are below. I disagree with the ABC’s view that Labor is “likely” to win a third New South Wales seat. Putting this seat into the doubtful column reduces Labor to an overall 27 senators with the Greens on 11, so the two main left-wing parties would hold a minimum 38 of the 76 seats in the new Senate.

    This would represent a two-seat gain for Labor (one in Queensland, one in South Australia). Labor has reasonable chances to gain further Senate seats.

    If Labor and the Greens combined hold the minimum 38 seats after the election, Labor will only need one more vote to pass legislation supported by the Greens but opposed by right-wing parties. Independent David Pocock, former Green Lidia Thorpe and former Labor senator Fatima Payman will be good options.

    In NSW, Labor has 2.6 quotas, the Coalition 1.9, the Greens 0.9 and One Nation 0.4. Labor would win three seats on current primaries, but the Senate swing to them is much greater than in the House, so they will drop back.

    In Victoria, Labor has 2.4 quotas, the Coalition 1.9, the Greens 1.0, One Nation 0.3 and Legalise Cannabis 0.3. Labor is likely to drop back, with the final seat likely a three-way contest between Labor, One Nation and Legalise Cannabis.

    In Queensland, Labor has 2.1 quotas, the Liberal National Party 1.8, the Greens 0.9, One Nation 0.5 and former LNP senator Gerard Rennick 0.35. One Nation is the favourite to win the sixth seat.

    In Western Australia, Labor has 2.4 quotas, the Liberals 1.7, the Greens 1.1, One Nation 0.4, Legalise Cannabis 0.3 and the Nationals 0.3. Labor would be the favourite to win the sixth seat on current counting, as the Liberals would absorb right-wing preferences that would otherwise help One Nation.

    In SA, Labor has 2.6 quotas, the Liberals 1.8, the Greens 1.0 and One Nation 0.4. Labor won the House vote in SA by 58.4–41.6, so the Senate result looks plausible. Labor and the Greens are likely to win four of SA’s six Senate seats.

    In Tasmania, Labor has 2.4 quotas, the Liberals 1.5, the Greens 1.2, Jacqui Lambie 0.5, One Nation 0.4 and Legalise Cannabis 0.3. It’s difficult to determine which parties are the favourites to win the last two seats.

    In the ACT (two senators), Pocock has been easily re-elected with 1.3 quotas, and Labor will win the second seat. In the Northern Territory, Labor and the Country Liberals will win one seat each.

    Doubtful House seats, and the Greens’ and teals’ performance

    There are many seats where the electoral commission selected the incorrect final two candidates on election night and now needs to redo this count. Labor could lose Bean, Fremantle or Calwell to independents. Labor could also lose Bullwinkel or Bendigo to the Coalition.

    The Greens have lost Brisbane and Griffith to Labor. They lost Brisbane after falling to third behind Labor and the LNP and Griffith because the LNP fell to third and their preferences will help Labor. Labor is narrowly ahead against the Greens in Wills.

    In Greens leader Adam Bandt’s Melbourne, there was a substantial primary vote swing to Labor and against Bandt, and the electoral commission needs to redo the preference count between Bandt and Labor.

    Teal independents in Kooyong, Goldstein and Curtin are likely to retain their seats, but they didn’t gain substantial swings that usually occur when an independent elected at the last election recontests. It’s possible they’ve become too associated with the left in their seats. Fortunately for them, the left won a thumping victory at this election.

    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. Labor makes Senate gains, and left-wing parties will hold a Senate majority – https://theconversation.com/labor-makes-senate-gains-and-left-wing-parties-will-hold-a-senate-majority-255848

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rabuka salutes Fiji media but warns against taking freedom for granted

    By Anish Chand in Suva

    Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has paid tribute to all those working the media industry in his message to mark World Press Freedom Day.

    He said in his May 3 message thanks to democracy his coalition government had removed the “dark days of oppression and suppressions”.

    “Today as we join the rest of the international community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day, let us recommit ourselves to the values and ideals of our fundamental human rights freedom of expression and the freedom of the press,” said Rabuka, a former coup leader.

    “With our recent history, let as not take this freedom for granted.”

    Rabuka also remembered the late Sitiveni Moce who died in 2015.

    RNZ Pacific reports Moce was left paralysed and bedridden in 2007 after being assaulted by soldiers shortly after the 2006 military coup.

    “Today is also an opportune time to remember those in the media fraternity that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

    ‘Brave photographer’
    “In particular, I pay tribute to my ‘Yaca’ (namesake), the late Sitiveni Moce who died in 2015.

    “This brave newspaper photographer was set upon by a mob in Parliament House in 2000, and again by some members of the disciplined forces in 2007 for simply carrying out his job which was to capture history in still photographs.

    “His death is a sombre reminder of the fickleness of life, and how we must never ever take our freedoms for granted.”

    Republished from The Fiji Times with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt committed to creating a creator-first ecosystem in India, says MoS Dr L Murugan

    Source: Government of India

    Govt committed to creating a creator-first ecosystem in India, says MoS Dr L Murugan

    Motion Picture Association Launches Landmark Report on India’s Entertainment Economy at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 8:55PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 3 May 2025

     

    On the third day of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) unveiled a comprehensive report highlighting the transformative impact of India’s film, television and streaming sectors on the national economy. Hon’ble Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan and Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the MPA, were present at the launch.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Murugan commended the MPA’s global leadership and acknowledged the growing influence of Indian cinema on international audiences. “Films like RRR and Baahubali have proven that Indian stories resonate across languages and geographies,” Dr. Murugan said.

    He emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a creator-first ecosystem backed by policies, production incentives and strong intellectual property protections. Citing recent anti-piracy reforms, he stressed the importance of safeguarding creators’ rights in the digital age.

    “Cinema is not just an economic engine. It is a vital diplomatic and cultural bridge. India looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Motion Picture Association to co-create a globally respected and secure creative industry,” he added.

    Charles Rivkin expressed his enthusiasm about MPA’s ongoing partnership with India during what he called a “pivotal moment” for the country’s entertainment industry. “India’s creative economy is poised for extraordinary growth, and the MPA is proud to support this journey,” Rivkin said.

    Sharing the key findings after unveiling the report, Rivkin said that the Indian film, TV, and streaming industries supported 2.6 million jobs and generated more than $60 billion as per the annual economic output. He said that the MPA’s member studios are deeply committed to fostering the growth of India’s entertainment sector through investments, partnerships, and advocacy for forward-looking policies.

    Rivkin underscored the alignment between the MPA’s objectives and Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for creative economy, highlighting India’s strengths in storytelling, visual effects and global content export.

    The session concluded with a video presentation of the MPA report’s key highlights, signaling a shared vision between policymakers and global media leaders for a future driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth.

     

    For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

    On X : 

    https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

    https://x.com/MIB_India

    https://x.com/PIB_India

    https://x.com/PIBmumbai

    On Instagram: 

    https://www.instagram.com/wavesummitindia

    https://www.instagram.com/mib_india

    https://www.instagram.com/pibindia

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM congratulates Mr. Anthony Albanese on being elected as Prime Minister of Australia

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended his congratulations to Mr. Anthony Albanese on his election as the Prime Minister of Australia.

    In a post on X, he wrote:

    “Congratulations @AlboMP on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics” – Insightful Discussions at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    “Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics” – Insightful Discussions at WAVES 2025

    Classic films are more than entertainment—they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage: Prakash Magdum

    Restoration demands significant investment of money, time, and skilled resources: Shehzad Sippy

    Despite the deluge of new content, the industry must work to preserve its foundational works: Kamal Gianchandani

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:18PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 3 May 2025

     

    Indian cinema took center stage at WAVES 2025 with an insightful panel discussion titled “Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics.” Curated under the expert moderation of renowned film trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the session brought together industry stalwarts to deliberate on the significance, challenges, and future of restoring cinematic gems for contemporary audiences.

    The conversation opened with Kamal Gianchandani, a key voice in the film exhibition and distribution space, who emphasized the urgent need to make classics accessible on digital platforms. “So many of our films disappear from public memory because they aren’t readily available. Audiences constantly tell us they want to revisit the classics,” he noted, adding that despite the deluge of new content, the industry must work to preserve its foundational works.

    Shehzad Sippy, representing the legacy of iconic cinema, reflected on the evolution of filmmaking and the unique storytelling methods of earlier decades. “Filmmaking was a different art then, and audiences today are curious to experience that era. But restoration demands significant investment of money, time, and skilled resources,” he said.

    Film producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani highlighted the unpredictable nature of audience preferences. “People’s time is precious—they want quality content. What resonates is often subjective, seasonal, or driven by mood. But regardless of the era, we always strive to give our best,” he stated.

    Bringing a policy and heritage perspective, Prakash Magdum, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC, Ahmedabad, shed light on government’s efforts to preserve India’s cinematic legacy. “Indians are deeply nostalgic. While the older generation seeks to relive the magic of their youth, the younger generation is eager to experience the classics they’ve heard so much about. Film restoration is a meticulous process involving multiple stakeholders, but with cutting-edge technology, we’re able to stay true to the original vision,” he explained.

    He further elaborated on the ambitious National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative led by the Government of India aimed at preserving, digitizing, and restoring cinematic treasures. “Classic films are more than entertainment—they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage. The challenge is enormous, especially with factors like temperature and humidity affecting film reels, and the growing complexities of digital data preservation. Yet, this responsibility must be met with urgency and dedication”, flagged Shri Magdum.

    The panel served as a powerful reminder that restored classics are not merely relics of the past, but vibrant carriers of culture, emotion, and legacy. As the business of restoration gains momentum, it is clear that the fusion of technology, passion, and policy will be key to ensuring that India’s cinematic heritage continues to inspire generations to come.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 10th National Community Radio Awards presented

    Source: Government of India

    10th National Community Radio Awards presented

    Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan honours 12 Community Radio Stations for their outstanding contributions

    Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country; they take important development initiatives to all: Dr. L. Murugan

    8th National Community Radio Conference held at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 4:26PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, May 3, 2025

    The 8th National Community Radio Conference was organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, on the sidelines of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), in Mumbai today. Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan honoured 12 outstanding community radio stations with the 10th National Community Radio Awards at the event.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr L. Murugan congratulated the winners and said that the national conference is aimed to strengthen the community media landscape in India through innovation, inclusiveness, and impact. The Union Minister of State said that Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country. The Community Radios around the country are serving some or the other welfare purpose and supporting good causes, including promotion of Indian tradition and culture, he added. The community radio stations are also taking PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and important development initiatives of the central government to all parts of the country. These stations are adding a new dimension of welfare activities for various communities and groups, like women and tribal community among others.

    Speaking about the first edition of WAVES 2025, Dr. L. Murugan stated that new ideas will evolve from it and that creative economy is a sunrise sector that will play a major role in the coming days. 

    List of Community Radio Stations which were awarded under four different themes

    Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Prithul Kumar Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) and MD, NFDC, and IIMC Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar were present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion.

    The conference brought together representatives from more than 400 Community Radio (CR) Stations across the country on one platform to provide an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. At present, there are 531 CR Stations across the country. The conference emphasized the seminal role of Community Radio in public communication and  awareness generation and also their potential in social development.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Report for Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector submitted

    Source: Government of India

    Report for Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector submitted

    Committee’s recommendations in alignment with best global practices facilitating industry with innovation and ease of doing business

    Repairability Index enabling framework applies to
    Smartphones and Tablets

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 11:03AM by PIB Delhi

    The Committee constituted for the Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector has submitted its Report to Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.

    The committee’s recommendations have been framed in alignment with the best global practices without causing any impediment to the industry with regard to innovation and ease of doing business. The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are required to self-declare the Repairability Index based on a standards scoring criteria provided in the framework with no additional compliance burden.

    Further, the committee recommended that the Repairability Index should be displayed at the point of sale/purchase, E-commerce platforms and in form of QR code on packaged products to enable consumer to make informed choices.

    Repairability Index aims to create an ecosystem ,  where consumers choose options that align with the ethos of ‘mindful utilization’ of their products over ‘wasteful consumption’. By empowering consumers with ease and hassle-free repair options, the Department of Consumer Affairs is reaffirming its commitment to a self-reliant, sustainable, and consumer-friendly economy.

    Pertinently, an analysis of grievances received at National Consumer Helpline (NCH) indicates that large number of consumers witness issues while seeking repair for their mobile phone and tablets. There has been significant rise in complaints in Mobiles and Tablets product category from 19,057 in 2022-2023 followed by 21,020 in 2023-2024 and further to 22,864 in 2024-2025, which also highlighted a pressing need to improve repair accessibility and ensure greater transparency of repair and post-sale service-related information to consumers.

    In September 2024, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Shri Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary for developing the framework of the Repairability Index (RI).

    The committee included

    • Stakeholders from the industry with companies like Apple., Samsung, Google, Vivo, HMD Mobiles., Dell, HP.
    • Prominent Industry associations like ICEA and MAIT,
    • Representatives from consumer organisations like EPIC,
    • Members of academia and senior officials of DoCA, Meity, MSME
    • Scientific organisations such as NTH and BIS

    The committee was mandated to recommend a robust framework for Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronics Sector. Based on the deliberations, the committee has identified smartphones and tablets as a product category for notification in the initial phase of Repairability Index in Mobile and Electronics Sector.

    The committee identified priority parts which are most prone to frequent failures and have high functional relevance as below:

    • Battery,
    • Display assembly,
    • Back cover assembly,
    • Front-facing camera assembly,
    • Rear-facing camera assembly,
    • Charging port,
    • Mechanical buttons,
    • Main microphone(s),
    • Speaker,
    • Hinge assembly or mechanical display folding mechanism,
    • External audio connector(s).

    Several meetings of the Committee were conducted to deliberate and discuss for identifying parameters for Repairability Index. Repairability is assessed on six core parameters, namely

    1. Disassembly Depth,
    2. Repair Information,
    3. availability of Spare Parts within a reasonable timeline,
    4. Software Updates,
    5. Tools and
    6. Fasteners (types and availability).

    Scoring criteria was evolved for each of these parameters and weightages were decided. After aggregation of weightages for priority parts, a RI on a five-point numeric scale is arrived at.

    The Committee actively engaged with a wide array of relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups, and representatives of government. These consultations were vital for gathering diverse perspectives and ensuring the proposed framework is practical, effective, and addresses the needs and challenges faced by the consumers in India to utilize their product as long as they want.

    As India continues its rapid technological advancement and more and more consumers have access to a variety of consumer products, the need for robust after sales support and equitable repair practices is becoming increasingly crucial. For countless consumers, both in rural and urban areas, access to affordable repair options is fundamental.

    In view of this growing demand for a robust repair ecosystem, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) had launched the Right to Repair Portal India in 2022, to facilitate relevant repair associated information between the companies and consumers in 4 (four) sectors namely, Automobile, Mobile and Electronics, Consumer Durables and Farming Equipment.

    Over the last two years, consistent efforts have been made by the Department to use this portal for dissemination of repair related information. More than 65 companies across above four sectors have on boarded the portal and offer relevant repair related information to consumers.

    Over the past few years, the rapid growth of the smartphone and tablet market in India has significantly transformed the digital landscape, with smartphones and tablets becoming integral to daily life for millions of people. A National Workshop was conducted in August 2024 wherein it was unanimously agreed that a Repairability Index framework in Mobile and Electronics sector will help consumers assess the ease of repairability of smartphones and tablets and enable them to make an informed choice amongst products available in market based on their repairability.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Workshop on “Driving Innovation with IP” Held at IISc Bengaluru to Mark World Intellectual Property Day 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

    To commemorate World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, organized a national workshop titled “Driving Innovation with IP: Strategic Approaches to Commercialization” at the historic Faculty Hall, IISc.

    Jointly supported by key institutions including IIIT Bangalore, CMTI, C-DOT, Central Silk Board, BeST Cluster, IPTel, and IISc, the event brought together over 250 in-person and 500 virtual participants from academia, research, startups, industry, PSUs, and government to deliberate on IP management and commercialization strategies.

    Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd.), CMD, NRDC, delivered the keynote, emphasizing NRDC’s role in scaling academic innovations via initiatives like NETRA, Design Clinic, and blended financing to Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 7–9. He announced upcoming projects including a Technology Exchange Portal, IP Fairs, and a National Tech Translation Organization (NTTO), reinforcing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

     

    Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc, underlined the need for structured IP protection in academia and acknowledged efforts to address cultural barriers to patenting.

    Key dignitaries included Ms. Manjushree N, IAS, Commissioner, DCTE GoK, Prof. Suryasarathi Bose (IISc), Dr. U T Vijay (KSCST), Prof. Debabrata Das (IIIT-B), Dr. S Manthira Moorthy (CSB), and Shri Prakash Vinod (CMTI)—all advocating for deeper academia-industry collaboration and robust IP ecosystems.

    A MoA was signed between NRDC and IIIT Bangalore to facilitate tech commercialization.

    Along with it a Tripartite Licensing Agreement signed between NRDC, CSIR-CFTRI, and M/s Varre Corporate Solutions for CSIR-CFTRI’s Spirulina Cereal and Choco Bar technology.

    Dr. Dilip Krishnaswamy (C-DOT) and Dr. Vishal Rao (Innaumation Medical Devices) shared insights on embedding IP into business strategy.
    Dr. B. K. Sahu (NRDC) presented strategies for overcoming commercialization barriers.

    Two major panel discussions featured leaders from Biocon Academy, BeST, CSIR-CFTRI, IIIT Innovation Centre, and IPTeL, focusing on bridging gaps between research and market, effective licensing strategies, and the critical role of policy and institutional mindset shifts.

    The workshop concluded with a unified call to action for scaling India’s innovation ecosystem through strategic IP commercialization, fostering national development and global competitiveness.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Breakout Session at Waves 2025 Highlights Madhya Pradesh as India’s Emerging Creative Hub

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 3:10PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 3 May 2025

     

    A high-profile breakout session titled “Digital Dreams & Cinematic Visions: Madhya Pradesh as the Next Creative Hub” was held today at Waves 2025. The session was moderated by Naman Ramachandran, International Correspondent of Variety.

    Renowned producer and director Ekta Kapoor officially launched the Film Tourism Policy 2025 of the Madhya Pradesh government. The session also witnessed the launch of the AVGC XR Policy 2025 and the Second Phase of the Madhya Pradesh Film Cell Portal.

    Speaking on the occasion, Ekta Kapoor emphasized that while choosing a film destination, factors like rebate, ease of obtaining permissions, visual scenery, and ease of shooting are paramount.

    Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted that MP is the heart of Incredible India and is fast becoming the heart of filmmakers as well. He noted the state’s shooting-friendly environment, rich history and heritage, and ready talent pool. The state has one of the best benchmark financial incentive policies and a simplified single portal system for permissions, ensuring ease of shooting. He mentioned that the 2.0 policy marks an improvement with increased incentives and special provisions for repeat shooting. Extra incentives will be extended to films using local languages and local talent as well as films made in other Indian languages that shoot in MP. He added that Madhya Pradesh is aiming to give Mumbai a run for its money by branding the state through facilitating filmmaking.

    Shri Sanjay Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of IT and DST, Government of Madhya Pradesh, said the new AVGC policy will support pre and post-production and also promote related sectors like animation, gaming, and VFX. He emphasized the government’s proactive and risk-taking approach in supporting filmmakers.

    Shobha Sant, CEO of Creativeland Studios and a seasoned producer, shared her experiences from the film Stree 2, shot in MP using local talent and technicians. She cited international productions like Lion and A Suitable Boy, also shot in the state. An upcoming Australian co-production has also chosen MP as its location. Remarking that no complaints have ever been reported by film teams located in Madhya Pradesh added that “People who come once to Madhya Pradesh, want to keep coming back”.

    Other dignitaries in the panel, Jyotirmoy Saha, CEO of August Media Group, stated that the new policies will catalyze the formation of creative hubs across the state while Ashish Kulkarni, Chairman, FICCI AVGC sector, spoke on the other attractions of Madhya Pradesh, including its cuisine, the Tribal Museum, and the Global Skills Park.

     

    For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

    On X : 

    https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

    https://x.com/MIB_India

    https://x.com/PIB_India

    https://x.com/PIBmumbai

    On Instagram: 

    https://www.instagram.com/wavesummitindia

    https://www.instagram.com/mib_india

    https://www.instagram.com/pibindia

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Sets Global Vision in AVGC-XR: IICT Launches Strategic Collaborations with Industry Leaders

    Source: Government of India

    India Sets Global Vision in AVGC-XR: IICT Launches Strategic Collaborations with Industry Leaders

    Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off partnerships to position India as a global hub for media and immersive tech

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 2:36PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 3 May 2025

     

    On the third day of WAVES 2025, in a landmark initiative, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) launched a series of high-impact collaborations in the AVGC-XR sector with global industry leaders. These collaborations aim to strengthen India’s position as a global hub in media, entertainment and immersive technologies.

    The occasion was graced by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, who ceremonially flagged off these strategic associations. He emphasized India’s potential to become a global leader in media and entertainment, stating that IICT is on track to evolve into a premier institution in its field, much like how IITs and IIMs have become benchmarks in technology and management education.

    During the session, representatives from IICT and leading industry partners came together to exchange Letters of Intent (LoIs), marking the launch of long-term collaborative efforts aimed at advancing the AVGC-XR ecosystem in India. The signings involved prominent global industry leaders including Jiostar, Adobe, Google, YouTube, and Meta.

    These alliances are designed to boost education, R&D and innovation across animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, film, and extended reality. The goal is to replicate India’s successful IT model within the creative and digital media space, developing a sustainable ecosystem for future growth.

    Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan; Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Sanjay Jaju; and Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau, Shri Dhirendra Ojha were also present, reflecting the government’s unified support for the initiative.

     

    For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

    On X : 

    https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

    https://x.com/MIB_India

    https://x.com/PIB_India

    https://x.com/PIBmumbai

    On Instagram: 

    https://www.instagram.com/wavesummitindia

    https://www.instagram.com/mib_india

    https://www.instagram.com/pibindia

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Khelo India Multipurpose Hall in Kamle District, Arunachal Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant boost to sports infrastructure in the Northeast, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the Khelo India Multipurpose Hall in Kamle district of Arunachal Pradesh today. State Ministers Shri Kento Jini and Shri Nyato Dukam along with MLA 25th Raga, Shri Rotom Tebin were also present on the occasion.

    Fully funded by Central Government, the Khelo India Multipurpose Hall has been built at a cost of Rs. 8 Crore. It aims to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and training facilities to promote grassroots-level sports in the region.

    Equipped with modern amenities, the hall will cater to multiple indoor sports including boxing, badminton, judo, wushu, karate, taekwondo, weightlifting, table tennis, and volleyball, enabling young athletes from the region to train professionally and compete at national and international levels.

    Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive sports development, particularly in remote districts. “This initiative reflects our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of nurturing talent from every corner of the country. Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential, and through facilities like these, we aim to create opportunities for youth to shine in sports and contribute to nation-building,” he said.

    The Union Minister also interacted with local youth and sportspersons, encouraging them to make full use of the facility. He further highlighted the importance of integrating fitness, sports, and discipline into everyday life, especially among the youth. Senior officials from the Sports Authority of India, State government representatives, and local dignitaries were present during the event.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Task Group on New Medical School meets with universities that submitted proposals (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Task Group on New Medical School meets with universities that submitted proposals (with photo) 
    The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “Establishing a third medical school is an important project in the development of medical education in Hong Kong. I am pleased to see the positive feedback from the three universities that submitted detailed proposals within a specified period. During the two-hour session with each university today, our expert advisers of the Task Group and representatives from the relevant policy bureaux had fruitful exchanges with the university representatives on the content of the proposals, including innovative strategic positioning, curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, and financial sustainability. We also took the opportunity to further understand the preparatory work and resource plans underpinning each proposal, such as collaboration models with local and non-local partners and the allocation of resources for software and hardware of the curriculum, teaching manpower and student recruitment and training. The Task Group will enhance speed and efficiency in the next phase of work, adopting a holistic and integrated approach to assess the proposals, with a view to completing the assessments within this year and recommending to the Government the option that best supports the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub.”
     
    The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education newly released by our nation strives to accelerate the development of world-class universities and advanced disciplines. To tie in with this important blueprint, Hong Kong is making forward-looking preparations for a third medical school to further enhance our status as an international post-secondary education hub. We expect the new medical school not only to drive the overall advancement of the host university but also to strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness on the global stage. Strategically located in the Northern Metropolis University Town with a prime geographic location, the new medical school has immense potential for fostering synergy among academia, research, and industry within the vicinity and the Greater Bay Area. We hope the selected university will seize this valuable opportunity to take Hong Kong’s medical academic and research excellence to new heights through active collaboration within the region.”
     
    Established in October last year, the Task Group comprises seasoned local, Mainland and overseas academics in medical education and university management, professionals, representatives from the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, as well as representatives from the relevant government bureaux and departments. It has already set the overall direction and parameters for establishing the new medical school. The 10 key parameters for consideration are: (1) innovative strategic positioning, (2) staffing, (3) campus and teaching facilities, (4) clinical exposure and learning resources, (5) curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, (6) student admission arrangements, (7) funding arrangements, (8) implementation plan, (9) teaching and learning quality, and (10) research excellence. The Task Group issued a letter of invitation on December 2 last year to all University Grants Committee-funded universities to invite local universities interested in establishing the new medical school to submit proposals by March 17 this year, and three proposals were received by the deadline.
    Issued at HKT 20:05

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Empowering Bharat: CSC CSR conclave 2025 champions tech-driven rural transformation through CSR

    Source: Government of India

    Empowering Bharat: CSC CSR conclave 2025 champions tech-driven rural transformation through CSR

    Bridging the urban-rural divide: CSC academy leads the way in digital inclusion and skilling

    Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 11:46AM by PIB Delhi

    The CSC CSR Conclave 2025 marked a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward inclusive growth and rural empowerment, placing technology at the heart of social transformation. Inaugurated by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the event spotlighted the powerful role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in bridging the urban-rural divide through Common Services Centres (CSCs).

    “CSC represents a radical idea bridging the urban-rural divide through technology,” said Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), during the inauguration of the CSC CSR Conclave 2025. His remarks highlighted the central theme of the event leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for a sustainable tomorrow through rural empowerment and inclusive growth.

    Shri Tiwari also cited the visionary role of Common Services Centres (CSCs) in strengthening India’s social capital, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for rural digital empowerment. He acknowledged the vital role of CSC Academy in advancing CSR initiatives, especially in vocational training and digital empowerment for rural populations, and praised CSC’s alignment with national goals, particularly through programs like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

    The Conclave, organized by CSC Academy and the Indian ESG Network, brought together leaders from government, corporate, and development sectors to discuss how CSR can drive environmental sustainability, community development, and transformative change in rural India.

                           

    In his keynote address, Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Chairman and Secretary of CSC Academy, expanded on the transformative impact of the Common Services Centres (CSCs) across the country. He described CSCs not just as digital access points but as catalysts for change, operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who empower their communities. “CSR is not just a statutory requirement but a strategic driver for inclusive progress,” said Rakesh, emphasizing the Academy’s focus on scalable and measurable CSR programs aimed at reaching underserved rural populations.

    Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Training & Skill Education) at CBSE, also highlighted the role of CSC Academy in preparing the next generation for future challenges, particularly in fields like Artificial

    Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Healthcare.

    The event featured a series of expert-led discussions that explored the intersection of CSR, environmental sustainability, and community development. Key topics included education, skilling, digital literacy, financial inclusion, women empowerment, and healthcare.

    Notable speakers at the Conclave included Shri Abhishek Gupta, Programme Specialist at UNICEF, who discussed the “Passport to Earning” initiative, and Ms. Parnal Vats, Manager of Government Engagement at VISA, who shared insights on the “Digital Village” program. Other distinguished speakers included Ms. Geetanjali Gaur, CSR Manager at Kyndryl, and Shri Rajiv Malik, CEO of Graposs Connect, who spoke about the CSC Olympiad initiative.

    The event also featured thematic panels led by experts. The Education, Skilling, and Employability panel, chaired by Shri Sunil Dahiya of the Wadhwani Foundation, included thought leaders such as Shri Raj Kumar Srivastava (IFS, Karnataka) and Shri Pallav Tiwari (UNICEF). Another panel, Women and Child Healthcare, chaired by Dr. Vashima Subha of Ernst & Young, included specialists like Shri Punit Desai (Welcome Cure) and Dr. Yogesh Patil (Biosense).

    The Conclave concluded with a renewed commitment to utilizing CSR to drive rural transformation, with CSC Academy reaffirming its mission to empower rural India through digital inclusion, skill- based education, and public-private partnerships. The event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivering for Scotland

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister to publish Programme for Government.

    New measures to strengthen Scotland’s public services and ensure people are supported during the cost-of-living crisis will be set out by the First Minister this week.  

    First Minister John Swinney will deliver his Programme for Government on Tuesday 6 May, focused on his four key priorities – eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, investing in public services and tackling the climate emergency.

    The First Minister announced last month that he would bring forward the Programme for Government from its expected publication date post-summer to enable a full year of delivery before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

    The First Minister said:  

    “Times are tough for households and businesses across Scotland, and the world around us is changing in ways that are difficult to predict. 

    “But my promise to the people of Scotland is that amidst the uncertainty there is one thing they can be sure of: the government I lead will always seek to do what is best for Scotland.

    “As First Minister, I will always put the needs and interests of the people of Scotland first.

    “I made the decision to bring my Programme for Government forward to ensure people know that the government I lead is entirely focused on improving their lives.

    “On Tuesday, I will bring my plan to Parliament that will strengthen our health service and ensure more money stays in people’s pockets during this cost of living crisis. 

    “The 2025-26 Programme for Government will make Scotland healthier and wealthier.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government’s tech reform to transform cancer diagnosis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Government’s tech reform to transform cancer diagnosis

    Cancer 360 brings patient data into one central system, so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker

    • Millions of patients to receive faster cancer diagnosis, helping slash treatment delays as groundbreaking new tech rolled out on NHS as part of major reform to health service
    • For first time, all NHS trusts will have access to technology that brings key patient information together so medical teams can easily spot those in need of urgent attention
    • The £2bn tech investment from the Autumn Budget will drive essential reforms, freeing up staff time and saving lives, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change

    Millions of cancer patients will receive a faster diagnosis, helping cut treatment delays and boost survival rates as the government rolls out pioneering new technology across the NHS through the Plan for Change.

    Currently, there are over 2 million people living with cancer, many of whom face a complex journey of tests, appointments or treatments. But a trailblazing new tool – dubbed Cancer 360 – brings all that data into one central system, so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker – with the technology set to benefit millions over the next 5-10 years.

    This government inherited a broken NHS. Lord Ara Darzi’s independent investigation found the NHS in ‘critical condition’ – with surging waiting lists and deteriorating national health – and set out the need to improve cancer waiting time performance and cancer survival.

    Cancer 360 represents the crucial reform that must accompany investment, shifting the NHS from analogue to digital, by creating a simple dashboard showing clinicians all the information they need about their patients in one place. Instead of having to gather vital information about each cancer patient from various systems, spreadsheets, emails, and records.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This government grasped the nettle and made difficult but necessary choices to invest £26 billion into our NHS – a move that is already helping millions of patients and will help millions more.

    It’s a long road, but we’re already getting our NHS back on its feet, giving patients over 3 million more appointments, hiring 1,500 new GPs and starting the roll out of new tech that will save lives.

    It is only this government’s Plan for Change that will deliver for patients and make our NHS fit for the future.

    The real-time tool will help teams to easily track a patient’s progress, avert delays, and even produce personalised treatment plans. It will dramatically reduce paperwork and help ensure vital warning signs aren’t missed. 

    Cancer 360 is a prime example of the government’s commitment to reform – doing things differently by harnessing digital innovation to improve patient outcomes.

    Following recent expansion of the NHS App, which has already stopped 1.5 million hospital appointments being missed and saved 5.7 million staff hours since July 2024, Cancer 360 demonstrates how we are continuing to drive the NHS from analogue to digital, giving patients better care and more control over their healthcare journey.

    The investment comes from the Autumn Budget – where the government made difficult but necessary choices to put £26 billion in our NHS. This includes the biggest increase in NHS spending since 2010, excluding COVID-19 years – including £1 billion for digital transformation projects and £121 million for the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP). While this investment is crucial, it’s the reforms in how we use these resources that will truly transform cancer care.

    The new tool is built into the FDP, which brings patient information together from across separate systems into one safe and secure environment. Since April 2024, hospitals using the platform have typically performed 70,000 more procedures and reduced unnecessary hospital stays by almost 19% – treating more patients and freeing up valuable bed space.

    Suraiya Abdi, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust said:

    The implementation of Cancer 360 has enabled my team to monitor and safely carry our patients through their cancer pathway.

    The tool enables us to have in-depth conversations at our weekly meetings regarding a patient’s next step as well as allowing us to escalate queries directly to other teams for faster turnaround.

    The tool has reduced the amount of admin time spent by our cancer team therefore enabling them to focus on the patient journey. I have witnessed an improvement in performance, team spirit and most importantly patient experience.

    The government’s National Cancer Plan will transform the way we approach this disease, improving care and bringing this country’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.

    Through the Plan for Change, the government is driving forward work to develop innovative treatments and technologies for patients. Last month the Prime Minister announced plans for a new health data research service, to transform access to NHS data so clinical trials can be fast-tracked to accelerate the development of the medicines and therapies of the future, in turn helping boost the UK’s world leading life sciences sector and drive growth. 

    The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also recently announced thousands of cancer patients will benefit from new artificial intelligence which detects skin cancer. In addition, it was confirmed that the NHS will become the first health system in Europe to offer a new injectable form of nivolumab – one of the most widely used cancer treatments in England. 

    This forms part of the government’s wider ambitions to cut waiting lists under its Plan for Change. With a total of 3 million additional appointments already delivered 6 months early, the government is exceeding its own targets and driving down waiting lists at pace, which have fallen for 6 months in a row and by 219,000 since July 2024 – evidence that reform and investment together can deliver real results for patients.

    Notes to editors

    • Cancer 360, soon to be rolled out across all NHS trusts, demonstrates the shift from analogue to digital processes which is central to the government’s plans to reform the NHS. 
    • For patients, this means faster diagnoses, reduced waiting times, and more coordinated care throughout their cancer journey. It follows successful pilots at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and Royal United Hospital Bath.

    Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS National Clinical Transformation Director, said:

    Every cancer patient deserves swift, effective care, and our new Cancer 360 solution harnesses data to ensure exactly that. By giving clinicians a comprehensive view of patient pathways, we can identify and address delays immediately.

    The NHS Federated Data Platform is already showing its value in transforming cancer care, helping our hard-working staff deliver better outcomes while reducing administrative burden. As Cancer 360 expands to more hospitals nationwide, I’m confident we’ll see meaningful improvements in both treatment times and patient experience.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    I’ve seen first-hand the stress and heartbreak that cancer causes in my own family.

    Dependent on archaic pen-and-paper systems, life-saving diagnostics appointments hung on whether a post-it note lost its stick, or a piece of paper went missing. That put lives at risk, and with the technology we have today, there’s no reason for any part of our healthcare service to run in such a way.

    Simply by keeping accurate records, the technology we are putting to work today will cut waiting times and save lives, delivering on our Plan for Change. That way, people can once again trust that their local hospital has the tools it needs to focus on what matters – treating their loved ones and keeping families together for longer.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GAZA – Attack on life-saving aid boat proves the reach of Israel’s out-of-control genocide through starvation is now global

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Israel’s drone attack on the Freedom Flotilla boat ‘Conscience’ shows Israel’s genocide strategy has now gone global, according to PSNA.

     

    The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says the attack in international waters is a thoroughly predictable war crime, committed by an out-of-control Israel, intent on violence anywhere to uphold its starvation strategy for Gaza.

     

    The ‘Conscience’ was loaded with life-saving humanitarian aid for Gaza and was attacked and disabled off the coast of Malta.

     

    “It’s another war crime to add to Israel’s blood-soaked reputation” says PSNA Co-National Chair John Minto. “This is a cowardly attack on the best of humanity trying to get aid to more than two million desperate and starving people.”

     

    “Israel has blocked all aid for more than two months in an attempt to starve them to death.”

    “This brazen attack in international waters shows how emboldened Israel has become by the silence of Western governments such as New Zealand.”

     

    Minto is pointing to the UN Panel of Inquiry in 2011 on a similar Israeli attack on the Turkish aid vessel the Mavi Marmara the year before.  It was chaired by former New Zealand Prime Minster Sir Geoffrey Palmer.

     

    Palmer found that Israel used ‘excessive and unreasonable force’ in boarding the vessel and killing ten people on board.

     

    “But Palmer also said that Israel had conducted a ‘legitimate security measure’.  I wonder how Geoffrey Palmer feels about legitimising that action now,” Minto says.

     

    “Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand government to condemn the aggression on what is an unarmed, civilian vessel in international waters.”

     

    “When Ansar Allah (Houthis) in Yemen did this to Israeli vessels to try to stop the genocide in Gaza, New Zealand involved itself by sending military support to western countries to bomb Yemen.”

     

    “We are not calling on the government to send military support for the bombing of Israel. However, if New Zealand really believes in the freedom of passage of unarmed vessels in international waters, it must condemn Israeli outright for this cowardly attack on the ‘Conscience’.”

     

     Minto says to maintain any credibility the government is also overdue and obligated to end its months long silence over other Israeli actions.

     

    “Top of the list is Israel’s war crime use of starvation in Gaza as a weapon of war.  But the government must also condemn the Israeli army ethnic cleansing and assisting settler attacks in Occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.”

     

    “Israel is building new illegal settlements there at an unprecedented rate.”

     

    “Israel has also just conducted unprovoked major military assaults on Syria. Our Foreign Minister must surely know about these things, and we are at a loss to know why he says and does nothing.” 

     

    John Minto

    Co-National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Inauguration of Cabo Verde’s Technology Park in Praia and Mindelo

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    What:     Event inaugurating Cabo Verde’s Tech Park

    Who:      The government of Cabo Verde and the African Development Bank. 

    When:    Monday, May 5, 2025 (Praia) and Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (Mindelo)

    Where:   TechPark CV Main Campus in Praia, Santiago and TechPark CV Mindelo Campus, Sao Vicente 

    The government of Cabo Verde and the African Development Bank will host a high-level event to inaugurate TechPark Cabo Verde, a tech hub established in 2023 that has quickly developed into a thriving technology hub.  

     The event is expected to bring together representatives of the government of Cabo Verde and other African countries, as well as from the United States, the European Union, and Brazil. President Akinwumi Adesina will lead an African Development Bank Group Delegation to the inauguration, which is also expected to attract innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics.  

    The three-day program will highlight the future of Africa’s digital economy and Cabo Verde as a pioneer and example to other African countries. It will also highlight how targeted investment in technology infrastructure can drive economic diversification and create opportunities for young talent. 

    It will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions on digital transformation, workshops on emerging technologies, a startup pitch competition, and a cultural evening, hosted across TechPark CV’s auditoriums, conference rooms, and exhibition spaces.  

    TechPark CV has been designed to accelerate Cabo Verde’s economic diversification and digital inclusion by providing modern facilities, training programs, and a dynamic ecosystem for technology-driven enterprises. The event will solidify Cabo Verde’s position as a pivotal innovation hub in the Atlantic region. 

    Under Cabo Verde’s Sustainable Development Plan, the project has been supported by strategic investments from the African Development Bank through a two-phase loan program. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: King leads nation in tribute to the greatest generation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    King leads nation in tribute to the greatest generation

    His Majesty The King will join Second World War veterans in London tomorrow for a military procession and fly past to mark VE Day 80

    • Hollywood actor Timothy Spall will read Churchill speech
    • Iconic buildings across the country will light up from Tuesday evening in tribute
    • National two-minute silence will be held at 12 noon on Thursday

    Four days of national commemorations to the Second World War generation kick off in London tomorrow with a recital of iconic Winston Churchill speeches by Hollywood actor Timothy Spall.

    Timothy Spall will start the events by reading extracts from Churchill’s iconic VE Day victory speech in 1945. Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, 100, will formally start the procession after being handed the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch For Peace by Air Cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones.

    The procession, featuring more than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and youth groups will march down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace where Their Majesties The King and Queen, as well as Members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister and a number of Second World War veterans will be on a specially built platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial.

    A fly past, which Members of the Royal Family will watch from the Balcony at Buckingham Palace, will conclude Monday’s events. From 9pm on Tuesday evening, hundreds of buildings across the country will be lit up to mark VE 80. Buildings include Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf’s 1 Canada Square, the Shard, Lowther Castle, Rochester Cathedral, Manchester Printworks, Cardiff Castle, Senedd, Perth Bridge, City Chambers and Belfast City Hall.

    On Thursday, a service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence, which is expected to be replicated across the nation.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This 80th anniversary is a moment of national unity. A time to celebrate that hard won peace, honour the memory of those who lost their lives, and remember the sacrifices made by so many to secure our freedom. Their legacy lives on today in how we stand together in defence of the values they fought for and which bind us together as a nation. This week, we come together to salute their service.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    80 years ago millions of people celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe. This week, we will recreate this moment across towns and cities, in our homes, in pubs and on our streets.

    We must do all we can to ensure that the stories and memories of this period in our history are not forgotten. We must not forget the hardships, the heroics and the millions who lost their lives.

    We are here because of the sacrifices they made and the horrors they endured. This week, I urge the nation to come together and send a powerful message: we will remember them.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    Across the four days, official events and services will be taking place across the UK to mark 80 years of the end of the Second World War in Europe including events in the Devolved Nations, including:

    Monday 5 May:

    • To ensure the commemorations act as a point of remembrance of the millions who lost their lives in the conflict as well as a celebration of peace, the commemorations will begin in Whitehall. The Cenotaph, the nation’s focal point of remembrance, will be dressed in Union Flags for the duration of the four day commemorations, echoing the 1920 unveiling of the monument to the fallen. From Monday 5 May, it will provide a focal point for the commemorations and a place to pay silent tribute to all those who died, both at home and abroad, during the Second World War.
    • The VE Day 80 commemorations will continue with a street party on HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast fired some of the opening shots on D Day in 1944 and protected Arctic convoys during the Second World War and is the most significant surviving Second World War warship.
    • Street parties, barbecues and community get togethers, supported by ideas and inspiration from The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch, will be held by communities across the country, echoing the celebrations 80 years ago as the population welcomed the end of the war.

    Tuesday 6 May:

    • An installation of ceramic poppies will return to the Tower of London to mark the anniversary. Nearly 30,000 of the original poppies from the 2014 display at the Tower, which commemorated the centenary of the First World War, will be displayed in a new installation within the walls of the fortress. This poppies installation will resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz and still bears some of those scars today.  It will mark and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War.
    • Scotland Salutes VE80 concert will take place at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

    Wednesday 7 May:

    • On the evening of 7 May 1945, a newsflash announced that the following day would be Victory in Europe Day. To commemorate this important moment in the nation’s history, the Parliament Choir will host a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in the famous Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster.
    • At a special VE Day event at IWM North, jointly produced by IWM and the National Theatre, some of the letters that the public submit will become part of a performance along with high profile public figures sharing letters from the IWM collection and excerpts from ‘The Next Morning’.
    • A National Service of Remembrance will be held at Llandaff Cathedral.

    Thursday 8 May:

    • A service will take place at Westminster Abbey that will be both an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war. It will be a moment to give thanks and to honour a generation that showed extraordinary courage and resilience.
    • The events will conclude with a concert at the historic Horseguards Parade to finish the VE Day 80 commemorations in a celebratory tone, echoing how the nation reacted to the news 80 years before. With more than 10,000 members of the public in attendance, the concert will feature stars of stage and screen including John Newman and Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock as well as military musicians and tell the story of victory and the legacy of the Second World War in Europe.

    Services of remembrance and community celebrations will take place across Northern Ireland throughout the week. The Government has launched Tip Top Towns, a programme to encourage communities across the country – whether towns, villages or cities – to get together with their communities ahead of 5 May when the nation will come together for street parties to celebrate VE Day. Members of the public are encouraged to get in the VE Day spirit by making their own decorations, planting flowers, encouraging children to draw pictures for their windows or hosting arts and craft sessions.

    Full list of buildings being lit up:

    London:

    Houses of Parliament, London

    Elizabeth Tower, London

    Buckingham Palace, London

    10 Downing Street, London

    Battersea Power Station, London

    Tower 42 (Natwest Building), London

    Millenium Bridge, London

    The Shard, London

    Tower of London, London

    St Paul’s Cathedral, London

    London Eye, London

    Canary Wharf 1 Canada Square, London

    National Theatre, London

    British Film Institute, London

    The Cenotaph, London

    HMS Belfast, London

    IWM London, London

    BFI IMAX, London

    BFI Southbank, London

    London Bridge, London

    Cannon Street Railway Bridge, London

    Southwark Bridge, London

    Waterloo Bridge, London

    Golden Jubilee Footbridges, London

    Westminster Bridge, London

    Lambeth Bridge, London

    Blackfriars Bridge, London

    102 Petty France, London

    The National Archives, London

    120 Fenchurch Street, London

    Twickenham/Aviva Stadium, London

    North West England:

    IWM North, Salford

    Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building, Liverpool

    Manchester Printworks, Manchester

    The Royal Exchange, Manchester

    Lowther Castle, Cumbria

    Blackpool seafront & tower, Blackpool

    Rivington Pike, Chorley

    Chorley Town hall, Chorley

    North East England:

    Durham Cathedral, Durham

    Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Newcastle

    Glasshouse International Centre, Newcastle

    Municipal Buildings, Middlesborough

    Town Hall, Middlesborough

    Town Hall Clock Tower, Middlesborough

    Central Library, Middlesborough

    Bottle of Notes, Middlesborough

    St Hilda’s Bell structure, Middlesborough

    Zetland Car Park, Middlesborough

    The Issac Wilson pub, Middlesborough

    Dorman Museum, Middlesborough

     South East England:

    The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

    Rochester Cathedral, Rochester

    Brighton Royal Pavillion, Brighton

    South West England:

    Runnymede Air Force Memorial, Surrey

    County Hall, Dorset

    Aerospace Bristol, Bristol

    The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare

    East England:

    St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Suffolk

    West Midlands:

    Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham

    Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire

    Kings Heath (trees), Birmingham

    National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire

    East Midlands:

    Derwent Dam, Peak District

    Scotland:

    The Kelpies, Falkirk

    The Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk

    Perth Bridge, Perth

    Hamilton House, Lanarkshire

    City Chambers, Edinburgh

    St Paul’s Church, Perth

    Northern Ireland:

    Belfast City Hall, Belfast

    Titanic Museum, Belfast

    Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen

    Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

    Parliament Buildings 

     Wales:

    Welsh Government Building in Cathays Park, Cardiff

    Welsh Parliament ( Senedd Cymru) in Cardiff Bay

    Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

    Castell Coch, Cardiff

    Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon

    Channel Islands:

    Castle Cornet, Guernsey

    Fort Grey, Guernsey

    Beau Sejour Leisure, Guernsey

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $22 Million Renovation to Dietz Stadium

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of renovations to Robert H. Dietz Memorial Stadium in the City of Kingston as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The $22 million project, which was kick-started with $2.5 million from the City of Kingston’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative award, included interior and exterior Grandstand renovations with upgraded locker rooms and athletics facilities, new track and turf field, greener and more accessible parking areas, new concession areas and restroom facilities, a new scoreboard and LED stadium lighting.

    “The revitalization of Dietz Stadium marks a new era for the City of Kingston – where state-of-the-art athletic facilities meet community pride and regional opportunity,” Governor Hochul said. “Through our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, we’ve transformed this historic venue into a modern hub for sports, recreation and public gatherings, all while preserving its legacy and strengthening accessibility, sustainability and economic vitality for generations to come.”

    Dietz Stadium is a 2,000-seat facility with an outdoor field and track that is a major venue for organized sports both locally and regionally. The stadium is used daily for Kingston City School athletics for practices and competitions. The stadium is home to Kingston Stockade Football Club, a semi-professional soccer team, and hosts several regional and statewide competitions each year, including the New York State Field Band Conference’s Fall Fanfare. The stadium grounds, pool, basketball court and track are popular for recreational use by the public.

    The Dietz Stadium renovation project was part of a multi-phased, comprehensive restoration of the larger complex, which included the Andretta Pool Improvements Project that began in spring 2020 and was completed in 2023. Improvements included a new roof and masonry repairs at the pool house, pool lining repairs, a new pump and filter, and a splash pad.

    The Dietz Stadium improvements included:

    • Exterior renovations of the grandstand, including improved accessibility, a 50-yard line access tunnel to the locker rooms, new benches, and press box upgrades
    • Interior renovations of the grandstand, including upgrades to the restrooms, new locker rooms, new mechanical/electrical services, coaches offices, training room, and improved storage facilities
    • New track surfacing, new turf field, and new LED stadium lighting
    • New scoreboard with large screen broadcasting
    • All new underground utilities: water, sewer, storm, electric & communications
    • Removal of the old concession building and admin building and construction of a new 100’ x 36’ open-air pavilion with food truck hook-ups, concession booth, and referee locker room
    • Visitor side concession area with two restrooms
    • Expanded grassed practice area with a track & field equipment storage building
    • New gated ticket booth grandstand entrance
    • Bus parking at stadium entrance, new parking lots with green infrastructure
    • Improved access loop road and sidewalks around the stadium
    • Two-way access/egress to Hurley Avenue as well as Joys Lane
    • Relocated basketball court with benches and lighting
    • Pedestrian access/egress walk to Joys Lane near Forsyth Nature Center
    • New stadium perimeter fencing
    • Improved Wi-Fi and security cameras
    • Landscaping, including 120+ new trees

    Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Dietz Stadium is a tremendous asset to the City of Kingston, and we are proud to celebrate its official reopening after extensive renovations and improvements. This is more than just a stadium, it is a neighborhood hub where families gather, students grow and residents show community pride. Congratulations to the City of Kingston on their continued efforts toward creating a more vibrant and thriving city!”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Projects like this are at the heart of our community redevelopment efforts and encourage new investments that support regional economic growth. Dietz Stadium is a Kingston landmark, and the upgrades made possible through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will ensure that it continues to welcome fans and athletes for generations to come.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “When ‘climate smart’ cities like Kingston prioritize green infrastructure improvements and sustainable solutions, like these at Dietz Stadium, the entire community benefits. DEC is proud to partner with the Department of State and our fellow state agencies to support this exciting renovation project and contribute to the city of Kingston’s ongoing efforts to enhance resiliency and improve quality of life for everyone who calls this community home.”

    Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “The transformation of Dietz Stadium is a powerful example of how strategic investments in green infrastructure can revitalize community spaces while protecting our environment. EFC is proud to support projects like this that not only enhance public amenities but also advance New York State’s resilience and sustainability goals through cleaner water management and improved accessibility.”

    Representative Pat Ryan said, “I pushed hard for this project, both as County Executive and as a member of Congress – I’m incredibly proud to announce renovations are complete! This is a win for our entire Kingston community – from the student athletes that will utilize the new top-tier facilities, to the families and community members who will enjoy the space. I can’t wait to visit with Theo and Cam soon!”

    State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Dietz Stadium is a Kingston landmark and a cornerstone of life in our community, where generations have come together to compete, celebrate, and get a front row seat to watch our semi-pro Stockade FC make us proud. We’ve driven major state investment toward Dietz’s revitalization, and I’m proud to have been part of that effort. These renovations will help carry Dietz into its next 100 years, and it’s been incredible to see the positive impact on local families, athletes, and our business district since its opening.”

    Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, “Dietz Stadium is a beloved community asset that has been used by generations of residents for community recreation, school athletic practices and competitions, graduations, and special events, and more recently, as the home field for Kingston’s very own semi-pro soccer team, the Kingston Stockade FC. The improvements to the stadium are spectacular and will benefit the community for generations to come. I want to thank the Department of State for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative award, which provided funding to kick-start this project, and I want to express my appreciation to Mayor Noble, the Common Council, and the Kingston City School District for their vision, leadership, and commitment to making this project happen. I look forward to seeing the Kingston Stockade play on the new field!”

    City of Kingston Mayor Steven T. Noble said, “I want to thank the Governor and the Department of State for seeing our vision for Uptown Kingston, believing in our community, and providing the funding through the DRI program that kick-started this massive renovation project of our beloved Dietz Stadium. With the state-of-the-art upgrades, this complex will now be able to host regional sporting competitions and large-scale events, which we know will be a boon to our Stockade Business District and beyond. We are thrilled to have robust support from the State and are proud to welcome the public to the new and improved Robert H. Dietz Memorial Stadium today.”

    Kingston City School District Superintendent Dr. Paul J. Padalino said, “We are incredibly thankful to New York State for providing the financial support to complete the renovations of the new and improved Dietz Stadium. This stadium is a tremendous asset to both KCSD and the City of Kingston. KCSD students have already been making great use of the stadium and we look forward to making more memorable moments here. This project is an example of effective cooperation between the State, City and School District. We are grateful to have worked collaboratively with our state and local governments to make this dream a reality.”

    The City of Kingston was named the Mid-Hudson Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) winner in Round Two. Dietz Stadium and the larger complex, including Andretta Pool received $2.5 million from the DRI, as well as grants for green infrastructure improvements from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Facilities Corporation. In addition to Dietz Stadium, other projects awarded DRI funding include $2.38 million for transportation upgrades in the Stockade District; $473,000 to create open space in Frog Alley; $3.8 million to incorporate public improvements into the Kingstonian Mixed-Use Development Project; and $600,000 for a Small Grants Program to support smaller projects in the City’s Stockade Business District.

    Downtown Revitalization Initiative
    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cook, Four Guides for the Journey Ahead

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Huge congratulations to Michigan State University’s James Madison College Class of 2025!1 It is an honor to speak to this inspiring and talented graduating class. Before I address the graduates, I would like to thank those who helped you get here: the parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, friends, teachers, and mentors. Congratulations and thank you to all who lifted up the Class of 2025.
    As a professor’s kid and as an MSU professor, I have come to treasure commencements as important milestones. It is wonderful to be with you today. The flowers are starting to bloom in Beal Garden, the lawns around Beaumont Tower are turning the perfect shade of Spartan green, and the ducklings are making their appearance on the Red Cedar. After another chilly winter, campus is reaching peak beauty—just in time for you to leave Michigan State.
    I am full of optimism about everything that lies ahead of you. Despite any sense of angst you may feel about moving on from Madison, I hope that you are filled with optimism, too. Spring is a time of new beginnings. You are ready for the next step. Today marks both the completion of a tremendous accomplishment, and an exciting new beginning. Some of you may be feeling uncertain. That is natural. Others of you may have detailed plans that you are ready to execute. Remember, if you keep your head down and your eyes fixed only on the map, you may miss unexpected opportunities. Life—like Michigan weather—is going to surprise you. As you leave here, I want you to remain optimistic and have confidence, because you are ready.
    When I was in your shoes, graduating from Spelman College, I remember feeling unsure of what the world would have in store for me. I did not imagine I would be a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, or even an economist. (I started Spelman as a physics and philosophy major.) I only came to see economics as a potential route several years after my graduation, following a chance encounter. At the time, I was continuing my studies in philosophy in Senegal and was struggling to find the right prism through which to explore big questions that interested and motivated me. I decided to set out for an adventure of a lifetime: hike Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. As luck would have it, during that journey I met a British economist. By the end of the trek, he convinced me that economics held the tools to address the questions I cared about deeply. Within months, I moved back home, enrolled in classes to prepare for a Ph.D. in economics, and began a path that ultimately led me to both Michigan State and the Federal Reserve.
    Today, you are leaving the safe harbor of Case Hall and East Lansing, ready to depart on your next adventure. As you do, I would like to offer four guides for you to navigate your journey ahead: hope, curiosity, persistence, and a commitment to public service.
    HopeMy first guide for you is hope. Hope is a value instilled in me from a very young age. I saw my parents and family members face difficult challenges. They persevered because they held out hope that their actions would lead to a better future, not only for themselves, but for me and my sisters, our community, and ultimately all of society. I am proud to have followed in their footsteps.
    As James Madison graduates, I know each of you has some corner of the world in which you have made a difference or wish to make a difference. It could have been through debate, JMC Senate, ASMSU, 4-H, ROTC, peer mentoring, Fed Challenge, a public service sorority or fraternity, or Model UN, among many other organizations. Whatever issue interests you, to make progress, you must undertake the difficult work of casting off old ways that no longer serve us, and adopting new ideas, new methods, and new technologies. This process requires faith put into action. Optimism expressed through effort. The daily choice to believe that you can make a difference. So, as you proceed, when you feel unsure, I urge you to guard your sense of hope. Let hope guide you to a better future.
    CuriosityMy next guide for you is curiosity. I encourage you to remain curious, for your attention and your time are among your most precious resources. From your first-year seminar, through your methods courses, to your senior seminars, your studies honed your capacity to seek new insights. I urge you to ask questions, hunt for the best available information, reason through it, and listen carefully to other points of view.
    Remain curious about what others can teach you, and do not settle for easy answers. It is imperative that you continue to be filled with wonder about the world so that you can make it better. Curiosity is magical, but it takes vigilance, practice, and study to avoid stagnation, and to reach new insights. Curiosity will lead you to wonderful opportunities if you trust its guidance.
    PersistenceThat leads me to my third suggestion for your journey ahead: be persistent. As Madison graduates, you know about preparation. To be persistent in your efforts, you need to continually prepare yourself for the next steps, even if you do not know the destination. It means grounding what you think and say in deep and informed knowledge, acquired through effort and reflection.
    You are graduating at a unique time in the history of the world. We have access to unprecedented quantities of data. We have tools to gather and analyze these data to understand and improve the world. I encourage you to view learning as a lifelong pursuit. I ask you to familiarize yourself with new technologies and tools, such as artificial intelligence, and incorporate them into persistent preparation as a companion, not as a substitute, to live an informed, productive, and fulfilling life.
    ServiceMy final guide for you is a call to service. I know you understand this as James Madison students. Public service is woven into the culture here. Historically, Madison graduates have entered public service jobs immediately after graduation in large numbers, including with the Peace Corps, Teach for America, nonprofits, and local, state, and federal agencies.
    Over the course of my life, many of my proudest and most enriching memories were opportunities to serve. (Were any of you in 4-H like I was? Do you remember the pledge? It is “Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.”) Whether it was my time as a page in the Georgia legislature, interning on Capitol Hill, serving on the Executive Committee of the American Economic Association (AEA), working at the U.S. Treasury and the White House, leading the AEA Summer Program at MSU, or now, as a member of the Federal Reserve Board, these opportunities to use my knowledge, skills, and time to try to improve the world have been invaluable to me.
    As proud James Madison graduates, look for different opportunities to serve the greater good over the course of your lives. Public service is not always easy, but it is always meaningful and deeply rewarding. That could involve working in education or government, conducting research to expand our knowledge, inventing new technologies, volunteering for a nonprofit organization, or mentoring more junior colleagues. There are many ways—big and small—to serve. So, as you navigate your lives, ask yourself which paths will allow you to contribute to the greater good.
    ConclusionGraduates—Spartans—you are entering the wider world, one filled with pressing needs, and countless opportunities. As you make your way, let hope be your constant companion. Heed your curiosity. Honor deep knowledge and thorough, persistent preparation. Embrace public service, however you define it.
    Growing up, I was often inspired by a poem, popularized by the scholar and spiritual mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., Howard Thurman: “I’m tired of sailing my little boat far inside the harbor bar. I want to go out where the big ships float, out on the deep where the great ones are. Should my frail craft prove too slight for those waves that sweep the billows o’er, I’d rather go down in the stirring fight than drowse to death by the sheltered shore.”2
    Graduates, I urge you to plumb the depths of the deep oceans, where you will find the great questions that excite, challenge, and motivate you. You will face rough waters, the route will change, and your destination is not entirely known. As I said, life—like Michigan weather—is going to surprise you. But you are prepared. Your education and your experiences here have armed you with specific knowledge and skills, but also—more importantly—with a honed capacity to be curious, to persistently adapt, to serve, and to hope.
    Congratulations, Class of 2025! I cannot wait to see what you will discover on your way.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. Daisy Rinehart, “The Call of the Open Sea,” Munsey’s Magazine, October 1905, 36, quoted in Howard Thurman, “Finding God,” in Religion on Campus: The Report of the National Student Conference, Milwaukee, December 28, 1926 to January 1, 1927, ed. Francis P. Miller (Association Press, 1927), 48. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Discusses Strengthening Nebraska’s Water Infrastructure at Environment and Public Works Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, discussed improvements to Nebraska’s water infrastructure, including irrigation, during a committee hearing. Witnesses included Tom Goulette, City Administrator and Utility Superintendent for the City of West Point, NE. Ricketts said the following to Goulette:

    “[Nebraska is one of] the largest irrigation states in the country. I was just in Scottsbluff last week, where the Gering-Fort Laramie Canal collapsed while I was Governor. We worked to get some temporary repairs in place there. It’s owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, but through a program, they built the canal there 100 years ago, and when it collapsed, it cut off about 55,000 acres of Nebraska farmland from getting irrigation water.

    “That obviously, is just huge for a state like Nebraska, where agriculture is our biggest industry in the state,” Ricketts continued. “We’re going to be looking for opportunities to have the federal government partner with us to get the permanent repairs on that done, because right now it’s operating at about 80% capacity.”

    Click here to watch the hearing.

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts: “Great. Thank you very much, appreciate it.

    “Well, welcome to all of our witnesses today.

    “I appreciate taking the time and Tom, great to have you here to be able to represent Nebraska.

    “Tom brings just a wealth of information to this committee.

    “If there is a job involving water in the state of Nebraska, over the last 40 years, Tom has done that job.

    “He has been, obviously, currently in West Point and great community there in Cuming County.

    “But just your depth of expertise is amazing.

    “I’m actually going to read all some of the stuff because it’s pretty impressive.

    “Served as Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Drinking Water, Chairman of the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, Chairman of the League of Nebraska Utilities of Nebraska Utility Section, and President of Nebraska Rural Water. 

    “Just to name a few.

    “You’re currently the Chairman of the Nebraska League of Municipalities, Small Cities Legislative Committee say hi to Lynn for me.”

    Tom Goulette: “I will do that.”

    Senator Ricketts: “And if you’re not busy enough, you’re very you’re engaged very civic engagements, where you’ve served as a Utility Superintendent for the City West Point since 1993 and added City Administrator to your business card in 2001 and you still got both those titles today, right?”

    Tom Goulette: “Yes, yeah.”

    Senator Ricketts: “So it just shows again, small towns people wear a lot of hats.

    “And before the committee today, your post is the Nebraska Rural Water Association.

    “You’ve been on the board there since 2005 and currently serving on the executive committee.

    “So, thank you again, Tom for being here.

    “Really, really appreciate your experience that you bring to this committee.”

    Tom Goulette: “Thank you, sir.”

    Senator Ricketts: “So, welcome.

    “And what I’d like to talk a little bit about is many small and rural communities face significant challenges in accessing and managing the federal infrastructure dollars due to limited staffing and technical expertise.

    “We saw this in other areas as well, like the Department of Transportation, and so forth.

    “When we met in February, the Nebraska Rural Water Association Chair shared some of these barriers, what type of resources or policy changes could Congress consider making to federal programs to make them more efficient for small and rural communities?”

    Tom Goulette: “You know, a lot of it comes down to the simplifying the application requirements for those small communities. 

    “Typically, they know best of what their needs are going to be when it comes to upgrading your systems or changing the equipment and that type of thing, along with the assistance from, you know, the Nebraska Rural Water Association or Circuit Riders are there lending assistance in quantifying that.

    “And then once they get to that point, once they can get to some type of formulation of what that community needs, that’s when an application needs to go in, and then that should allow for some additional engineering. 

    “Then at that stage, once that project is identified, and the community can have some buy in, for lack of a better term.

    “The other thing is that reducing those match requirements, a lot of small rural communities, they stretch every dollar they have.

    “So, when, when they’re looking at this, and they’re looking at the match requirements to comply with that, it becomes difficult.

    “Then they’ve got to balance out where the priorities lie within the financial capabilities of that community. So consequently, some of those projects get on, put on the shelf, then at that point.”

    Senator Ricketts: “Yeah, and it’s not so true for West Point, because West Point is really doing well.

    “But what we see is it fair to say, in a lot of our rural communities, we see that as the younger people move away and you’re left with declining population of older folks at bases, that just adds to the complication of being able to get these water projects done?”

    Tom Goulette: “It does.

    “And along with that, is our aging workforce.

    “You know, we see a lot of operators aging out those, those are one and two main operations.

    “So, you know, once that that legacy leaves that community that they’re difficult to replace.

    “So that makes the challenge even more difficult to make to help sustain that community.”

    Senator Ricketts: “Is there, again, is there something we could do in Congress to be able to help with some of those workforce challenges?”

    Tom Goulette: “One of the things is the apprenticeship program that Senator Capito put in place a few years ago, and we need to get that moving in Nebraska.

    “We need to get that funding moving in Nebraska.

    “We need to get an apprenticeship program and start that process to engage those communities and show them options and bring trained operators to the facilities.

    Senator Ricketts: “Can you just give us a briefly, just how some of these federal funding programs have made otherwise cost prohibitive projects in small towns and rural communities possible?”

    Tom Goulette: “Yeah, I mean, basically, when you’re looking at the projects themselves, and you’re looking at the market based on interest rates and that type of thing, and the longevity, it makes it more economically feasible for those small communities, there’s the grant basis that they also can qualify for, which also helps them.”

    Senator Ricketts: “Can you give me an example of specific project off the top of your head?”

    Tom Goulette: “You know that the easiest example right now is the city of West Point.

    “You know, we did the water project here a few years ago where we had a $2.7 million water treatment plant.

    “Of that $2.7 million, 553,000 of that was loan forgiveness, and then in addition to that, was the one and a half percent interest rate, plus the administrative fee for the state.”

    “So it makes it very economically feasible to get those programs in place rather than going out to the open market.”

    Senator Ricketts: “All right, great.

    “Well, oh, we lost our chair, so I guess I’m in charge of the Republican side now.

    “I’m going to take a moment just to talk a little bit as well about an important project not specifically related to the drinking water, but access to water in general, in our state is obviously important. 

    “We’re the largest irrigation state in the country, and I was just in Scottsbluff last week, and theGering-Fort Laramie Canalcollapsed while I was Governor, and we worked to get some temporary repairs in place there. 

    “It’s owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, but through a program, they built the canal there 100 years ago, and when it collapsed, it cut off about 55,000 acres of Nebraska farmland from getting irrigation water. 

    “And that obviously, is just huge for a state like Nebraska, where irrigation, or irrigation is big, but also agriculture is our biggest industry in the state.

    “And so, we’re going to be looking for opportunities to be able to have the federal government partner, to be able to get the permanent repairs on that done, because right now it’s operating, like, about 80% capacity.

    “And I was just talking to folks about, again, just getting to this idea of, like, how expensive it is for these projects, and how with the drinking water and making it possible in West Point, but the cost that would be for those farmers to be able to pay the extra fees to be able to get those total repairs done would be really, really challenging.

    “So that’s another project in our example how the federal government can help partner with states and local communities to be able to get these water projects done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Overtaking the Conservatives

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    Our results are a real sign of hope. Across the country, local Liberal Democrat champions will be getting to work, delivering for local communities and championing our liberal values.

    But we cannot ignore the other big news of these elections – Nigel Farage and Reform, with big money behind them, making huge gains from both Labour and the Conservatives.

    We know the threat Reform poses – to our communities, our democracy and our precious liberal values. We know where their divisive, destructive brand of politics could lead.

    As Ed Davey said in Oxfordshire yesterday – the Liberal Democrats are the antidote to Reform, and we must continue to take a stand.

    Over the past two days, we’ve seen a surge in new members joining the party – people worried about the rise of divisive populist politicians like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, and who know that it will be the Liberal Democrats standing up for true British values.

    Please share Ed’s message to help reach more people:

    Share: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, X

    Congratulations to all those elected – we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve in office.

    A massive thank you to everyone who stood as a candidate but didn’t quite make it this time – you can be incredibly proud of being our liberal voice in your local area. A particular mention to Mike Ross and the team in Hull and East Yorkshire who took the fight to Reform and came second in the mayoral race there – you fought a fantastic campaign, thank you for standing up for our values.

    Thank you also to everyone who supported our campaign, volunteering, donating, voting or helping in any other way – we couldn’t have done it without you.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUD SUDAN – Until the very end, Pope Francis sent letters to South Sudanese leaders urging them to work for peace

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Juba (Fides Agency ) – “Pope Francis worked until the very end for peace in South Sudan,” Sister Elena Balatti, a Comboni missionary in South Sudan, told Fides Agency.“Unfortunately, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war. Despite his illness, Pope Francis sent letters to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Vice President Reik Machar, now under house arrest, asking them to work for peace,” said the missionary.At the beginning of March, tensions rose between the faction led by President Kiir and that headed by Machar, who was placed under house arrest on March 26 (see Fides 27/3/2025).“The Holy Father was remembered by South Sudanese people with numerous messages of condolence on social media. The local population remembers well his visit to South Sudan in February 2023,” Sister Elena points out.“The Presidency of South Sudan declared April 25 a national day of mourning for the death of Pope Francis. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, in his message of condolence, explicitly recalled this visit and emphasized that the South Sudanese people understood very well how special a place South Sudan had in the heart of Pope Francis, who worked so hard for peace and brotherhood in this country. The President also recalled the historic gesture with which, after inviting the country’s government and opposition leaders to the Vatican in 2019, he kissed their feet in that ecumenical moment together with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Rev. John Chalmers.”“The Pope’s visit, his gesture of kissing the feet of government and opposition leaders, and the closeness he showed to South Sudan during his illness from the Gemelli Hospital will remain in the hearts of all South Sudanese who remember him with gratitude,” concluded the missionary. (LM) (Fides Agency 3/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SRI LANKA – The 167 Catholics killed in the Easter massacre to be included in the list of “Witnesses of Faith”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Archdiocese of Colombo

    Colombo ( Fides Agency) – The 167 Catholics killed in churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, will be included in the List of “Witnesses of Faith” of the 21st century compiled by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and presented during the Jubilee Year. This was announced in Colombo during a vigil in memory of the victims. Referring to the official communication received from the Dicastery, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, explained that the choice “is intended to honor their sacrifice motivated by hatred for the faith.”Hundreds of people, including Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic religious leaders, attended a vigil in memory of the victims held in recent days at the Catholic church of St. Anthony, which was targeted in the attacks. Alongside the names of 167 Catholics who died in the attacks on St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo and St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, who were chosen “because of their violent opposition to their faith motivated by ‘odium fidei,’” seven other victims of other faiths were also “remembered with respect,” recalled Father Jude Fernando, a priest in Colombo. The witnesses to the faith were selected by the special Vatican commission tasked with compiling and updating the list for the Jubilee.Over 260 people were killed in almost simultaneous attacks on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, at three tourist hotels and three churches, two Catholic and one Protestant. It is a wound in the country’s recent history that has not yet fully healed: the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka is calling for further investigations into the attacks to clarify the alleged involvement of state officials and agencies. The new government of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected president of the country in the fall of 2024, has publicly reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the Easter attacks. (PA) (Fides Agency 2/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Intervention Circle offers culturally sensitive supports, enhances safety for Gitanmaax

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Gitanmaax First Nation is implementing an Intervention Circle in the Gitxsan Territory to provide culturally appropriate supports for people at risk of harm, victimization or entering the justice system, and to help build a safer and healthier community.

    The Intervention Circle will bring together community-based frontline service providers from the public-safety, health and social-service sectors. They work collaboratively to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples in the justice system by preventing crime, reducing harm and increasing community safety.

    “It’s crucial that people have access to culturally sensitive supports when and where they need them,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Ensuring public safety and advancing meaningful, lasting reconciliation are interconnected. The Gitanmaax-led Intervention Circle will help people find culturally sensitive pathways to healing in their own community and prevent incarceration of Indigenous peoples.” 

    Community-centred Intervention Circles incorporate Indigenous social and cultural institutions with in-community service providers to connect vulnerable people with preventative supports.

    “At Gitanmaax First Nation, we understand the importance of fostering a collaborative environment that reflects our values of unity, respect, and restorative justice,” said Jason Wong, chief executive officer, Gitanmaax First Nation. “We believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and healing, and we are committed to addressing difficult situations with a focus on community wellness and reconciliation. By embracing a restorative-justice approach, we aim to bring people together, address underlying issues and promote healing over punishment.”

    The Province is providing $50,000 to support the implementation of the Intervention Circle. The Province will also provide funding to train community partners participating in the Intervention Circle.

    The Intervention Circle advances the Safer Community Action Plan’s goal of creating safe, healthy communities for everyone. It also responds to recommendations from several reports, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the First Nations Justice Strategy.

    Quote:

    Judith Sayers, director, B.C. First Nations Justice Council —

    “The B.C. First Nations Justice Council is grateful for the leadership of First Nations who are implementing Intervention Circles in their communities and advancing their self-determination over community safety, healing and justice. The aims of the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy specifically support First Nations in the restoration of their justice systems and legal traditions. Intervention Circles allow First Nations to shift from punitive responses towards a proactive intervention model that integrates their culture, teachings and values. Through their Intervention Circles, Gitanmaax First Nation, along with Esk’etemc and Witset First Nations, are prioritizing the healing pathways and cultural needs of their at-risk members and are forging a new way forward for justice and healing in their communities.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The Gitanmaax First Nation Intervention Circle is the third initiative of its kind in B.C.
    • Gitanmaax is one of six First Nation communities belonging to the Gitxsan Nation.
    • Indigenous people make up only 6% of British Columbia’s population but account for 35% of people in provincial custody.
    • The B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy is designed by and for Indigenous Peoples to reform the colonial justice system and revitalize Indigenous legal practices.
    • The strategy was endorsed by the Province and the B.C. First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) in 2020.
    • The Declaration Act Action Plan, developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, outlines 89 specific actions every ministry in government will take to create a better province for Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

    Learn More:

    To read the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy, visit: https://bcfnjc.com/landing-page/justice-strategy/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Nearly 300 new homes coming to Victoria

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People in Victoria will soon have access to nearly 300 new homes as construction begins on two developments that offer affordable rental and supportive housing.

    “We know that different people have different housing needs, and we’re working on every front to help everyone find a place to call home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “During a time of economic uncertainty, these homes will lower rental costs for working people and families while bringing people sheltering outside indoors so they can have stability, dignity and support they need to move forward.”

    To help families and individuals, including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, a provincial investment of nearly $100 million is funding the construction of 295 new homes across two separate developments on Pandora Avenue and Discovery Street.

    This includes a new 21-storey building at 926/930 Pandora Ave., replacing the existing vacant structures with 158 affordable rental homes, 47 supportive homes and a community space expected to include child care services.

    Construction will begin soon, with the homes expected to be completed by spring 2029. The Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) will manage the affordable rental homes, and an experienced non-profit operator will oversee the supportive housing.

    “These new homes will provide families and individuals with a place to call home, in their communities and close to their jobs and their support systems,” said Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “By offering a mix of affordable and supportive housing, we’re helping ensure that everyone can find stability, comfort and a sense of belonging in Victoria.”

    Additionally, construction is set to start in May on 90 new supportive homes at 726 Discovery St. for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The eight-storey, steel-frame building will feature 90 studio units, each with a private bathroom.

    This project is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Our Place Society will operate the supportive housing at Discovery Street, offering residents daily meals, laundry facilities and a range of 24/7 on-site support services. These will include life-skills training, employment assistance and counselling, as well as access to physical and mental-health care, addiction treatment and recovery services. The building will also feature safety measures such as fenced grounds, a single point of entry, 24/7 staffed reception, security cameras and lighting.

    These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 4,120 homes in Victoria.

    Quotes:

    Julian Daly, CEO, Our Place –

    “We’re happy to see construction begin on the Discovery Street supportive-housing project, which Our Place Society will be operating. This much-needed resource will provide 90 supportive homes for people in Victoria, offering stability and services to help them thrive. It’s a vital step forward for those we serve and for access to housing in Victoria. The whole community benefits from this.”

    Marianne Alto, mayor of Victoria –

    “Breaking ground on this project, working with provincial, regional and non-profit partners, is a significant step forward as we address our complex housing crisis. These 295 affordable homes will provide the stability and opportunity needed for more people to build community roots and thrive in Victoria.”

    Zac de Vries, chair, Capital Region Housing Corporation –

    “Since 2019, with our funding partners, the CRHC has introduced more than 800 new affordable homes to the region, and we won’t stop there. Projects like Pandora show the powerful possibilities of partnership, and the CRHC is excited to get another 158 affordable homes underway in the city of Victoria.”  

    Learn More:

    To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/ 

    A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available here: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

    To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive housing communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tiffany Sadler, UK Special Envoy to the Great Lakes to visit Kigali

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Tiffany Sadler, UK Special Envoy to the Great Lakes to visit Kigali

    The UK Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Tiffany Sadler, will be in Kigali next week, after visiting Kinshasa and Kampala.

    The Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Tiffany Sadler, will meet representatives of government, business, and civil society during her visit to Rwanda; all of which provide an opportunity to discuss the current conflict and to reiterate the UK’s commitment to the region’s stability and long-term prosperity.

    This is Ms. Tiffany Sadler’s second visit to Rwanda since taking up her position in September 2024. 

    The Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Tiffany Sadler, said:

    I am delighted to be back in Rwanda during this critical and solemn time. The agreement signed between DRC and Rwanda in Washington, and the joint statement issued by DRC and M23 after their meetings in Qatar are very good news. 

    I will be discussing with the government, civil society, and business what the UK can do to sustain this positive momentum. Security and prosperity will lead to huge benefits for all. The region deserves to live in peace.

    She will also experience the long-standing UK-Rwanda education partnership in practice, with a visit to a school in the northern province. 

    As her trip to Rwanda is during the solemn period of Kwibuka (remembrance), she will listen firsthand to the testimony of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

    Finally, she will visit the Ruzisi III hydropower site with Minister of Infrastructure, Dr Jimmy Gasore. This signals the UK’s strong and ongoing commitment to the project and the benefits it will bring to the people of Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi by increasing their energy supply.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –