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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security

    Source: The White House

    PURSUING RECIPROCITY TO REBUILD THE ECONOMY AND RESTORE NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency, and his order imposes responsive tariffs to strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect American workers.

    • Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries.
    • President Trump is invoking his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to address the national emergency posed by the large and persistent trade deficit that is driven by the absence of reciprocity in our trade relationships and other harmful policies like currency manipulation and exorbitant value-added taxes (VAT) perpetuated by other countries.
    • Using his IEEPA authority, President Trump will impose a 10% tariff on all countries.
      • This will take effect April 5, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
    • President Trump will impose an individualized reciprocal higher tariff on the countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. All other countries will continue to be subject to the original 10% tariff baseline.
      • This will take effect April 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
    • These tariffs will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated.
    • Today’s IEEPA Order also contains modification authority, allowing President Trump to increase the tariff if trading partners retaliate or decrease the tariffs if trading partners take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align with the United States on economic and national security matters.
    • Some goods will not be subject to the Reciprocal Tariff. These include: (1) articles subject to 50 USC 1702(b); (2) steel/aluminum articles and autos/auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs; (3) copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber articles; (4) all articles that may become subject to future Section 232 tariffs; (5) bullion; and (6) energy and other certain minerals that are not available in the United States.
    • For Canada and Mexico, the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders remain in effect, and are unaffected by this order. This means USMCA compliant goods will continue to see a 0% tariff, non-USMCA compliant goods will see a 25% tariff, and non-USMCA compliant energy and potash will see a 10% tariff. In the event the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders are terminated, USMCA compliant goods would continue to receive preferential treatment, while non-USMCA compliant goods would be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.

     
    TAKING BACK OUR ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY: President Trump refuses to let the United States be taken advantage of and believes that tariffs are necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficit—this is an emergency.

    • He is the first President in modern history to stand strong for hardworking Americans by asking other countries to follow the golden rule on trade: Treat us like we treat you.
    • Pernicious economic policies and practices of our trading partners undermine our ability to produce essential goods for the public and the military, threatening national security.
    • U.S. companies, according to internal estimates, pay over $200 billion per year in value-added taxes (VAT) to foreign governments—a “double-whammy” on U.S. companies who pay the tax at the European border, while European companies don’t pay tax to the United States on the income from their exports to the U.S.
    • The annual cost to the U.S. economy of counterfeit goods, pirated software, and theft of trade secrets is between $225 billion and $600 billion. Counterfeit products not only pose a significant risk to U.S. competitiveness, but also threaten the security, health, and safety of Americans, with the global trade in counterfeit pharmaceuticals estimated at $4.4 billion and linked to the distribution of deadly fentanyl-laced drugs.
      • This imbalance has fueled a large and persistent trade deficit in both industrial and agricultural goods, led to offshoring of our manufacturing base, empowered non-market economies like China, and hurt America’s middle class and small towns. 
      • President Biden squandered the agricultural trade surplus inherited from President Trump’s first term, turning it into a projected all-time high deficit of $49 billion.
    • The current global trading order allows those using unfair trade practices to get ahead, while those playing by the rules get left behind.
    • In 2024, our trade deficit in goods exceeded $1.2 trillion—an unsustainable crisis ignored by prior leadership.
    • “Made in America” is not just a tagline—it’s an economic and national security priority of this Administration. The President’s reciprocal trade agenda means better-paying American jobs making beautiful American-made cars, appliances, and other goods.
    • These tariffs seek to address the injustices of global trade, re-shore manufacturing, and drive economic growth for the American people.
    • Reciprocal trade is America First trade because it increases our competitive edge, protects our sovereignty, and strengthens our national and economic security.
    • These tariffs adjust for the unfairness of ongoing international trade practices, balance our chronic goods trade deficit, provide an incentive for re-shoring production to the United States, and provide our foreign trading partners with an opportunity to rebalance their trade relationships with the United States.

     
    REPRIORITIZING U.S. MANUFACTURING: President Trump recognizes that increasing domestic manufacturing is critical to U.S. national security.

    • In 2023, U.S. manufacturing output as a share of global manufacturing output was 17.4%, down from 28.4% in 2001.
    • The decline in manufacturing output has reduced U.S. manufacturing capacity.
      • The need to maintain a resilient domestic manufacturing capacity is particularly acute in advanced sectors like autos, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment, technology products, machine tools, and basic and fabricated metals, where loss of capacity could permanently weaken U.S. competitiveness.
    • U.S. stockpiles of military goods are too low to be compatible with U.S. national defense interests.
      • If the U.S. wishes to maintain an effective security umbrella to defend its citizens and homeland, as well as allies and partners, it needs to have a large upstream manufacturing and goods-producing ecosystem.
      • This includes developing new manufacturing technologies in critical sectors like bio-manufacturing, batteries, and microelectronics to support defense needs.
    • Increased reliance on foreign producers for goods has left the U.S. supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical disruption and supply shocks.
      • This vulnerability was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later with Houthi attacks on Middle East shipping.
    • From 1997 to 2024, the U.S. lost around 5 million manufacturing jobs and experienced one of the largest drops in manufacturing employment in history.

     
    ADDRESSING TRADE IMBALANCES: President Trump is working to level the playing field for American businesses and workers by confronting the unfair tariff disparities and non-tariff barriers imposed by other countries.

    • For generations, countries have taken advantage of the United States, tariffing us at higher rates. For example:
      • The United States imposes a 2.5% tariff on passenger vehicle imports (with internal combustion engines), while the European Union (10%) and India (70%) impose much higher duties on the same product. 
      • For networking switches and routers, the United States imposes a 0% tariff, but India (10-20%) levies higher rates.
      • Brazil (18%) and Indonesia (30%) impose a higher tariff on ethanol than does the United States (2.5%). 
      • For rice in the husk, the U.S. imposes a tariff of 2.7%, while India (80%), Malaysia (40%), and Turkey (31%) impose higher rates. 
      • Apples enter the United States duty-free, but not so in Turkey (60.3%) and India (50%).
    • The United States has one of the lowest simple average most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rates in the world at 3.3%, while many of our key trading partners like Brazil (11.2%), China (7.5%), the European Union (5%), India (17%), and Vietnam (9.4%) have simple average MFN tariff rates that are significantly higher.
    • Similarly, non-tariff barriers—meant to limit the quantity of imports/exports and protect domestic industries—also deprive U.S. manufacturers of reciprocal access to markets around the world. For example:
      • China’s non-market policies and practices have given China global dominance in key manufacturing industries, decimating U.S. industry. Between 2001 and 2018, these practices contributed to the loss of 3.7 million U.S. jobs due to the growth of the U.S.-China trade deficit, displacing workers and undermining American competitiveness while threatening U.S. economic and national security by increasing our reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains for critical industries as well as everyday goods.
      • India imposes their own uniquely burdensome and/or duplicative testing and certification requirements in sectors such as chemicals, telecom products, and medical devices that make it difficult or costly for American companies to sell their products in India. If these barriers were removed, it is estimated that U.S. exports would increase by at least $5.3 billion annually.
      • Countries including China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea have pursued policies that suppress the domestic consumption power of their own citizens to artificially boost the competitiveness of their export products. Such policies include regressive tax systems, low or unenforced penalties for environmental degradation, and policies intended to suppress worker wages relative to productivity.
      • Certain countries, like Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Vietnam, restrict or prohibit the importation of remanufactured goods, restricting market access for U.S. exporters while also stifling efforts to promote sustainability by discouraging trade in like-new and resource-efficient products. If these barriers were removed, it is estimated that U.S. exports would increase by at least $18 billion annually.
      • The UK maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict U.S. exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products.
      • Indonesia maintains local content requirements across a broad range of sectors, complex import licensing regimes, and, starting this year, will require natural resource firms to onshore all export revenue for transactions worth $250,000 or more.
      • Argentina has banned imports of U.S. live cattle since 2002 due to unsubstantiated concerns regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy.  The United States has a $223 million trade deficit with Argentina in beef and beef products.
      • For decades, South Africa has imposed animal health restrictions that are not scientifically justified on U.S. pork products, permitting a very limited list of U.S. pork exports to enter South Africa. South Africa also heavily restricts U.S. poultry exports through high tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and unjustified animal health restrictions. These barriers have contributed to a 78% decline in U.S. poultry exports to South Africa, from $89 million in 2019 to $19 million 2024.
      • U.S. automakers face a variety of non-tariff barriers that impede access to the Japanese and Korean automotive markets, including non-acceptance of certain U.S. standards, duplicative testing and certification requirements, and transparency issues. Due to these non-reciprocal practices, the U.S. automotive industry loses out on an additional $13.5 billion in annual exports to Japan and access to a larger import market share in Korea—all while the U.S. trade deficit with Korea more than tripled from 2019 to 2024.
    • Monetary tariffs and non-monetary tariffs are two distinct types of trade barriers that governments use to regulate imports and exports. President Trump is countering both through reciprocal tariffs to protect American workers and industries from these unfair practices.

     
    THE GOLDEN RULE FOR OUR GOLDEN AGE: Today’s action simply asks other countries to treat us like we treat them. It’s the Golden Rule for Our Golden Age.

    • Access to the American market is a privilege, not a right.
    • The United States will no longer put itself last on matters of international trade in exchange for empty promises.
    • Reciprocal tariffs are a big part of why Americans voted for President Trump—it was a cornerstone of his campaign from the start.
      • Everyone knew he’d push for them once he got back in office; it’s exactly what he promised, and it’s a key reason he won the election.
    • These tariffs are central to President Trump’s plan to reverse the economic damage left by President Biden and put America on a path to a new golden age.
      • This builds on his broader economic agenda of energy competitiveness, tax cuts, no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security benefits, and deregulation to boost American prosperity.

     
    TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that tariffs can be an effective tool for reducing or eliminating threats that impair U.S. national security and achieving economic and strategic objectives.

    • A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first term found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
    • A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China and effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.
    • According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first term “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and only had a temporary effect on overall price levels.
    • An analysis from the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
    • Former Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
    • A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Presses Boeing CEO Ortberg for Being Unwilling to Categorically Refuse Self-Inspection Authority from FAA Before Oversight Issues Are Fixed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 02, 2025
    In her remarks, the Senator said prior efforts by FAA employees to delegate this safety authority back to Boeing is not just unacceptable, but a “total dereliction of duty”
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)— a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—pressed Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg four times whether he would commit to neither seeking nor accepting delegation of airworthiness inspection authority—an authority that would allow the company to self-inspect its own aircraft—from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) until FAA fixed its own oversight lapses. Again and again, Mr. Ortberg dodged the question and refused to make a firm commitment. During her questioning, Duckworth highlighted how inappropriate it would be for Boeing to accept this delegation authority as the FAA continues working to implement all 16 of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General’s recommendations from an October report that found FAA’s oversight of Boeing production was “not effective.” Duckworth’s full questioning can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
    “In October, the DOT Inspector General found that the FAA’s oversight of Boeing was not only not effective, but so bad that it issued 16 separate recommendations for the FAA to fix its process,” said Duckworth. “I believe strongly that FAA must not delegate inspection authority back to Boeing until—at a minimum—FAA fixes its ineffective oversight of Boeing’s production. It’s extremely disappointing that Mr. Ortberg wouldn’t rule out accepting this delegated authority while FAA’s oversight of Boeing production is still so ineffective. Mr. Ortberg is trying to restore Boeing’s reputation, and has taken important actions to do so, but I don’t see how Boeing would improve its safety credibility by accepting authority to once again self-inspect its planes for federal compliance—while the FAA’s oversight is still broken.”
    One of the most shocking findings in the DOT Inspector General’s October report was that that shortly before the Boeing door plug blowout, individuals within FAA wanted to delegate airplane airworthiness inspection authority back to Boeing without any criteria by which to assess whether Boeing could be trusted to properly carry out these inspections. This is particularly concerning because, prior to the 737 MAX crashes and production problems with the 787, the FAA allowed Boeing to self-inspect their aircraft to ensure they conformed with their FAA-approved type design. However, in the wake of the MAX crashes, it was found that Boeing had a pattern of abusing this authority and producing 737 MAX aircraft with nonfunctioning Angle of Attack Disagree alerts.
    After Mr. Ortberg refused to commit that he would not accept the delegation of such an authority when Duckworth asked a fourth time, Duckworth replied: “You have a track record of abusing self-inspecting authority and you’ve already said that you and senior Board managers would make more money if you can put more aircraft out. It is not appropriate at this time for you to accept the delegation of that authority if it is offered to you by the FAA before the FAA has met all 16 of the IG recommendations on how to fix the inspection system.”
    Duckworth has long pushed for improved federal oversight of Boeing. Last year, she urged then-FAA Administrator Whitaker to make sure the FAA requires transparency and accountability as it oversees Boeing’s Safety and Quality Plan. Duckworth also implored FAA to scrutinize Boeing’s bad behavior and use its civil enforcement authority more often, when appropriate, and also called on the agency to review Boeing’s disturbing pattern of failing to disclose critical safety information about 737 MAX planes to pilots.
    Last year, Duckworth also called on FAA to reject a petition by Boeing for a safety exemption to allow the 737 MAX 7 to be certified to fly despite having another known safety defect that has not yet been fixed. The Senator subsequently met with then-Boeing CEO David Calhoun and urged him to withdraw the company’s petition, which the company did just days later, crediting Duckworth’s reasoning for the decision.
    Duckworth last year helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA reauthorization that was signed into law to extend the FAA’s funding and authorities through Fiscal Year 2028. The reauthorization included several of her provisions to improve consumer safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities. Duckworth has noted that while it was a tremendous victory for the flying public, more needs to be done to address the recent issues that have come to light with Boeing since a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines flight mid-flight.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Reintroduces Legislation to Improve Watershed Resilience and Health

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    June 23, 2023
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., this week reintroduced his bill to improve the resilience and health of the nation’s watersheds – the land leading into streams, rivers or lakes – as Oregon and the entire American West continue to suffer from severe drought. 
    “Watersheds play an essential role in the health and economic livelihood of local communities, supporting safe drinking water for communities, outdoor recreation and productive fisheries. All of this is at risk because of the climate crisis,” said Wyden. “More must be done to strengthen the health and resilience of our nation’s watersheds. My Watershed Results Act creates science-driven, cost-effective tools to protect the land that touches all of our nation’s waterways and provide stability for generations to come.”
    Watersheds are made up of millions of acres of rivers and streams, farms and rangeland, forests and developed towns and cities, with restoration needs often varying dramatically from acre to acre. Wyden’s Watershed Results Act – first introduced last Congress – would use the best scientific and data analysis to identify the most effective acres where watershed restoration work would generate the greatest environmental results at the best value for taxpayers. The Interior Department would coordinate to establish several watershed restoration programs across the country.
    Joe Whitworth, President and CEO of The Freshwater Trust: “The dire and worsening problems impacting our rivers and streams have a direct impact on the future of freshwater in our country. The urgency of this moment is unmistakable, and a bill like this lays the foundation for much-needed change on how those working in water work on behalf of this resource. We hope others will support it.”  
    Julie O’Shea, Executive Director of Farmer’s Conservation Alliance: “We commend Senator Wyden for his introduction of this legislation. In the midst of major ongoing drought, it is important that we have in place a broad array of tools that help to rapidly increase agricultural resilience and environmental benefits throughout the West. These pilot watershed efforts would allow us to better understand how we can all collaborate to secure resiliency for our watersheds.”
    Dan Keppen, Executive Director of Family Farm Alliance: “Farmers play a critical role in ensuring the resiliency of our watersheds. We are supportive of this legislation because it encourages collaboration among all those funding and working with and on behalf of water. Collaboration and innovation are both desperately needed if we are going to ensure that our freshwater resources can support the future of farming.”  
    Timothy Male, Executive Director of Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC): “Two of the most important ways to make national environmental programs more effective are captured in Senator Wyden’s legislation: a focus on quantified environmental outcomes, and permission for federal agencies to use pay for success contracts to buy them. The Watershed Results Act puts in place the right incentives for America’s restoration experts and scientists to do their most effective and creative work for freshwater.”
    Nick Wobbrock, Co-Founder & COO of Blue Forest Conservation: “The need for investment in watershed health to effectively respond to the impacts of climate change is non-negotiable. This bill offers an innovative model that will enable federal agencies the flexibility of leveraging private investment and conservation finance to achieve watershed resilience goals through quantified and monitored outcomes. We applaud Senator Wyden for introducing the Watershed Results Act.”
    Adam Kiel, Managing Director of Soil and Water Outcomes Fund and Executive Vice President of AgOutcomes: “The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund works with farmers and outcome beneficiaries across ten states, from Iowa to New York, to improve water quality and climate resiliency. The proposed Watershed Results Act of 2021 supports an outcome-based approach to water quality improvement and, if passed, would represent a transformative approach in how the Federal Government funds environmental outcomes by providing cost-effective delivery of conservation dollars to areas providing the highest benefit.”
    Timothy Martin, Executive Director, Irrigation Innovation Consortium: “The Irrigation Innovation Consortium conducts research and develops grounded solutions for water management. In addition to equipping stakeholders with new knowledge and tools, we address financial, practical, and technological barriers to adopting innovative practices. By merging powerful technology, a coordinated funding approach, and streamlined delivery of funds to agricultural producers, the Watershed Results Act will demonstrate a new pathway forward to achieve beneficial economic and environmental outcomes. We support this legislation, and we encourage other organizations to do the same.”
    Eric Letsinger, CEO of Quantified Ventures: “ At Quantified Ventures, we scale up investable, outcomes-based solutions for good. The WRA would help organize and streamline federal funds in a way that makes it much easier to access and use private capital to get watershed solutions to an entirely new scale. We applaud the innovation and hope others will support the bill too.”
    A one-page summary of the bill can be found here.
    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With its executive order targeting the Smithsonian, the Trump administration opens up a new front in the history wars

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Tucker, Professor of History, Wesleyan University

    A portrait of President Donald Trump in the ‘America’s Presidents’ exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery. Win McNamee/Getty Images

    I teach history in Connecticut, but I grew up in Oklahoma and Kansas, where my interest in the subject was sparked by visits to local museums.

    I fondly remember trips to the Fellow-Reeves Museum in Wichita, Kansas, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. A 1908 photograph of my great-grandparents picking cotton has been used as a poster by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

    This love of learning history continued into my years as a graduate student of history, when I would spend hours at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum learning about the history of human flight and ballooning. As a professor, I’ve integrated the institution’s exhibits into my history courses.

    The Trump administration, however, is not happy with the way the Smithsonian Institution and other U.S. museums are portraying history.

    On March 27, 2025, the president issued an executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which asserted, “Over the past decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. Under this historical revision, our Nation’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness is reconstructed as inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed.”

    Trump singled out a few museums, including the Smithsonian, dedicating a whole section of the order on “saving” the institution from “divisive, race-centered ideology.”

    Of course, history is contested. There will always be a variety of views about what should be included and excluded from America’s story. For example, in my own research, I found that Prohibition-era school boards in the 1920s argued over whether it was appropriate for history textbooks to include pictures of soldiers drinking to illustrate the 1791 Whiskey Rebellion.

    But most recent debates center on how much attention should be given to the history of the nation’s accomplishments over its darker chapters. The Smithsonian, as a national institution that receives most of its funds from the federal government, has sometimes found itself in the crosshairs.

    America’s historical repository

    The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 thanks to its namesake, British chemist James Smithson.

    Smithson willed his estate to his nephew and stated that if his nephew died without an heir, the money – roughly US$15 million in today’s dollars – would be donated to the U.S. to found “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

    The idea of a national institution dedicated to history, science and learning was contentious from the start.

    An 1816 portrait of British chemist James Smithson.
    Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images

    In her book “The Stranger and the Statesman,” historian Nina Burleigh shows how Smithson’s bequest was nearly lost due to battles between competing interests.

    Southern plantation owners and western frontiersmen, including President Andrew Jackson, saw the establishment of a national museum as an unnecessary assertion of federal power. They also challenged the very idea of accepting a gift from a non-American and thought that it was beneath the dignity of the government to confer immortality on someone simply because of a large donation.

    In the end, a group led by congressman and former president John Quincy Adams ensured Smithson’s vision was realized. Adams felt that the country was failing to live up to its early promise. He thought a national museum was an important way to burnish the ideals of the young republic and educate the public.

    Today the Smithsonian runs 14 education and research centers, the National Zoo and 21 museums, including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which was created with bipartisan support during President George W. Bush’s administration.

    In the introduction to his book “Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects,” cultural anthropologist Richard Kurin talks about how the institution has also supported hundreds of small and large institutions outside of the nation’s capital.

    In 2024, the Smithsonian sent over 2 million artifacts on loan to museums in 52 U.S. states and territories and 33 foreign countries. It also partners with over 200 affiliate museums. YouGov has periodically tracked Americans’ approval of the Smithsonian, which has held steady at roughly 68% approval and 2% disapproval since 2020.

    Smithsonian in the crosshairs

    Precursors to the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the Smithsonian took place in the 1990s.

    In 1991, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which was then known as the National Museum of American Art, created an exhibition titled “The West as America, Reinterpreting Images of the Frontier, 1820-1920.” Conservatives complained that the museum portrayed western expansion as a tale of conquest and destruction, rather than one of progress and nation-building. The Wall Street Journal editorialized that the exhibit represented “an entirely hostile ideological assault on the nation’s founding and history.”

    The exhibition proved popular: Attendance to the National Museum of American Art was 60% higher than it had been during the same period the year prior. But the debate raised questions about whether public museums were able to express ideas that are critical of the U.S. without risk of censorship.

    In 1994, controversy again erupted, this time at the National Air and Space Museum over a forthcoming exhibition centered on the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima 50 years prior.

    Should the exhibition explore the loss of Japanese lives? Or emphasize the U.S. war victory?

    Veterans groups insisted that the atomic bomb ended the war and saved 1 million American lives, and demanded the removal of photographs of the destruction and a melted Japanese school lunch box from the exhibit. Meanwhile, other activists protested the exhibition by arguing that a symbol of human destruction shouldn’t be commemorated at an institution that’s supposed to celebrate human achievement.

    Protesters demonstrate against the opening of the Enola Gay exhibit outside the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in 1995.
    Joyce Naltchayan/AFP via Getty Images

    Republicans won the House in 1994 and threatened cuts to the Smithsonian’s budget over the Enola Gay exhibition, compelling curators to walk a tightrope. In the end, the fuselage of the Enola Gay was displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. But the exhibit would not tell the full story of the plane’s role in the war from a myriad of perspectives.

    Trump enters the fray

    In 2019, The New York Times launched the 1619 project, which aimed to reframe the country’s history by placing slavery and its consequences at its very center. The first Trump administration quickly responded by forming its 1776 commission. In January 2021, it produced a report critiquing the 1619 project, claiming that an emphasis on the country’s history of racism and slavery was counterproductive to promoting “patriotic education.”

    That same year, Trump pledged to build “a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans to ever live,” with 250 statues to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    President Joe Biden rescinded the order in 2021. Trump reissued it after retaking the White House, and pointed to figures he’d like to see included, such as Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Betsy Ross, Sitting Bull, Bob Hope, Thurgood Marshall and Whitney Houston.

    I don’t think there is anything wrong with honoring Americans, though I think a focus on celebrities and major figures clouds the fascinating histories of ordinary Americans. I also find it troubling that there seems to be such a concerted effort to so forcefully shape the teaching and understanding of history via threats and bullying. Yale historian Jason Stanley has written about how aspiring authoritarian governments seek to control historical narratives and discourage an exploration of the complexities of the past.

    Historical scholarship requires an openness to debate and a willingness to embrace new findings and perspectives. It also involves the humility to accept that no one – least of all the government – has a monopoly on the truth.

    In his executive order, Trump noted that “Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn.” I share that view. Doing so, however, means not dismantling history, but instead complicating the story – in all its messy glory.

    The Conversation U.S. receives funding from the Smithsonian Institution.

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

    – ref. With its executive order targeting the Smithsonian, the Trump administration opens up a new front in the history wars – https://theconversation.com/with-its-executive-order-targeting-the-smithsonian-the-trump-administration-opens-up-a-new-front-in-the-history-wars-253397

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Adolescence in schools: TV show’s portrayal of one boyhood may do more harm than good when used as a teaching tool

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham

    Netflix television series Adolescence follows a 13-year-old boy accused of the murder of his female classmate. It touches upon incel online hate groups, toxic influencers and the misogynistic online spaces of the manosphere.

    Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, has backed a move for Adolescence to be shown in schools, and Netflix has now made the series available to be shown for free in classrooms through charity Into Film+, which has also produced a guide for teachers. Resources for teachers and parents will also be produced by relationships charity Tender.

    Adolescence is a drama and deserves the praise it has attracted. But it wasn’t developed as an educational resource, the kind that is produced in consultation with young people and schools and should be underpinned by robust research and well planned evaluations.

    The series shows an extreme example of one teenager drawn into the world of the manosphere. Not all boys will see themselves reflected in this portrayal. And as a researcher working on masculinity and misogyny, my concern is that showing the series in schools may lead boys to think that they are all perceived as potential threats.

    Showing the series as a teaching tool risks framing boyhood as monolithic, with one particular – and problematic – way of being a boy.

    Already, a broad-brush, blame-heavy approach is often taken to boys in response to issues relating to sexual harassment and violence. “We may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address”, Keir Starmer has said.

    Boys dealing with blame

    In research I have carried out for a forthcoming book on boys and masculinity, I worked with young men and boys aged 13 to 19. One 15-year-old boy said that “I am always told that I am part of the problem but never allowed to be part of the solution”. I also found that this broad blame culture leads to feelings of worthlessness in young men and boys, which shuts down vital dialogue and also may lead them to resort to looking for direction from negative spaces such as the manosphere.

    It is evident from reports and evidence that young men and boys do carry out a large amount of reported sexual harassment and harms against young women and girls. This can be seen in the 2021 Ofsted report into sexual harassment in schools in England, for example. The 2025 2000 Women report states that, in the UK, a woman is killed by a man every three days.

    There is evidently a serious, endemic and complex problem. The misogyny that can be popularised by toxic influencers online also needs urgently addressing.

    But a “one-size-fits-all” approach to tackle “boys’ issues” may result in making things worse, not better, due to the lack of recognition of the intersectionality of boyhood. Other aspects of identity, such as race, age, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, sexuality and physical and mental health will have implications for the approaches that need to be taken.



    Read more:
    How to talk to boys about misogyny

    My ongoing research has demonstrated that boyhood means differing things to different boys. In steering groups with young men and boys from various ethnicities and differing social classes, a consistent theme emerged. This was a conflict between the internal and external self that the boys felt that they had to portray. This was also highlighted in a further 16 focus groups carried out on the project, again with a range of boys.

    The internal self refers to who the boys actually are, including other identity traits such as race and class, and all the other intersecting aspects of their identity. The external self is what they felt they should show as a boys to fit into the hierarchy of masculinity and how they should portray themselves to fit within the social expectations of being a boy. This causes a conflict of external and internal self.

    Efforts to help boys deal with issues such as the messages of the manosphere need to be attuned to the nuance of their internal selves. Generalising boys does not account for the individual identities that they bring to the issues that affect them.

    Boys as individuals

    The monolithic perspective of “boys” and the ensuing group blame oversimplifies complex issues, resulting in less than effective solutions and interventions that do not acknowledge or account for the nuances and complexities that surround individual boys.

    This approach ignores diversities and intersecting identities and steers societal thinking about boys as a set group. It risks stereotyping them and causing prejudicial approaches. When boys are stigmatised in such a way, it compounds issues across genders, breaks down valuable communication and can also cause resentment and hostility.

    One of the key voices and valuable perspectives that is missing from this debate is that of young men and boys themselves. We need to truly listen to their perspectives and their needs and build upon these as they are the experts in the world they are experiencing. Good practice accounts for and builds upon these experiences, with young people.

    My research has demonstrated that young people want to be a part of these discussions rather than having things decided for them. It also shows that, quite often, we are teaching them what they already know and providing support and education that is too little, too late. We need to move away from the broad brush blaming of boys and young men and begin to approach them based upon their own individual identities – of which gender is only a part.

    Sophie King-Hill receives funding from ESRC.

    – ref. Adolescence in schools: TV show’s portrayal of one boyhood may do more harm than good when used as a teaching tool – https://theconversation.com/adolescence-in-schools-tv-shows-portrayal-of-one-boyhood-may-do-more-harm-than-good-when-used-as-a-teaching-tool-253158

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under Cantwell Questioning, Boeing CEO Commits to Implementing New Safety Protocols In Next 6 Months

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    04.02.25
    Under Cantwell Questioning, Boeing CEO Commits to Implementing New Safety Protocols In Next 6 Months
    CEO Kelly Ortberg: ‘I’m absolutely committed to a mandatory Safety Management System. I appreciate your leadership there, and we’re working to get that done… by October of this year’; Cantwell has long advocated for mandatory Safety Management Systems industrywide, as opposed to voluntary compliance
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, questioned Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg on how the company is improving its safety protocols and culture and correcting defects during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
    “We’re here today, Mr. Ortberg, to see if Boeing and your new leadership are making the fundamental changes that we would like to see to return the trust,” Sen. Cantwell said in her opening remarks. “We shouldn’t forget that that success is also critical to our national security, to our economy. The company employs over 67,000 people in the State of Washington. I think the whole supply chain is well over 130,000 people, and contributes $79 billion to the American economy […] However, the company must address these manufacturing quality issues.”
    In her questioning, Sen. Cantwell focused on Boeing’s implementation of a mandatory, effective Safety Management System (SMS). An SMS is a set of policies and procedures to proactively identify and address potential operational hazards, complete with checks and redundancies to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
    Currently, Boeing adheres to a voluntary SMS that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Organization Designation Authorization Expert Review Panel found was not understood “by the average employee” – the panel issued a report last year with 27 findings of concern and 53 recommendations. FAA finally made SMS mandatory for aviation manufacturers last summer in response to requirements in the 2020 Cantwell-led Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA) to do so, but the FAA extended the timeline for manufacturers to have a fully implemented SMS until 2027.
    “The expert panel, I think they were very critical of the SMS structure that existed at Boeing under that voluntary structure. So how is it that this is going to change? And will you commit today to a fully functioning Safety Management System that meets the FAA standards?” Sen. Cantwell asked.
    Ortberg responded: “Senator, you’re right. We’ve been operating under a voluntary SMS for approximately the last four years, and I think the Alaska door accident was a cathartic moment for all of us to step back and look at what happened. How could this happen within the Safety Management System?
    “We had the expert panel. We also brought in outside consultants. The FAA did a comprehensive audit of our systems, and we found significant gaps in many of the processes that we use to implement our Safety Management System. Those gaps are all a part of our safety and quality plan that we’re working with the FAA to improve the overall performance.
    “I’m absolutely committed to a mandatory Safety Management System. I appreciate your leadership there, and we’re working to get that done. Actually, I’d like to have that in place by October of this year. We submitted our draft to the FAA, and we’re absolutely committed to move into a mandatory SMS.”
    Ortberg and Sen. Cantwell also discussed the need for the Pacific Northwest to develop a robust advanced aviation materials manufacturing industry – a key component of the Tech Hub designation awarded to a consortium of researchers and manufacturers based out of the Inland Northwest. Sen. Cantwell authored the Tech Hub program in the 2022 CHIPS & Science Act and secured program funding in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
              READ MORE:
              The Seattle Times:  Spokane facility gets $48M to boost thermoplastic research for planes
              The Spokesman Review: ‘America is handing the baton to Spokane’: Commerce Department awards $48 million to launch aerospace ‘tech hub’ in Airway Heights
    Sen. Cantwell asked: “Do you see this thermoplastics as a really game changing manufacturing technology focus? Is it really what people are saying?”
    Ortberg responded: “I think thermoplastics offer a huge advantage for the future, and probably more to streamline the production of aircraft. And so I think it is an important, one of those major, important technology areas we should be investing in, and I think it’s going to find its way into many applications in the future aircraft environment.”
    Sen. Cantwell: “Do you see it as something that if we neglect that we could fall behind in as a nation, juxtaposed (to) other countries?”
    Ortberg: “I think Europe has invested probably more than we have in general in this particular area. I don’t think we’re behind in a way that we can’t recover. I do think it’s an area that we need to continue to have overall focus, not just as the Boeing Company, but in terms of new technology evolution within the country.”
    Sen. Cantwell is a stalwart champion of implementing stronger aviation manufacturing safety regulations. Yesterday, she sent a letter to Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau urging him to examine whether Boeing has satisfied the conditions needed to reauthorize the company’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) renewal, which is set to expire next month.
    In February, she vehemently opposed Steven Bradbury as President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The main reason for her opposition was Bradbury’s decision under the first Trump administration to halt a rule requiring plane manufacturers to adhere to a mandatory SMS – just nine days after the first of the two fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018.
    “We need a leader on safety. We need someone who is going to make it the number one priority, not modify the rule to suit the industry,” Sen. Cantwell said during Bradbury’s committee hearing.
    In August 2024, Sen. Cantwell introduced the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act. The bill directs the FAA to:
    Convene an independent review panel that will make recommendations to help the FAA implement a robust, comprehensive Safety Management System across all lines of business at the agency, which includes Aviation Safety, Air Traffic Organization, Airports, Security & Hazardous Materials Safety, and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
    Develop and implement effective processes for performing root cause analyses to identify opportunities for improvement in the FAA’s execution of its regulatory oversight responsibilities.
    Revise its procedures to shorten the time that manufacturers have to prepare for audits from 50 days to one week. 
    Following the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident in January 2024, Sen. Cantwell has held a series of aviation safety hearings, along with leading legislation and letters calling for stronger safety oversight at the FAA.
    In January 2023 and January 2024, Sen. Cantwell requested that FAA perform a special technical audit of Boeing’s production line. The FAA later said the audit found multiple instances where Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.
    Sen. Cantwell held an April hearing to review the independent Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Expert Review Panel’s final report, a March 2024 hearing with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy on its investigation of the January incident and a June hearing with FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker on the agency’s oversight of aviation manufacturers.
    In May, Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Duckworth led the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes new measures to improve aviation safety, such as putting more safety inspectors on factory floors, addressing the nation’s shortage of air traffic controllers, deploying new runway technology to prevent close calls, mandating new 25-hour cockpit recording systems to assist in investigations, and enhancing aircraft certification reforms.
    The FAA Reauthorization Act builds upon the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act of 2020, spearheaded by Sen. Cantwell in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s opening statement today is HERE; video of her first round of Q&A with Ortberg is HERE; video of her second round of Q&A with Ortberg is HERE; video of her third round of Q&A with Ortberg is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To the participants and guests of the International Energy Forum “Energoprom”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The forum takes place from April 2 to 4 in Kazan.

    Dear friends!

    I welcome the participants and guests of the International Energy Forum.

    This is a platform where representatives of technology companies and science, experts conduct a constructive dialogue, exchange experiences, interesting ideas, best practices. And now, in the context of unprecedented sanctions, such meetings are becoming even more important.

    The fuel and energy complex is an important component of the Russian economy, including the development of production potential. Today, the industry faces strategic challenges, the solution of which determines the well-being of millions of our citizens and the achievement of technological sovereignty. First of all, this concerns ensuring the energy security of our country, developing the domestic energy market, and realizing the export potential.

    It is important to continue building and modernizing infrastructure, more actively implement innovations, and expand the use of renewable sources.

    I am confident that the forum will provide an opportunity to discuss promising areas of development of the fuel and energy complex, find answers to current challenges, strengthen partnerships, and conclude agreements on mutually beneficial cooperation.

    I wish you constructive work, implementation of planned activities, and further success for the benefit of Russia.

    M. Mishustin

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chinese barges and Taiwan Strait drills are about global power projection − not just a potential invasion

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Colin Flint, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utah State University

    A Mulberry Harbour for the 21st century. Image from video posted on Weibo via Chinese state media.

    Is China intent on a D-Day style invasion of Taiwan?

    Certainly that has been the tone of some of the reporting following the emergence of photos and videos depicting massive new Chinese barges designed for land-to-sea military operations. The fact that China launched a two-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait on April 1, 2025, has only intensified such fears.

    To me, the curious thing regarding these musings about a potential war involving China, which has one of the world’s most advanced militaries, is that it is supported by reference to technology first used some 80 years ago – specifically, the Mulberry Harbours, floating piers that allowed Allies to deploy land vehicles onto the beaches at Normandy on June 6, 1944.

    As an expert on the history and geopolitics of the Mulberry Harbours, I believe using the World War II example obscures far more than it clarifies with regard to the geopolitical situation today. Indeed, while the new Chinese ships may be operationally similar to their historical forebears, the strategic situation in China and Taiwan is far different.

    Disquiet on the Pacific front?

    The possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, an island the Chinese Communist Party sees as part of its territory, is perhaps the most pressing security issue for countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Beijing has increasingly ratcheted up the aggressive rhetoric toward the government in Taipei during the premiership of President Xi Jinping. While one reading of Xi is that his rhetoric is in part a strategic move to burnish Chinese power globally, labeling Taiwan as a renegade or breakaway province is, for many, a clear indication of an intention to invade and bring the island within the geography of Chinese sovereignty.

    From the U.S. perspective, the Trump administration gave early signals that it saw China as the main threat to its national security, though Washington’s commitments to the defense of Taiwan remain uncertain, much like the president’s ultimate policy views toward Beijing.

    Aside from the geopolitics, any China decision to invade Taiwan would mean attempting an extremely challenging military operation that is, historically speaking, a risky proposition. Seaborne invasions have often led to high casualties or even outright failure.

    The Gallipoli landings on the coast of Turkey during World War I, for example, led to the withdrawal of mainly Australian and New Zealand forces after high casualties and barely any territorial gains. In World War II, island-hopping by U.S. forces to push back Japan’s advance achieved strategic goals – but at a high human cost.

    The difficulty posed by sea-to-land invasion is not just the battles on Day 1, it is the logistical challenge of continuing to funnel troops and materiel to sustain a push out from the beachhead. That’s where the barges come into play.

    About those WWII barges …

    British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was skeptical of opening a front against Nazi Germany by a landing on the French coast – a position that frustrated the United States. The main concern of Churchill and his generals was the logistical puzzle. They reasoned that Germany would either retain control of French ports or sabotage them, and that tanks, guns, food, soldiers and other necessities were not going to be brought up from reserve via ports.

    The Mulberry Harbours fixed that problem by creating a set of floating piers that would rise up and down with the tide by being fixed to sophisticated anchors. Ships could moor to these piers and unload needed material. The piers were protected by an inner ring of concrete caissons, dragged across the channel and sunk into position, and an outer breakwater of scuttled ships. The Mulberry Harbours were a combination of cutting-edge pier technology and improvisation.

    Construction of a Mulberry Harbour, and the unloading of supplies for the Allies at Colleville, France, in 1944.
    Three Lions/Getty Images

    The images of Chinese invasion barges today show that the technology has advanced, but the principle of an operational need for logistical support of a beachhead breakout is the same.

    Yet the geography of any invasion is very different. In World War II, the Mulberry Harbours were part of an invasion from an island to conquer a continent. But a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be the inverse – from a continent to an island.

    Great power politics, Chinese characteristics

    The use of Mulberry Harbours, as innovative as it was, was only a moment in a longer geopolitical process.

    The D-Day invasion was the culmination of the transfer of U.S. military might across the Atlantic through Operation Bolero. Simply, the United Kingdom became a giant warehouse – mainly for U.S. soldiers and equipment.

    The Mulberry Harbours made the crossing of the English Channel possible for these men and weapons. It was the last step in the projection of U.S. power across the Atlantic Ocean and on to the European continent. I describe this as a process of a seapower moving from its near or coastal waters to far waters in another part of the globe.

    The calculation for China is very different. Certainly, barges would help an invasion across the Taiwan Strait. But China sees Taiwan as part of its near waters, and it wants to secure those waters from global competition.

    Beijing views the U.S. as having established a military presence just off its coastline from World War II to the present day, making the western Pacific another set of U.S. far waters across the globe accompanying its European presence. From its perspective, China is surrounded by a U.S. military based in Okinawa, Guam and the Philippines. This chain of bases could restrict China’s ambition through blockade, and controlling Taiwan would help China create a gap in this chain.

    Of course, China does not just have an eye on its near waters. It has also created a far water presence of its own in its building of an ocean-going military navy, established a military base in Djibouti, and through its Belt and Road Initiative become an economic and political presence across the Indian, Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic oceans.

    Chinese invasion barges could be deployed quite early in China’s process of moving from near to far waters. The Mulberry Harbours, conversely, were deployed once the U.S. had already secured its Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific near waters.

    Part of a process

    Technical matters and historical comparisons with the Mulberry Harbours are an interesting way to look at the new Chinese invasion barges and consider the operational scale of geopolitics. But as with the World War II case, China-Taiwan tensions are simply a modern example of a local theater – this time, the Taiwanese Strait – being part of a greater global process of power projection. The comparisons to Mulberry Harbours, therefore, are not with the technology itself but its role in a mechanism of historical geopolitical change.

    The reemergence of the technology of invasion barges may be a sign that a new conflict is on the horizon. If that were the case, the irony is that China would be using Mulberry Harbour-type technology to secure its position in the western Pacific at the same time the Trump administration is questioning the strategic value of the U.S. presence in Europe – a presence established through World War II and, at least in part, the use of the Mulberry Harbours.

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

    – ref. Chinese barges and Taiwan Strait drills are about global power projection − not just a potential invasion – https://theconversation.com/chinese-barges-and-taiwan-strait-drills-are-about-global-power-projection-not-just-a-potential-invasion-253408

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘How was school today?’ How to help kids open up and say more than ‘fine’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeleine Fraser, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Australian Catholic University

    One of the first things parents want to ask their children after school is “how was your day?” We simply want to know how they are going and what happened at school.

    But these conversations can feel like pulling teeth. Often you may only get a “good” or “fine” (if you’re lucky).

    Why are children reluctant to divulge information about their day and how can you encourage more details?

    Why don’t kids like to talk?

    School can be overwhelming – with diverse social, academic and physical demands.

    It may seem simple, but a genuine answer to the “how was school today” question requires considerable effort and decision making to synthesise information from a busy day. A child may also be hesitant to answer if they think a parent’s response might be anger, worry or confusion.

    Children are also likely to be hungry and tired straight after school. They are probably thinking about a snack before a chat. If you think of psychologist Abraham Maslow’s famous theory about a “hierarchy of needs”, survival needs like hunger are ideally met before communication and connection.

    Children have also not yet fully developed a theory of mind (an ability to image what’s going on in another person’s mind). So they might not understand why their parent is asking about school or what it is they want to know.

    How can you prepare for a chat?

    There are several things you can do to encourage a more informative conversation with your child.

    1. Consider the purpose: ask yourself whether you want to gather information or simply connect with your child. To have a moment of connection you could simply say, “I’m so happy to see you” at the school gate. To seek information, ask a very specific question (that requires little mental effort on your child’s part). For example, “did you have your spelling test today”, rather than “what did you learn?”

    3. Check your timing: instead of asking your child right after school, consider waiting. Better conversations may instead happen after the child decompresses with a favourite game and a snack, over dinner or even on way to school the next morning.

    Try creating a routine to help your child prepare their answer, like the “rose dinner”. At the dinner table, everyone shares their daily “thorn” (something difficult or upsetting) and “petal” (something pleasant).

    3. Consider the space: face-to-face conversations can create pressure and feel like an interrogation. This is why it’s common for psychologists to place therapy chairs on a slight angle to promote a calm, relaxed atmosphere where it is easier to disclose difficult things.

    So try and do activities where you are side-by-side with your child. For example, walking or driving, doing craft, playing Lego, sport or cooking. Your child may spontaneously raise a topic – or you can model the conversation by talking about your day first.

    It might be easier to talk during a walk or play outside.
    Stock Rocket/Shutterstock

    Time to chat

    To create a comfortable, safe environment for your child during the chat, here are four more things to consider.

    1. Really listen: if your child initiates a conversation, bring your full attention and enthusiasm to it (which means putting your phone away). If you are busy thinking about what you’re going to say next while your child is speaking, this is not high-quality listening.

    Show you are listening by paraphrasing what they are saying or identifying their feelings. This helps them to feel like they are being listened to and understood.

    If your child opens up about something important and they sense you are not supporting them or concentrating, you’re discouraging them from opening up in the future.

    2. Be compassionate and curious: the urge to protect our kids is strong, but instead of trying to “solve” or “teach” them when they are talking, don’t be afraid of silence and curious questions. Curiosity helps us show we care, and allows the child to own their own experiences and reactions, rather than parents telling them how to feel.

    For example, “Nick said I couldn’t play with him” could be responded to with “what was that like for you?” rather than outrage (“that’s horrible of Nick!”).

    3. Celebrate strengths: when your child is talking, listen out for implicit strengths and values in what your child has shared. Having a parent highlight an area of strength or skill for a child helps build their sense of self. For example, “it sounds like that upset you because you value fairness”.

    4. Follow up: if your child speaks about upcoming events, check back in. For example, “last week you mentioned you were nervous about basketball trials, how are you feeling now?” This also shows you have listened.

    There is no magic formula: each conversation is as different as the individuals who are part of it. So experiment with these ideas and take notice of what works for you and your child.

    Madeleine Fraser 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. ‘How was school today?’ How to help kids open up and say more than ‘fine’ – https://theconversation.com/how-was-school-today-how-to-help-kids-open-up-and-say-more-than-fine-252289

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Invisible losses: thousands of plant species are missing from places they could thrive – and humans are the reason

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology, Macquarie University

    Samantha Terrell/Shutterstock

    If you go walking in the wild, you might expect that what you’re seeing is natural. All around you are trees, shrubs and grasses growing in their natural habitat.

    But there’s something here that doesn’t add up. Across the world, there are large areas of habitat which would suit native plant species just fine. But very often, they’re simply absent.

    Our new research gauges the scale of this problem, known as “dark diversity”. Our international team of 200 scientists examined plant species in thousands of sites worldwide.

    What we found was startling. In regions heavily affected by our activities, only about 20% of native plant species able to live there were actually present. But even in areas with very little human interference, ecosystems only contained about 33% of viable plant species.

    Why so few species in wilder areas? Our impact. Pollution can spread far from the original source, while conversion of habitat to farms, logging and human-caused fires have ripple effects too.

    Conspicuous by their absence

    Our activities have become a planet-shaping force, from changing the climate through our emissions to farming 44% of all habitable land. As our footprint has expanded, other species have been pushed to extinction. The rates of species loss are unprecedented in recorded history.

    When we think about biodiversity loss, we might think of a once-common animal species losing numbers and range as farms, cities and feral predators expand. But we are also losing species from within protected areas and national parks.

    To date, the accelerating loss of species has been largely observed at large scale, such as states or even whole countries. Almost 600 plant species have gone extinct since 1750 – and this is likely a major underestimate. Extinction hotspots include Hawaii (79 species) and South Africa’s unique fynbos scrublands (37 species).

    But tracking the fate of our species has been difficult to do at a local scale, such as within a national park or nature reserve.

    Similarly, when scientists do traditional biodiversity surveys, we count the species previously recorded in an area and look for changes. But we haven’t tended to consider the species that could grow there – but don’t.

    Many plants have been declining so rapidly they are now threatened with extinction.

    What did we do?

    To get a better gauge of biodiversity losses at smaller scale, we worked alongside scientists from the international research network DarkDivNet to examine almost 5,500 sites across 119 regions worldwide. This huge body of fieldwork took years and required navigating global challenges such as COVID-19 and political and economic instability.

    At each 100 square metre site, our team sampled all plant species present against the species found in the surrounding region. We defined regions as areas of approximately 300 square kilometres with similar environmental conditions.

    Just because a species can grow somewhere doesn’t mean it would. To make sure we were recording which species were genuinely missing, we looked at how often each absent species was found growing alongside the species growing at our chosen sites at other sampled sites in the region. This helped us detect species well-suited to a habitat but missing from it.

    We then cross-matched data on these missing species against how big the local human impact was by using the Human Footprint Index, which measures population density, land use and infrastructure.

    Of the eight components of this index, six had a clear influence on how many plant species were missing: human population density, electric infrastructure, railways, roads, built environments and croplands. Another component, navigable waterways, did not have a clear influence.

    Interestingly, the final component – pastures kept by graziers – was not linked to fewer plant species. This could be because semi-natural grasslands are used as pasture in areas such as Central Asia, Africa’s Sahel region and Argentina. Here, long-term moderate human influence can actually maintain highly diverse and well-functioning ecosystems through practices such as grazing livestock, cultural burning and hay making.

    Semi-natural pastures preserve many different plant species. Pictured: the Hulunbuir grasslands in Inner Mongolia, China.
    Dashu Xinganling/Shutterstock

    Overall, though, the link between greater human presence and fewer plant species was very clear. Seemingly pristine ecosystems hundreds of kilometres from direct disturbance had been affected.

    These effects can come from many causes. For instance, poaching and logging often take place far from human settlements. Poaching an animal species might mean a plant species loses a key pollinator or way to disperse its seeds in the animal’s dung. Over time, disruptions to the web of relationships in the natural world can erode ecosystems and result in fewer plant species. Poachers and illegal loggers also cut “ghost roads” into pristine areas.

    Other causes include fires started by humans, which can threaten national parks and other safe havens. Pollution can travel and settle hundreds of kilometres from its source, affecting ecosystems.

    Our far-reaching influence can also hinder the return of plant species, even in protected areas. As humans expand their activities, they often carve up natural areas into fragments cut off from each other. This can isolate plant populations. Similarly, the loss of seed-spreading animals can stop plants from recolonising former habitat.

    What does this mean?

    Biodiversity loss is not just about species going extinct. It’s about ecosystems quietly losing their richness, resilience and functions.

    Protecting land is not enough. The damage we can do can reach deep into conservation areas.

    Was there good news? Yes. In regions where at least a third of the landscape had minimal human disturbance, there was less of this hidden biodiversity loss.

    As we work to conserve nature, our work points to a need not just to preserve what’s left but to bring back what’s missing. Now we know what species are missing in an area but still present regionally, we can begin that work.

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

    – ref. Invisible losses: thousands of plant species are missing from places they could thrive – and humans are the reason – https://theconversation.com/invisible-losses-thousands-of-plant-species-are-missing-from-places-they-could-thrive-and-humans-are-the-reason-252378

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: State of the states: six politics experts explain the key seats across the country

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Clune, Honorary Associate, Government and International Relations, University of Sydney

    The five-week election campaign is now in full swing throughout the nation.

    Amid the flurry of photo opportunities and press conferences, candidates campaign in specific areas for a reason: to shore up or win back key seats.

    But which seats are key? Here, six experts explain the seats to watch in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

    New South Wales

    David Clune, honorary associate, government and international relations, University of Sydney

    How the 2025 federal election will play out in NSW is difficult to predict for two reasons.

    The first is the recent redistribution which, as ABC analyst Antony Green’s pendulum shows, has redefined many electoral boundaries.

    The second is the number of crossbench MPs. There are three Teals in formerly safe Liberal seats: Mackellar (Sophie Scamps), Warringah (Zali Steggall) and Wentworth (Allegra Spender). Teal Kylie Tink’s seat of North Sydney has been abolished.

    All were lifted into parliament by the rising tide of resentment against former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Now that tide has gone out, the survival of these MPs depends on how they have performed as local members. The overall impression is that they have done well in connecting with their constituents and will be hard to shift.

    There is a chance the formerly safe upper north shore seat of Bradfield could augment their numbers. Teal Nicolette Boele gave Liberal Paul Fletcher a very uncomfortable election night in 2022 when she slashed his majority. After the redistribution, the Liberals hold the seat by a narrow 2.5%. Fletcher is not recontesting. Boele is running a well-financed campaign with a lot of grass roots support.

    The redistribution has pushed many former North Sydney voters into Bradfield. Whether they remain Teal or revert to being true-blue Liberals remains to be seen.

    Much of the rest of the former North Sydney has gone into the very marginal Labor seat of Bennelong, which is now notionally marginal Liberal.

    The Nationals have a problem in Calare, where former Nationals MP, now independent, Andrew Gee, is recontesting. The Nationals are also facing challenges from the left on the upper north coast due to demographic change. They hold Cowper by 2.4%.

    Liberal-aligned independent, Dai Le, narrowly won Fowler in Sydney’s western suburbs in 2023. Labor has endorsed Tu Le, also of Vietnamese descent, in what promises to be a tough fight. Parramatta is another marginal seat in the western suburbs, held by Labor’s Andrew Charlton with a two-party preferred margin of 3.7%.

    The government is concerned about seats on the central coast and in the Hunter and Illawarra regions, where concerns about wind farms and job losses due to renewable energy are a major issue. Most of the government’s vulnerable seats are in these areas: Gilmore, Robertson, Paterson and Hunter would all be lost with a two-party-preferred swing of 5%.

    Queensland

    Paul Williams, associate professor in politics and journalism, Griffith University

    For decades we said Queensland was a key “battleground” in federal elections where seats north of the Tweed so often held the keys to The Lodge.

    The 1975 election saw the Coalition leave Labor with a single seat, and the 1996 poll bequeath Labor just two. Conversely, Labor’s Kevin Rudd rode to victory on his nine-seat haul in in 2007, with Rudd losing seven of those in 2010.

    But, for the past 15 years, federal elections have seen little movement in Queensland except, of course, for 2022 when the Greens won three seats. In short, Queensland is no longer the “make-or-break” state. Even the retirements of Keith Pitt (Hinkler), Karen Andrews (McPherson), Warren Entsch (Leichhardt) and Graham Perrett (Moreton) will hardly affect the mood.

    The electoral pendulum confirms this. Labor holds just five of Queensland’s 30 seats, with Blair – a mix of outer-suburban and regional proclivities – Labor’s most marginal, but still held by a healthy 5.2% buffer. Given the two-party-preferred (2PP) swing to the Liberal-National Party (LNP) in Queensland will likely be under five percentage points – far lower than the 7.0% two-party-preferred swing the LNP attained at last October’s state election – the Coalition is unlikely to seize any more Labor property.

    Conversely, despite the LNP holding seven Queensland seats on margins under 5%, the electoral tide is well and truly out for a Labor Party, whose Queensland brand is damaged at all levels. Inflation and housing shortages have hit Queensland hard, and especially so in the regions. Peter Dutton’s seat of Dickson – the LNP’s most marginal on just 1.7% – is therefore safe.

    Climate action and other “community” candidates (some reject the “Teal” moniker) are standing on the Gold Coast (McPherson and Moncrieff), on the Sunshine Coast (Fisher and Fairfax), and in Groom and Dickson. None will win, but some will carve out a respectable primary vote.

    All eyes will instead be on the cashed-up inner-urban seats of Ryan (potentially returning to the LNP), Griffith (a possible Labor win) and Brisbane (a genuine three-way race) – all three useful, but not essential, to Labor’s pathway to minority government.

    In the Northern Territory, Labor’s Marion Scrymgour holds Lingiari by 1.7%, making that seat one to watch.

    South Australia

    Rob Manwaring, associate professor of politics and public policy, Flinders University

    South Australia is rarely a key battleground in federal elections, and only comprises ten electoral seats.

    There are, however, three key seats worth watching as they will tell us a lot about how the election campaign is playing out: Sturt, Boothby and Mayo.

    In Sturt, the Liberals hold this key seat in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs with a margin of 0.5%. A fresh challenge for the incumbent James Stevens is that he faces a threat from SA’s first real Teal candidate, Verity Cooper. This potentially pulls this seat into a three-way fight.

    Boothby, in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, will be a good litmus test of how well Labor’s campaign is performing. Labor won the seat for the first time ever in 2022, and Louise Miller-Frost has a 3.3% margin. Liberal candidate Nicolle Flint is resurrecting her political ambitions and would be a useful ally for Peter Dutton, if she were to win.

    Finally – a question – does Rebekah Sharkie like pizza? Infamously, when state Labor Premier Jay Weatherill needed a critical independent vote to secure office in 2014, he drove to Port Pirie and brokered a deal over pizza with Geoff Brock. Sharkie holds the seat of Mayo in the Adelaide Hills as a member of the Centre Alliance party with a safe 12.3% margin. Sharkie aligns herself with the Teals, and if a Dutton-led victory looks likely, then she may well be ordering her favourite slice to thrash out the terms of any support.

    Tasmania

    Robert Hortle, deputy director of the Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania

    There are two main seats to watch in Tasmania.

    The large, rural seat of Lyons is one of the most marginal in the country. Labor’s Brian Mitchell won with a 0.9% margin in 2022, but he’s made way for Rebecca White. Despite an underwhelming record as Tasmanian Labor Leader – three state election defeats – White is very popular in Lyons. However, Liberal candidate Susie Bower was somewhat unlucky to lose in 2022 after winning 37.2% of the primary vote, and has been in campaign mode for the past three years.

    On the surface, Franklin – Australia’s only non-contiguous electorate – looks like a safe Labor seat. Julie Collins, the MP since 2007 and a cabinet minister, has a 13.7% margin. But her primary vote fell in 2022, and community backlash against salmon farming in Franklin’s waterways – which Labor and the Coalition both support – could make her vulnerable.

    If independent Peter George (former journalist and anti-salmon campaigner) can get ahead of the low-profile Liberal candidate at some point in the count, Liberal preferences may get him across the line.

    Two other Tasmanian seats are unlikely to change hands, but feature some interesting dynamics.

    Liberal MP Bridget Archer’s 1.4% margin in the northern seat of Bass might look vulnerable. However, she managed a strong primary vote in 2022 despite a big swing against the Liberal Party. She’s very popular in the community for her willingness to stick to her values – even if it means voting against her party 28 times – and should hold her seat despite rumours of internal moves against her.

    In Braddon, long-serving Labor Senator Anne Urquhart has quit the upper house to run. Incumbent Liberal MP Gavin Pearce is retiring, and his replacement candidate, Mal Hingston, is a bit of an unknown. It’s unlikely Urquhart will be able to overturn the 8% two-party preferred margin, but prominence in the community might give her a glimmer of hope.

    Another point of interest is who will pick up the votes won by the Jaquie Lambie Network (JLN) in 2022. The JLN is not running candidates following a spectacular implosion at state level – and where those voters find a home could be crucial, particularly in Lyons.

    Victoria

    Zareh Ghazarian, senior lecturer in politics, school of social sciences, Monash University

    Victoria is shaping up to be a crucial state for the major parties. Several seats are held by the Labor and coalition parties with a margin of less than 5%.

    According to Antony Green, Chisholm is the most marginal seat Labor currently holds. The eastern Melbourne seat has been held by both major parties over the past 30 years.

    Next up is Aston, further east of Chisholm, which Labor won at arguably the Liberal Party’s lowest ebb in this electoral cycle at a byelection in 2023.

    McEwen, on the other hand, is a provincial electorate to the north of Melbourne. Holding onto these three seats will be a significant feat for Anthony Albanese and may set up Labor to hold a majority government.

    For the Coalition, the most marginal seat is Deakin, which is a neighbouring electorate to Aston and Chisholm. The seat is held by a margin of just 0.02%, making it the most marginal in the country.

    Monash is also a very interesting seat as it was won by Russell Broadbent, who lost Liberal Party preselection and has decided to run as an independent. His local profile may provide a boost to his primary vote, but may not necessarily be enough to win the seat, which will likely be held by the Liberals.

    The Coalition will be in trouble if it fails to retain any of its seats in Victoria. It would need to reclaim Chisholm and Aston if it has any chance of forming majority government.

    Other seats to watch include Kooyong, held by Monique Ryan with a margin of 2.2% who defeated Josh Frydenberg in 2022, and Goldstein, held by Zoe Daniel with a margin of 3.3% after defeating Liberal Tim Wilson. These will be a test of whether the Liberal Party is able to reconnect with voters who had traditionally supported them in the past.

    Western Australia

    Narelle Miragliotta, associate professor in politics, Murdoch University

    The five WA seats to watch are Curtin, Bullwinkel, Forrest, Pearce and Tangney.

    The affluent inner metropolitan seat of Curtin is held by Teal Kate Chaney on a 1.3% margin. The Liberal’s 2022 defeat was existential and the party are investing heavily in reclaiming it, although Chaney is not likely to be outspent entirely, or outmanoeuvred.

    Bullwinkel is a new seat on the eastern fringes of Perth. The majority of its voters are in the metropolitan area, but the seat also takes in regional parts of the state. The seat’s geography and lack of incumbent led to the Nationals fielding Mia Davies, who was leader of the Nationals in the state parliament between 2017 and 2023.

    As a result, this notional Labor seat is the site of a fierce three-way contest. YouGov projects a “Coalition” gain, although the outcome will be influenced by whether the Liberals and Nationals can contain simmering hostilities.

    Forrest, in the state’s southwest, is held by the Liberals on a 4.2% margin. The retirement of the incumbent and the presence of a Climate 200-backed candidate, adds an interesting dimension to the contest.

    Pearce, in the state’s far north, is held by Labor on a comfortable 8.8% margin. However, it’s one of the most indebted electorates in the nation, and the state Labor government experienced large swings against it in outer suburban and regional state electorates earlier this year.

    Tangney, in the state’s southern suburbs, was a major win for Labor in 2022. A blue-ribbon inner-city seat held uninterrupted by the Liberals since the early 1980s, Tangney is Labor’s most marginal WA seat (2.6% margin). To Labor’s advantage is the fact that several of the once-safe Liberal inner metro electorates within Tangney’s boundaries have recently voted with Labor at a state level. However, it will be a tight contest.

    Paul Williams is a research associate with the T.J. Ryan Foundation.

    Rob Manwaring receives funding from the Australian Research Council for a Discovery project on political parties and associated entities.

    David Clune, Narelle Miragliotta, Robert Hortle, and Zareh Ghazarian do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. State of the states: six politics experts explain the key seats across the country – https://theconversation.com/state-of-the-states-six-politics-experts-explain-the-key-seats-across-the-country-253123

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde: A “European moment” in an inverted world

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, on the occasion of the conferral of the Sutherland Leadership Award in Dublin, Ireland

    Dublin, 2 April 2025

    It is an honour to receive the Sutherland Leadership Award.

    There are moments in history when things that were once set in stone become fluid. Institutions, norms and alliances that seemed timeless can suddenly be remade.

    These moments typically come only once in a generation. Peter Sutherland faced such a juncture when the Cold War ended. The collapse of the Soviet Union could have ushered in a period of global instability and turmoil.

    But Peter demonstrated skilful leadership to leverage the defining geopolitical event of his time. As head of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, he successfully led the world’s largest trade negotiation, involving over 120 countries, which ushered in an era of unprecedented global cooperation and prosperity.[1]

    Compared with Peter’s era, however, the geopolitical landscape we face today has been turned upside down. We can see this inverted world playing out in different ways.

    After the Cold War, the global economy was generally one of openness, integration and certainty. Everyone benefited from a hegemon, the United States, that was committed to a multilateral, rules-based order. This allowed trade and investment to flourish.

    But today we must contend with closure, fragmentation and uncertainty.

    Geopolitical rivalries are spurring protectionism and upending global supply chains. The international institutions that Peter helped to build are facing increasing challenges. And one index of trade policy uncertainty now stands at more than eight times its average value since 2021.[2]

    This landscape poses a serious challenge for Europe on two fronts.

    Economically, it risks compounding existing issues like sluggish productivity growth and weak competitiveness. Europe’s reliance on external trade – its trade-to-GDP ratio is about twice that of the United States – makes it vulnerable to trade headwinds. On top of this, pronounced uncertainty may hold back the investment necessary for Europe’s recovery.

    Strategically, this new environment could also heighten our security vulnerabilities. We can no longer fully count on the security arrangements that have stood in place since the Second World War. If a security vacuum should arise, it may encourage opportunism by hostile actors on Europe’s doorstep.

    Yet despite this challenging landscape, I see a tremendous opportunity for Europe.

    Just as in Peter’s time, the structures that once seemed permanent are now becoming fluid again. And just as he did, we can harness the momentum created by geopolitical events to drive positive change.

    So how can we – as Europeans – rise to the moment?

    We can do so by embracing a simple idea that, at first glance, seems contradictory, but which in an inverted world makes perfect sense: we must cooperate to compete. And in doing so, we must also leverage our competitive advantage.

    On the economic front, we need to work together to simplify and scale up our economy so that we can hold our own in a world dominated by economic giants. If we do so, we can attract talent and investment.

    That means integrating our capital markets, allowing Europe’s ample savings to fund our much-needed investments. And following the powerful example set by Peter during his time as European Commissioner in the 1980s, it means removing internal barriers that stand in the way of our Single Market, allowing our firms to scale more easily and compete more effectively.[3]

    There is clear momentum on this front. The reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi have opened the way. And with its Competitiveness Compass, the European Commission has put forward a concrete roadmap with milestones that should be urgently implemented.

    But we cannot stop halfway and we are pressed for time. As we scale up our economy, we need to scale up our decision-making to match it – and thereby stand tall and be heard.

    At a time when major economies are adopting cohesive strategic agendas – using tariffs, for example, to extract concessions on other strategic goals – Europe cannot afford to be disunited. If we cannot take decisions in a European way, then others will use that against us.

    To stand our ground, we need to be able to act as a single entity across several key areas. And that means we need to structurally change how we make decisions.

    We know what stands in our way: a historical tradition whereby a single veto can scupper the collective interest of 26 other countries. But given the geopolitical shift at hand, I am convinced that national and European interests have never been so aligned. In this inverted world, more qualified majority voting would therefore be inherently more democratic.

    I have no doubt that we can unleash a “European moment” – if leaders are willing to seize it.

    If it sounds like I am confident about Europe’s future, it is because I am. But I am in good company here tonight. A recent survey finds that of all the Member States, the Irish are the most optimistic about the EU’s future, and they are among the strongest supporters of the euro.[4]

    This sense of optimism is perhaps rooted in Ireland’s extraordinary transformation in recent decades. And here I am reminded of the words of Oscar Wilde, who once wrote, “Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.”[5]

    Ireland put those conditions in place during the most challenging of times, and has reaped the rewards. It is now incumbent on Europe to do the same.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: University of the Philippines Resilience Institute

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    As a University arm in providing service to the nation, the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute envisions people, institutions and communities that are resilient to disaster and climate change risks. This shall be done by empowering them with open, accessible, accurate, understandable, and timely risk-based information and by developing a culture of safety and preparedness. It adopts the whole of government, nation and society approach and the trans-disciplinary science, arts, and humanities.

    DRR activities

    UP NOAH Website and Mobile Application

    The UP NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) website and mobile application is an initiative by the University of the Philippines (UP) that provides real-time weather, flood, landslide, and other disaster-related data for the Philippines. It aims to enhance disaster risk reduction and management by offering scientific tools and hazard maps to local governments, emergency responders, and the general public.

    Basics of Resilience Massive Open Online Courses

    The Basics of Resilience is a free, self-paced MOOC collaboratively offered by the UPRI and the UP Open University (UPOU). This foundational course aims to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills to understand and implement DRRM, as well as CCAM strategies.

    Scientific and Policy Research

    UPRI is dedicated to advancing scientific and policy research aimed at enhancing disaster resilience and climate adaptation in the Philippines. UPRI undertakes a variety of research initiatives, including policy research, action research, and interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary studies, all aimed at producing and applying new knowledge in DRRM. 

    Probabilistic Risk Assessment

    UPRI advocates for the implementation of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) to enhance disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in the Philippines. PRA is a systematic approach that evaluates the likelihood and potential impacts of various hazard scenarios, including those beyond historical records, by incorporating uncertainty and randomness into risk analysis. This method contrasts with deterministic assessments, which typically consider only single, often historical, scenarios.​ UPRI emphasizes the necessity of PRA in national development planning to anticipate and prepare for future hazards that may surpass those previously experienced. 

    Capacity Building of Higher Education Institutions

    UPRI actively enhances disaster resilience and climate adaptation capacities across the University of the Philippines System and other state universities and colleges (SUCs) through various strategic initiatives. UPRI actively collaborates with various SUCs to co-create local knowledge and build capacity in disaster resilience. These partnerships are crucial for formulating effective DRRM strategies tailored to local contexts. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lagniappe for April 2025

    Source: NASA

    Explore Lagniappe for April 2025 featuring:

    NASA-Sponsored FIRST Robotics Welcomes Teams to Magnolia Regional
    NASA Leaders Visit Representatives
    Blood Moon in South Mississippi

    New beginnings feel a lot like the month of April. It is the heart of spring and the season that symbolizes growth and renewal.
    April is the perfect time to break free from old routines and try something new.
    If you have landed here in this website corner of our digital world, consider this your open invitation to continue ahead on the journey with NASA Stennis by following us on social media.
    It is time to say goodbye to the Lagniappe publication as we know it, but do not worry. All of the great news about the center and its frontline activities still will be available, just in a new way – via our social media platforms! Gator wants you to feel more connected than ever as we continue to help power space dreams in south Mississippi. Moving forward, join NASA Stennis in our digital playground for even more of that extra-something special.
    This playground is not limited to only fun, or making new friends, or learning new stuff.
    Whether you are on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or X, there is a place, and space, for all of that and more. 
    As we close out the website edition of NASA Stennis Lagniappe, we turn the page and look forward to new possibilities ahead.
    Let’s keep building one connection at a time because here at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site, it is more than just content.
    It is where the NASA Stennis team will continue building on its proven expertise in all areas of work, and where you will have a front row seat to experience it unfold.
    So, click the links below to become a NASA Stennis follower today. Then, invite your friends to become followers as well.

    > Back to Top

    NASA-Sponsored FIRST Robotics Welcomes Teams to Magnolia Regional

    > Back to Top

    NASA Leaders Visit Representatives

    NASA Space Flight Awareness Program Recognizes Stennis Employees
    NASA’s Stennis Space Center employees were recognized with Honoree Awards from NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Program during a March 10 ceremony in Orlando, Florida, for outstanding support of human spaceflight.

    Blood Moon in South Mississippi

    U.S. Senator’s Staff Visit NASA Stennis

    NASA Stennis Hosts Leadership Class

    NASA Stennis Interns Tour Site

    Rocket Test Group Visits NASA Stennis
    NASA Stennis partnered with Mississippi Enterprise for Technology to host more than 100 members of the 57th Rocket Test Group on March 18-19.
    The group toured the south Mississippi NASA center on March 19, learning how NASA Stennis operates as NASA’s primary, and America’s largest, rocket propulsion test site to serve the nation and commercial sector with its unique capabilities and expertise.

    > Back to Top

    NASA’s Artemis II Orion Service Module Buttoned Up for Launch – NASA
    Welcome Home! NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Back on Earth After Science Mission – NASA
    NASA Science Continues After Firefly’s First Moon Mission Concludes – NASA
    NASA Artemis II Core Stage Goes Horizontal Ahead of Final Integration – NASA

    > Back to Top

    A career path can unfold in unexpected ways. Ask NASA’s Rebecca Mataya. The journey to NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was not planned but “meant to be,” she said.

    > Back to Top

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Webb Explores Effect of Strong Magnetic Fields on Star Formation

    Source: NASA

    Follow-up research on a 2023 image of the Sagittarius C stellar nursery in the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, has revealed ejections from still-forming protostars and insights into the impact of strong magnetic fields on interstellar gas and the life cycle of stars.  
    “A big question in the Central Molecular Zone of our galaxy has been, if there is so much dense gas and cosmic dust here, and we know that stars form in such clouds, why are so few stars born here?” said astrophysicist John Bally of the University of Colorado Boulder, one of the principal investigators. “Now, for the first time, we are seeing directly that strong magnetic fields may play an important role in suppressing star formation, even at small scales.”
    Detailed study of stars in this crowded, dusty region has been limited, but Webb’s advanced near-infrared instruments have allowed astronomers to see through the clouds to study young stars like never before.
    “The extreme environment of the galactic center is a fascinating place to put star formation theories to the test, and the infrared capabilities of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope provide the opportunity to build on past important observations from ground-based telescopes like ALMA and MeerKAT,” said Samuel Crowe, another principal investigator on the research, a senior undergraduate at the University of Virginia and a 2025 Rhodes Scholar.
    Bally and Crowe each led a paper published in The Astrophysical Journal.

    In Sagittarius C’s brightest cluster, the researchers confirmed the tentative finding from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) that two massive stars are forming there. Along with infrared data from NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope and SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) mission, as well as the Herschel Space Observatory, they used Webb to determine that each of the massive protostars is already more than 20 times the mass of the Sun. Webb also revealed the bright outflows powered by each protostar.
    Even more challenging is finding low-mass protostars, still shrouded in cocoons of cosmic dust. Researchers compared Webb’s data with ALMA’s past observations to identify five likely low-mass protostar candidates.
    The team also identified 88 features that appear to be shocked hydrogen gas, where material being blasted out in jets from young stars impacts the surrounding gas cloud. Analysis of these features led to the discovery of a new star-forming cloud, distinct from the main Sagittarius C cloud, hosting at least two protostars powering their own jets.
    “Outflows from forming stars in Sagittarius C have been hinted at in past observations, but this is the first time we’ve been able to confirm them in infrared light. It’s very exciting to see, because there is still a lot we don’t know about star formation, especially in the Central Molecular Zone, and it’s so important to how the universe works,” said Crowe.

    Webb’s 2023 image of Sagittarius C showed dozens of distinctive filaments in a region of hot hydrogen plasma surrounding the main star-forming cloud. New analysis by Bally and his team has led them to hypothesize that the filaments are shaped by magnetic fields, which have also been observed in the past by the ground-based observatories ALMA and MeerKAT (formerly the Karoo Array Telescope).
    “The motion of gas swirling in the extreme tidal forces of the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, can stretch and amplify the surrounding magnetic fields. Those fields, in turn, are shaping the plasma in Sagittarius C,” said Bally.
    The researchers think that the magnetic forces in the galactic center may be strong enough to keep the plasma from spreading, instead confining it into the concentrated filaments seen in the Webb image. These strong magnetic fields may also resist the gravity that would typically cause dense clouds of gas and dust to collapse and forge stars, explaining Sagittarius C’s lower-than-expected star formation rate. 
    “This is an exciting area for future research, as the influence of strong magnetic fields, in the center of our galaxy or other galaxies, on stellar ecology has not been fully considered,” said Crowe.  
    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    Downloads
    Click any image to open a larger version.
    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
    View/Download the science paper led by Bally from the The Astrophysical Journal.
    View/Download the science paper led by Crowe from the The Astrophysical Journal.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Leah Ramsay – lramsay@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
    Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    Read more: press releases about the center of the Milky Way
    NASA’s Universe of Learning: ViewSpace Interactive image tour of the center of the Milky Way
    Learn more about the Milky Way and Sagittarius Constellation
    More Webb News
    More Webb Images
    Webb Science Themes
    Webb Mission Page

    What Is a Nebula?
    What Is a Galaxy?
    What is the Webb Telescope?
    SpacePlace for Kids
    En Español
    ¿Qué es una nebulosa?
    ¿Qué es una galaxia?
    Ciencia de la NASA
    NASA en español 
    Space Place para niños

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: Anusandhan national research foundation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) through ANRF Act of 2023, which was notified in February 2024. The ANRF aims to receive funds in the form of ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of Rs. 14,000 crores have been made from the Central Government and remaining amount will be sourced through donations from any other source, including from public sector enterprises, the private sector, philanthropist organizations, foundations or recoveries made of the amounts granted to ANRF, any income from investment of the amounts received by ANRF and all amounts with the Fund for Science and Engineering Research under the repealed Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008.For the Financial Year 2024-25, ANRF has been allocateda Revised Estimate (RE) of Rs. 966 crores of which Rs. 721 crores has already been utilized.

    Educational universities can obtain research grant through submitting research proposals in competitive mode under the different calls advertised from ANRF as per respective guidelines. So far, five calls have been announced: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG), EV-Mission, Inclusive Research Grant (IRG), Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) and JC Bose Grant. Among these, the PAIR program aims to strengthen the research capabilities of higher education institutions, where research is still in the early stages but holds significant potential. This program pairs emerging institutions with established, top-tier research institutions in a ‘Hub & Spoke’ framework, providing mentorship and support. The objectives of the PAIR programme include: support internationally competitive research with substantial impact and outcome; foster successful and productive collaborative networks between diverse institutions; and propel the advancement of institutions by (i) upscaling and building advanced research infrastructure and capabilities, (ii) enhancing the quality of research and (iii) facilitating infusion of best practices and research culture.

    The PAIR program has earmarked a budget of Rs. 1,500 crores over five years, with each selected PAIR networkeligible for funding up to Rs. 100 crore. Of this, 30% of the funds will go to the Hub institution, while 70%will be allocated to the Spokeinstitutions. It is envisaged that the hubs in tandem with select spokes are expected to come up with competitive, impactful research proposals with potentially significant outcomes in the specified indicative themes.

    In its first phase, the program is targeting universities that have demonstrated potential through national ranking and those that show promise for scaling up their research capabilities. The evaluation process for the proposals received under different ANRF calls is currently underway.

    As on date, there is no plan of setting up regional centres of Anusandhan National Research Foundation in collaboration with education institutions, however, under a program, Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) which is designed to work in ‘Hub & Spoke’ framework, hubs will be set up across the country.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: INNOVATION IN SCIENCE PURSUIT FOR INSPIRED RESEARCH SCHEME

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme to attract, nurture and retain meritorious youth to study natural sciences areas at the college and university level and to pursue research careers in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences. The ultimate objective is to expand the R&D base of the country. It is implemented on pan India scale through four components. INSPIRE scheme’s component-wise salient features are given below:

    INSPIRE Internship component of INSPIRE aims at providing exposure to the top 1% students at Class X Board level by organizing Science Camps either during summer or winter and provide opportunity to them to interact with science icons from India and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, to experience the joys of scientific pursuit. These science camps nourish the curiosity of students in science, help them to think out-of-the box and attract students at an early age of 16-17 years to choose science subjects for further studies.

    Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)component of INSPIREaims to enhance the rate of attachment of talented youth to undertake higher education in science intensive programs by providing scholarships and mentorship support. The scheme offers 12,000 scholarships of 5-year duration @ Rs 0.80 lakh per year to undertake Bachelor and master’s level education in basic and natural Sciences area for the top 1% talented youth as per central and state education board data in the age group 17-22 years.

    INSPIRE Fellowshipcomponent of INSPIREaims to provide fellowship to M.Sc. 1st Rank holders in Basic & Applied Sciences including engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary at the University/academic institute of national importance i.e. IITs, NITs, IISERs level examination as well as Inspire Scholars having secure 70% marks in aggregate at the MSc level who are eligible for admission to the Ph.D. program in any recognized university/ academic institutions in the country every year. The Fellowships are tenable for maximum 5 years (2 years as JRF @ Rs.37000/pm + HRA + Contingency grant of Rs.20000/annum and 3 years as SRF @ Rs.42000/pm + HRA + Contingency grant of Rs.20000/annum) or completion of PhD, whichever is earlier to pursue full-time Ph.D. program. Maximum 1000 INSPIRE Fellowships per year are tenable.

    INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship component of INSPIRE aims to provide opportunities to post- doctoral researchers in the age group of 27-32 year (the upper age limit for SC/ST/Women candidates and persons with benchmark disabilities is 37 and 42 years respectively) for 5 years in both basic and applied sciences area including engineering, agriculture, veterinary and medicine every year. Aspirants having Ph.D. degree with strong academic and research track record are considered on competitive basis. It grants an attractive fellowship for a duration of 5 years with a consolidated emolument of Rs. 1,25,000/- p.m. with annual increment of Rs.200 per annum and a research grant of Rs.7 lakh per annum. This scheme has motivated young researchers to pursue high-quality post-Ph.D. research within the country. Maximum 150 INSPIRE Faculty Fellowships per year are tenable.

    The details of the number of students selected from the States/Union Territories during 2024-2025 till 27.03.2025 under the said scheme are given below:

    S. No.

    State/UT

    INSPIRE-Internship

    INSPIRE-SHE

    INSPIRE-Fellowship

    INSPIRE-Faculty Fellowship

     

     

     

     

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    530

    5

    11

    0

     

     

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0

    0

    2

    0

     

     

    3

    Assam

    0

    84

    24

    4

     

     

    4

    Bihar

    0

    172

    6

    1

     

     

    5

    Chandigarh

    0

    3

    10

    0

     

     

    6

    Chhattisgarh

    150

    421

    13

    0

     

     

    7

    Delhi

    200

    61

    53

    8

     

     

    8

    Goa

    0

    6

    10

    0

     

     

    9

    Gujarat

    350

    93

    21

    0

     

     

    10

    Haryana

    0

    66

    7

    1

     

     

    11

    Himachal Pradesh

    450

    138

    7

    1

     

     

    12

    Jammu and Kashmir

    150

    2

    21

    3

     

     

    13

    Jharkhand

    0

    23

    5

    3

     

     

    14

    Karnataka

    150

    60

    46

    16

     

     

    15

    Kerala

    150

    376

    31

    3

     

     

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    0

    573

    28

    2

     

     

    17

    Maharashtra

    200

    198

    34

    8

     

     

    18

    Manipur

    0

    138

    2

    1

     

     

    19

    Meghalaya

    0

    49

    1

    0

     

     

    20

    Mizoram

    0

    13

    4

    0

     

     

    21

    Nagaland

    0

    9

    1

    0

     

     

    22

    Odisha

    0

    108

    23

    2

     

     

    23

    Puducherry

    0

    2

    3

    0

     

     

    24

    Punjab

    550

    61

    30

    2

     

     

    25

    Rajasthan

    0

    2879

    9

    0

     

     

    26

    Sikkim

    0

    0

    2

    0

     

     

    27

    Tamil Nadu

    975

    44

    59

    6

     

     

    28

    Telangana

    450

    31

    36

    4

     

     

    29

    Tripura

    0

    3

    1

    0

     

     

    30

    Uttar Pradesh

    1200

    5374

    40

    4

     

     

    31

    Uttarakhand

    400

    387

    22

    0

     

     

    32

    West Bengal

    350

    362

    52

    9

     

     

     

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Scientists have developed advanced technologies for solid waste management, including plastic waste. Significant progress has been made by Indian researchers, institutions, and innovators in devising technologies and strategies to manage solid waste.

    1. Various technologies have been developed for effective management of the solid waste. Some of these technologies are given below: –
    • CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed a novel high-rate bio methanation technology for decentralized applications of sewage and organic solid waste. This technology is superior in terms of biogas and bio-manure production as it incorporates novel pre and post processing technologies required for the bio methanation of organic solid waste. This technology has been commercialized and is in operation.
    • CSIR- Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has developed a decentralised solid waste management technology. The significant features of the technology include mechanized segregation system for biodegradable & non-biodegradable waste; Eco-friendly disposal of plastic waste through agglomeration process; Generation of bio-gas from organic waste and conversion of agro-waste into briquette. The technology has been transferred to industries for commercialization.
    • Indian scientists have developed a technology to recycle the Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste to produce a high compressive strength Glass Foam Bricks, which are offering a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials.
    • A robust mechanical separator has been developed to facilitate the efficient disassembly of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, supporting enhanced recycling and sustainability in the solar energy sector.
    • CSIR- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI) has developed a technology for the bulk utilization of fly ash in the production of synthetic fine and coarse aggregates, which can replace conventional natural aggregates in construction, promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of traditional aggregate production.
    • Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupathi and CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) has developed a technology for recycling of graphite from spent Lithium-ion batteries for high energy Li-ion capacitors.
    • With the support of DST, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) has developed an indigenous non-pathogenic psychrophilic bacterial formulations and composting methods for accelerated composting of municipal solid waste and agricultural waste in cold regions.
    • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has setup Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) nationwide, for sorting, processing and recycling of segregated dry waste .
    1. Technologies developed for management of plastic waste:
    • Department of Science and Technology (DST) through Waste Management Technologies (WMT) program, has developed and demonstrated a technology for conversion of municipal mixed plastic waste to high quality plasto-fuels for transportation and industrial heating applications. A 2-TPD (Tonnes Per Day) demo plant was setup at Vadodara. The plant is flexible enough to convert all kinds of mixed plastic waste collected from residential communities, railway establishments and industries.
    • Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET)-Bhubaneswar has developed an eco-friendly technology for upcycling of different grades of plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment to high impact grade plastics.
    • Recycling of plastic waste into tiles: CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has developed a novel technology to convert waste plastic scrap to floor tiles, interlock tiles, paver tiles, and roof tiles. The technology has been transferred to industry for commercialization.
    • Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC) has established three Plastic Waste Management Centres (PWMCs) for effective plastics waste management solutions, to develop eco-friendly cost-effective value added recyclates and to establish digital demonstration facilities on plastic recycling and waste management.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Government’s initiative like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has played a key role in improving solid waste and plastic-waste management, in both urban and rural areas. In October 2021, government launched the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0), with the overall vision of creating “Garbage Free Cities.” Under this mission, material recovery facilities (MRFs), waste-to-energy plants, and recycling units have been created which have led to an increase in the solid waste processing capacity by 1,05,876 TPD in the urban areas under SwachhBharat Mission Urban.

    These steps reflect Government’s commitment to bridging the gap between scientific innovation and practical implementation, ensuring sustainable solid waste management and a reduction in plastic pollution.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: WESTERN GHATS PROJECT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

    A call for proposals (CFP) on “Geospatial Technology and Solutions” was issued on 13th June 2024 through the Electronic Project Management System Portal (e-PMS portal), in which Proposals were invited only in consortium mode, comprising academia, startups/MSMEs/industry, and user-agencies/practitioners.

    A total of 280 proposals were received under this CFP. The proposal titled “Spring Shed Management and linking of Ecohydrological processes to Human well-being in water-scarce regions of the Western Ghats using Geospatial Technology” was also received online under the above said CFP.  The proposal aimed to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based Spring Information System for selected districts of Western Ghats for assessing climate and land use impacts on watershed hydrology.

    A Project Screening Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of an eminent professor and other Expert members representing, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Survey of India (SoI), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Universities, Other IITs, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), as well as from private sector etc. The total 280 proposals received online through e-PMS portal, were presented before the Project Screening Committee during its meeting held on 26th–27th September 2024 at IIT Delhi. The said proposal was not recommended by the Project Screening Committee for the next level as the committee opined that “The proposal seems to be more research focused lacking scalability and commercialization potential; the consortium partner appears to lack experience and/or expertise”. Out of the 280 proposals, committee finally recommended 11proposals for financial support.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NATIONAL MISSION ON INTERDISCIPLINARY-CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Science & Technology

    NATIONAL MISSION ON INTERDISCIPLINARY-CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of the total number of research projects piloted under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), along with the funds allocated and disbursed, year-wise and location-wise are as under:

    S. No.

    TIH Name & Location

    No. of Research Projects

    Funds Allocated

    (In Lakhs)

    Funds Disbursed (in Lakhs)

    (Financial year-wise)

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    1

    TIH Foundation For IOT And IOE, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400076

    88

    3715.37

    –

    –

    317.25

    639.42

    490.82

    2

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032

    68

    1272.9

    13.14

    189.41

    82.67

    508.09

    132.09

    3

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation, IISc Bengaluru, CV Raman Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560012

    5

    7667.53

    165.32

    537.08

    1430.74

    2340.64

    3193.75

    4

    IHUB NTIHAC Foundation, IIT Kanpur, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208016

    50

    1300.13

    –

    139.65

    211.62

    346.39

    301.92

    5

    IHUB Drishti Foundation, IIT Jodhpur, NH 62, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan – 342030

    50

    2369.63

    174

    441.87

    935.29

    818.47

    –

    6

    Divyasampark IHUB Roorkee for Devices Materials and Technology Foundation, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand – 247667

    88

    2968.99

    285.20

    468.20

    444.40

    1442.79

    264.40

    7

    IIT Patna Vishlesan I-hub Foundation, IIT Patna, Bihta, Patna, Bihar – 801106

    7

    199.95

    –

    –

    34.33

    18.33

    13.08

    8

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras, Sardar Patel Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600036

    31

    2508.48

    –

    1326.73

    160.44

    930.20

    91.11

    9

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN), IIT Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana – 502284

    153

    3158.65

    –

    1008.43

    1242.39

    395.02

    186.58

    10

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221005

    25

    488.91

    –

    44.55

    189.59

    168.40

    62.53

    11

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati, Amingaon, Guwahati, Assam – 781039

    151

    4727.57

    –

    315

    533.87

    3641.20

    237.50

    12

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation, IIT Mandi, Kamand, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – 175075

    24

    1746.34

    –

    –

    328.03

    354

    588.48

    13

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016

    49

    4339

    32.35

    1007.30

    586.47

    397.96

    176.42

    14

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation, IIT Palakkad, Pudussery, Palakkad, Kerala – 678623

    63

    2498.58

    –

    281.25

    530.52

    326.35

    574.96

    15

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation, IIT Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab – 140001

    87

    4831.13

    4

    545.14

    703.20

    861.91

    676.02

    16

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Sardar Patel Nagar, Dhanbad, Jharkhand – 826004

    62

    1933

    –

    94.66

    79.84

    705.55

    476.51

    17

    IIITB Comet Foundation, IIIT Bangalore, Electronic City, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560100

    17

    10872.51

    –

    –

    1156.70

    2370.19

    2386.34

    18

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation, BITS Pilani, VidyaVihar, Pilani, Rajasthan – 333031

    43

    1942.07

    –

    20.71

    160.77

    488.22

    429.82

    19

    IDEAS – Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation, ISI Kolkata, 203, Barrackpore Trunk Road, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700108

    20

    912

    –

    0

    222

    266.80

    48.50

    20

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, IIT Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 453552

    82

    696.40

    –

    7.68

    173.06

    229.86

    88.33

    21

    AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal – 721302

    63

    1474.45

    –

    –

    –

    1474.45

    –

    22

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation, IIIT Delhi, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi – 110020

    35

    1482.26

    –

    54.72

    228.91

    241.87

    258.54

    23

    I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune, Dr.HomiBhabha Road, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra – 411008

    27

    8619.37

    –

    –

    949.72

    1388.11

    86.51

    24

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation, IIT Tirupati, Yerpedu, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh – 517619

    27

    1290.93

    –

    –

    –

    401.18

    714.81

    25

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh – 490020

    96

    5238.62

    –

    38.58

    153.72

    2242.92

    –

    Subtotal

    1411

    78254.77

    674.01

    6520.96

    10855.53

    22998.32

    11479.02

    Total

    52527.84

    The number of technology products developed and jobs created by supported projects under NM-ICPS, location-wise are as under:

    S. No.

    TIH Name & Location

    No. of Technology Products Developed

    No. of Jobs created

    1

    TIH Foundation For IOT And IOE, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400076

    17

    89

    2

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032

    38

    152

    3

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation, IISc Bengaluru, CV Raman Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560012

    54

    –

    4

    IHUB NTIHAC Foundation, IIT Kanpur, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208016

    62

    126

    5

    IHUB Drishti Foundation, IIT Jodhpur, NH 62, Karwar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan – 342030

    –

    1238

    6

    Divyasampark IHUB Roorkee for Devices Materials and Technology Foundation, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand – 247667

    3

    16

    7

    IIT Patna Vishlesan I-hub Foundation, IIT Patna, Bihta, Patna, Bihar – 801106

    –

    –

    8

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras, Sardar Patel Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600036

    31

    68

    9

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN), IIT Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana – 502284

    198

    781

    10

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221005

    31

    61

    11

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati, Amingaon, Guwahati, Assam – 781039

    78

    138

    12

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation, IIT Mandi, Kamand, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – 175075

    7

    22

    13

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi, HauzKhas, New Delhi – 110016

    40

    85

    14

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation, IIT Palakkad, Pudussery, Palakkad, Kerala – 678623

    11

    51

    15

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation, IIT Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab – 140001

    72

    167

    16

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Sardar Patel Nagar, Dhanbad, Jharkhand – 826004

    34

    818

    17

    IIITB Comet Foundation, IIIT Bangalore, Electronic City, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560100

    15

    338

    18

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation, BITS Pilani, VidyaVihar, Pilani, Rajasthan – 333031

    5

    6

    19

    IDEAS – Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation, ISI Kolkata, 203, Barrackpore Trunk Road, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700108

    28

    54

    20

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, IIT Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 453552

    83

    170

    21

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation, IIIT Delhi, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi – 110020

    66

    107

    22

    AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal – 721302

    17

    146

    23

    I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune, Dr.HomiBhabha Road, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra – 411008

    12

    29

    24

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation, IIT Tirupati, Yerpedu, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh – 517619

    –

    –

    25

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation, IIT Bhilai, Kutelabhata, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh – 490020

    71

    295

    Total

    973

    4957

     

    A list of TIHs approved and established under NM-ICPS (State-wise) along with the total funds allocated and disbursed (year-wise) till date is as under:

    TIH Name & Host Institution

    State/UT

    Sanctioned Year

    Funds Allocated (₹ Cr)

    Funds Disbursed (₹ Cr)

    TIH Foundation For IOT And IOE, IIT Bombay

    Maharashtra

    2020

    170.00

    97.41

    Project ‘BharatGen’ on LLM

    2024

    235.18

    89.66

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad

    Hyderabad

    2020

    110.00

    58.77

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation, IISc Bangalore

    Karnataka

    2020

    170.00

    113.25

    IHUB NTIHAC Foundation, IIT Kanpur

    Uttar Pradesh

    2020

    170.00

    143.19

    IHUB Drishti Foundation, IIT Jodhpur

    Rajasthan

    2020

    115.00

    54.95

    Divyasampark IHUB Roorkee for Devices Materials and Technology Foundation, IIT Roorkee

    Uttarakhand

    2020

    135.00

    111.70

    IIT Patna Vishlesan I-hub Foundation, IIT Patna

    Bihar

    2020

    110.00

    22.25

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras

    Tamil Nadu

    2020

    170.00

    156.18

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN), IIT Hyderabad

    Hyderabad

    2020

    135.00

    127.43

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi

    Uttar Pradesh

    2020

    110.00

    23.37

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati

    Assam

    2020

    135.00

    92.76

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation, IIT Mandi

    Himachal Pradesh

    2020

    110.00

    58.25

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi

    Delhi

    2020

    170.00

    85.92

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation, IIT Palakkad

    Kerala

    2020

    100.00

    47.08

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation, IIT Ropar

    Punjab

    2020

    110.00

    79.12

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation, IIT Dhanbad

    Jharkhand

    2020

    110.00

    63.20

    IIITB Comet Foundation, IIIT Bangalore

    Karnataka

    2020

    150.00

    69.59

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation, BITS Pilani

    Rajasthan

    2020

    125.00

    59.25

    IDEAS – Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation, ISI Kolkata

    Kolkata

    2020

    100.00

    12.19

    AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation, IIT Kharagpur

    Kolkata

    2020

    170.00

    24.45

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation, IIT Indore

    Madhya Pradesh

    2020

    100.00

    47.19

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation, IIIT Delhi

    Delhi

    2020

    100.00

    36.59

    I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune

    Maharashtra

    2020

    170.00

    88.13

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation, IIT Tirupati

    Andhra Pradesh

    2020

    100.00

    39.75

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation, IIT Bhilai

    Chhattisgarh

    2020

    55.00

    50.80

    Total

    3435.18

    1852.43

    The details of the number of Centre of Excellence (CoEs) established under NM-ICPS, year-wise and State-wise is as under:

    S. No.

    Name of State/UT

    No. of CoEs Established (year-wise)

    1

    Uttar Pradesh

    2 (2022, 2025)

    2

    Goa

    3 (2023, 2025)

    3

    Tamil Nadu

    2 (2024, 2025)

    4

    Himachal Pradesh

    2 (2024)

    5

    Haryana

    1 (2022)

    6

    Delhi

    3 (2023)

    7

    Jharkhand

    10 (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    8

    Karnataka

    4 (2023, 2024, 2025)

    9

    Nagaland

    1 (2025)

    10

    Manipur

    1 (2025)

    11

    Mizoram

    1 (2025)

    12

    Maharashtra

    1 (2025)

    13

    West Bengal

    1 (2025)

    14

    Madhya Pradesh

    1 (2023)

    15

    Rajasthan

    2 (2024, 2025)

    16

    Andhra Pradesh

    5 (2025)

    17

    Telangana

    2 (2025)

    18

    Kerala

    2 (2023, 2025)

    19

    Punjab

    12 (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    20

    Uttarakhand

    1 (2024)

    21

    Ladakh

    1 (2024)

    22

    Sikkim

    1 (2024)

    23

    Assam

    5 (2022, 2023, 2024)

    Total

    64

     

    The total number of Government and Industry Research and Development (R&D) labs participating under NM-ICPS, year-wise and State-wise are as under:

    S. No.

    TIH Name

    State

    Total number of Government and Industry Research and Development (R&D) labs (year-wise)

    1

    IIIT-H Data I-Hub Foundation

    Telangana

    44 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    2

    NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation Foundation (TiHAN)

    3

    I-HUB for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Innovation Foundation

    Karnataka

    5 (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    4

    I-DAPT-HUB Foundation

    Uttar Pradesh

    5 (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

    5

    IHUB Drishti Foundation

    Rajasthan

    6 (2024, 2025)

    6

    BITS BioCYTiH Foundation

    7

    IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation

    Tamil Nadu

    5 (2021, 2022)

    8

    IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation

    Assam

    11 (2023, 2024)

    9

    IIT MandiIHub and HCI Foundation

    Himachal Pradesh

    5 (2022, 2023)

    10

    I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC)

    Delhi

    55 (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

    11

    IHUB Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation

    12

    IIT Palakkad Technology Ihub Foundation

    Kerala

    4 (2023, 2024, 2025)

    13

    IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation

    Punjab

    6 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

    14

    Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation

    Jharkhand

    4 (2022, 2023, 2024)

    15

    IIT Kharagpur AI4ICPS I-Hub Foundation

    West Bengal

    6 (2023, 2024, 2025)

    16

    IITI Drishti CPS Foundation

    Madhya Pradesh

    6 (2021, 2022, 2024)

    17

    IIT TirupatiNavavishkar I-Hub Foundation

    Andhra Pradesh

    4 (2023, 2024)

    18

    IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation

    Chhattisgarh

    2 (2022, 2024)

    Total

    168

     

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117875)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT OF LA NIÑA ON CLIMATE PATTERNS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Copernicus Climate Change Service report states that the global average surface air temperature during January 2025 was the hottest on record (0.79°C warmer than the 1991-2020) despite the development of La Niña conditions. However, the average temperature in the Indian region was the second highest since 1901 (0.98°C warmer than 1991-2020). The main reason for higher temperatures is global warming, which is closely linked to climate change. Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. This process releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the planet to warm up.

    In general, during the La Niña years, the Indian summer monsoon experiences above-average rainfall, which is beneficial for better crop production. However, currently, neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean with above-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the eastern and far western Pacific Ocean and below-average SSTs in the central Pacific Ocean. The latest Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) and other global model forecasts indicate that neutral ENSO conditions are likely to continue during the southwest monsoon season of 2025. Thus, no La Niña impact is expected on the Indian monsoon during 2025. IMD will issue the first stage of the seasonal forecast for the 2025 Southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall by mid-April.

    Various organisations under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) have been conducting regular studies on monsoons and associated rainfall and temperature patterns in the country, including those during the El Niño and La Niña periods. The India Meteorological Department continuously monitors the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) changes globally, especially in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which have a significant impact on the Indian climate. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also prepares forecasts based on the Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) and issues the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)/ Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) bulletin every month (https://www.imdpune.gov.in/cmpg/Product/Enso.php). IMD also issues monthly and seasonal outlooks for rainfall and temperature with monthly updates, which helps to prepare for the impact of El Niño/La Niña-related weather variations. These forecasts are complimented by the extended range forecasts updated every week for the next four weeks. Additionally, the IMD issues agriculture-specific advisories to help farmers prepare for extreme weather events associated with El Niño and La Niña, such as heavy rains or droughts. These advisories are helpful for decision-making in various agriculture operations, such as crop selection, irrigation practices, pest and disease warnings, disaster management, preparedness, etc.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUND ALLOCATED FOR INSAT-3DS

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Earth Sciences

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUND ALLOCATED FOR INSAT-3DS

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences has allocated Rs. 480/- crore and billed for the launch of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-3DS).

    Currently, INSTAT-3DS,along with INSAT-3DR, are in use for the operational weather services, and some of the important applications of satellite products are:      

    • Round-the-clock monitoring of severe weather conditions with rapid scan capability. Satellite images are generated every 5 minutes for the area of interest (where the severe weather is prevailing).
    • A satellite visualization tool known as Real-time Analysis of Products and Information Dissemination (RAPID) to visualize and analyze satellite images and derived products as per the user’s choice (https://rapid.imd.gov.in/r2v/).
    • Numerous satellite-derived products and imageries are generated at each 30-minute gap, which is very useful in real-time monitoring the cyclone activity and determination of cyclone track and intensity.
    • During pre-monsoon season thunderstorms and lightning season of March to May, various products like Outgoing Longwave Radiation, Quantitative Precipitation Estimate, Sea Surface Temperature, Insolation, winds, winds derived products, etc. and Temperature, Humidity profiles/Thermodynamic indices etc. are used for monitoring the movement of convective weather systems.
    • Satellite-derived products are also helpful in monitoring the onset, active, and withdrawal phases of southwest and northeast monsoons. It is also used to monitor and analyse the origin, movement, and possible impact of Western disturbance moving across North India.
    • Data Collection and Dissemination: The satellite’s data relay transponder facilitates efficient collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data from various ground stations, supporting The India Meteorological Department (IMD).
    • Search and Rescue Operations: The satellite has a dedicated search and rescue payload that assists in locating and saving lives during maritime and aviation emergencies. These advancements in INSAT-3DS have strengthened India’s capacity to monitor and predict weather patterns, enabling better preparedness for extreme weather events and contributing to improving agricultural and water management decisions.
    • Meteorological data and products from both the INSATs are also useful in various sectors in real-time:
    • Aviation Meteorological services (root forecast, convection cloud development, movement, etc.)
    • Marine weather forecast (convection movements, high /low-pressure zones, winds convergence, divergence, etc.)
    • Power Sector ( clouds, convection, etc.)
    • Tourism sector (root, temperature, clouds, dry or moist areas, winds, circulation, etc.)
    • Monitoring severe weather phenomena like intense rainfall episodes, heatwave conditions, cold wave day and night fog, etc. are easily monitored over the Indian region/neighbouring countries by day and night (24-hour) coverage of satellite data.
    • Special sector images are generated for pilgrimage (Like Amarnathji yatra, Kumbh Mela, Kedarnath Jee yatra, etc.)
    • The accumulated snow-bound area images during winter time are generated for specially monitoring the fresh and old snow and its coverage.
    • Agriculture sector services. Satellite provides better guidance for agro meteorology with the help of many satellite-derived products (like Insolation, Land Surface Temperature, Evapotranspiration, etc.).
    • Renewable energy sector: Satellite-based Winds, clouds, Outgoing longwave radiation, etc., provide an important input to this sector for managing the resources efficiently.
    • Research and development activities. New algorithms and approaches (like AI/ML, deep learning, etc.) are also under development to further streamline the process.
    • Therefore, with the support of INSAT-3DS (which provides advanced imaging and sounding capabilities), weather monitoring service capabilities are enhanced. It offered detailed observations of land and ocean surfaces, real-time data on cloud cover, moisture content, temperature profiles, and other atmospheric parameter which are crucial for weather monitoring.

    The INSAT-3D has reached its end of life and has been replaced by the INSAT-3DS, whereas INSAT-3DR is operational in sensing and transmitting meteorological data.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2117833)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INSTALLATION OF NEW RADAR SYSTEM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has planned new radars across the country. Tentative sites where the radars are planned to be installed are given below:

    • 12 no. of C-Band Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) tentatively at Raipur, Mangalore, Ranchi, Lakshadweep, Malda, Aurangabad, Balasore, Sambalpur, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Rupsi, & Port Blair.
    • 12 no. of X-Band DWRs tentatively at Pune, Kolkata, Purnea, Varanasi, Wayanad, Bhubaneswar, Dharwad, Lahaul &Spiti, Aligarh (GoUP), Azamgarh (GoUP), Jhansi (GoUP), Lucknow (GoUP).
    • 10 no. of X-Band DWRs for North East tentatively at Jorhat, Tezpur, Aizawl, Namsai, Silchar, Imphal, Dimapur, Mandala Top, Central Arunachal Pradesh, & Guwahati.
    • In addition, 53 radars (8 S-Band, 20 C-Band, and 25 X-Band) are also planned to be installed across the country under the Mission Mausam so that the entire country is brought under radar coverage.  

    The locations of the DWRs have been arrived upon considering the gap areas in the coverage of the existing DWR network.

    In addition to the proposed improvement in the radar coverage mentioned above, other observation systems like wind profilers, radio sonde/radio wind, microwave radiometers, etc., are also planned under the Mission Mausam. Along with the improvement in the observational network, deployment of high-performance computing infrastructure, advanced Earth system models, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, etc, under the Mission Masuam will help improve in forecasts on various timescales, especially in location-specific nowcast (forecast up to a few hours) to short-range forecast up to 3 days. The implementation of the Mausam Mission is likely to help (i) in capturing and monitoring all the weather events happening in the country so that no weather system will go undetected (ii) improve the frequency of nowcasting extreme weather such as thunderstorms, lightening, strong winds, etc. from 3 hrs. to 1 hr. (iii) improve the short and medium range weather forecast accuracy by about 5-10% and (iv) improve air quality forecasts by about 5-10% in the major metro cities.

    The entire country will be under radar coverage within the next 2-3 years.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION; THE HEAT MITIGATION STRATEGY

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Several parts of the country, including States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, are likely to be severely impacted by heat, and as per the recent report by the World Bank, the rising temperatures are expected to cause India to lose up to 5% of its Gross Domestic Product by 2030. Heat is recognized as a severe threat, and the State Disaster Management Agencies of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have prepared State heat action plans in 2016 and 2019, respectively, to manage the heat stress. Also, the State Planning Commission has set up the heat action network to advance efforts for inter-departmental and intersectoral engagement toward heat mitigation.

    As per the State-wise statement of Climate Report-2023 published by,   (https://imdpune.gov.in/Reports/Statewise%20annual%20climate/statewise_annualclimate.html)   the India Meteorological Department (IMD)  a significant increasing trend of +0.68°C/100 years is observed in the Tamil Nadu State averaged annual mean temperature series for the period 1901-2023. The increasing trend is relatively higher in the case of maximum temperature (+0.84°C/100 years) compared to that in the case of minimum temperature (+0.51°C/100 years). The five warmest years on record for the state of  Tamil Nadu are 2019 (temperature anomaly of +0.848°C), 2016(+0.837°C), 2017(+0.624°C), 2020(+0.493°C) and 2023(+0.432°C). Under the changing climate, various parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, are projected to experience increased heatwaves.

    Due to climate change, annual temperatures are increasing globally and the impact of the same is reflected in the rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves in various parts of the globe, including India. The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also reflects the same observations (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf). Addressing the root causes of global climate change is essential to mitigate the impact of heat waves. This involves international cooperation to reduce green house gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices across all sectors. Various initiatives have been undertaken by the Government of India with the help of States to reduce the impact of heatwaves in the coming years. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) are one of the major initiatives in this direction. Additionally, India has taken a proactive role in fostering international collaborations through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. India is committed to pursuing low-carbon strategies for development and is actively pursuing them, as per national circumstances.

    The India Meteorological Department, in coordination with various research centers across the country, has taken multiple steps to improve monitoring and early warning systems, which has helped minimize loss of life and property during extreme weather events, including heat waves. These include:  

    • Issuing seasonal and monthly outlooks, followed by extended-range forecasts of temperature and heatwave conditions. The early warning and forecast information are disseminated through the website,  various social media,etc., for timely public outreach.
    • District-wise heatwave vulnerability Atlas over India to help State Government authorities and disaster management agencies for timely planning.
    • The hot weather hazard analysis map over India includes daily temperature, winds, and humidity conditions.
    • Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in 23 States that are prone to heatwave conditions were jointly implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the State Governments.
    • A series of National and State-level heatwave preparedness meetings are conducted much before the start of the summer season, with regular review meetings from time to time during the season.

    IMD has launched seven of its services (Current Weather, Nowcast, City Forecast, Rainfall Information, Tourism Forecast, Warnings, and Cyclone) with the ‘UMANG’ Mobile App for use by the Public. Moreover, IMD has developed a mobile App, ‘MAUSAM’ for weather forecasting, ‘Meghdoot’ for Agromet advisory dissemination, and ‘Damini’ for lightning alerts. The common Alert Protocol (CAP) developed by the NDMA is also being implemented to disseminate extreme weather warnings by the IMD.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Tarang facility in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

    ‘TARANG’ is a 64-bit High Performance Computing (HPC) system, capable of supporting multi-tasking, multi-programming, multi-user and time-sharing environment, of a proven architecture with scalable processing elements, scalable high performance I/O, scalable interconnection network and a balanced design to have 99.5% uptime with adequate redundancies and to avoid single point of failure so as to meet the operational requirements. The HPC system is supported by technical support facilities such as transformers, diesel generators, UPS, batteries, multiple utility paths, lighting system, adequate number of earthing pits and cables.

    The compute capacity is about 1 Peta FLOPS, with 2 Peta Byte storage and 3 Peta Byte archival storage. Additionally, there is a dedicated standalone system for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications with a capacity of 15.5 Peta FLOPS.

    The HPC would help scientists to run advance operational models for providing Tsunami Early Warnings for India and other 25 countries on the Indian Ocean rim. Further, the new computational facility will also be used for next generation Ocean State Forecast system having more accurate representation of physical processes, non-hydrostatic dynamics, high resolution nests for local forecasts and advanced data assimilation techniques and augment the quality of the forecasts using the available GPU processors.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Pfluger, Mann Lead Push to Undo the Biden Administration’s Nonsensical Endangered Species Listings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As first reported in Fox News, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01) sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging him to reverse the listing of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard and the Lesser Prairie Chicken from the threatened and endangered species list. Doing so would unleash American energy, highlight the success of local conservation efforts, and restore regulatory certainty for rural communities.

    Under the Biden Administration, the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard and the Lesser Prairie Chicken were listed as endangered species, ignoring the conservation efforts already being made by Texas and Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural and energy producers. The efforts resulted in net acreage conservation gains for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizards’ habitat and increased the Lesser Prairie Chicken population. In the letter to Secretary Burgum, the Members stress that the Trump Administration has the opportunity to correct these misguided listings and ensure America can maintain its energy dominance.

    In the letter, the members write in part, “Empowering states, landowners, and private partners to continue leading species management ensures we can protect wildlife without sacrificing economic growth, energy production, or the livelihoods of hardworking Americans. Striking this balance is critical to maintaining our environmental stewardship and America’s energy dominance. With the right approach, we can achieve lasting conservation results without burdening the very communities that have been instrumental in protecting these species… The Trump Administration can correct these misguided policies by directing FWS to delist both the Lesser Prairie Chicken and the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard. Doing so will restore balance to our conservation efforts—allowing local stakeholders to continue their successful work while safeguarding American energy production, protecting jobs, and supporting rural economies,” 

    In addition, the Representatives reintroduced the Limiting Incredulous Zealots Against Restricting Drilling (LIZARD) Act to strike the Biden Administration’s designation of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This listing directly threatens the production of oil, natural gas, wind, and solar energy developed in the Permian Basin and across America.

    “Former President Biden spent four years fulfilling his promise to kill the fossil fuel industry one horrible policy at a time – including listing the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard under the Endangered Species Act, a direct attack on our hardworking men and women in the energy sector,” said Rep. Pfluger. “This listing, along with many others, was completely misguided and repudiates significant private conservation efforts in West Texas. I am proud to lead the charge alongside my good friend and colleague Rep. Tracey Mann to continue undoing the Biden Administration’s nonsensical policies and protect American energy production and jobs.”

    “From day one, President Biden used every tool in his toolbox to trample on the livelihoods of America’s energy and agricultural producers,” said Rep. Mann. “His administration continuously ignored the facts on the ground and decided federal bureaucrats were better equipped to manage these populations than local citizens. Our bill restores power back to the local communities most impacted by these decisions and removes the regulatory handcuffs put on them by the Biden Administration. We look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Burgum to reverse these ill-informed listings and unleash the American energy dominance 77 million Americans voted for this past November.”

    Read the full text of the legislation here.

    This legislation is supported by several associations in the energy industry, including the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA).

    IPAA President & CEO Jeff Eshelman said, “IPAA has serious concerns with the final rule to list the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard. Unfortunately, the Fish and Wildlife Service continues to disregard the large amount of conservation work already done to protect the species and the successes of these programs. This listing is an affront to the oil and natural gas industry employees who live and work in the Permian Basin in both Texas and New Mexico. IPAA believes that the decision to list the DSL is unwarranted and thanks Congressman Pfluger for his efforts to stop this misguided listing decision.”

    PBPA President Ben Shepperd said, “The Permian Basin Petroleum Association strongly supports Congressman Pfluger’s reintroduction of the LIZARD Act and his continued efforts to challenge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s unjustified listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard under the Endangered Species Act. The Service’s arbitrary decision ignores sound science and disregards the extensive, state-led conservation initiatives that have successfully protected the species—initiatives that have resulted in the enrollment of hundreds of thousands of acres and the commitment of millions of dollars in both Texas and New Mexico. Rather than imposing burdensome federal regulations, Congressman Pfluger is standing behind proven, effective conservation efforts that prioritize real results over bureaucratic red tape. PBPA members have long demonstrated their commitment to responsible stewardship of our natural resources through voluntary conservation programs, and we greatly appreciate Congressman Pfluger’s leadership in recognizing and supporting these efforts.”

    Background:

    In recent years, through state and private conservation efforts in New Mexico alone, 1,905,120 acres have been enrolled in a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) and Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) by the ranching community and 2,230,066 acres have been enrolled in the CCA and CCAA by the oil and gas industry to protect the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard.

    These enrollments have resulted in a net acreage conservation gain for the species’ habitat and the associated financial contributions have helped fund dozens of reclamation and conservation programs to support the species while still allowing for the development of natural resources and human existence in the region.


    Read the full letter     here or below:

    We write to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to reverse the Lesser Prairie Chicken and the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard listings under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These designations have imposed unnecessary regulatory burdens on our rural communities, threatening the vital work of hardworking farmers, ranchers, and energy producers while disregarding the proven success of the state and privately led conservation efforts. 

    For over a decade, voluntary public-private conservation partnerships have remarkably succeeded in stabilizing and increasing the Lesser Prairie Chicken population. In fact, since 2013, the population has more than doubled due to the dedication of local officials and companies who have implemented targeted conservation strategies. Instead of recognizing these efforts, the prior administration’s disastrous listing decision disregarded measurable progress and subjected key industries to regulatory overreach that weakened our energy independence and agricultural production. 

    Similarly, the designation of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as endangered threatens responsible energy development and economic prosperity in the Permian Basin, a critical region in ensuring America’s energy security. Industry leaders and conservationists have invested significant resources in habitat protection and species management programs, successfully maintaining the lizard’s habitat while allowing for responsible land use. 

    Reversing these listings would recognize the success of local conservation efforts and restore regulatory certainty for the communities and industries that depend on access to these lands. Empowering states, landowners, and private partners to continue leading species management ensures we can protect wildlife without sacrificing economic growth, energy production, or the livelihoods of hardworking Americans. Striking this balance is critical to maintaining our environmental stewardship and America’s energy dominance. With the right approach, we can achieve lasting conservation results without burdening the very communities that have been instrumental in protecting these species. 

    The Trump Administration can correct these misguided policies by directing FWS to delist both the Lesser Prairie Chicken and the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard. Doing so will restore balance to our conservation efforts—allowing local stakeholders to continue their successful work while safeguarding American energy production, protecting jobs, and supporting rural economies. 

    We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your prompt response. 

    Sincerely, 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Make in India and the Capital Goods Revolution

    Source: Government of India

    Make in India and the Capital Goods Revolution

    Catalyzing Domestic Production and Technological Innovation

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, heavy engineering and machine tools sector comprises of capital goods industry. India’s capital goods sector is experiencing significant attention due to its critical role in driving industrial growth and economic development. This sector encompasses industries such as electrical equipment, machinery, and construction, which are essential for the country’s infrastructure development. According to the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA), the electrical equipment industry witnessed consistent double-digit growth in power equipment, particularly transmission equipment and transformers, driven by domestic demand and international market expansion.

    India is the third-largest market for construction equipment. Government initiatives have been instrumental in bolstering the capital goods sector. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched several policies to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. These initiatives are part of the broader Make in India campaign (launched in 2014), which seeks to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP, generate employment, and improve technological capabilities. The capital goods sector is crucial to India’s economic strategy, supporting large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure projects. With rapid urbanization, extensive infrastructure development, and strong government support, the sector is poised to drive sustainable industrial growth and elevate India’s position in the global market.

     

    Overview of the Heavy Industries and Engineering Sector

    As per the present estimates, the Capital Goods industry contributes about 1.9% of GDP.  The Heavy Engineering and Machine Tool sector (capital goods industry) consists of the following major sub-sectors: Dies, Moulds and Press Tools; Plastic Machinery; Earthmoving and Mining Machinery; Metallurgical Machinery; Textile Machinery; Process Plant Equipment; Printing Machinery; and Food Processing Machinery. Due to catalytic effect of Ministry of Heavy Industries intervention, the production of capital goods sector has increased from Rs 2,29,533 crore in 2014-15 to Rs.4,29,001 crore in 2023-24. Production (in crores) by the sub-sectors of capital goods industry since 2019-20 are presented in the table below:

     

    Exports (in crores) by the sub-sectors of capital goods industry since 2019-20 are presented in the table below:

     

     

    The policy environment for the capital goods sector includes:

    • No industrial license is required for the sector.
    • FDI up to 100% permitted on automatic route (through RBI) except from the countries having land borders with India.
    • Quantum of payment for technology transfer, design and drawing, royalty, etc. to the foreign collaborator is not restricted.
    • There is no restriction on imports and exports.

    The Union Budget 2025-26 proposes to add 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing to the list of exempted capital goods. This will boost domestic manufacture of lithium-ion battery, both for mobile phones and electric vehicles.

     

    National Capital Goods Policy (2016)

    The National Capital Goods Policy, formulated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, is a comprehensive framework aims at boosting the capital goods sector in India. policy envisions increasing the sector’s contribution to manufacturing activity from 12% (2016) to 20% by 2025. It seeks to make India one of the top capital goods producing nations, aiming to more than double production and increase exports to at least 40% of the total production. Furthermore, the policy aims to enhance the technology depth within the sector, moving from basic and intermediate levels to advanced levels.

    The major salient features of the policy are:

    1. To increase budgetary allocation and scope of the Scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Capital Goods Sector adding components i.e. skills, capacity building, advanced manufacturing and cluster development.
    2. To launch a Technology Development Fund under PPP model to fund technology acquisition/ transfer, purchase of IPRs/ designs and drawings/ commercialization.
    3. To set up regional State-of-the-Art Greenfield Centre of Excellence for skill development.
    4. To modernize existing CG manufacturing units, especially SMEs by replacing with the modern, computer controlled and energy efficient machineries across capital goods sub-sectors.
    5. To upgrade/ develop, testing and certification infrastructure.

     

    The National Capital Goods Policy, 2016, inter alia, recommended increasing the budgetary allocation and scope of the Scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness of Capital Goods which included setting up of Centers of Excellence, Common Engineering Facility Centers, Integrated Industrial Infrastructure Park and Technology Acquisition Fund Programme. These recommendations were incorporated in the Phase II of the scheme.

     

    Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase I

    In order to address the skill gaps, infrastructure development and technology needs for the capital goods sector, Phase I of the capital goods scheme was rolled out in November 2014 which had the total outlay of Rs 995.96 crores. Phase I of the scheme fostered partnerships between academia and industry for engendering technology development with government support. The outcome of the Scheme has proved the efficacy of the strategies deployed for technology and industrial infrastructure development.

     

    • Centre of Excellence (CoE): 8 CoEs have been established wherein 30 niche indigenous technologies have been successfully developed in the fields of machine tools, additive manufacturing, textile machinery, welding robots and alloys design, earth moving machinery, and sensor technologies at national research institutes of eminence such as Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) etc.
    • Common Engineering Facility Centres (CEFC) – 15 CEFCs including four Industry 4.0 SAMARTH centres and six Web-Based Technology Innovation Platforms (TIPs) have been setup. Industry 4.0 SAMARTH centres are at Indian Institute of Sciences at Bengaluru, Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) lab at Pune, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) at Bengaluru and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
    • The six web-based open manufacturing technology innovation platforms are helping in bringing all India’s technical resources and the concerned Industry on to one platform to kick start and facilitate identification of technology problems faced by Indian Industry and crowd source solutions for the same in a systematic manner so as to facilitate start-ups and angel funding of India innovations.
    • Over 76,000 students, experts, institutes, industries and labs have already registered on these platforms so far.
    • Technology Acquisition Fund Programme (TAFP) – Following 5 technologies have been acquired from abroad under TAFP:
    1. Development & Commercialization of Titanium Casting with Ceramic Shelling Technology;
    2. Manufacturing of Heavy-Duty High Reliability Electrical Specialized Power Cables;
    3. Development of Turn Mill Centre;
    4. Development of Four Guideway CNC Lathe;
    5. Cutting Edge Robotic Laser Cladding Technology.

     

    • Integrated Machine Tools Park, Tumakuru: An exclusive industrial park for machine tool industry has been developed across 530 acres at Tumkuru, Karnataka. So far, out of 336 acres of allottable land, 145 acres of land has been allotted to the machine tool manufacturers.

     

    Under Phase- I of the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector, 33 projects with budgetary support of Rs. 583.312 crore were sanctioned. After launching of the Capital Goods Scheme Phase II, The Phase I of the Capital Goods Scheme has been merged with Phase II of the Scheme.

     

    Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase II

    Ministry of Heavy Industries notified the Phase 2 of the Scheme on January 25, 2022, with an objective to expand and enlarge the impact created by Phase I of the capital goods scheme, thereby providing greater impetus through creation of a strong and globally competitive capital goods sector. The scheme has a financial outlay of Rs. 1207 crores with budgetary support of Rs. 975 crore and industry contribution of Rs. 232 crores. Under the Phase II, a total of 33 projects with project cost of Rs 1366.94 crores (due to higher contribution by Industry) and government contribution of Rs 963.19 crore have been sanctioned by August 2024. There are six components under the Phase II and the details of the projects sanctioned so far are:

     

    • Setting up of New Advanced Centres of Excellence and augmentation of Existing Centres of Excellence: To expedite R&D by utilizing academia of repute and private industry which is involved in research and development activities. A total of 9 projects with the budget of Rs. 478.87 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Setting up of Common Engineering Facility Centres (CEFCs) and augmentation of existing CEFCs: For creating demonstration & training, consultancy, hand holding and R & D services and awareness programmes to industrial units. A total of 5 projects with the budget of Rs. 357.07 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Promotion of skilling in Capital Goods Sector: Creation of Qualification packages for skill levels 6 and above- in association with Skill Councils for skills level 6 and above. A total of 3 projects with the budget of Rs. 7.59 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Augmentation of Existing Testing and Certification Centres: To address the needs of Capital Goods Sector & Auto sector for testing of machinery in terms of various properties relating to mechanical, electrical, chemical, structural, metallurgical, electronics aspects etc. A total of 7 projects with the budget of Rs. 195.99 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Setting up of Industry Accelerators for Technology Development: Aimed at development of targeted indigenous technologies, scaled to meet the requirements of selected industry segment, which till now has been dependent on imports. Selected Academic Institute/ Industry Body will act as an Accelerator for fostering the development of such technologies. A total of 8 projects with the budget of Rs. 325.32 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Identification of Technologies through Technology Innovation Portals: Six Web-based open manufacturing technology innovation platforms have been developed under CG Scheme Phase-I. These are being supported under CG Scheme Phase-II.

     

    The details of the funds allocated and its utilization under the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase- I and II is as given in the table below:

     

     

    Recent Achievements of the Capital Goods Scheme

     

    1. Sitarc, Coimbatore has indigenously developed a 6-inch BLDC submersible pump with a motor efficiency of 88% and a pump efficiency of 78% under the Capital Goods Scheme. This initiative promotes “Aatmanirbharta” by reducing the import of such pumps by 80%. This innovation was recognized as the best product in the pumps category by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
    2. CMTI has developed a high-speed rapier loom machine capable of weaving yarns upto 450 RPM. This machine was launched at ITMA 2023 in Milan, Italy.
    3. Under the SAMARTH centre at CMTI, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) technology has been implemented in Toyota Engine Manufacturing line controlling 64 machines for preventive maintenance.
    4. A testing facilities for battery and Battery Management System (BMS) has been established at ARAI, Pune for the first time in India under the aegis of Ministry of Heavy Industries.
    5. 6 Smart Technologies, 5 Smart Tools, 14 solutions have been developed in digital twin, virtual reality, robotics, inspection, sustainability, additive manufacturing etc. by I-4.0 India @ IISc, Bengaluru;
    6. Under Industry Accelerator at ARAI-Advanced Mobility Transformation & Innovation Foundation (AMTIF) a high-voltage motor controller developed, which enabled the industry partner Raptee Energy Private Limited to launch a high-voltage motorcycle with electric car DNA.
    7. Under Industry Accelerator at ARAI-Advanced Mobility Transformation & Innovation Foundation (AMTIF) thermally stable sodium-ion batteries developed.

     

    Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

    BHEL is a major contributor towards engineering and manufacturing capacity building for the Country. The company is carrying out following initiatives with support from Ministry of Heavy industries under the Capital Goods Scheme Phase II:

    • BHEL has established a “Common Engineering Facility Centre (CEFC)” for skill development in Welding Technology at WRI Trichy along with its extension centers at Varanasi, Ranipet, Bhopal, Jhansi and Haridwar units of BHEL.

    •  BHEL is establishing a testing facility comprising both Hardware in the Loop (HIL) and Software in the Loop (SIL) functionalities in the area of Industrial, Naval and Aircraft related processes at its Corporate R&D Unit at Hyderabad with support from Ministry of Heavy Industries.

     

    Conclusion

    The ‘Make in India’ initiative has had a transformative impact on the heavy industries and engineering sector. By fostering technological advancements, increasing domestic production, enhancing competitiveness, and generating employment, the initiative has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s industrial base. With sustained policy support and continued investment, the sector is poised for further growth in the coming years.

     

    References

    https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/capital-goods

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2098364

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2085938

    https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2042179

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2039020

    https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/echapter.pdf

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/heavy-engineering-and-machine-tool

    https://x.com/investindia/status/1302798627337723904?lang=ar-x-fm

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-07/Capital-Goods-Policy-Final.pdf

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU1227_CBVr5x.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/182/AU1375_e9YzYN.pdf?source=pqals

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/scheme-enhancement-competitiveness-indian-capital-goods-sector-phase-i

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/scheme-enhancement-competitiveness-indian-capital-goods-sector-phase-ii

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/heavy_annual_report_2024-25_final_27.02.2025_compressed.pdf

    Make in India and the Capital Goods Revolution

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study about screentime, sleep and depression in adolescents

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    An observational study published in PLOS Global Mental Health looks at screentime, sleep and depression in adolescents. 

    Prof Ben Carter, Professor of Medical Statistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, said:

    “The authors have used a pre-registered and hypothesis testing approach taking data from a previous randomised control trial which included 4810 Swedish adolescents from 55 schools aged 12 to 16. In this well set up secondary analysis where the authors apply causal inference to an observational cohort study, they found that in girls screentime displaced sleep and was associated with increased symptoms of depression over a nine-month period.

    “Sleep in the development of adolescents is essential. This study offers biologically plausible data that demonstrates the evidence for widely held views of the impact of displacement of screens and the impact on sleep and symptoms of depression. The authors show that typical screentime in this cohort was in excess of Sweden’s recommended maximum of two to three hours per day. This work supports the introduction of public health leadership and introduction of national recommendations on smartphone use during school evenings for children and adolescents. This would likely lead to collective action to empower parents and help adolescents improve their sleep and prevent daytime sleepiness.

    “Weaknesses include that screentime was defined as leisure time on the internet and they were not able to differentiate between the type of screen used and self-reported. The strengths of this work include that the participants were a sample of typical 12- to 16-year-olds from Europe, they applied causal inference with a directed acyclic graph to explain the causal pathways with a pre-registered a priori hypothesis.”

     

    Prof Chris Ferguson, Professor of Psychology, Stetson University, said:

    “Overall, I don’t find this article to be an impressive addition to our understanding of screen time.  The measures of screen time appear to be self-report, a method known for its unreliability.  The questions are crude and not validated, and likely to prompt hypothesis guessing among participants that could result in false positive results.  There appear to be no proper statistical controls for theoretically relevant variables such as family environment, which might have explained any correlation.  Nonetheless, the results from this study are remarkably weak.  There is no correlation between screen time and depression which would seem to be important as findings go, given how much angst there is about that topic.  Though billed as “longitudinal” the lag between the first and second time frames is probably too short to be meaningful.  Associations between screen time and sleep were weak, overall.  In conclusion, the data are correlational, not causal, of weak or (in the case of depression) null effects.  Unfortunately, the authors also use causal language, which is inappropriate for any correlation design, including longitudinal, particularly given the lack of appropriate statistical controls.  Ultimately, this study tells us very little about adolescent screen time, sleep, depression or anything else. With these limitations, I’d worry about making any firm conclusions which could concern parents or carers about screen use in adolescents without the evidence to back it up.”

    ‘Adolescents’ screen time displaces multiple sleep pathways and elevates depressive symptoms over twelve months’ by Sebastian Hökby et al. was published in PLOS Global Mental Health at 19:00 UK time April 2nd April. 

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0004262

    Declared interests

    Prof Ben Carter: No declarations.

    Prof Chris Ferguson: No declarations

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Misokinesia: when repetitive movements are infuriating to some people

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Ellis, Assistant Researcher in Public Health, Swansea University

    Camila R P/Shutterstock

    For some people, the mere sight of someone tapping their foot, twirling their hair or clicking a pen can trigger an intense sense of discomfort, or even rage. This reaction is known as “misokinesia”, a sensitivity to repetitive movements that can make everyday interactions challenging.

    It is only a recently explored phenomenon in research. But studies suggest that up to one-third of the population experiences some level of discomfort when confronted with the repetitive movements of other people. These triggers can include things such as another person bounding their leg repeatedly, or biting their nails, fidgeting – even yawning. Misokinesia may affect a person’s job and their personal lives.

    Misokinesia produces what has been likened by some as a “fight or flight” response in people living with the condition, with reactions including an increase in blood pressure, adrenaline and heart palpitations. Other physical reactions such as nausea are possible too.

    There can also be cognitive reactions, such as a lack of focus or patience, negative or violent thoughts, and feelings of anger and disgust.

    It can be person-specific. This means that people who experience misokenisia find some people’s repetitive actions are more triggering than others. This can make it difficult to spend time with particular people comfortably due to their opposing needs. For example, it may be difficult for a person with misokinesia to be around someone who is stimming (employing self-stimulating behaviour such as leg bouncing) for emotional regulation.

    Misophonia

    Misokinesia is similar to misophonia, which is a strong dislike or hatred of certain sounds, often made by people, such as yawning, breathing or chewing. It can also be person-specific and can affect a person’s day-to-day life, including their ability to regulate their emotions.

    Misophonia often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

    Misokinesia, however, is entirely visual. While the two conditions can co-occur, they are distinct experiences.

    Given that some people with misophonia report experiencing misokinesia too, it suggests a possible shared neurological basis. But research into both conditions remains in its early stages.

    The exact causes of misokinesia remain unclear, but it may be due to a combination of neurological, psychological and genetic factors. There is evidence that neurodivergent people, including autistic people and those with ADHD, may be more likely to experience both misokinesia and misophonia.



    Read more:
    Misophonia – when certain sounds drive you crazy

    People with both of these conditions may experience stigma, with other people believing they are overreacting. This can affect whether a person who experiences misokinesia will share their experiences with others. It can also reduce the likelihood that they will seek support.

    There is no official diagnosis for misokinesia, nor for misophonia. Discussions are ongoing about whether they should be recognised as clinical conditions, however.

    Can misokinesia be managed?

    Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be one way to reduce the effects of both misokinesia and misophonia on a person’s life. CBT can help a person identify their triggers, acknowledge their reactions and learn relaxation techniques to practice in real-life scenarios. Practicing relaxation techniques, can help to manage both the physiological and mental responses to a trigger.

    Practical strategies, such as subtly blocking one’s view of the movement, shifting focus to another part of the environment, or explaining triggers to those around them may also help reduce distress.

    Rebecca Ellis 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. Misokinesia: when repetitive movements are infuriating to some people – https://theconversation.com/misokinesia-when-repetitive-movements-are-infuriating-to-some-people-252056

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to improve net zero action – our new research highlights lessons from the past

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Karen Bickerstaff, Professor in Human Geography, University of Exeter

    Cycling is not only a way to reduce carbon emissions, it also has huge health benefits. LeManna/Shutterstock

    The current UK government and its recent predecessors have shown a reluctance to encourage and enable lifestyle changes that reduce our collective demand for energy.

    Fearing a backlash from voters, many UK politicians neglect key weapons in the fight to mitigate climate change. These include directing investment away from building roads to public transport, establishing reliable infrastructure for the charging and repair of electric vehicles, and making reduction of car travel a key priority for urban planners.

    As researchers focusing on how to accelerate climate action, we argue that shying away from changing the way we live is counterproductive. Conflict and disagreement are part of social change, but there are positive ways forward.

    The problems and, critically, the solutions have overwhelmingly been presented by UK governments as technological. But many of these technologies are still only in development.

    Practical use of nuclear fusion (the energy-generating mechanism that powers the sun), for example, has long been spoken of as “30 years away”. The efficacy of direct air capture (a set of technologies that extract CO₂ directly from the atmosphere) remains a matter of conjecture.

    Meanwhile, demand reduction and lifestyle changes – solutions we know make a difference – are being left in the background.

    In the run-up to the 2024 UK general election, we conducted a survey of almost 3,000 UK citizens – of which just over half (51%) expressed support for a net zero carbon emissions target. Given the apparent indifference or outright opposition of a substantial proportion of voters, it is not surprising that politicians seek to minimise objections to net zero policy by downplaying any suggestion of personal disruption.

    Our survey also asked about people’s willingness to make specific lifestyle changes (to home energy, diet and travel) for climate reasons. On average, 43% were already acting or firmly planning to do so. Another 28% said they might be prepared to make such changes in the future.

    Willingness to make climate-related lifestyle changes:

    This ties in with other research which indicates that people are open to significant changes in their lifestyle to support net zero, if the conditions are right. So, how can this potential for change be realised?

    The answer, we argue, lies in the recent past. Over the last year, as part of a social science taskforce on net zero, we looked back at a diverse range of case studies of societal change to draw lessons for future policy. We now propose that five key steps are needed for effective net zero action.

    1. Galvanise people

    When seeking to build support for contentious change, it is vital to identify issues that can galvanise people. These will often relate to other (non-net zero) benefits. For instance, “school streets” projects have been successful, where other traffic reduction policies have failed, because they emphasise the benefits to the health and wellbeing of children.

    Similarly, the rapid switch from coal heating to gas central heating in the 1960s and ’70s was partly connected to a popular movement for cleaner, “decent” homes.

    Identifying issues that unify people can galvanise support from local communities.
    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    2. Focus on fairness

    In our survey, just 37% of people saw a fairer society as a likely outcome of net zero actions, while 63% identified individual finances as a major challenge to achieving net zero. Regulation needs to establish a close connection between net zero measures and equity, so that no groups are unfairly burdened or advantaged. This requires an honest discussion about downsides and trade-offs.

    Measures that focus on cheaper bills, affordable devices, accessible transport and the alleviation of fuel poverty will build optimism. In the successful Danish transition to district heating from the mid-1970s, ensuring affordable and reliable energy was vital in gaining support, as was giving residents a say in decision-making.

    3. Make the policy process relatable

    We noticed that survey participants expressed a lot of cynicism and uncertainty about government action on net zero. Nearly half (46%) doubted that the net zero target was achievable, while most people (62%) had serious concerns about vested interests, under-resourced local authorities (59%), and a lack of government investment in infrastructure (59%).

    People also feel disconnected from decision-making. Many said they had little or no influence on climate policy (59%), and felt there was a lack of power in communities (51%).

    Local authorities, businesses, community groups and other third-sector organisations can help bridge these gaps between national government and everyday life. They should play a key role delivering net zero policies that fit with local needs and issues.

    When Denmark switched to district heating, the delegation of powers to municipal authorities was crucial in supporting community ownership models and empowering residents and community groups. Properly resourced local climate commissions – town- and city-wide groups that bring together local organisations and businesses – can provide an independent, trusted voice to help drive climate action at a local level.

    4. Listen to other people

    People need the chance to listen to and engage with each other. If they doubt their opinions and concerns are recognised, or if their worries are viewed as nothing more than obstacles, conflict becomes more likely.

    Proper dialogue through collaborations like climate citizens’ assemblies can improve understanding of different positions, aspirations and capabilities. Once legitimate concerns and unintended consequences have been identified, potential solutions can be explored.

    There is certainly support for this more interactive approach: 40% of people in our survey felt that affected communities should have a considerable influence on climate policies, alongside local authorities (40%) and elected MPs (42%).

    Without these ongoing conversations, projects can fail. A Dutch carbon capture and storage project, using a depleted gas field under the town of Barendrecht to store CO₂ from a nearby refinery, was cancelled in 2010 following intense local opposition. The government and industry had failed to get public engagement right from the start.

    5. Accept some opposition

    Change to net zero is going to be difficult, and no step the UK government takes will completely eliminate the possibility of disruption and conflict. In our survey, nearly a quarter of respondents were opposed to the UK net zero target. So, politicians need to be more robust and interventionist in making a positive case for net zero, recognising that not everyone is going to agree.

    However, there are grounds to be optimistic that action itself may help unlock support for net zero. Research that has followed school streets projects, for example, shows that once schemes are in place, support among residents and parents increases when anticipated problems (such as traffic displacement) do not materialise – and when the benefits, in terms of children walking and cycling more, become clear.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Karen Bickerstaff receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust and ESRC.

    Alice Moseley receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council

    Patrick Devine-Wright receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

    – ref. Five ways to improve net zero action – our new research highlights lessons from the past – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-improve-net-zero-action-our-new-research-highlights-lessons-from-the-past-244195

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –