NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK a unique gateway: SJ

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam

    The Hong Kong Legal Week is an annual flagship event of the Department of Justice. Since its inception in 2019, the Hong Kong Legal Week has served as a dynamic forum where legal professionals, scholars, judges and experts come together to discuss critical legal issues that resonate not only within Hong Kong but (also) throughout the wider Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

    The theme of this year is “Hong Kong Common Law System: World-Class Springboard to China & Beyond”. It emphasises Hong Kong’s unique role as a gateway between China, the Asia Pacific and the world. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction within China. Our strong legal foundation, coupled with our close ties with and support from the Mainland, positions us as a critical hub for legal and economic collaboration across the region and beyond.

    Private law summit

    We begin this week with today’s Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024. Building on the success of the inaugural summit in 2022, the Department of Justice once again partners with the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) to organise this summit under the theme “Springboard to Opportunities: Utilising International Private Law & Technology to Facilitate Access to Credit, Investment, & Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific Region”.

    The Asia-Pacific region is home to enormous economic potential and encompasses a diverse array of legal systems. While this diversity enriches our legal and cultural landscape, it also introduces complexities and uncertainties for businesses navigating cross-border transactions. To unlock the region’s full economic potential and ensure long-term sustainable growth, harmonisation and modernisation of private law across the region is essential.

    Recognising this need, today’s summit gathers leading legal minds from across the Asia Pacific, together with experts from UNIDROIT, to explore how the unification and co-ordination of various areas of private law can support economic growth and facilitate smoother cross-border interactions throughout the region. We will be hearing from them on how international private law and emerging technologies can unlock new opportunities for sustainable economic growth across the region, and how Hong Kong may contribute in this regard.

    Collaboration with UNIDROIT

    In the past few years, the Department of Justice has closely collaborated with UNIDROIT to promote the development, implementation, and deeper understanding of private international law and international commercial law across the Asia-Pacific region.

    In addition to these collaborative efforts, we are grateful for UNIDROIT’s strong support to the Department of Justice’s secondment programme, offering Hong Kong’s legal professionals from both the public and private sectors the valuable opportunity to work at the UNIDROIT Secretariat in Rome. This experience not only deepens their expertise in international legal issues, but also bolsters Hong Kong’s capacity in foreign-related legal matters.

    I am very pleased to note that one of our former secondees will be moderating a panel later this morning, which testifies to the success of the secondment programme.

    Capacity building

    The secondment programme is one of the Department of Justice’s many policy initiatives providing professional development opportunities to our legal talents. To further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, the Department of Justice places great importance on nurturing legal talents with a global perspective and proficiency in foreign-related legal affairs. We are committed to establishing Hong Kong as a leading centre for capacity building in international law.

    As outlined in our Chief Executive’s 2023 and 2024 Policy Address, the Department of Justice is setting up the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. The academy will regularly organise practical training courses, seminars, international exchange programmes and more to promote exchanges among talent in regions along the Belt & Road. It will also provide training for talent in the practice of foreign-related legal affairs for the country, and nurture legal talent conversant with international law, common law, civil law and the country’s legal system.

    A dedicated office and an expert committee have already been set up to facilitate the establishment of the academy. We are grateful to have Prof Tirado (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law Secretary-General) as a member of the expert committee, and I am pleased to see many of our committee members participating in today’s summit.

    To officially mark this new initiative, I am excited to announce that the launch ceremony for the academy will take place on the final day of the Hong Kong Legal Week. I warmly invite all of you to join us for this significant occasion.

    Other events

    I also warmly welcome you to participate in an array of other events this week. Tomorrow, we will have the Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity & Development co-organised with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. At the legal forum, we are very pleased to have the General Counsel of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank deliver a keynote address on promoting good governance and high-quality development under international law. Legal experts will also share their insights on Hong Kong’s role in China’s institutional opening up, and rule of law as a risk management mechanism to safeguard sustainable development.

    On Wednesday, we will host events under the theme “Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong”. The day will explore three topical issues – the role of mediation in promoting a culture of mutual respect, harmony and inclusiveness, use of artificial intelligence in alternative dispute resolution, as well as the resolution of sports disputes. There will also be the 2024 Hong Kong Mediation Lecture in the evening, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities involved in the use of mediation in deals relating to natural resources.

    Thursday’s programme will focus on strengthening the rule of law in the Greater Bay Area. We will hear from experts on the proof of Hong Kong law and foreign law in the Mainland, the arrangement on mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters between the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well as legal services and juridical relations to facilitate and protect trade and social interactions between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The day will also feature a mock mediation session led by mediators from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and a discussion on the Greater Bay Area mediation platform.

    On Friday, apart from the launching ceremony of the academy in the afternoon that I have just mentioned, we will explore how the rule of law in Hong Kong, together with different components of Hong Kong’s legal and judicial system, are essential to provide the best business environment from the perspectives of our legal services profession and our enterprises, and how our legal professionals can play an important role along the Belt & Road.

    Alongside this week’s discussions, we are also featuring a special exhibition on the achievements in the construction of the rule of law of the People’s Republic of China in the modern era, co-organised by the Ministry of Justice of China and the Department of Justice, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China. The exhibition highlights key milestones in China’s legal evolution, both domestically and in foreign-related areas, over the past 75 years.

    Conclusion

    Ladies and gentlemen, as we look ahead to the discussions that will follow, I hope today’s summit will inspire all of us to explore new ideas and opportunities. Let’s make the most of this moment to engage in meaningful exchanges and drive forward the future of international law.

    On this note, I wish today’s summit every success and extend my sincere appreciation to all of you for joining us, whether online or in person.

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam gave these remarks at the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024, part of Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, on November 4.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sydney Airport Traffic Performance July 2023

    Source: Sydney Airport

    Tuesday 4 November 2024

    In an Australian first, Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport have joined forces to launch a public awareness campaign to fight human trafficking.  

    The country’s two largest international airports have partnered with anti-human trafficking organisation, A21, to run the “Can You See Me?” campaign, with guidance and input from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).  

    This initiative will educate people on how to recognise and report the signs of human trafficking.   

    From today, digital screens and billboards at both airports will display images and messages, stating that slavery still exists and urging people: “If you suspect it, report it.” QR codes also link to videos and information on how to identify and stop these crimes. Digital screens in key areas will display these messages, including check-in counters, gates and baggage carousels.  

    Combined, Sydney and Melbourne airports cater for 68% of Australia’s total international passenger traffic. While the “Can You See Me?” campaign runs over the next month, close to 7 million passengers are expected to pass through both the domestic and international terminals at the two airports.  

    A21 has rolled out this program in high-profile spaces worldwide—from Times Square billboards, screens at Heathrow Airport, train stations in Thailand to inflatable screens in vulnerable Cambodian communities—reaching an impressive 3.4 billion people globally.  

    Modern slavery is a growing issue in Australia, with the AFP receiving 382 reports in 2023/2024 financial year, a 12 per cent increase on the previous year. Cases include trafficking, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, debt bondage, forced labour, deceptive recruitment and organ trafficking. The Global Slavery Index estimates 41,000 people in Australia live under conditions of modern slavery.  

    A united response to human trafficking  

    Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO said: “Every person who steps through our airport deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation.”   

    “We deeply value the AFP’s dedication to catching and prosecuting traffickers and the A21 ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign will amplify their efforts by raising critical public awareness and support.  

    “Sydney Airport is proud to join forces with Melbourne Airport, united in our mission to tackle the scourge of modern slavery.”  

    Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport CEO said: “This partnership goes beyond just airports—it’s about people’s lives.”  

    “By joining forces with Sydney Airport, the AFP, and A21, we’re taking a stand against modern slavery, a hidden crime that destroys people’s futures.  

    “Knowing that human trafficking is a real and daily threat, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our passengers.”  

    Acting Commander Human Exploitation Frank Rayner from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said: “The increase in reported cases of human trafficking and slavery in Australia highlights the urgent need for action.”

    “Airports are key environments where traffickers seek to move victims across borders. It is important to remember that traffickers have many ways of controlling a person and a person can be exploited without physical restraint or abuse.

    “Engaging travellers and frontline airport staff to recognise the signs and report suspected cases will help disrupt these crimes and protect vulnerable people.”

    Nick Caine, A21 CEO, said: “Everyone has a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. Awareness is the first step, and we believe that through this campaign, more victims will be recognised and rescued.  

    “The ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign has already changed lives across the world, and we are grateful to Sydney and Melbourne airports for bringing this powerful message to Australia.”  

    Christian Elliott, Director of “Can You See Me?” said:  “As the director of the Can You See Me? campaign, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of awareness.”  

    “This initiative goes beyond just sharing information—it equips every individual who passes through Sydney and Melbourne airports to become a part of the solution.  

    “Human trafficking hides in plain sight, but through this campaign, we are making the invisible visible, empowering travellers, staff, and the public to take action. With just one report, one moment of recognition, a life can be saved. Together, we can stop the traffickers and protect the most vulnerable among us.”  

    The Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick and Marrickville have announced that all cash collected from 11 donation boxes across Sydney Airport over the next month will be donated to A21 to support survivors of human trafficking.  

    Airport-specific signs & indicators of human trafficking  

    • Avoids eye contact and social interaction 
    • Is not in control of own passport/documentation 
    • Language barrier with their travelling companions 
    • Unusually submissive
    • Unaware of their destination  
    • Clothing is not appropriate/does not fit the route of travel  

    More details: Human trafficking and exploitation – AFP  

    How to make a report

    If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 000 for help.    

    The Australian Federal Police (AFP) protect people who are victims of modern slavery and can help keep you safe. If you suspect someone is at risk, you can:  

    • Make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000  
    • Call 131 AFP  
    • Report online  

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal following fatal collision in Enfield

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Enfield.

    Police were called at about 14:05hrs on Monday, 28 October to reports of a collision involving a white Ford box van and a blue motorbike on Meridian Way close to the junction with Morson Road.

    Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. Despite the efforts of emergency services, sadly the rider, aged in his late 20s, died at the scene.

    His next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

    Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or captured it on dash cam.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8246 9820 or via 101 reference CAD 4097/28Oct.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Parliament moves one step closer to deliver pay rise for early educators

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    Every day, parents trust early educators with the most important people in their world, and every day Australia asks early educators to do one of the most important jobs imaginable.

    Today the Albanese Government has passed legislation through the House of Representatives to make sure those educators are fairly paid.

    Once it passes through Parliament, the Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) Bill 2024 will deliver a 15 per cent wage increase for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workers.
    This wage increase will be tied to a commitment from Child Care Centres to limit fee increases. We want to make sure workers can be fairly paid without the costs being passed on to families.

    Since coming to Government, the number of ECEC workers has grown by more than 30,000, but we need more.

    This $3.6 billion investment will help retain our existing early childhood educators, who are predominately women, and attract new employees.
    By improving access to quality early childhood education and care we can also boost productivity and workforce participation in the short and long-term. Significantly, the wage increase also applies to workers in outside school hours care services – creating benefits for the parents of school aged children too.
    This wage increase is an important next step in the Government’s reforms to the sector, building on the successful Cheaper Child Care changes.  

    The wage increase will be phased in over two years, and include a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, and a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.
    This means a typical ECEC educator who is paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of at least $103 per week, increasing to at least $155 per week from December 2025.

    For a typical early childhood teacher, they’ll receive an additional $166 a week from December this year, increasing to $249 from December of next year.
    To be eligible to receive funding for the wage increase, ECEC services won’t be able to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months from August 2024.

    There will also be a limit on fee growth in the second year of the wage subsidy. The percentage limit on fee growth that will apply from August 2025 will be determined by a new ECEC cost index being developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

    Early learning providers can now apply for Commonwealth Government funding to deliver the pay rise.

    This is a win for workers, a win for families and will help ease cost of living pressures.
    Combined with the Government’s Cheaper Child Care initiative, this wage increase will help support the availability of early education and care for families and is a crucial step in charting the course to a truly universal early education system.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Jason Clare:
    “The child care debate is over. It’s not babysitting. It’s early education and it’s critical to preparing children for school.
    “They lift our kids up and now we are lifting their pay.
    “This means wages up for workers and keeping prices down for families.
    “A pay rise for every early childhood educator is good for our workforce, good for families and good our economy.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly:
    “This is a wonderful outcome for a highly feminised workforce that has for far too long been neglected and taken for granted.
    “We’re boosting the wages of early childhood education workers, while relieving cost of living pressures on Australian families.
    “Properly valuing the early childhood education and care workforce is crucial to attracting and retaining workers and vital to achieving the quality universal early learning sector Australian families deserve.
    “A quality early childhood education sector is necessary to support children’s learning and development as well as workforce participation in the broader economy.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Violent, illegal acts condemned

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Justice (DoJ) today strongly condemned an attempted knife attack on a magistrate, stressing that it will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts.

    In a press release, the DoJ explained that the incident took place at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts this morning and emphasised that the attempted knife attack threatened the magistrate’s personal safety.

    It also made it clear that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts, and Police will thoroughly investigate the case, strictly enforce the law and bring any offender to account.

    Article 85 of the Basic Law clearly states that the courts of the Hong Kong SAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Judges should handle cases in accordance with law and evidence. Intimidation, in particular violence of any form against judges who are performing judicial duties, will never be tolerated. Such illegal acts not only disregard the law but also undermine the rule of law.

    Apart from saying that Police will follow up on the matter seriously, the DoJ appealed to the public to respect the rule of law and not to break the law.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking

    Source: Sydney Airport

    Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking

    Monday 4 November 2024

    In an Australian first, Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport have joined forces to launch a public awareness campaign to fight human trafficking.  

    The country’s two largest international airports have partnered with anti-human trafficking organisation, A21, to run the “Can You See Me?” campaign, with guidance and input from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).  

    This initiative will educate people on how to recognise and report the signs of human trafficking.   

    From today, digital screens and billboards at both airports will display images and messages, stating that slavery still exists and urging people: “If you suspect it, report it.” QR codes also link to videos and information on how to identify and stop these crimes. Digital screens in key areas will display these messages, including check-in counters, gates and baggage carousels.  

    Combined, Sydney and Melbourne airports cater for 68% of Australia’s total international passenger traffic. While the “Can You See Me?” campaign runs over the next month, close to 7 million passengers are expected to pass through both the domestic and international terminals at the two airports.  

    A21 has rolled out this program in high-profile spaces worldwide—from Times Square billboards, screens at Heathrow Airport, train stations in Thailand to inflatable screens in vulnerable Cambodian communities—reaching an impressive 3.4 billion people globally.  

    Modern slavery is a growing issue in Australia, with the AFP receiving 382 reports in 2023/2024 financial year, a 12 per cent increase on the previous year. Cases include trafficking, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, debt bondage, forced labour, deceptive recruitment and organ trafficking. The Global Slavery Index estimates 41,000 people in Australia live under conditions of modern slavery.  

    A united response to human trafficking  

    Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO said: “Every person who steps through our airport deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation.”   

    “We deeply value the AFP’s dedication to catching and prosecuting traffickers and the A21 ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign will amplify their efforts by raising critical public awareness and support.  

    “Sydney Airport is proud to join forces with Melbourne Airport, united in our mission to tackle the scourge of modern slavery.”  

    Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport CEO said: “This partnership goes beyond just airports—it’s about people’s lives.”  

    “By joining forces with Sydney Airport, the AFP, and A21, we’re taking a stand against modern slavery, a hidden crime that destroys people’s futures.  

    “Knowing that human trafficking is a real and daily threat, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our passengers.”  

    Acting Commander Human Exploitation Frank Rayner from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said: “The increase in reported cases of human trafficking and slavery in Australia highlights the urgent need for action.”

    “Airports are key environments where traffickers seek to move victims across borders. It is important to remember that traffickers have many ways of controlling a person and a person can be exploited without physical restraint or abuse.

    “Engaging travellers and frontline airport staff to recognise the signs and report suspected cases will help disrupt these crimes and protect vulnerable people.”

    Nick Caine, A21 CEO, said: “Everyone has a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. Awareness is the first step, and we believe that through this campaign, more victims will be recognised and rescued.  

    “The ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign has already changed lives across the world, and we are grateful to Sydney and Melbourne airports for bringing this powerful message to Australia.”  

    Christian Elliott, Director of “Can You See Me?” said:  “As the director of the Can You See Me? campaign, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of awareness.”  

    “This initiative goes beyond just sharing information—it equips every individual who passes through Sydney and Melbourne airports to become a part of the solution.  

    “Human trafficking hides in plain sight, but through this campaign, we are making the invisible visible, empowering travellers, staff, and the public to take action. With just one report, one moment of recognition, a life can be saved. Together, we can stop the traffickers and protect the most vulnerable among us.”  

    The Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick and Marrickville have announced that all cash collected from 11 donation boxes across Sydney Airport over the next month will be donated to A21 to support survivors of human trafficking.  

    Airport-specific signs & indicators of human trafficking  

    • Avoids eye contact and social interaction 
    • Is not in control of own passport/documentation 
    • Language barrier with their travelling companions 
    • Unusually submissive
    • Unaware of their destination  
    • Clothing is not appropriate/does not fit the route of travel  

    More details: Human trafficking and exploitation – AFP  

    How to make a report

    If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 000 for help.    

    The Australian Federal Police (AFP) protect people who are victims of modern slavery and can help keep you safe. If you suspect someone is at risk, you can:  

    • Make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000  
    • Call 131 AFP  
    • Report online  

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for witnesses to serious collision in Hammersmith

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a serious road traffic incident in Hammersmith are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage or CCTV footage to come forward.

    Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 12:50hrs on Wednesday, 30 October to reports of a collision involving a delivery van and a woman on a service road outside The Ark on Talgarth Road, W6.

    Emergency services attended and provided first aid. The woman was taken to hospital where she remains due to her serious injuries.

    The van driver who stopped at the scene was not arrested. They are co-operating with police officers and the investigation.

    Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are leading the investigation.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information or footage should contact the witness line on 020 8543 5157 or call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 3378/30Oct.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: St Austell angler fined for not having a rod licence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    It would have been cheaper for an angler to have bought a rod licence after he was caught and fined.

    Money raised from the sale of rod licences supports the sport, fish stock and pays for improvements

    William Greaves, 39, from Moorland Road, St Austell, pleaded guilty to fishing without a rod licence at Bilberry Lake, St Austell. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay a £16 victim surcharge at Swindon Magistrates Court on 29 October 2024.  

    Benjamin Pessl, Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer, said: 

    Money from rod licence sales is put back where it came from to improve the experience of anglers and fisheries. Not doing that cheats everyone. 

    Buying a rod licence is not expensive. Always check your licence is in date before you go out fishing

    Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. A 1-day licence costs from just £6 and an annual licence costs from just £30 (concessions available). Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds. Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

    The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust. Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported. 

    Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    Background

    William Greaves was charged with: 

    On 21 April 2024 at Bilberry Lake, St Austell, in a place where fishing is regulated fished for freshwater fish or eels by means of an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely rod and line, contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by DSJ at Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024 (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the closing remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024 under Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 today (November 4):Professor Ignacio Tirado (Professor Ignacio Tirado, Secretary-General of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,      It is a great honour for me to deliver the closing remarks of the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024, a remarkable event co-organised by UNIDROIT and the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.      I am especially delighted to see Ignacio and Anna (the Deputy Secretary-General of UNIDROIT, Professor Anna Veneziano) again in person today. It brings back my memories of my visit to UNIDROIT’s Secretariat in the beautiful city of Rome last year, where I attended an insightful conference co-organised by UNIDROIT and the Chinese Embassy in Italy. I still recall the generous hospitality extended to me by Ignacio and Anna during my visit. I sincerely hope that we have been able to reciprocate that same warmth and hospitality during your time here in Hong Kong.     Today’s Summit has been nothing short of inspiring. We have been privileged to hear insightful presentations from distinguished officials, industry players and experts from Hong Kong and overseas, including high-level officials from several renowned international organisations of UNIDROIT, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Hague Conference on Private International Law. We are also honoured to have had a senior official from Mongolia to share her insights, which have further enriched our discussions.     The quality and depth of these presentations have been commendable, addressing critical issues pertinent to the evolving landscape of international private law. The topics explored by our expert panellists are both timely and relevant not only to Hong Kong, but also to the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. I am confident that the insights shared today will contribute significantly to ongoing discussions within our legal communities and other stakeholders.      As we reflect on today’s Summit, one overarching theme has particularly stood out, that is the importance of legal certainty and predictability. In an increasingly globalised world, where cross-border transactions are growing in volume and complexity, the harmonisation and modernisation of private law are more important and essential than ever. Reducing legal uncertainties is not merely an academic or technical exercise. It directly benefits businesses by enabling them to operate with greater confidence and facilitating smooth cross-border commercial activities. Legal certainty and predictability fostered by international private law will therefore be a “springboard to opportunities” for the Asia-Pacific region, as encapsulated in the theme of today’s Summit. Panel 1: Harnessing Opportunities from Digital Assets, Tokenisation and Carbon Credits      In our first panel, we delved into the need for a consistent approach to the legal treatment of digital assets across jurisdictions.      The advent of technologies such as distributed ledgers has paved the way for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, which are now integral to various sectors of our economy and financial markets.     In order to unlock the potential of the digital economy, a clear and certain legal framework is vital. Such clarity instils trust in technology, ensures platform resilience and protects the rights of consumers and businesses alike. In this context, the UNIDROIT Principle on Digital Assets and Private Law which provides a common framework addressing legal issues related to the holding, transfer and use of digital assets, are particularly relevant to Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific.      Today’s discussion offered much to consider about integrating international principles with local laws in each jurisdiction to achieve harmonisation and consistency. As an international financial hub, Hong Kong is committed to promoting the integration of real economy and digital economy, and fostering the development of the digital economy.Panel 2: Unleashing Economic Potential Through Secured Transaction Law Reform in the Asia-Pacific Region     The benefits and role of harmonised secured transactions law in promoting economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region was discussed in Panel 2.      Secured transactions are essential for businesses seeking access to credit and working capacity. As a leading international trading hub with a robust legal system, Hong Kong is the prime destination for Mainland and overseas enterprises establishing their international headquarters to manage offshore trading and supply chain operations. In fact, Hong Kong ranks at the top globally in terms of international trade and business legislation according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 by the International Management Development Institute.      Our experts in Panel 2 examined the importance of international instruments supporting secured transactions, while exploring UNIDROIT’s contribution to secured transactions law, such as the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and its various Protocols, as well as the recent adopted Model Law on Factoring. Such efforts are crucial for enhancing access to credit for businesses across the Asia-Pacific Region to unleash our economic potential. Panel 3: Gateway to International Investment and Sustainability     The experts at Panel 3 brought our attention to the need for reducing legal uncertainties surrounding international investment contracts for both states and private investors.      In this regard, the panel introduced the UNIDROIT’s ongoing international investment project, which seeks to modernise, harmonise and standardise international investment contracts by developing clear guidance to foster consistency in these vital agreements. It also addresses recent developments in international investment law, such as the increasing focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability.      These topics are of particular relevance to Hong Kong, given its role as an important gateway between China and the global markets. Hong Kong’s unique arrangements with Mainland China enhance its appeal as a jurisdiction for international investment and arbitration. Investments from Hong Kong into Mainland China enjoy the substantive protections offered by the investment agreement under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. Moreover, we are the first common law jurisdiction where parties involved in arbitrations seated in Hong Kong can seek interim measures from Mainland courts, such as asset preservation.     This synergy between Hong Kong’s legal infrastructure and its strategic relationship with Mainland China not only bolsters investor confidence but also further strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a leading centre for international legal and dispute resolution services within the Asia-Pacific region.Panel 4: Building Bridges by Strengthening Engagement in the Asia-Pacific Region     Finally, Panel 4 discussed building bridges to strengthen engagement and capacity building has been identified as a key to strengthening engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. This involves not only improving legal infrastructure but also developing skilled professionals capable of handling the complexities of international private law.      The Panel highlighted the significance of legal co-operation and legal talents development. Capacity building initiatives among international organisations and Asia-Pacific economies are crucial in equipping our region’s government officials, practitioners and other stakeholders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex international legal landscape. Amid the growing demand for legal expertise driven by increasing international trade, these initiatives foster collaboration and nurture skilled legal professionals, thereby improving access to justice regionally and beyond.      Hong Kong is deeply committed to enhancing its status as a regional hub for capacity building. With a strong pool of legal and dispute resolution professionals who possess extensive international experience, the Department of Justice has been actively involved in organising and supporting various training and development programmes across different areas of law and practice. For example, we have co-organised or supported multiple editions of the Investment Law and Investor-State Mediator Training and the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law in Hong Kong.      As noted by our Secretary for Justice during his opening remarks, the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy will be officially launched this Friday, and we warmly invite all of you to join us to witness this significant moment. Building on our strong foundation in capacity-building and our close collaboration with UNIDROIT and other international organisations, the Academy will regularly offer practical training courses, seminars and international exchange programmes aimed at promoting collaboration among legal professionals, judges and government officials throughout Asia Pacific and beyond. Already in the pipeline for the Academy is to support the organisation of the Second Edition of The Hague Academy of International Law’s Advanced Course in Hong Kong.Conclusion      Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to announce that we have successfully concluded the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024. The success of this Summit is a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of UNIDROIT, my colleagues at the Department of Justice, and your active participation. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this Summit a resounding success.      As we wrap up today’s event, we also mark the end of the first day of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024. We warmly welcome you all to participate in the exciting events we have prepared for you throughout this week.     Thank you once again! I wish you all an enriching experience throughout the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024. For those visiting abroad, I hope you enjoy your time in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission’s response in addressing social dumping following CJEU ruling on Mobility Package – P-002375/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    31.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002375/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Charlie Weimers (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

    A recent judgment[1] by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has upheld most provisions of the EU Mobility Package, but has annulled the ‘return of vehicle’ requirement, citing insufficient proportionality assessment[2][3]. This provision aimed to mitigate the issue of social dumping and unfair competition by ensuring that vehicles operating in other Member States return periodically to their home country.

    Studies indicate that thousands of foreign-registered vehicles operate permanently within Sweden. These operations are continuously ongoing and not of a temporary character at all, thus violating the very definition of cabotage and perpetuating social dumping practices[4].

    In light of this development:

    • 1.What action will the Commission take to ensure that social dumping is effectively curbed within the EU transport sector?
    • 2.Will the Commission propose legal changes to strengthen cabotage rules and protect local markets, ensuring fair competition and adherence to social standards?
    • 3.Does the Commission have any opinion on the fact that the CJEU cited insufficient preparatory work as a reason for invalidating the ‘return of vehicle’ rule?

    Submitted: 31.10.2024

    • [1] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 4 October 2024, Republic of Lithuania and Others v Parliament and Council, Joined Cases C-541/20 to C-555/20, ECLI:EU:C:2024:818.
    • [2] https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=290673&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=385475.
    • [3] https://www.europaportalen.se/notis/2024/10/eu-domstolen-godkanner-i-stort-nya-regler-lastbilstrafik-avvisar-krav-pa-atervandande.
    • [4] https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/trots-lagskarpning-hundratals-lastbilar-kor-illegala-transporter-i-sverige.
    Last updated: 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The consequent steps to be taken by the EU with regard to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories – E-002219/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    22.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002219/2024
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    João Oliveira (The Left)

    On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice replied to questions from the UN General Assembly arising from Resolution A/RES/77/247 of 30 December 2022.

    In its reply, that court confirmed the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and concluded that Israel has an obligation to: end its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; immediately cease all new settlement activities and evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and make good the damage caused to any natural or legal persons concerned in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    It further concluded that all States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal the situation arising from Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and not to provide aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In light of this decision:

    • 1.What steps will the Council take to implement the decisions of the International Court of Justice?
    • 2.Will it order the immediate suspension of the supply of military or related material to Israel?
    • 3.What steps will it take to ensure that the sovereign rights of the Palestinian people over their resources are respected?

    Submitted: 22.10.2024

    Last updated: 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Promoting equal pay and the freedom to conclude contracts in the Finnish Government’s proposal for an Act on Mediation in Labour Disputes – P-002311/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    30.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002311/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE)

    The Parliament of Finland is debating a proposal for an Act on Mediation in Labour Disputes,[1] which in future would prevent the National Conciliator from issuing a proposal for a settlement that is higher than a pay agreement for export industries in labour disputes. From the perspective of the Constitution of Finland and international agreements (including ILO Conventions 87 and 98), the Act will restrict the freedom to conclude contracts and compromise the National Conciliator’s independence and impartiality. The Act will restrict pay adjustments in the public sector and female-dominated industries, which have lagged behind other sectors in terms of pay. This is incompatible with Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

    It is the view of Finland’s supreme guardian of the law, the Chancellor of Justice, that the proposal would impinge on the National Conciliator’s independence and impartiality, at least indirectly, thereby also having an indirect impact on the freedom to conclude agreements between parties. Finland’s Ombudsman for Equality is of the opinion that the Government’s proposal is at odds with the objectives of the Constitution and the Finnish Equality Act and predicts that it will increase the gender pay gap even more.

    Is the Commission aware of Finland’s intentions, and has the proposal for an Act been evaluated from the point of view of equal pay and transparency, and, if not, does the Commission intend to carry out such an evaluation? Does the Commission think that the Finnish Government has carried out an adequate assessment of its proposal, from the perspective of the freedom to conclude contracts and the freedom of association, for example? If the Finnish Government’s proposal violates these principles, the EU Charter and the European Convention on Human Rights, what will the Commission do about it?

    Submitted: 30.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.eduskunta.fi/FI/vaski/HallituksenEsitys/Sivut/HE_146+2024.aspx.
    Last updated: 4 November 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong
    DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Department of Health (DH) today (November 4) alerted members of the public to a false claim from an unknown organisation allegedly assisting the Government’s admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. The DH stressed that it has not authorised any organisation to assist the Government with recruiting non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. The claim is false and is suspected of being misleading.     The said organisation claimed that it is assisting the Government to admit qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong as introduced under the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024. In addition, the organisation untruthfully alleged that there was a specific quota set on the number of dentists, as well as on the number of years of experience and target age range.      A DH spokesman emphasised that applications for the DH’s recruitment of non-locally trained dentists already closed on September 23, 2024. The DH is going through the established recruitment procedures.      The spokesman urged members of the public not to fall for any claim of assisting the Government to recruit non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. Members of the public should not provide personal information to any suspicious persons.  Anyone who has fallen for such fraudulence should contact the Police.

     
    Ends/Monday, November 4, 2024Issued at HKT 19:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit opens Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, an annual flagship event of the legal sector and the Department of Justice (DoJ) to showcase Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre, was launched today (November 4).

         Themed “Hong Kong Common Law System: World-Class Springboard to China and Beyond”, the five-day event provides an opportunity for participants from all corners of the world to engage in a series of insightful discussions and fruitful exchanges with prominent experts, practitioners and government officials on a wide spectrum of topics, including international law, developments in alternative dispute resolution, opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the rule of law in the region and beyond.

         The Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024, themed “Springboard to Opportunities: Utilising International Private Law and Technology to Facilitate Access to Credit, Investment, and Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific Region”, was held as the opening event of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week. Organised by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and the DoJ, the biennial Summit brought together preeminent legal academics and renowned practitioners worldwide to discuss how the unification and co-ordination of various areas of international private law can support economic growth and facilitate smoother cross-border interactions. More than 1 100 registrations from 46 jurisdictions have been received for this event.

         In his welcome remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that today’s Summit gathered leading legal minds from across the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to enormous economic potential and encompasses a diverse array of legal systems, to explore how to unlock the region’s full economic potential and ensure long-term sustainable growth, harmonisation and modernisation of private law across the region, as well as how Hong Kong could contribute in this regard. Aside from the collaborative efforts of the DoJ and UNIDROIT in promoting the development, implementation, and deeper understanding of private international law and international commercial law across the Asia-Pacific region, the DoJ and UNIDROIT have also co-operated on other fronts. In particular, the Secretary for Justice expressed his gratitude for UNIDROIT’s support to the DoJ’s secondment programme, which offers opportunities to Hong Kong’s legal professionals to work at the UNIDROIT Secretariat. He further noted that the DoJ places great importance on nurturing legal talent and will continue to provide professional development opportunities to legal talent with a view to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading international legal and dispute resolution centre. To further the DoJ’s capacity building initiatives, the Secretary for Justice announced that the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy will be set up, and he extended a warm invitation to all to join the launch ceremony of the Academy, which will take place on the final day of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024.

         The Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Cui Jianchun, and the Secretary-General of UNIDROIT, Professor Ignacio Tirado, also delivered their welcome remarks at the event. The closing remarks were delivered by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan.

         Mr Cui said that China has been consistently innovating its diplomatic ideas to make global governance and international law fairer and more equitable. He noted that the HKSAR has been proactively responding to national development strategies and committed to reforms that benefit the people of Hong Kong. He said he is confident that Hong Kong will make the best use of the strength of “one country” and the convenience of “two systems”, while leveraging its unique advantages, such as its systems, talent and location, to act as a “world-class springboard” for connecting China with the rest of the world.

         Professor Tirado said that he is glad to be back to Hong Kong again to join the Summit, which has become one of the legal world’s leading events in the international arena. He said he is also pleased to see Hong Kong back on its feet, stronger than ever, after getting through the pandemic, and has flourished back into its dynamic, efficient, cosmopolitan and multicultural self, an extraordinary and unique legal and financial hub that the entire world recognises.

         Other conferences and seminars of the Hong Kong Legal Week include the Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development organised by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR and the DoJ tomorrow (November 5); “Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong”, fireside chat on experience sharing of resolving sports disputes and the annual Hong Kong Mediation Lecture under the theme “Mediation and Sustainable Development along the Belt and Road” on Wednesday (November 6); and “Joint Contribution to the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA” on Thursday (November 7). The Legal Week will end this Friday (November 8) with “Rule of Law: The Best Business Environment”, at which the Academy will be officially launched.

         In addition, an exhibition featuring the milestones and achievements in the construction of the rule of law by the country in the modern era, as well as the role played by Hong Kong in contributing to the developments, has been set up at the venue this year.

         For more details on the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, please visit the dedicated website www.legalweek.hk. The event is broadcast live on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk.                        

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Judiciary strongly condemns attempted attack at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

         Earlier today (November 4), a man involved in an attempted knife attack at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts was swiftly subdued by on-site police officers. No judicial officers or court staff were harmed during the incident. The individual has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.

         The Judiciary strongly condemns any attempts to attack judges or judicial officers, as such acts are a direct affront to the rule of law, a disregard for law and order, and a serious threat to the safety of judges and judicial officers as well as all court users.

         The Judiciary stresses that judges and judicial officers faithfully discharge their constitutional duties in strict accordance with their judicial oath, upholding the law and administering justice without fear, favour, self-interest, or deceit. Their decisions are made independently and professionally, based on legal principles. For those dissatisfied with a verdict or sentence, the proper recourse is through the established appeals process.

         Having reviewed the existing security arrangements at Magistrates’ Courts buildings, the Judiciary will progressively implement enhanced security measures, including security screenings and increased manpower, starting tomorrow. The Judiciary will also continue working closely with the Police to strengthen patrols and other safety measures, ensuring the protection of judges and judicial officers, court staff as well as court users.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three sentenced as Met crackdown on mobile phone theft in south east London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Local Met officers in south east London have led an investigation into a series of phone thefts, as part of the service’s commitment to tackling mobile phone robbery and theft.

    A man and two teenage boys were sentenced for their involvement in a spate of phone theft incidents in Bermondsey and Greenwich.

    The trio were brought to justice for their part in snatching phones in 35 separate incidents. Thanks to the actions of Met officers, 32 mobile phones were recovered, with 30 of them successfully returned to their rightful owners. The total estimated value of the stolen phone’s amounts to over £20,000.

    To tackle the rising issue of phone thefts in London, officers have been listening to community concerns and using data and technology to target hotspots where offending is more likely to take place.

    As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met are focusing on improving community policing, with officers patrolling busy areas and town centres to help deter offenders and ensure they are present to act on anything suspicious. Local residents have fed back the increased presence has provided a sense of safety to residents and visitors.

    The Met is employing CCTV in busy areas to monitor and identify people involved in mobile phone thefts, allowing them to capture real time footage for analysis and evidence gathering.

    Police Constable Alex Earley, who led the investigation, said:

    “I am pleased our investigation has brought three offenders to justice for their part to play in a spate of phone thefts in our local area. This demonstrates our commitment to addressing concerns from those living and working here.

    “Our top priority is to drive down crime that impacts our communities the most, creating neighbourhoods where everyone feels safe.”

    The Met investigation was launched in 2023 and focused on the three individuals who used electric motorbikes to steal phones from unsuspecting victims. They targeted individuals by aggressively riding their bikes on pavements and approaching people at high speeds, creating an intimidating environment that made it difficult for victims to react or escape.

    Kie Joyce, 21 (20.03.03) of Neckinger Estate, SE16 was sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment on Thursday, 19 September at Inner London Crown Court for conspiracy to steal and eight counts of dangerous driving offences.

    A 16-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to six months on Friday, 1 November at Central Criminal Court for conspiracy to steal and eight counts of dangerous driving.

    A second 16-year-old boy – who also cannot be named for legal reasons – was sentenced to a nine-month supervision requirement on Friday, 26 February at South London Magistrate’s court for conspiracy to commit theft and handling stolen goods. He was also subjected to a Youth Rehabilitation Order, curfew requirement and is required to pay compensation of £425.00.

    Commander Owain Richards, the lead for mobile phone thefts in London, added:

    “We understand the impact of mobile phone theft can have on victims, it’s an invasive and sometimes violent crime- and we’re committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer.

    “We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders. We are also working phone firms to ‘design out’ the ability for phones to be reused and sold on as we seek to dismantle the criminal market that fuels robbery and theft.

    “We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been a victim of mobile phone theft, so officers can investigate swiftly”.

    If you witness or are a victim of a crime, it is crucial to report it promptly by calling 999 in the case of an emergency. For non-emergency situations, you can call 101 or report online.

    For advice on how to stay safe from mobile phone theft please our website for further information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Stage set for 76th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path

    Indonesian President Mr Prabowo Subianto to be the Chief Guest

    The ceremony to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development & military prowess; Special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution

    Around 10,000 Special Guests from different walks of life to witness the parade

    31 Tableaux to roll down Kartavya Path on the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’; In a first, a Tri-services tableau to display the spirit of jointness & integration among the Armed Forces

    Cultural performance by 5,000 artists to cover entire Kartavya Path for the first time

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 2:58PM by PIB Delhi

    President Smt Droupadi Murmu will lead the Nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. With special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, the celebrations this year will be a unique blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest.

    Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance. These Special Guests from different walks of life are the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’. They include best performers in various fields and those who have made best use of the schemes of the Government.

    The parade

    The Republic Day parade will start at 1030 hrs and run for a duration of approx. 90 minutes. The ceremony will commence with the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

    The arrival of the President of India and her Indonesian counterpart will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior most Regiment of the Indian Army. The two Presidents will arrive in the ‘Traditional Buggy’, the practice which made a comeback in 2024 after a gap of 40 years.

    As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system. 

    The parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with musical instruments of different parts of the country. This indigenous mix of instruments would resonate with the melody, beat and hopes of a billion Indians hearts. The ensemble of instruments includes Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, Mashak Been, Ransingha – Rajasthan, Flute, Karadi Majalu, Mohuri, Sankha, Tutari, Dhol, Gong, Nishan, Chang, Tasha, Sambal, Chenda, Idakka, Lezim, Thavil, Gudum Baza, Talam and Monbah.

    Showering of flower petals will be carried out by Mi-17 1V helicopters from 129 Helicopter Unit in the Dhwaj Formation. Trooping the National Flag, this formation of helicopters will be led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

    The parade will then begin with the President taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

    The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow. They include Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) & Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), and Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd). The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.

     

    Indonesian Contingent

    Kartavya Path will be witness to a march past by the Marching Contingent of Indonesian National Armed Forces and Military Band of Indonesia’s Military Academy. The marching contingent will consist of 152 members, with 190 members in the military band.

     

    Indian Army Contingent

    The first Army contingent leading the Mounted Column will be of 61 Cavalry, led by Lt Ahaan Kumar. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world, with the amalgamation of all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’. It will be followed by nine Mechanised Columns and nine marching contingents.

    Tank T-90 (Bhishma); NAG Missile System along with BMP-2 Sarath; BrahMos; Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher; Akash Weapon System; Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System; All-Terrain Vehicle (Chetak), Light Specialist Vehicle (Bajrang), Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (Airawat), Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (Nandighosh & Tripurantak) and Short-Span Bridging System will also be on display at the Kartavya Path.

    Marching down the Kartavya Path will be the contingents of Brigade of the Guards, The Jat Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, The Mahar Regiment, The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, the Corps of Signals, among others.

     

    Tri-Services Tableau

    For the first time, a Tri-services tableau will roll down on Kartavya Path, displaying the spirit of jointness and integration. With the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’, the tableau will depict a Joint Operations Room facilitating networking and communication among the  three Services. It would display a battlefield scenario demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam & a Remotely Piloted Aircraft, reflecting the Tri-services synergy in multi-domain operations. These platforms exemplify the vision to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

     

    Veterans’ Tableau

    Another highlight would be the Veterans’ Tableau on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’, a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit of our veterans, who are the symbols of discipline, resilience, and unyielding dedication.

    Adding to the display of honor will be the esteemed veterans who have brought glory to India in sports. Among them are Padma Shri awardees Subedar Murlikant Petkar, whose story inspired the Bollywood film Chandu Champion, and Honorary Captain Jitu Rai. Arjuna and Khel Ratna awardees Colonel Balbir Singh Kular, Captain (IN) Homi Motivala, Master Chief Petty Officer Tajinder Toor, Master Warrant Officer Ram Mehar Singh, and Wing Commander Gurmeet Sandhu will also be present.

    Representing Nari Shakti will be veteran women officers from all three services – Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha, showcasing the pivotal role of women in shaping our armed forces.

     

    Indian Navy Contingent

    The Indian Navy contingent will consist of 144 personnel, led by Lt Cdr Sahil Ahluwalia as Contingent Commander and Lt Cdr Indresh Choudhary, Lt Cdr Kajal Anil Bharani & Lt Devender as Platoon Commanders. It will be followed by the Naval Tableau, depicting a strong ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Navy capable of protecting India’s maritime interests.

    The tableau showcases the newly-commissioned indigenous frontline state-of-the-art combatants including the Destroyer INS Surat, Frigate INS Nilgiri and Submarine INS Vaghsheer, highlighting India’s rapid progress in indigenous warship design and construction and reinforcing Indian Navy’s commitment to build a robust and self-sufficient defence eco system.

     

    Indian Air Force Contingent

    The Indian Air Force contingent will comprise four officers and 144 personnel, led by Sqn Ldr Mahender Singh Garati, with Flt Lt Nepo Moirangthem, Flt Lt Damini Deshmukh & Fg Offr Abhinav Gorsi being supernumerary officers. It will be followed by a fly-past by three MiG-29 aircraft in ‘Baaz Formation’.

     

    Indian Coast Guard

    The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) contingent will be led by Deputy Commandant Navita Thakran followed by three officers of the guard – Deputy Commandant Sumit Kumar, Deputy Commandant Pankaj Saini and Assistant Commandant Priya Balurkar.

    It will be followed by a tableau of ICG focussing on coastal security and maritime search and rescue. The theme is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Progress’.

     

    DRDO Tableau & Equipment

    DRDO will display some path-breaking innovations for national security during the parade. The DRDO Tableau, with the theme ‘Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats’ will feature Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile; Airborne Early Warning & Control System; 155 mm/52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System; Drone Detect, Deter & Destroy; Satellite-Based Surveillance System; Medium Power Radar – Arudhra; Advanced Light Weight Torpedo; Electronic Warfare System – Dharashakti; Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon; Very Short Range Air Defence System; Indigenous Unmanned Aerial System; V/UHF Manpack Software Defined Radio for Land Forces; Indigenous Secure Satellite Phone and UGRAM Assault Rifle.

    Apart from this, DRDO’s major landmarks of 2024 will also be showcased in the tableau posters namely Long Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile; Light Weight Bullet Proof Jacket ‘ABHED’; Divyastra – Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle; ‘Zorawar’ Light Tank and the Dornier Mid-Life Upgrade with radar, Electronic Warfare System, Software Defined Radio etc.

     

    Contingents of paramilitary & other auxiliary civil forces

    Among the contingents marching down the Kartavya Path will be a 148-member all-women marching contingent of Central Reserve Police Force, led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. The marching contingent of Railway Protection Force will be led by Divisional Security Commissioner Aditya.

    The Assam Rifles contingent will be led by Captain Karanveer Singh Kumbhavat of 29 Assam Rifles. It will comprise soldiers recruited from all over the country.

    The Delhi Police marching contingent will be led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishi Kumar Singh. The Delhi Police all-women band will be participating for the second time, led by Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense.

    The Camel contingent of Border Security Force will be under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.

    The all-girls marching contingent of NCC – SW (Girls) – will be led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate. The all-boys marching contingent – SD (Boys) – will be led by Senior Under Officer Prasad Prakash Waikul of Maharashtra Directorate. The National Service Scheme (NSS) marching contingent of 148 volunteers will be led by Mr Deepak from Punjab.

     

    Tableaux

    Tableaux from 16 State Government/Union Territories and 10 Ministries/Departments of the Central Government highlighting ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, will participate in the parade this year. These tableaux would showcase India’s diverse strengths and its constantly-evolving cultural inclusiveness marching into a glorious future. The details of the participating tableaux of States/UTs are as follows:

    States/UTs

    Cultural Heritage of Goa

    Uttarakhand

     

    Uttarakhand: Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports

    Haryana

     

    Showcasing Bhagwad Gita

    Jharkhand

     

    Swarnim Jharkhand: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress

    Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas

    Andhra Pradesh
     

    Etikoppaka Bommalu- Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys

    Punjab as the land of knowledge and wisdom

    Uttar Pradesh

    Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas

    Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas (Nalanda Vishwavidyalya)

    Madhya Pradesh
     

    Madhya Pradesh’s Glory: Kuno National park- The land of CHeetahs

    Tripura

     

    Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja

    Karnataka

     

    Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft

    West Bengal

    The ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ & ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ – Empowering Lives and Fostering Self-Reliance in Bengal

    Chandigarh

    Chandigarh: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage, Innovation and Sustainability

    Quality Education

    Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    Daman Aviary Bird Park along with Kukri Memorial- a tribute to the valiant sailors of the Indian Navy

    The details of tableaux of Ministries/Departments are as follows:

    Departments/Ministries

    Department of Social Justice and Empowerment

    The Constitution of India, a cornerstone of our Virasat (Heritage), Vikas and Path-Pradarshak

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs

    Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh

    Ministry of Women & Child Development

    Multifaceted journey of women and children nurtured under the Ministry’s comprehensive schemes

    Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

    Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development

    Ministry of Rural Development

    Lakhpati Didi

    Department of Financial Services

    India’s remarkable journey in financial evolution

    Ministry of Earth Sciences (IMD)

    Modern Science forecasting extreme weather conditioning- saving lives and livelihood

    Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

    Golden India Heritage and Development Honouring India’s Indigenous Bovine Breeds as Icons of Sustainable Rural Growth

    Ministry of Culture

    Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development

    75 Years of Constitution of India through flower tableau

             

    Cultural Performance

    This year, 5,000 artists in a title of ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam’ will perform over 45 dance forms from different part of the country in a 11-minute cultural performance. For the first time, the performance will cover the entire Kartavya Path – from Vijay Chowk to C hexagon – to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.

     

    Motorcycle Display

    The Corps of Signals Motorcycle Rider Display Team, famously known as ‘The Dare Devils’, will carry out breath-taking stunts during the motorcycle display. The team will showcase their bravery and determination through a number of formations, including Bullet Salute, Tank Top, Double Jimmy, Devils Down, Ladder Salute, Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, Mercury Peak, Info Warriors, Lotus and Human Pyramid.

     

    Fly-past

    One of the most eagerly-awaited events of the parade, the ‘Fly-past’ will witness a breath-taking air show by 40 aircraft/helicopters – 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters – of IAF. These include Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 & An-32 aircraft and Apache & Mi-17 helicopters. They will display a variety of formations including Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, Trishul and Vijay. The concluding Vertical Charlie maneuver will be performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft.

    The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and the release of balloons carrying banners with the official logo depicting 75 years of enactment of the Constitution in both English and Hindi.

    A number of unique activities have been carried out as part of the celebrations. These include:

     

    Rashtraparv Portal & Mobile App

    ‘Rashtraparv Portal’ portal and mobile App (Apple play and Msewa) have been launched to facilitate access to information related to national events such as Republic Day, Beating Retreat Ceremony, Independence Day; live streaming, purchase of tickets, provide information related to seating arrangements & route-maps of events etc.

     

    Ease of Access

     

    • Metro Services: Free Metro ride will be provided to Invitees/Ticket holders of RDP-2025 at entry point of the Metro Stations across Delhi. Delhi Metro operations will begin at 4:00 AM on January 26, 2025 across Delhi. Parking spaces of Delhi Metro in Across Delhi will be opened on chargeable basis at regular rates.
    • Park and Ride Scheme: Park and Ride Scheme will be available. Under this scheme, invitees will park their vehicle at Palika Parking, Connaught Place and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium’s parking area (Gate -14 & 15). From there, they can avail the ferry services (pick and drop) through the hired DTC buses. The ferry services will start at 6:00 AM and stop at 8:30 AM.
    • All enclosures are accessible and Divyang friendly with ramp facility. There will also be youth volunteers from NCC with wheelchairs for assistance.
    • Although the list of prohibited items are communicated well in advance, a cloak room facility will also be available.

     

    Special Guests

    Approximately 10,000 Special Guests in 34 categories, including the Sarpanches from villages excelling in key government schemes, have been invited as Special Guests to witness the parade this year. Details are as follows:

     

    S No

    Category

    No of Guests
    1.  

    Sarpanches

    500
    1.  

    Sarpanches from top performing village

    200
    1.  

    Disaster Relief Workers

    300
    1.  

    Guests from Vibrant Villages

    300
    1.  

    Best performing Water Warriors

    400
    1.  

    Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies

    200
    1.  

    Pani Samitee

    400
    1.  

    Community Resource Person (Krishi Sakhi, Udhyog Sakhi etc.)

    400

     
    1.  

    SHG members

    200
    1.  

    Trainees of DGT got training under National Skill Development Corporation

    200
    1.  

    PM YASASVI Scheme

    400
    1.  

    Forest & Wildlife conservation volunteers/workers

    200
    1.  

    Handloom Artisans

    200
    1.  

    Handicraft Artisans

    200
    1.  

    Special Achievers and Tribal beneficiaries of various schemes

    500

     
    1.  

    ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)

    500
    1.  

    Mann Ki Baat Participants

    400
    1.  

    My Bharat Volunteers

    400
    1.  

    Paralympic Contingent & winners of International Sports events

    200
    1.  

    Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme, Farmers Producing Organisation, Padma Awardee Farmers, PMKISAN, PMFBY, PMKSY

    800
    1.  

    PM Surya Ghar Yojna

    400
    1.  

    Renewable Energy workers

    200
    1.  

    Beneficiaries of PM KUSUM scheme

    200
    1.  

    Anganwadi Workers

    400

    		  
    1.  

    Road Construction Workers

    300
    1.  

    Best Start-Ups

    100
    1.  

    Best Patent Holders

    100
    1.  

    PM-VISHWAKARMA yojana Beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    PM Matasya Sampada Yojana Beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    Rashtriya Gokul Mission beneficiaries

    200
    1.  

    Guests from North Eastern States

    200
    1.  

    Foreign Cadets of Youth Exchange Programme/NCC

    250

    		  
    1.  

    Finalist of the National School Band Competition

    600

    		  
    1.  

    Winners of Veer Gatha 4.0

    100

    		  

     

    Beating Retreat Ceremony

    RDC comes to a close with the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’, which is held every year on the 29th January at Vijay Chowk. It marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags lowered. During the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2025, only Indian Tunes will be played by all the participating bands.

     

    Bharat Parv

    ‘Bharat Parv’ will be organised at the Red Fort, Delhi from January 26-31, 2025 by the Ministry of Tourism. It will showcase Republic Day Tableaux, performances by the Military Bands (Static), cultural performances, Food Courts serving pan India cuisines and Crafts Bazaar.

     

    PM’s NCC Rally

    PM’s NCC rally, with the theme of ‘Yuva Shakti-Viksit Bharat’ is scheduled to be organised at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt. on January 27, 2025. During the event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will review the multifarious activities of the NCC.

    ****

    VK/SR/Savvy/KB

    (Release ID: 2096097) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, interacts with distinguished guests from villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in New Delhi, visiting the capital for the 76thRepublic Day celebrations

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, interacts with distinguished guests from villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in New Delhi, visiting the capital for the 76thRepublic Day celebrations

    The ‘Vibrant Village Programmeis enhancing not just physical and digital connectivity but also emotional connect

    PM Modi helped the people of Ladakh get rid of the persistent problem of freezing of diesel during winter

    The ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ will ensure that the infrastructure, culture, tourism, lifestyle, and economic development of border villages become as vibrant as those in the rest of the country

    The special guests from the Vibrant Villages should definitely convey the message back that their Prime Minister holds deep affection for them

    Under the Vibrant Village Programme, schemes worth ₹556 crore have been developed for agriculture, education, health, energy, cooperatives, and Khadi and Village Industries, among others

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 6:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today interacted with distinguished guests from villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in New Delhi, visiting the capital for the 76th Republic Day celebrations. The occasion was graced by Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Dr. Rajendra Kumar, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and several other dignitaries.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, highlighted that the Vibrant Village Programme signifies the beginning of achange in approach and perspective. He explained that the programme aims to bridge emotional gap between Vibrant Villages and Delhi, instilling a sense of unity among residents of remote and border areas by reaffirming their integral place in India and assuring that the nation cares for them. Shri Shah emphasized that when the Prime Minister invites residents from “the first village” (border villages) to participate in national festivals as honoured guests, it fosters emotional connection and eliminates barriers of the hearts. He noted that, for the past four years, representatives from various villages have been invited to these celebrations, where they are treated with respect as special guests of the Prime Minister, symbolizing a transformed outlook toward the nation’s frontier villages.

    Shri Amit Shah stated that after Shri Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, an inclusive and all-encompassing vision for the country’s development was introduced, aiming for progress that benefits every citizen and region. He shared the example of Ladakh, where the freezing of diesel in winters was a major issue. Following the directions of Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India allocated a budget for research and development to create non-freezing diesel, which is now available in Ladakh. He emphasized that such solutions are possible only when attention is given to the challenges of these areas. The Home Minister also mentioned that in 2017, a decision was made to have all security forces, including the army, procure milk, eggs, fish, and vegetables from border villages, creating employment opportunities in those regions.

    Union Home Minister stated that the Vibrant Village Programme is a comprehensive and multi-sectoral initiative for holistic development. He emphasized that the infrastructure, culture, tourism, livelihood, and economic growth of villages should be as vibrant as those in the rest of the country. He further highlighted that by advancing with a holistic approach, not only will the present become vibrant, but future generations will also benefit from a better living environment.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced this program on 15th February 2023 and 662 villages of 46 blocks adjoining the northern border of the country were included in it.  He said that after the formation of the scheme, more than 22 ministers of the central government visited 8 districts and 26 villages, bringing to light the local difficulties there and the ground problems in the implementation of the Vibrant Village programme. In addition, 92 senior officers have visited 259 villages and efforts have been made to touch almost every village with such initiatives, he added.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the issues faced by 662 villages in the implementation of the Vibrant Village Program were reviewed, and their report was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said that based on this report, 626 projects were formulated. Similarly, 901 employment-related projects were initiated. He said that, along with these, schemes worth ₹556 crore were developed for agriculture, education, health, energy, cooperatives, and Khadi and Village Industries. Shri Shah stated that ₹2,400 crore was spent on constructing 113 roads and 8 low-suspension bridges, and by June 2025, 4G connectivity will be available in 362 villages. He further mentioned that out of the 662 villages, 474 have been electrified on-grid and 127 off-grid, and 43 new power projects have been developed at a cost of ₹238 crore.The Home Minister said that View Points, Adventure Tourism, Eco-Resorts and Tourist Centres have been developed from 102 projects at a cost of Rs 48 crore. He said that earlier 570 villages out of 662 did not have banks. The work of linking such villages with banks has been done by the Modi government.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has provided all the basic facilities for a good life to the people living in these vibrant villages. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a sincere effort has been made to achieve 100% saturation of government schemes through a Bottom-to-Top approach, ensuring connectivity in physical, digital, and emotional terms. The Home Minister told the guests from the Vibrant Villages to convey this message upon returning to their villages—that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who has been chosen by them, holds deep affection for them.

    *****

    Raj / Vivek / Priyabhanshu / Pankaj

     

     

     

    (Release ID: 2096173) Visitor Counter : 58

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English translation of Prime Minister’s statement at the Joint Press Conference with the President of Indonesia

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, President and my brother Prabowo Subianto,
    Delegates from both countries,
    Friends from the media,
    Namaskar!

    Indonesia was our Chief Guest for India’s very first Republic Day. And it is a matter of great pride for us that, as we celebrate our 75th Republic Day, once again, Indonesia has gracefully accepted to be a part of this momentous occasion. On this occasion, I warmly welcome President Prabowo to India.

    Friends,

    During my visit to Indonesia in 2018, we took our partnership forward to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Today, we held extensive discussions with President Prabowo on various aspects of mutual cooperation. To strengthen our cooperation in the Defence sector, we have decided to work together in the areas of Defence Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

    We’ve also emphasized on cooperation in Maritime Security, Cyber Security, Counter-Terrorism and De-radicalisation. The agreement signed today on Maritime Safety and Security will strengthen our cooperation in the areas of Crime Prevention, Search and Rescue, and Capacity Building. Over the past few years, our bilateral trade has grown rapidly, and last year, this exceeded USD 30 billion.

    To take this a step further, we’ve also held discussions on diversifying market access and the trade basket. The private sector is also an equal partner in these efforts. We welcome the CEO Forum meeting held today and the agreements finalised in the private sector. We have also decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in areas like FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Digital Public Infrastructure.

    In the sectors of Health and Food Security, India is sharing its learnings and experience from the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Public Distribution System with Indonesia. We have also decided that we will work together in sectors of Energy, Critical Minerals, Science & Technology, Space and STEM Education. The Disaster Management Authorities of both countries shall also come together to perform Joint Exercises.

    Friends,

    The relationship between India and Indonesia dates back thousands of years. Tales inspired from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and the ‘Bali Jatra’ are living testaments of the age-old cultural and historical ties between our two great nations. It gives me great pleasure that, after the Buddhist Borobudur Temple, India will now also contribute towards the conservation efforts of the Prambanan Hindu Temple.

    Additionally, the year 2025 shall be celebrated as the Indo-ASEAN Year of Tourism. This shall also promote cultural exchanges and tourism between India and Indonesia.

    Friends,

    Indonesia is our important partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. Both countries are committed towards maintaining peace, security, prosperity and rules-based order in this entire region. We agree that Freedom of Navigation must be ensured in accordance with International Laws.

    In our Act Easy Policy, emphasis has been given to ASEAN unity and centrality. We continue to work together on platforms like G-20, ASEAN and Indian Ocean Rim Association.

    Now we are also welcoming the membership of Indonesia in BRICS. At all these forums, we will work in coordination and cooperation for the interests and priorities of the nations in the Global South.

    Excellency,

    Your visit to India as Chief Guest for our Republic Day tomorrow is a matter of immense pride for us. We are all eager to witness the Indonesian marching squad for the very first time at the event. Once again, I extend a warm welcome to you and your delegation to India.

    Thank you very much.

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE EVE OF REPUBLIC DAY 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

    My Dear Fellow Citizens,

    Namaskar!

    I am happy to be addressing you on this historic occasion. On the eve of Republic Day, I offer you my heartiest congratulations! On January 26, 75 years ago, our founding document, the Constitution of India, came into effect.

    The Constituent Assembly, after nearly three years of debates, adopted the Constitution on 26th of November in 1949. That day, 26th November, has been celebrated as Samvidhan Divas, that is, Constitution Day, since 2015.

    Republic Day is indeed a matter of collective joy and pride for all citizens. Seventy-five years, someone might say, is only the blink of an eye in the life of a nation. No, I will say, not these past 75 years. This has been the time when the long-dormant soul of India has awakened again, taking strides to regain its rightful place in the comity of nations. Among the oldest civilizations, India was once known as a source of knowledge and wisdom. There, however, came a dark phase, and inhuman exploitation under colonial rule led to utter poverty.

    Today, we should first recall the brave souls who made great sacrifices to free the motherland from the shackles of foreign rule. Some were well known, while some remained little known till recently. We are celebrating this year the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who stands as a representative of the freedom fighters whose role in the national history is now being recognised in true proportions.

    In the early decades of the twentieth century, their struggles consolidated in an organized nationwide independence movement. It was the nation’s good fortune to have the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who helped it rediscover its democratic ethos. Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are not theoretical concepts that we came to learn in modern times; they have always been part of our civilisational heritage. It also explains why the critics who were cynical about the future of the Constitution and the Republic when India had newly become independent were proven so thoroughly wrong.

    The composition of our Constituent Assembly was also a testimony to our republican values. It had representatives from all parts and all communities of the country. Most notably, it had 15 women among its members, including stalwarts such as Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kripalani, Hansaben Mehta and Malati Choudhury. When women’s equality was only a distant ideal in many parts of the world, in India women were actively contributing in shaping the destiny of the nation.

    The Constitution has become a living document because civic virtues have been part of our moral compass for millennia. The Constitution provides the ultimate foundation of our collective identity as Indians; it binds us together as a family. For 75 years now, it has guided the path of our progress. Today, let us humbly express our gratitude to Dr. Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee, other distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly, various officers associated with and others who worked hard and bequeathed us this most wonderful document.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    The 75 years of the Constitution are marked by an all-round progress of a young republic. At the time of Independence and even later, large parts of the country had faced extreme poverty and also hunger. But one thing we were not deprived of was our belief in ourselves. We set down to create the right conditions in which everyone would have the opportunity to flourish. Our farmers toiled hard and made our country self-sufficient in food production. Our labourers worked relentlessly to transform our infrastructure and manufacturing sector. Thanks to their sterling efforts, India’s economy today influences the global economic trends. Today, India is taking leadership positions in international forums. This transformation would not have been possible without the blueprint laid down by our Constitution.

    In recent years, the economic growth rate has remained persistently high, creating job opportunities for our youth, putting more money in the hands of farmers and labourers, and also lifting more people out of poverty. The bold and far-sighted economic reforms will sustain this trend in the years to come. Inclusion is the cornerstone of our growth saga, distributing the fruits of developments as widely as possible.

    As the Government continues to assign top priority to financial inclusion, initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, MUDRA, Stand-Up India and Atal Pension Yojana have been expanded to provide more people access to a variety of financial support schemes.

    Equally importantly, the government has redefined the notion of welfare, making basic necessities such as housing and access to drinking water a matter of entitlement. Every effort is being made to extend a helping hand to the marginalized communities, particularly of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. For example, there have been pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, national fellowships, overseas scholarships, hostels and coaching facilities for the youth from the SC communities. The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana is making progress in reducing poverty among the SC communities by adding employment and income generation opportunities. There have been dedicated schemes for aiming for the socio-economic development of ST communities, including Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). A Development and Welfare Board has been constituted for the De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities.

    Meanwhile, the focus on physical infrastructure development, including roads and railways, ports and logistics hubs, over the past decade has created a platform that will support growth for decades to come.

    The way the government has used technology in the field of finance has been exemplary. A variety of digital payment options as well as the system of direct benefit transfer have promoted inclusion, bringing a significant number of people within the formal system. It has also brought unprecedented transparency in the system. In the process, within a few years we have created a robust Digital Public Infrastructure that is among the best in the world.

    The banking system has been in a healthy condition after a series of bold measures such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, effecting a substantial reduction in the Non-Performing Assets of Scheduled Commercial Banks.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    We won freedom in 1947, but many relics of a colonial mindset persisted among us for long. Of late, we have been witnessing concerted efforts to change that mindset. Among the most noteworthy of such efforts was the decision to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Based also on Indian traditions of jurisprudence, the new criminal laws place the delivery of justice instead of punishment at the centre of the criminal justice system. Moreover, the new laws grant top priority to countering crimes against women and children.

    Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision. Another measure that promises to redefine the terms of good governance is the Bill introduced in Parliament to synchronise election schedules in the country. The ‘One Nation One Election’ plan can promote consistency in governance, prevent policy paralysis, mitigate resource diversion, and reduce the financial burden, apart from offering many other benefits.

    There has also been a fresh engagement with our civilisational heritage. The ongoing Mahakumbh can be seen as an expression of the richness of that heritage. An exciting array of initiatives is underway in the domain of culture to preserve and revitalise our traditions and customs.

    India is a hub of great linguistic diversity. In order to conserve as well as celebrate this richness, the Government has recognised Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit as classical languages. This category already includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. The Government is proactively promoting research in 11 classical languages now.

    I look forward to the completion of India’s first Archaeological Experiential Museum in Vadnagar of Gujarat, being developed next to an excavation site that shows evidence of human settlement from around 800 BCE. The museum will bring together in one place a wide range of arts, crafts and cultural elements from different eras.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    It is, after all, our young generation that is going to shape the India of tomorrow. Education, in turn, shapes these young minds. Therefore, the Government has increased its investment in education and made every effort to improve every parameter related to this sector. The results so far are more than encouraging. The last decade has transformed education, in terms of quality of learning and physical infrastructure and digital inclusion. For the medium of instruction, the regional languages are promoted at more levels. It is not surprising that there has been a notable improvement in students’ performance. I am glad to learn that women teachers have played a crucial role in this transformation, since more than 60 percent of those who became teachers in the last decade are women.

    The expansion and mainstreaming of vocational and skill education is a welcome development. This is also supplemented now by the scheme to provide our youth internship opportunities in the corporate sector.

    With a stronger foundation of the school-level education, India has been scaling new heights in various branches of knowledge, particularly in science, along with technology. For example, India stands sixth in terms of intellectual property filings in the world. We have consistently improved our ranking in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 48th position in 2020 to 39th in 2024.

    With rising self-assurance, we are increasing our participation in cutting-edge research with a series of initiatives. The National Quantum Mission aims to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in this new frontier of technology. Another noteworthy beginning is with the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical System, which plans to focus on several advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and cyber security. These technologies were called futuristic till recently, but they are fast becoming part of our daily lives.

    The Genome India Project has been not only an exciting venture in exploring nature; it is also a veritable defining moment in the history of science in India. Under its flagship programme, the genome sequencing of 10,000 Indians have been made available for further research only this month. This pathbreaking project will open new vistas in biotechnology research and also give a fillip to the public healthcare system.

    The Indian Space Research Organisation has been taking giant leaps in space in recent years. This month, the ISRO once again made the nation proud with its successful Space Docking Experiment. India has now become the fourth country in the world to have this capability.

    Our increasing confidence levels as a nation are also reflected in the arena of sports and games where our players have scripted thrilling success stories. Last year, our athletes made a mark in the Olympic Games. In the Paralympic Games, we sent our largest-ever contingent, who came back with our best-ever performance. Our chess champions impressed the world, as our men and women won the gold at the FIDE Chess Olympiad. The achievements in the sports during the year 2024 were capped by D. Gukesh, who became the youngest World Chess Champion.

    Supported by a great improvement in training facilities at the ground level, these sportspersons have made us proud with their winning drive and inspired the next generation to aim higher and higher.

    Our brothers and sisters living abroad have taken the best of our culture and civilisation to different parts of the globe and have made us proud with their achievements in diverse fields. They have always considered themselves to be a part of the India Story. As I said at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas earlier this month, I am confident of their proactive and enthusiastic participation in the making of a Viksit Bharat, a developed India, by the year 2047.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    Thanks to substantial and concrete progress in a wide range of areas, we are marching towards the future, holding our heads high. The key to our future is our youth and especially the young women. Their dreams are moulding the India of tomorrow, when we will be celebrating the centenary of our Independence. And when today’s children will salute the tricolour on 26th January of 2050, they will tell their next generation that this great quest would not have been possible without our incomparable Constitution guiding them along the way.

    Our future generations will also keep in mind the mission of Independent India in the world. In the words of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi [and I quote]

    “If Swaraj was not meant to civilize us, and to purify and stabilize our civilization, it would be nothing worth. The very essence of our civilization is that we give a paramount place to morality in all our affairs, public or private.” [unquote]

    Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji’s dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin – indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too – compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.

    Each of us must contribute to the efforts to counter the global threat of climate change. There have been two exemplary initiatives in this regard. At the global level, India is leading a mass movement, called Mission Lifestyle for Environment, to inspire individuals and communities to be more pro-active in protecting and preserving the environment. Last year, on World Environment Day, we launched a unique campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, paying tribute to the nurturing power of our mothers as well as of Mother Nature. Its target of planting 80 crore seedlings was achieved ahead of the deadline. The world can learn from such innovative moves that people can adopt as their own movements.

    Dear Fellow Citizens,

    Let me once again congratulate you all on the occasion of Republic Day. My congratulations to the soldiers guarding our borders as well as police and paramilitary personnel keeping it safe within the borders. My congratulations also to the members of the judiciary, the bureaucracy and our missions abroad. My best wishes to you in all your endeavours.

    Thank you.

    Jai Hind!

    Jai Bharat!

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2096205) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 1.25.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 25, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Bret Ladine, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). Ladine has been General Counsel at the California State Transportation Agency since 2022. He was General Counsel at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation from 2020 to 2022, where he was previously Assistant General Counsel from 2016 to 2020. Ladine was a Senior Associate at Hogan Lovells US LLP from 2012 to 2016. He was an Associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC from 2008 to 2012. Ladine was Communications Director for the Office of Congressman Dennis Cardoza from 2003 to 2005. He is a member of Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court. Ladine earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Yale University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $218,376. Ladine is a Democrat.

    Alicia Fowler, of Sacramento, has been appointed General Counsel at the California State Transportation Agency. Fowler has been Chief Counsel at the California High-Speed Rail Authority since 2019. She was Deputy Secretary and General Counsel at the California State Transportation Agency from 2015 to 2019. Fowler was Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General from 2008 to 2015, where she was previously Supervising Deputy Attorney General from 2001 to 2008. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $224,364. Fowler is a Democrat.

    Basem Muallem, of Chino Hills, has been appointed Statewide Regional Director at the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Muallem has been Vice President at HNTB since 2023. He was Vice President at RailPros from 2019 to 2023. Muallem was Vice President at WSP USA from 2016 to 2019. He was Senior Program Manager at Parsons Corporation from 2015 to 2016. Muallem held several positions at the California Department of Transportation from 1983 to 2015, including District 8 Director, Deputy District 8 Director of Program Management and Right-of-Way, and Deputy District 8 Director of Maintenance. He is a member of the Arab-American Association of Engineers and Architects. Muallem earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State University, Long Beach. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $355,008. Muallem is registered without party preference.

    Christy Bouma, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (F.A.I.R) Plan Governing Committee. Bouma has served on the State Compensation Insurance Fund since 2024. She was Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2022 to 2024. Bouma was a Principal at Capitol Connection from 2000 to 2022. She was a Teacher for the Hesperia Unified School District from 1989 to 1999. Bouma earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Point Loma Nazarene College. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Bouma is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Jan 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom welcomed President Trump to Los Angeles and pledged to work together to support survivors and secure federal assistance.  LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom met with President Trump on the tarmac at Los Angeles…

    Jan 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today met with firefighters who have been on the frontlines battling ongoing flames from the initial Los Angeles firestorm. Los Angeles, California – Taking a moment to reflect on the profound response effort to…

    Jan 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: Alongside community, city, county, and legislative leaders, Governor Newsom signed special session legislation to provide over $2.5 billion for Los Angeles to bolster ongoing response efforts and jumpstart recovery and rebuilding. LOS…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASAVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASAVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    400 Students, selected from 21 States, invited as Special Guests for Republic Day Parade 2025

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:48PM by PIB Delhi

    On the eve of the Republic Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized a special programme to honor 400 students from 21 states across the country. These students are beneficiaries of the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI) Scheme. It was launched to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. These students have been invited as special guests for the Republic Day Parade 2025.

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, addressed the event at the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM), in New Delhi today. Praising the PM Yashasvi Scheme, the Minister described it as a significant step toward social justice and inclusivity. He emphasized that the scheme would inspire the nation’s talented and promising students to achieve a bright future.

    Interacting with students from various States, the Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, without any caste or religious discrimination. He expressed his pride that these students would have the opportunity to witness the Republic Day Parade live and stated, “Nothing can stop talent from progressing. The youth of the country is talented and energetic, and the world recognizes this.”

    Objectives and Benefits of PM YASAVI Scheme:

    The primary goal of the PM YASASVI Scheme is to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. The benefits provided under the scheme include:

    1. Pre-Matric Scholarship: Annual scholarship of ₹1.25 lakh for students from classes 9 to 12.

    2. Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial assistance worth ₹12.75 crore for college-level education.

    3. Top-Class School and College Education: Special support for high-quality education.

    4. Hostel Construction for OBC Students: Providing better residential facilities for students.

    The event was attended by Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Yadav; Additional Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh; and other senior officials and staff of the Department.

     

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2096316) Visitor Counter : 9

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Padma Awards 2025 announced

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

    2.              These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at RashtrapatiBhawan usually around March/ April every year. For the year 2025, the President has approved conferment of 139Padma Awards including1 duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below. The list comprises 7Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 23of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and13Posthumous awardees.

     

    Padma Vibhushan(7)

     

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy

    Medicine

    Telangana
    1.  

    Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar

    Public Affairs

    Chandigarh
    1.  

    Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri LakshminarayanaSubramaniam

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)

    Trade and Industry

    Japan
    1.  

    Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)

    Art

    Bihar

    Padma Bhushan(19)

     

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri A Surya Prakash

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Anant Nag

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Bibek Debroy(Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Jatin Goswami

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram

    Medicine

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit

    Others-Archaeology

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Manohar Joshi(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti

    Trade and Industry

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna

    Art

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri P R Sreejesh

    Sports

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Pankaj Patel

    Trade and Industry

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Pankaj Udhas(Posthumous)

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Rambahadur Rai

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Sadhvi Ritambhara

    Social Work

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri S Ajith Kumar

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Shekhar Kapur

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Sushil Kumar Modi(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Vinod Dham

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America

     

    Padma Shri (113)

    SN

    Name

    Field

    State/Country
    1.  

    Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak

    Art

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Achyut Ramchandra Palav

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ajay V Bhatt

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Anil Kumar Boro

    Literature and Education

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Arijit Singh

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Arundhati Bhattacharya

    Trade and Industry

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Arunoday Saha

    Literature and Education

    Tripura
    1.  

    Shri Arvind Sharma

    Literature and Education

    Canada
    1.  

    Shri Ashok Kumar Mahapatra

    Medicine

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Ashok Laxman Saraf

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ashutosh Sharma

    Science and Engineering

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Baijnath Maharaj

    Others-Spiritualism

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Barry Godfray John

    Art

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Smt. Begam Batool

    Art

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Bharat Gupt

    Art

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan

    Art

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh

    Social Work

    Bihar
    1.  

    Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Budhendra Kumar Jain

    Medicine

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri C S Vaidyanathan

    Public Affairs

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar

    Social Work

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Chandrakant Sheth(Posthumous)

    Literature and Education

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Chandrakant Sompura

    Others-Architecture

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Chetan E Chitnis

    Science and Engineering

    France
    1.  

    Shri David R Syiemlieh

    Literature and Education

    Meghalaya
    1.  

    Shri Durga Charan Ranbir

    Art

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Farooq Ahmad Mir

    Art

    Jammu And Kashmir
    1.  

    Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Gita Upadhyay

    Literature and Education

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Gokul Chandra Das

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Guruvayur Dorai

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Harchandan Singh Bhatty

    Art

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Hariman Sharma

    Others-Agriculture

    Himachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale

    Art

    Punjab
    1.  

    Shri Harvinder Singh

    Sports

    Haryana
    1.  

    Shri Hassan Raghu

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Hemant Kumar

    Medicine

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Hugh and Colleen Gantzer(Posthumous)(Duo)*

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan

    Sports

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Jagadish Joshila

    Literature and Education

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Jaspinder Narula

    Art

     

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Jonas Masetti

    Others-Spiritualism

    Brazil
    1.  

    Shri Joynacharan Bathari

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Smt. Jumde Yomgam Gamlin

    Social Work

    Arunachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri K. Damodaran

    Others-Culinary

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri K L Krishna

    Literature and Education

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. K Omanakutty Amma

    Art

    Kerala
    1.  

    Shri Kishore Kunal(Posthumous)

    Civil Service

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri L Hangthing

    Others-Agriculture

    Nagaland
    1.  

    Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer

    Literature and Education-Journalism

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Lalit Kumar Mangotra

    Literature and Education

    Jammu And Kashmir
    1.  

    Shri Lama Lobzang(Posthumous)

    Others-Spiritualism

    Ladakh
    1.  

    Smt. Libia Lobo Sardesai

    Social Work

    Goa
    1.  

    Shri M D Srinivas

    Science and Engineering

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma

    Art

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Mahabir Nayak

    Art

    Jharkhand
    1.  

    Smt. Mamata Shankar

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Manda Krishna Madiga

    Public Affairs

    Telangana
    1.  

    Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli

    Literature and Education

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Miriyala Apparao(Posthumous)

    Art

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Nagendra Nath Roy

    Literature and Education

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai)(Posthumous)

    Public Affairs

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Naren Gurung

    Art

    Sikkim
    1.  

    Smt. Neerja Bhatla

    Medicine

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Smt. Nirmala Devi

    Art

    Bihar
    1.  

    Shri Nitin Nohria

    Literature and Education

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa

    Trade and Industry

    Punjab
    1.  

    Shri P Datchanamoorthy

    Art

    Puducherry
    1.  

    Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi

    Art

    Chhattisgarh
    1.  

    Shri Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Pawan Goenka

    Trade and Industry

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Prashanth Prakash

    Trade and Industry

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Smt. Pratibha Satpathy

    Literature and Education

    Odisha
    1.  

    Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri R Ashwin

    Sports

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri R G Chandramogan

    Trade and Industry

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Smt. Radha Bahin Bhatt

    Social Work

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Ramdarash Mishra

    Literature and Education

    NCT Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Ratan Kumar Parimoo

    Art

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta

    Art

    Assam
    1.  

    Shri Renthlei Lalrawna

    Literature and Education

    Mizoram
    1.  

    Shri Ricky Gyan Kej

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Sajjan Bhajanka

    Trade and Industry

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Sally Holkar

    Trade and Industry

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Sant Ram Deswal

    Literature and Education

    Haryana
    1.  

    Shri Satyapal Singh

    Sports

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Seeni Viswanathan

    Literature and Education

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Sethuraman Panchanathan

    Science and Engineering

    United States of America
    1.  

    Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

    Medicine

    Kuwait
    1.  

    Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa)

    Literature and Education

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Shri Shyam Bihari Agrawal

    Art

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Smt. Soniya Nityanand

    Medicine

     

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Stephen Knapp

    Literature and Education

    United States of America
    1.  

    Shri Subhash Khetulal Sharma

    Others-Agriculture

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Suresh Harilal Soni

    Social Work

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Surinder Kumar Vasal

    Science and Engineering

    Delhi
    1.  

    Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj)

    Others-Spiritualism

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Shri Syed Ainul Hasan

    Literature and Education

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar

    Art

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi

    Art

    Manipur
    1.  

    Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla

    Literature and Education

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi

    Literature and Education

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Shri Vasudeo Kamath

    Art

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Velu Aasaan

    Art

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar

    Art

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj

    Others-Spiritualism

    Bihar
    1.  

    Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane

    Medicine

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Shri Vilas Dangre

    Medicine

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Shri Vinayak Lohani

    Social Work

    West Bengal

     

    Note: * In Duo case, the Award is counted as one.

     

    *****

    Raj Kumar/Vivek/Ashutosh/Rajeev/Priyabhanshu/Pankaj

     

    (Release ID: 2096285) Visitor Counter : 462

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASASVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar addresses Student beneficiaries of PM YASASVI Scheme, in New Delhi

    400 Students, selected from 21 States, invited as Special Guests for Republic Day Parade 2025

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:48PM by PIB Delhi

    On the eve of the Republic Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized a special programme to honor 400 students from 21 states across the country. These students are beneficiaries of the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI) Scheme. It was launched to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. These students have been invited as special guests for the Republic Day Parade 2025.

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, addressed the event at the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM), in New Delhi today. Praising the PM YASASVI Scheme, the Minister described it as a significant step toward social justice and inclusivity. He emphasized that the scheme would inspire the nation’s talented and promising students to achieve a bright future.

    Interacting with students from various States, the Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, without any caste or religious discrimination. He expressed his pride that these students would have the opportunity to witness the Republic Day Parade live and stated, “Nothing can stop talent from progressing. The youth of the country is talented and energetic, and the world recognizes this.”

    Objectives and Benefits of PM YASASVI Scheme:

    The primary goal of the PM YASASVI Scheme is to empower students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities educationally, socially, and economically. The benefits provided under the scheme include:

    1. Pre-Matric Scholarship: Annual scholarship of ₹1.25 lakh for students from classes 9 to 12.

    2. Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial assistance worth ₹12.75 crore for college-level education.

    3. Top-Class School and College Education: Special support for high-quality education.

    4. Hostel Construction for OBC Students: Providing better residential facilities for students.

    The event was attended by Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Yadav; Additional Secretary (D/o SJ&E), Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh; and other senior officials and staff of the Department.

     

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2096316) Visitor Counter : 144

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bharat today is jettisoning the colonial mindset, defying the earlier deified colonial ideas-VP

    Source: Government of India

    Bharat today is jettisoning the colonial mindset, defying the earlier deified colonial ideas-VP

    Indian public administration should have Indian characteristics distanced from colonial mindset, says Vice-President

    Emotional intelligence and cultural competence among public officials is crucial to understand the struggles of the marginalized and the underprivileged-VP

    Technology adoption in public administration must be inclusive and inspired by ‘Antyoday’ – VP

    Evidence-based studies essential to assess the impact of welfare policies, stresses VP

    Participation of women in policy making will promote empathetic and sensitive governance, underlines VP

    Vice President addresses the 70th Annual Meeting of the General Body of IIPA

    Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 2:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said that Bharat is quickly jettisoning the colonial mindset, we are now defying the earlier deified colonial ideas and symbols and Indian public administration should have Indian characteristics distanced from colonial mindset, aligning with our aspirations post independence.

    While addressing the gathering at the 70th Annual Meeting of the General Body of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi today, Vice-President underlined, “Indian public administration should have Indian characteristics distanced from colonial mindset aligning with our aspirations post independence. Look at the overall trajectory, more so in the last decade.”

    “We are now defying the earlier deified colonial ideas and symbols. King’s way is now Kartavya Path and Race Course Road is Lok Kalyan Marg. Netaji now stands in the canopy where once King George’s statue was there. The ensign of India Navy was changed to include our tricolor. 1500 colonial-era statutes are not on the law book anymore.

    The new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — have unshackled Indian Criminal Justice system from colonial legacy. It is a monumental and revolutionary change that the ‘Dand’ Sanhita has now become the ‘Nyaya’ Sanhita, effecting improvements to protect victim’s interests, carry out prosecution efficiently, amongst many other aspects. Bharat is quickly jettisoning the colonial mindset. Now you do not need English to learn medicine or technology”, he added.

    Recalling the ‘Panch Prans’ iterated by the Prime Minister during his Independence day speech in 2022, Shri Dhankhar stated, “…Prime Minister reminded us that we need to build an India free of colonial mindset. To that end, he gave panch pran or five resolves. (a) a resolve of developed India, (b) Removing any trace of the colonial mindset, (c) Taking pride in our legacy, (d) Our strength of unity, and (e) Fulfilling the duties of citizens with honesty. Our public administration would be out of sync with national mood and spirit if it does not imbibe these values”.

    Highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and soft skills among public officials, Shri Dhankhar said, “Focus more on emotional intelligence of its trainees. Developing soft skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence among public officials is crucial so that officials can understand the struggles of the marginalized and the underprivileged; design and implement policies that truly address those challenges”.

    In his address, Shri Dhankhar further emphasized the need to enhance civil servants’ problem-solving abilities and reinforce ethical leadership, stating that while ethical standards are fundamental to our civilization, they require constant nurturing to withstand temptation.

    Emphasising on the importance of technology adoption in public administration, he said, “Our training programs [IIPA’s] and research initiatives should focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics, while ensuring their ethical and responsible implementation in public service delivery. The cornerstone of effective public administration is continuous learning and capacity building.”

    Drawing attention to the concern of digital marginalisation and need of an inclusive approach, Shri Dhankhar underlined, “However, while embracing technology, we must also ensure that it does not create further divisions. Rapidly advancing technology can exclude the most vulnerable sections of society. Therefore, our approach should be inclusive and inspired by ‘antyoday,’ ensuring that technological advancements reach all corners of our population.”

    Stressing on the need for data driven and evidence based studies to asses impact of welfare measures, Shri Dhankhar underlined “As we progress into a new era of governance, data must be at the forefront of our decision-making processes. Evidence-based studies are essential to understand the impact of various welfare policies. Assessments based on empirical evidence will not only enhance the credibility of our institutions but also build public trust in governance. It will also give a befitting reply to those who are not ready to accept the phenomenal rise of Bharat and leave no stone unturned to taint and tarnish our institutions!”

    “As we integrate technology, we must prioritize cyber security and data privacy. An environment of trust must be fostered where citizens feel that their information is secure and used responsibly”, he added.

    Recognizing women’s exemplary administrative acumen and hailing the passing of Women’s Reservation Bill, Shri Dhankhar remarked, “This decision not only acknowledges the leadership potential of women, but also fulfills a profound aspect of Social Justice. I strongly believe increasing participation of women in policy making will promote empathetic and sensitive governance”.

    The Vice-President pointed out that while India is a land of fairs and festivals, these celebrations are sometimes marred by avoidable mishaps, underscoring the crucial role IIPA can play in sensitizing district administrations at the national level. He emphasized that with proper anticipatory measures and advanced planning, particularly regarding amenities and safety, such incidents can be minimized.

    Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director-General, IIPA, Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Secretary to the Vice-President of India and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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    JK/RC/SM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Government initiates enquiry into the death of Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Union Government initiates enquiry into the death of Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh

    MP Government also constitutes five-member State level Committee, comprising members from civil society, scientist and veterinarian, to independently inquire into the matter

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has constituted a team to enquire into the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. The team is conducting an independent enquiry in the matter.

    Further, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh has also constituted a five-member State level committee, to enquire into the matter and submit a report to the Government. The five-member committee is headed by APCCF (Wildlife). The committee has members from civil society, scientist and veterinarian. The matter is also being enquired into by the Head of State Tiger Strike Force (STSF). The STSF has combed the forests and the adjoining villages and is conducting an in-depth enquiry about the incident.

    The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh is camping in Bandhavgarh and supervising the enquiry and actions being taken in the matter. On the other hand, Additional Director General of Forests (Project Tiger & Elephant) & Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, along with AIG NTCA, Nagpur, have visited the sites and held discussions with the State officials on the various related issues and probable cause of the deaths of elephants.

    As per the preliminary information shared by the concerned officers from the State of Madhya Pradesh, the death of the elephants may be because of poisoning. The final cause of death shall only be ascertained after through enquiry, detailed Postmortem reports, results of histopathological and toxicological reports and other corroborative evidences. Further, preventive measures are being taken to avoid possibilities of such incidents by the State officials and monitoring of other elephant herds in and around Bandhavgarh reserve has been enhanced as informed by the officials.

    Background

    The patrolling staff of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve detected the death of four elephants in Salkhania beats of Pataur and Khiatuli range of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh on 29.10.24. On further combing of the adjoining areas, six more elephants were found sick or unconscious in the vicinity. The field staff and local veterinary officers started medication of the sick elephants, which was supported by a team of veterinarians from the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health (SWFH). The services of Dr. A. B. Srivastava, Retired Head of SWFH was also taken. The opinion of veterinarian and faculty at Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun was also taken.

    However, four sick elephants succumbed to death on 30.10.24. Further, even after continuous medication and treatment, remaining two sick and unconscious elephants lost their lives on 31.10.24. Out of those dead ten elephants, one was male and nine were female. Further, amongst the ten dead elephants, six were juvenile/subadults and four were adults. The information revealed that the herd of thirteen elephants had raided the Kodo millet crop in the vicinity of the forest.

    The postmortem of the ten elephants was done by a team of 14 veterinarians/wildlife veterinarian. The viscera after the postmortem have been sent to IVRI Izzatnagar, Bareilly and FSL, Sagar for toxicological and histopathological investigations on 01.11.24. However, the blood and other samples were sent to SWFH on 30.10.24, while treatment of the sick elephants, have prima facie indicated the presence of toxins in the samples sent.

     

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    VM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Türkiye: Proposed ‘agents of influence’ law is attack on civil society and must be rejected   

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Türkiye’s parliament must reject the draft amendment to the country’s ‘espionage’ laws which, if passed, would significantly threaten the ability of civil society organizations to operate freely within the country, said more than 80 organizations ahead of an expected vote in parliament. Scores of other organizations issued similar statements, calling on the legislators to reject the proposal.  

    If passed, this law would represent a significant threat to the ability of civil society to operate freely within the country 

    If approved, the new article – publicly referred to as the “agents of influence” law – would amend the penal code and criminalize unspecified “acts” that are “in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign state or organization against the security or domestic or foreign political interests of the State in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign state or organization.”

    “If passed, this law would represent a significant threat to the ability of civil society to operate freely within the country,” the civil society organizations said in a joint statement.

    The signatories point at the fact that the draft law fails the test of legal certainty and foreseeability, a fundamental tenet of law – meaning that articles of law must be understandable and predictable by the relevant people; individuals must be able to foresee which acts or omissions will make them criminally liable and what punishment will be applied for the act or omission committed.

    The proposed legislative package, passed by the Parliamentary Justice Commission on 23 October, is expected to be voted on by members of the Turkish Parliament in the coming days. 

    The draft law threatens to criminalize legitimate activities such as the documentation of human rights violations by state or non-state actors, imposing heavy penalties including lengthy prison terms for anyone found to have breached the same. If these so-called offenses are committed during “wartime” or in relation to the “state’s preparation for or war activities or military operations”, the penalty could be between eight to 12 years imprisonment.  

    If the provision is adopted, the rights to freedom of expression of all, including seeking and receiving information, would be also at risk of being violated

    “We are also concerned that the proposed law fails to set out clear criteria for what specific acts constitute a criminal offence without adequate safeguards or effective remedies against potential abuses of the law,” said the organizations. 

    “Arbitrary interpretation of broadly worded, vague laws are used to target and prosecute human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and many other civil society organizations in Türkiye. If the provision is adopted, the rights to freedom of expression of all, including seeking and receiving information, would be also at risk of being violated. It would create a chilling effect on important human rights work, and potentially impede their activities.” 

    Background 

    The legislative package proposes to add a new penalty, Article 339/A “Committing offenses against the security or political interests of the state” under the seventh section, “Crimes Against State Secrets and Espionage,” of the Turkish Penal Code (Law No. 5237).  

    Terminology in the proposed article is vulnerable to abuse. For example, “strategic interests,” “instructions,” “organization,” and “domestic or foreign political interests of the State” are overly broad and vague. Ill-defined or overly broad laws can be susceptible to arbitrary application and abuse, thus risk being instrumentalized to target people that the state authorities consider dissenting or criminalize the legitimate activities of civil society organizations, such as those documenting human rights violations in the country.  

    The proposed article is in violation of international human rights law and standards as well as Türkiye’s Constitution and national laws as it threatens freedom of expression and violates the principle of legality which includes the principle of foreseeability, a fundamental concept of criminal law. 

    As well as the signatories to this statement, numerous other organizations have published their own statements including the Association of Civil Society Development Center (see here), the Women’s Platform for Equality (see here), the Third Sector Foundation of Turkiye (see here), the International Press Institute (see here), the Committee to Protect Journalists (see here), Human Rights Watch (see  here), journalism organisations, trade unions and others (see here).

    For more information, please contact [email protected] in London or [email protected] in Istanbul  

    The number of signatories to the joint statement is increasingly daily. A copy of the statement is being sent to all Turkish MPs.

    SIGNATORIES
    1. About Life Foundation (YADA) 
    2. AG-DA Gender Equality Solidarity Network 
    3. Ali İsmail Korkmaz Foundation 
    4. Altyazı Cinema Association 
    5. Amnesty International Türkiye 
    6. Ankara Initiative for Freedom of Thought 
    7. Ankara Solidarity Academy 
    8. Another School is Possible Association 
    9. Association for Monitoring Equal Rights 
    10. Batman Bar Association 
    11. Bodrum Women’s Solidarity Association 
    12. Center for Spatial Justice 
    13. Citizen’s Initiative 
    14. Citizens’ Assembly 
    15. DEMOS Research Association 
    16. Dersim Bar Association 
    17. Diyarbakır Bar Association 
    18. Families of LGBTs in İstanbul 
    19. Free Colors Association 
    20. GALADER-Ankara Rainbow Families Association 
    21. Green Thought Association 
    22. Hakkari Bar Association 
    23. Human Rights Agenda Association 
    24. Human Rights Association 
    25. Human Rights Association Ankara Branch LGBTI+ Commission 
    26. Human Rights Association Istanbul Branch 
    27. Human Rights Foundation of Türkiye 
    28. Izmir Women’s Solidarity Association 
    29. Kaos GL Association 
    30. Katre Women’s Counceling and Solidarity Association 
    31. Kirkayak Culture – Migration and Cultural Studies Center 
    32. Kuşadası Caferli Beautification and Solidarity Association 
    33. Lambdaistanbul LGBT Solidarity Association 
    34. Lawyers for Freedom Association 
    35. Leader Women Association 
    36. Life Memory Freedom Association 
    37. Mardin Bar Association 
    38. Marmaris Public Assembly 
    39. May 17 Association 
    40. Media and Law Studies Association 
    41. Merdiven Social Initiative and Development Association 
    42. Migration Monitoring Association 
    43. Muamma LGBTI+ Education Research and Solidarity Association 
    44. Muğla Environment Platform 
    45. Murat Çekiç Association 
    46. Muş Bar Association 
    47. Natural Life Association 
    48. Nonviolence Education and Research Center 
    49. P24 Independent Journalism Platform 
    50. Press, Publishing, Communication, and Postal Workers’ Union 
    51. Pride Istanbul 
    52. Progressive Journalists Association 
    53. Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association 
    54. Rights Initiative Association 
    55. Romani Godi – Association for Roma Memory Studies 
    56. Rosa Women’s Association 
    57. SES Equality and Solidarity Association 
    58. Siirt Bar Association 
    59. Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association 
    60. Support for Improvement in Social and Economic Living Association 
    61. Şanlıurfa Bar Association 
    62. Şırnak Bar Association 
    63. Tarlabaşı Community Support Association 
    64. The Civil Society in the Penal System Association 
    65. The Confederation of Public Employees’ Trade Unions 
    66. Trans Pride Istanbul 
    67. Truth Justice Memory Center 
    68. Turkish Handicap Association 
    69. Türkiye Human Rights Litigation Support Project 
    70. Türkiye Journalists’ Union 
    71. Türkiye Press, Publishing, and Printing Employees’ Union 
    72. University Queer Studies and LGBTI+ Solidarity Association 
    73. Van Bar Association 
    74. Velvele 
    75. Women for Women’s Human Rights Association 
    76. Women’s Culture, Arts, and Literature Association 
    77. Women’s Solidarity Foundation 
    78. Women’s Time Association 
    79. Young Thought Institute 
    80. Youth Organizations Forum 
    81. Yuva Association  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public alerted to false claim

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Health today alerted the public to a false claim from an unknown organisation alleging that it is assisting in the Government’s admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong.

    The department stressed that it has not authorised any organisation to assist with recruiting non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong, adding that the claim is false and suspected of being misleading.

    The organisation claimed that it was assisting the Government to admit qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong as introduced under the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024.

    In addition, the organisation untruthfully alleged that there was a specific quota set on the number of dentists, as well as on the number of years of experience and target age range.

    The department emphasised that applications for its recruitment of non-locally trained dentists already closed on September 23 this year, and it is going through the established recruitment procedures.

    Members of the public are urged not to fall for any claim of assisting the Government to recruit non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong, and they should not provide personal information to any suspicious people. Anyone who has fallen for such fraud should contact Police.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference: “The explosion of crimes in Nigeria is related to the spread of drugs among young people”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “Our young people are excessive consumers of hard drugs and do all kinds of unimaginable things. They arm themselves, steal and kidnap fellow citizens. How can we explain that today people are being killed senselessly, as if human life were not precious and inalienable?”, said Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). According to the archbishop, the “explosion of crime in Nigeria is linked to the spread of drugs among young people”, pointing to the consumption of hard drugs as a key factor in criminal acts that seriously endanger peaceful coexistence in the country.The prelate recalled the Biafra conflict, expressing his concern: “It seems that we are suffering more than during the 30-month war between Nigeria and Biafra, caused by the sheer greed of our leaders,” referring to the civil war that took place between 1967 and 1970. Msgr. Ugorji also questioned the origin of the violence, stating that “if these horrible things had not been caused by the use of hard drugs, what would we have attributed these actions to?”. He also stressed that “the perpetrators of these crimes come from our communities. They do not come from nowhere. They are not really unknown gunmen, as they are often described.”According to the 2018 UNODC report ‘Drug use in Nigeria’, which was the first large-scale national survey on drug use in Nigeria, one in seven people (aged 15 to 64) has used drugs in the past year. In addition, one in five people who have used drugs in the past year suffer from drug-related disorders.Also, according to the UNODC, drug use is behind many crimes such as theft, burglary, prostitution and shoplifting. There are also crimes directly related to drug trafficking. Gangs and criminal networks involved in drug trafficking resort to bribery, intimidation and murder to protect their business. Violence associated with drug trafficking further increases the crime rate, helping to perpetuate lawlessness and insecurity.The spread of drugs among young people is also encouraged by videos of local rappers praising their use.Despite the measures taken by the Nigerian authorities to combat the phenomenon, in 2021 the number of Nigerians who are regular drug users was at least 14 million according to the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Among the most popular substances, especially among young people, are cannabis, cocaine, heroin, diazepam, tramadol, amphetamines and codeine.In Nigeria, a bill is being considered to sentence drug traffickers to the death penalty, which is provoking strong reactions from lawyers and human rights defenders, who consider it unnecessary and inhumane (the current law provides for up to life imprisonment for the most serious cases of drug trafficking). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 4/11/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by Sweden at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Thank you Chair,

    We align ourselves with the statement made by the European Union.

    As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the need to reaffirm the vital rules and principles enshrined in these conventions and their continued relevance is, sadly, more acute than ever. 

    The ICRC’s Challenges report paints a partly gloomy picture. It reminds us of the need to continuously reaffirm our support for international humanitarian law and the central imperative of protecting civilians, who too often have to pay the highest price in situations of war. 

    As also pointed out in the Challenges report, new technologies present both opportunities and risks. IHL is as relevant here as in other areas. International law, including international humanitarian law, applies in cyberspace, as it does elsewhere. 

    Lack of respect for International Humanitarian Law – increasingly as a deliberate strategy of war – continues to be the single most important challenge for protecting people in armed conflict. Respect for these rules must be improved. Accountability is key to ensure compliance, but also to prevent and deter future violations. The work to strengthen the compliance and implementation of International Humanitarian Law therefore requires effective measures to ensure accountability.

    To ensure the effective protection of all civilians under IHL we must acknowledge that different groups are affected in different ways. All persons, including women and men, girls and boys, experience armed conflicts differently. Sweden welcomes that the resolutions include clear gender perspectives. Recognizing the distinct needs, vulnerabilities and capacities is essential for both a fair and effective implementation of international humanitarian law and for delivering humanitarian assistance to those in greatest need. This includes investing in women’s leadership in emergency response.

    We must also acknowledge the importance of integrating a climate perspective, not least in our work with disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action.

    We support the mandate of the ICRC and express our gratitude for their invaluable work., Serving as the guardian of International Humanitarian Law and acting as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC continues to play a pivotal role in current conflicts. We also commend the IFRC, and the national societies for their essential and locally led efforts in prevention, protection, and humanitarian assistance.

    MIL OSI Europe News –