NewzIntel.com

Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: One month after the tragic school bus crash in Khu Khot, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety to promote and launch the UN-JCDecaux campaign for road safety in Thailand

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, is visiting Bangkok from 30 October to 6 November 2024. During his visit, he will meet with the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, key government officials, representatives of the international community, private, and public sectors to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures, particularly on wearing quality helmets. His visit will be also the occasion to launch the UN-JCDecaux campaign #MakeASafetyStatement in the country.  The Special Envoy will also speak at the UNESCAP/Alliance française Road Safety Seminar on 4 November.  This aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030.

    The visit of the Special envoy comes one month after the tragic bus road crash which caught fire while travelling on an outbound lane in Khu Khot in the Pathum Thani Province, resulting in 23 deaths of which were mainly school students.

    The silent pandemic

    Every year, the staggering toll of road-related fatalities claims the lives of 1.19 million people, leaving countless others with severe injuries. This silent pandemic overwhelmingly affects developing nations, where over 90% of the road traffic fatalities occur. Furthermore, road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.  

    According to the World Health Organization, road crashes kill 18,218 people in Thailand each year, representing a road traffic fatality rate of 25/100,000 population, while the rate is in 15.7/100,000 in South-East Asia and 6.5/100,000 in Europe (WHO 2021). Despite the recent efforts of the country, Thailand is still ranked on the top worst countries in term of road fatalities.  This is therefore urgent to act for increasing road safety in the country.

    “Every life lost to preventable road accidents is a tragedy that reverberates through our communities and our country. This recent tragedy has reminded us of the urgent need for effective and sustained action. Road safety is not merely a matter of law enforcement but a shared societal responsibility. We owe it to our citizens, especially our children, to make our roads safer“, stated the new Prime Minister, H.E. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

    Road crashes have a significant social and economic burden, particularly in Thailand.  “In addition to the human tragedy, road crashes trap countries into a vicious circle of poverty, costing till 6% of the GDP. Given their social and economic cost, road crashes are jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda. Now is the time for change, and I am looking forward to working with the Government of Thailand to stop the carnage on the roads.” stressed the UNSG’s Special Envoy Todt.

    Wearing a safe helmet

    If the causes of road crashes are multiple such as the non-reliability of the vehicles and of the road’s infrastructure and design, the lack of post-crashes services, weaknesses in the road safety management, a dangerous road user’s behavior is still one of the main reasons costing lives on the road. On the mitigation of the risk factors for the road users, wearing a helmet responding to the UN standards is definitively a game changer. Wearing a quality helmet can reduce the risk of injuries by 69%.

    Knowing that Thailand has the highest rate of motorcycle-related deaths in the world, representing more than 70% of the road traffic fatalities in the country, wearing a safe helmet is an absolute emergency.              

    #MakeASafetyStatement

    During his visit in Thailand, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Road Safety Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of life-saving road safety measures. Launched globally in cooperation with JCDecaux Global under the motto #MakeASafetyStatement, it will run through 2025 in over 80 countries in the world.   

    The campaign seeks to reduce risk factors, especially in urban areas, enabling people to walk, live, and enjoy their environment safely.  Sixteen global, and dozens of national, celebrities have joined forces to advocate for simple and effective road safety rules.  Key messages include wearing a seat belt, driving safely, wearing a helmet, not texting and driving, not driving under the influence or while tired, and respecting pedestrians.

    Participating celebrities in the campaign include Football Legend Mr. Didier Drogba, F1 Driver Mr. Charles Leclerc, Oscar-winning actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Michelle Yeoh, Tennis Legend Mr. Novak Djokovic, Musician Ms. Kylie Minogue, Motorcycle racer Mr. Marc Marquez, Supermodel Ms. Naomi Campbell, Actor Mr. Patrick Dempsey, Musician and Inspirational leader Mr. Youssou N’Dour, Actress Ms. Julie Gayet, Actor Mr. Michael Fassbender, Football icon Mr. Ousmane Dembélé, Double Olympic Champion Ms. Faith Kipyegon, F1 Driver Mr. Mick Schumacher, Actor Jean Reno and Cyclist Champion Tadej Podacar.

    Risk factors that are too often neglected                                                                                                                 

    Only seven countries in the world (France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden) have laws that comply with WHO best practices for all the risk factors – speeding, drink driving, UN-standard motorbike helmet use, seatbelts and child restraint systems.

    Media representatives are cordially invited to cover the launch of the campaign, mission and Memorandum of Agreement on Road Safety Cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Health at the press conference on 6 November 2024 at 1.30 PM at the Ministry of Transport (Ratcharotsamosorn Assembly Hall) in Bangkok, with:

    • Mr. Suriya Jungroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport
    • Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, Minister of Public Health
    • Mr. Jean Todt, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for road safety,   
    • Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator to Thailand, presents the work of the UN in road safety in Thailand.
    • Mr. Arnaud de Ruffray, President of JCDecaux Thailand presents the UN-JCDecaux campaign for road safety in Thailand.
    • Ms. Saisunee Jana, Paralympic gold Medalist

     

    About the Special Envoy

    The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed in 2015 Jean Todt as his Special Envoy for Road Safety. He was reconfirmed in this role by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in 2017 and in 2021. In 2018, together with 14 UN organizations, the Special Envoy launched the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF). The Special Envoy contributes, among other things, to mobilize sustained political commitment to make road safety a priority; to advocate and raise awareness of UN legal instruments on road safety; to share established good practices in this area; to strive to generate adequate funding through strategic partnerships between the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Special Envoy brochure and X account.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pensioner Advice Events bring comfort and financial relief to Derby residents

    Source: City of Derby

    In a heartening series of community events throughout October, we have been able to deliver life-changing support to residents facing financial hardship, bringing peace of mind and practical assistance to individuals who need it most.

    At our Pensioner Advice Event on October 4 at The Council House, a local woman left with a brighter financial outlook, gaining £73 extra each week thanks to council-led advice on available benefits. Several other attendees also found they were eligible for Pension Credit. Although some who attended the event could not apply immediately due to a lack of required documents, home visits have been scheduled with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help them complete their applications.

    The events not only put more money in people’s pockets but also brought warmth and safety into their homes. An 84-year-old gentleman, who attended an event in New Zealand on October 25, learned for the first time that he qualified for Pension Credit. This discovery was a tremendous relief for him and his wife, who had been cutting back on heating and cooking hot meals to save on costs. The couple was also gifted a heated blanket and an air fryer, ensuring they can now stay warm and enjoy warm meals without worry.

    A woman from Mackworth walked away £36 per week better off after council advisors helped her identify unclaimed entitlements. Another attendee at a local event was also delighted to receive a heated blanket and air fryer, just as winter temperatures begin to set in. Another participant reported savings of £75 per week after connecting with council representatives.

    Councillor Sarah Chambers said:

    These events are here to make a real difference for Derby residents who may be struggling or unsure of the support available to them. I strongly encourage anyone who could benefit from extra help to attend. Our team is dedicated to connecting residents with resources to improve their quality of life, especially as costs rise and winter draws in. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

    There are upcoming events happening around Derby in the coming weeks. These include:

    • Mackworth – Thursday 24 October, 10am-12 noon, St Francis Church, Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, DE22 4FN
    • New Zealand – Friday 25 October, 10am-12 noon, Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre, Stepping Lane, Derby DE1 1GL
    • Chaddesden – Friday 1st November, 10am-12 noon, Age UK Building, Chaddesden Park, Chaddesden, DE21 6LN (There is free parking in the main car park off Maine Drive, Chaddesden)
    • Sinfin – Monday 4 November, 10am-12 noon, Sinfin Moor Church, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 3DH
    • Allenton – Wednesday 4 December, 2pm-4pm, Derby South Salvation Army, 24 Chellaston Road, Derby, DE24 9AE
    • Osmaston – Monday 10 December, 10am-12 noon, Moorways Sports Village, Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HY

    If you want to learn more about cost of living support, visit our cost of living webpage or visit Community Action Derby’s cost of living online hub.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor’s pioneering policies set to halve emissions from new buildings as London leads the way in cutting energy use

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq’s ambitious planning policies ensure the capital is outperforming national requirements for cutting energy use in new buildings, driving down carbon emissions and supporting investment in green technologies – including solar panels and heat pumps
    • London achieved 57 per cent higher carbon savings in proposed new buildings than required by national building regulations in 2023 – a seven per cent increase compared to the previous year.
    • New data also reveals that London’s overall emissions have fallen 21 per cent since start of the Mayor’s tenure in 2016, significantly faster than the national average 

    London is leading the country in driving down energy use and reducing emissions, new City Hall data published today has revealed.

    The Mayor’s London Plan – which sets out policies that address the global climate emergency and the housing crisis whilst providing a blueprint to make London a greener and healthier city – is helping to drive these achievements.

    The Plan’s net zero carbon target, which applies to all major planning applications, is delivering 57 per cent higher carbon reductions in proposed new developments than required by national building regulations. Where developers cannot achieve net zero on site, the Plan ensures that they contribute funds to support other decarbonisation projects in London boroughs.   

    City Hall’s 2023 Energy Monitoring Report, published today, showcases the significant impact of the Mayor’s policies and highlights the vital role cities play when they are given power to drive down carbon emissions, reduce energy costs, support supply chains and drive investment in clean technology. The report highlights: 

    • Emissions from proposed new developments were less than half of the CO2 levels required to meet national Building Regulations, with a saving of over 32,000 tonnes. This is equivalent to 27,000 return flights from London to New York.  
    • More than a quarter of this saving came from energy efficiency measures – saving 8,552 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is the equivalent to adding loft insulation to over 13,000 homes. 
    • 84 per cent of proposed developments in the capital, featuring over 20,000 homes and more than 1,000,000m2 of non-residential floor space, plan to use heat pumps for their heating system – the majority being large, centralised heat pumps supplying communal and site-wide heat networks. These heating systems service a number of buildings on a site.  
    • 92 per cent of proposed developments will include solar panels. Combined, these panels will be the size of approximately 14 football pitches (having a cumulative area of 70,000 m²), totalling £21 million in new solar investment. 
    • More than 28,000 homes (91 per cent of all new homes) are set to connect to either communal heat networks or area-wide district heat networks.   

    City Hall has also today published the London Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which looks at emissions in London between 1 January 2022 and 31 January 2022 and shows significant reductions in emissions in the capital in recent years:

    • Since Sadiq took office in 2016, total emissions in the capital have fallen 21 per cent, significantly faster than the national average (16 per cent). 
    • London’s emissions have dropped 43 per cent since their peak in 2000, despite a 23 per cent increase in population.
    • Emissions from transport are dropping faster in London than across the UK. Since 2016, London has had an 18 per cent drop in transport emissions compared with a 13 per cent drop nationwide.

    Since 2016, the Mayor’s carbon offsetting policy has enabled £333 million to be secured for net zero projects across London. This fund will be redirected by local authorities to projects in their neighbourhoods that will reduce London’s emissions. Projects include energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy installations on council-owned buildings such as schools and community centres.

    Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said: “It’s fantastic to see London leading the country in reducing emissions and that the Mayor’s ambitious planning policies are bringing down energy bills and helping Londoners become more energy efficient. 

    “The Mayor has committed to making London a net zero-carbon city by 2030 and this new data shows we are progressing in the right direction. 

    “Sadiq and I continue will continue to work tirelessly to help boost London’s green economy to build a better, greener city for everyone.”  

    Helena Rivers, Net Zero Lead, Building and Places, Europe and India, AECOM said: “The GLA’s energy monitoring report for 2023 highlights a significant milestone, with on-site CO2 emission reductions from new development averaging 57.4% beyond national building regulation standards.  

    “This progress underscores the effectiveness of the GLA’s leading London Plan policies aimed at achieving net zero by 2030, which AECOM is proud to support in their implementation.  

    “The evolving policy landscape, including the Future Homes Standard and the Future Building Standard, will play a crucial role in this success.  

    “As we adapt to these new policies, it is essential to maintain our momentum in meeting the GLA targets, whilst striving to ensure a sustainable future for London.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Today 4 November 2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate will begin today.

    MEPs will evaluate whether the Commissioners-designate are qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties to which they have been assigned.

    Find more detailed information about the hearings process and how to follow them.

    All hearings are public and can be followed live on Parliament’s webstreaming and Ebs/Ebs+.

    Find additional information also on Parliament’s dedicated website on the hearings.

    Find here press releases on the hearings.

    Today’s hearings schedule is as follows:

    14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

    Maroš Šefčovič

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

    Responsible committees

    Committee on International Trade

    Committee on Constitutional Affairs

    Contacts

    Eszter ZALÁN

    (+32) 477 99 20 73

    EP Trade

    Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

    (+32) 470 96 47 35

    EP_Institutional

    Martina VASS

    (+32) 477 99 11 57

    You can watch the hearing live.

    Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), Chair of the Committee on International Trade, and Sven Simon (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

    14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

    Glenn Micallef

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

    Responsible committee

    Committee on Culture and Education

    Contacts

    Raquel LOPES

    (+32) 477 99 14 95

    EPCulture

    John SCHRANZ

    (+32) 498 98 14 02

    You can watch the hearing live.

    Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

    18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

    Christophe Hansen

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Agriculture and Food

    Responsible committee

    Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

    Contacts

    Hana RAISSI

    (+32) 484 27 87 54

    EP_Agriculture

    Michaela FINDEIS

    (+32) 498 98 33 32

    You can watch the hearing live.

    18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

    Apostolos Tzitzikostas

    Portfolio: Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

    Responsible committee

    Committee on Transport and Tourism

    Contacts

    Gediminas VILKAS

    (+32) 470 89 29 21

    EP_Transport

    Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

    (+32) 470 96 47 35

    You can watch the hearing live.

    Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (EPP, Greece), Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Development of a genuine sports policy in Europe – E-001668/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In line with Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Commission aims to develop a European dimension in sport by supporting and supplementing Member States’ actions.

    The Commission promotes and supports a European Sport Model[1] based on the autonomy of sport, the openness of competitions, the value of sporting merit and a solidarity and interdependence between elite and grassroots sport.

    The Commission encourages participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity via the creation of adequate opportunities for sport and physical activity for all generations through communication initiatives and events such as the European Week of Sport[2] and funding opportunities for European projects.

    Through its SHARE 2.0 initiative[3], the Commission enhanced stakeholders’ capacity to identify and use EU funding opportunities — such as the cohesion funds and NextGenerationEU — to foster sport and physical activity.

    Also, the integrity of athletes, mental health and well-being in sport and dual careers for athletes are supported through the Erasmus+ programme[4].

    The Council conclusions on sport innovation[5] adopted in 2021 recognise that innovative sport infrastructures, and the processes for their construction and maintenance, can, among other things, provide better and safer conditions for sport and physical activity.

    The Council conclusions on sustainable and accessible sports infrastructure[6] adopted in 2022 address transition to more sustainable sport infrastructure in the broadest social, economic and environmental sense.

    Finally, the Commission is committed to identifying and spreading good practices across Member States.

    • [1] https://sport.ec.europa.eu/news/new-study-on-the-european-sport-model
    • [2] https://sport.ec.europa.eu/european-week-of-sport
    • [3] https://sport.ec.europa.eu/initiatives/share-20
    • [4] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/GA/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021XG0604%2801%29
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022XG1228%2801%29

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Republic Day 2025: Raksha Rajya Mantri gives away prizes to the winners of National School Band Competition in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    As part of the 76th Republic Day Celebrations (RDC), Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth gave away prizes to the winners of the National School Band Competition in New Delhi on January 25, 2025. The jury appointed by the Ministry of Defence, which included members from each wing of the Armed Forces, selected the winners upon the culmination of the Grand Finale of the Competition which was held on January 24 & 25, 2025. The winners are:

    • Pipe Band Girls:
    • 1st Prize – PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Patamda, East Singhbum, Jharkhand (Eastern Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – Bhonsala Military School Girls, Nasik, Maharashtra (Western Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – Shri Thakurdwara Balika Vidyalaya, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (Northern Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – Monte CBSE School, Kurnool, Pandipadu Village, Kallur Mandal Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh (Southern Zone)
    • Pipe Band Boys:
    • 1st Prize – City Montessori School, Kanpur Road Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (Northern Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – North Sikkim Academy, Nangan, Sikkim (Eastern Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – Rajarambapu Patil Military School & Sports Academy Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra (Western Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Belagavi Cantt. Karnataka (Southern Zone)
    • Brass Band Girls:
    • 1st Prize – Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim (Eastern Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – St. Joseph’s Convent Sr. Sec. School, Idgah hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (Western Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – St Joseph’s Anglo Indian Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode, Kerala (Southern Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – Gayatri Vidyapeeth, Shantikunj, Haridwar, Uttrakhand (Northern Zone)
    • Brass Band Boys:
    • 1st Prize – Prince Lotus Valley Academy, Sikar, Rajasthan (Western Zone)
    • 2nd Prize – St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat, Sepahijala, Tripura (Eastern Zone)
    • 3rd Prize – Pinegrove School, Subathu, District-Solan, Himachal Pradesh (Northern Zone)
    • Consolation Prize – St. Xavier’s English Medium School, Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh (Southern Zone)

    The top three teams in each category were given a cash prize (1st – Rs 21,000/-, 2nd – Rs 16,000/- & 3rd – Rs 11,000/-), a trophy and a certificate. A consolation cash prize of Rs 3,000/- each was given to the remaining team in each category.

    The winner of Pipe Band Girls – PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Patamda, East Singhbum, Jharkhand (Eastern Zone) along with the military band team – will be a star attraction during the RD Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2025 as they will be performing at the rostrum.

    Two other bands – PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Belagavi Cantt. Karnataka (Southern Zone) and Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim (Eastern Zone) – will perform at Vijay Chowk during the Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29, 2025.

    In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri described the winners as well as the participants of the competition as the brand ambassadors of Viksit Bharat, a vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He urged the youth to keep the nation first and strive to make India a developed nation by 2047.

    From RDC 2023 onwards, the National School Band Competition is being jointly conducted by Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education. A School Band evokes a feeling of oneness, belonging and pride in school children towards their school and country.

    *****

    SR/KB/SS

    (Release ID: 2096108) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • 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.

    ****

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    (Release ID: 2096097) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacts with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists who would be a part of the upcoming Republic Day parade at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg yesterday (24 Jan 2025). During the interaction, many participants expressed their joy of meeting the Prime Minister in person, to which the PM replied that “this demonstrates the strength of Indian Democracy”. 

    Interacting with a participant from Munger, Bihar, the PM extended his respects to the land of Munger, acknowledging that Munger is renowned worldwide for yoga and now the entire world is embracing yoga. 

    Another participant said that initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and National Health Mission have not only contributed to the country’s progress but have also attracted the youth. She added that everyone was drawn to the Prime Minister like a magnet, and it was a matter of great pride for the nation to have a Prime Minister with such a personality. Shri Modi emphasized that if 140 crore Indians resolve to maintain cleanliness, then India will always remain Swachh.

    Another participant from Odisha asked Shri Modi, the actual definition of success, to which he remarked that one should never accept failure. He highlighted that those who accept failure never achieve success, but those who learn from it reach the pinnacle. The Prime Minister emphasized that one should never fear failure, but rather have the spirit to learn from it and those who learn from failure ultimately reach the top.

    Upon being asked by a participant what keeps him motivated and energetic, the Prime Minister remarked “Meeting young people like you gives me energy and inspiration”. He highlighted that when he thinks of the farmers in the country, he realizes how many hours they work; when he remembers the soldiers, he reflects on how many hours they stand guard at the borders. The Prime Minister emphasized that everyone works very hard, and if we observe and try to live like them, we feel that we don’t have the right to rest either. He noted that as they fulfill their duties with such dedication, the 140 crore citizens of the country have also entrusted him with duties to fulfill.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the habit of waking up early was very beneficial in life. He shared that being an NCC cadet in the past and the habit of waking up early during camps had taught him discipline. The Prime Minister highlighted that even today, his habit of waking up early is a valuable asset, allowing him to complete many tasks before the world wakes up. He encouraged everyone to maintain the habit of waking up early, as it will be very useful to them.

    On the topic of learning from great personalities, the Prime Minister shared that we need to learn from everyone, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from great leaders of the past and applying those lessons to serve the nation today. 

    The Prime Minister asked a participant about her learnings from others during the Republic Day program preparations, to which she replied that building friendships and interacting with various participants and blending together to form a unified India. She added that it has also taught a lot about making adjustments of every kind. Shri Modi was pleased when it was shared by a young participant from a Kashmiri Pandit family that being in the program has taught her to be self-independent. She highlighted that despite never having done household chores before, learning to manage everything independently here has been a significant experience. She emphasized that once she returns home, she will help her mother with the household work alongside her studies.

    The Prime Minister was deeply touched when it was shared by a young participant that one of the most important lessons learned here is that family is not only composed of those who live with us at home, but also included the people here – friends and seniors – all forming a big family. The participant emphasized that this is a valuable lesson that will always be remembered. Shri Modi remarked that embracing the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” as a significant learning from this experience.

    Upon being asked by Shri Modi to the participants about their selection or non – selection in the upcoming Republic Day Parade, a participant replied that selection or non-selection was a different matter, but making an effort is a significant achievement in itself. Shri Modi then emphasized that the most important thing is to give your best, regardless of the outcome. 

    Prime Minister highlighted to the participants, who have spent a month here, that they were able to video conference with their friends and family because of Technology and Digital India which was leading us to Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that there are very few countries around the world that have data as affordable as it is in India. He added that as a result, even the poorest in the country can comfortably talk to their loved ones via video conference. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi asked how many people use UPI and digital payments, remarking that the new generation seems to hardly carry cash in their pockets.

    Upon being asked by Shri Modi about what valuable aspects the participants gained from NCC which they didn’t have before, a participant replied punctuality, time management and leadership. Another participant highlighted that the most important lesson learned from NCC was public service, such as organizing blood donation camps and maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings. Highlighting the MY Bharat or Mera Yuva Bharat platform run by the Government of India, PM remarked that over three crore young men and women have registered on this platform. He emphasized that the participants had made significant contributions, including debates on a developed India, quiz competitions, essay writing, and speech contests. He noted that around 30 lakh people across the country were involved in these activities. Shri Modi urged the participants to register in the MY Bharat portal soon. 

    Discussing the goal set by India and Indians to make Bharat a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, the Prime Minister remarked that if 140 crore citizens resolve to do something positive, achieving the goal will not be difficult. He emphasized, “By fulfilling our duties, we can become a significant force in building a developed India”. 

    Asking the participants that who among us loves our mothers deeply and who loves Mother Earth just as much, Shri Modi stressed that a program ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ that expresses reverence for both our mothers and Mother Earth. He urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and ensure it never dries up. He added that the first beneficiary of this act will be Mother Earth.

    Interacting with a participant from Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Modi highlighted that the unique feature of Arunachal Pradesh was it is where the first rays of the sun reach India. He mentioned that in Arunachal Pradesh, people greet each other with “Jai Hind” instead of “Ram Ram” or “Namaste.” The Prime Minister encouraged everyone to experience the diversity, art, natural beauty, and love of the people in Arunachal Pradesh. He urged people to visit the entire region of Ashtalakshmi, including Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya, mentioning that there is so much to see that even two or three months may not be enough.

    Prime Minister asked the participants if there was any work done by the unit that has been widely recognized in their area while working with the NSS team. Sharing his experience, a participant from Jharkhand said that one notable effort involved helping the Mahiri community in Dumka, known for crafting bamboo items. He added that the community faced challenges as their products were only sold seasonally. He said that the unit identified such artisans and connected them with factories that manufacture incense sticks (agarbatti). The Prime Minister highlighted that the forests in Agartala, Tripura produce agar wood, known for its unique and pleasant fragrance. He mentioned that the oil extracted from these trees is highly valuable and among the most expensive oils in the world. He added that the rich aroma of agar has led to the tradition of making incense sticks (agarbatti) with this fragrance.

    Shri Modi highlighted the government’s GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal. He encouraged educated youth to help local artisans and producers register their products on the portal. The Prime Minister explained that by listing products and prices, there is a possibility that the government might place orders for those items, enabling swift transactions. He shared his vision of making 3 crore women from self-help groups (SHGs) in villages become “Lakhpati Didis” and noted that their numbers have already reached 1.3 crore. A participant shared that his mother learned sewing, and now makes traditional Chaniyas worn during Navratri. He added that these chaniyas were even exported abroad. He added that this sets an inspiring example and emphasized that the “Lakhpati Didi” program can play a crucial role in building a developed India.

    The Prime Minister was pleased to hear from a participant from Nepal, who expressed excitement about visiting India and meeting him. She also took a moment to thank the Prime Minister for the unconditional hospitality extended to her. Another  participant from Mauritius said that on the eve of their departure, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius met with them and encouraged them to visit India, referring to it as their “second home.” The Prime Minister emphasized that India is not only their second home but also the first home of their forefathers.

    The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya were present among other dignitaries during the event. 

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2096135) Visitor Counter : 77

    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 Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Hosts MY Bharat Youth Volunteers and Prominent Sportspersons Invited as Special Guests for 76th Republic Day Celebrations

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Hosts MY Bharat Youth Volunteers and Prominent Sportspersons Invited as Special Guests for 76th Republic Day Celebrations

    Youth Must Embrace ‘Nation First’ to Fulfill Vision of Viksit Bharat – Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 7:31PM by PIB Delhi

    In a memorable lead-up to the 76th Republic Day celebrations, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, hosted MY Bharat youth volunteers, their families, and renowned sportspersons in New Delhi today. A total of 200 MY Bharat volunteers along with their families and 160 eminent sportspersons have been invited as special guests, recognizing their outstanding contributions to nation-building and excellence in sports.

    Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya underscored the pivotal role of the youth in shaping India’s future and urged them to embrace the guiding principle of “Nation First” in all endeavours. Highlighting the importance of duty (“kartavya”), he stressed that the collective commitment of citizens will pave the way for a Viksit Bharat. Union Minister also reaffirmed the Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal, emphasizing the shared responsibility of every individual in achieving the nation’s developmental goals.

    Dr. Mandaviya reflected on the successful organization of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, held from January 10-12 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The grand event, graced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, showcased the leadership and organizational skills of MY Bharat volunteers, who played a crucial role in its success.

    The event also featured inspiring addresses by five celebrated sportspersons—Thulsimathi Murugesan, Harvinder Singh, Konganapalli Narayanan, Vantika Agrawal, and Ashok Kumar—who shared their remarkable journeys and thanked the Government of India for its steadfast support in helping them achieve unprecedented heights in their respective fields.

    The MY Bharat youth volunteers, invited along with their families, shared their experiences of participating in transformative initiatives launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Volunteers selected through impactful campaigns such as Swachhata Hi Seva and Ye Diwali MY Bharat Wali spoke about their contributions to social development and the numerous opportunities provided through the MY Bharat platform. In a touching moment, the youth volunteers presented Dr. Mandaviya with a handmade painting as a token of gratitude.

    The ceremony concluded with the sportspersons and youth volunteers thanking the Government of India for recognizing their efforts and inviting them to be a part of this historic celebration. The event highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to empowering youth and athletes while fostering a culture of excellence and nation-building.

    ****

    Himanshu Pathak

     

    (Release ID: 2096217) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth gives away Prizes for National School Band Competition 6.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth gives away Prizes for National School Band Competition 6.0

    Encourages students to become brand ambassadors of Viksit Bharat of 2047

    Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 9:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth, gave away prizes for the National School Band Competition 6.0. Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Shri Sanjay Kumar and Additional Secretary,DoSEL, Shri Anandrao V. Patilwere also present at the event.

    Shri Sanjay Seth, while addressing the audience, praised the exceptional performance of the young participants, describing the event as a mini replica of the nation. Highlighting the individual performances of several teams, he urged students to reduce their reliance on mobile devices, as advised by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and to engage in outdoor activities and creative pursuits. He encouraged the students to become brand ambassadors of the Viksit Bharat of 2047.

    Shri Anandrao V. Patil, in his address, encouraged students to carry forward the message of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and to contribute to nation-building with a nation-first approach.

     

     

     

    In the Brass Band – Girls category, Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim, secured the First Prize. St. Joseph’s Convent Sr. Sec. School, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, received the Second Prize, while St. Joseph’s Anglo-Indian Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode, Kerala, earned the Third Prize. The team from GayatriVidyapeeth, Shantikunj, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, received the Consolation Prize.

    In the Brass Band – Boys category, the First Prize went to Prince Lotus Valley, Sikar, Rajasthan. St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliyaghat, Sepahijala, Tripura, won the Second Prize, and Pinegrove School, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, secured the Third Prize. The team from St. Xavier’s English Medium School, Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh, received the Consolation Prize.

    In the Pipe Band – Girls category, the First Prize was awarded to PM SHRI KGBV Patamda, PurbiSinghbhum, Jharkhand. Bhonsala Military School Girls, Nasik, Maharashtra, secured the Second Prize, and Shri ThakurdwaraBalikaVidyalaya, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, earned the Third Prize. The team from Monte CBSE School, Pandipadu Village, KallurMandal, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, received the Consolation Prize.

    In the Pipe Band – Boys category, City Montessori School, Kanpur Road Campus, Sec DLDA Colony, Kanpur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the First Prize. North Sikkim Academy, Nangan, Sikkim, secured the Second Prize, while RBP Military School Sports Academy, Sangli, Maharashtra, won the Third Prize. PM SHRI KendriyaVidyalaya No. 2, BelagaviCantt., Karnataka, received the Consolation Prize in this category.

    The First Prize-winning teams will receive ₹21,000, while the Second Prize-winning teams will be awarded ₹16,000, and the Third Prize-winning teams will receive ₹11,000. Teams receiving the Consolation Prize will be awarded ₹3,000. In addition to the cash prizes, all winning teams will be presented with a trophy and certificates.

    Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, organised the grand finale of National School Band Competition 6.0 on 24-25 January 2025 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. This year 16 band teams from 13 States with 463 children were shortlisted for the finale (list annexed) through State- and Zonal-level competitions. At the State-Level Competitions, 568 teams comprising 13,999 children participated; while at the Zonal Level, 84 teams comprising 2,337 children took part.

    For the first time:

    1.   Band Teams from three government schools have got the opportunity to participate in the Republic Day Parade.

    2.   PM SHRI KGBV Patamda, PurbiSinghbum, Jharkhand school students will be giving their performance at the rostrum in front of the Presidential stage.

    3.   Two band teams (KendriyaVidyalaya and Government Sr. Sec. School West Point, Sikkim) will be performing at Vijay Chowk in the Republic Day Parade.

    4.   In tandem with the “whole of Government approach”, initiative has been taken for training of PM SHRI school band teams by the band instructors/teams of Army Regimental Centres. Training has begun in 11 States/UTs and will commence shortly in the rest of the States/UTs. This is a step towards imparting holistic education to students of PM SHRI schools and developing them into well-rounded personalities.

    The National Education Policy 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century and aims at large-scale transformational reforms in the education sector. In that direction, this program will not only instil a sense of patriotism and national pride but will also enhance the musical skills of the students and inculcate discipline among them. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the spirit of patriotism and unity amongst school students throughout the country and help in the furtherance of holistic education.

    Joint Secretary, DoSEL, Dr.AmarpreetDuggaland other dignitaries from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence

    *****

    MV/AK

    MOE/DoSEL/24 January 2025/6

    (Release ID: 2096287) Visitor Counter : 17

    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: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Attends Football Game at Balijan South Playground in Dibrugarh

    Source: Government of India

    Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Attends Football Game at Balijan South Playground in Dibrugarh

    Sports Achieves Revolutionary Growth under PM Narendra Modi, Assam Benefiting as Well: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 6:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the final match of the prize money football tournament organised by the ‘North Balijan Chah Bagicha Chah Community Morcha’, in collaboration with the ‘Dinjan Mandal Chah Community Morcha’ and the people of Balijan at Dibrugarh, Assam today. Sonowal’s presence at Balijan South Playground energised the players and heightened the crowd’s excitement as Young Boys FC faced off against Balijan South FC in the tournament’s final game.

    Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal emphasised the importance placed on increasing participation among children and youth. “Over the last two years, Assam and the Northeast have witnessed significant transformation along with the rest of India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji,” Sonowal said. “Since the beginning of the BJP regime, Assam’s sports sector has achieved remarkable success. The successful organisation of various national and international tournaments has established Assam as a key sports hub.”

    Shri Sonowal also highlighted the state government’s ambitious steps, guided by the state sports policy, which have laid a strong foundation for growth and development in the sector.

    Football is a popular sport in Assam and the Northeast. To further boost enthusiasm for the game, Guwahati hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup. “Many of our football players have achieved remarkable success nationwide,” said Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who was then the CM. “I believe there is a need for a strong policy to support this momentum. Assam’s ‘Khel Maharat’ initiative has created an excellent platform for players, as we see in today’s competition. The people of Balijan extend their gratitude to the organisers,” Sarbananda Sonowal added.

    Shri Sonowal was joined by MLA of Lahowal, Binod Hazarika; the Chairman of Assam Petro Chemicals Limited, Bikul Deka; the Chairman, Assam State Housing Board (ASHB), Pulak Gohain, the Chairman, Dibrugarh Development Authority (DDA), Ashim Hazarika, and Niranjan Saikia, along with Dibrugarh Chah Morcha, President, Pran Tanti and the Chairman, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Rituparna Baruah, were among those present at the event.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal felicitates winners of Yonex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal honoured the winners of the Yonex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament, held from October 25 to 30, in Dibrugarh, Assam today. Organized by the Dibrugarh District Sports Association, the tournament showcased talented young athletes from across the country, with Assam’s players demonstrating commendable performance.

    At his residence in Dibrugarh, Shri Sonowal congratulated the victorious athletes, along with their parents and coaches, and engaged in discussions about their achievements. He expressed confidence that these young sportspersons would continue to elevate the reputation of Assam’s sports community with renewed enthusiasm and improved performance in the future.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Planning approval paves way for new Wolverhampton city centre leisure hub anchored by Superbowl UK

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It will enable an estimated £500,000 of landlord works to be completed by Catella APAM’s sustainable retrofit and principal contracting business, Vantage, on the 17,000 sq. ft. space across multiple units.

    Superbowl UK, renowned for its premier entertainment and leisure experiences, will establish a new mixed use concept venue, featuring 12 bowling lanes, Crazy Club Soft Play area, interactive darts, a bar and diner, and SEGA Prize Zone Arcade, which will open in early 2025.

    Superbowl UK’s new mixed use concept creates a vibrant leisure hub on Victoria Arcade and Victoria Street, building on the council’s recent transformation works to pedestrianise Victoria Street.

    Superbowl UK’s exciting plans to bring this empty retail space back to life align to the council’s vision for the city centre – based on better connectivity, more homes, jobs, skills and learning opportunities and investment in the visitor economy – and demonstrates how town and city centre retail can be adapted to create a more vibrant city centre.

    The benefits of this approach are already showing with independent tourism STEAM data highlighting an increase of visitors to the city from 9.8 million to over 10 million last year.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “This is exactly the type of new development our extensive works on Victoria Street were designed to attract and it will be great to see works starting on site soon now that planning approval has been granted.

    “The scheme provides a major boost to the city centre’s leisure offer for residents and visitors, creates jobs for local people, increases footfall and dwell time to support current and emerging businesses, and complements plans coming forward for major regeneration around the Market Square area in partnership with the ECF.

    “The Superbowl UK investment, will ensure the currently vacant retail space will be occupied, boosting the local economy, and creating 30 new job opportunities for residents, including management positions and guest experience hosts.

    “The development will also serve as a catalyst for further investment, and the council continues to work with Catella APAM on attracting other new leisure and food and beverage occupiers, to capitalise on their confidence in the city.”

    Harry Wilce, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Superbowl UK to the Mander Centre as the main anchor for our leisure offer to improve the customer offer at the centre and extend the operating hours, generating significant increase in footfall for the city centre.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation on East End community services

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on plans to relocate community services in the East End of Dundee to a flagship Community Campus.

    Construction of the East End Community Campus is well under way, bringing local school and community facilities together in a single state-of-the-art complex.

    The plans include a proposal to relocate all services from four facilities: The Hub Library & Community Facilities; Whitfield Community Library; Douglas Community Centre & Library; and Douglas Sports Centre.

    A public consultation on that proposal is now being run by the Council, in partnership with Leisure & Culture Dundee, over the next six weeks.

    Full details of what’s planned, why the proposals are being put forward and how to take part can be found on the Council’s Consultation Hub, along with Frequently Asked Questions.

    People can share their views either by filling out an online survey, completing a paper copy or taking part in face-to-face sessions.

    The aims of the consultation include understanding the impacts that implementing the proposals would have on communities, and particularly any related to people with protected characteristics.

    Feedback will help identify any additional steps that can be taken to mitigate these. This will inform any Integrated Impact Assessments which would be presented to elected members on Dundee City Council when they are asked to take any final decisions.

    The consultation will also explore options for the future of the properties.

    These could include:

    • Using the buildings for other purposes;
    • Transferring the buildings to community organisations;
    • Selling the buildings;
    • Closing the buildings.

    A spokesperson for the Council said: “Before any final decisions are taken, it is essential that we understand what these plans would mean for users and the wider community.

    “This is particularly the case for those who have characteristics protected by law.

    “This is a legal requirement, so the survey asks specific questions to identify if people have protected characteristics. However, each of the questions is entirely optional.

    “It is also important to stress that everyone is invited to have their say on the proposal, regardless of whether or not they consider themselves to have protected characteristics.

    “We are committed to working with communities, understanding that the plans will have different implications depending on individuals’ circumstances.

    “Whether you are a current user of the facilities, a member of the wider community, someone with an idea about the future of a building or anyone else with feedback, we want to hear from you.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport Receives $4.9M in Federal Funding

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Since the mid-1990s, funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been allocated to the state of Connecticut and distributed among different agencies that work to provide programs focused on nutrition and physical activity education to people eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP-Ed). UConn is home to one such agency, UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport, which recently received another $4.9 million from the USDA for the next three years.

    “I congratulate Dr. Ann Ferris, Dr. Jennifer McGarry, and the entire UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport team on their renewed USDA funding,” says Jason G. Irizarry, dean of the Neag School of Education which houses the interdisciplinary team. “This initiative is an incredible example of the Neag School’s community outreach, which has a direct impact on individuals across Connecticut every day. I am proud of the strong community partnerships Dr. Ferris and Dr. McGarry have already cultivated, grateful for their steadfast support of our Neag School students over the years, and excited to see how this new funding will further enhance their team’s important work.”

    The USDA funding is just the latest in a string of recent accomplishments for UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport (UConn HNS):

    • Husky Nutrition and Husky Sport combined into one entity in 2021
    • The team celebrated more than 20 years of growth and the launch of a new website and branding in 2023
    • New postdoctoral research fellows have been welcomed each of the past three years
    • Just this past summer, UConn HNS hired new staff members and led successful nutrition and physical activity education efforts across Connecticut.

    Ferris, professor emerita in the School of Medicine, was a founding member of the team that first brought SNAP-Ed funding to Connecticut, leading to decades of social marketing campaigns and strategic change efforts aimed at increasing awareness and access to relevant resources and opportunities to empower individual, family, and community health.

    Ann Ferris (UConn Health photo)

    “Starting with conversations at the national level of USDA and a stated desire for nutrition education programs particularly working with older populations in Connecticut, our immediate efforts focused on partnering alongside people and agencies already working within communities,” Ferris says. “Soon came the usual challenges, such as securing a one-to-one dollar match of state to federal funding or needing to align administrative requirements across so many different stakeholders. …I just remember thinking at the time that there were just so many dedicated people that were able to get everything launched between the community, University, state, and federal levels.”

    Since that time, Ferris has served as a leader of a team of dedicated staff and UConn students, UConn courses, and many collaborative partnerships within Connecticut’s communities. Over the course of her career, she has been awarded more than $28 million in funding from the USDA; National Institutes of Health; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and private foundations, as well as a full career of scholarly articles, policy reports, and conference presentations.

    “I truly learned from so many people at every turn,” she says. “The willingness of parents and families to collaborate with us to build programs and how they shared their time, expertise, and feedback … that part just overwhelms me. Partnerships drove all our endeavors. It is so gratifying to witness Dr. McGarry, and her team take these programs in new directions, and I am glad to still be able to play a very small role with SNAP-Ed.”

    Jennifer McGarry (Neag School photo).

    With more than 40 staff and student employees on the team this fall, UConn HNS continuously strives to strengthen the SNAP-Ed workforce in Connecticut. The team offers culturally and contextually relevant trainings; workshops that develop skills around teaching and learning across the lifespan; and professional development on best practices associated with nutrition, sport sampling, and physical activity education.

    “The evolving UConn HNS organization can learn from what has worked as well as extend the impact of community-campus collaborations across the state moving forward,” says McGarry, executive director of UConn HNS and professor in the Neag School’s Department of Educational Leadership.

    This past summer, UConn HNS led nutrition and physical activity education efforts with 18 partner sites in five towns. These partnerships allowed for nearly 1,100 participants, ages 4 to 18, to take part in 240 direct education sessions. Catalina Quesada, a registered dietitian and community education specialist working with adults and families throughout the academic year, serves as a UConn HNS staff leader during the summer. She, and other established staff members like her, also led the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of 10 UConn students that worked 30-35 hours a week for 10 consecutive weeks in the summer.

    (UConn HNS photo)

    “Summertime is always fun for us as staff and for the newly hired students who will be delivering our programs in the community,” Quesada says. “A lot of work goes into planning, training, and executing the summer program. It takes many hours of very intentional work tailored to the development of the students and to the correct program alignment for our partnering sites. Our students always learn a lot from the programs they facilitate but more importantly, they learn from our community partners and the participants who come to our programs.”

    Many of the UConn students who were on staff over the summer have chosen to stay involved with UConn HNS into the academic year. In their different roles, students continue to support partnerships and programs, develop curriculum, facilitate evaluations, serve as van drivers, and provide peer mentoring to new students who have recently joined UConn HNS.

    “It is very fulfilling to experience how much the students grow throughout the summer internship, stay involved, and become more confident facilitators as they continue to engage in critical reflection, improvement, and connectivity with people and communities in Connecticut,” Quesada says.

    In addition to undergraduate students, UConn HNS has supported new postdoctoral positions in each of the past three years. The postdocs serve as course instructors, support evaluation and research efforts, and lead community-based partnerships and programs.

    “Starting with Kolin Ebron ’14 MS, ’21 Ph.D., who has gone on to become the assistant director of university opportunity programs at Eastern Connecticut State University, and followed by Julián Alonso Restrepo, who is now an assistant professor of sport management at UMass Boston, our team continues to benefit from the addition of talented postdocs.” McGarry says.

    Currently in their second year as a postdoctoral research associate, Roc Rochon serves as an important connector across organizational efforts.

    Roc Rochon (Submitted photo)

    “Being part of UConn HNS has created opportunities to work closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners,” Rochon says. “Serving on multiple working groups has extended pathways for me to pursue scholarly activities, lead in the process to refine course curricula, develop new strategies, and teach in the classroom … all the while connecting directly with community partners to build relationships and be a support for our team’s efforts with everyday learning.”

    Along with Rochon, Ferris, and other staff and students, Neag School assistant professor-in-residence Danielle DeRosa ’09 (CLAS), ’15 MS, ’23 Ed.D. leads the organization’s People Team. Throughout the year, the team develops and facilitates holistic and professional development sessions for the larger UConn HNS group.

    “As an organization, we prioritize the development of our staff and students to ensure positive engagement and learning,” DeRosa says. “This investment allows us to be prepared and relevant practitioners, as well as collaborative and supportive partners. As part of our SNAP-Ed funding, we’ve continued to recruit, develop, and promote professionals working within communities and supporting healthy and active lifestyles. Our professional development allows us to grow in our own capacity to learn with and from each other, with the goal being able to contribute alongside community partners, families, and children toward improved health outcomes.”

    As part of that ongoing team development, UConn HNS welcomed three full-time staff members over the past six months: Veronica Jacobs ’16 (CLAS); Sarah Larocque ’09 (CAHNR), ’12 MS; and Brandon Keaton. Jacobs was involved with the organization as a UConn undergraduate student, before going on to complete a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs, holding different professional roles at multiple institutions. Now back with UConn HNS, Jacobs serves as the lead staff member overseeing a longtime partnership with Fred D. Wish School in Hartford that includes supervising 10 funded graduate assistants, while also contributing her expertise and leadership skills as part of the People Team.

    Veronica Jacobs (Submitted photo)

    “Returning to UConn HNS has gifted me opportunities to build new connections and a deeper awareness of the assets and resources in Hartford, a city that has been home for the past five years,” Jacobs says. “I’m excited to leverage my experiences in student development and social justice education to co-create intentional, joyful, and community-centered programs at Wish School, and support the holistic and professional growth of UConn students.”

    Larocque has joined the team as a registered dietitian, with professional experience in the health industry and counseling work alongside families and children. She will be a leader with the Husky Reads program, which includes over 15 partner sites and more than 600 pre-kindergarten student participants each year. Often an entry point into UConn HNS for new UConn students, Husky Reads also operates as a two-credit course that is cross-listed in the departments of Nutritional Sciences and Educational Leadership during the fall and spring semesters.

    Sarah Larocque (Submitted photo)

    “I am just thrilled to be back at UConn, a place that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” Larocque says. “I am excited to contribute my expertise as a registered dietitian, combining my love of working with children and families while also teaching classes and supporting UConn students as developing professionals.”

    Keaton is new to UConn, yet brings experience as a former athlete, coach, and educator. He will be working with a few different programs, as UConn HNS works to enhance curricula and partnerships focused on physically active games and play. PreK-12 school-based efforts will include recess, movement within classrooms, and physical activity as part of the everyday environment, as well as other family and community settings such as before and after school, on the weekends, and during the summertime.

    Brandon Keaton (Submitted photo)

    “My family and I recently relocated to Connecticut,” Keaton says. “I am looking forward to building relationships, growing partnerships, and serving the community. Focusing on physical fitness, movement, and health — all of that is just what I feel called to do.”

    Moving forward, an expansion of partnerships is on the horizon for UConn HNS, with a mixture of educational programs focused on increasing healthy eating and physical activity. UConn HNS also continues to grow its consulting efforts, working with partners to provide professional development workshops, support evaluation processes, and co-design social marketing campaigns. With the recent staff additions, there is a high level of excitement about enhancing all aspects of the organization.

    “The sustained efforts of Husky Nutrition, Husky Sport, and now Husky Nutrition & Sport are rare to see,” McGarry says. “We are often told by our partners that so many university-based programs come and go. We remain committed not only to continuing partnerships with individuals, organizations, and communities, but also to evolving our approaches to prioritize relationships, recognize the strengths of everyone involved, and celebrate culture as part of our collaborations.”

    To learn more about UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport, visit huskynutritionsport.education.uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Don’t miss the Christmas Cracker on Sunday 17 November

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Thousands of people are expected at the St Albans Christmas Cracker – a free family-friendly event that kicks off the festive season.

    The annual street festival takes place in the City Centre from noon until 6pm on Sunday 17 November with St Peter’s Street closed to traffic to create a safe and vibrant atmosphere.

    Among the attractions will be live music, fairground rides, a Santa’s grotto, street entertainers and around 100 market stalls selling hot food, drinks and seasonal gifts.

    Much of the family-friendly entertainment will be free with something to suit people of all ages and abilities.

    Festive decorations and installations will be illuminated throughout the event and there will also guest appearances from some of this year’s Alban Arena pantomime, Cinderella.

    The Christmas Cracker is organised by St Albans City and District Council, sponsored by St Albans City Centre BID and part-funded by the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

    Attractions include:

    The Main Stage: situated near the taxi rank, there will be live music and other entertainment throughout.

    Rising Stars Performance Space: located by the Anthropologie shop, there will be music from young performers from across the District.

    Santa’s Grotto: situated by the Alban Arena and run by the St Albans Rotary Club.

    Create and Play Zones: free interactive festive activities for all at locations across the site, including festive decoration making, a football shoot-out and traditional wooden games.

    Market Traders: around 100 stalls selling a vast range of novelty gifts, seasonal produce and mouth-watering street food.

    Street Performers: walkabout entertainment and street theatre including a stilt-walking Christmas trees and elves riding around on reindeer.éé

    British Sign Language Interpreters will be available at the activities throughout the day. 

    Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Lead for Events, said:

    I am thrilled at the prospect of another St Albans Christmas Cracker.

    This is a fantastic way to get the District’s festive season underway and always attracts thousands of people to the City Centre.

    I urge our residents not to miss out on the fun as there is great entertainment, much of it free, for people of all ages.

    The event also provides a boost to the local economy by bringing many extra visitors to the City Centre where they will use our shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants as well as the market stalls.

    Vivien Cannon, Manager of St Albans City Centre BID, said:

    Everything has been laid on for the whole community to come along and help launch the start of this wonderful Christmas season. 

    Our City Centre businesses invest in the City through sponsorship of the event. Everyone wants to make sure visitors enjoy browsing around the stalls and enjoy the festive entertainments. Most of all, our businesses send Christmas Greetings and the message to continue to shop locally this Christmas.

    Charter Market

    Another highlight of the festive season will be the additional December dates for the twice-weekly Charter Market.

    The Market will take place every Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm, in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day as well as the usual Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    There will be an extra day’s trading, too, on Tuesday 24 December.

    Pantomime

    Cinderella starts at the Alban Arena on Thursday 12 December and runs until Sunday 12 January

    Its stars include EastEnder Samantha Womack, comics Bob Goulding and Ian Kirkby, and Union J singer George Shelley. Tickets are available to book here. 

    Pictures: top, scene from the 2023 event; bottom, Cinderella at the Alban Arena.

    Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: One month after the tragic school bus crash in Khu Khot, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety to promote and launch the UN-JCDecaux campaign for road safety in Thailand

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, is visiting Bangkok from 30 October to 6 November 2024. During his visit, he will meet with the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, key government officials, representatives of the international community, private, and public sectors to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures, particularly on wearing quality helmets. His visit will be also the occasion to launch the UN-JCDecaux campaign #MakeASafetyStatement in the country.  The Special Envoy will also speak at the UNESCAP/Alliance française Road Safety Seminar on 4 November.  This aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030.

    The visit of the Special Envoy comes one month after the tragic bus road crash which caught fire while travelling on an outbound lane in Khu Khot in the Pathum Thani Province, resulting in 23 deaths of which were mainly school students.

    The silent pandemic

    Every year, the staggering toll of road-related fatalities claims the lives of 1.19 million people, leaving countless others with severe injuries. This silent pandemic overwhelmingly affects developing nations, where over 90% of the road traffic fatalities occur. Furthermore, road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.  

    According to the World Health Organization, road crashes kill 18,218 people in Thailand each year, representing a road traffic fatality rate of 25/100,000 population, while the rate is in 15.7/100,000 in South-East Asia and 6.5/100,000 in Europe (WHO 2021). Despite the recent efforts of the country, Thailand is still ranked on the top worst countries in term of road fatalities.  This is therefore urgent to act for increasing road safety in the country.

    “Every life lost to preventable road accidents is a tragedy that reverberates through our communities and our country. This recent tragedy has reminded us of the urgent need for effective and sustained action. Road safety is not merely a matter of law enforcement but a shared societal responsibility. We owe it to our citizens, especially our children, to make our roads safer”, stated the new Prime Minister, H.E. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

    Road crashes have a significant social and economic burden, particularly in Thailand.  “In addition to the human tragedy, road crashes trap countries into a vicious circle of poverty, costing till 6% of the GDP. Given their social and economic cost, road crashes are jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda. Now is the time for change, and I am looking forward to working with the Government of Thailand to stop the carnage on the roads.” stressed the UNSG’s Special Envoy Todt.

    Wearing a safe helmet

    If the causes of road crashes are multiple such as the non-reliability of the vehicles and of the road’s infrastructure and design, the lack of post-crashes services, weaknesses in the road safety management, a dangerous road user’s behavior is still one of the main reasons costing lives on the road. On the mitigation of the risk factors for the road users, wearing a helmet responding to the UN standards is definitively a game changer. Wearing a quality helmet can reduce the risk of injuries by 69%.

    Knowing that Thailand has the highest rate of motorcycle-related deaths in the world, representing more than 70% of the road traffic fatalities in the country, wearing a safe helmet is an absolute emergency.              

    #MakeASafetyStatement

    During his visit in Thailand, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Road Safety Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of life-saving road safety measures. Launched globally in cooperation with JCDecaux Global under the motto #MakeASafetyStatement, it will run through 2025 in over 80 countries in the world.   

    The campaign seeks to reduce risk factors, especially in urban areas, enabling people to walk, live, and enjoy their environment safely.  Sixteen global, and dozens of national, celebrities have joined forces to advocate for simple and effective road safety rules.  Key messages include wearing a seat belt, driving safely, wearing a helmet, not texting and driving, not driving under the influence or while tired, and respecting pedestrians.

    Participating celebrities in the campaign include Football Legend Mr. Didier Drogba, F1 Driver Mr. Charles Leclerc, Oscar-winning actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Michelle Yeoh, Tennis Legend Mr. Novak Djokovic, Musician Ms. Kylie Minogue, Motorcycle racer Mr. Marc Marquez, Supermodel Ms. Naomi Campbell, Actor Mr. Patrick Dempsey, Musician and Inspirational leader Mr. Youssou N’Dour, Actress Ms. Julie Gayet, Actor Mr. Michael Fassbender, Football icon Mr. Ousmane Dembélé, Double Olympic Champion Ms. Faith Kipyegon, F1 Driver Mr. Mick Schumacher, Actor Jean Reno and Cyclist Champion Tadej Podacar.

    Risk factors that are too often neglected                                                                                                                 

    Only seven countries in the world (France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden) have laws that comply with WHO best practices for all the risk factors – speeding, drink driving, UN-standard motorbike helmet use, seatbelts and child restraint systems.

    Media representatives are cordially invited to cover the launch of the campaign, mission and Memorandum of Agreement on Road Safety Cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Health at the press conference on 6 November 2024 at 1.30 PM at the Ministry of Transport (Ratcharotsamosorn Assembly Hall) in Bangkok, with:

    • Mr. Suriya Jungroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport
    • Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, Minister of Public Health
    • Mr. Jean Todt, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for road safety,   
    • Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator to Thailand, presents the work of the UN in road safety in Thailand.
    • Mr. Arnaud de Ruffray, President of JCDecaux Thailand presents the UN-JCDecaux campaign for road safety in Thailand.
    • Ms. Saisunee Jana, Paralympic gold Medalist

     

    About the Special Envoy

    The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed in 2015 Jean Todt as his Special Envoy for Road Safety. He was reconfirmed in this role by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in 2017 and in 2021. In 2018, together with 14 UN organizations, the Special Envoy launched the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF). The Special Envoy contributes, among other things, to mobilize sustained political commitment to make road safety a priority; to advocate and raise awareness of UN legal instruments on road safety; to share established good practices in this area; to strive to generate adequate funding through strategic partnerships between the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Special Envoy brochure and X account.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO celebrates Hong Kong’s cinematic brilliance at London East Asia Film Festival 2024 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    London ETO celebrates Hong Kong’s cinematic brilliance at London East Asia Film Festival 2024 (with photos)
    London ETO celebrates Hong Kong’s cinematic brilliance at London East Asia Film Festival 2024 (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), the Film Development Fund, and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region supported the London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) from October 23 to November 3 (London time), which showcased six selected Hong Kong films and hosted three live question and answer sessions with creative talent from Hong Kong. A reception was held following the closing gala screening, bringing together creative talent from Hong Kong and over 50 guests from the local cultural and business sectors.     The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, addressed the audience at the closing gala ceremony. “The London ETO is proud to partner with LEAFF for the ninth time to shine a spotlight on Hong Kong cinema. Known as the ‘Hollywood of the East’, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant community of creative and ambitious talent which shares the vision of establishing Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges, as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan,” he said.     Four creative talents from Hong Kong graced the festivities, with actor Simon Yam and actress Sandra Ng receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Honorary Award respectively. Director Vincent Chow joined Mr Yam for a Q&A session on November 3, while Ms Ng participated in her own Q&A session on November 2. Director and screenwriter Felix Chong also talked about directing and screenwriting in East Asia during a Q&A session on October 24. Further highlighting Hong Kong’s cinematic achievements, “Love Lies” was awarded the Best Film in Competition.     The 11-day festival featured the world premiere of “Little Red Sweet”, along with the United Kingdom premieres of “Out of the Shadow”, “High Forces” and “Love Lies”, as well as “Stuntman” and “Shanghai Blues”.

     
    Ends/Monday, November 4, 2024Issued at HKT 23:59

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor rallies troops as 25,000 Derry City fans expected in Aviva this Sunday

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor rallies troops as 25,000 Derry City fans expected in Aviva this Sunday

    4 November 2024

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has issued a rallying call to the red and white army ahead of Derry City’s bid to win the FAI Cup this Sunday.

    Ruaidhri Higgins’ side will take on Drogheda United in the Aviva Stadium showpiece with an estimated 25,000 Candystripes fans expected to make the trip to Dublin 4.

    Mayor Barr has called on businesses and residents from all corners of the North West to get their flags and colours out this week.
    “The excitement and anticipation is palpable across the North West as Derry City bid to bring home the FAI Cup this Sunday,” she said.
    “It’s the ultimate Derry day out and I want to appeal to the public to do all you can this week to get behind the team and paint the town red and white.

    “Get your homes, businesses, social media profiles and cars decked out for Derry and let’s have a record breaking support travelling to the Aviva for the final.”

    The Mayor this week recorded a special video message at the Ryan McBride Brandywell for the fans and players and is changing her social media profile pictures in support of the team.

    She has attended a number of home games this season and was at Friday night Derry’s final league game of the season against Shelbourne.

    “In the games I’ve attended at the Brandywell, I have experienced first-hand the special relationship that exists between the team and the supporters of this wonderful football club,” she acknowledged.
    “The support of the fans is like having a 12th man on the pitch and can lift the players to new heights this weekend.

    “I want to wish Ruaidhri and his players the best of luck as they finalise their preparations, it’s going to be an unforgettable occasion for everyone to enjoy so let’s pack out the Aviva and roar the team to victory on Sunday.”

    Tickets for the final which has a 3pm kick off are available online at via Ticketmaster.

    A link to choose tickets in the Derry City section is available on the Derry City Football Club website and the club’s social media pages.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More Liverpool schools help to clear the air

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council is set to phase in camera enforcement at six further locations around primary schools to improve safety and boost air quality.

    Known as School Streets, this project involves introducing a range of measures on roads close to schools that will reduce or calm motorised traffic, aiming to not only keep children, parents and residents safer by reducing congestion, but also to improve air quality and encourage active travel.

    Measures include restricting access to roads, or sections of roads, close to schools when pupils are being dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon.

    Schools work in partnership with the council to implement the measures and four further schools will join the six primary schools in the city which are already part of the national initiative.

    The six additional locations to be phased in from today, Monday 4 November, and the affected roads are:

    • St Clare’s Catholic Primary School – Whole of Garmoyle Close
    • St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School – Church Road (from Prescot Road to Selkirk Road)
    • St Cleopas C of E Primary School – Whole of Barclay Street
    • Christ the King Catholic Primary School – Whole of Fieldway and Meadway (Entire length from Wavertree Nook Road)
    • Rice Lane Primary school – Whole of Brockenhurst Road from Rice Lane will be added to the existing timed access restriction on Lynwood Road.
    • St Michaels in the Hamlet Community Primary School – Camera enforcement to be included Neilson Road from St Michael’s Road.

    The times when the School Streets restrictions are in operation for all the above are from 8.15am to 9.15am and from 2.30pm to 3.30pm during term time.

    Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will be used at these schools to support enforcement of the restrictions however exemptions can apply.

    School staff or parents who have a Blue Badge, or who need to drop off or pick up a child with SEND, can ask the school to apply for a camera exemption permit.

    People who live on a School Street or someone who is a carer or a Blue Badge holder who regularly visits a resident on a School Street can apply for an exemption via the council’s website.

    Various School Street measures are already in place at: Mab Lane, Much Woolton Catholic, Greenbank, St Michael in the Hamlet, Rice Lane, and St Gregory’s. These projects have shown that School Streets are effective in improving air quality by reducing congestion around the school site.

    Monday’s phasing in will help the Council achieve its objective of creating up to 50 School Streets over the next four years, as set out under Pillar 5 of the Council Plan – A well-connected, sustainable and accessible city. Earlier this year, consultations were carried out at 20 further schools and it is hoped that School Streets will be implemented at these in the next year.

    Schools that are interested in a road near them becoming a School Street can contact schoolstreets@liverpool.gov.uk

    Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “After the success of the first School Streets, I’m so pleased that the Council is able to support further schools to make their communities safer.

    “School Streets are a great example of the Council working with whole communities – schools, parents and residents who live near the schools – to make our environment safer and more pleasant for everyone.

    “Schemes like School Streets succeed because the majority of people understand their value and pull together to make them work. I have every confidence that these new School Streets locations will bring improvements for everyone in the community.”

    Simon O’Brien, Liverpool City Region’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “There is nothing more important than the health of our children. So clean air and a feeling of calm around our schools at drop off and pick up are vital to help the pupils grow and learn in a positive environment.

    “Well done to Liverpool City Council for enabling more schools to achieve these aims.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: A look back at August 2024 at the Biden-Harris White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    00:00 – 00:08 A look back at August 2024 in the Biden-Harris White House
    00:09 – 4:12 President Biden greets families of those released in a prisoner swap with Russia
    4:13 – 4:23 President Biden and Vice President Harris wait with families of released prisoners at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
    4:25 – 5:32 President Biden and Vice President Harris Greet Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
    5:33-7:05 President Biden calls to congratulate American swimmer Katie Ledecky on her Olympic wins
    7:05 – 7:21 Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff visits Team USA athletes at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
    7:22 – 8:31 President Biden welcomes the Texas Rangers to the White House to celebrate their 2023 World Series championship season
    8:40 – 8:58 President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden pose for a photo with the 2024 White House summer intern class
    9:03 – 9:58 President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden receive a briefing on lab technology for cancer research at Tulane University in New Orleans
    10:00 – 10:44 President Biden delivers remarks at the Creator Economy Conference
    10:44 – 12:57 President Biden and Vice President Harris announce the Administration’s efforts to lower prescription drug costs for Americans in Largo, Maryland
    12:58 – 13:36 President Biden greets journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza and his family.
    13:39 – 14:38 President Biden, joined by members of Congress and Civil Rights leaders signs the Springfield Race Riot National Monument Designation

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCDQwm3ehHc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Emanuel County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Emanuel County

    FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Emanuel County

    ATLANTA – FEMA opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center in Emanuel County to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The center is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.Center location: Emanuel CountySoutheastern Technical College / Special Programs Building346 Kite Road, Building 1Swainsboro, GA 30401Additional centers are open in Appling, Chatham, Coffee, Liberty, Laurens, Lowndes, McDuffie, Richmond, Tift, Toombs and Washington counties. Open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.Appling CountyAppling County Agricultural Center2761 Blackshear Highway, Baxley, GA 31513Chatham CountySavannah Technical CollegeStudent Enrichment Center Building5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31405Coffee CountyThe Atrium 114 N. Peterson Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533Liberty CountyMiller Park/HQ Fire Station 6944 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Midway, GA 31320Laurens CountyOld West Laurens Middle School338 West Laurens School RoadDublin, GA 31021Lowndes CountyCity of Valdosta4434 North Forrest Street Extension, Valdosta, GA 31605McDuffie CountyThomson Depot           111 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA 30824Richmond CountyHub for Community Innovation631 Chafee Avenue Augusta, GA 30904Tift County202 Baldwin DriveTifton, GA 31794Toombs CountyGeorgia Department of Human Services 162 Oxley Drive, Lyons, GA 30436 Washington CountySandersville School Building Authority514 North Harris Street, Sandersville, GA 31082 For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
    larissa.hale
    Mon, 11/04/2024 – 19:40

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Criticizes FBI for Continued Failures in Handling Child Abuse Investigations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After an audit found that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continues to mishandle investigations into allegations of child sexual abuse, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined her colleagues in calling out FBI Director Christopher Wray for failing to sufficiently reform after the agency’s failures with handling Larry Nassar.
    In 47% of cases reviewed, FBI employees did not comply with mandatory reporting requirements to state and local law enforcement, and for social services, that figure rose to 50%. 
    “Despite your assurances following the Larry Nassar scandal that the FBI would do ‘everything in [its] power to make sure [the Nassar investigation failures] never happen[ed] again,’ this audit reveals little, if any, progress has been made. Under your leadership, the FBI has not only failed to implement effective changes but has instead continued to mishandle cases of child sexual abuse with disturbing frequency,” the senators wrote.
    “According to the OIG, child sexual abuse cases were flagged with concern due to ‘a lack of recent investigative activity’ and ‘lack of logical investigative steps.’ Ignoring child exploitation investigations for political expediency is a grave betrayal to the victims who depend on the FBI’s expertise and resources,” the senators continued. 
    “The $138.7 million settlement stemming from the Nassar case should have been a turning point for the FBI, a stark reminder of the human toll caused by your agency’s failures. Instead, it is clear the reforms you promised have been grossly insufficient. Despite your public reassurances, the FBI has shown that it is incapable of learning from its mistakes,” the senators concluded.
    Read the full letter here.  
    Background:
    Following the sentencing of Dr. Larry Nassar who admitted to molesting female gymnasts and minors for years under the guise of medical treatment, Ernst called for the creation of a select committee to investigate the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics in 2018.
    Ernst’s SAFESPORT Act, which is now law, ensures the resources designated for investigating abuses of Olympic and amateur athletes are safeguarded. Ernst successfully passed the bipartisan Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act which would address all forms of abuse and begin restoring trust and integrity within the U.S. Olympic system.
    Ernst is also a proud cosponsor of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in February 2018.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Hearing of Commissioner-designate Glenn Micallef

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Culture and Education questioned Glenn Micallef, Maltese candidate for the Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport portfolio, on Monday.

    The chair and political group coordinators will meet at 18.30 to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate.

    In his introductory speech, Mr Micallef presented his plans to ensure intergenerational fairness, respond to the needs of future generations, and protect young people, particularly their mental health. He also stressed the need to support the creative industry and cultural sector, particularly by better addressing the challenge of Artificial Intelligence. Mr Micallef laid out his plans for encouraging sports participation, as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle among Europeans.

    Culture: improve working conditions for artists and ensure copyright protection

    MEPs quizzed the commissioner-designate about the follow up to Parliament’s work on the social and professional situation of artists and other workers in the cultural and creative sectors. Tackling poor working conditions that affect the sector competitiveness is a priority, said Mr Micallef, announcing his intention to assess the remaining legislative gaps in this area in his first month and to organise annual thematic workshops with EU member states.

    They also asked about the copyright protection for music creators. The commissioner-designate promised to lead a so-called “Culture Compass” – a strategic framework to harness the different dimensions of culture -, one strand of which would aim to address this specific issue that significantly impacts the sector.

    The challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence and how to ensure the culture sector receives strong support from the EU’s multiannual budget were other issues raised in the discussion. MEPs also questioned about the Commission’s plans to guarantee artistic freedom of expression across the EU.

    Sport: a tool for inclusion and healthy lifestyles

    MEPs also put forward several questions focused on sports as a strategic promotor of inclusion and diversity in the EU, as well as a means to promote healthy lifestyles. They asked Mr Micallef about the professional dimension of sport, including his views on the proposal to set up a European football Superleague and on football transfer rules.

    Other issues raised by MEPs included the EU’s response to cyber-bullying and addressing youth mental health, the rights of children, and youth unemployment.

    Watch the video recording of the full hearing.

    Press point

    At the end of the hearing, the Chair of the Culture Committee, Ms Nela Riehl, held a press point outside the meeting room.

    Next steps

    Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.

    The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Dr Katrina Wruck awarded 2025 Young Australian of the Year

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    Congratulations to Dr Katrina Wruck from Queensland for being awarded the national 2025 Young Australian of the Year.

    Katrina has been recognised for research is giving back to remote communities. 

    Based on her research, Katrina has set up a profit-for-purpose business, Nguki Kula Green Labs, which is poised to transform the consumer goods sector by harnessing the power of green chemistry, while inspiring others to step into STEM.

    Katrina’s method of converting mining by-products to zeolite LTA – which can remove contaminants from water that cause hardness – will be commercialised. Her postdoctoral research examines how to break down dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ into benign ones. Altogether, Katrina’s work is a possible foundation for reducing global contamination.

    A proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman who has long advocated for First Nations knowledge, Katrina also participates in community engagement programs. She is frequently told by the students she speaks to that she’s the first Indigenous scientist they’ve met. Her work has been recognised with several awards and she is already well known in her field.

    What Katrina has accomplished in just a short time is remarkable.

    Her commitment, dedication and care for others demonstrates the best of what young Australians contribute to our communities.

    Katrina was chosen as this year’s Young Australian from an impressive field of state and territory recipients who are all paving the way to a brighter future:

    • Daniel Bartholomaeus, an artist and advocate for the neurodivergent community, from the Australian Capital Territory is a mentor with The With Friends Initiative, a social group for neurodivergent young people. Daniel uses art not only for self-expression but to bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodiverse people.
    • Maddison O’Gradey-Lee from New South Wales co-founded the Orygen Global Youth Mental Health Fellowship in 2020. Maddison has created a global community that’s combating taboos around mental health and was the first person from Oceania to win the Dalai Lama Peace Fellowship.
    • Victoria’s Aishwarya Kansakar is a globally renowned AI and automation entrepreneur, who was raised amidst Nepal’s civil war and went on to teach herself computing. Today Aishwarya heads Syncrowin, building a world-first AI-powered automation system and is also Women 4 STEM’s chief operating officer, where she leads 300 volunteers, impacting 70 schools and 66,000 women’s STEM careers.
    • Amber Brock-Fabel from South Australia founded the South Australian Youth Forum in 2021 at just 17 years old, ensuring youth voices are heard by lawmakers and relevant organisations. Under Amber’s leadership, the Forum was recently represented at the United Nations Summit of the Future, the National Inquiry into Civics Education and the Australian Conference on Youth Health.
    • From the Northern Territory, Nilesh (Nil) Dilushan’s commitment to community service has led him to co-found two successful community initiatives: The Kindness Shake; and Rotaract Young Professionals Northern Territory. These organisations focus on upskilling young people, addressing literacy gaps and creating employment pathways, making a positive impact on their local communities.
    • Ariarne Titmus OAM from Tasmania has already achieved more in her sporting career than most could ever dream of. Ariarne has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and grit to improve her performance in the pool and is a role model for young swimmers who want to improve and test the boundaries of what is possible. Ariarne holds several world records and has won gold medals in both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics.
    • Through Elucidate Education, Western Australia’s Jack Anderson passionately pursues greater equity and educational access in Australia and beyond. Jack has led the publication of many textbooks for senior study and coordinates regular trips to remote areas of Western Australia, donating educational materials to the most socio-economically disadvantaged, rural and Indigenous students, empowering them for success. 

    Congratulations to Katrina, and to all the national nominees. You are a source of inspiration for all Australians.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)
    HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Through October, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) celebrated another year of successful collaborations with the Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF) in Hawai’i, the Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFiFF) in New Mexico and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) in California to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and these locations in the United States.           In Honolulu, Hawai’i, SFETO and its long-time collaborator HIFF once again curated the Spotlight on Hong Kong programme, which featured six Hong Kong productions that included new releases and a restored classic: “Love Lies”, “The Last Dance”, “Stuntman”, “All Shall Be Well”, “Fly Me to The Moon” and “Shanghai Blues”. The festival was held from October 3 to 13 (Honolulu time).           Speaking at the VIP reception hosted by HKETO San Francisco on October 11 (Honolulu time), the Director of HKETO San Francisco, Ms Jacko Tsang, said the return of “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema”, presented by the Hong Kong International Film Society, made the Hong Kong programme at the 44th edition of the festival even more remarkable this year. She pointed out that the First Feature Film Initiative supported by the Hong Kong Film Development Council had funded 24 films with over $120 million since 2013, and that SFETO was excited to showcase these excellent works by new talent in the Hong Kong film industry.                At the Awards Gala of the HIFF on October 12 (Honolulu time), iconic Hong Kong actress and filmmaker Sandra Ng was honoured with the HIFF Spotlight On Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile. She attended the festival with renowned filmmaker Peter Chan and received the award from celebrity comedian Ronny Chieng. Alongside Ng, Hong Kong actresses Patra Au and Michelle Wai, as well as directors Sasha Chuk, Anselm Chan, Albert Leung and Hebert Leung also participated in the festival. They attended live post-screening Q&A sessions at the primary screening of their respective films. The audience greatly appreciated their presence with enthusiastic interactions.           In Santa Fe, New Mexico, HKETO San Francisco collaborated with SFiFF for the second consecutive year. “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” and “All Shall Be Well”, two talk-of-the-town feature films from Hong Kong, were showcased at the festival held from October 16 to 20 (Santa Fe time).           Hosting the filmmakers’ brunch on October 19 (Santa Fe time), Ms Tsang introduced some of the latest measures implemented by the Hong Kong Government to inject new power into Hong Kong cinema, including the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, which aims to subsidise film projects coproduced by filmmakers from European and Asian countries to produce films featuring Hong Kong, European and Asian cultures. She encouraged filmmakers to explore opportunities in Hong Kong and be a part of the revival journey of Hong Kong cinema.           In Los Angeles, California, the third annual “LAAPFF Presents: Hong Kong Generations of Cinema” took place on October 26 and 27 (Los Angeles time) featuring six Hong Kong titles from different decades around the theme of Cantopop: “Rouge”, “Days of Being Wild”, “Happy Together”, “July Rhapsody”, “Anita” and “The Lyricist Wannabe”. Each film highlights the connection between music and storytelling in Hong Kong’s film history.           Delivering her remarks after a special reception on October 26 (Los Angeles time), Ms Tsang said that the office was honoured to work with Visual Communications, the organisation behind the LAAPFF, to bring the programme to Los Angeles three years in a row. She expressed delight that the programme had expanded from a one-day showcase to a two-day celebration of Hong Kong cinema following the success of the first two years.           The above Hong Kong film programmes were made possible with the support from the Film Development Fund, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

     
    Ends/Saturday, November 2, 2024Issued at HKT 10:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Requests Information on Bank of America Decision to Reverse Ban on Financing Assault-Weapons Manufacturers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Following Legislation Passed in Texas and Florida, Bank of America Backtracked Implementation of Landmark Financing Ban

    Read the Letter Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and 50 of his Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Bank of America CEO and Chair of the Board Brian Moynihan requesting information regarding Bank of America’s decision to reverse their ban on financing assault-style gun manufacturers, who design weapons frequently used by perpetrators of mass shootings.

    “We write with disappointment regarding the recent news that Bank of America has reversed its ban on financing assault-style gun manufacturers in response to pressure from Republican-led states, such as Florida and Texas. When the second-largest bank in the country backtracks on gun violence prevention, it sends a message to the entire industry: it’s permissible for other financial institutions to put short-term politics over the protection of American lives,” the Members wrote.

    In 2018, following the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting, Bank of America announced it would no longer finance military-style firearms for civilian use. Bank of America described the financing of these gunmakers as “contrary to our values, operating principles and Code of Conduct.”

    However, in 2021, Texas passed a law restricting companies that discriminate against firearms entities from doing business with the state. In January 2024, Florida passed an anti-ESG law which required banks that accept state or local funds to verify they don’t “politically discriminate.”

    In response, Bank of America weakened its policy, stating that financing military-style firearms would be subject to an “enhanced due-diligence process,” directly contradicting their 2018 proposal. The members contend that this policy change unnecessarily puts lives at risk.

    “The strong positions by Bank of America in 2018 likely saved lives. Your retreat in recent years strikes us as situational ethics. Perhaps you fear the political risk of alienating certain politicians. We would suggest that pales in comparison to the fear felt by a classroom full of kids looking down the barrel of an assault rifle. The least you could do is show a fraction of the courage that too many children are asked to show in a country awash in these weapons of war,” the Members continued.

    The members concluded asking the following questions regarding Bank of America’s policy change:

    1. “Since 2018, what steps has Bank of America taken to reverse its prior policies and decisions that were intended to reduce gun violence?

    2. Please explain why Bank of America now deems it appropriate to finance assault-style gun manufacturers.

    3. Please detail how Bank of America implemented the enhanced due diligence standard and review process for clients and transactions involving the manufacture of military-style firearms for civilian use, including:

      1. What “specialized industry knowledge” did the internal subject matter experts (SMEs) possess that contributed to the development of this policy?

        1. What are their professional backgrounds?

      2. Please provide specifics about the “clear process” for review with senior executive checkpoints, escalation routines, and risk management considerations, including how Bank of America will assess the reputational and litigation risk associated with specific, potential clients.

      3. What factors would cause Bank of America to decide to provide financing or underwriting to a manufacturer of military-style firearms for civilian use?

    4. Since this enhanced due diligence process was put in place, what, if any, financing or underwriting has Bank of America provided to firearm manufacturers, including those specified below?

      1. Sturm Ruger & Company (RGR)

      2. Smith and Wesson (SWBI)

      3. Axon (AXON:US)

      4. Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings (SPWH)

      5. Big Five Sporting Goods Corporation (BGFV)”

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Mr. Moynihan,

    We write with disappointment regarding the recent news that Bank of America has reversed its ban on financing assault-style gun manufacturers in response to pressure from Republican-led states, such as Florida and Texas. When the second-largest bank in the country backtracks on gun violence prevention, it sends a message to the entire industry: it’s permissible for other financial institutions to put short-term politics over the protection of American lives.

    In 2018, following the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting, Bank of America announced that it would no longer finance military-style firearms for civilian use. In an interview that April, Vice Chair Anne Finucane stated that Bank of America wants to contribute in “any way we can” to reduce mass shootings. Specifically, Ms. Finucane said: “It’s our intention not to finance these military-style firearms forcivilian use” on a “go forward basis.” At Bank of America’s annual shareholder meeting that same month, one conservative activist said the bank was “willfully giving up money.” You responded to shareholders that the policy change was prompted in part because more than 150 Bank of America employees “directly lost a relative in the shootings in the last couple [of] years.”

    Remington, Vista Outdoor, and Sturm, Ruger & Co. were three of your clients affected by this policy change in 2018. Remington made the Bushmaster assault weapon that was used in the 2012 mass shooting that killed 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Remington had been a client of Bank of America since at least 2012 until the bank cut ties—but only after contributing $43 million to a lending package that helped Remington exit bankruptcy in 2018. Vista Outdoor sold rifles and shotguns, including AR-15-style weapons, until 2019, when Bank of America helped finance Vista’s acquisition of another sporting goods company in 2016. Lastly, Sturm Ruger makes the AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15-style rifle but has been designed to circumvent existing gun laws. This weapon was used in the 2021 mass shooting that killed ten people at a King Soopers supermarket store in Boulder, Colorado. In 2013, Bank of America extended a $25 million line of credit to Sturm Ruger. Between 2012 and 2018, Bank of America issued $273.6 million in bonds and loans to these firearm companies. To be clear, none of these guns are designed for hunting or for self-defense. They are designed to kill large numbers of people as quickly as possible.

    In 2019, Bank of America described the financing of these gunmakers as “contrary to our values, operating principles and Code of Conduct” in its Environmental and Social Risk Policy Framework. In 2022, Bank of America reiterated that it “will not currently finance the manufacture of military-style firearms for non-law enforcement, non-military use.” Then in November 2023, Bank of America assured members of Congress that its “lines of business continue to follow this policy.”

    However, in December 2023, Bank of America weakened its firearms lending policy in its updated policy framework, stating that financing military-style firearms would be subject to an “enhanced due diligence process” and review by the Senior-level Risk Committee. This directly contradicts Vice Chair Finucane’s 2018 statement that “going forward we will not finance the manufacture of these firearms.”

    Recent reports suggest that this policy change was prompted by anti-ESG laws in states like Florida and Texas. In 2021, Texas passed a law restricting companies that “discriminate” against firearms entities from doing business with the state. Specifically, it requires that government contracts include a written verification that the company does not and will not “have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.”18 In October 2023, shortly before Bank of America changed its policy, the Texas Attorney General issued an advisory urging government entities to closely review these written verifications and consider other “red flags,” citing Bank of America’s approach towards certain firearm entities. More recently, in January 2024, Florida announced that it will begin enforcing violations of an anti- ESG law passed last year, which requires banks that accept state or local funds to verify that they don’t “politically discriminate.” In particular, these requirements prohibit banks from denying services on the basis of enumerated factors, including a company’s “engagement in the lawful manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, or use of firearms or ammunition.” In May 2024, Florida enacted a law, effective July 1, 2024, that provides for a customer complaint process for alleged violations of these requirements and expands the scope to include non-Florida chartered banks.

    The strong positions by Bank of America in 2018 likely saved lives. Your retreat in recent years strikes us as situational ethics. Perhaps you fear the political risk of alienating certain politicians. We would suggest that pales in comparison to the fear felt by a classroom full of kids looking down the barrel of an assault rifle. The least you could do is show a fraction of the courage that too many children are asked to show in a country awash in these weapons of war.

    To that end, we seek clarification on this policy change and ask that you answer the following questions by August 8, 2024:

    1. Since 2018, what steps has Bank of America taken to reverse its prior policies and decisions that were intended to reduce gun violence?

    2. Please explain why Bank of America now deems it appropriate to finance assault-style gun manufacturers.

    3. Please detail how Bank of America implemented the enhanced due diligence standard and review process for clients and transactions involving the manufacture of military-style firearms for civilian use, including:

      1. What “specialized industry knowledge” did the internal subject matter experts (SMEs) possess that contributed to the development of this policy?

        1. What are their professional backgrounds?

      2. Please provide specifics about the “clear process” for review with senior executive checkpoints, escalation routines, and risk management considerations, including how Bank of America will assess the reputational and litigation risk associated with specific, potential clients.

      3. What factors would cause Bank of America to decide to provide financing or underwriting to a manufacturer of military-style firearms for civilian use?

    4. Since this enhanced due diligence process was put in place, what, if any, financing or underwriting has Bank of America provided to firearm manufacturers, including those specified below?

      1. Sturm Ruger & Company (RGR)

      2. Smith and Wesson (SWBI)

      3. Axon (AXON:US)

      4. Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings (SPWH)

      5. Big Five Sporting Goods Corporation (BGFV)”

    We look forward to your prompt response either in writing or via a briefing and the opportunity to continue to work together to stem the tragedies caused by gun violence and make our communities safer. Thank you foryour attention to this matter.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK youth shine at ‘Skills Olympics’

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The WorldSkills Competition took place in Lyon, France, in September. This year, the Construction Industry Council sent seven competitors to participate in six categories.

    One of them was Wesley Fong, 20, who graduated from the Hong Kong Institute of Construction in 2022. He won the championship in the 2nd Hong Kong Construction Skills Competition last year, earning the qualification to compete as a finalist in joinery at the WorldSkills Competition, after training and assessment.

    “It typically takes five to six years to train a competitor in other countries or regions, but we only had about one year, which necessitated intensive training and precise planning,” Mr Fong’s instructor, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Supervising Instructor Terence Lam explained.

    “Initially, Wesley struggled with some of the skills, leaving him frustrated. We needed to push him, even scold him, but sometimes he just needed a bit of encouragement. As Wesley was willing to spend time on weekends to practise, of course we wanted to help him.”

    Facing challenges

    The 19 joinery trade competitors were required to carry out the requested project within 22 hours over four days. They were given a sketch and asked to create a one-to-one drawing. Working from the drawing, the joiner would measure and cut joints then assemble, install, and finish a door with its frame to a high standard.

    Even with adequate preparation, Mr Fong admitted that the road to success did not come easy.

    “I made some mistakes in the drawing and felt a little discouraged on the first night of the competition,” he said.

    “The next day I made improvements, so I was able to make up for the mistakes and they did not affect me too much. When I saw the competitors next to me working so hard, I was inspired to raise my game.”

    Mr Fong’s hard work paid off and he was awarded a medallion for excellence, an outcome he said he never anticipated. The final result has boosted his confidence and he is now determined to continue with a career in the construction industry.

    Meanwhile, his instructor Mr Lam, who has been teaching for nearly 30 years, wishes to pass on his knowledge to his students and expressed hope for a sustainable industry.

    Family skills

    Ricky Chow, 22, also won a medallion for excellence at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 in welding – a skill taught to him by his father, which he was proud to showcase to the world.

    Like Mr Fong, he made it on to the WorldSkills team after winning the Hong Kong Construction Industry Skills Competition last year.

    The welding competitors had to complete four modules that involved working on carbon steel, a pressure vessel, aluminium and stainless steel within 18 hours. Mr Chow found welding the pressure vessel to be the most challenging task, as it required utilising all welding techniques to ensure it was watertight.

    “Initially, most of my pressure vessels leaked, with only one or two being watertight. After practising for six months to a year, I gradually learnt the necessary techniques. Welding a pressure vessel is also physically demanding and time-consuming.”

    But Mr Chow stayed focused and recalled his instructor’s advice to pull him through the tough moments of the competition.

    “My instructor advised me to stick to my usual methods and once I completed all the modules, I would proceed to the stage where I could receive an award.”

    Rigorous training

    He missed out on the top three awards, but received a medallion for excellence. His instructor, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Instructor Charles Li attributed Mr Chow’s success to his perseverance.

    “Despite training for only one year, compared to Ricky’s competitors from other places who trained for three to five years, he worked diligently. His schedule was demanding, training from 8am to 10pm, including weekends and public holidays.

    “Ricky may not have been the most skilled of all the trainees, but he certainly was the most persistent. He was the only one to complete the training.”

    Organised biennially by WorldSkills International, the WorldSkills Competition is the largest skills competition globally and hailed as the “Skills Olympics”. This year, the Construction Industry Council sent seven competitors, with two winning medallions for excellence – achieving the best ever results by Hong Kong construction industry players.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –