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Category: Tourism

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry achieves 100 days target on Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry achieves 100 days target on Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

    Cabinet Approved recently Continuation of Wildlife Habitat Development Scheme with Rs. 2602.98 Crore Outlay for 15th Finance Commission Cycle

    Scheme to Feature Key Components: Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Wildlife Habitat Development

    Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 2:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The Cabinet in its meeting held on September 11, approved continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for the 15th Finance Commission cycle for an overall outlay of Rs. 2602.98 crores. The said scheme includes the critical Project Tiger sub component along with Project Elephant and Development of Wildlife Habitat. This was one of the items included in the 100-day action plan of the Government.

     

    While strengthening the existing fundamental and core components of the scheme, the scheme envisages to boost technological interventions in different thematic areas over the current and next financial year in our tiger and wildlife bearing forests.

     

    The Project Tiger already has an inherent use of technology in day-to-day management practices such as the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers, Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) mobile application. The latter is in sync with the Digital India initiative and was extensively used for collection of field level ecological data during the 5th cycle of the All-India Tiger Estimation in 2022. The All-India Tiger Estimation itself is technologically intensive with the extensive deployment of camera traps across tiger habitats of the country. This exercise also makes use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for species level identification. Conservation genetics has also been significantly used in the field of tiger conservation wherein a SOP for translocating tigers based on their genetic composition has been issued. Further, genetics has also been used to determine tiger numbers in low density landscapes as well as for determining the food ecology of the species. These interventions are proposed to be enhanced under the said scheme.

    The Project Tiger component also supports the ambitious Project Cheetah in the country which shall be continued under the umbrella scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats. The areas for Cheetah introduction are proposed to be expanded as per the Cheetah Action Plan under the said scheme and efforts shall be made to strengthen monitoring protocols using advanced radio telemetry protocols.

     

    The Project Dolphin under the Development of Wildlife Habitat component is proposed to be supported by provisioning equipment such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and passive acoustic monitoring devices for enumeration of dolphins as well as their habitat. Project Lion, also under the ambit of the Development of Wildlife Habitat shall be strengthened as per activities envisaged in the document titled “Lion @ 2047: A vision for Amrut Kaal”. Human-elephant conflict under the Project Elephant component is envisaged to leverage information and communication technology interventions. While these have been tested on an experimental basis, the same shall be deployed on a larger scale.

     

    55 tiger reserve, 33 elephant reserves and 718 protected areas and their zones of influence stand to benefit. The forests of these areas are a bulwark against the adversities of climate change besides ensuring water security of the nation. In addition, the cause of keystone species occupying these landscapes, especially the tiger, the elephant, the cheetah, the snow leopard and the lion, which act as an indicator of these ecosystems will be furthered. Not only this, lesser known species, especially those identified for the Species recovery programme under the Development of Wildlife Habitat component, stand to gain with the continuation of the scheme.

    The scheme has a livelihood generation of more than 50 lakh man days through direct engagement in addition to indirect employment through eco-tourism and ancillary activities.

    The continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats reiterates the commitment of the Government towards tiger and wildlife conservation ensuring that economy and ecology grow together.

    The overall outlay for the three components for the 15th Finance Commission cycle as well as its remaining period:

    S. No.

    Name of Scheme

    Central Share

    State Share

    Total

    1

    Project Tiger

    1575.00

    955.00

    2530.00

    2

    Project Elephant

    182.58

    54.00

    236.58

    3

    Development of Wildlife Habitat

    845.4

    273.02

    1118.42

    * All figures in Rs. Crores              Total:

    2602.98

    1282.02

    3885.00

     

    Component of EFC

    2024-25

    2025-26

    Project Tiger

    365.00

    365.00

    Project Elephant

    40.00

    40.12

    Development of Wildlife Habitat

    195.00

    183.16

    Total

    (All figures in Rs. crores)

    600

    588.28

     

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    (Release ID: 2057291) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s initiative of setting up Dashboard for Global Best Practices receives robust support and commendation at G-20 Ministerial Meeting in Brazil

    Source: Government of India

    India’s initiative of setting up Dashboard for Global Best Practices receives robust support and commendation at G-20 Ministerial Meeting in Brazil

    Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reiterates India’s Commitment for Green Tourism

    Highlights the vital role of Tourism and Culture in Sustainable Socio-Economic Development

    Shri Shekhawat Engages in Bilateral Talks to Enhance Global Tourism Collaboration

    Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 8:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat delivered his country statement at the G-20 Ministerial Meeting held on September 21, 2024, in Belem, Brazil, highlighting the significance of tourism in driving economic development, fostering social inclusion and promoting environmental sustainability for the benefit of people, planet and prosperity. Successful deliberations were held during the Tourism Ministers Meeting on Green Tourism, support for data driven decision making, for strengthening the Dashboard developed during India’s G20 stewardship for aggregating best practices, importance of skilling of human capital for global service delivery, supporting MSMEs for generating local employment as well as for effective Destination Management.

    In his statement, the Minister acknowledged the efforts of Brazil and all G20 member nations in advancing the tourism agenda set during India’s G20 Presidency. He reiterated the commitment of India in pushing the agenda for green tourism and embracing the collective power of collaboration and innovation to ensure that tourism continues to serve as driver of growth, employment and all over prosperity.

    Shri Shekhawat emphasized the vital role of tourism and culture in sustainable socio-economic development and nature positive tourism. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and the ‘Goa Roadmap for Tourism, which were the outcomes of the Tourism Track meetings during India`s Presidency are imperative for taking forward the agenda for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stressed the need for tourism policies to focus on inclusion and resilience, in line with India’s theme: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

    India had outlined five key areas for sustainable tourism: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills Development, Tourism MSMEs and Destination Management, which have taken forward during the Brazil Presidency.  These five priority areas received support and remain essential to address future challenges in tourism.

    The Travel for LiFE program was introduced as a part of Mission LiFE, a global movement led by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. This initiative prioritizes Green Tourism to promote environmental sustainability through tourism.

    India supported the UNWTO’s initiative for a Statistical Framework as a knowledge hub for aggregating global best practices and case studies and to measure tourism sustainability. The progress made under Brazil’s Presidency in this context was also duly acknowledged. The Minister expressed optimism that today’s discussions would help build empowered communities and improve quality of life, calling for continued collaboration and innovation to ensure tourism drives growth and contributes to sustainable development. He thanked Brazil for steering the G20 Ministerial deliberations in Belem and conveyed his best wishes to South Africa for their G20 Presidency and expressed a desire to synergise country and stakeholder efforts for better and more robust outcomes.

    Shri Shekhawat also participated in the two ministerial dialogues of the UN Forum and WTTC.

    Minister at the UN Tourism Forum Dialogue

    On the sidelines of the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting, Union Minister, Shri Gajendra Shekhawat held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, Singapore, Spain, Japan, Czech and pull aside with USA to discuss issues for facilitating tourist flows as well as other issues of significance to tourism sector. The Minister was accompanied by the Director General, Tourism, Ms Mugdha Sinha, DCM Brazil, Mr Pradhan, Sandeep Singh.

    Bilateral Meeting with Brazilian Minister Mr Celso Sabino

     

    Bilateral Meeting with Saudi Arabia

     

    Bilateral Meeting with Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry

     

    Bilateral Meeting with Minister Tourism Spain

     

    ****

    BeenaYadav

    (Release ID: 2057411) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vice-President cautions against playing politics in matters of development

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today appealed to not fall prey to politics 24 hours a day. “Politics cannot be above the nation. There should be no politics in matters of development. We cannot be the victim of excessive politics at the cost of nationalism, progress of the nation and development”, he remarked.

    Addressing the gathering at the Public Function at Dokmardi Auditorium, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Shri Dhankhhar underscored the importance of upholding the dignity and pride of the nation when representing India abroad. He remarked “No one has the right to go outside India and speak ill of India, sit with the enemies of India. Whenever we go outside the country, we are the ambassadors of the country, we cannot think of anything other than nationalism”. 

    Voicing concern over the increasing trend of individuals tarnishing India’s image while abroad, he remarked, “Today, we see medical tourism and safari tourism flourishing, but why is anti-national tourism happening? If we go abroad and speak ill of our country, this is unacceptable. Such behaviour not only harms the nation but also undermines our collective identity”.

    Citing the exemplary conduct of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Vice President pointed to a time when Vajpayee, though leader of the opposition, led India’s delegation abroad while the Congress government was in power. “Atalji’s actions were guided by a single goal—‘My India is great, my India, my nationalism,’” the Vice President added.

    Emphasizing the need for continuous improvement across all sectors, Shri Dhankhar stated that “There is scope for growth in everything. Every day, we see that whatever we do today, we can do better tomorrow.” He acknowledged the vital role technology plays in advancing the nation’s progress but cautioned against actions that compromise the health of the country and its people. “Destroying the health of India is no less than stabbing a knife in the chest of Mother India, and this will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he declared.

    Questioning the growing trend of importing items that can be produced locally, he stated, “Why do we use foreign goods for monetary gains? Will furniture come from abroad in our country? Will bottles come from abroad? Even kites, diyas, candles, and cotton are now coming from abroad.”

    He highlighted three major disadvantages of this practice: the depletion of foreign exchange, the loss of domestic tax revenues, and the missed opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs who are being deprived of the chance to grow and thrive, and lamented the fact that such reliance on imported goods, driven by short-term economic gains, ultimately harms the nation’s long-term prosperity.

    Reflecting on India’s incredible journey toward equality and social mobility, Shi Dhankhar celebrated the country’s success in empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to rise to the highest positions of leadership.

    “How did a tea seller become the Prime Minister of India despite poverty? How did a farmer’s son become the Vice President? How did a woman from a tribal background become the President of the country?”, he remarked.

    Recalling his visit to Jammu and Kashmir as a minister in 1990, he noted the stark difference between then and now. “At that time, I did not see 30 people during my visit, and this year, 2 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked, underscoring the region’s significant resurgence as a major tourist destination.

    Shri Dhankar also praised the growth and development of India’s agricultural sector, citing the government’s initiatives aimed at empowering farmers. “Today, 10 crore farmers receive payments directly, thrice a year”.

    Shri Praful Patel, Hon’ble Administrator, UT of DNH&DD and Lakshadeep, Smt. DelkarKalabenMohanbhai, Hon’ble MP, DNH and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ Campaign from Dibrugarh

    Source: Government of India

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ Campaign from Dibrugarh

    “People’s Participation has turned Swacha Bharat Mission into a People’s Movement”: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Shri Sonowal participated in ‘Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari’ programme within the Civil Hospital premises

    Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates “Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir” in Chowkidingee – aims to secure and enable the Safai Karmis with social security via Government Welfare Schemes

    Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal took active part in programmes organised under ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ campaign of the government here today. Shri Sonowal participated in the cleanliness drive under the ‘Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari,’ held at the Civil Hospital of the city, to encourage Safai Karmacharis, the government employees and people in general to engage in regular cleanliness.

    The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who is also the MP (Lok Sabha) for the Dibrugarh LSC, also inaugurated “Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir” at the historic Chowkidingee field for the benefit of the Safai Karmacharis working under the various municipal bodies of Dibrugarh, Chabua, Tinsukia, Margherita, Digboi, Makum, Naharkatia, and Namrup. More than 500 Safai Karmacharis attended the programme where Sonowal also interacted with them. Shri Sonowal assured that the Government would take all necessary steps so that they can avail the benefit of the Government welfare schemes and ensure their social security.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said, “Swachha Bharat Abhiyaan is the most significant and popular movement which has been successfully going on under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. This movement has been embraced by everyone in this country towards building a stronger and cleaner India. Inspired by Bapu Mahatma Gandhiji’s words, our dynamic leader Narendra Modi ji launched this campaign a decade ago which is still going strong with a resounding response from the common people. This year, during this Sewa Pakhwada, we are celebrating the theme ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ as we continue our journey towards a cleaner tomorrow. In this endeavour, the most crucial section of our society is our brothers and sisters who have been working as the Safai Karmacharis. It gives me immense pleasure that we are sitting under one roof today along with more than 500 Safai Karmacharis who are keeping Dibrugarh constituency. I bow before all of you today with complete devotion.”

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ throughout length and breadth of the country as a national movement in 2014. In 2023), under the ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ campaign, more than 8.75 crore people simultaneously cleaned 9 lakh sites. Last year, the Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign saw 32 crore people participating with Shramdan by more than 15 crores citizens. Institutional buildings, Garbage vulnerable sites, water bodies, legacy waste sites, river banks & waterfronts, tourist sites, beaches were cleaned. ‘Swachhata ki Bhagidari’ campaign encourages public participation, awareness and advocacy via Swachhata Pledges, Public Workshops, Marathons, Cyclothons, Human Chains, Gram Sabhas, Youth Connect, and Waste to Art events. It is aimed at involving the whole society.

    Adding further, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “A public program transforms into a true people’s movement only when there is genuine involvement. And when there is such a movement, success is inevitable. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has evolved into a powerful people’s movement. Cleanliness reflects the perfection of God. Bapuji has shown us the vision of cleanliness. One can inspire many to care for the environment, towards cleanliness. For this, we must change for better and adapt ways of living in conformity with Mother Nature. As the campaign says, we must clean our inner self besides ensuring cleanliness outside. ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata.’ Is something that we aspire to achieve via this popular movement.”

    With an aim of ‘Sampoorna Swachhata’ including ‘Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi,’ the idea is to identify generally neglected garbage points or any other points which is posing an environmental or health & hygiene risk. Such points once identified will be known as Swachhata Lakshit Ekayi or Cleanliness Target Unit (CTUs). This has already been done and effort is being made to get all the CTUs cleaned up by 1st October. This is targeted transformation. One of the most crucial is the Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir where we want to help our Safai Mitras and Safai Karmacharis with the help of Preventive Health Checkups & social security coverage. These camps are single window camps for Safai Mitras to improve access to social protection. All the benefits under the Central and State government will be considered for all eligibility. The camps will focus on welfare schemes of Modi govt like PM Awas Yojana (PMAY), AMRUT 2.0, AADHAR, Mission Indradhanush, PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM JAY), SAUBHAGYA scheme, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, UDYAMi and Ujjwala schemes.

    The Union Minister was accompanied by Rameswar Teli, MP, Rajya Sabha and ex Union Minister of State; Jogen Mahan, Minister, Govt of Assam; Sanjay Kisan, Minister, Govt of Assam; Prasanta Phukan, MLA & Chairman, Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), Dibrugarh; Binod Hazarika, MLA, Lahowal; Bikul Deka, Chairman, Assam Petrochemicals Limited; Vijay Kumar IAS, Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI); Bikram Kairi IAS, District Commissioner, Dibrugarh; Dr. Saikat Patra, Mayor, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC), among other dignitaries.

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    (Release ID: 2057355) Visitor Counter : 78

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Public Works, Cape Town commit to using public buildings for public good

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis have committed to work together to use public-owned buildings across the city for the public good. 

    The Minister and Mayor committed to forming a technical committee to work together between the department and the city during an oversight visit to derelict State-owned buildings in Cape Town and the Hout Bay Harbour on Friday. 

    The two leaders have since agreed to track the progress achieved with these properties every month. 

    “As Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, I have always committed to using assets for the public to ensure that they contribute to the economic growth of their respective regions and help to create jobs.

    “In many cities, our buildings have become a burden for the cities they are in, often attracting criminal elements and affecting property values. This has to change,” Macpherson said.

    At a time of fiscal constraints, the Minister believes it is important that government find innovative solutions to dilapidated State-owned buildings to ensure that they become an asset to communities. 

    “The State is simply unable to maintain and secure all of its buildings in the current fiscal environment, and therefore, partnerships will be essential.” 

    With regards to the Hout Bay Harbour, Macpherson stressed that as the custodian of small harbours across the country, the department should consider partnering with competent local and provincial authorities and entities. 

    This, he said, would help to manage, maintain and upgrade these assets to ensure that they contribute to economic growth in the municipality and province they are located.

    Meanwhile, Hill-Lewis said the new joint technical committee would help fast-track resolutions to problem buildings owned by the State.

    “There are several rundown State-owned buildings in Cape Town that are a source of crime, and a blight on neighbourhoods. We are encouraged that the collaboration with the… Minister will… yield positive results for Capetonians, and the neighbourhoods and businesses surrounding these buildings.

    “Some of these buildings and land parcels could be released for affordable housing, while others should simply be demolished or sold so that they can be put to more productive use,” said Hill-Lewis.

    The Mayor said he would like to like to see Hout Bay Harbour reach its full economic and tourism potential. 

    “We are excited about the prospects of a partnership with national government to improve the infrastructure, safety, and local economic activity around this harbour,” Hill-Lewis added. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Happy 46th, Kananaskis! Adventure and beauty for all!

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Canoeing in Kananaskis.

    Since its creation in 1978 by Premier Peter Lougheed, Kananaskis Country has become a cherished Albertan gem. Whether it is hiking, skiing, or enjoying the mountain views, K-country offers something for everyone.

    Alberta’s government is committed to making Kananaskis Country a destination that continues to inspire, from reimagining iconic landmarks to improving visitor access. The Canmore Nordic Centre, a symbol of adventure, has been revitalized, while the beloved William Watson Lodge is being redeveloped to ensure accessibility for all. Expansions at Troll Falls and Barrier Lake Day Use Areas, alongside upgraded backcountry campgrounds, are enhancing experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

    Vital upgrades to water and wastewater utilities are ensuring long-term sustainability. Through revenues from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, these efforts are funded in a way that supports conservation programs, strengthens public safety and improves trails and facilities, helping preserve the region for future generations.

    “Kananaskis Country offers so much to Albertans and visitors alike. By continuing to invest in this region, we’re ensuring that future generations of Albertans will continue to enjoy the beauty of K-Country for years to come.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

    The Alberta government’s recent investments in Kananaskis Country are crucial because they help preserve its natural beauty, enhance infrastructure and expand recreational opportunities for Albertans and visitors. This ensures the region remains accessible and enjoyable year-round, supporting tourism, local businesses and the environment.

    “Kananaskis Country is a unique place in the world and is an amazing place to recreate and enjoy Alberta’s natural beauty. The Friends of Kananaskis and its volunteers are proud to work to preserve and maintain Kananaskis Country for generations to come.”

    Trevor Julian, executive director, Friends of Kananaskis

    Kananaskis is an outdoor lover’s dream, with 49 parks and protected areas, more than 3,000 campsites, 91 day-use spots, and thousands of kilometres of beautiful trails just waiting to be explored!

    Quick facts

    • Since 1978, Albertans and visitors from around the world have made more than 70 million visits to Kananaskis Country.
    • In 2023, Kananaskis Country saw more than four and a half million visitors.
    • Alberta’s government launched the Kananaskis Conservation Pass on June 1, 2021. Last year, the pass generated $12 million in revenue.

    Related information

    • Kananaskis Conservation Pass

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With all these defamation lawsuits, what ever happened to free speech?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne

    Shutterstock

    It seems like the dust barely settles from the latest high-profile defamation stoush before the next set of litigants straps on the gloves and steps into the ring.

    Many of these cases raise eyebrows — and questions. Was that story about him? Does anyone remember that tweet? Wasn’t it just harmless banter? Didn’t she respond to that allegation? What if it’s all true? Isn’t that free speech? How much did you say this will cost?!

    Defamation law continues to loom large over public conversations, despite recent law reforms aimed at remedying Australia’s unwanted reputation as the “defamation capital of the world”.

    At the heart of defamation law lies a tension between protecting reputation and maintaining freedom of speech. The more robustly defamation law protects reputation, the more it constrains speech.

    Free speech is valued in Australian law, politics and society, notwithstanding our lack of an explicit constitutional speech right. So why does our defamation law facilitate seven-figure lawsuits over communicative slights that, at times, seem disproportionately minor?

    What shapes these laws?

    Defamation law is old — very old — with roots in English law half a millennium ago. For several hundred years it existed in parallel with publishing monopolies, political and moral censorship, and fears that loose talk could stoke public disorder.

    In other words, our defamation law substantially predates modern conceptions of civil and political rights. Some of its features, like strict rather than fault-based liability (the plaintiff need not prove anything about the defendant’s intentions or degree of care), retain the flavour of less liberal times.

    Libel laws in the western world, as seen here in the US in the 1730s, are very old.
    Library of Congress

    Still, defamation has developed over the years and adapted with transplantation to other legal systems.

    The defamation laws of different places are influenced by factors such as community values, prevailing views on the value of speech, the nature and democratic credentials of the political system, and the role of law and the constitution in regulating citizens and the state.

    For example, the United States is culturally and historically predisposed to liberty and suspicion of government. The freedom to discuss and debate public affairs is seen as essential to its democratic system. The First Amendment to the US Constitution is the world’s most famous free speech law.

    Accordingly, US courts have limited defamation on matters of public concern to deliberate or reckless lies, while opinions on any newsworthy topic are immune from suit. This is because US democracy requires the “marketplace of ideas” to be minimally constrained and largely self-regulating.

    On the other hand, less democratic states have kept their defamation laws strict, to suppress political dissent and silence critical media.

    A case in point is Singapore, which, under founding father Lee Kwan Yew and his perpetually-in-power People’s Action Party, has weaponised defamation law against political opposition and the press.



    Read more:
    With more lawsuits potentially looming, should politicians be allowed to sue for defamation?

    That is not to say that less defamation law is automatically better than more. The interest in maintaining a (deserved) good reputation is legitimate. And speech anarchism can allow low-value and harmful speech to flourish.

    The High Court of Australia has shied away from US-style speech liberalism for fear it could facilitate speech that is harmful to the integrity of political discourse: a prescient position given recent US history. The English courts have done similarly, influenced by distrust of the tabloid press.

    But when reputation and speech fall out of balance, defamation law risks infringing both democratic values and fundamental rights.

    Legal balancing acts

    Around the turn of the millennium, English defamation law reached a crossroads. Its relative stasis had turned the United Kingdom into a “libel tourism” hotspot, and the UK was falling behind on the speech protections mandated by the European Convention on Human Rights.

    So the UK courts moved to better protect publishers by creating a new defence for responsible publication in the public interest. That was followed in 2013 by a new Defamation Act to further simplify, clarify and rebalance defamation law.

    Australia, lacking the same constitutional or convention impetus, has been slow to follow suit. The states agreed to harmonise their disparate defamation laws only in 2005, and it was 2021 before they found the appetite to improve them.

    By then, Australia had taken over the UK’s mantle as the preferred destination for defamation plaintiffs.

    Australia’s 2021 reforms included a new defence for publication of public-interest material, which generated some excitement but hasn’t substantially liberated the media from defamation threats. It amounts to tinkering around the edges of law, which remains conservative at its core.

    Today, from a practical standpoint, the biggest problem with defamation may be its cost.

    Legal advice and correspondence are expensive, settlements more so, and the cost of litigation can be eye-watering. It’s one problem if you can’t afford to assert your legal rights; it’s quite another to be slapped with an unexpected complaint. Defamation disputes can easily bankrupt individuals and exhaust media budgets.



    Read more:
    Why defamation suits in Australia are so ubiquitous — and difficult to defend for media organisations

    Legal consequences can act as an incentive for better journalism, but they also chill public-interest reporting. Even a journalist assured of their facts will find proving them in court to be a different matter. And a win does not guarantee full recovery of costs, let alone time and stress.

    The debate over defamation law reform is ongoing. The central question remains how best to balance the interest in reputation with the benefits of free speech. The answers depend on what we really value, and what our commitment to liberal democracy really requires.

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

    – ref. With all these defamation lawsuits, what ever happened to free speech? – https://theconversation.com/with-all-these-defamation-lawsuits-what-ever-happened-to-free-speech-238312

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Public service set up to fail under National

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Nicola Willis has set up the public service to fail to pay for reckless tax cuts for landlords and the tobacco industry.

    Today’s analysis by the Council of Trade Unions shows that significant cuts to frontline public services will likely be needed to meet the Government’s directive to fund cost pressures – such as from inflation and population growth – from baseline funding.

    “Nicola Willis has just gutted the public service to the tune of some 6000 people. Public services are already having to do more with less and we’ve seen how the frontline is being affected,” said Labour public service spokesperson Ayesha Verrall.

    “To also have to manage cost pressures without more funding will likely lead to more job cuts and further undermine frontline work.”

    “From cutting frontline work the Department of Conservation does to protect our most precious native species to hiring freezes at our hospitals, it’s clear the National Government has broken its promises to New Zealanders that frontline services would not be affected.”

    The Government Workforce Policy Statement sets out the Government’s expectation that departments manage cost pressures through their baselines.

    “This approach might ordinarily be sensible, but not after the public service has already been pared back to basics.

    “Departments have just cut 6.5% or 7.5% from their baselines, leaving them already struggling to deliver their core functions. And now expecting them to absorb cost pressures when there is no capacity left, will lead to further front line cuts.

    “Nicola Willis made reckless commitments about tax cuts that she couldn’t afford. She’s had to gut the public service and borrow to pay for them, all while handing $216 million to the tobacco industry, and $2.9 billion to landlords.

    “Almost a year into her tenure as finance minister it’s time Nicola Willis took some responsibility, and realised that she cannot cut her way to a better New Zealand.

    “Day by day we see cuts going deeper and further. A weakened public service is not good for anyone and New Zealanders are worse off for it,” Ayesha Verrall said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kinmen receives first mainland tour group in four years

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Kinmen on Sunday received its first tour group from the Chinese mainland in more than four years.
    The group of 20-plus tourists arrived in Kinmen from Xiamen, Fujian Province, on the Chinese mainland, and will go on a two-day sightseeing tour that ends on Monday.
    On Aug. 30, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the decision to resume allowing residents in Fujian Province to travel to Kinmen.
    The Kinmen County government organized a lion-dance performance at the wharf, along with a long red banner, to welcome the tour group. Hsu Chi-hsin, chief of Kinmen’s tourism department, welcomed the group at the wharf, expressing hope that the tour would pave the way for smoother and more regular cross-Strait exchanges, local media reported.
    “We hope that after a long absence, the members of this first group will return to Xiamen with fond memories of Kinmen, sharing its beauty with friends and family, encouraging more mainland tourists to visit, and boosting Kinmen’s tourism and local industries,” the tourism department said in a press release.
    Chen Yu-jen, a Kinmen legislator, urged the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to lift the current ban on tour groups from Taiwan to the mainland as soon as possible.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Smart tourism applications offer unique experiences

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    People visit the 2024 China Culture and Tourism Industries Exposition in north China’s Tianjin, Sept. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Wearing an elegant white dress, Umuhoza, a Rwandan businesswoman, took a photo in front of a smart photo device, which soon generated a photo depicting her as a valiant and chivalrous female with traditional Chinese features.
    “When people travel to China, they really want to take memories back home. The device can take a picture of you and then transform you into a Chinese kind of person. I really love it,” Umuhoza said.
    Umuhoza runs a travel website. She helps tourists from Asian countries travel to African countries, including Rwanda, Egypt and Tanzania. At the same time, her website has a “China package,” catering to travelers from Africa who want to go to China.
    At the 2024 China Culture & Tourism Industries Exposition held earlier this month in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, many foreign visitors were overwhelmed by the novel technologies adopted in China’s tourism sector.
    “That’s amazing. I am very interested in autonomous driving cars and many smart tourism scenes. Perhaps new trade cooperation can be carried out in the future,” Umuhoza said.
    Telling people more about China
    Putting on a virtual reality headset, Elena Jitari-Parry, a full-time travel blogger from Moldova, was instantly drawn to various places to experience the magnificent landscapes of China’s mountains and rivers.
    “So beautiful. It felt so authentic here,” Jitari-Parry said.
    She also quickly learned about securing travel tips for exploring Tianjin via an intelligent tourism companion system, which simply requires a person to ask questions at a booth provided by Midu, a company focusing on artificial intelligence and large language models.
    “Traveling in China can be so easy for foreigners! The digitalization and intelligence services of Chinese tourist attractions have become a new trend, enabling foreigners like me to enjoy a more comfortable and convenient travel experience in China,” Jitari-Parry said.
    With the desire to further explore China, Jitari-Parry chose to be a full-time travel blogger, documenting her travels and experiences in China. “Foreigners are very interested in China’s technological development. I always advise my audience to come to China and see something different.”
    The deep integration of technology and the cultural tourism sector not only creates a variety of experiential consumption scenarios, but also meets people’s new needs for personalized travel, immersive experiences and creative consumption.
    Data showed that by the end of 2023, the scale of China’s digital cultural tourism market had exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about 140 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for more than 30 percent of the entire cultural tourism industry.
    Experiencing smart, convenient services
    In the exhibition area of Meituan, one of China’s leading online services platforms, high-end technologies such as drones and autonomous delivery vehicles became the focus of foreign bloggers’ lenses.
    Ruben Diaz Jr. from the United States was amazed by it. “Some of these things are brand new to me. Tourists can specify drones to deliver the items they need directly to the scenic areas, which is definitely more convenient.”
    A staff member at the Meituan booth said that currently Meituan drones are operating on more than 30 routes in cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and have completed over 300,000 orders in total.
    Thanks to the rapid development of smart tourism in China, tourists have become accustomed to using online payments, ticket purchases and guided tours during their travels.
    Data from iResearch, an industry research and consulting institute, showed that in 2023, the total number of monthly uses and total usage time of online travel apps had grown by more than 30 percent year on year on average.
    Some Chinese online travel service companies also use digital technologies to meet the growing travel needs of foreign visitors in China.
    In May, Tongcheng Travel launched an international travel reservation platform named HopeGoo, which supports payments in 16 global currencies and via various operating languages.
    Richard Santana, a product designer and blogger from the United States, said that with these online services, foreigners will be more willing to go to China, while their travels in China will also be more convenient.
    Ma Yiliang, chief statistician of the China Tourism Academy, said that “digitalization plus cultural tourism” has become a development trend.
    As “China Travel” has surged to be a hot global social media topic, demand for inbound tourism to China has increased significantly.
    “With the smarter and more convenient experience in China, foreign tourists can find a more open, more confident and safer China during their travels,” said Ma. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address to the Indian Diaspora, New York, USA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 3:58AM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Namaste U.S.! Now even our “Namaste” has gone multinational, transitioning from local to global, and it’s all because of you. Every Indian who holds Bharat close to their heart has made this possible.

    Friends, 

    You’ve come here from far and wide. Some faces are familiar, while others are new. Your love is a great honour for me. I recall the days when I wasn’t a PM, wasn’t a CM, wasn’t a leader at all. Back then, I used to come here as an inquisitive traveller, eager to see and understand this land, carrying many questions in my mind. Even when I held no official position, I had already toured almost 29 states in America. Later, when I became a CM, I continued connecting with you through technology. As a PM, too, I’ve received immense affection and warmth from you. In 2014, it was Madison Square; Sam Jose in 2015; Houston in 2019; Washington in 2023; and now New York in 2024, and each time, you surpass the last record.

    Friends, 

    I’ve always recognized the strength of the Indian diaspora. Even when I held no official post, I understood it, and I understand it today. You have always been Bharat’s strongest brand ambassadors for me. That’s why I call you the ‘Rashtradoot’ (nation’s emissaries). You’ve connected America to Bharat and Bharat to America. Your skills, talent, and commitment are unparalleled. Though you’ve crossed seven seas, no ocean is deep enough to separate you from the Bharat that resides in your hearts. What Maa Bharti has taught us, we can never forget. Wherever we go, we treat everyone like family. Embracing diversity, living it, and integrating it into our lives—these are our values, embedded in our very being. We are from a country with hundreds of languages and dialects, home to every religion and sect. Yet, we move forward as one and united. In this very hall, some speak Tamil, others Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, or Gujarati. Our languages may differ, but our spirit is one: “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Victory to Mother Bharat), the spirit of Indianness. This is our greatest strength in connecting with the world. These values naturally make us ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend). As our scriptures say, तेन त्यक्तेन भुंजीथा: meaning those who sacrifice are the ones who truly enjoy. We find happiness by doing good to others and by sacrificing.  Wherever we live, this spirit remains unchanged. We contribute maximum to the societies we live in. In America, be it as doctors, researchers, tech professionals, scientists, or in other professions, you’ve soared high, and the world has witnessed it.  Just a short while ago the T-20 Cricket World Cup was held here and the USA team played amazingly, and the world has also seen the contribution of the Indians living here in that team.

    Friends, 

    For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but I believe AI stands for America-India. This America-India spirit is the AI power of the new world, elevating Bharat-America relations. I salute all of you, the Indian diaspora. 

    Friends, 

    Wherever I go in the world, I hear nothing but praise for the Indian diaspora from every leader. Just yesterday, President Biden invited me to his home in Delaware. His warmth and hospitality were truly touching. This honour is for 140 crore Indians, for your hard work, for the millions of Indians living here. I extend my gratitude to President Biden and to all of you. 

    Friends, 

    The year 2024 is crucial for the world. On one side, we see conflicts and tensions among nations, while on the other, some countries are celebrating democracy. Bharat and America are together in this celebration of democracy. Elections are upcoming here in the U.S., while Bharat has already held its elections. These elections in Bharat were the largest in human history. You can imagine: almost double the number of voters as the total population of the U.S., and more voters than the entire population of Europe! So many people cast their votes in Bharat. When we see the scale of Bharat’s democracy, it fills us with pride. A three-month-long polling process, 15 million polling staff, over a million polling stations, more than 2,500 political parties, more than 8,000 candidates, thousands of newspapers in different languages, hundreds of radio stations, TV news channels, millions of social media accounts, lakhs of social media channels—all of this makes Bharat’s democracy vibrant. It’s an era of expanding freedom of expression, and our electoral process undergoes scrutiny at this level.

    And friends, 

    This long election process has led to something unprecedented in Bharat this time. What happened? What happened? What happened? ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—)!

    Friends, 

    Our government has been re-elected for the third time. This hadn’t happened in Bharat in the last 60 years. The mandate the people of Bharat has given us is huge and significant. In this third term, we have even greater goals to achieve. We must move forward with three times the strength and three times the speed. You’ll remember one word: PUSHP (flower). Yes, consider it a lotus, I have no objections. PUSHP, and I define this PUSHP. P for Progressive Bharat, U for Unstoppable Bharat, S for Spiritual Bharat, H for Humanity First Bharat, and P for Prosperous Bharat. Together, these five petals of PUSHP will shape a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

    Friends, 

    I am the first Prime Minister of Bharat born after independence. During the freedom struggle, millions of Indians dedicated their lives to Swaraj (self-rule). They didn’t think of their personal interests or comfort zones; they forgot everything and fought against the British. Some were hanged, some were shot, some endured torturous imprisonment, and many spent their youth in jail.

    Friends, 

    We couldn’t die for our country, but we can surely live for it. Dying wasn’t in our destiny, but living is our destiny. Right from day one, my mind and mission has been clear. I couldn’t give my life for ‘Swaraj’ (independence), but I decided to dedicate my life to ‘Suraj’ (good governance) and a ‘Samridh’ (prosperous) Bharat. A large part of my life was spent wandering across the country for years. Wherever I found food, I ate; wherever I found a place to sleep, I slept. From the shores of the ocean to the mountains, from deserts to snow-covered peaks, I met people from every region, got to know and understand them. I gained first-hand experience of my country’s life, its culture, and its challenges. Though my path was different, destiny brought me into politics. I never imagined becoming a Chief Minister, but I became Gujarat’s longest-serving CM for 13 years. I remained Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 13 years and then people promoted me to Prime Minister. But the lessons I learned traveling through the country have shaped my governance model, both at the state and central levels. Over the past 10 years, the success of this governance model is evident to you and the world. And now, with great trust, the people of Bharat have given me a third term. I approach this third term with three times the sense of responsibility.

    Friends, 

    Today, Bharat is one of the world’s youngest nations. Bharat is filled with energy and dreams. Every day, new records are being set. Every day, new news. Just today, we received great news: Bharat won gold in both men’s and women’s categories at the Chess Olympiad. But let me tell you one more thing, which will require even more applause. For the first time in nearly 100 years, this has happened! The whole country and every Indian is proud of our chess players. There’s another AI driving Bharat. And what is that? It is A for Aspirational and I for Bharat: Aspirational Bharat. This is our new energy. The aspirations of millions of Indians are driving Bharat’s growth. Every aspiration is giving rise to new achievements, and every achievement is fuelling new aspirations. In just one decade, Bharat has risen from the 10th to the 5th largest economy. Now every Indian wants Bharat to quickly become the third-largest economy. Today, a large section of Bharat’s population has seen their basic needs met. Over the past 10 years, crores of people have gained access to clean cooking gas, piped water, electricity, and toilets. These crores of people now aspire to a better quality of life.

    Friends,

    Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want roads; they want magnificent expressways. Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want rail connectivity; they want high-speed trains. Every city in Bharat aspires to have metro services, and every city wants its own airport. Every citizen, whether from a village or a city, wants world-class facilities, and we are seeing the results of these aspirations. In 2014, only 5 cities in Bharat had metro services; today, 23 cities have metros. Bharat now has the second-largest metro network in the world, and it is expanding every day.

    Friends,

    In 2014, only 70 cities in Bharat had airports; today, more than 140 cities have airports. In 2014, fewer than 100 gram panchayats had broadband connectivity; today, more than 200,000 panchayats have it. In 2014, Bharat had around 140 million LPG consumers; today, the number has risen to over 310 million. What used to take years to accomplish is now being completed in months. There is a new confidence in Bharat’s people, a determination to reach their goals. Development in Bharat is becoming a people’s movement, and every Indian is becoming an equal partner in this movement of development. They believe in Bharat’s success and in its achievements.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat is a land of opportunities. Bharat no longer waits for opportunities; Bharat creates opportunities. Over the past 10 years, Bharat has prepared a new launching pad for opportunities in every sector. Look at this – just in the last decade, and this will make you proud, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. How did this happen? It happened because we changed the old mindset and approach. We focused on empowering the poor. We connected more than 500 million people to the banking system, provided more than 550 million people with free medical treatment up to 500,000 rupees, gave over 40 million families proper housing, and through collateral-free loans, we provided millions of people with ease of credit. Many such initiatives helped people lift themselves out of poverty, and those who have emerged from poverty today form the neo-middle class, which is driving Bharat’s development at a faster pace.

    Friends,

    We have prioritized women-led development alongside women’s welfare. The crores of houses built by the government have been registered in the name of women. Out of the crores of bank accounts opened, more than half were in women’s names. Over the past decade, 10 crore Indian women have joined the Micro Entrepreneurship Scheme. Let me give you another example. We are making significant efforts to integrate agriculture with technology in Bharat, and today, drones are being used extensively in farming. While drones may not be new to you, what might surprise you is this: do you know who is taking responsibility for them? It’s rural women. We are training thousands of women to become drone pilots, and this remarkable technological revolution in agriculture is being driven by rural women.

    Friends,

    The areas once neglected have now become national priorities. Bharat is more connected today than ever before. You may be astonished to learn the current size of Bharat’s 5G market. Would you mind if I told you? Today, Bharat’s 5G market is larger than that of the United States, and this achievement has been made within just two years. Now, Bharat is working on Made-in-India 6G. How did this happen? It happened because we devised policies to advance this sector. We invested in Made-in-India technology, affordable data, and mobile phone manufacturing. Today, nearly every major mobile brand in the world is Made in India. Bharat is now the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. There was a time, before my tenure, when we were importing mobile phones; today, we are exporting them.

    Friends, Bharat no longer lags behind. Now, Bharat creates new systems and leads the way. Bharat has introduced the world to a new concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI has promoted equality and become a powerful tool in reducing corruption. Bharat’s UPI is now capturing the world’s attention. While you may have a wallet in your pocket, in Bharat, people have both physical wallets and e-wallets on their phones. Many Indians no longer carry physical documents, as they now use DigiLocker. When travelling to airports, they seamlessly use DigiYatra. This has become the launching pad for digital public infrastructure, innovation, job creation, and every related technology.

    Friends,

    Bharat will not stop now, nor will it slow down. Bharat envisions a future where as many global devices as possible operate on Made-in-India chips. We have made the semiconductor sector the foundation of Bharat’s accelerated growth. In June last year, Bharat announced incentives for the semiconductor industry, and just a few months later, the foundation stone for Micron’s first semiconductor unit was laid. To date, five such units have been approved in Bharat. The day is not far when you will see Made-in-India chips here in America as well. This small chip will elevate Bharat’s journey towards development to unprecedented heights, and that’s Modi’s promise.

    Friends,

    The resolve and commitment towards reforms in Bharat today are unprecedented. Our Green Energy Transition Programme is a prime example of this. Despite accounting for 17 percent of the world’s population, Bharat’s contribution to global carbon emissions is only 4 percent. We played no part in harming the planet. In fact, compared to the rest of the world, our impact is nearly negligible. We, too, could have fuelled our growth by relying on carbon emissions, but we chose the path of green transition, guided by our deep-rooted respect for nature. As a result, we are investing heavily in solar, wind, hydro, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy. Bharat was the first country in the G20 to achieve the Paris climate goals. Since 2014, our solar energy capacity has increased by over 30 times. We are working to make every home in the country a solar-powered home. To achieve this, we have launched an extensive rooftop solar mission. Today, our railway stations and airports are transitioning to solar energy. From homes to streets, Bharat has embarked on a journey towards energy-efficient lighting. These efforts are generating a large number of green jobs in Bharat.

    Friends,

    21st-century Bharat is advancing through education, skills, research, and innovation. You are all familiar with the name Nalanda University. Not long ago, Bharat’s ancient Nalanda University was revived in a modern form. Today, it’s not only the university but also the spirit of Nalanda that is being reborn. We are creating a modern educational ecosystem that attracts students from across the globe to come to Bharat and study. Over the past 10 years, something remarkable has happened in Bharat. In this period, one new university has been built in Bharat every week, two new colleges have been established every day, and one new ITI has opened each day. In a decade, the number of IIITs has risen from 9 to 25, IIMs from 13 to 21, and AIIMS has tripled to 22. The number of medical colleges has nearly doubled in the same period. Today, even the world’s top universities are coming to Bharat. Bharat is now renowned. The world has long witnessed the power of Indian designers; now it will witness the brilliance of ‘Design in India’.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat’s partnerships are expanding globally. Previously, Bharat followed a policy of Equal Distance, but now it embraces a policy of Equal Proximity. We are also becoming a strong voice for the Global South. You may have noticed that, due to Bharat’s initiative, the African Union was granted permanent membership at the G20 Summit. Today, when Bharat speaks on the global stage, the world listens. Not long ago, when I said, “This is not the era of war,” the gravity of the statement was understood worldwide.

    Friends,

    Whenever there is a crisis anywhere in the world, Bharat is one of the first to respond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we sent vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries. Whether it was an earthquake, a cyclone, or a civil war, we were among the first to offer assistance. This is a reflection of the values and teachings passed down by our ancestors.
    Friends,

    Bharat is emerging as a new catalyst on the global stage, and its influence will be felt across all sectors. Bharat’s role will be crucial in accelerating global growth, promoting global peace, advancing climate action, closing the global skills gap, driving innovation, and stabilising the global supply chain.

    Friends,

    For Bharat, power and capability are symbolised by “ज्ञानायदानायचरक्षणाय”, meaning knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, and power is for protecting. Therefore, Bharat’s priority is not to impose its dominance but to enhance its influence. We are not like fire that burns; we are like the sun’s rays that provide light. We do not seek to dominate the world but to contribute to its prosperity. Whether it’s promoting yoga, advocating for superfood millets, or championing the Mission LiFE vision (Lifestyle for the Environment), Bharat is prioritizing human-centric growth alongside GDP-centric growth. I urge you all to promote Mission LiFE as much as possible here. Small changes in our lifestyle can have a significant positive impact on the environment.

    You may have heard, and perhaps some of you have already participated, in a movement that’s gaining momentum in Bharat. Across the country, people are planting a tree in honour of their mothers (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam). If your mother is alive, plant a tree along with her. If she is no longer with us, plant a tree in her memory – carry a picture of her with you and plant a tree. This movement is taking place in every corner of Bharat, and I encourage all of you to initiate a similar campaign here. This will not only honour the mothers who gave us life but also our Mother Earth.

    Friends,

    Bharat today dreams big and pursues those dreams with determination. The Paris Olympics concluded just a few days ago, and the next host will be the USA. Soon, you will also witness the Olympics being held in Bharat. We are making every possible effort to host the 2036 Olympics. Whether in sports, business, or entertainment, Bharat has become a centre of global attraction. Today, Indian leagues like the IPL rank among the world’s top leagues, and Indian films are making waves internationally. Bharat is also soaring in global tourism. There is a growing interest in celebrating Indian festivals across different countries. I notice that people in cities everywhere are now learning Garba for Navratri—this reflects their love for Bharat.

    Friends,

    Today, every country seeks to learn more about Bharat. I have something else that will bring you joy. Just yesterday, America returned 300 ancient inscriptions and statues to Bharat, some as old as 1,500 to 2,000 years, which had been stolen from Bharat So far, the United States has returned around 500 such artefacts to Bharat. This is not just about the return of a few items; it is a tribute to our rich heritage spanning thousands of years. It is a matter of pride for Bharat and for all of you. I am deeply grateful to the US government for this gesture.

    Friends,

    The partnership between Bharat and the United States is growing stronger by the day. Our collaboration is for the benefit of the world. We are enhancing cooperation across all sectors, and your convenience has been taken into account as well. Last year, I announced that our government would open a new Consulate in Seattle, which has now become operational. I had also sought your suggestions for the opening of two more consulates, and I am pleased to inform you that, based on your feedback, Bharat has decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles.

    I am also delighted to announce the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Chair for Tamil Studies at the University of Houston. This will further help in propagating the philosophy of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar to the world.

    Friends,

    This event of yours has truly been remarkable. The cultural programme that took place here was fantastic. I have been informed that thousands of people wished to attend this event, but the venue proved to be too small. I apologise to those whom I couldn’t meet today. I look forward to meeting all of you next time, at another venue on another day. However, I know the enthusiasm will remain the same, and the passion will remain undiminished. May you all stay healthy and prosperous, and continue to strengthen the India-US friendship. With these wishes, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you all!

    Join me in saying:

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Many thanks.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Piyush Goyal to co-chair with Minister Farrell the 19th India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Adelaide

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri Piyush Goyal to co-chair with Minister Farrell the 19th India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Adelaide

    Commerce Minister to interact with leading Australian and Indian CEOs, discuss investment avenues in India

    Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of Senator, The Hon’ble Don Farrell, the Minister of Trade and Tourism of Australia, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry will undertake a visit to Australia from September 23-25, 2024.

    Shri Piyush Goyal will co-chair with Minister Farrell the 19th India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting to be held in Adelaide on September 25, 2024, during which both sides will discuss ways to further elevate the bilateral economic engagement.

    Commerce Minister will interact with leading Australian and Indian CEOs & industry leaders and representatives from Australian pension funds to highlight the vast opportunities for investment in India. His interactions with business and industry leaders in events organized by Business Council of Australia, Centre for Australia- India relations, India Australia Business Community Alliance, AsiaLink Business and CREDAI will stress leveraging the complementary strengths and synergies between the economies of India and Australia. He will also interact with the representatives of the vibrant Indian community in Sydney, Indian origin Chartered Accountants and emerging leaders of Indian diaspora from various walks of life.

    Commerce Minister’s visit will add further impetus to the strong and growing trade and investment ties between India and Australia, which have received a boost following finalization of the bilateral Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. It will encourage business-to-business engagement, and promote strategic partnerships across sectors of priority to both sides, including critical minerals, manufacturing, education, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, space etc. The visit will also bring in sharper relief the collaborative potential of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiatives creating more jobs and economic benefits to people of both the countries. The visit is particularly opportune as it comes at a time when India and Australia have intensified their engagement both bilaterally and in various fora, such as G20 and the Quad, to work together for global good.

    Shri Goyal will also participate virtually at the meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework on September 24, 2024.

    ***

    AD

    (Release ID: 2057608) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Closure of the Somport and Bielsa border crossings – P-001667/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001667/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D)

    Heavy rainfall in the Huesca and French Pyrenees has caused extensive damage to transport infrastructure. Some roads – such as the Somport and Bielsa border crossings – have had to be closed and will need to be repaired before they can be reopened.

    The Spanish authorities have expressed solidarity with their French counterparts and have stated that the priority should be to reopen the routes as soon as possible. France has announced, however, that the Somport crossing will be closed for 6 months, which would disrupt socio-economic development and the mobility of cross-border workers and tourists.

    The Commission recognises that the Member States are free to impose proportionate and justified restrictions on free movement.

    Bearing in mind that the priority should be to carry out the works as soon as possible to ensure that the border crossing is safe again, I would ask the following questions:

    • 1.Has an assessment of the damage been carried out to justify the closure time announced by France?
    • 2.How could the Commission help ensure that the works on the French side do not exceed the time strictly necessary to allow cross-border journeys to resume?
    • 3.If that justified period of time is exceeded, will the Commission demand that France reopens the crossing immediately?

    Submitted: 10.9.2024

    Last updated: 20 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Macro-financial assistance to Egypt under Article 213 TFEU – P-001033/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    While the United Arab Emirates investment alleviated external pressures in the past fiscal year 2023/24, Egypt still faces sizeable financing needs going forward, as identified by the International Monetary Fund, amid a critical economic situation and risks from the geopolitical situation.

    The current crises have exacerbated financing needs, with a substantial financing gap already in the new fiscal year 2024/25. To help address this, it is urgent that the EU is in a position to disburse the first part of the Macro-financial assistance (MFA) package to Egypt still this year.

    Egypt has seen strong balance of payment pressure, partly due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict that followed the 7 October 2023 Hamas’ terrorist attacks across Israel, which is feeding into the country’s substantial external financing needs. Egypt’s current account deficit expanded significantly in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to a worsening trade deficit and lower remittances.

    Moderate growth in tourism, combined with growing services payments led to a 12% quarter-on-quarter drop in the services surplus. Modest remittances (down 11% year on year) did not provide much support.

    Revenues from the Suez canal, one of the most important sources of foreign currency, fell by 23% during the fiscal year 2023/2024 compared to the previous fiscal year.

    MFA operations are typically not unconditional. On the contrary, the partner country agrees to undertake a number of policy reforms to address the root causes of its problem.

    This is also true for the first operation with Egypt, where actions have been agreed to foster macroeconomic stability and resilience; strengthen competitiveness and business environment; and support the green transition.

    On the political side, respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms are important in The EU’s relations with Egypt.

    In line with the Association Agreement, the Partnership Priorities and the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive partnership[1], the Commission will continue to work together with Egypt to further promote democracy, fundamental freedoms, and human rights, gender equality and equal opportunities.

    As stipulated in Article 2 of the Council Decision (EU) 2024/1144 on the provision of the short-term macro-financial assistance, Egypt shall make concrete and credible steps towards respecting effective democratic mechanisms, the rule of law, and guaranteeing respect for human rights. The assessment of progress made in this respect is part of the disbursement process.

    The Commission services will work closely with the European External Action Service in monitoring the adoption and implementation of such steps.

    • [1] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-declaration-strategic-and-comprehensive-partnership-between-arab-republic-egypt-and-european-2024-03-17_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Announces $2.4 Million to Protect Lake Michigan Shoreline, Improve Access in Green Bay

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    GREEN BAY, WI  – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced the City of Green Bay will receive $2.4 million in federal funding to install a wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk at the Bay Beach Amusement Park on Lake Michigan, enhancing recreation, learning, and community opportunities within the Bay. Funding comes from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which Baldwin has worked to secure continued funding for in the annual appropriations process and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  
    “Wisconsin’s fresh coasts and the communities on them are not only home to so many Wisconsin families, they are a critical driver for our economy and tourism,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to champion the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and deliver funding that will bring economic, health, and recreational benefits to the City of Green Bay, while preserving our freshwater resources and protecting habitats for generations to come.”
    “The City of Green Bay is thrilled to accept these funds to jumpstart our long-planned efforts to improve our shoreline and provide enhanced access to the Bay, home to the largest freshwater estuary in the world!” said Mayor Eric Genrich. “Special thanks to Senator Baldwin for her steadfast support for our Great Lakes and our Bay, Administrator Regan for his forward-looking leadership, and the Biden-Harris administration for the priority they’ve placed on strengthening local communities across the country.”
    Funding for the City of Green Bay will be used to build a wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk with a related retaining wall and fence at Bay Beach Amusement Park within the Lower Green Bay and Fox River Area of Concern, or environmentally degraded sites along the Great Lakes. Once installed, the project will address two Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) associated with Degraded Fish and Wildlife Populations, and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The project will bring enhanced recreation, learning opportunities, wildlife viewing, fishing opportunities, and waterfront access at the park and within the Bay.
    Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin, a member of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024, which extends this critical program for another five years through 2031 and increases its annual funding. The Baldwin-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is also making a $1 billion investment in the Great Lakes to clean up Areas of Concern.
    One independent economic study found that for every dollar the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative invests, it produces an additional $3.35 of economic activity. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, more than $816 million in GLRI funding has made over 1,200 projects possible throughout Wisconsin’s Great Lakes basin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Secures $200K County Grant to Saratoga for Battlefield Interpretation Exhibit

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today announced that Saratoga County has been awarded $200,000 for a Battlefield Interpretation Grants (BIG) project. He advocated to the National Park Service for Saratoga County to receive this funding for the implementation of technology to establish new, immersive exhibits that will interpret the figures and events that took place during the American Revolution.

    “As we rapidly approach the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, our region will receive national and international attention and increased awareness of its role and importance in the war for our nation’s independence,” Congressman Tonko said. “The grant to Saratoga County will help to better tell that rich local history from diverse new perspectives, which is why I pushed to deliver this federal funding. I’m thrilled that this support has been secured and I won’t stop working to strengthen our national parks so they can continue to foster a sense of place and connection to our communities and to the story of our nation.”

    Phil Barrett, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman said, “The National Park Service Battlefield Interpretation Grant will assist with promotion, education, and appreciation of the important role our area played in the American Revolution. We will also improve infrastructure dedicated to our historic sites and increase heritage tourism as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. We are grateful to Congressman Tonko for his support of Saratoga County’s America’s Turning Point initiative.”

    Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian and Chair of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission said, “These grant funds from the National Park Service will help the County tell the stories of the Battles of Saratoga to a new generation and reignite enthusiasm for our area’s revolutionary history through interactive experiences that merge modern technology with compelling true accounts of the past. We thank the National Park Service for this grant and Congressman Tonko for his support of Saratoga County’s America’s Turning Point initiative, which aims to transform heritage tourism in our region.”

    CLICK HERE to learn more about the Saratoga County project.

    Tonko has long been an advocate and champion for the preservation of the rich heritage of our Capital Region and our nation. Last Congress, he authored the National Heritage Area Act that reauthorizes all Heritage Areas for the next 15 years and establishes clear, transparent standards that make it easier for communities and local partnerships to develop and maintain the Heritage Areas they cherish. That bill was signed into law in 2023.

    Saratoga is one of a handful of BIG projects awarded across the country to promote a broad and inclusive stewardship of battlefields and sites of armed conflict on American soil. Funding for these grants is provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which reinvests revenue from offshore oil and natural gas leasing to help strengthen conservation and recreation opportunities across the nation without spending taxpayer dollars. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Smt. Droupadi Murmu graces the centenary celebration of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture in Ranchi, Jharkhand today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    President Smt. Droupadi Murmu graces the centenary celebration of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture in Ranchi, Jharkhand today

    Lac is a small forest product, we will try to get lac recognised as an agricultural product across the country: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Lac processing units will be set up to promote lac products: Union Minister

    There is a need to increase the minimum support price of lac, we will make efforts for this in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Shri Chouhan

    5000 lac producing farmers will be trained at Ranchi Agricultural Education Research Institute: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Ranchi will be made the country’s leading center for Agricultural Education and Research: Union Minister

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 5:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the centenary celebration of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) in Ranchi, Jharkhand today. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that besides making farming a profitable venture, there are three other major challenges before agriculture in the 21st century. It is maintaining food and nutrition security, sustainable use of resources and climate change. She stated that activities related to secondary agriculture can help meet these challenges. The secondary agriculture includes the value addition of primary agricultural products as well as other agriculture-related activities like beekeeping, poultry farming, agricultural tourism etc. She said that agricultural waste can be utilized properly through secondary agriculture activities. They can be processed to make useful and valuable things. In this way, the environment can be protected and the farmers’ income will be increased as well.

    The President said that lac is produced in India mainly by the tribal community. It is an important source of their income. She was happy to note that the National Institute of Secondary Agriculture has taken several steps for research and development as well as commercial development of Lac, Natural Resins and Gums. It includes the development of a Small small-scale lac Processing Unit and an Integrated Lac Processing Unit; the development of lac-based natural paints, varnishes and cosmetic products; development of lac-based coating to increase the shelf-life of fruits, vegetables and spices. She expressed confidence that all these steps will help in improving the living standards of tribal brothers and sisters. The President said that NISA has done good work in lac farming. But, there are still many areas in which we can go further. For example, there is a demand for high-quality lac in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries. If the quality, supply chain and marketing of Indian lac are improved, our farmers will be able to supply it in the country and abroad and will get better prices.

    Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in the centenary celebrations of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA). During his address, Shri Chouhan said that today President Smt. Draupadi Murmu is present among us who has a special attachment to Jharkhand. Even when she was the Governor, she has been working a lot for the welfare of the people. The history of lac is as old as India. There is a mention of Lakhshagriha in Mahabharata, that too was made of lac. From then, lac has been cultivated. In today’s time, lac has great importance. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal is to double the income of farmers. To increase the income of farmers, the goal is to increase production in the fields, reduce the cost of production, give fair prices for the produce, compensate for losses and diversify farming.

    The Union Minister said that we will have to move towards other farming along with traditional farming. Prime Minister Shri Modi has also drawn attention towards agro-forestry i.e. income from trees. He said that if we think about all these aspects, then lac farming is very important. We export lac 400 crore rupees. There are many people associated with this farming who are earning more than 1 lakh rupees. Different groups have also been formed; many of them have an income of 25 to 30 lakh rupees. There are infinite possibilities in lac farming, so lac is important for increasing our income and it is also an alternative to plastic. We can use lac to save the environment from plastic.

    Welcoming the women who attended the program, Shri Chouhan said that with the power of women empowerment, our sisters can also cultivate lac very easily. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal is to make women Lakhpati Didi, that is, every woman’s income should be at least 1 lakh rupees annually, we have to make arrangements for this. Lakhpati Didi Yojana has been created for this. He said that the department of Lakhpati Didi Yojana is with me. Lakhpati Didis can also be created through lac. We will leave no stone unturned to increase your income more than 1 lakh rupees. The Department of Agriculture and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research are working on how to process lac, increase production and get a fair price after processing, etc. He said that with the President’s visit, lac cultivation should progress here and the problems of the lac producing farmers and the poor should be solved. The poor, tribals and backward people are engaged in this farming, so the production of lac should at least double, they should get more encouragement, their income should increase.

    Shri Chouhan said that lac production comes under the Forest Department, therefore, the farmers producing lac do not get the benefit of the schemes of the Agriculture Department. I will try to get lac recognized as an agricultural product across the country. He said that the Government of India will focus on helping in setting up cluster-based processing units of lac so that the processing work becomes easy and the farmers also get a fair price after processing. He said that together with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, we will try to fix the minimum support price (MSP). The cost of lac should be fixed by adding at least 50 percent profit to the cost so that the farmers can get more money. He said that right now 1500 farmers are being trained here. From this year, not 1500 but 5000 farmers will be trained here so that farmers can earn more profit by getting training. He said that I assure that Ranchi will be made the country’s leading center in agricultural education and research.

    Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary said in his address that earlier the slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan was raised and then the dream of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make the country a developed nation by raising the slogan of Jai Anusandhan is being reflected today. The food provider of this country not only feeds 145 crore people but also works day and night in every field. When prosperity comes to the houses of the food providers, not only the houses develop but the country also develops. The farmer cultivating any crop cannot prosper until he is protected from middlemen. The country can become a developed nation only when the farmers of this country prosper. Lac cultivation is the main source of income for many tribal communities of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

    *****

    SS

    (Release ID: 2057077) Visitor Counter : 122

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Promoting Alberta tourism in New York City

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The mission will encourage travel-trade operators to feature Alberta itineraries, build relationships with industry partners, and secure valuable coverage in top-tier media publications. Meetings with New York-based sport associations will build relationships with key contacts and enable strategic conversations about Alberta’s potential to host upcoming major sporting events.

    “No matter where you’re from or what your interests are, Alberta has something for you—whether you come to explore our majestic natural landscapes, discover our vibrant cities or to watch the world’s best athletes compete in major sporting competitions. I’m looking forward to showing the United States what Alberta has to offer.”

    Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    The U.S. is Alberta’s largest international market. In 2023, more than 1.2 million visitors from the U.S. came to Alberta. Through meetings with media partners and sport associations, the mission aims to encourage more American travellers to choose Alberta, and to spend more, stay longer and explore more parts of the province when they visit.

    Sport tourism is a fast-growing market, with many visitors coming to Alberta to watch or participate in major sporting events. Strengthening sport tourism in the province will help advance Alberta’s goal of reaching $25 billion in annual visitor expenditures by 2035.

    Minister Schow will be joined by one staff member. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page. Travel Alberta officials will also join Minister Schow, covering their own expenses.

    Alberta’s government is committed to working with its national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world.

    Itinerary for Minister Schow*

    Sept. 22
    • Travel to New York City

    Sept. 23
    • Meetings with sport tourism partners

    Sept. 24
    • Meetings with key media publications

    Sept. 25
    • Meetings with travel trade partners

    Sept. 26
    • Travel to Alberta

    *Subject to change.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Grijalva Introduce Bill to Permanently Protect American Bison, Grizzly Bears, and Gray Wolves

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ-07) introduced the Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act, legislation to establish permanent federal protections for these three species and expand recovery efforts and coexistence measures. Additionally, the bill would enhance existing tribal management authorities over these species by creating oversight committees that work in unison with Indian Tribes to identify tribal lands suitable for possible reintroduction efforts. 

    “American bison, grizzly bears, and gray wolves are iconic American species and are timeless symbols of our nation’s heritage, yet these animals were driven to the brink of extinction,” said Senator Booker. “Building on the success of past conservation legislation like the American Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, I am proud to introduce legislation that directs the Secretary of the Interior to works closely with Indigenous communities to ensure permanent protection for these animals.”

    “Bison, grizzly bears, and wolves hold significant spiritual, cultural, and ecological value to many tribal communities and our nation,” said House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Booker to enshrine protections for these species and ensure that conservation and management are conducted in close consultation with Tribal Nations. For centuries, the United States’ policies have systematically failed to honor our treaties, harming Tribal Nations and resulting in significant cultural losses and ecological damage. Congress has a trust responsibility to move forward from past injustices and craft policies for the future that are based on respect and recognition of Tribal Nations’ leadership in recovering these iconic species and their habitats.”

    American bison, grizzly bears, and gray wolves hold important cultural significance to the Indigenous peoples of North America. Despite their important ecological roles and cultural symbolism, during the 19th and 20th century each of these species were hunted to the point of eradication from most of their historic range throughout the continental United States. The elimination of these animals from their traditional ranges has dramatically compromised the integrity of their former ecosystems. Continuing to reestablish their presence – and prohibiting future eradication efforts – will restore the health of these ecosystems. 

    As seen with the 1995 reintroduction of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park, reestablishing keystone species in their former ranges can have significant benefits to the ecosystem. The 1995 introduction rebalanced elk and deer populations, allowing vegetation to flourish in response to reduced herbivore grazing pressure. This landmark conservation effort helped re-stabilize the Yellowstone ecosystem, while creating an immense boom in ecotourism revenue that now generates an annual average of over $80 million for local economies in the Greater Yellowstone region. Grizzly bears play a similar role by regulating prey populations and preventing overgrazing, while bison grazing and foraging aid in plant growth and increase biodiversity by aerating soil and dispersing native seeds. These are just a few examples that demonstrate the positive impacts that bison, grizzly bears, and wolves have on North American ecosystems.

    Specifically, the Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act would:

    1.       Prohibit the take, possession, purchase, sale, or transport of American bison, grizzly bears, and wolves, exclusive of captive-bred bison intended for human consumption, with targeted exceptions authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for scientific or conservation purposes and for protection of agricultural interests and public safety. 

    2.       Exempt religious, cultural or treaty-reserved purposes of Federally recognized Indian Tribes.

    3.       Provide for civil and criminal penalties for violations.

    4.       Require consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes before a take permit is issued under this Act or before any activity is carried out on the Tribal land of a federally recognized Indian Tribe that may negatively impact habitat or increase mortality of bison, grizzly bears or wolves.

    5.       Authorize federally recognized Indian Tribes, in consultation with the Secretary, to manage bison, grizzly bears and wolves reintroduced on Tribal land.

    “In the gulf coast of Texas remains a species of wolf called “The Ghost” wolf for its elusive nature and ability to ‘come back from the dead’. After generations of persecution, encroachment, and habitat loss, the Red Wolf was thought to be extinct, but that wasn’t the case. This story is much like the story of my people, the Karankawa. By hiding in plain sight, mixing and adapting to our ever-changing environment, both of us are still here. If only there had been a system in place like this legislation proposes today; that defends and protects, under the wings of their original stewards, our relatives who defend biodiversity, health, culture, and the climate,” said Chiara Beaumont, Karankawa.

    “Indigenous peoples, like our relatives the Buffalo, Grizzly and Wolves have distinct cosmology with our natural world.  We have inhabited our natural world prior to colonization, dating back to our creation stories. “Comes Holy” a white buffalo was born June 4, 2024 and fulfills a prophecy that teaches our human relatives that spiritual unity is of essence to our survival.  Indigenous people speak on behalf of those who cannot – the Buffalo, Grizzlies and Wolves,” said Vivian Delgado, Yaqui.

    “We must protect and speak for our sacred relatives because they can’t speak for themselves.  For they maintain an ecological balance that is imperative for our survival, knowledge and growth.  Just like we seek guidance from our elders, we are also guided by our relatives of the Wolf Nation. By protecting and restoring our bond with our relatives we receive their teachings and many blessings.  Through this we can begin to heal our relationship with ourselves, others and Mother Earth,” said Osvaldo Cabral, Huichol.

    “This legislation reverses the current doom narrative, instead asks, “What do we stand to gain and how fast.” This fresh novel inquiry is the best approach to wildlife coexistence, reversing climate warming, stemming biodiversity loss and move humans to right relationship with the natural world. This legislative framework utilizes, to the fullest, traditional ecological knowledge together with western science in tribal Co-stewardship decision-making collaboratives for conservation, restoration and protection of our 4-leg relatives, their habitat and their natural active role in maintaining overall ecological health,” said Dallas Gudgell, Yankton Dakota.

    “Our relatives within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the nation, from all walks of life, whether they are keystone species, like buffalo or an apex predator, deserve to be protected from corporate interests and settler-colonial practices that put private interests above the American public and the original occupants of the land,”said Devin Oldman, Arapaho.

    “All these species are important and it is that, also, we need their “spirit” in our world to live as the Creator wants us to,” said Allen Pinkham, Nez Perce.

    “In 2021 President Joe Biden issued an executive order that elevated Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge and ancestral wisdom into federal policy decisions. “Indigenous Knowledge cannot be separated from the people inextricably connected to that knowledge,” the order states. “It applies to phenomena across biological, physical, social, cultural, and spiritual systems.” Indigenous Peoples worldwide “manage over 24% of land, which contains about 40% of all ecologically intact landscapes and protected areas left on the planet, and a staggering 80% of the world’s biodiversity.” Now is the time for Native people to share stories about the wolves, bison and Grizzley bears that would receive lasting protections under this senate bill, which began in 2019 with House Bill 2532, originally co-sponsored by Representative Deb Haaland, who is now by the first Native director of the Department of the Interior,” said Tony Evans, Mohawk. 

    “The relationship between Indigenous peoples and animals like wolves, grizzly bears, and buffalo is deeply rooted in spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance. These animals are not just seen as wildlife but as relatives and integral parts of the natural world, embodying lessons, symbols, and connections that are vital to the balance of life. The protection of wolves, grizzly bears, and buffalo is not only about preserving species but also about maintaining the natural order and the sacred bonds that sustain life. In this way, the relationship with these animals is a profound reminder of the responsibilities humans have to the Earth and all living beings. The respect and reverence for these animals are central to Indigenous teachings, which stress that all life is interconnected, and the well-being of one species affects the well-being of all.”said Red Fawn Janis, Iglala Lakota.

    “The wolf, who is named Ma’iingan by the Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes, carries core cultural teachings that are necessary for us to understand how to live in accordance with our instructions as responsible and moral beings. The unanimous rejection of a recreational wolf hunt by every Federally recognized tribe in Michigan  underscores how integral the living presence of Ma’iingan is to our continued existence as Anishinaabek. From the beginning, our fates have run parallel, and it is deeply necessary that we continue to reside on these lands together with Ma’iingan. Kchi miigwech, much gratitude, to Senator Booker for his leadership and rational insistence that our relationship with the natural world is foundationally important,” said Dr. Nichole Keway Biber, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    To read the section by section summary, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Celebrates the Launch of Colorado State Park History Book, Visits Small Business to Celebrate Colorado’s Hispanic Community

    Source: US State of Colorado

    AURORA – Today, Governor Polis, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Jeff Davis celebrated the launch of At Home in Nature: The History of Colorado State Parks, the first of its kind compilation of over 65 years of Colorado State Parks history.

    “Colorado is home to the most beautiful parks in the country, and what better way to show them off than with a bound collection of our parks’ history. In Colorado, we are breaking down barriers for Coloradans to access the outdoors, from saving people money on park passes to protecting our incredible wildlife. Colorado is leading the way to continue and expand our great state parks for generations to come, and this book will help bring our parks to even more people,” said Governor Polis.

    “For more than 125 years, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has served Coloradans and our natural resources with unwavering dedication and determination. This book is a testament to Colorado’s incredible state park system and the people who serve as stewards to protect our public land and elevate our state parks so they provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis.

    Colorado is home to 43 state parks that span over 220,000 acres of protected land. Colorado state parks generate over $65 billion in state funds because of outdoor recreation and Colorado’s thriving tourist economy.

    In 2021, Governor Polis signed legislation creating the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, which reduced Colorado’s state parks pass to just $29, breaking down barriers to the outdoors. The pass became available on January 3, 2023. In its first full year of being on sale, $1.5 million Coloradans opted to buy a Keep Colorado Wild Pass, generating $39.7 million to support Colorado state parks and outdoor first responders. Coloradans who qualify can also sign up for the Centennial State Park Pass, which costs just $14. Governor Polis also signed legislation creating the Outdoor Equity Grant Fund, which has provided 106 awards and over $5.5 million to organizations that help more Coloradans and Colorado kids access the state’s great outdoors.  

    Governor Polis also visited La Fogata, a local Mexican restaurant, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and highlight Colorado’s vibrant Hispanic community and businesses. La Fogata opened its first location in 1990, and will now be celebrating 20 years at their second location in November. La Fogata has been serving Mexican food in Southeast Denver for 30 years.

    “Today I am excited to continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at La Fogata. La Fogata is a story of entrepreneurship and hardwork, and here in Colorado we are proud to support small businesses and highlight the hardworking Coloradans who drive our economy and support our communities,” said Governor Polis.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets with Malaysia’s king

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Sept. 20 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday.

    Li noted that China and Malaysia have a solid foundation of mutual trust and deep-rooted friendship. At present, the two countries stand at the historical juncture of the 50th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations, marching forward hand in hand toward the goal of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

    China is willing to work with Malaysia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain close and high-level exchanges, promote their traditional friendship, enhance strategic mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, achieve more practical results, and bring more benefits to the people of both countries, Li said.

    China is also ready to work with Malaysia to enhance development strategy synergy, promote the upgrading of economic and trade cooperation, upgrade the level of connectivity, and create greater unity to promote development, Li said.

    He urged the two sides to give full play to their complementary advantages, continue expanding bilateral trade, steadily advance flagship projects such as the East Coast Rail Link, and deepen cooperation on infrastructure and aerospace. He also called on both countries to expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new energy, promote the integrated development of industries, and maintain the stability and smooth flows of industrial and supply chains.

    China supports more competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia, Li noted, adding that the two sides should do more to boost cultural and people-to-people exchange in the fields of youth, education, culture and tourism, facilitate the exchange of personnel, and continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

    China is willing to work with Malaysia and other Asian countries to uphold the central position of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in regional cooperation, promote regional economic integration, and build an Asia that has common prosperity and is peaceful, open and inclusive, Li said.

    For his part, King Sultan Ibrahim said that Malaysia thinks highly of and actively participates in Belt and Road cooperation, is optimistic about the development opportunities brought about by China’s big market, and looks forward to using the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries as an opportunity to enhance cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral cooperation in such fields as the economy, trade, industry, investment, high technologies, agriculture and education.

    Malaysia has a high appreciation for the constructive role China plays in international and regional affairs, and is willing to make efforts to promote the development of the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership. Malaysia is also willing to strengthen constructive dialogue with China to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, he added.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2024 New Zealand-China Products Expo strengthens bilateral trade

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 20 — The 2024 New Zealand-China Products Expo kicked off in Auckland on Friday with the participation of importers and exporters from both countries.

    The three-day event, showcasing products from both China and New Zealand, aims to promote trade ties between the two countries.

    New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said in his video speech at the opening ceremony that China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trading partners and New Zealand’s largest export market.

    “As trading partners, we continue to seek ways to enhance the business environment between our two countries by opening doors to exporters and reducing barriers to trade,” said McClay.

    Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said with the joint efforts of China and New Zealand, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress, with both countries being important trade partners for each other.

    The substantial trade ties between China and New Zealand have provided significant support for New Zealand’s economic development, Wang said.

    New Zealand Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith said that there was a growing potential to strengthen bilateral trade in the creative and culture industries.

    The China Cultural Center in Auckland showcased over 200 Chinese cultural products in the cultural and creative section at the Expo.

    Companies and organizations participating in the Expo come from diverse industry sectors, including manufacturing, household products, agriculture, food and beverage, green and new energy, tourism, logistics, media and creative industries.

    This expo is co-hosted by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China, the China International Chamber of Commerce, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangdong Committee.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Listen, confer, act: China’s political advisory body turns 75

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
    Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
    In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
    Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
    Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
    Effective democracy
    The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
    Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
    One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
    Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
    Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
    Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
    A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
    Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
    Strengthening the foundations 
    The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
    Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
    In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
    Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
    A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
    Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
    While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
    A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
    Greater solidarity 
    As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
    China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
    On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
    Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
    In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
    When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
    The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
    During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
    Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
    So far, the mu
    seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
    “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
    The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
    It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
    Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
    “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s political advisory body turns 75

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
    Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
    In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
    Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
    Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
    Effective democracy
    The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
    Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
    One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
    Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
    Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
    Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
    A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
    Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
    Strengthening the foundations 
    The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
    Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
    In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
    Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
    A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
    Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
    While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
    A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
    Greater solidarity 
    As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
    China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
    On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
    Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
    In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
    When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
    The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
    During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
    Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
    So far, the mu
    seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
    “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
    The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
    It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
    Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
    “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bridges inject vitality into tourism sector in SW China’s Guizhou

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    GUIYANG, Sept. 20 — In recent years, Guizhou Province has strived to upgrade its transportation system with an eye toward modernity and connectivity. Currently, more than 30,000 bridges have been built or are under construction in the province. Today, Guizhou boasts about half of the world’s 100 highest bridges. Some not only help shorten travel time from major cities to scenic spots but also become tourist attractions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s sub-center pursues high-quality development

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Beijing’s sub-center in Tongzhou district is making sound progress in high-quality development, featuring solid investment, booming industries, prosperous culture and tourism, and coordinated regional development, according to officials at a recent press conference.

    The sub-center has received investments of over 100 billion yuan (US$14.2 billion) for four consecutive years, said Zheng Hao, head of Tongzhou district, at the press briefing. 

    The district is actively developing six industrial clusters, namely the digital economy, modern finance, advanced manufacturing, commercial services, cultural tourism, and modern seed industry, while exploring three future-oriented sectors: information, energy, and healthcare. 

    In the first eight months of the year, Tongzhou district added 25,000 new market entities, leading the capital city in this regard. The financial industry has become a pillar industry of the sub-center, with over 460 registered financial institutions. 

    Furthermore, 102 subsidiaries of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises have established operations in the district. In addition, the sub-center has been improving its business environment, rolling out 26 measures to facilitate high-quality industrial development. 

    The new municipal administrative center has also been improving its urban layout. A highlight in urban construction is East 6th Ring Road, which connects five areas with diverse functions. Additionally, the High Line Park, currently under construction, will stretch 14 kilometers and feature running, cycling, and tourism lanes, along with over 200 public leisure zones. Upon completion, the park is expected to increase the regional greenery coverage from 50% to 80%. 

    The sub-center is also focusing on developing the culture and tourism sectors. The three major cultural venues – the Beijing Performing Arts Center, the Beijing Library, and the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing – have received more than 7 million visitors so far this year. Moreover, another three major projects are under construction, including Beijing’s biggest outlet shopping complex, an amusement park, and the Haichang Ocean Park, which are expected to attract tens of millions of visitors upon completion. 

    The district is also advancing regional integration by building the Chaobaihe Bridge, which will connect with neighboring counties in Hebei province. The district has organized project matchmaking events with counties in Hebei for five years straight, which witnessed the signing of over 210 projects. Moreover, the district has collaborated with neighboring Hebei counties to facilitate cross-regional services for over 3,600 administrative items.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan to fully restore tourism in time for National Day holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    South China’s island province of Hainan will fully restore its tourism industry by the week-long National Day holiday starting Oct. 1, after being struck by Super Typhoon Yagi, the provincial government said on Friday.

    According to the provincial tourism authority, as of Thursday, the resumption rate of tourism and culture related work across the island reached 93.75 percent. This includes 92 scenic spots, 581 hotels, and 82 cultural and sports venues.

    Hainan will be ready to accommodate domestic and overseas tourists during the upcoming holiday, during which 71 activities will be held, including 27 cultural and performing arts activities and 20 sports events, the authority said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint statement: Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting in Rotorua

    Source: Minister for Trade

    1. New Zealand Minister for Trade Hon Todd McClay hosted Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell in Rotorua on 21 September, for the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial meeting.
    2. Ministers acknowledged the New Zealand-Australia relationship is built upon shared history, democratic values, a common outlook as Pacific countries, and most of all on generations of deep friendship and close cooperation – we are family. Our economies are two of the most closely integrated in the world, underpinned by our extensive people-to-people ties, strong collaboration between our private and public sectors, and deep levels of trust embedded across our two governments.
    3. Ministers recognised we face an evolving geo-economic global environment with increasing strategic competition and rapid technological change. They affirmed New Zealand and Australia are fundamentally strategically aligned in our assessment of the challenges faced and committed to working in lockstep to advance our shared trade and economic interests.
    4. Ministers discussed the impact of the current geostrategic environment on the global trading system and economic security. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting open, diversified, rules-based trade, including through support for efforts to reform and strengthen the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. They reaffirmed the importance of our existing commitments and shared architecture as foundations to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
    5. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Pillar One of the Trans-Tasman Roadmap to 2025: building productive, prosperous and sustainable economies that are fit for the future, and improve the lives of Australians and New Zealanders.
    6. Ministers celebrated the benefits that the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) has brought to both sides of the Tasman over 41 years, reflected in the sixfold growth in trade flows since 1983 and tripling of two-way direct investment since 2001. Our bilateral trade is more diverse and multi-sectoral than with any other partners. CER remains a world-class agreement. The secret of CER’s success is our willingness to consistently add to it, ensuring it remains fit for purpose. This is reflected in the more than 80 supplementary bilateral treaties, protocols and other arrangements that together provide the framework for our trade relationship.
    7. Our economic integration is underpinned by an active Single Economic Market (SEM) agenda. Now in its twentieth year, the SEM has delivered significant wins for our people and businesses, ranging from superannuation portability to a common approach to electronic invoicing. Ministers welcomed both Prime Ministers’ enthusiasm for achieving more integration through the SEM, discussed during the 2024 Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting in August. Ministers reiterated that rapid technological changes, as well as geo-economic competition, were fundamentally reshaping the economic landscape. They noted the need for further work to modernise the SEM, in line with the Prime Ministers’ direction, including to ensure we are:
    8. expanding the SEM agenda to emerging sectors of the economy;
    9. taking active and concerted steps to ensure our economic resilience; and
    10. considering how to position the SEM within the economic evolution underway across the wider region.
    11. To support an ambitious work programme for future economic integration and resilience, Ministers welcomed continued regular strategic trade and economic dialogue between senior officials from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    12. Ministers welcomed the opportunity they had to engage with the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) during their time in Rotorua, as a useful opportunity to hear directly from the business community about its priorities for the trans-Tasman trade relationship. Ministers welcomed the strategic refresh of the ANZLF. They noted the SEM agenda was at its most productive when it was informed by practical feedback from the business community.
    13. In addition, Ministers supported the Prime Ministers’ commitment to reinvigorate the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA). The TTMRA underpins the seamless market for goods and the mutual recognition of occupational registration across the Tasman. Ministers welcomed the reestablishment of regular official-level exchanges to progress TTMRA coordination and acknowledged the important work underway by relevant agencies to action the joint work plan to enhance standards harmonisation and regulatory coherence. Ministers noted the importance of ensuring that businesses, as well as New Zealand, Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies, were aware of the TTMRA, and – in particular – its application to the regulation of the sale of goods.
    14. Ministers agreed on the importance of addressing non-tariff barriers, noting that these barriers of shared concern can impose significant costs on our respective exporting communities.
    15. Ministers discussed forestry matters, including opportunities to further cooperate in support of sustainable timber trade.
    16. Ministers were in alignment that digital trade should be a continued focus of the New Zealand and Australia economic relationship and emphasised the importance of working together, including in international fora, to secure high ambition outcomes to streamline trade, especially for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises.
    17. Ministers welcomed the outcomes of the Australia-New Zealand 2+2 Climate and Finance Ministers’ Dialogue held on 30 July. They reinforced the importance of collaborating to achieve our climate goals, address shared challenges, and grasp the economic opportunities that come with the transition to a net zero future. Streamlining the regulatory environment to support the net zero transformation, together with practical clean energy and sustainable finance policies will encourage trans-Tasman investment in the net zero transition and seamless trade into the future.
    18. Ministers directed officials to coordinate on Australia’s Future Made in Australia agenda and New Zealand’s plan to rebuild its economy, to ensure that this work collectively supported jobs, productivity, prosperity, and economic resilience in the international move to net zero and a changing global economic and strategic landscape. They highlighted the important contribution trans-Tasman trade and investment makes to achieving our economic goals.
    19. Ministers acknowledged the work of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group and its vision for easier travel between Australia and New Zealand while ensuring the highest levels of security at our borders. They noted the initiatives underway to enhance the traveller experience, including Australia’s trialling of digital incoming passenger cards and New Zealand upgrading eGates. Making trans-Tasman travel even more seamless will support the exchange of our tourists, students and business people.
    20. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of members accepting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to accelerate its entry into force and the need for members to conclude negotiations on additional provisions to secure a comprehensive fisheries subsidies agreement as soon as possible. Ministers recognised the need for all WTO Members to work towards a meaningful outcome on agriculture reform at MC14, in line with Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
    21. Ministers agreed on the importance of APEC as an incubator of ideas and as a norm setting body. They reaffirmed the shared commitment to work with APEC economies to pursue a free, open, sustainable, inclusive and predictable trade and investment environment in the region, including through initiatives such as paperless trade, minimising unnecessary obstacles to trade arising from non-tariff measures and ensuring the benefits of trade and investment extend to all including women and Indigenous Peoples. Ministers also agreed to work together to advance implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA).
    22. Minister McClay welcomed Australia as the incoming Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2025, and both Ministers reiterated that CPTPP welcomes the interest of and remains open to accession by economies that can satisfy the three Auckland Principles, namely: preparedness to meet the Agreement’s high standards; a demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments; and recognition that decisions are dependent on the consensus of the CPTPP Membership.
    23. This commitment to regional economic integration and the rules-based global trading system is reflected in Australia and New Zealand’s continued collaboration via the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Ministers looked forward to the forthcoming entry into force of the upgraded AANZFTA with enhanced rules and opportunities in services, investment and digital trdae. Ministers celebrated the continuing success of Australia and New Zealand’s co-funded Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative to support AANZFTA and RCEP implementation in partnership with ASEAN Member States.
    24. Ministers acknowledged Australia and New Zealand continue to work closely together to support the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). They reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations of the IPEF Trade Agreement as expeditiously as possible and welcomed recent meetings to operationalise key bodies under the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement. They welcomed New Zealand’s ratification of the IPEF Agreements on Supply Chains, the Clean Economy and the Fair Economy, and Australia’s substantial progress towards completing ratification. Ministers emphasised the importance of tangible outcomes on IPEF to support a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
    25. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand share a vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Pacific. This year, alongside the bilateral meeting, Ministers invited Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Hon Manoa Kamikamica for trilateral talks to discuss priority trade issues, including PACER Plus. Australia and New Zealand see PACER Plus, the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in the Pacific region, as an important mechanism for working with our partners to deepen economic integration and resilience across the Pacific.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation to power China growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Innovation capacity, the digital sector and green industries have significant potential to be major engines of China’s growth, fueled by the nation’s commitment to reform and opening-up, said Japanese scholars.

    Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan’s Infinity LLC, predicts that China’s economy is poised to enter a new phase of growth.

    Speaking at a seminar on Chinese-style modernization in Osaka last week, Tashiro highlighted China’s significant share of the global market in various industries. While noting the nation’s leading position in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, he also said that as digitalization expands globally, demand for products and services supporting this shift will continue to rise.

    Tashiro stressed the digital sector is the key driver of China’s economic growth. Reflecting on his visit to China last November, he observed that cash payments had become obsolete in the nation.

    “The rise of this vast digital ecosystem, unlike anything the world has ever seen, is now powering China’s economy. This momentum is driven by advancements in semiconductor design and application development,” Tashiro said.

    A World Intellectual Property Organization report shows that from 2014 to 2023, China-based inventors filed more than 38,000 generative artificial intelligence patents, six times the number filed by inventors in the United States.

    China’s economy is shifting from a labor-intensive to a capital-intensive model, making intellectual contributions increasingly important. The country is producing a huge number of highly-skilled scientists and engineers, fostering the growth of a vast and expanding digital ecosystem, he added.

    Yangchoon Kwak, a professor at Rikkyo University’s College of Economics, emphasized that green industries will be the main driver of China’s future economic growth.

    “China’s focus is not just on quantitative expansion but on pursuing environmentally-friendly development that contributes to global peace and prosperity,” Kwak explained.

    Another key growth area is tourism. With a history spanning several millennia, China has a rich cultural heritage to share with the world. If the nation continues to open up, it could attract more than 100 million visitors, fostering a deeper international understanding and appreciation of the country, he said.

    “China’s dynamism will continue to accelerate, and it’s vital for Japanese companies to seize this opportunity,” Kwak added. He advised them to engage in proactive capital and technology partnerships with China, aligning with the country’s evolving trends, rather than focusing on low-cost labor as they did in the past.

    Confidence emphasized

    Satoshi Tomisaka, a professor at the Institute of World Studies at Takushoku University, emphasized the importance of fostering an environment in China where people feel confident in their spending.

    “As Western economies face stagnation and institutional difficulties, China’s model is starting to make a significant global impact,” said Tomisaka.

    However, for the world to truly acknowledge China’s achievements, soft power is crucial. International recognition would not only elevate China’s global reputation but also strengthen its domestic standing, he added.

    Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, said that the future of China’s economic growth will be driven by the innovation capacity of its companies. If policies continue to energize private companies, China still has significant potential for further growth, he added.

    Seguchi’s remarks came after a recent lecture in Tokyo organized by the Japan-China Belt and Road Initiative Promotion Association.

    The foundation for China’s growth is rooted in its reform and opening-up policy. Seguchi emphasized that the focus given by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which was held in July, on reform and opening-up is essential. He stressed the need to create mechanisms that deliver specific reform measures desired by private enterprises, noting this is critical for sustained development.

    According to Seguchi, the major challenges facing China’s economy include the end of high-speed growth, issues in the real estate sector and local fiscal problems. While the government has introduced policies to address these issues, he highlighted the importance of accurately implementing them in a way that responds to market needs, maintaining a market-oriented approach to enhance policy effectiveness.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Two more service stations open in Shanghai airports

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Maria Costa Sanchez from Spain is served by staff members of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Pudong International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn

    Two more one-stop service stations opened on Friday to serve international travelers at Shanghai’s two airports, marking the availability of arrival service at both the city’s two aviation hubs.

    The two service stations coming into operation are situated at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, respectively. They will work together with the existing one at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport, which was in trial operation since June 29, to provide inbound travelers with comprehensive, considerate, and efficient services upon their arrival in the city.

    Tailored for the specific requirements of inbound travelers, the three one-stop service stations are tasked to effectively improve the convenience and satisfaction of expatriates traveling working and living in Shanghai.

    A view of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Pudong International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

    Under a screen displaying “International Services Shanghai”, staff members work at four counters set up at each of the three stations, ready to offer services including communication, payment, tourism and transportation.

    Crucial services including purchasing local SIM cards, cash exchange and withdrawal, portable Wi-Fi equipment, mobile payment consultation and transportation pass sale are available at the stations sitting directly outside the terminals’ international arrival exit points.

    A view of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

    Jorge Cinco from Mexico, who just arrived at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, said the services he needed most were payment consultation as well as telecommunications.

    “They are very friendly and helpful,” he said of the staff members who helped him purchase a local SIM card at the counter.

    Maria Costa Sanchez, who travelled from Spain to Shanghai to visit her daughter and three granddaughters, showed the same appreciation toward the service stations. Aided by a translation machine, she managed to exchange cash and acquire a local SIM card at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

    So far, the one-stop service station at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport has offered inquiries and services to more than 44,000 passenger trips, and received more than 3,600 pieces of positive feedback from international travelers from countries including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Philippines.

    A view of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. International travellers are served by staff members of the one-stop service station opened at Terminal 1 of Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai on Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The three one-stop service stations at Shanghai’s two airports would also respond to the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo by providing thoughtful services for exhibitors and participants of the event from all over the world.

    Shanghai’s airports received 8.07 million passenger trips in the first half, soaring 173 percent from the same period of last year.

    The stations are the result of collaboration between the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal Government, Shanghai Head Office of the People’s Bank of China, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Shanghai Communications Administration, Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Ltd and Shanghai Foreign Service (Group) Co Ltd affiliated to Donghao Lansheng (Group) Co Ltd.

    MIL OSI China News –