NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand jury indicts former Whitehall car dealership owner for odometer fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man has been charged with altering the odometers on vehicles he sold at his former Whitehall car dealership.

    Simon C. Nwaru, Jr., 38, who owned and operated S. Automotive Ltd., was indicted by a federal grand jury today. 

    According to the eight-count indictment, between November 2020 and May 2022, Nwaru knowingly disconnected, reset and altered the mileage registered by the odometer on vehicles, changing them from high mileage to lower mileage, before selling them to customers.

    The charging document details eight vehicles that allegedly had their mileage illegally reduced by approximately 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

    Odometer fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to three years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the charges returned today. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard is representing the United States. This case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Investigations Section. 

    NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States costs consumers more than $1 billion annually.  NHTSA encourages the public to report odometer fraud by emailing odometerfraud@dot.gov or calling 800-424-9393.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Savannah Resident Convicted at Trial of Machinegun and Drug Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAVANNAH, GA:  A Savannah resident has been found guilty at trial of drug trafficking and weapons charges.

    Malik Javier McKenzie, 27, of Savannah, was convicted after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court on charges of Possession of Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The convictions subject McKenzie to a statutory minimum penalty of 30 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

    As described at trial, McKenzie was the driver of a motor vehicle that recklessly avoided police after an attempted traffic stop. Following a crash of McKenzie’s vehicle, McKenzie led law enforcement on a foot chase that resulted in a physical struggle. A search of McKenzie’s person following the struggle revealed a Glock handgun in his pants pocket and a fanny pack containing distributable quantities of Cocaine, Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Methamphetamine. 

    Later testing by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed the presence of the various controlled substances. Testimony at trial noted that Carfentanil is a more potent, and dangerous, version of Fentanyl. Testing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) revealed that the recovered handgun bore a “machinegun conversion device” (commonly referred to as a “Glock switch”) which illegally allowed the firearm to function as a machinegun in that it expelled multiple rounds of ammunition with one sustained pull of the trigger.

    McKenzie was prohibited from possessing any firearm because of previous convictions in both the U.S. District Court and the Superior Court for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia.

    “I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case,” said Tracey Howard, Hinesville Chief of Police. “Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. McKenzie is being held accountable for his actions.”

    “Machinegun conversion kits are turning up more and more in our streets and at crime scenes,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “These conversion devices are illegal, dangerous, and pose a serious threat to the community. ATF is working closely with our law enforcement partners to keep these devices off our streets.”

    “Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug traffickers operating in our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation.”

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. 

    The case was being investigated by the ATF, DEA, and the Hinesville Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah N. Brettin.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: GlobalData highlights implications of US tariffs on IVD market

    Source: GlobalData

    GlobalData highlights implications of US tariffs on IVD market

    Posted in Medical Devices

    On April 2, the Trump administration announced tariffs on most US trading partners, including 125% on China, 31% on Switzerland, and 20% on the EU. Days later, Trump announced a 90-day pause on some tariffs, but a 10% baseline tariff remains. These tariffs are expected to impact all 510(k)-approved medical devices manufactured outside of the US (OUS). Thus, companies with OUS manufacturing will be affected by tariffs, while companies that exclusively manufacture in the US will not be impacted.  Therefore, to remain competitive in the US market, IVD manufacturers may need to absorb increased costs from tariffs or move manufacturing to the US, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Selena Yu, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many IVD test kits have different components like primers, DNA probes, quality control reagents, tubes, and cartridges, that may be manufactured in other facilities in the US or OUS. Therefore, to remain competitive in the US market, IVD companies need to offset increased costs from tariffs. IVD companies that manufacture most of their tests in the US have an opportunity to increase their market share, as their products will remain unaffected by the tariffs.

    “Importantly, the goal is to improve patient care and patient outcomes. It’s unclear whether tariffs will affect product quality. This is because moving facilities, cutting potential costs added on by tariffs, etc., can lead to a decrease in product quality.”

    For example, according to GlobalData’s Sexual Health Tests SKU Tracker, the top-performing chlamydia and gonorrhea (CT/NG) dual tests in the US, based on sales volume, are Roche’s Cobas CT/NG test (44.3%) and Hologic’s Aptima Combo 2 assay (42.4%). Based on GlobalData’s MedSource Database, a database on the medical device supply chain, the Aptima test is exclusively manufactured in the US, whereas the Cobas test is partially manufactured OUS. Thus, the Hologic test is more “tariff-proof”.

    Yu continues: “There are numerous approaches for hospitals and manufacturers to take when looking at the impact of tariffs on the IVD market. There may be a shift towards the US-manufactured tests due to public sentiments about using more “American-grown” products. Alternatively, hospitals may continue to use the same products despite increased test costs due to tariffs.

    “The average selling price (ASP) of the Roche Cobas test is $3.41, while the Hologic Aptima assay is $9.32. This still allows for the Roche Cobas test to be at a competitive price in the market despite predicted price hikes due to tariffs. Another competitor, Cepheid XPERT CT/NG, has an ASP of $16.25 and is partially manufactured OUS; thus, the test is more at risk of losing market share due to tariffs.”

    The goal of high-quality, accessible testing for patients is a side thought in the tariffs in healthcare conversation. Currently, it is unclear whether tariffs will affect care quality. Various factors, including moving facilities and cutting potential costs added on by tariffs, can lead to a decrease in product quality. Additionally, this may create a barrier to entry for innovative OUS-manufactured IVD tests to enter the US market.

    Yu concludes: “The desire and necessity for a healthy population is a universal priority shared across the globe. Tariffs on diagnostic, screening, and monitoring tests can lead to patients not accessing care quickly enough if existing tests become scarce, unavailable, or too expensive in the US.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: UK general insurance industry to reach $149 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The UK general insurance industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from GBP92.9 billion ($119.7 billion) in 2025 to GBP113.0 billion ($149.2 billion) in 2029, in terms of direct written premiums (DWP), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    As per GlobalData’s UK General Insurance Report, the general insurance industry in the UK is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2025, driven by the increasing home insurance cost, the rising natural catastrophic events, the government push for greener vehicles, and rising demand for commercial motor insurance.

    Swarup Kumar Sahoo, Senior Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The UK general insurance industry is navigating change, driven by evolving consumer behaviors, climate challenges, regulatory changes, competition, and price sensitivity. Overall, the sector anticipates steady growth but must adapt to emerging risks and consumer demands.”

    Motor insurance is the leading line of business in the UK general insurance industry, estimated to account for a 28.0% share of the DWP in 2025. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4% during 2025-29. Factors such as recovery of the economy, increased personal injury discount (Ogden) rates, and expansion of commercial fleets will contribute to the growth of motor insurance.

    With an increase in commercial activity, government incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), and a push to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, the fleet operators in the UK are increasingly adopting electric vans. This, along with an increase in new car registrations, which grew by 2.6% in 2024, will support the growth of motor insurance in 2025. Fleet sales accounted for 59.6% of the new vehicle registrations in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

    Sahoo adds: “The increase in Ogden rate from -0.25% to 0.5% starting January 11, 2025, will lower motor insurance claims costs and is expected to increase insurers’ profitability. The motor insurance premiums, which registered an average increase of 40% during 2022 and 2023, will not witness such a steep increase further and will give some relief to the policyholders.”

    Property insurance is estimated to account for a 25.7% share of DWP in 2025. It is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2025, driven by rising frequency of extreme weather events, including storms and flooding, rising building costs, rising opportunity for contents and renters insurance, and increasing consumer demand for comprehensive coverage.

    Sahoo continues: “The increasing frequency of extreme weather events poses challenges, leading insurers to raise premiums and reassess coverage options in high-risk areas. Collaborative investments in flood adaptation infrastructure are essential to mitigate these risks and expand coverage options for vulnerable communities. The integration of smart home technologies is also transforming the landscape, enabling homeowners to detect issues early, which can reduce claims.”

    Liability insurance is estimated to account for a 15.1% share of DWP in 2025. It is expected to grow by 5.1% in 2025, driven by growing awareness of cyber threats, as businesses seek to protect themselves against increasing cyberattacks. Additionally, the fatal injury of workers, expected to grow by 3% in 2025, as reported in the Health and Safety Executive’s annual statistics, along with the increased Ogden rate, will support the growth of employers’ liability insurance. The evolving needs of consumers and businesses in a rapidly changing environment will continue to support the liability insurance to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during 2025-29.

    Personal Accident and Health (PA&H), Marine, Aviation, and Transit (MAT), and Financial Lines insurance products are estimated to account for the remaining 31.2% share of the general insurance DWP in 2025.

    Swarup concludes: “The outlook for the UK general insurance market remains positive, with growth driven by regulatory change and evolving consumer needs. Insurers must remain agile and innovative to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and economic pressure. However, the increased Ogden rate is a welcome development for general insurers.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Zoom still faces challenging environment despite its profound metamorphosis, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Zoom still faces challenging environment despite its profound metamorphosis, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    Zoom has announced new and upcoming features for the Workplace platform powered by both generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI. The volume, breadth, and quality of features unveiled are impressive. Collectively, the changes further propel a dramatic transformation that has been taking place at Zoom over roughly the past year and a half. Despite the dramatic transformation Zoom has made in relatively short order, the company still faces a challenging environment, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Gregg Willsky, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Technology & Services at GlobalData, comments: “After its video meetings capability became renowned virtually overnight in the dark, nascent days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom ignited a steady evolution of its platform. With the October 2023 introduction of Zoom AI Companion, that evolution followed a sharp trajectory upward and morphed into a full-blown renaissance marked by the introduction of GenAI features. Zoom has now entered a new chapter with the announcement of agentic AI capabilities.”

    Two noteworthy examples of agentic AI features are the Custom AI Companion add-on and Zoom Tasks with AI Companion. The Custom AI Companion add-on is intriguing because it enables organizations to tailor Zoom AI Companion to fit the specific needs of their business or industry. The greatest value of Zoom Tasks with AI Companion lies in its ability to make users more productive by automatically detecting tasks from meeting summaries, chats, and emails and completing them on their behalf.

    Willsky continues: “In addition to team collaboration capabilities evident in the Custom AI Companion add-on and Zoom Tasks with AI Companion, Zoom displayed sharp dexterity and diversity with features that touch upon a range of additional areas including contact center, sales, and industry verticals.

    “New features allow contact center supervisors to optimize staffing levels and permit agents to indicate preferred start times. Revenue Accelerator enhancements help sales reps identify and manage deals more efficiently. Frontline workers in industries such as retail and manufacturing, along with healthcare clinicians, have access to features that increase their efficiency by saving time.”

    Zoom confronts entrenched, imposing players such as Microsoft, Cisco, and Google while also tangling with wholly capable rivals such as RingCentral and 8×8.

    Willsky concludes: “Like Zoom, each is aggressively fortifying their platforms and spreading enhancements across collaboration, contact center, and other areas. What makes Zoom unique, however, is that it has managed to widely distance itself from its original, narrow identity – that of a video platform – and done so in only a handful of years. That bodes well for its future.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Saudi Arabia: Families fear imminent execution of loved ones amid surge in drug-related executions

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Dozens of men on death row in Saudi Arabia for drug -related crimes are terrified for their lives amid a dramatic surge in executions for drug offences in the country over recent months, Amnesty International said today, based on information from family members of detainees on death row.

    Between January and April 2025, the Saudi Arabian authorities executed at least 88 people including 52 for drug-related crimes. This is a dramatic increase from 2024, which saw record executions, and when a total of 46 people were executed during the same period, none of them for drug-related crimes. Just this week, in one day on 22 April, the Saudi Press Agency announced the execution of three people, two Saudi nationals for “promoting hashish” and one Pakistani national for “trafficking heroin”. 

    “Despite Saudi Arabia’s repeated claims that it is limiting its use of the death penalty for crimes not mandated under sharia, the alarming surge in executions for drug-related offences exposes the stark reality: Saudi Arabia is blatantly disregarding international law and standards, which restrict the use of the death penalty to only ‘the most serious crimes’ involving intentional killing,” said Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

    “Saudi Arabia’s authorities must immediately stop this execution spree, establish an official moratorium on all executions, and move towards abolishing the death penalty for all crimes.”

    Saudi Arabia is blatantly disregarding international law and standards, which restrict the use of the death penalty to only ‘the most serious crimes’ involving intentional killing

    Kristine Beckerle, MENA Deputy Regional Director

    Pending these changes, Saudi Arabia must urgently revise its laws to eliminate provisions that allow for the death penalty to be imposed and ensure that any penal code adopted abolishes the death penalty, including for crimes that do not meet the threshold of ‘most serious crimes’ under international standards, such as drug-related offences, and ensuring that all individuals have access to fair trials and adequate legal representation.

    While Saudi authorities do not publish or share figures of individuals on death row, arrests for drug-related offences are routinely reported in state-aligned media, indicating that a large number of people are in detention and on death row for such offences.

    In November 2024, prison authorities in Tabuk transferred 35 Egyptian nationals convicted of drug-related offences to a single ward, a move widely feared to signal their impending executions. Since November 2024, at least 10 foreign nationals and two Saudi nationals have been executed for drug-related offences in the same prison, raising fears of the imminent executions of the remaining men.

    In addition, as of March 2025, at least 44 Somali nationals, all men, are on death row in Najran Prison, southwestern Saudi Arabia, for drug-related crimes, according to the Somali Consulate in Saudi Arabia. On 16 February 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced an execution in Najran of Mohamed Nur Hussein, a Somali national, for “smuggling hashish”, also raising fears for the fate of dozens of others on death row.

    One Egyptian man on death row told his family in April: “A few days ago, a Sudanese man was taken in the middle of the night, as we were sleeping.”

    Another deeply distressed family member told Amnesty International: “There is no time left to save them, time is running out.”

    Following a pause, between 20 February to 6 April, a few weeks before and during Ramadan, executions resumed with alarming speed in April and have included a startling surge in drug-related executions of foreign nationals. Between 6 and 24 April 2025, Saudi Arabia executed 22 individuals, more than one per day on average. Of these, 17 were foreign nationals from eight Arab, sub-Saharan African and Asian, including South Asian, countries, all convicted of drug-related crimes. Three Saudi nationals were also executed for drug-related offences, while three other Saudi nationals were put to death for murder and terrorism-related charges.

    Grossly unfair trials

    Amnesty International has documented a pattern of serious fair trial violations preceding executions, including of foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia.

    At least five Egyptian men currently held on death row were unable to afford legal representation due to financial constraints and were not provided with a court-appointed lawyer during investigation nor trial.

    In another case, also of an Egyptian national currently on death row, the individual had a court-appointed lawyer, but the lawyer failed to share crucial case information during the trial to support his defence.

    Several of the Egyptian nationals currently at risk of execution told their families and their judge that they were tortured during their interrogations to extract “confessions”. None of these torture complaints were investigated, according to court documents reviewed by Amnesty International and the torture-tainted “confessions” used as evidence against them.

    Issam Shazly, an Egyptian national convicted and sentenced to death under Article 37 of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Law in 2022, had no legal representation during his arrest and investigation. His family told Amnesty International that the court later appointed a legal representative to support his defence, but the lawyer was uncooperative and failed to inform them about crucial details including the possibility of clemency, the deadline to appeal or when to expect the Supreme Court ruling.

    “We knew absolutely nothing because it’s a foreign country and we don’t know its laws. We expected the lawyer to inform us,” they said.

    A Saudi court convicted Rami al-Najjar in 2019 of bringing controlled drugs into Saudi Arabia to sell and eight grams of hashish for personal consumption, according to court documents analyzed by Amnesty International. He did not receive the support of an appointed lawyer. He told Amnesty International that during his appeal session, the judge said that he could not argue against his conviction “because you don’t have a lawyer.” He submitted an appeal himself to the Supreme Judicial Council but received no response. Rami’s family were finally able to appoint a lawyer in early 2025, but they said that, as of March 2025, the lawyer had not taken any action because he was waiting for updates in the case. They said: “I don’t understand what updates other than Rami’s imminent execution there need to be for the lawyer to re-open the case”.

    Mohamed Ahmed Saad and Omar Ahmad Ibrahim were arrested in May 2017 and accused of trafficking the synthetic drug Captagon. They weredetained incommunicado for a year and a half after arrest. They have been on death row for almost eight years. Both men were denied access to legal representation and, according to court documents, “confessed” to the charge after being subjected to severe beatings. On October 9, 2019, the Court of Appeal upheld their death sentence.

    Background

    Saudi Arabia has consistently been one of the world’s countries with the highest number of recorded executions. In 2024, authorities announced the execution of 122 people for drug-related crimes, a significant proportion of the total 345 executions known to have been carried out that year. This sharp rise occurred after a nearly three-year hiatus in such executions, following a moratorium announced by the Saudi Human Rights Commission in January 2021. Last year, Saudi Arabia was one of four countries known to have carried out executions for drug-related offences.

    Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime; guilt, innocence or characteristics of the individual; or the method used by the state to carry out the execution.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Verizon Frontline Network Slice launches coast-to-coast

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Frontline Network Slice launches coast-to-coast

    BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon today announced the availability of the Verizon Frontline Network Slice in select markets nationwide, continuing to build on the company’s more than 30-year history of cutting-edge innovation in support of our nation’s first responders.

    The Verizon Frontline Network Slice is a 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) virtual network slice completely dedicated to public safety that allows for the allocation of network resources within Verizon’s network infrastructure. This helps provide first responders several key advantages including (but not limited to):

    • Dedicated 5G UW network capacity reserved exclusively for first responders, helping ensure network resource availability, priority and enhanced quality of service.
    • Tailored performance for critical applications and devices to help ensure data traffic is optimized for the operational needs of first responders.
    • Enhanced reliability which significantly reduces the risk of disruption to mission-critical communications even during periods of high network congestion.
    • Flexible scalability allowing Verizon to efficiently allocate dedicated network resources in real-time based on the operational needs of first responders.

    For example, Verizon Frontline Network Slicing for Connected Vehicles can deliver enhanced in-vehicle connectivity for first responders, providing a mobile working environment with access to 5G UW network resources completely dedicated to the needs of public safety users.

    With dedicated 5G UW network capacity reserved for the Verizon Frontline Network Slice, first responders will have access to enhanced mission-critical connectivity in even the most population-dense environments or during periods of high network congestion.

    “When every second counts, Verizon Frontline is the #1 network of choice of first responders,

    enabling more than 40,000 public safety agencies across the nation,” said Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business. “The launch of the Verizon Frontline Network Slice continues our unwavering commitment to meeting the highly specialized needs of first responders and is a crucial step forward in the evolution of public safety communications.”

    Verizon Frontline is dedicated to meeting the mission-critical communication needs of those on the front lines and eligible public safety agencies will have access to plans featuring the Verizon Frontline Network Slice for the same cost as current 5G UW plans. The Verizon Frontline Network Slice is now available in the following markets:

    • Charlotte, N.C.
    • Phoenix
    • Los Angeles
    • San Francisco
    • San Diego
    • Atlanta
    • Chicago
    • Minneapolis
    • Salt Lake City
    • Seattle
    • Cupertino, Calif.
    • Denver
    • Miami
    • Portland, Ore.
    • Omaha, Neb.
    • Las Vegas
    • Huntsville, Ala.
    • Milwaukee
    • Kansas City, Mo.
    • Albuquerque, N.M.
    • Indianapolis
    • Augusta, Ga.
    • Fresno, Calif.
    • Tampa, Fla.
    • Des Moines, Iowa
    • Ann Arbor, Mich.
    • Detroit
    • St. Louis
    • Raleigh, N.C.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Physician spending trends in Canada: Why increased costs may not mean more primary care services

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ruolz Ariste, Adjunct Professor, Industrial Relations, Université du Québec en Outaouais, and Adjunct Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University

    In 2023, Canada ranked last in access to primary health care among 10 high-income countries.
     (Shutterstock)

    Access to physician services remains a challenge in Canada, particularly in primary care. Though this reality has been often eclipsed by the tariffs issue during the 2025 federal election, it continues to be a fundamental concern for Canadians.

    In 2023, Canada ranked last in access to primary health care among 10 high-income countries. Yet, Canada ranked among the highest for health spending as a percentage of GDP, significantly outranked only by the United States.

    Moreover, public spending on physicians has systematically risen during the first quarter of this century. The two most common proposals to improve this access are: increasing the number of physicians and/or the payment per service to physicians.

    As a health economist researcher, my focus is on health workforce planning and efficiency. Given limited resources and budget constraints, what is the best way for policymakers to improve access to heath care: Paying our physicians more, or increasing their numbers?

    Minding physician spending

    Total spending on physicians increased to $47.5 billion in 2023, from $13.2 billion in 2000, growing an average of 5.7 per cent per year (known as the average annual growth rate (AAGR)). This includes physicians on fee-for-service (FFS) plan — those who bill for each individual service or procedure they provide to a patient — and non-FFS plan, such as salary or capitation (payment per each enrolled patient) in which physicians don’t have to bill for each individual service or procedure to get paid.

    The key policy question is whether this additional spending was used to buy more services (medical consultations, visits and procedures). It is important to understand if Canada paid more for the same number of medical services or if Canadians are getting more bang for their buck.

    Using an accounting approach, this increase in spending can be broken down into increase in number of services, and increase in unit cost of service.
    In the 2022-23 fiscal year, physicians provided a total of 359.1 million services versus 263.8 million in 2000 (assuming that physicians on non-FFS plans have similar productivity to those on FFS plans). This translates to an average growth rate of 1.4 per cent per year.

    Meanwhile, cost per service increased to $90.42 in 2023 compared to $36.66 in 2000 — an average increase of four per cent per year. This suggests that most of the increase in spending (70 per cent) was used to cover increasing costs per service.

    It should be noted that average annual growth in unit cost represents sector-specific inflation. As such, it includes two components: general inflation and a “health premium” defined as inflation above and beyond general inflation. Considering that general inflation for the period (as measured by the CPI-all items) was on average 2.2 per cent per year, growth in inflation-adjusted unit cost for physicians was 1.8 per cent per year. That would be the “health premium” for physicians.

    Still, some of the increase in spending was used to buy more services throughout this period. How could the access issue be explained? That’s where one needs to factor in population growth and aging: two demographic factors responsible for increases in number of services.

    During this period spanning over two decades, Canada’s population grew at 1.1 per cent per year; this results in a mere 0.3 per cent growth in number of services per person per year (9.16 in 2023 from 8.65 in 2000).

    Because aging impact is estimated to be at least 0.8 per cent annually, factoring it in a full demographic adjustment would result in a decline of 0.5 per cent in number of services per capita over this period; which would explain a poorer access to medical services in Canada.

    Does the number of doctors affect the equation?

    We consistently learn that the number of physicians has been increasing. In fact, there were 82,184 physicians providing clinical services in 2023 as opposed to 49,281 in 2000, which represents average growth of 2.2 per cent per year.

    However, possibly due to shifts in the demographic composition of the workforce and better work-life balance, each of these physicians provides fewer services. For example, the number of services per physician per year in 2023 was 4,370 compared to 5,353 in 2000, a decline of 0.9 per cent per year.

    Other sources have reported that trends in weekly worked hours of Canadian physicians has declined from about 53 hours before 2000 to 46 hours in recent years.

    Why access seems more challenging for primary care services

    Family physicians are the gatekeepers and first point of contact of the Canadian health-care system. Over the 2000-2023 period, their numbers have increased less than specialists (AAGR of 2.1 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively). In other words, while in 2000, slightly more than half of physicians were family physicians, in 2023 the situation reversed, and slightly more than half of physicians were specialists.

    Nurse practitioners emerged in the primary care setting in the last decade. This workforce grew from 3,768 in 2014 to 8,302 in 2023, increasing by an average of 9.2 per cent per year. Still, they are not enough to fully make up for the deficit.

    An important consideration is that family physicians tend to benefit less from medical technological improvement than specialists. A few specific specialties, for example ophthalmology, profit the most from the huge productivity gains in the medical field. They could work fewer hours and still increase the number of services they provide and their income, which family physicians can do to a lesser extent.

    In fact, for physicians who received at least $100,000 in fee-for-service payments per year, average gross FFS payments per ophthalmologist have grown almost three times more than that for a family physician between 2013 and 2023.

    Implications for decision makers

    Simply throwing more money into the system will not be enough to address the primary care access issue. It is important to ensure this additional money will buy mostly additional services, contrary to what we have shown in the past.

    On the supply side, projections for the number of required physicians will need to account for the reduced number of hours worked. That means that more family physicians are needed just to provide the same number of services, let alone increase it.

    On the demand side, the aging population translates into more services used per capita, but also increased severity of cases. The medical workforce itself is also aging, impacting both the supply and the demand sides. Policymakers need to work with institutions involved in physicians planning and training such as the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, the Medical Council of Canada to ramp up training of family physicians. Extending training and scope of practice of nurse practitioners would also help.

    Finally, the family physician category could be made more attractive by offering a more balanced payment scheme between family physicians and specialists.

    Ruolz Ariste 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. Physician spending trends in Canada: Why increased costs may not mean more primary care services – https://theconversation.com/physician-spending-trends-in-canada-why-increased-costs-may-not-mean-more-primary-care-services-253675

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Virginia Army National Guard aircrews recognized for Hurricane Helene rescues

    Source: US National Guard (video statements)

    Virginia Army National Guard aviators and Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Service rescue technicians rescued multiple individuals from floodwaters in Virginia brought on by Hurricane Helene in October 2024. The aviators and rescue technicians, who make up the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, were recognized for their efforts and awarded the Virginia National Guard Bronze Star medal. Va. HART trains quarterly to ensure readiness for both elements to respond to flooding and other emergencies. This marked the first major real-world rescues the team has made since the partnership began in 2011. (Video courtesy of Chesterfield Fire and EMS, edited by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHNXiioB4Ms

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More than 60 projects will reduce wildfire risk, support forestry in B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Communities and workers throughout British Columbia are benefiting from 64 new Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that reduce wildfire risk, enhance forest health and get more fibre into the hands of mills and energy producers.

    “The projects I am announcing today will remove almost 11,000 truckloads of flammable waste fibre from our forests,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We all have a role to play in reducing wildfire risk in B.C. This fibre that once would have been burned in slash piles will instead support workers and help keep communities safe.”

    With $19 million in provincial funding, projects will take place in all eight of the Province’s natural resource regions. This includes 31 led by First Nations and another 14 with First Nations involvement, demonstrating the critical leadership role First Nation communities are playing in restoring and protecting B.C.’s forests. This funding is part of the $90 million allocated in 2025 for wildfire-prevention initiatives through BC Wildfire Service, FireSmart initiatives and FESBC.

    “We received so many excellent applications from interested parties across the province looking to invest in the future of B.C.’s forests,” said Jason Fisher, executive director, FESBC. “After careful review, we are pleased to be able to support a portfolio of projects that will make forests more resilient and communities safer, while unlocking the value of wood waste generated through forest-management activities.”

    These projects build on the Province’s broader support for B.C.’s forest sector, which includes wildfire reduction, streamlining permitting, investing in innovation and advocating for fairness in international trade, especially in the face of U.S. softwood lumber duties and tariff threats.

    “Many rural British Columbians know the risk of wildfires well, and many have been in frightening situations,” said Steve Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development. “This funding will help support forestry projects in rural, remote and First Nations communities with a focus on sustainability and fire prevention.”

    Wildfire-mitigation projects remove excess wood and flammable undergrowth from areas around rural centres and have proven effective during previous wildfire seasons. The BC Wildfire Service is planning to treat 9,600 hectares in 2025-26, with more than an additional 2,100 hectares planned under FESBC.

    Fibre-recovery projects take wood fibre that would otherwise be burned or abandoned and put it in the hands of mills and forestry companies that can use it, helping keep forestry workers on the job.

    Quick Facts:

    • Founded in 2016, FESBC is fully funded by the Province to support forestry projects at the community level. Since then, $79.6 million has been invested in 201 community wildfire risk-reduction projects through FESBC.
    • As part of Budget 2024, B.C. announced FESBC would get an additional $60 million over three years to continue community-focused wildfire-risk reduction and fuel-management projects, as well as improving utilization of biomass from harvested timber.

    Learn More:

    For more information about FESBC, visit: https://fesbc.ca/about-us/

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The undermining of competition in the cement sector by the allocation of excess free allowances under the Emissions Trading System – E-000947/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The existence of free allocation exceeding emissions in the first phases of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is well known, especially between the years 2008 and 2012, but to a lesser extent also in later years. This situation was addressed already with measures taken following the revision of the ETS Directive[1] in 2018, strengthening the system, and a shortage of free allocation compared to verified emissions can clearly be seen from the start of the fourth trading period in 2021.

    It should also be highlighted that the majority of excess allowances are assumed to have been sold, and to a fraction of the value quoted, since the current value of an EU Allowance is more than 10 times higher than 10 years ago.

    Hence, the Commission does not see a major risk of distortion of competition.

    2. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)[2] obligation to be paid by importers will be reduced by the corresponding free allocation that an EU producer would receive for the production of the same goods. This will ensure that products produced in the EU and in third countries are treated equally.

    This adjustment for free allocation will include a definition of CBAM benchmarks, which in turn will be based on a combination of the EU ETS benchmarks. The gradual phase-out of ETS free allowances in CBAM sectors from 2026 to 2034 will be mirrored by a corresponding increase in the CBAM obligation. This is because the CBAM adjustment for free allocation will gradually decrease and thereby the CBAM obligation will increase.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2018 amending Directive 2003/87/EC to enhance cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments, and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 (OJ L 76, 19.3.2018, p. 3, ELI : http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/410/oj
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a carbon border adjustment mechanism (OJ L 130, 16.5.2023, p. 52, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/956/oj
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Competitiveness of the European coking industry – E-000264/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission recognises that the energy-intensive sectors are the backbone of the European manufacturing system but also particularly vulnerable in this phase of the clean energy transition. The Clean Industrial Deal (CID)[1] proposes actions to safeguard the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries from high energy cost and unfair global competition. Additionally, the CID foresees actions to accelerate decarbonisation through measures aimed at the clean-tech sector. To address overcapacities being redirected to the EU market, the Commission will intensify international and multilateral cooperation. The Commission has also presented a tailor-made action plan[2] for the steel and metals sectors, which account for 95% of coking coal used in the EU.

    2. Concerning imports from third countries, the Commission aims to ensure a fair playing field in line with its international trade commitments and, if sufficient evidence for such practices is submitted, could utilise its trade defence instruments, such as anti-dumping or safeguard measures.

    3. The Commission equally promotes sustainable development (e.g. adherence to international labour and environmental standards) in international trade, based on commitments set out in multilateral and bilateral agreements, including the rules contained in the ‘Trade and Sustainable Development’ and ‘Energy and Raw Materials’ chapters of the free-trade agreements concluded and under negotiation by the EU. The EU will continue engaging to promote internationally agreed sustainability standards.

    • [1] COM(2025) 85 final.
    • [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-steel-and-metals-action-plan_en
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Establishing a European Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles – E-000234/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission agrees on the importance of promoting energy efficiency, including energy savings. Energy efficiency is the cheapest, safest and cleanest way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel imports from Russia, contribute to decarbonisation and increase EU’s competitiveness.

    However, the Commission is currently not considering making 16 February the ‘European Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles’.

    The Commission is dedicated to energy efficiency policy, including energy savings. The recently revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)[1] made the headline EU target for energy efficiency binding and raised the ambition for energy efficiency across the board.

    This includes the obligations for Member States to step up information awareness measures, including campaigns, and establish one-stop shops for energy efficiency.

    Energy efficiency was one of the three main pillars of the REPowerEU Communication of 18 May 2022, which was accompanied by the EU Save Energy Communication.

    In 2022, the Commission partnered with the International Energy Agency and launched the ‘Playing my part’ campaign[2], which outlined simple steps that citizens can take to reduce their energy use.

    In 2024, the Commission organised a Citizens’ Panel on energy efficiency to promote the topic among citizens. The Panel convened 150 randomly selected citizens representing all Member States, who discussed actions which could be taken on energy efficiency and adopted 13 final recommendations for the Commission.

    The importance of energy efficiency for competitiveness, energy security and decarbonisation was recently confirmed in the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AJOL_2023_231_R_0001&qid=1695186598766
    • [2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/markets-and-consumers/actions-and-measures-energy-prices/playing-my-part_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Amherst — Cumberland County District RCMP charge Ontario man, seize cocaine and firearm

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Cumberland County District RCMP has charged a man with drug trafficking and firearms offences after receiving information from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) regarding an ongoing investigation in its area.

    On April 5, Eastern Region Federal Policing (Nova Scotia) received information from the OPP-led Biker Enforcement Unit about a possible suspect in an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity by outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) members in St. Catharines, Ontario. The suspect was believed to be travelling into Nova Scotia in a black Kia Sorento.

    At approximately 9:20 a.m. on April 5 Cumberland County District RCMP located the vehicle travelling east on Hwy. 104 near Amherst. Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and safely arrested the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and seized 5 kg of cocaine, a firearm modified to look like an AK47, ammunition and a quantity of cash.

    Scott Rempel, 37, of Welland, Ontario, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine), Unauthorized Possession of Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized.

    “This serves as an excellent example of cooperation among and within police agencies to address organized crime networks across inter-provincial boundaries,” says Supt. Dave Chubbs, Eastern Region Federal Policing (Nova Scotia). “The quick action of frontline officers in Cumberland was instrumental to ensuring the cocaine and firearm didn’t reach our communities.”

    “The OPP is grateful for the support from the RCMP on this significant investigation,” says Detective Insp. Scott Wade, OPP Biker Enforcement Unit. “It takes national collaboration across jurisdictions to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect our respective communities.”

    Rempel was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Amherst Provincial Court on April 25.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    File #2025-442045

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU competences in forest matters – E-000936/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has a variety of competences shared with Member States that have an impact on forest protection and forestry, including climate, environment, energy and agriculture, which the Union has exercised respecting the principle of subsidiarity[1].

    The EU has exercised these competences through the adoption of legislation using the appropriate legal basis. As forests are natural resources and an integral part of the environment, the Habitats[2] and Wild Birds Directive[3], the Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation[4], the Deforestation Regulation[5], the Nature Restoration Law[6], the Carbon Removal Certification Framework[7] are based on Article 192(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and so is the proposal for a regulation on a Forest Monitoring Framework[8], currently in the co-decision procedure.

    The Renewable Energy Directive[9] has multiple legal bases under TFEU (Article 114 — internal market, Article 192(1) — environment and Article 194(2) — energy), while the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development[10] is based on Articles 42 and 43(2).

    EU action on climate, biodiversity and circular economy as well as their benefits inherently relate to natural ecosystems, including forests.

    The mentioned Commission proposal for a Forest Monitoring Framework aims at having accurate, timely and comparable data on forests across the EU, in view of increasing pressures and stressors, and their cross-border impacts.

    • [1] Court of Justice of the European Union judgment of 25 February 1999 in Joined Cases C-164/97 and C-165/97, EU:C:1999:99.
    • [2] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [3] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25.
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry in the 2030 climate and energy framework and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 and Decision No 529/2013/EU, OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 1-25.
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869, OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2024/3012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 establishing a Union certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products, OJ L, 2024/3012, 6.12.2024.
    • [8] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-regulation-forest-monitoring-framework_en
    • [9] Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, as amended, OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82-209.
    • [10] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agricultural-fund-rural-development-eafrd_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Members of an International Money Laundering Organization Charged with Laundering Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in Florence, South Carolina returned an indictment on Tuesday, April 22, charging Nasir Ullah, 28, and Naim Ullah, 32, both of Sumter, South Carolina, and Puquan Huang, 49, of Buford, Georgia, with conspiring to launder millions of dollars of proceeds derived from drug trafficking.

    “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants laundered tens of millions of dollars in drug proceeds from the United States through China and the Middle East, enabling a continuous flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our country from Mexico,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Dismantling transnational criminal organizations and Chinese Money Laundering Organizations that support them is a critical priority for the Department. Alongside DEA and our local law enforcement partners, we will continue to prosecute the financial networks that fuel illegal drug trade and profit from the sale of deadly substances.”

    “We are committed to dismantling criminal organizations that seek to profit through the distribution of dangerous drugs like cocaine and fentanyl across South Carolina and beyond,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This $30 million money laundering operation, which has international ties, was conducted in multiple communities in our state. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to trace these illicit funds, disrupt these networks, and hold those involved accountable for the harm they present.”

    “Cases like this exemplify the value of partnerships,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “The volume of dangerous drugs, including deadly fentanyl, impacts our communities beyond comprehension. This investigation and subsequent arrests demonstrate DEA’s commitment to protecting our community by destroying these drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.”

    According to court documents, unsealed today, Ullah, Ullah, and Huang allegedly worked for a money laundering organization that laundered at least $30 million in proceeds related to the distribution of illegal drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, which were unlawfully imported into the United States, typically through Mexico. Ullah, Ullah, Huang, and their co-conspirators allegedly traveled throughout the United States to collect drug proceeds. They communicated with co-conspirators in China to arrange for the laundering of these proceeds through transactions designed to conceal the illegal source of the proceeds, including disguising the source of the drug proceeds by moving money through the shipment of electronic goods to China and the Middle East.

    Ullah, Ullah, and Huang are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

    The DEA’s Charleston, South Carolina Resident Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit; DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s offices in Columbia, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia; the FBI’s offices in Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina; the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations; the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; the Fort Mill Police Department; the York County Sheriff’s Office; the North Charleston Police Department; the Mount Pleasant Police Department; and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

    Trial Attorneys Mary K. Daly and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett E. McMillian for the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.

    The Third and Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Offices of South Carolina provided assistance in this case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Former ILVA plant and JTF financing – E-000927/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    According to available information, the EUR 400 million in question are distinct from the so-called bridge loan and are part of the EUR 1.1 billion seized from the former owners of ILVA to remedy the environmental impact of the plant.

    In Decision (EU) 2018/1498[1], the Commission concluded that the latter amount[2] was not state aid[3]. The destination of these funds was not an element retained by the Commission in its assessment (as non-aid) and, therefore, without prejudice to the application of Italian law, a change in such destination does not constitute a breach of the decision.

    A new permit in line with the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)[4] is due to be issued to the Acciaierie d’Italia plant by June 2025. The Commission receives updates on the progress made to bring the plant into compliance with the IED and is in contact with the Italian authorities to address the issues raised in the infringement procedure[5].

    The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)[6] can only support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or investments related to the production, processing, transport, distribution, storage, or combustion of fossil fuels, with some exceptions[7]. Regulation (EU) 2021/1056[8] excludes support to those activities under the Just Transition Fund (JTF)[9].

    Further exceptions for the support of such investments are introduced in the proposal for a regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056[10].

    In addition, while support to enterprises others than SMEs is allowed by Regulation (EU) 2021/1056, it is not under the Italian JTF National Programme[11].

    Thus, investments involving large enterprises and related to blue hydrogen cannot be financed under the above-mentioned programmes, unless exceptions apply.

    • [1] Commission Decision (EU) 2018/1498 of 21 December 2017 on the state aid and the measures SA.38613 (2016/C) (ex 2015/NN) implemented by Italy for Ilva SpA in Amministrazione Straordinaria (notified under document C(2017) 8391), OJ L 253, 9.10.2018, p. 45-75.
    • [2] ‘Measure 1: the transfer of the assets seized during criminal proceedings against Ilva’s previous owners’.
    • [3] Section 2.2.1, Section 5.2.1 and Article 1(a) of Decision (EU) 2018/1498.
    • [4] Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 amending Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, OJ L, 2024/1785, 15.7.2024.
    • [5]  INFR(2013)2177: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_13_866
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021.
    • [7] Article 7(1)(h) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1058.
    • [8] Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021.
    • [9] Article 9(d) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1056.
    • [10] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review .
    • [11] https://www.jtf.gov.it/the-program/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas woman pleads guilty to arson that destroyed Snohomish County church

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Seattle – A 38-year-old Temple, Texas, woman pleaded guilty today in U.S, District Court in Seattle to three felonies related to the arson at Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church (SLLC) in Snohomish County, Washington, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Natasha Marie O’Dell has been in custody since her arrest in Texas in August 2024. O’Dell pleaded guilty to Arson, Damage to Religious Property and Obstruction of Persons in the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs. She is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead on August 7, 2025.

    According to the plea agreement and the federal indictment, O’Dell was linked via cell phone records, credit card records and surveillance video to the fire that destroyed the Maltby, Washington, church on August 25, 2023.  Travel records indicate that over the time period of the fire, Odell was visiting relatives in Woodinville, Washington.

    Even though the church was destroyed, part of the security system video surveillance survived the fire and depicted O’Dell, moving around the church with the red gasoline container. In the video O’Dell empties the container on the exterior walls of the church and items around the church. O’Dell moves out of camera range and fire is seen growing on the areas where she poured gasoline.  Ultimately the video system stops functioning due to the fire.

    The investigation tied O’Dell to credit card purchases at an area service station when she purchased just over a gallon of gasoline in a container and some lighters. O’Dell took an Uber to the church to commit the arson.

    In the plea agreement O’Dell admits that she told various acquaintances that she was angry about churches and specifically with SLLC. Later she told another acquaintance that she planned to burn a nearby church.

    One firefighter was injured fighting the blaze and was transported to an emergency room.

    The fire did more than $3.2 million in damage to the church. The church has incurred additional costs renting a nearby middle school to hold their services two to three times a week.

    Damage to religious property, and obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religion are punishable by up to 40 years in prison. Arson is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to twenty years in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Whitehead after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case was investigated by the Snohomish County Fire Marshall’s Office and the Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Wholesale natural gas prices and increasing costs of storage refill – E-000111/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to bring down energy prices for households and businesses to support the energy transition and EU’s competitiveness.

    As part of the Clean Industrial Deal[1], the Commission adopted an Action Plan for affordable Energy[2] outlining key actions to lower energy costs for European consumers, including by ensuring well-functioning and transparent gas markets.

    Mandatory filling targets in the Gas Storage Regulation (EU) 2022/1032[3] have increased transparency and predictability of market participants’ behaviour, contributing to market stability, especially during the 2022-2023 energy crisis[4].

    Although the situation has improved, the gas market remains tight and competition for global liquified natural gas has increased. This is why the Commission has proposed to extend this regulation by 2 years[5].

    At the same time, understanding the need for greater flexibility, the Commission issued a recommendation[6] to support Member States on how to identify and apply flexibility existing within the existing legislative framework to better coordinate and smartly design their storage filling policies ahead of winter 2025/2026.

    The Commission on the other hand will consider actual market conditions when deciding on enforcement of the storage filling targets.

    The Commission is carefully monitoring the internal energy market and has a good overview of the situation in individual Member States, including the effects the war against Ukraine may have on their security of supply.

    Analysis shows that the impact of the end of Russian gas transit via Ukraine on gas prices has been limited. To address specific challenges, the Commission has established a High-Level Working Group with Slovakia, and is going to launch one with Hungary.

    • [1] The Clean Industrial Deal: A Joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation COM(2025) 85 final.
    • [2] Action Plan for Affordable Energy: Unlocking the true value of our Energy Union to secure affordable, efficient and clean energy for all Europeans COM(2025) 79 final.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/1032/oj/eng
    • [4] Report from the Commission on solidarity and certain aspects concerning gas storage based on Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 of the European Parliament and of the Council COM(2025) 98 final.
    • [5] Proposal for Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 as regards the role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season.
    • [6] Commission Recommendation on the implementation of the gas storage filling targets in 2025 COM(2025) 1481 final.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Customs duties in the EU – E-000788/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Anti-dumping duties on fertilisers are only applicable to imports of urea ammonium nitrate mixtures from Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America.

    The Commission is currently conducting an expiry review investigation on the anti-dumping measures applicable to these imports.

    The expiry review was initiated on 8 October 2024, at the request of the EU industry, and the Commission is currently investigating whether expiry of these measures would be likely to result in continuation and/or recurrence of dumping and continuation or recurrence of injury to the EU industry.

    The review investigation will be normally concluded within 12 months of the date of initiation of the review, but not later than 15 months from initiation.

    The Commission is not carrying out at this stage legislative work as regards suspending conventional duties on imports of the products referred to by the Honourable Member (codes 3102 10, 3102 80, 3105 30, 3105 40 and 3105 20 from the tariff nomenclature).

    The Commission is monitoring prices applicable in the EU for these and other nitrogen-based fertilisers and retains its prerogative of proposing to the Council the suspension of Common Customs Tariffs should the price levels of these goods increase.

    On 19 April 2024, the Commission published for public feedback a draft Commission directive amending Annex III of the Nitrates Directive[1] as regards the use of certain fertilising materials from livestock manure (RENURE). Discussions on the draft text are underway in the Nitrates Committee with the competent Member State authorities.

    • [1] Nitrates — updated rules on the use of certain fertilising materials from livestock manure (RENURE); https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14242-Nitrates-updated-rules-on-the-use-of-certain-fertilising-materials-from-livestock-manure-RENURE-_en
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: VA Secretary Remarks at CWV Forum, March 28, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Doug Collins, provides impactful remarks at the VA Women Veteran Community Support Forum, hosted by the Center for Women Veterans.

    In this special event, the Secretary extends deep gratitude to our women Veterans – thank you for your incredible service, strength, and continued engagement. You inspire us all and are the core of our mission at VA.

    Key Highlights:
    • Commitment to Women Veterans: VA’s dedication to serving Women Veterans with dignity, respect, and urgency.
    • Change and Growth: Embracing the fastest growing Veteran population and making transformative changes.
    • SecVA Priorities: Six guiding priorities, including timely access to care, customer service, challenging the status quo, employee accountability, providing healthcare choices, and reaching at-risk Veterans.
    • Collaboration & Partnership: Working together with the Center for Women Veterans, Congress, VSOs, and local non-profits to build trust and shape the VA.
    • Engagement Builds Trust: Encouraging women Veterans to share their voices and experiences to foster a supportive and reflective community.
    He ends thanking women Veterans for being a part of this journey. Sharing that their voice matters and together, we can make a difference.

    #SecVetAffairs #WomenVeterans #VAWomenVets #BringWomenVeteransHome #WVCSF

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWE8xiTkd74

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Strykers Patrolling the Border | CBP

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    The Department of Defense (DoD) authorized the deployment of Stryker armored vehicles to assist Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in detecting and monitoring activity to enhance security at the U.S. southern border.

    Securing the U.S. southern border is the top priority for the DoD and U.S Border Patrol (USBP). The deployment of the Stryker vehicles is not just about enhancing capability; it also showcases a strategic shift in how military resources are being utilized.

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #army
    #southernborder
    #lawenforcement
    #patrol

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wKxJDiemH0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Second urgent and primary care centre opening in Nanaimo

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People living in and around Nanaimo will have more access to team-based primary care as a second urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) opens on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

    The Central Nanaimo UPCC is at 3260 Norwell Dr.

    “This new UPCC is great news for people in the vibrant and fast-growing Nanaimo region,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Access to primary care is so important to maintaining a good quality of life, and this second UPCC will facilitate more than 86,000 patient visits each year and builds on the success of the first Nanaimo UPCC, opened in 2018. This is one more action we are taking to ensure that people get the health care they need when and where they need it.”

    This second UPCC in Nanaimo is expected to connect 4,770 people to primary-care providers in the region. The Central Nanaimo UPCC will provide same-day access for people who need support for their primary health-care needs within 12 to 24 hours, but do not require an emergency department. Conditions such as sprains, cuts, high fevers and minor infections are appropriate for care at the UPCC.

    “The development of this new UPCC in Nanaimo is the result of extensive collaboration between our partners, including the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice,” said Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health. “Nanaimo residents will receive patient-centred, culturally safe care delivered by a compassionate and dedicated team of health-care professionals within a welcoming, trauma-informed space.”

    The UPCC includes a separate entrance at the side of the building for patients who require discreet, culturally safe access to the clinic. The Thunderbird Wing of the UPCC, which has two private examination rooms, was developed in close consultation with members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation to ensure that everyone who visits the clinic feels welcomed and supported. Additional contributions from Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, Mid Island Métis Nation and Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre have helped create a culturally safe and welcoming space for all Indigenous community members.

    “Expanding access to health care and connecting more people with primary health-care providers is great news for people in Nanaimo,” said George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville. “This new UPCC will ensure residents benefit from high-quality, team-based care that’s built to meet the growing health-care needs in our region.” 

    The Nanaimo Outpatient Stabilization Service, which started out as a pilot project in May 2024, has become a permanent success. This service will now be expanding and moving to the Central Nanaimo UPCC as of May 1, 2025. Patients who do not have a primary-care provider and who have a new or suspected cancer diagnosis or an unstable chronic disease, which meets specific referral criteria, can be referred to the program. The UPCC will attach people to a family physician or nurse practitioner via the provincial attachment system, pending ongoing recruitment efforts.

    The UPCC will be open seven days a week for urgent primary-care needs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Access to the UPCC will be through appointments booked in advance by calling 1 833 688-8722, and up to 20% of services may be offered through virtual care.

    Once fully operational, the UPCC will have a clinical staffing complement of approximately 35.71 full-time equivalent (FTE) health-care workers, including 9.80 FTE of family physicians and 2.32 FTE of nurse practitioners, 14.86 FTEs of registered nurses, 6.98 FTEs comprised of social workers and mental-health and substance-use clinicians, and 1.75 FTE of community health worker. This clinical team is supported by several non-clinical roles, including a clinic manager and medical office assistants.

    As of April 2025, the ministry has committed $8.8 million in annual operating costs and a one-time amount of $200,000 for Central Nanaimo UPCC. 

    Additionally, the total capital cost for the Central Nanaimo UPCC is estimated to be approximately $8.2 million.

    Quotes:

    Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island –

    “It’s clear that the investment in the new UPC centre by the government will make a real difference to Nanaimo families by building on attachments to primary-care providers and reducing the wait times for urgent care.”

    Teltitelwet, registered nurse, Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre –

    “The Thunderbird Wing of the Central Nanaimo UPCC was born from a relationship built on respect and truth. It stands as a living act of reconciliation, shaped by deep consultation with First Nation voices, offering sacred space for the most vulnerable. Here, clients do not enter under the weight of judgment, but through a door of privacy, dignity and care. No longer made to walk through the eyes of the community, they are met with quiet strength, cultural safety and the healing power of being truly seen.”  

    Dr. Diane Wallis, chair, Nanaimo Division of Family Practice –

    “We are thrilled at the opening of this new primary-care resource for the community. This centre is a testament to the power of collaboration between the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice, Island Health and Indigenous community partners. By working together, we are ensuring that the people of Nanaimo have access to safe, comprehensive and timely urgent and primary care.”

    Quick Facts:

    • Including the new Central Nanaimo UPCC, there are 43 announced UPCCs in B.C., with 41 delivering services and nine operating in the Island Health region.
    • The Medical Arts UPCC at 103-650 South Terminal Ave. was the first UPCC established in Nanaimo.
    • The Medical Arts UPCC is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and provides same-day treatment for non-emergency injuries and illnesses when people are unable to see a family doctor or care provider at a regular clinic.
    • The Medical Arts UPCC was established in September 2019 and has provided more than 150,245 patient visits to date.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the Province’s Primary Care Strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0034-001010

    To learn about the Province’s Health Human Resources Strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0059-001464

    To learn more about the urgent and primary care centres and other health-care facilities in Island Health, visit: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh hails a decade of Panchayati Raj Reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership on Panchayati Raj Diwas, in Bihar

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh hails a decade of Panchayati Raj Reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership on Panchayati Raj Diwas, in Bihar

    Finance Commission Grants for Gram Panchayats increased sevenfold  in the last 10 years; Panchayat Representatives being trained in Premier Institutions: Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

    Centre Awards Six Panchayats, Three Institutions; Women Sarpanches of Motipur ( Bihar) , Dawwa S (Maharashtra) & Hatbadra (Odisha) Lead the Spotlight

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2025, a historic  event was organized at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Madhubani District of Bihar in the august presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The national commemoration was marked by vibrant participation from elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), beneficiaries of several government schemes, and local residents. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on this occasion launched/ laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects amounting to over Rs.13,480 crores. These initiatives spanned across key sectors including housing, rural development, power, transportation, and connectivity. In his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and empowering Panchayats as the driving force behind rural transformation. Addressing from the soil of a Gram Panchayat, Shri Modi underlined the spirit of Gram Swaraj and the role of Panchayats in building a developed and inclusive India.

    Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in his address highlighted the transformation witnessed by Panchayats across India over the past decade. He emphasized how digital tools such as eGramSwaraj have empowered local self-governments, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and ease of living in rural India. The Union Minister underlined the significant increase in financial devolution to PRIs that is nearly seven times more compared to the 13th Finance Commission in the last ten years.

    “A truly developed India cannot be imagined until its villages and Panchayats are fully developed,” stated Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The  event was also graced by Bihar Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar, and several Union Ministers, public representatives and senior officials, including Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

    In his address, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj outlined the transformative progress made under the leadership of the Prime Minister in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions over the last decade. He highlighted a seven-fold increase in fund devolution to Panchayats, advancements like the e-Gram Swaraj portal for enhanced transparency, weather forecasting at the Panchayat level, and leadership development through training at prestigious institutions like IIMs. The Union Minister emphasized the special focus on strengthening women’s leadership in Panchayats through targeted skill development initiatives. Shri Singh said that Prime Minister’s decision to address the nation from a Gram Panchayat underscores the government’s commitment to grassroots democracy. He called the national celebration at Lohna Uttar a historic moment in India’s journey towards a self-reliant, inclusive, and sustainable rural governance system – a solid foundation for a truly Viksit Bharat.

    A major highlight of the event was the conferring of the Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), and Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP), recognizing exemplary contributions in Climate Action (CASPA), Self-Reliance (ANPSA), and Capacity Building (PKNSSP). A total of six Gram Panchayats and three institutions from eight States were felicitated. Notably, three award-winning Panchayats – Motipur (Bihar), Dawwa S (Maharashtra), and Hatbadra (Odisha) are headed by women Sarpanches, exemplifying the role of women leadership in driving local development. 

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    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2124144) Visitor Counter : 24

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong celebrates World Intellectual Property Day 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong celebrates World Intellectual Property Day 2025  
         Addressing the reception, Mr Lam emphasised that Hong Kong is taking active steps to develop itself into an international innovation and technology centre. To achieve this goal, it is essential to ensure that the legal system offers sufficient protection to IP right as intangible assets, and regulate their use and transfer. This underscores Hong Kong’s unique advantages as the only common law jurisdiction in China under the principle of “one country, two systems”.
     
         Mr Lam pointed out that Hong Kong’s highly regarded common law system plays two important roles in IP development — serving as a dispute resolution centre and a hub for IP trading. With the rapid growth of the IP industry in both Hong Kong and the Mainland, there is increasing demand for services related to IP disputes and trading. Hong Kong’s user-friendly bilingual common law system and an abundant supply of high quality legal professionals create an ideal environment for IP trading in any form.
     
         Mr Lam said, “China has become the global technological giant and powerhouse. Hong Kong is also taking active steps to develop itself into an international innovation and technology centre. I am very confident that Hong Kong can and will play a more significant role in future in the area of IP protection and trading, which will in turn contribute to the innovation and technology development of not just Hong Kong but our country as a whole.”
     
         Echoing the theme of this year’s World IP Day, namely, “IP and music: Feel the beat of IP”, the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, in his welcoming remarks cited music as a perfect example of how IP fuels creativity, adding that the vibrant music landscape worldwide owes much to strong copyright protection that rewards originality and entrepreneurial efforts. He stressed that the Government is committed to enhancing the copyright law to encourage creativity and support innovation.
     
         The pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI) development globally has prompted sea change. In order to enhance the Copyright Ordinance for addressing the copyright issues arising from the rapid development of AI, the Government, having conducted a public consultation, is putting forward a legislative proposal for introducing a new text and data mining exception into the copyright law. This exception will be subject to stringent conditions to ensure a careful balance between the interests of copyright owners in exploiting their works and the public interest in supporting innovation. Importantly, the rights reservation mechanism would be paramount for protecting copyright owners’ legitimate interests.
     
         About 180 guests including the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong, stakeholders from the legal community and IP-related associations, academics, consulate representatives, government officials and representatives from the public and business sectors attended the reception.
     
         Celebrated annually on April 26, the World IP Day aims to increase general understanding of IP, pay tributes to inventors and creators, and explore how IP helps shape the world. The IPD promoted the World IP Day and related activities through various channels, including sponsoring the “Licensing Academy” workshops of the Asian Licensing Conference to offer industry players insights into new developments in IP licensing.
    Issued at HKT 21:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Paving the Way for Integrative Healthcare: Key Meeting Held on Establishing Integrative Medicine Department at TATA IISc Medical School

    Source: Government of India

    Paving the Way for Integrative Healthcare: Key Meeting Held on Establishing Integrative Medicine Department at TATA IISc Medical School

    Ayush and IISc collaborate to institutionalise integrative healthcare for a healthier, holistic India

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 6:18PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards strengthening India’s traditional healthcare infrastructure through an integrative approach, a virtual meeting was convened today to discuss the establishment of a Department of Integrative Medicine at the TATA IISc Medical School, Bengaluru.

    The meeting brought together top health and academic leaders, including Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, Chairman, National Medical Commission (NMC); Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, Chairman, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM); and Prof. Swaminathan, Inaugural Chair and Professor, Department of Nephrology, IISc Bengaluru.

    Deliberations centred around the urgent need to blend the strengths of contemporary medicine with the time-tested practices of traditional systems like Ayurveda to enhance healthcare delivery, medical education, and research. The participants unanimously agreed on developing a White Paper on Integrative Medicine, outlining its scope and strategic applications in clinical practice, academics, and scientific inquiry. The document will serve as a roadmap for nationwide implementation, following expert consultation and policy-level approvals.

    This initiative follows the momentum built during the ‘RISE for Healthy Ageing’ International Conference at IISc, where top scientists and Ayush leaders discussed the future of Integrative Medicine. Today’s meeting marks a concrete development in institutionalising integrative healthcare, reaffirming India’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-centric health systems.

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    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2124132) Visitor Counter : 76

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes takes suo motu cognizance of the incident of Barkani village in Sundargarh district of Odisha

    Source: Government of India

    National Commission for Scheduled Tribes takes suo motu cognizance of the incident of Barkani village in Sundargarh district of Odisha

     Commission has sought action taken report from the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, Sundargarh and the concerned officials of Steel Authority of India

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has taken suomotu cognizance of a tragic incident that occurred on April 19, 2025, in Barkani village, Sundargarh district, Odisha. The incident took place during a protest by the local tribal community against the proposed construction of a railway line by Rourkela Steel Plant, extending up to Dumertha. During the protest, an unfortunate event led to the death of a tribal villager who was run over by a JCB machine. Subsequent unrest was also reported in the area.

    Taking serious note of the matter, the Commission has issued notices to the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and concerned officials of the Steel Authority of India, seeking a detailed factual report and an account of the action taken in response to the incident.

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    RN

    (Release ID: 2124105) Visitor Counter : 101

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Delegation visits Pretoria, South Africa for the second session of the India-South Africa JWGTI

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 7:58PM by PIB Delhi

    A nine member delegation held the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment meeting with the South African side in Pretoria, South Africa on 22nd – 23rd April, 2025. The discussions were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and were fruitful. There was enthusiastic response towards greater cooperation, addressing pending issues, boosting trade and investment, greater people to people contacts.

    The JTC was co-chaired by Mr. Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Republic of South Africa; and Ms. Priya Nair, Economic Adviser Department of Commerce. Official delegation from India consisted of officials from High Commission of India in South Africa, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The officials of both India and South Africa actively engaged in the proceedings of the India-South Africa JWGTI.

    Both sides explored potential areas of collaboration such as Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Agriculture, MSME, Jewelry manufacturing among others. Major points for discussion in JWGTI included revival of CEO Forum, investment cooperation, Market access issues with regard to agricultural products, Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia, Local Currency Settlement System, Fast payment systems/Unified Payment Linkage system, Discussion on India-SACU PTA etc. to further expand trade and economic ties between both the countries.

    In a comprehensive dialogue, both sides undertook a detailed review of recent developments in bilateral trade and investment ties and acknowledged the vast untapped potential for further expansion. To this effect, both sides identified several areas of focus for enhancing both bilateral trade as well as mutually beneficial investments.

    South Africa is the largest trading partner of India in the Africa region. Bilateral trade between India and South Africa stood at USD 19.25 billion in 2023-24. Indian businesses have invested over US$ 1.3 billion in South Africa from April 2000 to September 2024. These investments traverse diverse sectors, encompassing pharmaceuticals, IT, automotive, banking, and mining.

    The deliberations of the 2nd Session of India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment on 22nd April, 2025 were cordial and forward-looking, indicative of the amicable and special relations between the two countries.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2124166) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Issuance of Sports Certificates via DigiLocker

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Issuance of Sports Certificates via DigiLocker

    Inaugurates National Centre for Sports Science and Research at IG Stadium

    All sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric – Dr. Mandaviya

    NCSSR will serve as a hub for high-level research, education, and innovation aimed at enhancing elite athlete performance: Union Minister

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 4:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today launched the issuance of sports certificates via DigiLocker at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

    Prior to the launch, he inaugurated the National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR) at the same venue.

    Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to athlete welfare, stating that all sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric. Citing examples of the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024, Draft National Sports Policy 2024, and the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, the Minister said these reflect the Government’s resolve to ensure transparency, fairness and good governance in the Indian sports ecosystem.

    He announced that sports certificates issued via DigiLocker will soon be integrated with the National Sports Repository System (NSRS), enabling automatic disbursal of Government cash rewards directly into athletes’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), eliminating the need for paper applications.

    “In the past what used to happen is that a sportsperson had to apply for Government cash rewards after winning medals in international competitions. I don’t want that the athletes have to suffer or face any roadblocks in getting their well-deserved reward. So, these initiatives are meant to make it smooth for them. If everyone has watched him/her win a medal internationally why do they need to apply,” Union Minister said.

    Highlighting future plans, Dr. Mandaviya spoke about the comprehensive roadmap being implemented to support India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. He also reiterated India’s interest in hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

    Calling on National Sports Federations (NSFs) to prioritize good governance and athlete welfare, Union Minister urged collective efforts from athletes, federations, and the Government to strengthen the sports ecosystem. As a step in this direction, he announced that office space at IG Stadium in Delhi will be made available to interested NSFs.

    Dr. Mandaviya also announced the forthcoming launch of a ‘One Sport–One Corporate’ policy aimed at facilitating federation handholding and attracting financial support for sports development. Additionally, Olympic training centres for high-priority sports disciplines will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, he added.

    Speaking on the inauguration of the NCSSR, Dr. Mandaviya said the Centre will serve as a hub for high-level research, education, and innovation aimed at enhancing elite athlete performance. He emphasized that such initiatives will be instrumental in fulfilling India’s long-term sporting vision under Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    “Let us all work together to build a strong sports culture for a new India,” Dr. Mandaviya concluded.

    Praising the initiative by the government, Olympic silver medallist and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee Mirabai Chanu said: “This is a really good scheme for players. The issuance of sports certificates by DigiLocker will take a lot of stress away from all sportspersons like me. Many times sportspersons have to rush back home for certain documents – for government jobs, visa etc. – as we don’t carry them with us always. I want to thank our Sports Minister on behalf of all players for this initiative.”

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    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2124076) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani inaugurates the state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani inaugurates the state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh

    The facility is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and quality

    Cooperation Secretary termed it as a major milestone in NCOL’s journey to promote and distribute high quality, organic products under the brand ‘Bharat Organics’

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a greater role for cooperatives in making India the largest organic producer in the world

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Ministry is taking several initiatives to increase market access for organic produce of farmers

    NCOL is passing on the benefits of its venture to its member farmers, thereby encouraging them to adopt organic farming in greater numbers

    NCOL aims to ensure premium prices to farmers for their hard work towards organic farming and make organic food affordable and accessible to Indian consumers

    Mother Dairy is committed to make ‘Bharat Organics’ available across its channels to benefit accessibility to the customer and it stands for purity & trust

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani today addressed the inauguration of the state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility is designed to optimize efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and quality. It is dedicated to the packaging of pulses and a wide range of organic food products.

    Speaking at the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that the inauguration marks a major milestone in NCOL’s journey to promote and deliver high-quality, sustainable organic products under the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand.  He said that the NCOL has a huge role to play in empowering farmers and expanding access of market to genuine organic produce across India. He said Bharat Organics is making healthy food accessible to all for a healthier India.

    Dr Bhutani said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Ministry is taking several initiatives to increase market access for organic produce of farmers. Cooperation Secretary said that the inauguration of the packaging facility of NCOL marks a critical step in the organisation’s efforts to scale operations and expand the reach of certified organic produce, while delivering fair value to primary producers.

    Dr Bhutani said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a greater role for cooperatives in making India the largest organic producer in the world. Being in the cooperative sector, NCOL is passing on the benefits of its venture to its member farmers, thereby encouraging them to adopt organic farming in greater numbers.

    With 21 organic products, including pulses, cereals, spices and sweetners, already launched, Bharat Organics is available through 200+ SAFAL outlets in Delhi NCR, It is also being launched across major e-commerce & Q-Com platforms like Swiggy, Blinkit, BigBasket, Amazon, Flipkart, etc. It is also available at all NCCF and NAFED, outlets, who also happen to be our promoter members. Bharat Organics shall soon be available across all Reliance outlets.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of NCOL Shri Meenesh Shah said that NCOL aims to ensure premium prices to farmers for their hard work towards organic farming and make organic food affordable and accessible to Indian consumers. He said NCOL lays extra emphasis on the authenticity of certified organic products under the Bharat Brand name, by mandatorily testing each batch for 245+ pesticide residues.

    Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of NCOL, Shri Vipul Mittal said that it is our proud privilege to launch this range of ‘Bharat Organics’ pulses, while celebrating the international year of cooperation, chaired by India in 2025. The packaging carries this logo along with a QR code to test authenticity of the product. The consumer can scan this code and check the PR test report of the said batch.

    Addressing the event, the Managing Director of Mother Dairy Shri Manish Bandlish, emphasized that Mother Dairy is committed to make ‘Bharat Organics’ available across its channels to benefit accessibility to the customer. Mother Dairy stands for purity & trust for the last 50 years for the customers of Delhi.

    NCOL was established by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, in 2023 as an umbrella organization for the aggregation, procurement, certification, testing, branding, and marketing of organic products produced by the cooperative sector. NCOL operates with the support of relevant government ministries, following a “Whole of Government” approach, and is aligned with the national vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”.

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    RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2124157) Visitor Counter : 36

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –