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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference held in Hangzhou (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Hao, leading the delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Zhejiang respectively, held the High-Level Meeting cum the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference (the meeting-cum-plenary) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, today (April 24). Both sides witnessed the establishment of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism, symbolising a new stage of all-round exchanges and co-operation between the two places. The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, also attended the meeting-cum-plenary.

         Officials of the HKSAR Government that attended the meeting-cum-plenary included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.

         Hong Kong and Zhejiang reached a consensus on the following 13 co-operation areas at the meeting-cum-plenary:

    Joint pursuit of the Belt and Road development and business investment
    ———————————————————————-

         Strengthen co-operation on the Belt and Road Initiative between the two places. Encourage Zhejiang enterprises to actively participate in the Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong. Encourage Zhejiang enterprises to actively participate in relevant exchange and interface sessions organised by relevant authorities in Hong Kong.
     
         Promote the co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in the field of professional services. Support the introduction of Hong Kong management consulting, accounting, design, legal and dispute resolution service agencies.
     
         Continue to actively promote collaboration and exchanges on intellectual property between the two places through publicity initiatives and seminars.
     
    Finance
    ———-

         Support Zhejiang Province in collaborating with the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and relevant securities institutions to organise and conduct business training to address enterprises’ inquiries regarding listing in Hong Kong.

         Encourage enterprises in Zhejiang Province and financial institutions in Hong Kong to engage in exchanges and co-operation.

    Innovation and technology
    ——————————

         Jointly promote co-operation in technology research and development between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Support higher education institutions, research institutes and enterprises in Hong Kong and Zhejiang to jointly launch research initiatives to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, develop strategic emerging industries, and foster the development of future industries.

         Actively establish a two-way sci-tech financial investment and financing channel, and actively support Zhejiang’s high-tech enterprises in listing and raising funds, issuing local and foreign currency bonds in Hong Kong, etc.

         Encourage and support technology entities in Hong Kong and Zhejiang to take the lead in the establishment of technology co-operation platforms, and set up research and development centres, etc.

    Aviation
    ———-

         Increase the frequency of flights between Hong Kong and the three airports in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou in accordance with the market situation.

         Enhance the exchange of advanced airport management experience between airport personnel in Hong Kong and Zhejiang.
     
    Legal and dispute resolution
    ——————————

         Continue to proactively support law firms of the two places to establish partnership associations and set up branches in each other’s places.

         Promote co-operation between the arbitral institutions of the two places in the arbitration of civil and commercial disputes in the areas of international trade, investment, maritime commerce, etc.

         Support and promote the expansion of exchange platforms for legal, arbitration, mediation, and other professional services between the two places.

    Cultural exchange and tourism
    ——————————

         Strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges between the two places.

         Strengthen the exchanges and collaboration between the museums and arts and cultural institutions of Hong Kong and Zhejiang, and jointly organise international exhibitions.

    Education
    ———-

         Promote the development of the Zhejiang-Hong Kong Vocational Education Alliance. Effectively carry out visits to Zhejiang for Mainland study tours of the senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development and Mainland study tours for teachers.

         Facilitate more schools in the two places in forming sister school pairs for conducting exchange activities in diverse forms.

         Encourage higher education institutions in Zhejiang Province to further deepen co-operation with higher education institutions in Hong Kong and carry out various forms of collaborative projects, such as joint scientific research, academic seminars, and teacher-student exchanges.

    Youth development
    ——————–

         Actively explore the introduction of a quality internship programme in Zhejiang under the Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland.
     
        Support Hong Kong youths to participate in short-term experiential programmes at innovation and entrepreneurial bases in Zhejiang.
     
         Encourage and support Hong Kong youth entrepreneurial teams funded under the Youth Development Fund of the Government of the HKSAR to expand their businesses to Zhejiang.
     
    Health and Chinese medicine
    ——————————

         Strengthen exchanges and co-operation between the two sides in areas such as clinical talents, primary healthcare and hospital management.

         Support Hong Kong service providers to develop Hong Kong-Zhejiang joint ventures, co-operative medical institutions and wholly owned medical institutions in accordance with the law.

         Expedite academic and talent exchanges in Chinese medicine between the two places, and strengthen co-operation in the area of international standardisation of Chinese medicine.

    Environmental protection
    ——————————

         Promote the implementation of the co-operation agreement signed between the Radiation Monitoring Technical Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Hong Kong Observatory. Support technical staff of both sides in conducting regular technical discussions.

         Strengthen technical exchanges and co-operation in the field of carbon monitoring.

         Strengthen exchanges and discussions between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in areas such as environmental protection-related industry and technological innovation.

    Housing
    ———-

         The two parties will engage in collaborative exchanges encompassing innovative housing technologies, intelligent construction, resource conservation, as well as low-carbon and emission-reduction initiatives.

         The two parties will strengthen collaboration in innovative housing technologies, smart estate management, and the development of harmonious communities through reciprocal visits and professional training exchanges.

    Talent and civil service exchange
    ——————————

         Strengthen communication and connections with renowned schools in Hong Kong.
     
         Continue to promote and deepen exchanges between civil servants from both sides, and launch a new round of the exchange programme under the guidance of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    Facilitation measures for Hong Kong people on the Mainland
    ————————————————————

         Fully implement the policies and measures introduced by the relevant Central Government departments to facilitate the development of Hong Kong and Macao residents on the Mainland, and facilitate Hong Kong people studying, working and living in Zhejiang.

         Explore the expansion of the scope of application of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents in various government and public services in Zhejiang.

    Co-operation memorandum signing ceremony
    —————————————-

         At the meeting-cum-plenary, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government Mr Lu Shan, signed the “Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism” and the “Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference”. The documents (Chinese only) are in Annex 1 and Annex 2.

         In addition, four co-operation agreements were signed by government departments and statutory bodies of the two places:

    (i) Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Zhejiang/Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation;
    (ii) Letter of Intent on Strengthening Exchanges and Co-operation in Innovative Housing Technologies, Smart Estate Management and Well-being Community;
    (iii) Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting High-Quality Economic and Trade Co-operation; and
    (iv) Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Promoting Youth Development Co-operation.

         The co-operation agreements (i), (ii) and (iv) signed by the government departments of the two places (Chinese only) are in Annexes 3 to 5.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Achieves Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Haemophilia, Dr. Jitendra Singh Reviews BRIC-inStem Trials

    Source: Government of India

    India Achieves Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Haemophilia, Dr. Jitendra Singh Reviews BRIC-inStem Trials

    “Not Just Science, It’s Nation-Building”: Minister Hails Biotech’s Role in Future Economy

    From Lab to Life: Bengaluru’s BRIC-inStem Leads India’s Bio-Revolution with Gene Therapy, Regenerative Science

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh inspected the various facilities at BRIC-inStem and reviewed ongoing clinical trials in collaboration with premier medical institutes and hospitals, including the landmark first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia conducted with CMC Vellore. Calling it a “milestone in India’s scientific journey,” the Minister hailed the institute’s contributions to preventive and regenerative healthcare.

    During his visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the strategic importance of biotechnology in shaping India’s future economy and public health infrastructure. “This is not just about science—it’s about nation-building,” he said, commending the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) recent successes and its emergence from relative obscurity into national relevance.

    India’s biotechnology sector has seen an extraordinary leap, growing 16-fold in the past decade to reach $165.7 billion in 2024, with a vision to touch $300 billion by 2030. The Minister credited this growth to enabling policy reforms, including the recently approved BIO-E3 Policy that aims to boost economy, employment, and environment through biotechnology. “We now have over 10,000 biotech startups compared to just 50 a decade ago,” he pointed out.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the creation of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) that unified 14 autonomous institutions under one umbrella. “BRIC-inStem is at the cutting edge of fundamental and translational science,” he said, highlighting innovations like the germicidal anti-viral mask during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ‘Kisan Kavach’ that protects farmers from neurotoxic pesticides.

     

    A highlight of the visit was BRIC-inStem’s Biosafety Level III laboratory, a key national facility for studying high-risk pathogens under India’s One Health Mission. “The recent pandemic taught us that we must always be prepared. Facilities like this will help us stay a step ahead,” Dr. Jitendra Singh stated.

    The Minister also praised the newly launched Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE), which addresses birth defects and infertility by advancing developmental biology research. “With about 3 to 4 percent of babies born with some form of defect, this centre is vital for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes,” he said.

    Calling for greater collaboration between scientific and medical institutions, he suggested that BRIC-inStem explore MD-PhD programs, integrate more with clinical research, and enhance visibility through coordinated communication strategies. “What’s being done here should echo across the country—not for publicity, but because the nation needs it,” he said.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by noting that India’s economy of the future would be bio-driven, with institutions like BRIC-inStem serving as torchbearers of this transformation. “As Mark Twain said, the economy is too serious a subject to be left to economists alone. Biotechnology is not just a science anymore—it is a pillar of our national strategy.”

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Record Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Record Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways

    Achieves 145.5 million tonnes in FY 2024–25

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Key Takeaways

    • India achieved a record 145.5 million tonnes cargo movement on inland waterways in FY 2024–25, up from 18.1 MMT in FY 2013–14, registering a CAGR of 20.86%.
    • The number of National Waterways increased from 5 to 111, with the operational length growing from 2,716 km (2014–15) to 4,894 km (2023–24).
    • Massive infrastructure development including Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), community jetties, floating terminals, and green tech like Hybrid Electric and Hydrogen Vessels.
    •  Launch of Jalvahak Scheme with ₹95.42 crore budget offering 35% operating cost incentive for cargo owners and scheduled services on key routes (NW-1, NW-2, NW-16).
    •  India aims to increase IWT modal share from 2% to 5%, and raise traffic to 200+ MMT by 2030 and 500+ MMT by 2047 under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.

     

    Record Cargo Movement Marks a Milestone in Inland Water Transport

     

    In a significant achievement for India’s inland water transport (IWT) sector, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) reported a record-breaking cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2024–25. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of sustained investments and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s inland waterways infrastructure. The number of operational national waterways has also increased from 24 to 29 during the same period, reflecting a strategic push towards multimodal connectivity and sustainable transport solutions.​

    Exponential Growth in Cargo Traffic in last ten years

    Cargo traffic on National Waterways has increased from 18.10 (million metric tonnes) MMT to 145.5 MMT (million metric tonnes) between FY-14 and FY-25, recording a CAGR of 20.86%.

    In FY-25, traffic movement registered a growth of 9.34% year-on-year from FY-24. Five commodities i.e. coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand and fly ash constituted over 68% of total cargo moved on NWs during the year. Passenger movement has also reached 1.61 crore in 2023–24.​

    Expansion of National Waterways

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has expanded the number of National Waterways (NWs) from 5 to 111 under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Since 2014, the Government has invested around ₹6,434 crore to develop waterway infrastructure.

    The operational length of NWs increased from 2,716 km (2014-15) to 4,894 km (2023-24). Major works include fairway maintenance, community jetties, floating terminals, Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), and navigational locks.

    To boost Ease of Doing Business, IWAI launched digital tools like Least Available Depth Information System (LADIS), River Information System (RIS), Car-D, Portal for Navigational Information (PANI), and Management Information and Reporting Solution (MIRS). Green initiatives such as Hybrid Electric Catamarans and Hydrogen Vessels are being introduced to reduce pollution and promote river tourism.

    Targets and Sustainable Development

    The Government of India has set ambitious targets for cargo movement via inland waterways.
    IWAI aims to increase the modal share of freight movement through IWT from 2% to 5% and traffic volume to more than 200 million metric tonnes (MMT) in line with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and more than 500 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2047 as per the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.    ​

     

    Policy Measures to Boost Inland Waterways

    1. Jalvahak – Cargo Promotion Scheme
       

    The Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector in India is still developing and needs support to shift cargo from road and rail to waterways. Although waterway transport is cheaper, overall logistics costs can be higher due to multimodal handling. To address this and promote IWT, the “Jalvahak” Scheme was launched on 15 December 2024 with a budget of Rs. 95.42 crores. It has two key components:

    1. Financial Incentive: Cargo owners get a 35% reimbursement on actual operating costs for shifting cargo from road/rail to IWT, encouraging use of waterways.
    2. Scheduled Services: Regular cargo services have been introduced to boost reliability and predictability.

    Key routes include:

    • Kolkata–Patna–Varanasi (NW-1)
    • Kolkata–Pandu (NW-2 via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route)
    • Kolkata–Badarpur/Karimganj (NW-16 via IBP route)

    The scheme covers cargo movement on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16, benefiting surrounding regions and building trust in waterway transport.

    2. Extension of Tonnage Tax to Inland Vessels
     Announced on 1st February 2025 during the budget, the tonnage tax regime has been extended to inland vessels registered under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021.

    • Benefit: Provides a stable and predictable tax regime based on vessel tonnage rather than profits, thereby lowering the tax burden and encouraging broader adoption of inland shipping.

    3. Regulatory Framework for Private Investment
    The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 have been notified, enabling private investment in inland waterways infrastructure by establishing a clear legal and operational framework for the construction and management of jetties and terminals.

    4. Port Integration
    To ensure seamless multimodal logistics, the Multi-Modal Terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, as well as the Intermodal Terminal at Kalughat, are being transferred to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata for operation and management. This integration is expected to streamline cargo movement between ports and inland waterways.

    5. Digitisation and Centralised Database
    A centralised portal is being developed for the registration of inland vessels and crew, similar to the ‘Vahan’ and ‘Sarathi’ systems used for road transport. This initiative will:

    • Simplify registration processes
    • Provide real-time data on vessel and crew availability
    • Enhance transparency and planning in the sector

    6. Cargo Aggregation Infrastructure
    To resolve issues related to sparse industrial presence along waterways, cargo aggregation hubs are under development:

    • Freight Village at Varanasi
    • Integrated Cluster-cum-Logistics Park at Sahibganj

    The National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and Indian Port and Rail Company Ltd. have been engaged to develop and provide rail connectivity to these logistics hubs.

    7. Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route Operationalisation
    Routes No. 5 & 6 between Maia and Sultanganj have been successfully trialled under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol. Regular operations will commence following consent from the Government of Bangladesh.

    8. Engagement with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
    More than 140 PSUs have been engaged to explore shifting a portion of their cargo to IWT. Ministries including Petroleum, Fertiliser, Coal, Steel, and Heavy Industries have been requested to align their cargo movement plans with the modal shift targets of the Maritime India Vision.

    Infrastructure developments for inland water transport:

    • Fairway Maintenance: Ongoing river training, dredging, channel marking, and surveys on National Waterways (NWs) to maintain a 35/45 m width and depths of 2.0 to 3.0 meters for vessel navigation.
    • NW-1 (Ganga River): 49 community jetties, 20 floating terminals, 3 Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), and 1 Inter-Modal Terminal (IMT) built, along with 5 pre-existing terminals.
    • NW-2 (Brahmaputra River): 12 floating terminals, MMTs at Pandu, Jogighopa, and terminals at Bogibeel and Dhubri for river cargo/cruise vessels. 4 dedicated jetties constructed at Jogighopa, Pandu, Biswanath Ghat, and Neamati.
    • NW-3 (West Coast Canal, Kerala): 9 permanent terminals with godowns and 2 Ro-Ro terminals constructed.
    • NW-68 (Goa): 3 floating concrete jetties in 2020, 1 in 2022 installed in Mandovi River.
    • NW-4 (Krishna River, Andhra Pradesh): 4 tourist jetties commissioned.
    • Other Projects: 12 Nos. floating jetties on NW-110 (River Yamuna) in Mathura-Vrindavan stretch in Uttar Pradesh, 2 Jetties on NW-73 (River Narmada) & 2 Jetties on NW-37 (River Gandak) in Bihar are under execution.

    Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future

    India’s concerted efforts in developing its inland waterways have yielded significant results, with record cargo movements and expanded infrastructure. The combination of strategic investments, policy initiatives, and digital innovations positions the country to further enhance its IWT sector, contributing to sustainable transportation and economic development. Continued focus on these areas will be crucial in achieving the ambitious targets set for the coming decades.​

    References

    Click here to see in PDF

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A new method to reliably estimate Helium abundance in the Sun

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    A new study has accurately estimated the abundance of Helium in our Sun for the first time. This could be a major step in assessing the opacity of the Sun’s photosphere.

    Astronomers have traditionally assumed the abundance of Helium in the photosphere of Sun–like stars to be one tenth of that of Hydrogen by extrapolating from hotter stars, or from the outer atmosphere of the Sun (solar corona, solar wind), or from seismology studies of the interior of the Sun. None of these methods are based on direct observations of the photosphere due to the absence of Helium spectral lines.

    An accurate and reliable measurement of the abundance of the element Helium in the photosphere of our Sun remains a challenge for astronomers to this day. The abundance of various elements in our Sun, or in any other star, is estimated from their absorption spectral lines. Since Helium does not produce any observable spectral lines from the visible surface, or the photosphere, of the Sun, its abundance has usually been estimated through indirect means.

    Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has used Magnesium and Carbon features in the observed high-resolution spectrum of the Sun to accurately calculate the abundance of Helium in our Sun, in a recent study. This study published as a paper in “Astrophysical Journal, has been carried out by Satyajeet Moharana, B.P. Hema, and Gajendra Pandey, all from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, based on an earlier novel method developed by the latter two authors. Moharana is also a student at IISER Berhampur.

    “Using a novel and consistent technique, whereby the spectral lines of neutral Magnesium and Carbon atoms in conjunction with the lines from the Hydrogenated molecules of these two elements are carefully modelled, we are able to constrain the relative abundance of Helium in the Sun’s photosphere now”, said Satyajeet Moharana, the first author of the published study and currently a PhD scholar at KASI, South Korea.

    Fig: Abundance of carbon (from CI, CH and C2 lines) and magnesium (from Mg I and MgH lines) for different Helium/Hydrogen ratios.

     

    “We analysed the lines of neutral Magnesium and the subordinate lines of MgH molecule, and the neutral Carbon and the subordinate lines of CH and C2 molecules, from the photospheric spectrum of the Sun”, said B.P. Hema. This was done by a careful calculation of the various parameters involved in the formation of the spectral lines. They then subjected the data to Equivalent Width analyses and spectrum syntheses.

    “The abundance of Magnesium derived from its neutral atomic line must necessarily agree with the abundance derived from its hydrogenated molecular line”, she explained. Similarly, the abundance of Carbon derived from its neutral atomic line must agree with that derived from its molecular lines. The estimate of the abundance of these two elements from each of their lines depends, in turn, on the abundance of Hydrogen. Since Helium is the second most abundant element in the Sun after Hydrogen, the abundance of Helium is linked to the abundance of Hydrogen. This is the basic principle of this method.

    “For example,”, explains Moharana, “if Helium was assumed to be slightly more abundant, this would proportionately decrease the abundance of Hydrogen, which will decrease the opacity of the Sun’s photosphere and decrease the availability of Hydrogen to form molecules with Magnesium and Carbon”. For a metal hydride (e.g. MgH or CH) line, a combined effect of the reduced continuum absorption and the line’s reduced absorption strength demands an increased metal abundance to fit the same observed line strength.

    “In our analysis, we calculated the expected abundance of Mg and C for various values of the relative abundance of Helium to Hydrogen, from the atomic and molecular lines”, said Gajendra Pandey. For the Mg and C abundances to match their respective atomic and molecular features, the Helium to Hydrogen ratio that we infer are consistent with a value of 0.1.  

    “Our derived He/H ratios are in fair agreement with the results obtained through various helioseismological studies, signifying the reliability and accuracy of our novel technique in determining the solar helium-to-hydrogen ratio. This study also confirms that the widely assumed and adopted (He/H) ratio of 0.1 is in fair agreement with our measurements.”, said B.P. Hema.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Launching the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan to establish a statewide framework to align ongoing State climate adaptation planning and implementation efforts throughout New York communities. Over the course of the next year, this initiative will equip State and local partners with shared direction and foster collaboration across every region of the State, ensuring New Yorkers are better equipped and prepared for the devastating storms that cause more than $1 billion in damages for New York annually.

    “As Governor, I have made major investments to prepare local leaders and protect communities across New York from the increasingly severe weather events that have cost us billions of dollars in damages and routinely threaten our safety,” Governor Hochul said. “By developing this statewide initiative to guide our ongoing climate resiliency efforts, we are solidifying a commitment to a safe, affordable and sustainable future that all New Yorkers need and deserve.”

    The plan will create a collective vision, principles, planning resources and a gap analysis of existing State agency initiatives, which include a wide array of project types, such as: shoreline restoration, the relocation of critical infrastructure to reduce flood risk, the relocation and raising of flood-prone roadways, and right-sizing dams, bridges and culverts. The coordination initiative for this plan is being led by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of State (DOS), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with other State agencies.

    As part of the first phase of the plan, the State will host a series of webinars in summer 2025. This initial outreach will be followed by more comprehensive engagement opportunities throughout the development of the plan, including additional in-person and virtual events and direct engagement with local governments and key stakeholders such as community-based organizations. Additional information, as well as upcoming opportunities to get involved, will be shared on the plan’s website.

    Recognizing the need for innovative and cross-sector partnerships, the plan will create a unified adaptation and resilience strategy that builds upon and strengthens existing efforts while identifying new options for taking action. New York State will continue to advance investments and initiatives to support local planning and implementation of climate adaptation and resilience actions. Resources immediately available include:

    • Funding through the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, Green Resiliency Grant Program, Resilient Watershed Grants and other Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act-supported programs;
    • Targeted climate research through the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment;
    • Supporting local and regional planning through programs such as the Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning program, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency programs;
    • Hazard-focused statewide planning such as the implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan.

    Additional resources and funding opportunities to support state and local adaptation and resilience are available here and through the Environmental Bond Act Funding Finder.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New Yorkers know all too well how flooding and severe weather driven by climate change can wreak havoc on our communities and the environment. At Governor Hochul’s direction, we are taking action to make sure our communities and natural resources are resilient now and in the future. DEC is proud to lead this multi-agency effort to build, collaborate, and streamline New York State’s collective efforts on adaptation and resilience to ensure our state, communities, and partners are armed with the tools and resources needed to adapt to and prepare for the many impacts of climate change.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “This comprehensive resiliency plan is yet another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, businesses and infrastructure from the ravages of climate change. The Department of State stands ready and eager to contribute to this statewide effort to ensure that all corners of the State are prepared for and resilient against a rapidly changing climate.”

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Over the last year alone, we’ve seen the toll that weather events like flooding and tornadoes can take on communities. By bringing together multiple State agencies to collaborate on methods to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we are taking a proactive approach to address Governor Hochul’s focus on prevention and resiliency. Investing in this work now will help the residents of New York respond and recover quickly and efficiently from storms.”

    NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership on protecting New Yorkers from the impacts of rising temperatures and extreme weather events is evident through this multi-agency planning process that will advance statewide efforts. NYSERDA looks forward to engaging in this highly collaborative undertaking, which provides for the most efficient and coordinated use of State resources to meet future challenges in a strategic, sustainable way.”

    As part of the 2025 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul also announced a historic $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, a critical investment designed to rapidly generate thousands of jobs, slash energy bills for households and cut harmful pollution.

    New York State’s Climate Agenda 
    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Citizen Of Mexico Indicted On Illegal Reentry, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Document Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Herminio Lopez-Gervacio, age 50, a citizen of Mexico, illegally residing in Loganton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 23, 2025, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien, possession of a fraudulent document, and aggravated identity theft.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about February 17, 2025, Lopez-Gervacio was encountered in Clinton County after previously being removed from the United States.  The indictment also alleges that Lopez-Gervacio had been removed from the United States on May 5, 2011, through El Paso, Texas, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.

    This case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) 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 Neighborhood (PSN).

    The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense of aggravated identity theft is 2 years mandatory minimum and a fine.  A sentence for this offense may also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: York County Man Charged With Production Of Child Pornography And Related Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Haley, age 41, of York County, Pennsylvania, was charged on April 23, 2025, by a federal grand jury with producing and possessing child pornography. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on March 29, 2021, in York County, Haley enticed an 11-year-old minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing four videos.  It is further alleged that on March 20, 2025, Haley possessed a SanDisk 64 GB micro-SD card that contained images of child pornography involving a minor who had not attained 12-years of age.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit  www.usdoj.gov/psc.

    This case was investigated by the FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby is prosecuting the case.      

    The total maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is up to 140 years’ imprisonment, a term of up to lifetime supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Earth Day] Coral in Focus: Samsung Marks One Year of Marine Ecosystem Restoration With Galaxy Technology

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its collaboration with Seatrees that leverages Galaxy camera to restore damaged marine ecosystems. Samsung has long been committed to helping to protect marine ecosystems. Beginning with the Galaxy S22 series, the company started recycling discarded fishing nets and incorporating the material into its smartphones. This practice has since expanded across the Galaxy ecosystem — including tablets, laptops and wearable devices.
     
    Building on these efforts Samsung is now supporting coral reef restoration through technological innovation. Samsung Newsroom U.K. highlights how this initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to the world’s oceans.
     
    Supporting Marine Ecosystems Through Global Collaboration
    Introduced at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2025, Coral in Focus is an initiative launched last year that supports local communities, including Fiji, Indonesia and the United States, to restore coastal ecosystems.
     

     
    Samsung has partnered with Seatrees, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems, to explore, new, innovative solutions for coral reef restoration. The company has introduced Ocean Mode1 on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, an exclusive camera feature that enables vivid image capture even underwater. These images provide accurate visual data for marine researchers who create 3D photogrammetry models to continuously monitor and analyse coral reefs. Local partner organisations then use these findings to guide their on-site coral restoration efforts.
     

     
    Ocean Mode: How Galaxy Camera Innovation Is Helping Marine Researchers
    Partners and local field teams use Ocean Mode to reduce the excessive blue tones common in underwater photography, allowing for a more accurate representation of coral colours. The feature also helps minimise motion blur through optimised shutter speed and multi-frame image processing. Additionally, the interval shooting function enables thousands of high-resolution coral images to be captured in a single session — improving both efficiency and image clarity.
     
    With these coral restoration initiatives, photos taken with Ocean Mode have been used to produce 17 3D models of coral reefs to analyse the health and growth of reefs. In total, 11,046 coral fragments were planted to restore 10,705 square meters of coral reef habitat — roughly the size of 25 basketball courts.
     

     

     
    Since unveiling its “Galaxy for the Planet” environmental vision in 2021, through recycling plastic from discarded fishing nets into its smartphones to providing cutting-edge camera technology, Samsung has continually increased its efforts to support marine researchers. Read more on the vision here.
     
    1 Ocean Mode was exclusively developed for this project and is only available to participating partners.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Lankford, Hassan Reintroduce Bill to Disrupt Cartel Operations by Increasing Southbound Border Inspections

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), both members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced legislation to increase inspections of traffic going from the U.S. to Mexico, which would help combat the flow of illicit firearms and money that fuel drug cartels. 
    “With border crossings at a record low, the results speak for themselves. President Trump’s leadership is making America safer; the southern border is much more secure than it was a year ago,” Lankford said. “But US Customs and Border Protection still doesn’t have the resources they need to stop gun smuggling to the criminal cartels in Mexico. We need to ensure border law enforcement has the personnel and technology to crack down on criminal activity that puts Americans at risk.”
    “Dismantling drug cartels requires cutting off the flow of illegal firearms and cartel money moving from the U.S. into Mexico, which help give cartels the resources to continue to operate and flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation significantly enhances our southbound inspection capabilities, which will help disrupt cartel operations and reduce the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated communities across New Hampshire and nationwide.” 
    Specifically, the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act would: 
    Require that at least 10 percent of southbound vehicles are inspected, to the extent practicable 
    Authorize at least 100 additional Homeland Security Investigations agents to investigate the smuggling of guns and money from the U.S. into Mexico
    Authorize at least 100 additional Homeland Security Investigations agents to investigate drug smuggling, human trafficking, child trafficking, and unauthorized entries from Mexico into the U.S.
    Authorize 50 additional x-ray inspection systems for southbound inspections  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Managing the influx of migration to the Canary Islands – E-000288/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2025, the EU’s contribution to Frontex’s budget amounts to approximately EUR 1 billion. This provides Frontex with sufficient resources to fulfil its role in combatting cross-border crime, in line with its mandate.

    Return and readmission are important components of cooperation of the EU and its Member States with partner countries. Under international customary law, all States are obliged to readmit their own nationals.

    To implement this obligation, the Commission continually engages with partner countries of origin and transit both to improve returns and to prevent irregular arrivals.

    This cooperation can take the form of readmission agreements or arrangements, or dedicated provisions in broader agreements such as the Samoa Agreement[1]; Anti-Smuggling Operational Partnerships, like the one concluded with Morocco[2]; EU support for the voluntary return of sub-Saharan migrants from several transit countries; or comprehensive migration partnerships, like the one concluded with Mauritania in March 2024[3].

    These initiatives complement the ones caried out on a bilateral basis by Member States.

    • [1] Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part. OJ L 2023/2862, 28.12.2023, p. 1-172.
    • [2] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/european-commission-and-morocco-launch-renewed-partnership-migration-and-tackling-human-smuggling-2022-07-08_en
    • [3] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/eu-mauritania-joint-declaration_en
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU support for investigations of the crime at Tempi – P-001585/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001585/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    With regard to the crime that took place at Tempi (on 28 February 2023), the government’s narrative refers to the fatalities as a result of the crash. Investigations have shown that the hydrocarbons benzene, toluene and xylene, weighing 3.8-5.4 tonnes, were to blame for the fatal fireball. It was found that passengers who survived the crash were burnt to death, with the fire starting 1.5-3 minutes after the crash. It is estimated that 8.9-12.6 tonnes of aromatic hydrocarbons spilled onto the soil, with their evaporation creating dangerous conditions for those who later ventured onto the site. The fact that the smuggled cargo is to blame for the fireball, and thus for most of the deaths, is being covered up by the government – presumably at the request of the smugglers.

    The government’s manipulation of justice clearly results in the failure to investigate the identity of the smuggler and his connection to the government. Since 2014, the EU has provided almost EUR 700 million in funding towards 16 transport projects in Greece, and the crime at Tempi presents an – indirect – insult to it.

    In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Could it request that a European agency, such as the European Railway Agency (ERA), carry out an independent investigation of the accident?
    • 2.Is there a possibility for EU action to ensure that the Greek Government takes all the necessary measures to hold those responsible to account?
    • 3.Has the decision been taken to monitor Greece more closely with regard to the investigation of the case and the implementation of security measures following the crime at Tempi?

    Submitted: 21.4.2025

    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need to incorporate specific measures to better support the health coverage of islands in the EU cohesion policy framework – E-001524/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001524/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    EU island regions face chronic and structural problems with regard to access to basic health services. This issue is exacerbated by geographical isolation, seasonal population pressure, the inability to attract medical and nursing staff and the inadequacy of infrastructure. Despite the fact that the TFEU recognises insularity as a permanent structural handicap, these specific problems do not appear to be dealt with sufficiently under the current cohesion policy strategy and priorities.[1]

    Taking into account the desperate shortages of doctors, nurses and basic health infrastructure on at least 15 Greek islands, as reflected in data from the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees in view of Easter and the upcoming tourist season[2], and the resolution of the European Parliament[3] calling on the EU to draw up a dedicated strategy and agenda for islands, with clearly defined priorities for action and funding, and stressing the need to improve health infrastructure and upgrade primary healthcare provision, access to healthcare and the provision of support, in order to encourage the establishment of healthcare professionals, can the Commission say:

    • 1.Does it intend to establish a specific horizontal priority and category of funding and targeted support for basic public health services on islands within the framework of the cohesion funds?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to establish specific rules, targeted financial support and binding criteria for strengthening healthcare services in island regions under the post-2027 cohesion policy framework, in order to take account of the specific situation of islands with regard to access to healthcare services?

    Submitted: 14.4.2025

    • [1] Despite financial support from EU cohesion policy funds, such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), for action in the area of health, the problem of poor and unequal health coverage on islands remains acute and, in many cases, it is getting worse. This highlights the need for more targeted, established and permanent measures.
    • [2] For more information, see https://www.efsyn.gr/ellada/ygeia/468921_kentra-aerodiakomidon-ehoyn-ginei-ta-nisia#goog_rewarded
    • [3] For further information, see European Parliament resolution of 7 June 2022 on EU islands and cohesion policy: current situation and future challenges (2021/2079 (INI)), https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2022-0225_EN.html.
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Qatar – E-002888/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission applies strict transparency rules concerning interest representation and publishes information on all meetings held with interest representatives on the transparency websites of the Members of the Commission and/or Directorates-General. As of 1 January 2025, the transparency rules apply to all Commission staff holding management functions. Meetings with public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, are not covered by these rules (Commission Decisions (EU) 2024/3081 and 2024/3082) .

    2. The Commission has a strong ethical framework and governance structure in place to ensure that its Members and its staff respect the highest ethical standards and that its decisions are not unduly influenced, as set out in its communication on Governance in the Commission[1]. It has taken steps to further strengthen its internal transparency framework and is a signatory to the agreement on the interinstitutional ethics body of 15 May 2024 . The Commission has full trust in the work of competent authorities and courts and is ready to cooperate with them upon their request. The Commission has also proposed a directive introducing transparency requirements for interest-representation activities carried out in Member States on behalf of third countries[2], which will help address foreign influence in a balanced and proportionate way, fully respecting fundamental rights.

    3. According to Eurostat data the Foreign Direct Investment flows from Qatar to the Member States that published it in 2023 (the latest data available) amounted to 1,12 billion EUR.

    • [1]  C(2020) 4240 final; https://commission.europa.eu/publications/governance-european-commission_en
    • [2]  COM(2023)0637 Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937.
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU financing for the International Planned Parenthood Federation – E-000629/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission carries out rigorous selection processes, including checks on grant beneficiaries. To protect the financial interests of the Union, the Commission makes sure that the action is implemented in accordance with the applicable financial rules and the grant agreement signed with the beneficiary. Any breach of obligation of the terms of the grant agreement can lead to measures including grant agreement suspension and termination.

    The monitoring of the implementation of the grants, in which the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) European Network was a beneficiary, did not reveal any activities that would not be in line with the requirements for EU funding nor the need to review the allocation of funding.

    Further, the Commission notes that the IPPF is no t currently implementing any EU funding either.

    The Commission is aware of the allegations related to the tissue donation programme of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (IPPFA), which is a member association of IPPF. As the Commission pointed out in its replies to written questions E-011611/2015[1], E-12709/2015[2] and P-012161/2015[3], the IPPFA is not a recipient of EU funding either.

    Any information about alleged illegal activities taking place in the EU should be reported to the appropriate national law enforcement for further investigation, and, if necessary, for prosecution under the national legislative provisions.

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2015-011611-ASW_EN.html
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2015-012709-ASW_EN.html
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2015-011611-ASW_EN.html
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU-Mercosur trade agreement – E-000716/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The safeguard provision in the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement is an effective tool to protect any EU sector affected by the Agreement in case it suffers serious injury due to increased imports. Under this provision, the Parties can suspend preferences for up to two years.

    A request for a safeguard investigation could be made by one or several Member States on behalf of the EU sector or at the request of the domestic industry.

    The Commission will make proposals for the signature and conclusion of the agreement in accordance with the Treaties. In that context, the Commission will present its proposal for the legal basis and architecture of the deal.

    Any food product placed on the EU market, being domestically produced or imported from Mercosur countries, must comply with EU’s sanitary requirements. These requirements are not negotiable and apply regardless of trade agreements concluded with third countries.

    Official controls at EU borders are intended to verify whether EU food safety rules are respected. These controls are performed by the competent authorities of the Member States.

    The Commission carries out audits in third countries to ensure that their control systems provide enough guarantees as to ensure that exports to the EU take place in conformity with EU safety standards. In case of non-compliances, trade-restrictive measures may be imposed, both by the trade partner or the EU.

    In the framework of the communication on ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations’[1], the Commission announced a dedicated task force to be established, which will pull expertise and forces from the Commission and Member States together to further strengthen the control on imports.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0075
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Credibility of net-zero strategies and regulation of corporate greenwashing – E-000800/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to fighting greenwashing in business to consumer communication. In 2024, the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD)[1] was amended based on a Commission proposal on the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive[2].

    The amended UCPD contains a prohibition of generic environmental claims unless an excellent environmental performance can be demonstrated, and detailed rules on ‘future environmental performance claims’ such as net-zero commitments.

    Relevant for such claims and climate claims more broadly is also the proposal for a Green Claims Directive[3], under discussion by co-legislators.

    Aiming to prevent greenwashing in explicit voluntary environmental claims made by traders to consumers, the proposal sets detailed rules on substantiation and communication of environmental claims and on governance of environmental labelling schemes.

    The proposal explicitly tackles climate claims by requiring that the substantiation assessment: 1) separate any offsetting (based on carbon credits) from the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions, 2) specify whether those offsets relate to emission reductions or removals, and 3) describe how the offsets relied upon are of high integrity and accounted for correctly to reflect the claimed impact on climate.

    Moreover, the term ‘net-zero target’ is defined in EU law[4] in a delegated act under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

    The Commission expects the above instruments to provide a framework for companies to make transparent and credible environmental, including climate claims, helping restore consumers’ trust in these, and thereby also mitigate any ‘greenhushing’.

    • [1]  Directive 2005/29/EC (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02005L0029-20220528).
    • [2]  COM/2022/143 final (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52022PC0143).
    • [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-directive-green-claims_en
    • [4] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=OJ:L_202302772#ntc37-L_202302772EN.000301-E0030).
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need to strengthen the resilience of electric vehicle batteries and charging infrastructure in EU tourist destinations – E-000007/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Low temperatures affect the range of electrified vehicles, as a consequence of a reduced efficiency of the battery and also due to the additional energy consumption from auxiliaries (e.g. thermal comfort systems).

    To be able to quantify and assess the corresponding impact, the Commission has chaired a United Nations (UN) task force developing a harmonised test procedure for the accurate determination of the electric range in low temperature conditions.

    This procedure has been introduced as a new annex to UN Global Technical Regulation (GTR) No 15[1] and will be transposed into the Euro 7[2] implementing legislation.

    It is expected that improved consumer information will support the adoption of enhanced battery technology. In parallel, battery research and innovation on new, more robust battery generations is being undertaken in the co-programmed partnership BATT4EU under Horizon Europe[3].

    Regarding the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, Regulation (EU) 2023/1804[4] sets mandatory targets for recharging infrastructure for Member States in relation to the electric fleet size and along the trans-European transport (TEN-T) road network.

    The regulation does not define specific rules or targets on a regional or local level where Member States or regional authorities are better placed to determine expected demand and the need for recharging points at specific locations.

    The Commission supports the deployment of recharging infrastructure through various programmes, such as the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Facility (AFIF)[5] and the Recovery and Resilience Facility[6] and is preparing for the Social Climate Fund[7] and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan[8] with additional funds.

    • [1] The Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP) https://unece.org/transport/documents/2021/01/standards/addendum-15-united-nations-global-technical-regulation-no-15
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (OJ L, 2024/1257, 8.5.2024), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1257/oj
    • [3] https://bepassociation.eu/
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU, OJ L 234, 22.9.2023, p. 1-47.
    • [5] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities/calls-proposals/cef-transport-alternative-fuels-infrastructure-facility-afif-call-proposal_en
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02021R0241-20240301
    • [7] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02023R0955-20240630
    • [8] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0045
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Tackling drug trafficking in America – E-000632/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Boosting EU cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in the fight against organised crime is a priority of the Commission[1]. It is also a priority of the EU cooperation with Mexico.

    The EU closely monitors Mexico’s security strategy and remains committed to supporting Mexico in security and drug trafficking efforts through programmes like the Europe Latin America Programme of Assistance against Transnational Organised Crime[2] and the Cooperation Program between Latin America, the Caribbean and the EU on drug policy[3].

    The Commission ensures effective fund management through strict monitoring, evaluation, and financial controls, involving the Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office.

    The EU applies a constructive engagement policy while safeguarding financial interests, using the early detection and exclusion system as per Article 138 of the Financial Regulation[4].

    EU support in Mexico funds civil society organisations focused on democratic, social, and economic development. Assistance also extends to inclusive and green reforms via Member States and United Nations agencies, emphasising capacity building, best practice exchanges, and policy support.

    Key intervention areas include decent work, green transport, migration, health, public finance reform, in the framework of the Global Gateway strategy[5].

    Civil society plays a crucial role in Mexico’s development, achieving successes in migration, human rights, transparency, and public accountability. This participatory approach strengthens reforms and the rule of law.

    The EU also actively cooperated with the United States and other partners in the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.

    • [1] A ction 15 of the communication on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, COM(2023) 641 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0641
    • [2] https://elpaccto.eu/en/
    • [3] https://copolad.eu/en/
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402509
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/global-gateway_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Timeframes and the effectiveness of the Commission’s measures to monitor very large online platform (VLOP) commitments – E-001058/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has taken, and continues to take, swift and decisive action in relation to the Digital Services Act (DSA)[1] enforcement.

    The Commission has opened formal proceedings against several providers of very large online platforms, sent requests for information to verify providers’ compliance with the DSA and issued data retention orders[2].

    Several proceedings are ongoing, and findings remain confidential until publicly communicated. In addition, regulatory dialogues with very large online platforms and very large online search engines are carried out on an ongoing basis.

    On 13 February 2025, the Commission and the European Board for Digital Services endorsed the integration of the voluntary Code of Practice on disinformation into the framework of the DSA within the meaning of Article 45[3]. Adherence to the Code may therefore constitute a mitigation measure within the meaning of Article 35 DSA.

    If the Commission establishes a breach of the DSA by the provider of a very large online platform or very large online search engine, a fine of up to 6% of their total worldwide annual turnover may be imposed and the concerned provider shall take the necessary measures to address the breach.

    A non-compliance decision also triggers an enhanced supervision period to ensure compliance with the measures the provider intends to take to remedy the breach.

    The Commission can also impose periodic penalty payments to compel a platform to comply. All enforcement actions of the Commission will be specifically tailored and proportionate to the infringements and risks at hand.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32022R2065
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/code-conduct-disinformation
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Amendment to Regulation 2019/631 on CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles – P-001219/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European automotive sector is of critical socioeconomic importance for the EU, accounting for EUR 1 trillion of gross domestic product (GDP), a third of private research and development investment in the EU and providing directly and indirect employment to 13 million Europeans.

    The sector is undergoing a structural transformation and serious competitiveness challenges, which is why the President of the Commission launched a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry on 30 January 2025. The Strategic Dialogue informed the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector[1] which was adopted on 5 March 2025.

    As announced in the action plan, the Commission proposed on 1 April 2025 a targeted amendment to the regulation setting CO2 standards for cars and vans, introducing additional flexibilities for reaching the CO2 targets in the period 2025-2027, while keeping the overall ambition of the targets untouched.

    This will ensure that for the calendar years 2025, 2026 and 2027, instead of annual compliance, compliance will be assessed over the three years combined.

    The action plan also indicates that the Commission will accelerate work on the preparation of the foreseen review of the regulation. This review will rely on a fact-based analysis, taking into account all relevant technological developments, and the importance of an economically viable and socially fair transition towards zero-emission mobility.

    • [1] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/document/download/89b3143e-09b6-4ae6-a826-932b90ed0816_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Action%20Plan.pdf
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Leads Legislation to Increase Market Access for Local Breweries, Wineries

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Leads Legislation to Increase Market Access for Local Breweries, Wineries

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan USPS Shipping Equity Act alongside Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) to allow the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship alcoholic beverages to consumers. 

    “The wine, beer, and spirits industries are at a real disadvantage in delivering their high-quality products across the country,” said Rep. Newhouse. “While other carriers deliver alcohol, current law prohibits the United States Postal Service from doing so. This legislation supports small craft breweries and wineries in rural areas like Central Washington and offers new opportunities for market access through the USPS. I thank Rep. Subramanyam for joining me in introducing this bipartisan legislation as we work to unlock the USPS for our local producers.” 

    “This prohibition era restriction on the Postal Service is unnecessary and imposes on consumers and our small businesses,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “I’m thrilled to partner with Congressman Newhouse on a bipartisan fix to expand opportunities available to our local breweries, vineyards, and distilleries and provide a new source of revenue for USPS.” 

    The legislation allows the USPS to ship directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local laws at the delivery location. It levels the playing field and increases consumer and manufacturer choice while bringing in millions of dollars in revenue per year.

    The legislation is supported by industry partners including the American Craft Spirits Association and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.  

    Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association, said, “We thank Representatives Newhouse and Subramanyam for their bipartisan legislation. As our small, domestic businesses have grown over the past 15 years, allowing the USPS to ship craft spirits will provide access to another important delivery option for small distillers in the U.S.  Many of those distilleries are located in rural areas where support of their local Main Street matters. Access to the thirty-one thousand post offices in the U.S. would be a game changer, helping their small businesses to succeed and grow. We hope the Congress will act soon on this important small business initiative.” 

    Don Matson, President of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, said, “The NRLCA thanks Congressman Newhouse and Congressman Subramanyam for introducing the USPS Shipping Equity Act, legislation that modernizes outdated regulations and allows the Postal Service to deliver products like wine, beer, and spirits. This act promotes fairness by allowing USPS to compete on equal footing with private carriers, creating new opportunities for rural communities and small businesses to expand through USPS’s reliable service. It also generates revenue that can be reinvested to improve customer service. It’s a commonsense reform that helps USPS meet the needs of modern society and drive economic growth across the country.” 

    Full bill text here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Davis, DelBene, and Sánchez Champion Bill to Reduce the Cost of Child Care for Working Families through Tax Credits

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    In contrast to GOP effort to slash child care funding, this bill increases the maximum child care credit from $1,200 to $4,000 for one child or from $2,100 to $8,000 for two or more children.

     

    Washington, D.C.- April 24, 2025, Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Linda Sánchez (D-CA) introduced the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act to permanently expand the child care tax credit to raise the maximum credit from $1,050 to $4,000 for 1 child and from $2,100 to $8,000 for 2 or more children.  This bill is led by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Patty Murray (D-WA) in the Senate.

    The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) is the only tax credit that helps working parents offset the rising cost of child care.  In 2021, Democrats successfully enhanced both the CDCTC and the Child Tax Credit because both credits are essential to support parents’ ability to provide for their families.  While 100% of the CDCTC reimburses parents for actual child care costs paid to work, parents mostly use the Child Tax Credit to defray other significant costs of caring for a child, such as food, rent, and clothing. 

    Unfortunately, as currently structured, the CDCTC fails to meet the needs of tens of millions of working families. Very few families receive meaningful benefit from the credit due to the extremely low phase-out level of $15,000, the low expense limits, the non-refundable nature, and the loss of benefit due to inflation.  For example, the Tax Policy Center estimates that only 13% of families with children claimed the CDCTC in 2022.  The Child Care and Dependent Credit Enhancement Act will increase the maximum credit amount to $4,000 per child up to $8,000 for two or more children, expand eligibility to low-income families, make the credit available to married couples who file separately due to high student loan debt, and retain the credit’s value over time by indexing it to inflation.  Compared to 2019, low-income working parents quadrupled their credit received in 2021. 

    High-quality, affordable child care is essential to the economic well-being of families, businesses, and our country. Yet, child care places a major financial burden on American families. The price of child care can range from $5,357 to $17,171 per year depending on location and type of care.  Astoundingly, the cost of center-based care for two children is more than the average mortgage in 41 states and more than the average annual rent in all 50 states plus DC.  Households under the poverty line spend nearly one third of their income on child care, and increases in median child care prices are connected to lower maternal employment rates. Further, the child care crisis hits families of color disproportionately hard. For a single parent who has never been married who is Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaska Native, child care can cost 36%, 41%, or 49% of the median income, respectively, compared to only 31% for single White parents.  Further, Latino and American Indian and Alaska Native parents disproportionately live in child care deserts.

    “High-quality, affordable child care is essential to the economic well-being of families, businesses, and our country,” said Rep. Davis.  “I am proud to lead the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act that would restore the 2021 credit so that families can receive up to $4,000 for child care for one child or up to $8,000 for two or more children, much better than the almost $600 that the typical family receives currently.  This bill would strengthen the financial well-being of families and grow our economy.  It is critical that Congress acts now to help working families.”

    “Access to affordable child care is one of the biggest barriers families face. Enhancing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit will give parents the relief they need by supporting both families and care providers,” said DelBene. “This bill is a commonsense step toward making child care more accessible and affordable for every family.” 

    “Working parents shouldn’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their kids,” said Sánchez. “Expanding the child care tax credit will make child care more affordable and accessible, so parents can focus on their work knowing their kids are being cared for.”

    The bill is endorsed by state and national child and worker advocates, including:  Center for Law and Social Policy; Child Care Aware of America; Early Care and Education Consortium; First Five Years Fund; First Focus Campaign for Children; MomsRising; National Association for the Education of Young Children; National Women’s Law Center Action Fund; Save the Children; Start Early; Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); and ZERO TO THREE.

    Example Statements from Supporting Organizations

    “Often conflated with the child tax credit, the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit is one of the only tax incentives that helps working families with their child care expenses.  As the cost of care increases, many families must contend with whether their current job pays enough to justify their child care expenses,” said Radha Mohan, Executive Director, Early Care & Education Consortium.  “For families where one parent must leave the workforce because they cannot afford the cost of care, this often hurts the family from an economic standpoint in the long run.  The CDCTC Enhancement Act helps ensure that families do not have to make this choice by providing a credit to offset the cost of care.  When paired with programs such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant, this bill will ensure that many families will have reduced their child care costs by over 50%.”

    “As almost any working family with young children will tell you, the cost of child care is a major source of financial stress, putting immense pressure on already tight budgets,” First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling. “The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act would make essential updates to the CDCTC to ensure more parents are able to keep more of what they earn to offset the high cost of care. We are grateful to Reps. Danny Davis, Suzan DelBene, and Linda Sanchez for their leadership and commitment to supporting families with young children.” 

    “For families with young children, the cost of childcare is often unaffordable and impacts their economic opportunity—the cornerstone of child and family well-being. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) Enhancement Act of 2025 is an important effort to update the CDCTC to ensure that more families can offset their child care costs. We are grateful to Rep. Danny Davis and his longstanding efforts to support children and families in his district and across the country, and also extend that appreciation to Reps. Suzan DelBene and Linda Sanchez.” Diana Rauner, President, Start Early

    “Affordable child care isn’t a luxury—it’s the backbone of our economy,” said Yelena Tsilker, Senior Government Relations and Advocacy Director at ZERO TO THREE, a national nonprofit that focuses on the healthy development of babies and toddlers. “Parents of infants now face child care bills that top $16,000 a year—higher than in-state college tuition in many states. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act tackles that crisis head-on by making the CDCTC fully refundable and increasing the maximum credit, so families of every income can choose the high-quality care their babies need. This relief will keep parents in the workforce and help millions of children thrive. We applaud Representatives Davis, DelBene, and Sánchez for championing legislation that hard-working families have long awaited.” 

    The text of the bill is available HERE; a summary of the bill is available HERE.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Law Enforcement Officer Arrested for Allegedly Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Business-Relief Funds for Shell Companies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been arrested on a five-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he fraudulently obtained nearly $150,000 in COVID-19 pandemic business-relief loan funds for two of his sham businesses, the Justice Department announced today.

    Amer Aldarawsheh, 45, of Moreno Valley, is charged with five counts of wire fraud.

    He was arrested Wednesday morning and pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him at his arraignment Wednesday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered Aldarawsheh released on $30,000 bond and scheduled a June 16 in U.S. District Court in Riverside.

    According to the indictment unsealed Wednesday, Aldarawsheh owned and purportedly operated two businesses:  Nahar Enterprises Inc., a San Bernardino based business he described as a trucking and freight company, and Ameral, which he described as an automotive repair company.

    From July 2020 to December 2021, Aldarawsheh made false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to fraudulently obtain a loan under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 authorized the SBA to provide EIDL loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Aldarawsheh applied to the SBA for EIDL loans on behalf of his two companies, neither of which had substantial business or employees. EIDL loans were supposed to be used by the recipient to only pay certain authorized business expenses.   Instead, Aldarawsheh knowingly misappropriated and misused the EIDL funds he received from the SBA for his own personal benefit, including in December 2020, causing the transfer of $149,900 in SBA COVID-19 EIDL loan funds to be wired from the SBA to a bank account under his control.

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

    If convicted, Aldarawsheh would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

    The United States Custom and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Laura A. Alexander and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Charges Filed for Vandalizing Tesla Vehicles in the District

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Justin Fisher, 49, of the District, was charged in Superior Court with four counts of defacing public or private property stemming from offenses committed between Mar. 1 and Mar. 21, 2025, involving multiple Tesla vehicles, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

    Fisher made an appearance in court today and was released on personal recognizance. His misdemeanor initial status hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025, in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. 

    “The so-called ‘Tesla Takedown’ is domestic terrorism, and my team is taking it on front and center,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “These attacks are not just an attack on someone’s property. They are meant to intimidate and suppress political speech and shut down the marketplace of ideas,” Martin said.

    “If you target Tesla and break the law, then you can expect consequences,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate such criminal acts.”

    According to documents filed with the court, between the dates of Mar. 1 and Mar. 21, 2025, in Northeast D.C., Fisher defaced private property on Tesla vehicles, owned by multiple victims. The offenses were committed as follows:

    • On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at approximately 10:11 a.m., in the 200 block of K Street, Northeast.
    • On Sunday, March 2, 2025, at approximately 6:15 p.m., in the 200 block of 11th Street, Northeast.
    • On Saturday, March 8, 2025, at approximately 8:05 a.m., in the 600- 700 blocks of F Street, Northeast.
    • On Friday, March 21, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., in the 600 block of G Street, Northeast.

    Fisher was arrested on April 1, 2025.

    This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. 

    This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    Charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Visits Valley Regional Hospital as Continuation of Weeklong “Medicaid Impact Tour,” Underscores Consequences of Medicaid Cuts for Granite State Hospitals, Claremont Community

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Claremont, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) visited Valley Regional Hospital as part of her weeklong “Medicaid Impact Tour.” Shaheen met with hospital leadership, including CEO Matthew Foster, to learn more about the impact Republican-led cuts to Medicaid would have on the whole hospital system and the Claremont community. Shaheen also toured the hospital’s new workforce housing project that is currently under construction to improve access to affordable housing in the region. Photos from today’s event can be found here.
    “Valley Regional Hospital is a vital resource for the more than 30% of Claremont residents who rely on Medicaid and the broader Sullivan County community,” said Senator Shaheen. “The truth is, if Trump and Republicans cut hundreds of billions of dollars of Medicaid funding, the only Americans who will benefit are the wealthiest who stand to get big tax cuts, and it’s communities like Claremont that would be hurt most when hospital systems can’t get reimbursed for the health care they provide.”
    On Monday, Shaheen kicked off her “Medicaid Impact Tour” by hosting a roundtable on rural health care at Northern Human Services in Berlin, followed by a roundtable at the Partnership for Public Health yesterday in Laconia. Shaheen’s tour comes as Congressional Republicans, led by President Trump and Elon Musk, work to advance legislation that will pave the way for steep cuts to Medicaid funding and would impact millions of people across the country. Under the Republican proposal, more than 59,000 Granite Starters will be at risk of losing coverage including 7,600 patients that are currently receiving treatment for substance use disorders.  
    Earlier this month, Shaheen and Democrats held the floor and offered dozens of amendments to push back against the Republican-led budget resolution that paves the way for tax breaks for the wealthiest while slashing programs like Medicaid to pay for it. The majority of Senate Republicans worked to block several amendments Shaheen offered that would have helped make health care more affordable and accessible. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur Announces $473,632 Federal Award to University of Toledo for Oral Health and Infant Immune Response Study

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Toledo, OH – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that the University of Toledo has been awarded a $473,632 federal research award from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to explore how the body’s immune system — specifically the IL-17 receptor signaling in megakaryocytes — responds to the condition known as oral thrush.

    “As we work to address infant and oral health disparities across Northwest Ohio throughout our nation, this award represents a meaningful step forward in both research and public health,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “The University of Toledo continues to lead in cutting-edge biomedical science, and I’m proud to see federal research dollars supporting work that could have a profound impact on our most vulnerable — our babies, children, and families.”

    The three-year study, led by Dr. Heather Raquel Conti, will examine how specialized immune responses in the mouth protect against fungal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and immunocompromised individuals. This work holds potential to improve prevention and treatment strategies for a condition that disproportionately affects infants and can contribute to broader issues related to infant mortality and early childhood health.

    This award will not only support critical research but also enhance local scientific capabilities, provide new training opportunities for students and early-career scientists in the region, and bolster Northwest Ohio’s leadership in public health innovation.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Allen Introduces Legislation to Protect Americans’ Retirement Savings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

    Today, Chairman of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, Representative Rick W. Allen (GA-12), introduced the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act.

    This legislation seeks to codify that those who manage other people’s retirement savings under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) must prioritize maximizing returns for a secure retirement rather than political or social impact using risky environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Upon the bill’s introduction, Representative Allen issued the following statement:

    “Americans’ hard-earned retirement savings should never be jeopardized by politically-motivated mismanagement. Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris Administration made this possible with an overreaching rule that allows fiduciaries to aggressively invest retirees’ money in ESG funds—which often charge steeper fees, carry higher risk, and have lower returns. The Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act would codify that retirement plan sponsors must make investment decisions solely based on financial returns—ensuring Americans’ hard-earned savings are invested sensibly. I am grateful for Chairman Walberg’s support in this effort to protect the American Dream for millions of workers and families,” said Congressman Allen.

    “Americans don’t work to have their hard-earned savings funneled into higher-risk, lower-yield ESG investments. The Biden-Harris administration’s misguided ESG policies allowed fiduciaries to play politics and steer retirees’ savings into left-wing investments for political and social purposes. I’m proud to support a bill, introduced by HELP Subcommittee Chairman Rick Allen, to protect Americans’ financial futures and promote retirees’ interest in a secure retirement—instead of out-of-touch ESG agendas,” said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg.

    BACKGROUND: In 2022, President Biden’s Department of Labor finalized a flawed rule that allowed financial advisors to invest Americans’ retirement savings into risky, climate-related ESG funds. Despite bipartisan and bicameral disapproval in the form of a Congressional Review Act resolution that passed both the House and Senate, President Biden doubled down on this rulemaking by vetoing the resolution. In the 118th Congress, the House of Representatives also passed similar legislation championed by Congressman Allen, but the bill died in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Moore, Gottheimer, Kim Lead Letter Calling on the Administration to Protect Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Young Kim (CA-40) are leading a bipartisan group of more than 100 Members of Congress urging the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to halt funding opportunities through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). This move by the Administration threatens the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic and sexual violence across the country.

    “OVW administers critical grant programs that provide lifesaving support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The sudden withdrawal of these funding opportunities threatens to disrupt essential services, jeopardize the stability of victim assistance programs, and undermine the bipartisan commitment to combating these forms of violence,” the lawmakers wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We respectfully urge the Department of Justice to clarify the status of these grants as soon as possible and take swift action to ensure funding remains available to support survivors and the organizations that serve them.”

    “A delay or reduction in OVW funding will have devastating consequences for the countless individuals who rely on these resources for safety, legal protection, and recovery. This abrupt withdrawal of funding has created severe uncertainty that threatens the well-being of survivors who cannot afford these delays. We ask that the Department clarify its plans to rectify this situation and ensure that OVW grant funding is fully restored without further delay to continue providing care to survivors of domestic violence,” the lawmakers continued.

    The OVW, established through the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), administers critical grant programs that provide lifesaving support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. For decades, OVW grants have helped law enforcement agencies, legal service providers, crisis centers, and local organizations protect survivors and prevent abuse.

    The full letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illinois Transportation Funding Shortfall Mobilizes Coalition of Transit Labor Unions

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Recent lobbying efforts by IAM and IAM/TCU along with the Illinois Transportation and Logistics Association (ITLA) in response to a significant funding shortfall affecting the state’s transportation and infrastructure systems. This critical issue not only poses challenges for maintaining and improving essential services but also has far-reaching implications for the labor force.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Heart Pump Accessory Removal: Abbott Removes HeartMate Mobile Power Unit due to Instances of Sudden Power Loss

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.
    Affected Product

    Product Names: HeartMate Mobile Power Unit (MPU) used with the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) and HeartMate II LVAS
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model: UDI-DI: 05415067038234
    Affected Reference and Serial numbers [XSLX 34.2KB]
    Abbott also provides a product lookup tool to check if specific MPU serial numbers are affected by this issue.

    What to Do
    Do not use MPUs experiencing performance issues such as sudden loss of power and the visual/audio alarms shown in Table 1. Patients should be immediately switched to the 14V rechargeable batteries. If the batteries are not connected to the System Controller within 15 minutes of MPU power loss, the System Controller Backup Battery will deplete, causing pump power loss.

    On March 13, 2025, Abbott sent all affected health care providers an Urgent Medical Device Recall notice recommending the following actions:

    Actions for Health Care Providers

    Review the affected serial numbers list (see above) to identify impacted devices and patients.

    If you are able to identify patients that have been assigned MPUs using the serial number list, please send those patients the patient letter provided by Abbott (see Additional Company Resources section below).
    If you are not able to identify patients that have been assigned MPUs using the serial number list, please send all patients that have received an MPU from April 2024 to March 2025, the patient letter provided by Abbott (see Additional Company Resources section below).

    For units that patients are currently using and have experienced MPU power issues, transfer the patient from the MPU to the 14V rechargeable batteries within 15 minutes. The Backup Battery in the System Controller will temporarily power the pump during a power source switch. Do not rely only on the System Controller’s Backup Battery as a power source during power failure, as it will only power the pump for up to 15 minutes. Do not continue to use the MPU and immediately contact Abbott for a replacement.
    For units currently used by patients, but not experiencing MPU power issues, educate impacted patients about the issue. Ensure the patient’s 14V rechargeable batteries are ready and available for use at any time and remind the patient to replace AA batteries inside the MPU immediately if the Yellow Mobile Power Unit Battery Indicator alarm is active. The internal AA batteries ensure that the MPU echoes the System Controller Alarms.
    For impacted MPU units that are currently in your clinic and have not yet been provided to a patient for use, immediately return them to Abbott for a replacement.

    Actions for Patients and Users

    Confirm if your MPU serial number is affected (see above).
    If your serial number is listed, make sure your 14V rechargeable batteries are ready and available for use every time you use the MPU for power.
    If sudden power loss of your MPU occurs or your MPU suddenly shuts down and restarts, you must switch from the MPU to the fully charged 14V rechargeable batteries within these 15 minutes. Otherwise, your pump will stop.
    If your MPU serial number is not listed, this issue does not apply to your MPU. 

    Reason for Removal
    Abbott has received reported incidents in which the MPU experienced sudden, unexpected performance issues such as not turning on, unprompted shut down, or suddenly turning off and restarting, with the System Controller indicating a Yellow Wrench alarm or “No External Power” alarm. Abbott has identified that these issues are linked to an electrical component used to manufacture certain MPUs distributed between April 2024 and February 2025. Replacement of impacted MPU devices that have experienced power issues will begin immediately; replacement of impacted MPU devices not currently experiencing power issues will begin in June 2025 or earlier.
    If an impacted MPU experiences a loss of power, the Backup Battery in the System Controller can support the pump for up to 15 minutes. If the 14V rechargeable batteries are not connected to the System Controller within 15 minutes, the pump will lose power and stop. This could lead to serious adverse health consequences such as hemodynamic compromise (impaired blood flow and circulation), thromboembolism (blood clot blocking a blood vessel), or death.
    Abbott has not reported any serious injuries or death associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    The Mobile Power Unit (MPU) is an accessory of the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Systems. These systems also include a Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD), an implantable pump diverting blood from the weakened left ventricle of the heart and pumping it to the aorta, and a System Controller, which is a small computer that controls and monitors pump and system operations. The MPU powers the System Controller and is for home or clinical use when the patient does not require monitoring.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this issue should contact the Abbott at 1-800-456-1477.
    Additional Company Resources
    Company-provided information is posted here by the FDA as a public service.

    Abbott Product Advisories
    Abbott product lookup tool
    Customer Letter – HeartMate MPU (March 2025)
    Patient Letter – HeartMate MPU (English) (March 2025)
    Patient Letter – HeartMate MPU (Spanish) (March 2025)

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    04/24/2025

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