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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR organises activities for 2025 National Security Education Day (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
     
    Launched today (April 15) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the National Security Education Day activities were hosted by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS). The 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 Xia Baolong officiated at the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day via video. Officiating guests attending the opening ceremony were the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee; Director of LOCPG and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Head of OSNS, Mr Dong Jingwei; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; and Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Navy Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin.
     
    In his keynote speech delivered via video at the opening ceremony, Director Xia Baolong said that over the past decade, China had achieved historic successes in national security work, and Hong Kong had gone through an extraordinary journey from chaos to governance and then from governance to greater prosperity. History and reality tell us that external forces’ attempts to destabilise Hong Kong and use it to contain China will not change and can never succeed; the Chinese people will never accept bullying, and all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, cannot be intimidated or overwhelmed; Hong Kong compatriots have a long-standing tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, and those who betray the Motherland and Hong Kong will never have a good ending.
     
    Director Xia pointed out that currently, the practice of “one country, two systems” has entered a new stage. The good situation in Hong Kong today has come at a great cost and should be treasured. We must consolidate and develop this good situation. We must face the problems related to the development and security in Hong Kong, be vigilant and stay united. Every individual, group, enterprise and organisation needs to work together with Hong Kong compatriots and all Chinese people to defend Hong Kong and the country, ensure high-quality development with high-level security, and promote the steady and sustained practice of “one country, two systems”.
     
         Director Xia mentioned three “beliefs”. It is believed that the national security institutions of the HKSAR will resolutely shoulder the sacred mission of maintaining national security and further strengthen the solid barrier for national security. It is believed that all sectors of Hong Kong society can actively fulfil their obligation to maintain national security and jointly protect their beautiful home – Hong Kong. It is believed that the business community and entrepreneurs can make Hong Kong their home, build their businesses, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country with more practical actions.
     
    Director Xia pointed out, “Many public officials in Hong Kong have been unreasonably sanctioned by the United States for their work in maintaining national security, but they are not afraid, are working steadfastly to fulfil their duties, and are willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of the country. They take concrete actions to love and protect the country and Hong Kong, and I am proud of them,”
     
         “It is hoped that Hong Kong’s business community and entrepreneurs will continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation, and always uphold righteousness and never forget national interests.”
     
         Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to Director Xia Baolong for his care, guidance and support for Hong Kong all along. Mr Lee said, “The inspiring speech by Director Xia reminds us to not forget the past and to be vigilant about national security risks. We must also resolutely uphold national security and ensure the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong further.”
     
         At the opening ceremony, Mr Lee said, “The world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace. Hong Kong will face increasingly turbulent risks to national security in the future. We must remain vigilant, as the aftermath of the 2019 ‘black-clad’ violence has not yet ended. Anti-China subversive forces in Hong Kong continue to attempt a resurgence, engaging in ‘soft resistance’ and inciting hatred and resentment,”
     
         “Moreover, the United States’ wanton suppression of China and the HKSAR has become increasingly fanatical. In the face of the United States’ unbridled hegemonism, the HKSAR fully supports our country’s efforts to respond to the United States’ challenges, to defend China’s legitimate rights and interests, and to uphold international fairness and justice. At the same time, Hong Kong is committed to maintaining its status as a free port with virtually zero tariffs and pursuing open and free trade. With the resilience, adaptability, and indomitable spirit of the Hong Kong people, the city will once again navigate through adversity and emerge stronger, proving its worth as like pure gold standing the test of fire,”
     
         “The international landscape is complex and fast changing, and threats to national security can appear suddenly. We must always stay vigilant and, when embracing immense challenges, be prepared in the following four areas: (1) resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the ‘one country, two systems’ principle; (2) thoroughly implement the holistic approach to national security; (3) continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security; (4) actively promote by way of education across society the need to safeguard national security of our own accord.”
     
         “The SAR government will fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, effectively resolve the conflicts and problems in the course of development and reforms, proactively identify, adapt to, and drive changes, deepen international exchanges and cooperation, and actively integrate into the broader national development landscape. At the same time, it will properly deal with all complex situations, spare no efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and make greater contributions to the building of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the nation.”
     
         In his speech, Director Zheng emphasised the need to further strengthen the foundation for the awareness of safeguarding national security; to better coordinate high-quality development with high-level security; and to actively pursue Hong Kong’s important mission in this new stage.
     
         “If our security foundations are not firmly supported or are unstable, our development will be precarious and will risk collapsing. Likewise, if we delay or neglect development, the foundation for our security will also become unstable. We must resolutely coordinate high-quality development with high-level security, and safeguard and advance the blossoming prospect and positive atmosphere that Hong Kong has been hard winning,”
     
         “It is essential to remember that building and developing Hong Kong well is, in itself, a powerful contribution to Chinese-style modernisation.”
     
         In his speech, Director Dong Jingwei stated, “We must not forget the painful scenes and lessons related to the proposed legislative amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, and we must remain clear-eyed about the ever-changing and complex national security landscape while firmly establishing the belief that ‘development is one overriding principle; security is another’,”
     
         “National security has never been a blessing from others. Flattery leads nowhere; submission has no future; and pleading only guarantees elimination,”
     
         “On this new journey in the new era, Hong Kong’s national security work requires strategic confidence, a firm belief in victory, and a strong hold on the strategic initiative in safeguarding national security.”
     
         Commissioner Cui Jianchun stated in his speech that the United States prioritises its own interests above the common good of the international community, and such zero-sum mentality engenders division and confrontation, bringing significant instability and uncertainty to the world. 
     
         “I believe Hong Kong can proactively adapt to changes and seize opportunities, fully leveraging the core advantages of ‘one country, two systems’ and its role as a bridge connecting domestic and global markets. By steadfastly utilising its unique status as a free port, Hong Kong can make distinctive contributions to upholding the multilateral trading system and promoting the building of a shared future for the neighbouring communities!” 
     
         Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin in his speech said that since its stationing in Hong Kong, the Garrison has been resolutely implementing the “one country, two systems” principle, the Basic Law of the HKSAR, and the Garrison Law, and firmly safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. 
     
         “All officers and soldiers of the Hong Kong Garrison will remain unwavering in following the Party’s command, enhancing combat readiness training, sincerely caring for Hong Kong and its people, and resolutely upholding national sovereignty, security, and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.” 
     
         The HKSAR Government has been comprehensively promoting national security education through creative approaches with rich content. In August last year, the National Security Exhibition Gallery (the Gallery) was established, which is the first thematic gallery in the HKSAR dedicated to the systematic promotion of national security education, and also the first national security education base in the HKSAR. In just eight months since its opening, the Gallery has already registered over 600 000 visits. To mark the 10th National Security Education Day this year, the Gallery launched a thematic exhibition last month to reflect on the development of national security education advanced by both the country and the HKSAR Government over the years. In addition, the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme started in November last year. So far, about 3 000 district tutors have completed the training and have shared national security messages with over 120 000 people in the communities. In this academic year, the “Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge” has, for the first time, introduced an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students, in addition to the primary and secondary school sections. A total of 610 schools participated, with over 126 000 students taking part, which represented an increase of more than 20 per cent as compared to last year’s. After several rounds of competitions, a total of 130 students and their coaching teachers joined the National Security Education Study Tour to visit Beijing and Shanghai in December last year. At today’s opening ceremony, students from the study tour shared their experiences of the journey via a short play. Through heartfelt and lively dialogues in a time-travel setting, the young generation of Hong Kong won the approval of the guests in their display of the sense of national identity, the awareness in safeguarding national security of their own accord, and the aspiration to serve the country.
     
         Apart from the above, the disciplined services held a solemn and grand flag-raising ceremony on the morning of April 15, and “National Security Cup” sports events and open days before and after April 15. In addition, 18 District Councils have organised different events, including seminars, carnivals, competitions, lectures, for Hong Kong citizens to participate in and understand national security.
     
         The National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China stipulates that April 15 each year is the National Security Education Day. The aim of National Security Education Day is to raise citizens’ awareness of safeguarding national security and help them appreciate that everyone has a responsibility for safeguarding national security and that everyone should fulfil such responsibility.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: *Cargo traffic on National Waterways hits record high of 145.5 million tonnes in FY 2024-25*

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 7:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reached a significant milestone in cargo movement on National Waterways. For the fiscal year 2024-25, IWAI has successfully achieved record-breaking 145.5 million tonnes of cargo movement, marking an all-time high in the IWT sector. Along with this, the total number of operational waterways has gone up from 24 to 29 during the year.

    Exponential Growth in Cargo Traffic in last ten years

    Cargo traffic on National Waterways has increased from 18.10 MMT to 145.5 MMT 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.

    The growth in cargo movement on national waterways is noteworthy. In the last few years, several pro-active policy measures and infrastructure initiatives have been taken to streamline cargo movement on NWs. 

    Jalvahak – Cargo Promotion Scheme

    Launched in December last year, the Jalvahak scheme promotes modal shift of cargo from other modes to IWT by incentivising cargo owners and movers to the extent of 35% of the total actual operating expenditure incurred on waterways journey. To give further push to the scheme, scheduled cargo services were made operational on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol. This scheme is expected to divert 800 million tonne-kilometers of cargo to the IWT mode, accounting for nearly 17% of the current 4,700 million tonne-kilometers of cargo on National Waterways.

    Digital Portal for getting NOCs to set up IWT structures on NWs

    The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 encourage private sector investment in the development of inland terminals on National Waterways, optimizing the use of India’s extensive waterways network. Private, public, and joint venture entities can develop jetties/terminals across the country by obtaining a simplified no-objection certificate (NOC) from IWAI through a digital portal.

    Other Initiatives to boost cargo movement

    Fairway Development Works: Development of fairways to ensure least available depth and smooth navigation. End-to-end dredging contracts have been issued for various identified stretches on national waterways.

    Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax Services: Introduction of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) and Ro-Pax services on various National Waterways.

    Digital Solutions: Implementation of digital solutions like CAR-D portal and PANI portal for ease of doing business, Central database for registration of vessel and crew (Jalyaan and Navic) to promote digitisation, Naudarshika (National River Traffic and Navigational System) for safety and smooth operations of inland vessels.

    Besides, adequate waterways infrastructure including like IWT terminals, night navigation facility, navigational locks are being developed along NWs. These initiatives are expected to boost the growth of cargo movement through National Waterways, promoting a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation.

    With the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI is committed towards developing waterways as a robust engine of growth. The Authority is expanding its footprint throughout the country, working extensively towards capacity augmentation of NW-1, NW-2, NW-3, and NW-16 among other waterways. The growth in cargo movement on national waterways is a clear indicator that the steps taken by IWAI are yielding positive results and will help in making IWT a preferred and reliable mode of transportation in the long run.  

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    GDH/HR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Defence Secretary calls on Italian Defence Minister in Rome to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Defence Secretary calls on Italian Defence Minister in Rome to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation

    11th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee meeting held; Focus on closer defence collaboration especially in technology and armament production

    MoU inked between SIDM & AIAD to foster closer cooperation between defence industries of both nations
               

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 7:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Rome, Italy from April 14-15, 2025 on an official trip. The visit started with the Defence Secretary calling on the Defence Minister of Italy Mr Guido Crosetto. During the meeting, the two sides held productive discussions aimed at further enhancing defence cooperation as a key pillar of India-Italy strategic partnership.

    During his visit, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 11th India-Italy annual bilateral Joint Defence Committee meeting with his Italian counterpart, Secretary General of Defence Ms Luisa Riccardi. They discussed a wide range of defence, security and industrial cooperation issues including maritime cooperation and information sharing arrangements between India and Italy with emphasis on Trans Regional Maritime Network. The situation in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean Region also came up during the discussions.

    The Defence Secretary stressed on closer defence collaboration especially in technology and armament production, which is a priority area for India. He also brought out that the Government of India is proactively building an ecosystem for defence production and innovation within the country through conscious policy initiatives. India has developed a vibrant innovation and industrial ecosystem.

    In his keynote address during India-Italy Defence Industry Roundtable, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh shared his views on how the Indian defence industry has witnessed significant changes, particularly in the past few years through progressive reforms. He said that these reforms have been marked by the creation of a conducive environment for the growth of the Indian Industry through transparency, predictability and Ease of Doing Business.

    An MoU between Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Federation of Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD) was also signed, marking a significant step toward fostering closer cooperation between the defence industries of both nations.

    The Defence Secretary was accompanied by a high-level Ministry of Defence delegation, comprising senior officials from Service Headquarters, Department of Defence and Department of Defence Production. A substantial industry delegation from SIDM also accompanied the Defence Secretary to foster closer B2B connections between the Indian and Italian defence industries.

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    SR/Savvy

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Panel on Welfare Services and Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Support for Persons with Disabilities jointly visit Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

        The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Welfare Services and Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Support for Persons with Disabilities conducted a joint visit to the Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex (the Complex) today (April 15) to understand its operation since the opening in late February this year.
     
        Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming, Members first visited the facilities of the Complex to understand how the design makes use of smart technology and rehabilitation equipment, while incorporating the surrounding natural environment to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for persons with intellectual disabilities, persons with physical disabilities and persons in mental recovery. Members noted that the Complex is jointly operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, SAHK and the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, providing 1 150 residential care places and 560 day training places through the medical-social collaboration model to enable quality medical services for the residents with fewer hospital visits.
     
        Members then exchanged views with the representatives of the Government and the three operators on issues such as daily operations, staff training and service quality.
     
        Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of Panel, Reverend Canon Peter Douglas Koon and Panel member Mr Kenneth Leung; as well as the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Ms Lam So-wai and Subcommittee member Ms Chan Hoi-yan.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog launches Report on ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’

    Source: Government of India

    NITI Aayog launches Report on ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’

    Global trade market for power and hand tools worth ~$ 100 billion is projected to reach ~$ 190 billion by 2035

    Aims to achieve ~$ 25 billion exports in the next 10 years; generate ~35 lakh jobs

    Interventions include building world-class hand tool clusters with advanced infrastructure and addressing structural cost disadvantages through market reforms

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

    NITI Aayog launched a report on Hand and Power tools sectors – ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’. The report underscores the transformative potential of hand and power tools industry for India’s economic growth, delving into the challenges, policy headwinds, and necessary interventions vital for strengthening the Indian hand and power tool ecosystem. It outlines a strategic path for the sector to enhance its global competitiveness and capture a significantly larger share of the international market. The report was launched by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog in the presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, and Shri BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog.

    The report suggests that the global trade market for power and hand tools, currently valued at approximately $ 100 billion, is projected to grow significantly, reaching around $ 190 billion by 2035. Within this market, hand tools account for $ 34 billion and are expected to expand to $ 60 billion by 2035, while power tools, including tool accessories, represent $ 63 billion and are anticipated to surge to $ 134 billion, with electrical tools comprising the majority. China dominates global exports, holding about 50% of the hand tools market with $ 13 billion and 40% of the power tools market with $ 22 billion, whereas India has a smaller presence, exporting $ 600 million in hand tools (1.8% market share) and $ 470 million in power tools (0.7% market share).

    One important finding of the report is that India has the potential to capture a larger share of the global market, targeting $ 25 billion in exports over the next decade, which could create approximately 35 lakh jobs by achieving a 10% market share in power tools and 25% in hand tools. Through fostering innovation, empowering our MSMEs, strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem, we can solidify the nation’s position as a reliable, high-quality global manufacturing hub. The potential rewards for Indian economy and its people are immense.

    The report also analyses the challenges which India may face, including a 14-17% cost disadvantage compared to China, driven by higher structural costs and smaller operational scale. This disadvantage stems from elevated raw material costs, such as steel, plastic, and motors, as well as lower labour productivity due to higher overtime wages and restrictions on overtime hours. Furthermore, higher interest rates and logistics costs for transporting goods from inland states to ports further hinder India’s competitiveness in the global market.

    To achieve India’s potential of $ 25 billion in power and hand tool exports over the next decade, the report delves into the issues impacting hand and power tools sectors and recommends three key categories of interventions which are essential. These include:

    1. Developing world-class hand tool clusters with advanced infrastructure is critical, requiring 3-4 clusters aggregating around 4,000 acres. These clusters operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model would feature plug-and-play infrastructure, worker housing, and facilities like connectivity and convention centers to streamline operations.
    2. Addressing structural cost disadvantages through market reforms is necessary, including rationalizing Quality Control Order (QCO) restrictions and import duties on essential raw materials like steel and machinery, simplifying the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme by easing Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) requirements, and reducing penal provisions like interest on defaults. Additionally, reforms to building regulations and labour laws are needed to enhance competitiveness.
    3. Providing bridge cost support to offset cost disadvantages is crucial, though no additional support beyond existing schemes like Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and duty drawbacks is required if factor market interventions are effectively implemented. However, the report estimates that in the absence of these reforms, an additional RS. 8,000 crores in bridge support will be necessary, which should be viewed as an investment rather than a subsidy, as it is expected to generate 2-3 times its value in tax revenue over the next five years.

    The report observes that the tools industry serves as a foundational pillar of the global manufacturing ecosystem. The Hand and Power Tools sector represents a significant opportunity to realise India’s ambition of becoming a ‘global manufacturing hub’. The report underlines that India stands at the cusp of becoming a developed nation i.e Viksit Bharat @ 2047, where the industrial eco-system will play a pivotal role. The Hand and Power Tools sector will help enhance our domestic manufacturing and expand our global footprint by $ 25 billion in the next 10 years, with the growth in the construction and DIY markets, augmenting the “Make in India” initiative and accelerating nation’s economic growth.

    The report can be accessed at: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-04/India_Hand_Power_Tools_Sector_Report.pdf

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    MJPS/SR/SKS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection epidemiologically linked with previous case

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection epidemiologically linked with previous case 
    The new case involved a 69-year-old male with chronic diseases, who presented with fever, vomiting and a headache on April 9. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital on April 10 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis. The patient is now in a stable condition.
     
         An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The patient and the case announced yesterday worked in the same construction site at Block A of the United Christian Hospital (UCH) expansion project. The CHP believes the two cases are epidemiologically linked. The construction site locates outside the clinical service area of the hospital, and it did not involve nosocomial infection.

        The CHP staff has conducted epidemiological investigations at the abovementioned construction site, no other staff members at the construction site have developed relevant symptoms so far. The CHP has provided preventive medications to 56 staff members who worked in the same groups as the two patients, and conducted medical surveillance to all staff members of the construction site concerned. The CHP also provided health education to the staff members and advised the contractor to carry out disinfection at the shared facilities, including toilets, rest rooms and changing rooms. In addition, the CHP has followed up with the UCH and learnt that no staff members or patients have been infected at the UCH currently. 
    The CHP appealed to those who work in the construction site at the UCH expansion project and developed relevant symptoms to call the CHP hotline (2125 2374) for health assessment. The hotline will operate from today until April 25. The hotline will operate until 9pm today, and from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. They should seek medical advice immediately if they develop symptoms of infection, such as fever or feeling unwell. The public may visit the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 20:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 43 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish”, for eight consecutive days from April 7 to April 14, targeting foreign domestic helpers (the helper) who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 43 persons, including 35 suspected illegal workers and eight suspected employers were arrested.
     
    During the operation, ImmD’s investigators raided 58 target locations including restaurants, retail stores, commercial and residential buildings. The suspected 35 illegal workers comprised eight men and 27 women, aged 20 to 60. Among them, seven persons were the current helpers, 14 persons were overstaying ex-helpers, nine persons were permitted to stay in Hong Kong on visitor status, two persons were found to be holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong, two persons were the imported workers and one person was the holder of an employment visa. ImmD investigators found most of the suspected illegal workers at restaurants performing various jobs, including dish washing, food processing and cleaning etc. A forged Hong Kong identity card was also found during the operation. Meanwhile, eight suspected employers, comprising three men and five women, aged 44 to 64, were in charge of the involved companies or restaurants and suspected of employing the suspected illegal workers. 
     
    Among the illegal workers arrested, 21 of them were charged respectively at the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts with offences including taking employment while being a person who, having been given permission to land in Hong Kong, had remained in Hong Kong in breach of their limit of stay imposed in relation to the permission, breaching of their conditions of stay in Hong Kong and possessing a forged Hong Kong identity card. The concerned illegal workers pleaded guilty to their respective charges and were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 16 days suspended for one year to 14 months and three weeks. The cases are still under investigation, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests or prosecutions.
     
    “The helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with any other person. The employer should not require or allow the helper to carry out any work for any other person.” an ImmD spokesman said.
     
    The spokesman also said, “any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him/her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
     
    Under the laws of Hong Kong, any person who makes false representation to an Immigration officer commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for fourteen years. It is also an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to ten years’ imprisonment.
     
    The spokesman warned that, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment.
     
    The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and ten years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
     
    According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
     
    Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $13 million at airport (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $13 million at airport (with photo) 
    A male passenger, aged 40, arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
     
    The arrestee has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 16).
     
    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
     
    Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
     
    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk 
    Issued at HKT 20:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2025 Southwest Monsoon likely to be above normal, says IMD’S Long Range Forecast for the Southwest Monsoon Seasonal Rainfall

    Source: Government of India

    2025 Southwest Monsoon likely to be above normal, says IMD’S Long Range Forecast for the Southwest Monsoon Seasonal Rainfall

    Seasonal rainfall expected at 105% of LPA with a margin of ±5%

    Enso conditions neutral, but la Niña-like atmospheric patterns observed neutral ENSO likely to persist throughout the monsoon season

    Indian ocean dipole remains neutral ahead of monsoon 2025 climate models predict continued neutral IOD conditions through the season

     Below-normal snow cover in Eurasia for last three months may boost Indian monsoon

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Highlights

     a) The southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole during 2025 is most likely to be above normal (>104% of the Long Period Average (LPA)). Quantitatively, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 105% of LPA with a model error of ± 5%. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1971-2020 is 87 cm.

     b) Currently, Neutral El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific region. However, the atmospheric Circulation features are similar to La Nina conditions. The latest Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS) as well as other climate model forecasts indicate that the Neutral ENSO condition are likely to continue during the monsoon season.

    c)At present, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are present over the Indian Ocean and the latest Climate models forecast indicates that the Neutral IOD conditions are likely to continue during the southwest monsoon season.

    d)The snow cover areas of northern hemisphere and Eurasia during the last three months (January to March, 2025) were below normal. The winter and spring snow cover extent over Northern Hemisphere as well as Eurasia has in general an inverse relationship with the subsequent Indian summer monsoon rainfall. IMD will issue the updated forecasts for monsoon season rainfall in the last week of May 2025.

    1. Background

    Since 2003, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing the operational long-range forecast (LRF) for the southwest monsoon seasonal (June-September) rainfall averaged over the country as a whole in two stages. The first stage forecast is issued in April and the second stage or updated forecast is issued by the end of May. In 2021, IMD has implemented a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country by modifying the existing two stage forecasting strategy. The new strategy uses both dynamical and statistical forecasting system. Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) forecasting system based on coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction centres, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS) are used.

    As per the new LRF strategy, the first stage forecast issued in middle of April consists of the quantitative and probabilistic forecasts for the country as a whole, and the spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for the tercile categories (above normal, normal, and below normal) of the seasonal (June-September) rainfall over the country.

    The second stage forecast issued around end of May consist of update for the seasonal rainfall forecast issued in April along with the probabilistic forecasts for the seasonal rainfall over the four homogenous regions of India (northwest India, central India, south Peninsula and northeast India) and monsoon core zone (MCZ). In addition, quantitative and probabilistic forecasts for the country as a whole, and the spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for the tercile categories (above normal, normal, and below normal) of the June rainfall over the country are also issued during the second state forecast.

    In continuation to the above forecasts, monthly rainfall forecast is issued around end of June, July and August respectively for the subsequent one month. In addition, quantitative and probabilistic forecasts for the country as a whole, and the spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for the tercile categories for the second half of the season rainfall is issued around end of July along with the forecast for August.

    2. Forecast for the 2025 Southwest Monsoon Season (June–September) rainfall over the country as a whole during 2025.

    The forecast based on both dynamical and statistical models suggests that quantitatively, the monsoon seasonal rainfall is likely to be 105% of the Long Period 3 3

    Average (LPA) with a model error of ± 5%. The LPA of the season rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1971-2020 is 87 cm.

    The five category probability forecasts for the Seasonal (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole are given below, which suggests that there is strong probability (59%) of southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall likely to be in the above normal category or higher (>104% of LPA).

    Category

    Rainfall Range

    (% of LPA)

    Forecast Probability (%)

    Climatological

    Probability (%)

    Deficient

    < 90

    2

    16

    Below Normal

    90 – 95

    9

    17

    Normal

    96 -104

    30

    33

    Above Normal

    105-110

    33

    16

    Excess

    > 110

    26

    17

    The MME forecast for the southwest monsoon season rainfall during 2025 was prepared based on the April initial conditions of a group of coupled climate models which have higher prediction skill over the Indian monsoon region.

    The spatial distribution of probabilistic forecasts for tercile categories (above normal, normal and below normal) for the seasonal (June to September) rainfall during 2025 is shown in Fig.1. The spatial distribution suggests above-normal seasonal rainfall is very likely over most parts of the country except some areas over Northwest India, Northeast India and South Peninsular India, where below-normal rainfall is likely. The white-shaded areas within the land area represent no signal from the model with equal probabilities for all the tercile categories of rainfall.

    3. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Conditions in the equatorial Pacific & Indian Oceans

    Currently, neutral ENSO conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific region. However, the atmospheric Circulation features are similar to La Nina conditions. The latest MMCFS as well as other climate models forecast indicates that neutral ENSO conditions are likely to continue during the monsoon season.

    At present, neutral IOD conditions are present over the Indian Ocean and the latest climate model forecast indicates that the neutral IOD conditions are likely to continue during the southwest monsoon season.

    As sea surface temperature (SST) conditions over the Pacific and the Indian Oceans are known to have a strong influence on the Indian monsoon, IMD is carefully monitoring the evolution of sea surface conditions over these Ocean basins.

    4. Snow Cover over the Northern Hemisphere

    The winter and spring snow cover extent over Northern Hemisphere as well as Eurasia has in general an inverse relationship with the subsequent Indian summer monsoon rainfall. The areas of northern hemisphere snow cover and Eurasian snow cover during January to March, 2025 were observed to be below normal.

    Fig.1.Probability forecast of tercile categories* (below normal, normal, and above normal) for the seasonal rainfall over India during southwest monsoon season (June -September), 2025. The figure illustrates the most likely categories as well as their probabilities. The white shaded areas represent no signal from the model with equal probabilities for all the tercile categories.

    (*Tercile categories have equal climatological probabilities, of 33.33% each).

    *****

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2121897) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DRI intercepts 7.56 kg cocaine worth around Rs. 75.6 crore at IGI Airport from an in-bound passenger from Dubai, one held

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 4:50PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant operation against drug trafficking, acting on specific intelligence, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted an Indian national upon her arrival from Dubai at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, on 14.04.2024, New Delhi.

    The baggage of the passenger, after a thorough inspection, was found to contain five empty handbags / purses. Upon cutting open the inner layers of these five bags, 10 packets of white-coloured powder weighing 7.56 kg and worth around Rs. 75.6 crore, were found concealed and tested positive for cocaine.

    The apprehended individual was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The DRI is pursuing further investigations to uncover the source of the drugs and identify any potential networks involved in the smuggling operation.

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2121865) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Announces Resignation of DHHS Director Menefee of Public Health

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Announces Resignation of DHHS Director Menefee of Public Health

     

    LINCOLN, NE — Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the resignation of Charity Menefee, director of the Division of Public Health in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Menefee, who has served the state since 2021, has made the decision to step down to dedicate more time to her family. Her resignation is effective May 9.

    Gov. Pillen expressed his appreciation for Menefee’s dedicated public service, including her service in the military. Menefee recently retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Air National Guard after 25 years.

    “Charity leaves public service with an impeccable record of dedication to the health and well-being of Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Under her leadership, the division reduced processing times from 100 days to 25 for certain licenses and improved disease tracking capabilities throughout the state.”

    “Director Menefee stands as the shining example of a person who puts others first,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “Whether it consisted of late-night meetings coordinating with stakeholders or spending weekends in support of operations tracking infectious diseases and ensuring they were contained, Charity was there to ensure the people of Nebraska were protected.”

    “Leading and serving alongside the dedicated people at the Division of Public Health has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Menefee. “I deeply appreciate Governor Pillen for his trust in appointing me and his strong commitment to public health. I also thank CEO Steve Corsi for his support and leadership.”

    Further information regarding interim leadership and the selection of permanent leadership will be announced at a later date.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBERS ON BASE 2012=100 FOR RURAL,

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation

    CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBERS ON BASE 2012=100 FOR RURAL,

    URBAN AND COMBINED FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2025

    Posted On: 15 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

    I. Key highlights:

    1. Year-on-year inflation rate based on All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of March, 2025 over March, 2024 is 3.34% (Provisional). There is a decline of 27 basis points in headline inflation of March, 2025 in comparison to February, 2025. It is the lowest year-on-year inflation after August, 2019.
    1. Food Inflation: Year-on-year inflation rate based on All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for the month of March, 2025 over March, 2024 is 2.69% (Provisional). Corresponding inflation rate for rural and urban are 2.82% and 2.48%, respectively. All India inflation rates for CPI (General) and CFPI over the last 13 months are shown below. A sharp decline of 106 basis point is observed in food inflation in March, 2025 in comparison to February, 2025. The food inflation in March, 2025 is the lowest after November, 2021.
    1. The significant decline in headline inflation and food inflation during the month of March, 2025 is mainly attributed to decline in inflation of Vegetables, Eggs, Pulses & products, Meat & fish, Cereals & Products and Milk & products.
    2. Rural Inflation: Sharp decline in headline and food inflation in rural sector observed in March, 2025. The headline inflation is 3.25% (provisional) in March, 2025 while the same was 3.79% in February, 2025. The CFPI based food inflation in rural sector is observed as 2.82% in March, 2025 in comparison to 4.06% in February, 2025.
    3. Urban Inflation: Marginal increase from 3.32% in February, 2025 to 3.43% (Provisional) in March, 2025 is observed in headline inflation of urban sector. However, significant decline is observed in food inflation from 3.15% in February, 2025 to 2.48% in March, 2025.
    4. Housing Inflation: Year-on-year Housing inflation rate for the month of March, 2025 is 3.03%. Corresponding inflation rate for the month of February, 2025 was 2.91%. The housing index is compiled for urban sector only.
    5. Fuel & light: Year-on-year Fuel & light inflation rate for the month of March, 2025 is 1.48%. Corresponding inflation rate for the month of February, 2025 was -1.33%. It is the combined inflation rate for both rural and urban sector.
    6. Education Inflation: Year-on-year Education inflation rate for the month of March, 2025 is 3.98%.  The inflation rate observed in the month of February, 2025 was 3.83%. It is the combined education inflation for both rural and urban sector.
    7. Health Inflation: Year-on-year Health inflation rate for the month of March, 2025 is 4.26%. Corresponding inflation rate for the month of February, 2025 was 4.12%.  It is the combined health inflation for both rural and urban sector.
    8. Transport & Communication: Year-on-year Transport & communication inflation rate for the month of March, 2025 is 3.30%. Corresponding inflation rate for the month of February, 2025 was 2.93%. It is combined inflation rate for both rural and urban sector.
    9. Top five items with highest inflation: The top five items showing highest year on year Inflation at All India level in March, 2025 are coconut oil (56.81%), coconut (42.05%), gold (34.09%), silver (31.57%) and grapes (25.55%)
    10. Top five items with lowest inflation: The key items having lowest year on year inflation in March, 2025 are ginger (-38.11%), tomato (-34.96%), cauliflower (-25.99%), jeera (-25.86%) and garlic (-25.22%). For other data related to All India Item Index and Inflation, please visit the website www.cpi.mospi.gov.in.
    11. Top five major states with high Year on Year inflation for the month of March, 2025 are shown in the graph below.

     

    1. All India Inflation rates (on point to point basis i.e. current month March, 2025 viz-a-viz last Month, i.e. February, 2025 and over same month of last year i.e. March, 2024), based on General Indices and CFPIs are given as follows:

     

    All India year-on-year inflation rates (%) based on CPI (General) and CFPI: March, 2025 over

    March, 2024

     

    March, 2025 (Prov.)

    February, 2025 (Final)

    March, 2024

    Rural

    Urban

    Combd.

    Rural

    Urban

    Combd.

    Rural

    Urban

    Combd.

    Inflation

    CPI (General)

    3.25

    3.43

    3.34

    3.79

    3.32

    3.61

    5.51

    4.14

    4.85

    CFPI

    2.82

    2.48

    2.69

    4.06

    3.15

    3.75

    8.55

    8.41

    8.52

    Index

    CPI (General)

    193.9

    189.9

    192.0

    194.5

    190.1

    192.5

    187.8

    183.6

    185.8

    CFPI

    193.1

    198.2

    194.9

    194.8

    199.8

    196.6

    187.8

    193.4

    189.8

                          Notes: Prov.  – Provisional, Combd. – Combined

     

    1.  Monthly changes in the General Indices and CFPIs are given below:

         Monthly changes (%) in All India CPI (General) and CFPI: March, 2025 over February, 2025

    Indices

    March 2025 (Prov.)

    February, 2025 (Final)

    Monthly change (%)

    Rural

    Urban

    Combd.

    Rural

    Urban

    Combd.

    Rural

    Urban

    Combd.

    CPI (General)

    193.9

    189.9

    192.0

    194.5

    190.1

    192.5

    -0.31

    -0.11

    -0.26

    CFPI

    193.1

    198.2

    194.9

    194.8

    199.8

    196.6

    -0.87

    -0.80

    -0.86

                                  Notes: Prov.  – Provisional, Combd. – Combined

     

    1. Response rate: The price data are collected from selected 1114 urban Markets and 1181 villages covering all States/UTs through personal visits by field staff of Field Operations Division of NSO, MoSPI on a weekly roster. During the month of March, 2025, NSO collected prices from 100% villages and 98.6% urban markets while the market-wise prices reported therein were 89.8% for rural and 92.6% for urban.
    2. Next date of release for April, 2025 CPI is 12th May, 2025 (Monday). For more details, please visit the website www.cpi.mospi.gov.in or esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in

     

    List of Annex

    Annex

    Title

    I

    All-India General, Group and Sub-group level CPI and CFPI numbers for February, 2025 (Final) and March, 2025 (Provisional) for Rural, Urban and Combined (Annexure I)

    II

    All-India inflation rates (%) for General, Group and Sub-group level CPI and CFPI numbers for March, 2025 (Provisional) for Rural, Urban and Combined (Annexure II)

    III

    General CPI for States for Rural, Urban and Combined for February, 2025 (Final) and March, 2025 (Provisional) (Annexure III)

    IV

    Year-on-year inflation rates (%) of major States for Rural, Urban and Combined for March, 2025 (Provisional) (Annexure IV)

    V

     Time Series Data for All India General CPI (Base 2012 =100) Since January, 2013 (Annexure V)

    VI

                                                                                                     

    Annexure- I

    All-India General, Group and Sub-group level CPI and CFPI numbers for February, 2025 (Final) and March, 2025 (Provisional) for Rural, Urban and Combined (Base: 2012=100)

    Group Code

    Sub-group Code

    Description

    Rural

    Urban

    Combined

     

    Weights

    Feb. 25 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25 Index
    (Prov.)

    Weights

    Feb. 25 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25 Index
    (Prov.)

    Weights

    Feb. 25 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25 Index
    (Prov.)

     

    (1)

    (2)

    (3)

    (4)

    (5)

    (6)

    (7)

    (8)

    (9)

    (10)

    (11)

    (12)

     

     

    1.1.01

    Cereals and products

    12.35

    200.6

    200.8

    6.59

    198.6

    198.9

    9.67

    200.0

    200.2

     

     

    1.1.02

    Meat and fish

    4.38

    219.1

    218.1

    2.73

    229.0

    228.3

    3.61

    222.6

    221.7

     

     

    1.1.03

    Egg

    0.49

    194.9

    185.3

    0.36

    200.0

    190.3

    0.43

    196.9

    187.2

     

     

    1.1.04

    Milk and products

    7.72

    187.6

    187.9

    5.33

    188.4

    188.3

    6.61

    187.9

    188.0

     

     

    1.1.05

    Oils and fats

    4.21

    188.9

    189.7

    2.81

    176.0

    177.4

    3.56

    184.2

    185.2

     

     

    1.1.06

    Fruits

    2.88

    195.1

    201.6

    2.90

    198.7

    204.7

    2.89

    196.8

    203.0

     

     

    1.1.07

    Vegetables

    7.46

    181.2

    171.0

    4.41

    216.8

    204.3

    6.04

    193.3

    182.3

     

     

    1.1.08

    Pulses and products

    2.95

    200.2

    194.3

    1.73

    205.1

    199.3

    2.38

    201.9

    196.0

     

     

    1.1.09

    Sugar and Confectionery

    1.70

    131.4

    133.1

    0.97

    133.8

    135.0

    1.36

    132.2

    133.7

     

     

    1.1.10

    Spices

    3.11

    224.8

    222.9

    1.79

    222.1

    220.5

    2.50

    223.9

    222.1

     

     

    1.2.11

    Non-alcoholic beverages

    1.37

    188.3

    188.9

    1.13

    177.3

    178.0

    1.26

    183.7

    184.3

     

     

    1.1.12

    Prepared meals, snacks, sweets etc.

    5.56

    202.4

    202.9

    5.54

    214.0

    214.9

    5.55

    207.8

    208.5

     

    1

     

    Food and beverages

    54.18

    195.4

    194.0

    36.29

    201.3

    200.1

    45.86

    197.6

    196.2

     

    2

     

    Pan, tobacco and intoxicants

    3.26

    209.0

    209.7

    1.36

    213.4

    213.8

    2.38

    210.2

    210.8

     

     

    3.1.01

    Clothing

    6.32

    200.7

    201.0

    4.72

    190.8

    191.2

    5.58

    196.8

    197.1

     

     

    3.1.02

    Footwear

    1.04

    194.1

    194.3

    0.85

    176.2

    176.7

    0.95

    186.7

    187.0

     

    3

     

    Clothing and footwear

    7.36

    199.8

    200.0

    5.57

    188.6

    189.0

    6.53

    195.4

    195.6

     

    4

     

    Housing

    –

    –

    –

    21.67

    183.7

    183.6

    10.07

    183.7

    183.6

     

    5

     

    Fuel and light

    7.94

    182.8

    182.7

    5.58

    171.0

    171.3

    6.84

    178.3

    178.4

     

     

    6.1.01

    Household goods and services

    3.75

    187.7

    187.3

    3.87

    179.1

    179.6

    3.80

    183.6

    183.7

     

     

    6.1.02

    Health

    6.83

    201.6

    202.4

    4.81

    196.3

    197.4

    5.89

    199.6

    200.5

     

     

    6.1.03

    Transport and communication

    7.60

    177.7

    178.1

    9.73

    166.6

    166.9

    8.59

    171.9

    172.2

     

     

    6.1.04

    Recreation and amusement

    1.37

    181.9

    181.1

    2.04

    177.3

    177.7

    1.68

    179.3

    179.2

     

     

    6.1.05

    Education

    3.46

    192.6

    193.1

    5.62

    188.2

    188.6

    4.46

    190.0

    190.5

     

     

    6.1.06

    Personal care and effects

    4.25

    214.2

    216.8

    3.47

    216.3

    219.2

    3.89

    215.1

    217.8

     

    6

     

    Miscellaneous

    27.26

    192.9

    193.5

    29.53

    183.8

    184.6

    28.32

    188.5

    189.2

     

    General Index (All Groups)

    100.00

    194.5

    193.9

    100.00

    190.1

    189.9

    100.00

    192.5

    192.0

     

     

    Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI)

    47.25

    194.8

    193.1

    29.62

    199.8

    198.2

    39.06

    196.6

    194.9

     

     

     

    Notes:

    1. Prov.       : Provisional.
    2. CFPI        : Out of 12 sub-groups contained in ‘Food and Beverages’ group, CFPI is based on ten sub-groups, excluding ‘Non-alcoholic beverages’ and ‘Prepared meals, snacks, sweets etc.’.
    1. –   : CPI (Rural) for housing is not compiled.

    Annexure- II

     

    All-India year-on-year inflation rates (%) for General, Group and Sub-group level CPI and CFPI numbers for March, 2025 (Provisional) for Rural, Urban and Combined (Base: 2012=100)

     

    Group Code

    Sub-group Code

    Description

    Rural

    Urban

    Combined

     

    Mar. 24 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25

    Index
    (Prov.)

    Inflation Rate
    (%)

    Mar. 24 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25

    Index
    (Prov.)

    Inflation Rate
    (%)

    Mar. 24 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25

    Index
    (Prov.)

    Inflation Rate
    (%)

     

    (1)

    (2)

    (3)

    (4)

    (5)

    (6)

    (7)

    (8)

    (9)

    (10)

    (11)

    (12)

     
     

    1.1.01

    Cereals and products

    189.3

    200.8

    6.08

    188.5

    198.9

    5.52

    189.0

    200.2

    5.93

     
     

    1.1.02

    Meat and fish

    217.9

    218.1

    0.09

    226.7

    228.3

    0.71

    221.0

    221.7

    0.32

     
     

    1.1.03

    Egg

    192.7

    185.3

    -3.84

    194.3

    190.3

    -2.06

    193.3

    187.2

    -3.16

     
     

    1.1.04

    Milk and products

    183.2

    187.9

    2.57

    183.6

    188.3

    2.56

    183.3

    188.0

    2.56

     
     

    1.1.05

    Oils and fats

    160.2

    189.7

    18.41

    154.7

    177.4

    14.67

    158.2

    185.2

    17.07

     
     

    1.1.06

    Fruits

    172.8

    201.6

    16.67

    176.7

    204.7

    15.85

    174.6

    203.0

    16.27

     
     

    1.1.07

    Vegetables

    182.5

    171.0

    -6.30

    222.6

    204.3

    -8.22

    196.1

    182.3

    -7.04

     
     

    1.1.08

    Pulses and products

    199.7

    194.3

    -2.70

    205.0

    199.3

    -2.78

    201.5

    196.0

    -2.73

     
     

    1.1.09

    Sugar and Confectionery

    128.0

    133.1

    3.98

    130.1

    135.0

    3.77

    128.7

    133.7

    3.89

     
     

    1.1.10

    Spices

    236.3

    222.9

    -5.67

    228.2

    220.5

    -3.37

    233.6

    222.1

    -4.92

     
     

    1.2.11

    Non-alcoholic beverages

    182.1

    188.9

    3.73

    170.3

    178.0

    4.52

    177.2

    184.3

    4.01

     
     

    1.1.12

    Prepared meals, snacks, sweets etc.

    195.9

    202.9

    3.57

    204.6

    214.9

    5.03

    199.9

    208.5

    4.30

     

    1

    		  

    Food and beverages

    188.5

    194.0

    2.92

    194.4

    200.1

    2.93

    190.7

    196.2

    2.88

     

    2

    		  

    Pan, tobacco and intoxicants

    204.0

    209.7

    2.79

    210.2

    213.8

    1.71

    205.7

    210.8

    2.48

     
     

    3.1.01

    Clothing

    195.8

    201.0

    2.66

    185.8

    191.2

    2.91

    191.9

    197.1

    2.71

     
     

    3.1.02

    Footwear

    191.1

    194.3

    1.67

    172.3

    176.7

    2.55

    183.3

    187.0

    2.02

     

    3

    		  

    Clothing and footwear

    195.1

    200.0

    2.51

    183.8

    189.0

    2.83

    190.6

    195.6

    2.62

     

    4

    		  

    Housing

    –

    –

    –

    178.2

    183.6

    3.03

    178.2

    183.6

    3.03

     

    5

    		  

    Fuel and light

    181.0

    182.7

    0.94

    167.4

    171.3

    2.33

    175.8

    178.4

    1.48

     
     

    6.1.01

    Household goods and services

    183.3

    187.3

    2.18

    174.0

    179.6

    3.22

    178.9

    183.7

    2.68

     
     

    6.1.02

    Health

    194.3

    202.4

    4.17

    189.1

    197.4

    4.39

    192.3

    200.5

    4.26

     
     

    6.1.03

    Transport and communication

    172.0

    178.1

    3.55

    161.9

    166.9

    3.09

    166.7

    172.2

    3.30

     
     

    6.1.04

    Recreation and amusement

    177.8

    181.1

    1.86

    172.8

    177.7

    2.84

    175.0

    179.2

    2.40

     
     

    6.1.05

    Education

    186.1

    193.1

    3.76

    181.2

    188.6

    4.08

    183.2

    190.5

    3.98

     
     

    6.1.06

    Personal care and effects

    191.3

    216.8

    13.33

    192.8

    219.2

    13.69

    191.9

    217.8

    13.50

     

    6

    		  

    Miscellaneous

    184.2

    193.5

    5.05

    176.0

    184.6

    4.89

    180.2

    189.2

    4.99

     

    General Index (All Groups)

    187.8

    193.9

    3.25

    183.6

    189.9

    3.43

    185.8

    192.0

    3.34

     

     

     

    Consumer Food Price Index

    187.8

    193.1

    2.82

    193.4

    198.2

    2.48

    189.8

    194.9

    2.69

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Notes:

    1. Prov.       : Provisional.
    2. –               : CPI (Rural) for housing is not compiled.

     

    Annexure- III

     

    General CPI for States for Rural, Urban and Combined for February, 2025 (Final) and March, 2025 (Provisional) (Base: 2012=100)

     

    Sl. No.

    Name of the State/UT

    Rural

    Urban

    Combined

     

    Weights

    Feb. 25 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25 Index
    (Prov.)

    Weights

    Feb. 25 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25 Index
    (Prov.)

    Weights

    Feb. 25 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25 Index
    (Prov.)

     

    (1)

    (2)

    (3)

    (4)

    (5)

    (6)

    (7)

    (8)

    (9)

    (10)

    (11)

     

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    5.40

    196.3

    195.7

    3.64

    198.5

    197.9

    4.58

    197.1

    196.5

     

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0.14

    196.9

    196.2

    0.06

    —

    —

    0.10

    196.9

    196.2

     

    3

    Assam

    2.63

    196.8

    195.8

    0.79

    194.4

    194.0

    1.77

    196.3

    195.4

     

    4

    Bihar

    8.21

    187.8

    187.4

    1.62

    197.8

    197.2

    5.14

    189.3

    188.8

     

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1.68

    186.6

    185.7

    1.22

    181.4

    180.8

    1.46

    184.6

    183.8

     

    6

    Delhi

    0.28

    174.5

    174.2

    5.64

    171.6

    171.8

    2.77

    171.8

    171.9

     

    7

    Goa

    0.14

    184.0

    185.6

    0.25

    182.1

    182.8

    0.19

    182.8

    183.9

     

    8

    Gujarat

    4.54

    189.4

    188.7

    6.82

    178.6

    179.0

    5.60

    183.3

    183.2

     

    9

    Haryana

    3.30

    196.2

    196.1

    3.35

    184.0

    184.6

    3.32

    190.5

    190.7

     

    10

    Himachal Pradesh

    1.03

    180.0

    179.4

    0.26

    184.9

    184.7

    0.67

    180.9

    180.4

     

    11

    Jharkhand

    1.96

    186.2

    185.1

    1.39

    189.6

    189.8

    1.69

    187.5

    186.9

     

    12

    Karnataka

    5.09

    199.1

    198.3

    6.81

    201.0

    201.0

    5.89

    200.1

    199.8

     

    13

    Kerala

    5.50

    207.6

    207.5

    3.46

    201.6

    201.4

    4.55

    205.5

    205.3

     

    14

    Madhya Pradesh

    4.93

    191.5

    191.1

    3.97

    192.4

    192.4

    4.48

    191.9

    191.6

     

    15

    Maharashtra

    8.25

    192.4

    192.0

    18.86

    186.7

    186.6

    13.18

    188.6

    188.4

     

    16

    Manipur

    0.23

    229.5

    227.2

    0.12

    189.2

    188.7

    0.18

    216.7

    215.0

     

    17

    Meghalaya

    0.28

    178.6

    178.2

    0.15

    186.5

    186.0

    0.22

    181.1

    180.6

     

    18

    Mizoram

    0.07

    207.3

    207.1

    0.13

    181.5

    181.9

    0.10

    191.6

    191.7

     

    19

    Nagaland

    0.14

    202.4

    201.5

    0.12

    184.4

    184.3

    0.13

    194.7

    194.2

     

    20

    Odisha

    2.93

    196.4

    195.3

    1.31

    186.7

    186.1

    2.18

    193.7

    192.7

     

    21

    Punjab

    3.31

    188.6

    188.8

    3.09

    178.3

    179.3

    3.21

    184.0

    184.5

     

    22

    Rajasthan

    6.63

    190.5

    189.9

    4.23

    188.2

    188.1

    5.51

    189.7

    189.3

     

    23

    Sikkim

    0.06

    203.1

    201.4

    0.03

    188.1

    187.8

    0.05

    198.2

    197.0

     

    24

    Tamil Nadu

    5.55

    202.3

    200.3

    9.20

    199.2

    198.3

    7.25

    200.5

    199.1

     

    25

    Telangana

    3.16

    203.4

    202.2

    4.41

    199.9

    198.5

    3.74

    201.5

    200.2

     

    26

    Tripura

    0.35

    208.5

    209.8

    0.14

    200.0

    199.4

    0.25

    206.3

    207.1

     

    27

    Uttar Pradesh

    14.83

    193.1

    192.8

    9.54

    190.2

    190.2

    12.37

    192.1

    191.9

     

    28

    Uttarakhand

    1.06

    187.2

    187.4

    0.73

    192.3

    192.7

    0.91

    189.1

    189.4

     

    29

    West Bengal

    6.99

    196.8

    196.5

    7.20

    193.8

    193.4

    7.09

    195.4

    195.0

     

    30

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    0.05

    200.1

    200.1

    0.07

    188.2

    187.6

    0.06

    194.0

    193.7

     

    31

    Chandigarh

    0.02

    189.9

    190.0

    0.34

    177.5

    177.6

    0.17

    178.2

    178.3

     

    32

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli

    0.02

    178.5

    176.7

    0.04

    186.3

    185.2

    0.03

    183.7

    182.4

     

    33

    Daman & Diu

    0.02

    197.6

    196.9

    0.02

    186.8

    186.4

    0.02

    193.1

    192.5

     

    34

    Jammu & Kashmir*

    1.14

    204.7

    205.4

    0.72

    197.7

    197.7

    0.94

    202.2

    202.7

     

    35

    Lakshadweep

    0.01

    198.3

    197.9

    0.01

    188.1

    189.6

    0.01

    193.1

    193.7

     

    36

    Puducherry

    0.08

    206.6

    203.9

    0.27

    197.6

    196.5

    0.17

    199.9

    198.4

     

    All India

    100.00

    194.5

    193.9

    100.00

    190.1

    189.9

    100.00

    192.5

    192.0

     

    Notes:

    1. Prov.:  Provisional
    2. –:  indicates the receipt of price schedules is less than 80% of allocated schedules and therefore indices are not compiled.
    3. *: Figures of this row pertain to the prices and weights of the combined Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir

    and Ladakh (erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir).

     

    Annexure- IV

     

    Year-on-year inflation rates (%) of major@ States for Rural, Urban and Combined for March, 2025 (Provisional) (Base: 2012=100)

    Sl. No.

    Name of the State/UT

    Rural

    Urban

    Combined

     

    Mar. 24 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25

    Index
    (Prov.)

    Inflation Rate
    (%)

    Mar. 24 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25

    Index
    (Prov.)

    Inflation Rate
    (%)

    Mar. 24 Index
    (Final)

    Mar. 25

    Index
    (Prov.)

    Inflation Rate
    (%)

     

    (1)

    (2)

    (3)

    (4)

    (5)

    (6)

    (7)

    (8)

    (9)

    (10)

    (11)

     

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    191.6

    195.7

    2.14

    191.9

    197.9

    3.13

    191.7

    196.5

    2.50

     

    2

    Assam

    189.4

    195.8

    3.38

    184.8

    194.0

    4.98

    188.5

    195.4

    3.66

     

    3

    Bihar

    182.2

    187.4

    2.85

    188.7

    197.2

    4.50

    183.1

    188.8

    3.11

     

    4

    Chhattisgarh

    177.4

    185.7

    4.68

    174.5

    180.8

    3.61

    176.3

    183.8

    4.25

     

    5

    Delhi

    169.6

    174.2

    2.71

    169.4

    171.8

    1.42

    169.4

    171.9

    1.48

     

    6

    Gujarat

    183.9

    188.7

    2.61

    174.3

    179.0

    2.70

    178.5

    183.2

    2.63

     

    7

    Haryana

    188.9

    196.1

    3.81

    177.8

    184.6

    3.82

    183.7

    190.7

    3.81

     

    8

    Himachal Pradesh

    173.9

    179.4

    3.16

    178.7

    184.7

    3.36

    174.8

    180.4

    3.20

     

    9

    Jharkhand

    182.5

    185.1

    1.42

    184.0

    189.8

    3.15

    183.1

    186.9

    2.08

     

    10

    Karnataka

    190.5

    198.3

    4.09

    191.9

    201.0

    4.74

    191.3

    199.8

    4.44

     

    11

    Kerala

    193.4

    207.5

    7.29

    191.1

    201.4

    5.39

    192.6

    205.3

    6.59

     

    12

    Madhya Pradesh

    184.7

    191.1

    3.47

    187.4

    192.4

    2.67

    185.8

    191.6

    3.12

     

    13

    Maharashtra

    186.3

    192.0

    3.06

    179.0

    186.6

    4.25

    181.4

    188.4

    3.86

     

    14

    Odisha

    188.8

    195.3

    3.44

    181.3

    186.1

    2.65

    186.7

    192.7

    3.21

     

    15

    Punjab

    181.4

    188.8

    4.08

    173.8

    179.3

    3.16

    178.0

    184.5

    3.65

     

    16

    Rajasthan

    184.9

    189.9

    2.70

    183.6

    188.1

    2.45

    184.4

    189.3

    2.66

     

    17

    Tamil Nadu

    193.3

    200.3

    3.62

    190.9

    198.3

    3.88

    191.9

    199.1

    3.75

     

    18

    Telangana

    201.8

    202.2

    0.20

    195.0

    198.5

    1.79

    198.1

    200.2

    1.06

     

    19

    Uttar Pradesh

    187.2

    192.8

    2.99

    184.8

    190.2

    2.92

    186.3

    191.9

    3.01

     

    20

    Uttarakhand

    181.9

    187.4

    3.02

    183.6

    192.7

    4.96

    182.5

    189.4

    3.78

     

    21

    West Bengal

    190.5

    196.5

    3.15

    187.3

    193.4

    3.26

    189.0

    195.0

    3.17

     

    22

    Jammu & Kashmir*

    196.8

    205.4

    4.37

    191.4

    197.7

    3.29

    194.9

    202.7

    4.00

     

    All India

    187.8

    193.9

    3.25

    183.6

    189.9

    3.43

    185.8

    192.0

    3.34

     

    Notes:

    1. Prov.     :  Provisional.
    2. *               : Figures of this row pertain to the prices and weights of the combined Union Territories of Jammu &                            Kashmir and Ladakh (erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir).
    3. @               : States having population more than 50 lakhs as per Population Census 2011.

     

    Annexure-V

    Time Series Data for All India General CPI (Base 2012 =100) Since January, 2013

     

    Year

    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    2013

    104.6

    105.3

    105.5

    106.1

    106.9

    109.3

    111.0

    112.4

    113.7

    114.8

    116.3

    114.5

    2014

    113.6

    113.6

    114.2

    115.1

    115.8

    116.7

    119.2

    120.3

    120.1

    120.1

    120.1

    119.4

    2015

    119.5

    119.7

    120.2

    120.7

    121.6

    123.0

    123.6

    124.8

    125.4

    126.1

    126.6

    126.1

    2016

    126.3

    126.0

    126.0

    127.3

    128.6

    130.1

    131.1

    131.1

    130.9

    131.4

    131.2

    130.4

    2017

    130.3

    130.6

    130.9

    131.1

    131.4

    132.0

    134.2

    135.4

    135.2

    136.1

    137.6

    137.2

    2018

    136.9

    136.4

    136.5

    137.1

    137.8

    138.5

    139.8

    140.4

    140.2

    140.7

    140.8

    140.1

    2019

    139.6

    139.9

    140.4

    141.2

    142.0

    142.9

    144.2

    145.0

    145.8

    147.2

    148.6

    150.4

    2020

    150.2

    149.1

    148.6

    151.4

    150.9

    151.8

    153.9

    154.7

    156.4

    158.4

    158.9

    157.3

    2021

    156.3

    156.6

    156.8

    157.8

    160.4

    161.3

    162.5

    162.9

    163.2

    165.5

    166.7

    166.2

    2022

    165.7

    166.1

    167.7

    170.1

    171.7

    172.6

    173.4

    174.3

    175.3

    176.7

    176.5

    175.7

    2023

    176.5

    176.8

    177.2

    178.1

    179.1

    181.0

    186.3

    186.2

    184.1

    185.3

    186.3

    185.7

    2024

    185.5

    185.8

    185.8

    186.7

    187.7

    190.2

    193.0

    193.0

    194.2

    196.8

    196.5

    195.4

    2025

    193.4

    192.5

    192.0*

    		                  

     

    Notes:

    1. * : Index Value for March 2025  is  Provisional.

     

    Annexure-VI

    Year

    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    2014

    8.60

    7.88

    8.25

    8.48

    8.33

    6.77

    7.39

    7.03

    5.63

    4.62

    3.27

    4.28

    2015

    5.19

    5.37

    5.25

    4.87

    5.01

    5.40

    3.69

    3.74

    4.41

    5.00

    5.41

    5.61

    2016

    5.69

    5.26

    4.83

    5.47

    5.76

    5.77

    6.07

    5.05

    4.39

    4.20

    3.63

    3.41

    2017

    3.17

    3.65

    3.89

    2.99

    2.18

    1.46

    2.36

    3.28

    3.28

    3.58

    4.88

    5.21

    2018

    5.07

    4.44

    4.28

    4.58

    4.87

    4.92

    4.17

    3.69

    3.70

    3.38

    2.33

    2.11

    2019

    1.97

    2.57

    2.86

    2.99

    3.05

    3.18

    3.15

    3.28

    3.99

    4.62

    5.54

    7.35

    2020

    7.59

    6.58

    5.84

    –

    –

    6.23

    6.73

    6.69

    7.27

    7.61

    6.93

    4.59

    2021

    4.06

    5.03

    5.52

    4.23

    6.30

    6.26

    5.59

    5.30

    4.35

    4.48

    4.91

    5.66

    2022

    6.01

    6.07

    6.95

    7.79

    7.04

    7.01

    6.71

    7.00

    7.41

    6.77

    5.88

    5.72

    2023

    6.52

    6.44

    5.66

    4.70

    4.31

    4.87

    7.44

    6.83

    5.02

    4.87

    5.55

    5.69

    2024

    5.10

    5.09

    4.85

    4.83

    4.80

    5.08

    3.60

    3.65

    5.49

    6.21

    5.48

    5.22

    2025

    4.26

    3.61

    3.34*

    		                  

     

    Notes:

    1. * : Inflation Value for March  2025  is Provisional.
    2. – : Inflation was not compiled and released due to Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. 

    Click here to see PDF.

    ****

    Samrat

    (Release ID: 2121843)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views with EVP Stéphane Séjourné and exchange of views on CSRD – Committee on Legal Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Rares Gheorghiu Commissioner designate Sèjournè 3 © European Union 2024 – EP

    At the meeting of 23 April 2025, JURI Members will exchange views with the Executive Vice-President Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné. A further exchange of views on the amending Directives 2006/43/EC, 2013/34/EU, (EU) 2022/2464 and (EU) 2024/1760 as regards certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements will take place.

    The JURI Committee will also consider the amendments tabled on the opinion 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.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) – extreme morning sickness and debilitating pregnancy disease – E-001420/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001420/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Romana Jerković (S&D), Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Maria Grapini (S&D), Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Marko Vešligaj (S&D)

    Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is an extreme form of morning sickness and a debilitating pregnancy disease. This life-threatening condition is characterised by relentless nausea, often lasting throughout the pregnancy, uncontrollable vomiting, and frequent, serious complications. Each year, millions of women around the world experience trauma, financial strain, debility and/or incredible misery as a consequence of HG. As a result of poor patient experience and a lack of adequate treatment, there have been cases of pregnancy termination and suicide. Despite HG’s devastating impact, research on the disease remains scarce, and there is currently no effective treatment available.

    • 1.Will the Commission recognise HG as an unmet medical need and allocate funding to accelerate the development of innovative treatments that millions of women desperately need?
    • 2.Will the Commission develop a much-needed dedicated women’s health strategy that would address knowledge and research gaps in women’s health, including HG?

    Submitted: 8.4.2025

    Last updated: 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views with EVP Stéphane Séjourné and on CSRD – Committee on Legal Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Rares Gheorghiu Commissioner designate Sèjournè 3 © European Union 2024 – EP

    At the meeting of 23 April 2025, JURI Members will exchange views with the Executive Vice-President Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné. A further exchange of views on the amending Directives 2006/43/EC, 2013/34/EU, (EU) 2022/2464 and (EU) 2024/1760 as regards certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements will take place.

    The JURI Committee will also consider the amendments tabled on the opinion 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.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Making financial aid conditional on Algeria’s cooperation on migration – E-000289/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU’s relationship with Algeria is multifaceted. The EU remains Algeria’s largest trade partner. Algeria is the EU’s third-largest gas supplier, and its vast renewable energy potential makes it a key partner in the green transition. Both also share a strategic interest in stabilising the Sahel.

    Algeria is a country of origin, transit and destination for migration. While many Algerians migrate legally to Europe, Algeria has also become a hub for sub-Saharan migrants — some settling, others transiting.

    It seeks closer cooperation with the EU on the voluntary return of sub-Saharan migrants, facilitated through the International Organisation for Migration. EU efforts to engage Algeria on the readmission of its nationals illegally staying in the EU remain challenging for several Member States.

    EU financial support is primarily channelled through international partners rather than the Algerian government. No financing instruments used for Algeria directly link funding to specific policy measures. As a result, political dialogue remains the primary tool for advancing cooperation on migration and security.

    EU development cooperation supports Algeria’s economic diversification, critical given its high hydrocarbon dependency and youth unemployment.

    Funds are allocated through pillar-assessed partners (e.g. United Nations agencies, Member State development agencies) to ensure effective implementation.

    Last updated: 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Financial assistance for air carriers during the COVID-19 pandemic – E-000816/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission approved several state aid measures covering various forms of support. The Commission adopted a series of decisions, covering state aid, either in the form of damage compensation under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) or under the ‘Temporary Framework for state aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak’.[1] Those decisions covered both individual measures and schemes.

    Where Commission decisions relate to individual aid measures aimed at supporting air carriers those decisions identify the beneficiaries. Where the Commission approved schemes, it does not necessarily have knowledge of which airlines ultimately received state aid. All Commission decisions approving such measures are accessible at the webpage for Competition Policy of the Commission[2].

    2. Commission state aid decisions describe in detail the form and duration of the financial assistance to be offered by the Member State in question. They also describe the conditions for repayment or exit of the Member State in question, where such conditions are applicable. Furthermore, they describe any applicable monitoring and reporting obligations to be complied with by the Member State in question. The Commission has no information as to what proportion of loans or other financial instruments has already been repaid to date.

    • [1] Communication from the Commission — Temporary framework for state aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak (OJ C 91I, 20.3.2020, p. 1), as subsequently amended.
    • [2] https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu
    Last updated: 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Erosion of the rule of law in Slovenia – E-000735/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is continuously following the rule of law situation in all Member States, including in Slovenia, and is monitoring developments in its annual Rule of Law Report.

    The 2024 Rule of Law Report, country chapter on Slovenia[1] provides an assessment of the situation of the rule of law in Slovenia in four key areas: the justice system, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism and freedom, and other institutional issues related to checks and balances.

    As part of the preparation of the 2025 Rule of Law Report, the Commission carries out virtual country meetings with key stakeholders in all Member States, including Slovenia. For Slovenia, these country meetings took place in the second half of March 2025.

    • [1] 2024 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Slovenia, SWD(2024) 824 final, accessible at: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b76a7422-b03a-4104-9f61-9d9be3c34e44_en?filename=54_1_58081_coun_chap_slovenia_en.pdf
    Last updated: 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Development of the blue economy and compliance of national port management regulations with European legislation – E-000504/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not have detailed information on the case, thus, a reply can be only general. Direct awards of public contracts or concessions, without a public call for tender, might infringe EU competition law or other applicable provisions of EU legislation, namely Directive 2014/23/EU[1], Directive 2014/24/EU[2] or Directive 2014/25/EU[3], depending on the nature, the subject matter and the value of the contract.

    Port services are subject to Regulation (EU) 2017/352[4], which applies to all maritime ports of the trans-European transport network. Under Article 6(4) of the Port Services Regulation, where the managing body of the port, or the competent authority, decides to limit the number of providers of a port service, it shall follow a selection procedure which shall be open to all interested parties, non-discriminatory and transparent.

    Under EU competition law, a case-by-case assessment is required. Failure to comply with a legislation adopted by a Member State cannot constitute a per se violation of Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    However, the behaviour arising out of such failure to comply with a national legislation might also cause an infringement of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.

    If a State measure causes an infringement of EU competition law, the Commission may start proceedings pursuant to Article 106 TFEU in conjunction with Articles 101 and/or 102 TFEU.

    Similarly, in case of finding of a breach of the applicable EU rules on the award of public contracts or concessions, the Commission may initiate an infringement procedure against a Member State under Article 258 TFEU for failure to comply with its obligations under EU law.

    • [1] Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1-64.
    • [2] Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65-242.
    • [3] Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243-374.
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2017/352 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 February 2017 establishing a framework for the provision of port services and common rules on the financial transparency of ports, OJ L 57, 3.3.2017, p. 1-18.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Meet four emerging filmmakers bending cultural and creative lines with iPhone 16 Pro Max

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Meet four emerging filmmakers bending cultural and creative lines with iPhone 16 Pro Max

    April 15, 2025

    UPDATE

    Meet four emerging filmmakers bending cultural and creative lines with iPhone 16 Pro Max

    The talent behind this year’s MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone projects delve into how India’s varied landscapes and cultures shaped their shorts

    Writer, director, and actor Konkona Sen Sharma believes that beyond technology, a filmmaker’s most important tool is courage.

    “With iPhone, there’s so much power contained in such a compact package that you can bypass the conventions of mainstream filmmaking,” says Sen Sharma, a two-time winner of India’s National Film Awards. “All you need is a great idea, and the guts and determination to follow through with it.”

    Alongside fellow Indian film industry icons Vikramaditya Motwane, Lijo Jose Pellissery, and Vetri Maaran, Sen Sharma is mentoring four emerging filmmakers selected by the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) to create short films for the 2025 MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone program.

    Now in its second year, the program empowers MAMI alumni to push the boundaries of technology and innovation, shooting their projects on iPhone 16 Pro Max and editing them on MacBook Pro with M4 Max. Two of last year’s participating films recently won 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards India for Best Short Film, Best Director (Short Film), and Best Writing (Short Film).

    “Shooting on iPhone allows for complete personal expression,” says Maaran, writer-director of the upcoming Tamil action thriller Vaadivaasal. He believes he is learning as much from his mentees as he is teaching them. “We’re living in the age of democracy in filmmaking.”

    This year’s MAMI Select filmmakers — Amrita Bagchi, Rohin Raveendran Nair, Chanakya Vyas, and Shalini Vijayakumar — are discovering new cinematic worlds through the lens of iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    “The unique voices of these filmmakers are beautifully contextualized through the four languages and regions of India in which they are rooted,” says MAMI festival director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur.

    “These are very passionate people with important stories to tell,” says Pellissery, the filmmaker behind Malayalam features like Ee.Ma.Yau. and Jallikattu. “Shooting on iPhone, they are pushing their own limits with fantastic results.”

    Each filmmaker leveraged the powerful capabilities of MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip to weave their stories together. “Shooting and editing within the Apple family of products gives you a stellar advantage: speed,” says writer-director Motwane, whose work in film and television includes Udaan and Black Warrant.

    That lightning-fast performance of MacBook Pro alongside the ease of use of iPhone 16 Pro Max is giving these artists even more creative control on and off set.

    Navigating childhood and change, legacy, and liberation, Bagchi, Nair, Vyas, and Vijayakumar recently premiered their stories in Mumbai.

    Creating Claustrophobia with Cinematic Mode

    With a background in design, acting, singing, and songwriting, Amrita Bagchi feels she was always destined to be a filmmaker. “It’s like a confluence of all the art forms,” she says.

    Bagchi, whose short film Succulent won the Grand Jury Prize at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles in 2022, hails from Kolkata, the city in West Bengal, India, that has produced cinematic stalwarts like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen. It’s also the home of many a spooky story.

    Her new short film, Tinctoria, is a psychological thriller inspired by an actual historical event: the indigo revolt that arose in Bengal in 1859. It tells the story of a modern-day fashion mogul whose ancestral legacy is built on the skeletons of indigo farmers from the colonial era — the ghosts of whom quite literally come back to haunt her.

    To create the immersive, claustrophobic atmosphere of a thriller, Bagchi is engaging Cinematic mode for the film’s opening montage. “We’re tracking bubbles and plastic sheets flying through the air, and the depth of field is so clean,” she says. “Just like it’s shot on a huge, high-budget cinematic camera.”

    Bagchi believes her film could never have been shot through traditional means.

    “It was a very ambitious production, but with iPhone 16 Pro Max, I can constantly create and improvise,” she says. “That edginess of movement, it’s like visual rap.”

    With graphically demanding workflows — like overlaying the industry-standard Rec. 709 color space on ProRes Log footage captured on iPhone — she is surprised that her M4 Max MacBook Pro hasn’t lagged once.

    “It’s like a rocket machine,” she says. “On a tight schedule I can just shoot at 4K120 fps on my iPhone, and still have tremendous flexibility to change the pacing during the edit on my MacBook Pro.”

    The theme of legacy runs strong with Bagchi, and not just in her film. “We want to emulate pioneers like Satyajit Ray. He didn’t let the conventions of his time dictate his story,” she says.

    ProRes Paints a Coastal Canvas

    “Even though I grew up in New Delhi, I’ve always been exposed to Kerala’s brave, daring cinema,” says Rohin Raveendran Nair, a director, writer, and cinematographer whose credits include Netflix shows like Sacred Games and Black Warrant.

    Nair’s short film Kovarty takes him back to his roots in the coastal city of Alleppey. A love story tinged with magical realism, it showcases the relationship between a typewriter and typist. Qwerty, as the typewriter is christened, is slowly transformed by the lilting local accent into Kovarty. This acts as a metaphor for the film’s major theme: change.

    The prospect of shooting on iPhone 16 Pro Max was instrumental in Nair’s choice of narrative. “Using iPhone’s small form factor, I could place the camera inside the typewriter and capture its POV,” he says. “This, along with practical effects with fish wires, helps bring the device to life.”

    Nair is framing his point of view shots in a 4:3 aspect ratio to emulate the verticality of a sheet of paper. These are juxtaposed against a wider 2:1 aspect ratio when capturing the expansive backwater landscapes. For some old-world charm, he also uses a bloom filter to create a halo around the highlights.

    Nair believes iPhone 16 Pro Max will complement Alleppey’s vivid blue-greens.

    “One day our location is bright and sunny, the next it’s cloudy and gloomy,” he says. “The camera captures such rich detail with ProRes Log in all sorts of lighting situations.”

    Action Mode Helps Cut Through the Noise

    For his new short film Mangya, educator and thespian Chanakya Vyas found inspiration in an unusual place. “It may seem obsolete, but a newspaper is a great place to discover stories,” he says.

    Vyas — whose short film Loo was nominated for Best Short Film (Narrative) at the New York Indian Film Festival — went down a rabbit hole after reading an article about an avian flu outbreak in suburban Mumbai. That, combined with the devastating loss of his golden retriever, inspired his new short film.

    Mangya is a coming-of-age tale about an 11-year-old boy and his pet, the titular rooster. “Losing a pet is very different from the loss of another person,” muses Vyas. “What started out as a story about a lonely boy, eventually became one about letting go.”

    For a key scene in the film, Vyas is tracking his actor for 1,000 feet just before the break of dawn.

    “There’s no time to mount the camera on a traditional gimbal,” he says. “But with Action mode, I could even shoot multiple takes. The stabilization is just so impressive.”

    Recording clean sound in a country as loud as India can be tricky, but Vyas is incorporating the cacophony into his milieu.

    “We’re able to layer footsteps, the rooster crowing, and the whirring sound of a fan with distinct clarity with the studio-quality mics on iPhone 16 Pro Max,” he says. “The native audio is that good in its bit rate and cadence.”

    Out amid the chicken coops while on set, Vyas relies on the nano-texture display of his MacBook Pro, which dramatically reduces glare and distractions from reflections coming from the overhead sun as he reviews the continuity of his shots. Nano-texture is a game-changing experience when working outdoors.

    “For a director, the most important thing is how the footage will turn out,” Vyas says. “Thankfully the Liquid Retina XDR display on my MacBook Pro gives me an accurate representation of the actual colors we will see in the finished version.”

    Screaming in Slow Motion

    Growing up in a traditional Tamil-speaking home in Chennai, filmmaker Shalini Vijayakumar loved hearing stories about her mother’s large family. “Some used to be funny, others were sad,” she says.

    “Some were about an uncle who used to talk to ghosts,” she continues. “As a 6-year-old, I would imagine myself in my mom’s place — full of stories to tell.”

    Her influences all come together in her new short film, Seeing Red, a comedic horror film about the quashed emotions of the women in a large Tamil household.

    Set in the 1980s, the film begins with three different women screaming in horror after seeing a ghost. It ends with them screaming to express a collective, repressed rage. “It’s like a journey from being scared to being angry,” she says. “The actors enjoy just getting to shout at the top of their lungs. And I scream with them because I’m also letting it all out.”

    To depict the scream, Vijayakumar is inverting a traditionally masculine visual device from Tamil cinema using iPhone 16 Pro Max. “I call these the ‘mass shots’ where the heroes walk dramatically in slow motion,” she says. “I’m doing that for the women in 4K120 fps, and it looks fabulous.”

    For more tightly framed shots, the 120 mm lens on iPhone 16 Pro Max allows her to bring together her narrative, staging, and theme in a single shot that she composed using Procreate on iPad.

    “Using the 5x Telephoto lens, I’m able to place the men in front as they discuss the fate of the women in the background,” Vijayakumar explains. “There’s so much storytelling in that one frame through that particular lens.”

    For all the complexities of theme, technology, and technique, both Vijayakumar and Seeing Red possess an ephemeral lightness of spirit. “My hope is that everyone has fun and remembers that women screamed in it!”

    Vikramaditya Motwane, the award-winning director and program mentor, is convinced the four MAMI Select filmmakers can carry forward the legacy of visionaries like Orson Welles and Satyajit Ray. “These filmmakers can be the pioneers who take the camera to places we’ve never seen before,” he says.

    Watch these four short films on the MAMI YouTube channel.

    Press Contacts

    Renee Felton

    Apple

    rfelton@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons introduces bipartisan bill to ensure Delaware receives more funding for veteran suicide prevention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced the bipartisan Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act to ensure veterans in every state, including Delaware, can benefit from critical suicide prevention resources.
    When Congress passed the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, it authorized several new programs designed to improve veterans’ access to mental health care. Among the provisions, the bill established the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) to reduce veteran suicide through a community-based approach.
    Although SSG Fox SPGP authorized $174 million to be appropriated for fiscal year 2021 through fiscal year 2025, neither North Dakota nor Delaware, nor entities serving these states, have received any funding.
    The Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act would address this by providing priority consideration of SSG Fox SPGP applications to entities in states that have not previously received a grant.
    “We have a duty to support those who have volunteered to serve in our armed forces, and no aid is more urgent than helping our veterans at risk of suicide,” said Senator Coons. “Until now, Delaware has missed out on critical funds to address veterans’ mental health and suicide risk despite the amazing organizations in the First State ready to expand their reach. This bill rights that wrong so that more Delaware veterans who have risked their lives to keep us safe will receive the life-saving support they deserve when they come home.”
    “Veterans across North Dakota and the nation bravely served our country and have been promised timely access to mental healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bipartisan bill provides a practical fix to ensure North Dakota veterans receive suicide prevention support if they need it.”
    You can read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: New garbage trucks should be environmentally friendly, maneuverable and affordable

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting within the framework of incident No. 58 “Organization of the system for handling municipal solid waste”. It was attended by heads of relevant departments and heads of regions.

    Special attention in the context of the incident was paid to the law that came into force in March of this year. It introduces a three-year moratorium on fines for exceeding the axle load for garbage trucks. Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that the task is not only to develop domestic trucks, but also to launch their serial production. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Russian Ecological Operator will also be involved in the design process.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the new model must comply with the law, be environmentally friendly, maneuverable, universal for all climate zones of the country and affordable. Dmitry Patrushev noted that the Ministry of Industry and Trade should speed up the implementation of the project.

    Dmitry Patrushev reported that the Government’s order approved a list of organizations with which individual regions can conclude concession agreements without a tender for the construction of waste management infrastructure. The Russian Ecological Operator will be included in the authorized capital of the organizations. This will allow monitoring the timely implementation of infrastructure projects. Dmitry Patrushev drew the attention of the heads of these 19 regions to the need to carefully monitor the implementation of “road maps” for the implementation of investment projects.

    Thanks to this mechanism, 5 million tons of capacity will be created for processing solid municipal waste, 2.3 million tons for its disposal, and 3.5 million tons for burial.

    The meeting also discussed regional provision of infrastructure for waste collection – containers, sites, special equipment. The heads of regions where the implementation of the waste management reform is causing the greatest difficulties spoke.

    Incident No. 58 “Organization of a system for handling municipal solid waste” was created on the instructions of the Chairman of the Government to ensure the implementation of reform in the area of waste management.

    When working in the incident format, a special project management system is used, which is deployed on the basis of the Government Coordination Center. It allows for prompt coordination of the actions of participants and monitoring of project implementation in real time.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov held the 13th meeting of the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov and Minister Coordinating for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Airlangga Hartarto held the 13th meeting of the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation. Its participants considered a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, industry, investment, transport and energy, as well as science, education and culture.

    Despite global challenges, bilateral trade between Russia and Indonesia is showing positive dynamics. Over the past five years, mutual trade turnover has grown by more than 80% (to $4.3 billion by the end of 2024), and last year Indonesia was among Russia’s three leading foreign trade partners in ASEAN. “At the same time, the potential for economic cooperation is much broader. This was confirmed, among other things, by the Russian-Indonesian business forum held yesterday in Jakarta. Business circles are demonstrating practical interest in developing mutually beneficial cooperation. Given the success of the format, I propose to continue the practice of combining such business events with commission meetings. I also consider it necessary to encourage the participation of Russian and Indonesian companies in major congress and exhibition events held in our countries,” Denis Manturov noted.

    The business dialogue between Russia and Indonesia contributes to the diversification of the trade structure. Thus, along with fuel and energy products, the export of food and mineral fertilizers is growing. In 2023, deliveries of Russian wheat resumed. “We expect to begin shipping meat products that will meet halal standards in the near future. We see opportunities for developing the export of forestry and metallurgy products,” the First Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    The conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Indonesia, as well as the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters will allow further increase in trade turnover and simplify procedures for mutual access of goods to markets. Denis Manturov also emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted mutual settlements.

    Special attention at the meeting was paid to the development of cooperation in the field of digital technologies. Domestic companies are ready to implement their own developments in the field of information security, artificial intelligence and smart city technologies in Indonesia. The First Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed readiness for dialogue on projects in the space industry, including technologies for remote sensing of the Earth, satellite navigation, manned spaceflight and personnel training.

    Cooperation in the spheres of culture, education, tourism and sports is developing successfully. Speaking about strengthening partnership relations in the media, Denis Manturov welcomed the plans of the Russia Today TV channel to jointly produce news content in Indonesian for local channels, which will allow objective coverage of both the Russian-Indonesian agenda and global events in the interests of the audience of our countries.

    Following the event, a final protocol was signed, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between Rosakcreditatsiya and the Indonesian Halal Product Quality Assurance Agency, which is aimed at improving the conditions for access of halal products to the Indonesian market. In addition, an Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Improving Quality and Business Excellence was signed between Roskachestvo and the Indonesian Association for Quality and Productivity Management, as well as an Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Sports between the Russian National Badminton Federation and the Indonesian Badminton Association.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev visited a number of social facilities in Kamchatka

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    As part of a working visit to Kamchatka Krai, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev familiarized himself with the progress of construction of the Kamchatka Regional Hospital, which is being created within the framework of the state program “Healthcare Development”, and visited the year-round greenhouse complex “Kamchatsky” in the priority development area “Kamchatka”.

    “We talked with the Governor of Kamchatka Krai Vladimir Viktorovich Solodov, he said that the main period of construction of the hospital, when the work was actually underway, was four years. As for impressions of the services, it is not my impressions that are important, but the assessment of patients, the quality of services that will be provided to them, and the opinion of doctors. It seems to me that the doctors are in a good mood. You can see it in their eyes. This is not the last inspection of this facility. The hospital will be launched in the middle of next month. We will definitely come to see the work of the hospital,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    Despite the sanctions, the best medical equipment has been purchased for the medical center – more than 700 units of equipment, many of which were produced in 2024 and have no analogues in the Far East. Thanks to the unique, state-of-the-art equipment, the range of high-tech operations that will be carried out in Kamchatka is expanding.

    Among them is a unique MRI machine, one of four in Russia. This equipment will allow the introduction of advanced treatment methods and will provide the highest level of medical care for decades to come.

    For the first time in Kamchatka, a single operating block has been created with nine operating rooms equipped with advanced equipment, including navigation systems for joint prosthetics and modern operating microscopes. Operations will be integrated into a single medical information system, which will simplify doctors’ access to patient data directly during surgery and telemedicine consultations with leading Russian medical institutes.

    This year, departments such as neurosurgery, general surgery, ENT department, urology center, traumatology and orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery, anesthesiology and resuscitation, hemodialysis and gravitational blood surgery, as well as departments of radiation and functional diagnostics together with a clinical diagnostic laboratory will move to the new Kamchatka hospital.

    The new Kamchatka Regional Hospital is the most long-awaited facility for residents of the region. Completion of its construction has become a key area of the people’s program for the development of Kamchatka Krai, formed on the basis of proposals from residents in 2020 at the initiative of Governor Vladimir Solodov.

    The new hospital is designed for 150 visits per shift and 450 beds. The area of the complex will be more than 63 thousand square meters, and the total area of the hospital territory provides for further development of treatment areas and will be more than 41 hectares.

    The construction of the Kamchatka Regional Hospital is being carried out in two stages. The first stage includes a treatment and diagnostic building, a ward building with 175 beds and engineering structures. The second stage includes an administrative and outpatient clinic building, a ward building with 275 beds, a pathology department and a block of auxiliary departments. Additionally, a children’s regional hospital will be created.

    Yuri Trutnev also visited the year-round greenhouse complex “Kamchatsky”, created on the initiative of the head of the region Vladimir Solodov and within the framework of the people’s program. The new production was created on the territory of the priority development area “Kamchatka”, within the boundaries of the agro-industrial park “Zelenovskie ozerki”, located in the village of Razdolny, Yelizovsky district. The opening of the complex took place in early February 2025.

    The launch of the facility will allow growing fresh vegetables at affordable prices and covering up to 60% of the population’s needs. In particular, this will make it possible to reduce the region’s dependence on external supplies. Industrial production of this scale has not been carried out in Kamchatka since Soviet times, and the level of automation and modern approaches to production are unprecedented for the region.

    The greenhouse’s production area is 3.6 hectares. Three varieties of tomatoes are grown here: round medium-fruited tomatoes of the “Merlis” variety, plum-shaped tomatoes of the “Prunax” variety and cherry tomatoes of the “Confetto” variety, as well as cucumbers of two varieties: medium-fruited “Meva” and short-fruited “Valigora” with a flower.

    Since the sowing of the main crops in December 2024, more than 490 tons of vegetable products have already been grown and shipped to retail chains. After reaching the production capacity of 2.8 thousand tons per year, the production will be able to meet up to 75% of the Kamchatka Territory’s need for fresh and affordable vegetables.

    On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister awarded the winners of the seventh public and business award “Star of the Far East”, who are implementing investment and public projects in Kamchatka Krai.

    The winner of the Strategic Development nomination was Highland Gold, a company engaged in the extraction of precious and non-ferrous metals. The group’s projects are concentrated in the Far East, and in the Kamchatka Territory it is represented by three operating enterprises. As one of the largest investors in the region, Highland Gold initiates and supports environmental, social, infrastructure and other projects in the region that contribute to the development of the socio-economic sphere, including in remote areas of the peninsula.

    The winner of the Hectare of Victory nomination was Nadezhda Tikhonova, Chairperson of the Kamchatka Regional Public Organization “Kalmyk Community “Bumbin Orn” (“Country of Happiness”), Director of the Delo Pobedy Charitable Foundation. She built an ethnosports complex on her property. The Delo Pobedy Foundation provides advisory and explanatory work for SVO participants and their families. In November-December 2022, the leaders of national associations of the Kamchatka Territory raised funds and directed them to create a project for the production of unmanned radio-controlled systems, and volunteers of the Delo Pobedy Charitable Foundation established the production and supply of multifunctional unmanned radio-controlled systems for evacuating the wounded, delivering everything necessary, mining and firing at the front lines.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On holding auctions on April 16, 2025 to place OFZ issue No. 26242RMFS and issue No. 26248RMFS

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    For bidders

    We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

    1.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26242RMFS from 01/19/2023
    Date of the auction April 16, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code CO26242RMFSB
    ISIN code RO000A105RV3
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00 – 12:30; bid execution period: 13:00 – 18:00.

    2.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26248RMFS from 08.05.2024
    Date of the auction April 16, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code CO26248RMFS3
    ISIN code RO000A108EH4
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Support Grows for ‘Beacon of Hope’ R&D Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

    On Tax Day, organizations and innovators are continuing to show support for the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act, legislation introduced by Reps. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) and John Larson (D-Connecticut) that permanently allows for immediate research and development expensing looking back to 2022 when the provision expired. Reps. Estes and Larson were joined by Reps. Rudy Yakym (R-Indiana) and Suzan DelBene (D-Washington) and the bill has an additional 70 cosponsors evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. The statements below are in addition to support expressed by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers when Reps. Estes and Larson introduced the bill in March.

    “The Aerospace Industries Association is grateful for the continued bipartisan support of the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act, which will restore immediate research and development expensing — allowing innovation to flourish among America’s aerospace and defense companies and ensuring we continue to outpace our adversaries. We thank Congressman Estes and Congressman Larson for championing these efforts and supporting American business by reintroducing this important bill,” said Eric Fanning, president and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association.

    “Restoring full and immediate R&D expensing is essential to the future of American manufacturing and the competitiveness of the U.S. plastics industry,” said Chris Rager, vice president of government affairs, Plastics Industry Association. “Our sector supports over one million jobs and drives innovation in critical areas like healthcare, automotive, and sustainable packaging. This bipartisan measure will help ensure manufacturers can continue investing in next-generation technologies that strengthen our economy, advance sustainability, and keep the United States at the forefront of global innovation.”

    “The American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act is a beacon of hope for U.S. manufacturers as we face unfair global competition,” said Eric Axel, executive director, American Medical Manufacturers Association. “By reinstating immediate R&D expensing, this bipartisan legislation empowers domestic makers of critical medical supplies to innovate, compete, and safeguard our public health and national security. It’s a crucial step towards ensuring America remains a leader in producing life-saving supplies, fostering economic resilience, and creating high-paying jobs nationwide.”

    “Our research and development efforts drive advancements in magnetic technologies used across food processing, recycling, and advanced manufacturing. These innovations not only help protect equipment and ensure safety—they also support good-paying, skilled jobs in Kansas. Restoring immediate expensing for R&D, as proposed in Congressman Estes’ legislation, would give manufacturers like us the certainty and resources we need to keep hiring, expanding, and staying competitive. We’re grateful for his leadership and strong support of Kansas manufacturers,” said Robert Bunting Jr., president & CEO, Bunting in Newton, Kansas.

    You can read the full text of the bill here.

    Background
     Rep. Estes has been a leader in advocating for American innovation. In the previous Congress, Reps. Estes and John Larson (D-Connecticut) reintroduced H.R. 2673 – the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act – on April 18, 2023. Rep. Estes delivered remarks on the House floor in April of 2023 and numerous organizations offered their support following the bill’s introduction. In June, Rep. Estes testified on the legislation in a Small Business Committee subcommittee, discussed the bill during a Ways and Means markup for the Committee’s Build It in America Act – an economic package that included a version of Rep. Estes’ bill and was reported out of committee and penned an op-ed for The Hill highlighting the then more than 100 cosponsors and touting the benefits of the legislation. In December, Rep. Estes spoke to Tax Notes about the expired provision and published an op-ed in Newsweek unpacking the positive outcomes – for individual taxpayers and across the economy – made possible by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 and explaining how his bipartisan bill offers a solution to the expired R&D expensing provision that would help restore America’s dominance in R&D and secure American jobs.

    In April of 2024, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) and Tax Subcommittee Chairman Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania) named Rep. Estes chair of the newly formed U.S. Innovation Tax Team, one of ten working groups comprised of committee members to study key tax provisions from the 2017 Trump tax cuts that are set to expire in 2025. Rep. Estes talked with innovators and manufacturers throughout Kansas in August and September and led a delegation with House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) and then-Tax Team Vice Chair Michelle Steel (R-California) to Silicon Valley later in September to meet with U.S. innovators and stakeholders about the upcoming TCJA expirations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly honors Crawford County Treasurer as latest Community Champion

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    CONNEAUT LAKE, Pa. — On Saturday, April 12, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) honored Crawford County Treasurer Christine Krzysiak as the latest 16th Congressional District Community Champion for her decades of public service to Crawford County. Krzysiak will retire at the end of the year after serving as Crawford County Treasurer for 14 years.

    “Christine embodies what it means to be a dedicated public servant,” Rep. Kelly said. “Whether it’s her role as Crawford County Treasurer, serving in her church, or becoming a mentor to young professionals across the region, she continues to put others first and strengthen our communities.”

    Krzysiak serves on the executive board of the County Treasurers’ Association of Pennsylvania (CTAP) and has for the last 4 years. She was elected as CTAP president in 2023. Additionally, she has been a member of the Meadville Business and Professional Women since 2011, where she served as their Treasurer for seven of those years. Krzysiak currently serves on their Audit Committee. She also serves as an altar server at her church.

    Previously, Krzysiak served as Venango Township (Crawford County) Tax Collector from 2005-2011.She first began working for Crawford County in the Clerk of Courts Office in 1984.

    Krzysiak and her husband have three adult children and one grandchild.

    BACKGROUND

    The Community Champion Award is a citation instituted by the Office of U.S. Representative Mike Kelly in January 2015 to recognize and thank service-minded individuals throughout Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District for selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities. Each winner is presented with an official award plaque from Rep. Kelly’s office, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building, and a statement of congratulations entered into the official Congressional Record.

    In February, Rep. Kelly honored Erie businessman Chris Sirianni for his contributions to the Lake Erie Ale Trail and promoting the craft beer industry in Northwest Pennsylvania. During his tenure, Sirianni grew the group from four to 17 local breweries. He stepped down from his executive duties with the Lake Erie Ale Trail in January 2025.

    Rep. Kelly co-chairs the House Small Brewers Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ministry of Health and KAOUN International launch GITEX FUTURE HEALTH AFRICA in Morocco, the foremost healthcare tech event to accelerate digitisation of the region’s healthcare industry

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    MARRAKECH, Morocco, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    During the third annual edition of GITEX AFRICA Morocco (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest tech and startup show, His Excellency Mr. Amine Tehraoui, Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection announced the launch of GITEX FUTURE HEALTH AFRICA/Morocco – in partnership with KAOUN International, organiser of GITEX in Africa and globally.

    The much anticipated and pivotal event for the healthcare economy was officially launched with the signing of the partnership agreement, and will be held under the authority of Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, hosted in partnership with Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health (FM6SS), and organised by KOAUN International, the organiser of GITEX in Africa and globally.

    To be hosted in Casablanca from 21-23 April 2026, GITEX FUTURE HEALTH AFRICA/Morocco, featuring GITEX DIGI_HEALTH, is set to lead the transformation impetus of Morocco and Africa to combat challenges in healthcare information, delivery, access and efficiency, capitalising on the emergence of AI and digital technologies.

    H.E. Mr. Amine Tehraoui, Minister of Health and Social Protection, stated: “GITEX FUTURE HEALTH AFRICA/Morocco embodies the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to health as a fundamental and universal human right, enshrined in our national vision for health system reform. As digital innovation, data intelligence, and health tech increasingly shape the future of care delivery across Africa, this platform reinforces Morocco’s position as a regional hub for collaboration, talent, and investment. Through international partnerships, strategic innovation, and shared expertise, we have a unique opportunity to co-build inclusive, resilient, and people-centered healthcare systems for the continent and beyond.”

    For its part, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health emphasized its strategic vision: “As a major player in the fields of health, training, and scientific research, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health is committed, alongside the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and KAOUN International, to making Morocco a continental hub for healthtech. By contributing its medical and academic expertise through the development of digital health and medical technologies in Morocco and Africa, we aim to help shape the healthcare ecosystem of tomorrow.”

    Morocco has emerged as a pioneer in digital health initiatives and advancing expeditiously towards an integrated health information system, fostering the adoption of innovative medical technologies to build a resilient healthcare infrastructure and system. The African healthcare market is estimated to be worth US$259 billion and expected to become the second biggest market after the US by 2030.

    Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, organiser of GITEX globally, commented: “There is urgency from governments and healthcare institutions worldwide – and especially in Africa – to modernise and digitise their healthcare services to increase reach, reduce healthcare costs and deliver better patient outcomes. GITEX FUTURE HEALTH AFRICA/Morocco will highlight the role and growing influence of AI and new digital solutions to improve data-driven decision making and reduce health inequities. The event will prioritise public-private partnerships which are particularly instrumental in this digital mission to advance the industry productively and efficiently.”

    The three-day event will open with an agenda shaping leadership summit tackling powerful themes – accelerating cutting-edge solutions set to transform access, outcomes and health equity. Targeting decision-making executives from hospitals and healthcare institutions, health ministers and government leaders, CIOs, CTOs, innovators and disruptors, and public health policymakers – topics during the summit will explore health infrastructure, expanded access to healthcare, investment and research, data security and national records integration, health and data analytics, and AI-powered diagnostics.

    An exhibition will bring together top researchers, practitioners, innovators, and experts from the global healthcare industry – representing Africa’s most important gathering of medical & lab equipment, imaging & diagnostics, IT systems & solutions, healthcare infrastructure, healthcare transformation, smart hospitals, healthcare management, and digital health management systems in Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: First West Credit Union closed a $150 million senior deposit note offering with a final order book of $615 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LANGLEY, British Columbia, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First West Credit Union (“First West”) a leading Canadian financial co-operative, announced that it closed its offering (the “Offering”) of $150 million aggregate principal amount of fixed rate senior deposit notes due on March 24, 2027 (the “Notes”). The Notes are unsecured and bear a fixed interest rate of 4.252% per annum, paid semi-annually and commencing on September 24, 2025. First West’s most recent offering is the third offering of notes since 2022.

    With approximately $20 billion in assets and assets under administration, First West serves 283,000 members throughout British Columbia and is one of Canada’s largest credit unions. First West has received a R-1 (low) Short-Term and a BBB (high) Long-Term credit rating from Morningstar DBRS.

    “The overwhelming response underscores the continued confidence the investment community places in First West, its financial strength and its long-term growth strategy, backed by a trusted team and a bold outlook,” says Mark Moreland, First West’s Chief Financial and Strategy Officer. “We’re proud of this strong endorsement – what started as a $150 million offering closed with a final order book of $615 million – over four times oversubscribed.”

    First West Credit Union is in the advanced stages of its pending federal continuance and remains fully committed to becoming a federal credit union. Moreland continues, “We believe that First West is well-positioned for federal continuance with all technology systems, policies and procedures ready, and we’ve completed several years of preparation under the guidance of the federal banking regulator. While we wait for approval, First West will continue to navigate with strength through this economic environment while supporting our members in the weeks and months ahead.”

    CIBC World Markets and Scotia Capital acted as joint bookrunners. McCarthy Tetrault acted as external legal counsel to First West and Stikeman Elliott acted as legal counsel to the bookrunners and co-managers.

    About First West Credit Union

    First West Credit Union brings together the best of both worlds, combining the scale, stability and solutions of a leading Canadian financial institution with the care and community leadership of a local cooperative. Powered by the leadership of Launi Skinner, First West is Canada’s premier multi-brand credit union, serving 283,000 members through four admired community brands: Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial. With approximately $20 billion in total assets and assets under administration, First West makes it easy for its members to get impactful, practical advice and personalized service that’s truly in their best interests, through 45 branches across B.C., a Member Advice Centre and leading digital tools.

    Since 2010, First West has given back more than $41 million to its communities, while cultivating a culture with its 1,250 team members that is recognized nationally with Canada’s Most Admired Cultures Award, BC’s Top Employers Award, 5-Star Psychological Safety Award, and the Canadian Workplace Wellbeing Award. Learn more at firstwestcu.ca and see how we’re redefining banking through our belief that every person, business and community deserves to feel financially confident.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, “forward -looking statements”). When used in this news release the words “may”, “well-positioned”, “working”, “to be”, “becoming”, “anticipates”, “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

    Contact info:
    Josh Juhlke – Communications Manager
    jjuhlke@firstwestcu.ca
    416-360-5967

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cambodia’s haunted present: 50 years after Khmer Rouge’s rise, murderous legacy looms large

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sophal Ear, Associate Professor in the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University

    Khmer Rouge forces collect weapons left behind by retreating soldiers as they enter Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975. Roland Neveu/LightRocket via Getty Images

    On April 17, 1975, tanks rolled into the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, to cheering crowds who believed that the country’s long civil war might finally be over.

    But what followed was one of the worst genocides of the 20th century. During a brutal four-year rule, the communist-nationalist ideologues of the Khmer Rouge killed between 1.6 million and 3 million people through executions, forced labor and starvation. It represented a quarter of the country’s population at the time.

    Fifty years on, the Khmer Rouge’s legacy continues to shape Cambodia – politically, socially, economically and emotionally. It’s etched into every Cambodian’s bones – including mine.

    Photo of author’s parents in Cambodia, taken in late 1960s.
    Sophal Ear, CC BY

    I write this not just as an academic or observer but as a survivor. My father died under the Khmer Rouge, succumbing to dysentery and malnutrition after being forced to work in a labor camp. My mother pretended to be Vietnamese to save our family. She escaped Cambodia with five children in 1976, crossing through Vietnam before reaching France in 1978 and finally the United States in 1985. We were among the lucky ones.

    Today, Cambodia is physically unrecognizable from the bombed-out fields and empty cities of the 1970s. Phnom Penh gleams with high-rises and luxury malls. And yet beneath the glitter, the past endures – often in silence, sometimes in cynical exploitation.

    Legacy of fear and control

    The Khmer Rouge came to power on a wave of disillusionment, corruption, civil war and rural resentment. Years of American bombing, the 1970 U.S.-backed coup that ousted Prince Norodom Sihanouk, and the subsequent deeply unpopular U.S.-aligned military regime set the stage for the Khmer Rouge’s rise.

    A convoy of vehicles commandeered by the victorious Khmer Rouge drives through Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975.
    Roland Neveu/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Many Cambodians, particularly in the countryside, welcomed the Khmer Rouge, with its mix of hard-line communist ideology and extreme Cambodian nationalism, as liberators who promised to restore order and dignity. But for the next four years, the Khmer Rouge, under feared leader Pol Pot, brought terror to the nation through ideological purges, forced labor, racial genocide of minority groups and policies that brought widespread famine.

    People digging a water canal under the guard of an armed Khmer Rouge soldier in 1976.
    AFP via Getty Images

    The regime fell in 1979, when Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia and toppled the Khmer Rouge leadership, installing a new, pro-Hanoi government. But its shadows remain.

    The now ruling Cambodian People’s Party, in power for over four decades, has justified its grip on the country through the trauma of the genocide.

    “Peace and stability” have become mantras used to squash dissent.

    Every sham election becomes a referendum not just on policy but on avoiding a return to war. Critics of Cambodia’s rulers are framed as threats to peace and unity. Opposition parties have been dissolved, activists jailed, media muzzled.

    This political culture of fear draws directly from the Khmer Rouge playbook – minus the overt violence. The trauma inflicted by that regime taught people to distrust one another, to keep quiet, to survive by keeping their heads down. That impulse still shapes public life.

    Justice delayed, and still incomplete

    The Khmer Rouge tribunal – officially the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia – was supposed to bring closure. It has brought some.

    But it took decades to begin, cost over US$300 million and convicted only three senior Khmer Rouge leaders over the 1975–79 genocide. Many mid- and lower-level perpetrators walk free, some are still in government positions, some neighbors to survivors.

    For a nation where the majority of the population was born after 1979, there remains a glaring gap in education and public reckoning over the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities.

    Cambodia’s school curriculum still struggles to teach this period adequately. For many young people, it’s something their parents don’t talk about and the state prefers to frame selectively.

    Economic growth − uneven and fragile

    In raw numbers, Cambodia’s economic progress over the past two decades has been impressive.

    GDP growth averaged around 7% annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities have expanded, and investment – especially from China – has flooded in.

    One of Phnom Penh’s high-end malls.
    Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP via Getty Images.

    But much of this growth is precarious. Cambodia’s economy remains dependent on garment exports, tourism and construction. This leaves it vulnerable to external shocks, such as the Trump administration’s imposition of 49% tariffs on Cambodian goods, now temporarily paused.

    Instead of building a resilient, diversified economy, Cambodia has relied on relationships – with China for investment, with the U.S. for markets – without investing enough in its own human capital. That, too, I believe, is a legacy of the Khmer Rouge, which destroyed the country’s intellectual and professional classes.

    Trauma passed down

    The psychological toll of genocide doesn’t disappear with time. Survivors carry the scars in their bodies and minds.

    But so do their children and grandchildren. Studies in postgenocide Cambodia have shown elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among survivors and their descendants, resulting in intergenerational trauma.

    There are not nearly enough mental health services in the country. Trauma is often dealt with privately, through silence or resilience rather than therapy. Buddhism, the country’s dominant religion, offers rituals for healing, reincarnation and forgiveness. But this isn’t a substitute for systemic mental health infrastructure.

    Worse, in recent years, even the memory of the genocide has been politicized.

    Some leaders use it as a tool to silence dissent. Others co-opt it for nationalist narratives. There’s little room for honest, critical reflection. Some independent initiatives, such as intergenerational dialogue programs and digital archives, have tried to fill the gap but face limited support.

    This is, I believe, a second tragedy. A country cannot truly move forward if it cannot speak freely about its past.

    A tourist looks at portraits of victims of the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng genocide museum in Phnom Penh, formerly a Khmer Rouge torture center known as S-21.
    Tang Chhin Southy/AFP via Getty Images)

    The danger of forgetting

    April 17 is not a national holiday in Cambodia. There are no official commemorations. The government doesn’t encourage remembrance of the day Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge. But to my mind, it should. Not to reopen wounds, but to remind Cambodians why justice, democracy and dignity matter.

    The danger isn’t that Cambodia will return to the days of the Khmer Rouge. The danger is that it becomes a place where history is manipulated, where authoritarianism is justified as stability and where development is allowed to paper over injustice.

    As the world marks the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge’s rise, Cambodia must, I believe, reckon with this uncomfortable truth: The regime may be long gone, but its legacy lives on in the institutions, behaviors and fears that continue to shape Cambodia today.

    A personal reckoning

    When I look back, I think of my father – whom I never knew. I think of my mother, who risked everything to save us. And I think of the millions of Cambodians who live with memories they cannot forget, and the young Cambodians who deserve to know the full truth.

    My life has been shaped by what happened on April 17, 1975. But that story isn’t mine alone. It belongs to Cambodia – and it’s still being written.

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

    – ref. Cambodia’s haunted present: 50 years after Khmer Rouge’s rise, murderous legacy looms large – https://theconversation.com/cambodias-haunted-present-50-years-after-khmer-rouges-rise-murderous-legacy-looms-large-254125

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –