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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: CPSC Issues Final Order to Amazon.com Outlining Remediation Plans for Hazardous Products

    Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission

    Amazon Ordered to Implement Notification and Refund Remedies for Products Distributed by Amazon
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) unanimously issued a Decision and Order, concluding its administrative litigation with Amazon.com, Inc., a global e-commerce company with $575 billion in revenue. The Decision and Order outlines steps Amazon must take to notify purchasers and the public about hazardous products for which the Commission determined Amazon was a distributor under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).
    In July 2024, the Commission determined in a unanimous vote that Amazon was a “distributor” of certain products that are defective or fail to meet federal consumer product safety standards, and therefore bears legal responsibility for their recall. The Commission also determined that the products, listed on Amazon.com and sold by third-party sellers using the Fulfilled by Amazon program, pose a “substantial product hazard” under the CPSA. More than 400,000 products are subject to this Order: specifically, faulty carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, hairdryers without electrocution protection, and children’s sleepwear that violated federal flammability standards.
    Today’s Order requires Amazon to implement the following: 
    Notification:

    On the day CPSC publishes the recall releases, Amazon must notify the public by posting the recall releases to Amazon.com; notify original purchasers directly via email and by providing information regarding the recalls on each purchaser’s “Your Orders” page. 
    Amazon must provide one round of notice of the recalls to Fulfilled by Amazon participants that sold the subject products. 

    Incentive to Remove Products from Commerce:

    Amazon must issue a full refund in the amount of the purchase price to any consumer who submits proof of destruction or disposal of a subject product.

    Maintaining Records of Recalls:

    Amazon must maintain the recall releases on the “Recalls and Product Safety Alerts” webpage on amazon.com for a minimum of five years. 
    Amazon must submit monthly progress reports for five years and maintain records of its actions to comply with the Order for the same period.

    Further information regarding the recalls will be available to consumers on Amazon.com and CPSC.gov once the Order goes into effect.
    Overview
    On July 14, 2021, the Commission authorized an administrative complaint against Amazon alleging that the company distributed certain products that pose a substantial product hazard. The matter was initially tried before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who ruled that Amazon was a “distributor,” that the products present a substantial product hazard, and that Amazon must take certain steps, including issuing recalls, to protect the public from the hazardous products. Both parties appealed the ALJ’s ruling to the Commission, which considered the record in the case and heard oral argument.
    In a Decision and Order issued on July 29, 2024, the Commission determined that Amazon distributed certain products that pose a substantial product hazard under the CPSA, and therefore bears legal responsibility for their recall. Amazon was subsequently ordered to submit proposed plans to notify purchasers and the public about the hazardous products, and to remove the products from commerce and from consumers’ possession by incentivizing their return or destruction.
    With today’s Decision and Order, the Commission has approved notification and action plans that require Amazon to notify purchasers and the public about the product hazards and provide incentives (refunds) to consumers to remove the products from commerce by destroying them.
    This Order has an effective date of January 26, 2025.   
    Background Information

    Chair and Commissioner Statements:

    Media Contacts:
    Pamela Springs – PSprings@cpsc.gov; 301-504-7425
    Nychelle Fleming – Nfleming@cpsc.gov; 301-504-7063

    About the U.S. CPSCThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products. 
    Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
    For lifesaving information:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Urges Residents to Listen to Local Officials About Flooding Risks as Storms Sweep the South and Midwest

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Urges Residents to Listen to Local Officials About Flooding Risks as Storms Sweep the South and Midwest

    FEMA Urges Residents to Listen to Local Officials About Flooding Risks as Storms Sweep the South and Midwest

    WASHINGTON — Large storms and severe weather systems are moving across the South and Midwest, which are bringing heavy rain and risks of flooding

    FEMA is coordinating with its state, local, tribal and territorial partners to ensure people’s safety is prioritized

     Additionally, President Donald J

    Trump has approved an emergency declaration for Tennessee, providing federal disaster assistance that allows FEMA to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency

    It is critical to listen to local authorities because they are the best source of information as weather impacts change and develop

    There are several ways residents in affected areas can prepare to stay safe during these storms

    How to get information: Do not rely on a single source of weather alert information

    Instead, tune in to multiple information sources and set up your devices to receive warnings and alerts

    Make a habit of checking weather conditions regularly

    This includes TV news, radio, a weather app on your smartphone or an online weather service

    The FEMA App is your personalized disaster resource

    Within the app, you can receive real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the country

    It can also help you find a nearby shelter if you need to evacuate

    It is available on iPhone or Android

     How to stay safe:Evacuate immediately, if told to do so

    When thunderstorms are in the area, stay alert for rapidly changing conditions

    You may notice streams start to rise quickly and become muddy or hear a roaring sound upstream that may be a flood wave moving rapidly toward you

    If you observe these things, head immediately for higher ground

    Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters

    Flash flooding can develop in just minutes

    If a flash flood warning is issued, it means a flash flood is imminent or occurring and you should take action

    If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground

    Get to the highest level if trapped in a building

    Only get on the roof as a last resort and once there, signal for help

    Do not climb into a closed attic, as you could be trapped by rising floodwater

    If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately (unless water is moving quickly) and move to higher ground

    Rapidly rising water can engulf the vehicle and its occupants, sweeping them away

    Many flood deaths occur from cars being swept downstream

    It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks

    Never drive around barricades

    Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas

    Information on keeping important documents safe:Keeping important documents such as birth certificates, passports, drivers’ licenses and Social Security cards in a safe place is important so they are accessible once disaster recovery starts

    Take time now to safeguard these items to increase your peace of mind

    Think about where to store important documents and valuables

    If you have important items in your basement, you may want to consider moving them to a higher location and putting them in waterproof containers if possible

    Consider storing electronic copies of important documents in a password-protected format on a removable flash or external hard drive

     To learn more about flood safety and preparedness, visit Ready

    gov/floods or Listo

    gov in Spanish language

     
    joy

    li
    Thu, 04/03/2025 – 20:19

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Traffic and drug offences – Nakara

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 53-year-old male in relation to driving and drug offences in Nakara last week.

    Early last week, police received a number of reports in relation to vehicles hooning and conducting burnouts on the residential streets of Nakara and Casuarina areas.

    On Wednesday 26 March 2025, Darwin Traffic Operations members located one of the vehicles of interest and apprehended the driver at the front of his residence In Nakara.

    While speaking to the driver, a strong smell of Cannabis was detected emanating from his residence.

    A search warrant was subsequently obtained and executed at the residence by members of Darwin Traffic Operations and the Drug and Organised Crime Squad.

    During the search, a commercial quantity of cannabis was located, along with a trafficable quantity of cannabis plants and four Oleoresin Capsicum Sprays, which are a prohibited weapon in the Northern Territory.

    The male was arrested and charged with the following:

    • Drive a motor vehicle while unlicensed
    • Driver with a prohibited drug in body
    • Possess schedule 2 commercial quantity
    • Supply schedule 2 commercial quantity
    • Cultivate commercial quantity prohibited plant in presence of a child
    • Cultivate trafficable quantity prohibited plant
    • Possess prohibited weapon

    Senior Sergeant Devrim Kanyilmaz said, “The actions of this individual are unacceptable.

    “Not only does hooning put other road users at risk, but the supply and distribution of an illicit substance can cause significant harm to the community.

    “The NT Police Force will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt criminal behaviour and protect the community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Aggravated assault – Coolalinga

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after an aggravated robbery occurred in Coolalinga overnight.

    Around 11:20pm, police received reports that a 16-year-old male was allegedly threatened with an edged weapon for his keys and wallet outside a gym on Fairweather Crescent.

    The male and female offenders subsequently fled the scene in the victim’s Mitsubishi Outlander.

    Strike Force Trident have carriage and investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25091342. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release-DOH Expands Efforts to Prevent a Measles Outbreak in Hawai’i

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release-DOH Expands Efforts to Prevent a Measles Outbreak in Hawai’i

    Posted on Apr 3, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, M.D., MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

         DOH EXPANDS EFFORTS TO PREVENT A MEASLES OUTBREAK

    IN HAWAIʻI    

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    April 3, 2025                                                                                                    25-031

    HONOLULU — The risk of a measles outbreak in Hawaiʻi continues to rise, as measles cases continue to spread across the mainland and globally, even as Hawaiʻi’s measles vaccination rate declines. In response, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is taking proactive measures to prevent an outbreak in Hawaiʻi.

    DOH is expanding its outreach to provide more information about the increasing risk of exposure to and complications from measles, as well as the safety and effectiveness of measles vaccination. DOH is also taking action to encourage more vaccinations.

    A population vaccination rate of at least 95% is needed to prevent a measles outbreak. In Hawaiʻi, the measles vaccination rate is 90%. In Texas, where a measles outbreak is spreading rapidly, the vaccination rate is 93%. Having a population vaccination rate high enough to prevent an outbreak, which is based on the contagiousness of the infection, is often called ‘herd immunity.’

    However, vaccination rates can vary locally and by school. The risk of an outbreak is higher in schools with low immunization rates (see full list of Hawaiʻi schools). 

    In addition to recommending vaccination against measles, DOH is working to reduce barriers to vaccination for those who choose to get vaccinated. DOH sent a letter to parents and guardians of K-12 students of public, private and charter schools on April 2 encouraging them to get their child vaccinated against measles if the child is not fully vaccinated.

    The letter also announced that DOH will issue emergency rules to remove a barrier to vaccination against the highly contagious measles virus. 

    The emergency rules will allow children with a religious exemption to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine while retaining the exemption to other vaccines and continuing to attend school. The rules can be effective only for and would expire in 120 days. 

    “Measles is a very serious, sometimes fatal disease for children,” said Dr. Sarah Kemble, a pediatrician and state epidemiologist. “At the rate it’s spreading, it could easily reach Hawaiʻi on the next plane. The MMR vaccine is our best defense against the measles virus. The emergency rules will remove a potential barrier for families choosing to protect their children with the MMR vaccine.”

    Parents are asked to report any updates to their child’s vaccination record to their school to ensure that the school’s vaccination data is accurate and up to date. Should a measles outbreak occur in Hawaiʻi, students without a record of an MMR vaccine may be prohibited from attending school.

    DOH will reach out to schools to assess interest in hosting on-site vaccination clinics. Schools and offices interested in hosting vaccination clinics can also call the DOH Immunization Branch at 808-586-8300.

    To access vaccines, parents and school staff should contact:

    • The child’s preferred healthcare provider
    • A local community clinic

    Vaccine locator:

    https://www.vaccines.gov/en/ 

     

    The best way to prevent a measles outbreak is to have a high community vaccination rate. A high vaccination rate additionally helps protect newborns who are too young to get vaccinated, children who are unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons, unvaccinated pregnant women, and others who may have a weakened immune system.

    Children should receive two doses of MMR: one at 12–15 months of age and a second dose at 4–6 years of age before school entry. Adults not at high risk of exposure and who don’t have evidence of prior immunity are recommended to have at least one documented dose of MMR in their lifetime. Additional vaccine recommendations, including for travelers,, can be found on the CDC website:

    https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html.

     

    For more information on measles, visit DOH’s measles page.

    #  # #

    Media Contact:

    Claudette Springer
    Information Specialist
    Hawai‘i State Department of Health
    Phone: 808-586-4445
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-50 HAWAI‘I COUNTY POLICE DETECTIVE FOUND GUILTY OF PERJURY

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-50 HAWAI‘I COUNTY POLICE DETECTIVE FOUND GUILTY OF PERJURY

    Posted on Apr 3, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

     

     

    HAWAI‘I COUNTY POLICE DETECTIVE FOUND GUILTY OF PERJURY

     

    News Release 2025-50

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    April 3, 2025

     

    HILO, Hawai‘i – William Brown, a detective in the Vice Division of the Hawaiʻi County Police Department, was found guilty of Perjury, a class C felony offense, following a bench trial by Judge Peter K. Kubota on April 2, 2025.

     

    Brown was found guilty of knowingly making a false statement while under oath, to a grand jury proceeding before the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit, while employed as a Hawaiʻi County Police detective.

     

    The false statement involved his interview with a suspect in a case where drugs were found in a vehicle. During the interview, the suspect stated multiple times that the only item she brought into the vehicle with her was her cell phone. The majority of the drugs found in the vehicle were in a black bag which also contained a pink stuffed animal pencil type case. Brown then testified falsely during the grand jury that the suspect claimed to have brought both her cell phone and the pink stuffed animal case into the vehicle with her.

     

    Deputy Attorney General Albert Cook, who handled the prosecution of the case stated, “Our legal system is designed to find the truth. When witnesses lie, it undermines our legal system and perverts the quest for justice. The Department of the Attorney General is committed to protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system and will prosecute those who commit perjury.” 

     

    Sentencing is set for May 23, 2025, before the Honorable Peter K. Kubota. Brown faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office: 808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Welcomes $10M Helmsley Gift to Expand Critical Cancer Care on O‘ahu

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Welcomes $10M Helmsley Gift to Expand Critical Cancer Care on O‘ahu

    Posted on Apr 3, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    GOVERNOR GREEN WELCOMES $10M HELMSLEY GIFT TO EXPAND CRITICAL CANCER CARE ON OʻAHU

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 3, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today highlighted the importance of the philanthropic community to Hawaiʻi’s healthcare industry, in welcoming $10M in grants from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, to two Oʻahu hospitals.

    The grants will expand access to critical cancer care at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children and at The Queen’s Medical Center–West O‘ahu Cancer Center.

    “We are so grateful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for its generous grants of $5 million to each of these hospitals, which is key to ensuring that our state’s residents have access to the highest quality cancer care,” said Governor Green. “We cannot overstate the magnitude of such gracious support from the philanthropic community for healthcare, especially in specialty fields and for rural or remote communities. Mahalo to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for its continuing investment in Hawai‘i and its people.”

    The Helmsley Trust’s $5 million grant to Kapiʻolani Medical Center will help to build the Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center, offering life-saving and specialized treatments for women and children diagnosed with cancer.

    In Oʻahu’s rapidly growing West O‘ahu region, Helmsley’s $5 million grant will fund a 2,500-square-foot expansion of the cancer center at Queen’s West that will add three infusion bays and six exam rooms and allow the hospital to accommodate 20 percent more patients.

    “O‘ahu residents facing cancer diagnoses should be able to access top-notch cancer care close to home, where family and friends can provide much-needed support,” said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “These expansions will ensure patients can get the care they need in a timely manner.”

    The phased reconfiguration of The Queen’s Medical Center–West O‘ahu Cancer Center will relocate and expand infusion services and modernize the medical oncology clinic, reducing wait times while accommodating a growing number of patients.

    “We are extremely grateful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for this very generous gift, and for their commitment to supporting high quality health care for the people of Hawai‘i,” said Queen’s Health Systems President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Chang. “This expansion of cancer services at our West O‘ahu hospital will allow us the ability to better serve residents living in those communities so they are able to receive care closer to home.”

    At 25,000-square-feet, the new Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center will be five times larger than the current space at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. The center will double the number of infusion bays for women and pediatric patients, and expand research space for clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies. Kapi‘olani is the state’s dedicated site for bone marrow collection and transplants for children, and it’s the only women’s cancer facility in Hawai‘i that specializes in treating breast and gynecologic oncology patients.

    “We are incredibly thankful for the Helmsley Charitable Trust’s gift to Kapi‘olani in helping to provide state-of-the-art cancer care for years to come,” said Gidget Ruscetta, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children chief operating officer. “This funding will allow Kapi‘olani to best serve the cancer needs of women and children across Hawai‘i by further elevating how we deliver specialized care, as well as expanding innovative treatments and research.”

    As part of Helmsley’s goal of reducing disparities between rural and urban Americans in their access to healthcare, its Rural Healthcare program has invested $88 million in cancer care since 2009. In addition to funding new and existing cancer care facilities, Helmsley champions novel models that leverage telehealth, affiliations, partnerships, and outreach clinics to ensure that people can have access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live.

    Today’s grant announcement in Hawai‘i builds on a previous grant of $10.6 million to the Wilcox Medical Center on Kaua‘i in August 2024, funding state-of-the-art diagnostic and radiology equipment to ensure communities on Kaua‘i have access to high-quality care.

    Photos from today’s event, courtesy Office of the Governor, will be available here.

    Video from today’s event can be found here.

    Additional information including photos and b-roll video can be downloaded from https://helmsleytrust.box.com/s/svzc804vfhdr804pnynhslip6q6jgbyp

    About the Helmsley Charitable Trust
    The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $4.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $750 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of Hawai‘i, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and two U.S. Pacific territories, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.

    # # #

    Media contacts:
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    [email protected]

    Dirk Lammers
    Helmsley Charitable Trust
    605-254-3472
    [email protected]

    Michelle Tsai
    Helmsley Charitable Trust
    347-978-3583
    [email protected]

    Liz Chun Uyehara
    Kapi‘olani Health Foundation
    808-295-5245
    [email protected]

    Minna Sugimoto
    The Queen’s Health Systems
    808-691-4105
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Appoints New Chief Judge for Intermediate Court of Appeals

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Appoints New Chief Judge for Intermediate Court of Appeals

    Posted on Apr 3, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    GOVERNOR GREEN APPOINTS NEW CHIEF JUDGE FOR  INTERMEDIATE COURT OF APPEALS
    Hawai‘i’s Female Judges will Outnumber Males by Summertime

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 3, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Karen T. Nakasone as the new Chief Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA). Nakasone will fill the vacancy left by the elevation of Judge Lisa M. Ginoza to Associate Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.

    “It is my pleasure to name Karen as Chief Judge of the ICA. Her hard work and stellar track record demonstrate that she has earned the appointment, and the comments of profound support submitted by her peers confirm that she is the right choice,” said Governor Green.

    Nakasone has served on the ICA as an associate judge since she was sworn in on November 2, 2020. Initially appointed to the Circuit Court on O‘ahu by former Governor Neil Abercrombie on November 1, 2011, she served as a trial judge for nine years, in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions.

    Earlier in her career Nakasone served as law clerk to ICA Judge Simeon R. Acoba Jr., then worked for 15 years as a criminal trial and appellate lawyer for the State Office of the Public Defender.

    Judge Nakasone is a Pacific Century Fellow, class of 2008, and was named among the Best Lawyers Under 40 by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association in 2009.

    A graduate of the Boston University School of Law and Bryn Mawr College, Nakasone also attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and studied abroad at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, on an Okinawan Prefectural Government scholarship from the Hawai‘i United Okinawa Association. Her high school alma mater is Hawai‘i Baptist Academy.

    “Serving as Chief Judge on the second highest court of the state of Hawaiʻi is a tremendous honor, challenge and responsibility,” Nakasone said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to continue serving the people of Hawaiʻi on a court that I care very deeply about. I thank Governor Green for this appointment and look forward to the Senate confirmation process.”

    Based on the gender totals on the bench today, the Governor’s four newest appointments will have 41 women and 38 men seated in the Judiciary.

    According to the American Bar Association, there is widespread disparity across state and federal courts. “It has always been my priority to achieve male and female balance on the bench — and to get there with great attention to each appointee’s qualifications and careful deliberation, much the same way a judge makes decisions,” the Governor said. “Hawai‘i can be proud that we have so many well-qualified female judges. Young women who aspire to legal careers can see clearly in our courts, the heights that can be attained.”

    A photo of Judge Nakasone can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 4.3.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 3, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Trista H. Woessner-Gonzalez, of Granite Bay, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, where she has served in several roles including as Chief Deputy Director since 2021 and as Chief of the Tax Policy Bureau from 2016 to 2021. Woessner-Gonzalez held several positions at the California State Board of Equalization from 1992 to 2016, including CROS Business Project Manager, Procurement Manager, Audit and Information Section Supervisor, Tax Policy Division Technical Advisor, Audit Support Unit Supervisor, Audit Support Specialist, Audit Reviewer, and Sales and Use Tax Auditor. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $160,428. Woessner-Gonzalez is a Democrat. 

    James Hacker, of Sacramento, has been appointed Undersecretary of the California State Transportation Agency. Hacker has been a Deputy Cabinet Secretary in the Office of Governor Newsom since 2023. He was a Principal Consultant at the California State Senate Budget Committee from 2017 to 2023. Hacker was a Finance Budget Analyst at the California Department of Finance from 2015 to 2017. He was a Fiscal and Policy Analyst in the California Legislative Analyst’s Office from 2014 to 2015. He was a Consultant at Deloitte from 2009 to 2013. Hacker earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Energy and Environmental Policy from Syracuse University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and Economics from George Washington University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $218,388. Hacker is a Democrat.

    Emily Desai, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Desai has been Senior Deputy Director for Strategic Program Planning and External Affairs at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development since 2024, where she has held several roles since 2019, including Deputy Director of International Affairs and Trade, Trade and Investment Representative for Europe, Middle East, and India, and Special Advisor of International Affairs and Investment. She was Senior Project Manager of International Affairs and Trade for the Government Accountability Office from 2014 to 2019. Desai was a Senior Policy Analyst for the Pacific Institute and the United Nations Global Compact CEO Water Mandate in 2014. She was a Senior Associate at the Nonprofit Finance Fund from 2010 to 2012. Desai is a Presidential Leadership Scholar, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the State International Development Organization, and a member of the United States Investment Advisory Council and the United States Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee on International Trade. She earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and International Business from the University of Arizona. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $190,536. Desai is a Democrat.

    Trisha Smith, of Antelope, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Administrative Services at the California Department of Veterans Affairs, where she has held multiple positions since 2015 including Assistant Deputy Secretary, Human Resources, Assistant Human Resources Director, and Staff Services Manager II. Smith held multiple roles at the California Department of Human Resources from 2009 to 2015, including Personnel Officer and Personnel Program Analyst. She held multiple positions at California Highway Patrol from 1994 to 2009, including Associate Personnel Analyst, Staff Services Analyst, Personnel Supervisor, Personnel Specialist and Office Assistant. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $160,048. Smith is a Democrat.

    David Wesley, of San Diego, has been appointed Deputy Chief of Enforcement at the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the Department of Industrial Relations. Wesley has been Assistant Deputy Chief at the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the Department of Industrial Relations since 2022, where he has held several roles since 2017, including Senior Safety Engineer and Associate Safety Engineer. He was the Radiation Safety Officer at the University of Southern California from 2007 to 2017. Wesley was the Radiation Safety Officer at University of California, Riverside from 2004 to 2007. He held several roles at the California Department of Health Services from 1993 to 2003, including Chef of Radioactive Materials Licensing, Chief of the Licensing Projects Unit, and Associate Health Physicist. Wesley held multiple roles in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1992, including Chief of Nuclear Quality Assurance and Aircraft Nuclear Safety Engineer. He earned a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $192,108. Wesley is a Republican.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 3, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Ahead of a series of severe storms set to impact Kentucky, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California firefighters to assist in staffing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team, following FEMA’s…

    Apr 3, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate….

    Apr 3, 2025

    News What you need to know: Since March 2024, Governor Newsom’s joint Bay Area operation efforts have yielded 3,217 stolen vehicles recovered, 1,823 suspects arrested, and 170 illicit firearms seized. Sacramento, California – Continuing to provide collaborative public…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At FEMA’s request, California deploys firefighters to Kentucky ahead of severe storms

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 3, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Ahead of a series of severe storms set to impact Kentucky, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California firefighters to assist in staffing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team, following FEMA’s request for support.

    Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency due to severe storms forecasted to generate heavy rain and damaging winds that can potentially lead to tornadoes, hail, and flooding.

    In close coordination with FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is deploying four specially-trained firefighters from California’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force Incident Support Team. The deployment has no impact on California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

    “California understands the threat extreme weather poses and stands with Kentucky ahead of the storms set to impact their state. These deployed resources will provide additional support to first responders across Kentucky to prepare and respond to storms.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The Incident Support Team provides a group of highly qualified specialists to support local first responders with technical assistance, management and coordination of US&R resources.

    “As Kentucky prepares for a series of dangerous storms, we’re proud to send California-based firefighters with expertise in responding to this type of weather,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Their experience will help bolster response efforts.”

    The specialized team members deployed to Kentucky come from California US&R Task Forces 4, 5 and 8 from Oakland, Orange County and San Diego.

    This deployment builds on California’s continued efforts to aid other state during emergencies. In February, California deployed resources to Kentucky in response to extreme flooding. Last year, Governor Newsom deployed a similar Incident Support Team to Florida to bolster response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 3, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate….

    Apr 3, 2025

    News What you need to know: Since March 2024, Governor Newsom’s joint Bay Area operation efforts have yielded 3,217 stolen vehicles recovered, 1,823 suspects arrested, and 170 illicit firearms seized. Sacramento, California – Continuing to provide collaborative public…

    Apr 2, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:SB 26 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Civil actions: restitution for or replacement of a new motor vehicle. A signing message can be found here.For full text of the…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eurojust hosts Victims’ Rights Symposium under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

    Source: Eurojust

    Over 70 judicial practitioners coming from 28 countries gathered at Eurojust for the second symposium on victims’ rights. The event brought together practitioners and representatives from national and EU bodies over two days to exchange best practices and discuss the challenges associated to victims’ rights in cross-border cases. Focussed discussions on victims of trafficking in human beings, terrorism, migrant smuggling and online investment frauds allowed for the identification of specific challenges and best practices to overcome them.

    Without a proper identification of victims, their rights to information, support and compensation are significantly undermined. Eurojust set up its Victims’ Rights Working Group to bring together the Agency’s expertise in this field. Eurojust is uniquely positioned to facilitate information exchange on victims and help prevent and solve conflicts of jurisdiction while finding concrete solutions for victims across the European Union, such as ensuring their right to compensation.

    In this year’s edition, practitioners shared their experience in relation to securing the identification and the buy-in of key victims to build solid investigations. They also acknowledged that victims of cyber-enabled crimes are specifically hard to identify due to the complexity of such cases which typically involve multiple jurisdictions. Techniques to minimise the risk of secondary victimisation were also presented by support services along with testimonials of victims. Minimising the risk of crime under-reporting was emphasised by proactively supporting victims, facilitating their reporting and ease of access is pivotal, through for example designated portals.

    Best practices to incentivise victims to come forward, report crimes and contribute to prosecutions and investigations were presented. The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), and representatives of the European Commission contributed towards how the identification of victims can be fostered at an EU level, ensuring victims’ fundamental right to access justice. Finally, a joint report recently published by the EIGE and Eurojust on the European Protection Order was presented. The European Protection Order is a unique judicial cooperation instrument aimed at ensuring cross-border protection of victims in the EU.

    The Victims’ Rights Symposium reinforces Eurojust’s commitment to enshrine victims’ rights in its operational and strategic work. Eurojust plans to complement this year’s edition with a Symposium dedicated to procedural rights of victims in 2026 and the right to compensation of victims in 2027.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: LanzaTech Acknowledges Receipt of Letter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA) (“LanzaTech” or the “Company”), a carbon management solutions company, today acknowledged that the Company has received a non-binding letter from Carbon Direct Capital Management, which purports to offer to acquire the Company for $0.02 per share.

    At this point in time, shareholders are not required to take any action. As part of its ongoing evaluation of strategic options available to maximize value for stakeholders, the LanzaTech Board of Directors will review the letter in consultation with its independent legal and financial advisors. There can be no assurance that the Company will pursue this proposed transaction or any other strategic outcome, and the Company does not intend to comment further on this matter unless and until further disclosure is determined to be appropriate or necessary.

    About LanzaTech
    LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA) is a leading carbon recycling company transforming waste carbon into sustainable fuels, chemicals, materials, and protein for everyday products. Using its bio-recycling technology, LanzaTech captures carbon generated by energy-intensive industries at the source, preventing it from being emitted into the air. LanzaTech then gives that captured carbon a new life as a clean replacement for virgin fossil carbon in everything from household cleaners and clothing fibers to packaging and fuels. By partnering with companies across the global supply chain, LanzaTech is paving the way for a circular carbon economy. For more information about LanzaTech, visit https://lanzatech.com.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, the plans, strategies, and prospects, both business and financial, of LanzaTech. These statements are based on the beliefs, assumptions, projections and conclusions of LanzaTech’s management. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are outside LanzaTech’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. LanzaTech cannot assure you that it will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and you should not rely on forward-looking statements.

    Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including those concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “intends” or similar expressions. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: timing delays in the advancement of projects to the final investment decision stage or into construction; failure by customers to adopt new technologies and platforms; fluctuations in the availability and cost of feedstocks and other process inputs; the availability and continuation of government funding and support; broader economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, supply chain disruptions, employment conditions, and competitive pressures; unforeseen technical, regulatory, or commercial challenges in scaling proprietary technologies, business functions or operational disruptions; and other economic, business, or competitive factors, and other risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors and other information contained in LanzaTech’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other existing and future filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Any forward-looking statement herein is based only on information currently available to LanzaTech and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. LanzaTech undertakes no obligations to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Contacts:

    Kate Walsh
    VP, Investor Relations
    Investor.Relations@lanzatech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CABINET DECISION [FK] – JANUARY AND EARLY FEBRUARY 2025

    Source: Government of Samoa

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    PRESS RELEASES FROM CABINET: JANUARY TO BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY 2025

    1: MINISTRY OF CUSTOMS AND REVENUE SEPARATED

    Cabinet has approved the separation of the Ministry of Customs and Revenue into two Ministries. This includes;

    i. Ministry of Customs.

    ii. Ministry of Revenue.

    Border protection remains a significant component of national efforts to combat transnational organized crimes such as illicit drugs and arms smuggling and trafficking, and all other unlawful activities targeted to penetrate our national borders. This requires effective customs monitoring of all goods entering our borders.

    At the same time, revenue collection through compliance with Samoa’s taxation laws is important. These functional responsibilities are currently undertaken by the Ministry for Customs and Revenue. However, the separation will enable demarcation of Customs functions from Revenue collection functions, with emphasis on effective compliance and border protection.

    Relevant preparations are currently underway for implementation including legislative, staffing, and budgetary requirements. The separation will be effective from the next Financial Year 2025-2026.

    2: MINISTRY OF POLICE, PRISONS AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE SEPARATED

    Cabinet has approved the demarcation of the Ministry of Police from Prisons and Corrections Service. The two agencies were initially seceded in January 2015 as a result of government organisational reforms and departmental arrangements. The Samoa Prisons and Corrections Service operated for four years until 2020 when Parliament passed a legislative amendment to the Prisons and Corrections Service Act, signaling to re-merger of the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Service. This was in response to ongoing systemic and operational challenges which impacted the Samoa Prisons and Corrections Service.

    The distinct functions of the Police and Prisons and Corrections Services are critical, but separate in priorities and legislative focus. This separation will enable the Police to focus on law enforcement and security, and the Prisons and Corrections Service to prioritize prisons and corrections rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for inmates, and improved prison and access services such as medical support.

    Preparations are in progress to ensure the separation takes effect as scheduled for the 2025-2026 financial year.

    3: MOU SIGNED FOR MEDICAL TREATMENTS IN INDIA

    Cabinet has approved the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Samoa’s Ministry of Health and the Medican Services Company, to coordinate medical treatments for Samoan patients referred under the Samoa Medical Treatment Scheme for treatments in India. The two hospitals included in these MOU are the Artemis Medicare Services Limited and Fortis Hospital Limited, which are based in India. This expands the existing network of hospitals supporting Samoa’s Overseas Medical Treatment Scheme.

    The inclusion of the two hospitals will provide more options for Samoa to effectively place Samoan patients in facilities that not only offer the required treatment, but also ensure cost-effectiveness.

    4: TELECOMMUNICATION LICENSE FOR SPACEX TO OPERATE IN SAMOA

    Approval has been granted to issue telecommunication license to an American Company ‘Space Exploration Technologies Corp’ or SpaceX to operate in Samoa, following thorough assessment conducted by the Office of the Regulator. This license allows Starlink Samoa Ltd, a subsidiary of SpaceX registered in Samoa, to provide Internet services and relevant equipment for Samoa. Starlink Samoa Limited is a new venture added to current Internet service providers in Samoa including the Computer Services Limited, Digicel, and Vodafone.

    Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) is critical to improving telecommunication, online systemic support, timely and effective service delivery, boosting support for education and health, science and research, and business and innovation. Government is committed to bolstering ICT services for Samoa that are reliable, consistent and affordable.

    Negotiation with Starlink led by the Office of the Regulator has completed, which now enables users in Samoa to purchase equipment and to pay monthly subscriptions in Samoan Tala. An alternative is also available to those who prefer to pay their subscriptions in cash, if they do not have the means to do online purchase.

    5: EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD) FRAMEWORK APPROVED

    Cabinet has approved the Framework for Early Childhood Development. This framework, has been designed in a multi-sectoral approach, laying the groundwork for a coordinated effort to improve early childhood development throughout Samoa.

    The ECD Framework provides for the creation of a National ECD Advisory Board, responsible for overseeing the ongoing implementation and evaluation of the framework. This board will include representatives from key ministries, such as the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (MWCSD), the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Their collaborative efforts will ensure a unified strategy that integrates health, education, and social services for young children.

    The ECD Framework establishes a transformative pathway forward, ensuring that the youngest members of Samoa’s society have access to the necessary resources and support to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

    6: NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY APPROVED

    The first National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy for Samoa was approved by Cabinet this week. The Policy aims to leverage science and technology through research and innovation.

    It is designed to enhance students’ access to scientific equipment and technology to advance scientific research and innovation. It seeks to create more opportunities for Samoa through strong scientific methodologies, technology and innovation to support national development priorities.

    The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) and the National University of Samoa (NUS) co-lead the implementation of this policy in partnership with other government, private and civil society organistions in Samoa.

    7: NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION POLICY APPROVED

    Cabinet at its meeting this week approved the National Crime Prevention Policy. The policy is being developed to strengthen strategic areas and measures, systems and programmes designed to prevent crimes. The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration is the lead agency working closely with government, private and non government organisations in the Law and Justice Sector.

    The Policy requires review of current legislation in view of enforcement and statutory penalites. It also targets counseling and educational programmes customized for crime prevention, public awareness, assistance for victims, and repercussions for perpetrators.

    The policy calls for national participation and commitment to address crime prevalence in Samoa. Partnerships among government, private, civil society, churhces and village councils is central to the successful implementation of this policy.

    ** END **

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remunerative Price of Perishable Agriculture Produces

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Agriculture marketing is a State subject. Domestic prices of perishable agriculture produces are mainly influenced by factors such as demand and supply, trade policies, effective taxes and duties, etc. The Central Government takes necessary measures as and when required to balance the demand and supply scenario of agriculture and horticulture produces in the domestic market and ensure remunerative prices to the farmers through appropriate policy measures and market intervention scheme.

    To safeguard farmers from market volatilities, the Government takes various measures through different schemes and programmes. These include Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for perishable horticultural and agricultural commodities; Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM) to promote- creation of scientific storage capacity; National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) online trading platform for better price discovery through competitive online bidding etc. Nationwide information network system for reporting and dissemination of market price information on agriculture commodity is provided through Agmarknet web portal. Under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Govt. provides a medium-long term loan facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest market infrastructure including warehousing facility and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support.

    To provide remunerative price to the farmers, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare implements Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), a component under Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), for procurement of agricultural and horticultural commodities which are perishable in nature and are not covered under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The objective of intervention is to protect the growers of these commodities from making distress sale in the event of a bumper crop during the peak arrival period when the prices tend to fall below economic levels and the cost of production. The scheme is implemented at the request of a State/UT government, which is ready to bear 50 percent of the loss (25 percent in case of North-Eastern States), if any, incurred on its implementation.

    Government has introduced a new component of Price Differential Payment (PDP) under Market intervention scheme (MIS) from 2024-25 season for direct payment of the price difference between the Market Intervention Price (MIP) and the selling price to the farmers of perishable crops. States/UTs have an option to choose either to do physical procurement of the crop or to make the differential payment between the MIP & Sale Price to the farmers. Further, from 2024-25 season, Government added another component under Market intervention scheme for reimbursing the Storage and Transportation cost of TOP crops (Tomato, Onion and Potato) to central nodal agencies for transporting them from the producing state to consuming states in the interest of the farmers.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ****

     

    PSF/AR/3857

    (Release ID: 2118772) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Promotion of New Technologies in Agriculture

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization’ (SMAM), one of the Centrally Sponsored components of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is implemented through the State Governments.  Under SMAM, financial assistance is provided to the farmers for purchase of various agricultural machines and equipments including the post-harvest and processing technologies on individual ownership basis. Financial assistance is also provided for establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) and Village Level Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs) in order to provide machines and equipments to the farmers on rental basis as per their requirements. Financial assistance under SMAM is also provided for demonstration of kisan drones on farmers’ fields, purchase of drones by the farmers on individual ownership basis and establishment of Custom Hiring Centres of Kisan drones for providing services of drones to farmers for agriculture purpose.

    The Government has approved Central Sector Scheme ‘NAMO DRONE DIDI’ for providing 15,000 Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), during the period of 3 years (2023-24 to 2025-26) with a view to provide sustainable business and livelihood support to them. Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) have distributed 1094 drones to drone didis of SHGs in 2023-24 using their internal resources. Out of these 1094 drone distributed to drone didis, 500 drones have been distributed under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. The remaining 14500 drones under the scheme has been targeted to be distributed by the end of financial year 2025-26.

    The Government has approved the Digital Agriculture Mission in September 2024 with an outlay of Rs. 2817 Crore. The Mission seeks to enable a robust digital agriculture ecosystem in the country for driving innovative farmer-centric digital solutions and making available timely and reliable crop-related information to all the farmers in the country. The Mission envisages the creation of Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture such as Agristack, Krishi Decision Support System, Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map and other IT initiatives undertaken by Central/State Governments. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot has been developed to assist farmers with responses to queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme

    The Institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are conducting research on drone spraying systems and droplet deposition characteristics with the objectives of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of pesticide and liquid fertilizer applications. An AI enabled mobile device has been developed for real time identification of abiotic stress in field crops, which assist crop breeding and precision crop input management. The institutes have also developed different precision farming technologies such as Smart sprayer for pomegranate young orchards, Automatic Spraying System for Polyhouse, Lab based robotic transplanter for plug-type vegetable seedlings, Unmanned multi-purpose track-type vehicle, Autonomous weeder for wide spaced field crops, Robotic harvester for poly-house cultivated tomatoes, Image based automatic hand held diseases identification device for soybean by application of deep learning, Image based variable-rate nitrogen applicator, Controller based feed dispensing system for poultry, Water Stress Indices using Spectral Reflectance and Thermal Imaging in Field Crops, Deep placement fertilizer applicator as an attachment to rice transplanter etc.

    Soil Health & Fertility Scheme is implemented by the Government since 2014-2015, wherein Soil Health Cards (SHCs) are issued to farmers to improve the health of the soil. SHCs encourage judicious use of fertilizer, secondary micronutrients along with organic manures & bio-fertilizers. Soil samples are processed through standard procedures and analyzed for 12 parameters viz. pH, electrical conductivity, Organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, and micronutrients (Zinc, Coper, Iron, Manganese & Boron). SHCs provide information on nutrient status of soil and recommendations on appropriate dosage & type of fertilizers for improving soil health and its fertility. Since 2014-15 and as on 31 March 2025, 24.90 Crore SHCs have been generated across the country. Under the scheme, 1068 Static Soil Testing Laboratories, 163 Mobile Soil Testing Laboratories, 6376 Mini Soil Testing Laboratories and 665 Village Level Soil Testing Laboratories have been established across the country. To educate farmers, around 7.0 lakh demonstrations, 93781 farmer’s training programmes and 7425 farmer’s mela have been organized across the country. In addition, 70002 Krishi Sakhis are trained to support farmers in understanding SHCs.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    PSF/AR/3854

    (Release ID: 2118770) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

    Another significant reform under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, introduced by Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, was passed in Lok Sabha on 03.04.2025, following its earlier acceptance in the Rajya Sabha. With both Houses having cleared the legislation, this marks the second major aviation reform passed under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu. The bill aims to align India’s aircraft leasing and financing ecosystem with global standards and marks a critical step in deepening investor confidence in India’s rapidly growing aviation market.

    The Bill builds on the framework of the Cape Town Convention of 2001, which aimed to simplify and standardize international leasing agreements. India formally adopted this convention in 2008, but gaps in legal enforcement led to higher leasing costs—typically 8 to 10 percent higher than other nations. With this bill, India seeks to plug those gaps, providing legal certainty to aircraft financiers and reducing costs for Indian carriers.

    Shri Ram Mohan Naidu underlined the urgency behind the legislation and stated “There was a vision behind this leap in civil aviation. There was a mission to fulfill that vision. And to make that mission possible, there was the guidance of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The kind of growth we are seeing today was made possible because of his leadership.”

     

    He illustrated this growth with concrete figures. “For almost 65 years—from Independence to 2014—the total number of passengers flying annually in India was 10 crore 38 lakh. In just the next 10 years, that number has more than doubled to 22 crore 81 lakh in 2024,” he said. “Similarly, the number of airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2024, with two more ready to be launched soon,” he highlighted.

    The Minister also spotlighted the increase in the number of aircraft, growing from 340 in 2014 to over 840 by 2024. “These figures show that civil aviation in India is not just growing—it’s booming. No other country has seen this level of aviation expansion in such a short period,” he stated.

    The Bill is expected to further ease leasing processes, make India a more attractive destination for aviation investments, and improve the country’s compliance scores under the Cape Town Convention. These changes are essential for reducing airline costs and encouraging new entrants into the sector.

    The discussion also touched upon broader issues in the civil aviation sector, such as the high cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) which accounts for nearly 45% of an airline’s operational costs. The Minister expressed concern over the variation in ATF tax across states and called for more states to follow the example of those who have reduced their rates. “Reducing these taxes will boost regional connectivity and lower costs for passengers,” he added. Looking to the future, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set ambitious targets for sustainability and capacity building.

    With plans to generate 2.5 crore liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2025 and transition over 100 airports to renewable energy, India is making a strong push toward greener aviation. The sector also faces a growing demand for trained pilots—estimated at 30,000 to 34,000 over the next 10 to 15 years. “We are working on increasing the number of Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) and issuing more commercial pilot licenses annually to meet this demand,” the Minister said.

    In conclusion, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu affirmed the government’s long-term vision: “Civil aviation in India is not just about flying planes. It’s about connecting people, boosting economies, and creating opportunities. And we are committed to making India a global leader in aviation.”

    ***

    Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar

    (Release ID: 2118797) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken by the Government for detection and prevention of Cancer

    Source: Government of India

    Measures taken by the Government for detection and prevention of Cancer

    770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics have established at community health centres under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)

    National Health Mission has launched comprehensive initiative for screening and management of common NCDs, including cancer, through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

    Under ‘Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme’, 9 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary centres have been established; new facilities approved at all new 22 AIIMS

    Under PM-JAY, over 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% treatments availed in rural areas; targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% treatment access by rural beneficiaries

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, offers both technical and financial support to States and Union Territories through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). Under this program, a total of 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centres have been established across the country.

    In addition to these facilities, a population-based initiative for screening, management and prevention of common NCDs including cancer have been rolled out as a part of comprehensive Primary Health Care in the country under National Health Mission (NHM) through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Screening of these common NCDs including oral, breast and cervical cancer is an integral part of 12 package of service delivery including rural and underserved area.

    The Government has implemented the Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme, resulting in establishment of 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centers across various regions. Additionally, cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new AIIMS, equipped with diagnostic, medical, and surgical capabilities. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar, featuring 1,460 patient care beds and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, along with the second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, which has 460 beds, have been set up to provide super-specialty care.

    Complementing these efforts, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) offers ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, corresponding to 12.37 crore families. Recently, the scheme extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The latest national master of the Health Benefit Package (HBP) under AB PM-JAY includes treatment for 1,961 procedures across 27 specialties, including cancer care.

    Under PMJAY, more than 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% of these treatments availed by beneficiaries from rural areas. Furthermore, targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% of these treatments accessed by rural beneficiaries under PM-JAY.

    As per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, Government plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in consultation with States/Union Territories in district hospitals in the next 3 years, out of which 200 centres are proposed to be set up in 2025-26.

    A comprehensive gap analysis has been undertaken to assess the availability of cancer care infrastructure, medical personnels, and essential equipment in district hospitals. Based on the findings, Union Health Ministry, in consultation with State Governments, plans to establish DCCCs in districts with a high cancer burden and limited access to cancer care services. The selection of these districts will ensure robust referral linkages with State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and Tertiary Cancer Care Centers (TCCCs) to provide a seamless continuum of care.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)

    Source: Government of India

    Update on National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)

    As on 1st April 2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells; 24×7 tele-mental health services are available in 20 languages based on languages opted by States

    More than 20,05,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number

    Over Rs. 230 crore have been allocated for NTMHP in last three years

    A comprehensive mobile platform, Tele MANAS Mobile Application was launched on World Mental Health Day i.e. 10th October, 2024 for providing support for mental health issues

    A dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell has been established at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents

    Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at more than 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

    District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented under the National Mental Health Programme in 767 districts of the country to detect, manage and treat mental illness at District Hospitals

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” (NTMHP) on 10th October, 2022, that functions as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele-mental health counselling services. For this, a toll-free number (14416) has been set up across the country.

    Specific objectives of the Programme are:

    • To exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out, across India, any time, by setting up a 24×7 tele-mental health facility in each of the States and UTs of the country.
    • To implement a full-fledged mental health service network that, in addition to counselling, provides integrated medical and psychosocial interventions.
    • To extend services to vulnerable groups of the population and difficult to reach populations.

    As on 1st April 2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are available in 20 languages based on language opted by States. More than 20,05,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number.

    The Government has launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application on World Mental Health Day i.e. 10th October, 2024. Tele-MANAS Mobile Application is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well-being to mental disorders.

    Over Rs. 230 crore have been allocated by the government for NTMHP in last three years.

    The Government has established a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents, further enhancing the mental health care services available to them.     

    The Government is also taking steps to integrate mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

    The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented under the National Mental Health Programme in 767 districts of the country to detect, manage and treat mental illness at District Hospitals. Facilities are also made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels and include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken by the government to improve institutional delivery among tribal women

    Source: Government of India

    Measures taken by the government to improve institutional delivery among tribal women

    Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) entitles every pregnant woman to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood and diet

    Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures quality antenatal care for pregnant women with fixed monthly checkups and extended support for high-risk pregnancies

    Birth Waiting Homes (BWH) have been established in remote and tribal areas promoting institutional delivery with improved access to healthcare facilities

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:57PM by PIB Delhi

    As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) India report, the institutional delivery of the country, including tribal women, is 88.6%. Under National Health Mission (NHM), the Government of India has undertaken various steps to improve the institutional delivery across all States and Union Territories, including tribal areas. These include:

    • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a demand promotion and conditional cash transfer scheme for promoting institutional delivery. 
    • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) entitles every pregnant woman to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood, other consumables and diet.
    • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides pregnant women a fixed day, free of cost assured and quality antenatal checkup by an obstetrician/Specialist/Medical Officer on the 9th day of every month.
    • Extended PMSMA strategy was launched to ensure quality antenatal checkup (ANC) to pregnant women, especially to high-risk pregnancy (HRP) women, and individual HRP tracking until a safe delivery is achieved through financial incentivization for the identified high-risk pregnant women and accompanying ASHA for extra three visits over and above the PMSMA visit.
    • Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) provides assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting public health facilities to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
    • Birth Waiting Homes (BWH) are established in remote and tribal areas to promote institutional delivery and improve access to healthcare facilities.
    • Monthly Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) is an outreach activity at Anganwadi centers for provision of maternal and child care including nutrition in convergence with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
    • Outreach camps are provisioned to improve the reach of health care services, especially in tribal and hard-to-reach areas. This platform is used to increase awareness for the Maternal and Child health services and community mobilization as well as to track high-risk pregnancies.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken by the Government for prevention and management of Thalassemia

    Source: Government of India

    Steps taken by the Government for prevention and management of Thalassemia

    Under National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare system including support for prevention and management of Thalassemia

    As on 26th March 2025, a total of 15,87,903 individuals screened for Thalassemia; 50,462 individuals identified as carriers of Thalassemia

    To assist the States/UTs for management of Haemoglobinopathies including Thalassemia, Comprehensive Guidelines on Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies in India- Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Disease and other variant Hemoglobins, 2016 has been shared

    Union Health Ministry has implemented Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), in association with Coal India limited (CIL) under which financial assistance up to Rs.10 lakh is provided to eligible patients for Bone Marrow transplants in 17 empanelled hospitals spread across the country

    Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Under National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare system including support for prevention and management of Thalassemia at public healthcare facilities, provision of Blood Bank facilities, Day Care Centre, Medicines, Lab services, IEC activities and training of HR etc. based on the proposals submitted by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans.

    As on 26th March 2025, as per data updated by States on National Portal, out of 15,87,903 individuals screened for Thalassemia, a total of 5,037 have been identified as diseased and 50,462 as carriers of Thalassemia.

    Comprehensive guidelines on Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies in India- Thalassemia & Sickle cell Disease and other variant Hemoglobins (2016) had been shared to assist the States/UTs for management of Haemoglobinopathies including Thalassemia. The guidelines detail the strategies for management of Thalassemia disease including Thalassemia major (Blood transfusion therapy with packed red blood cell, iron chelation for iron overload, monitoring and management of complication and psychological support etc.) and non-transfusion dependent Thalassemia (NTDT) etc.

    Union Health Ministry is implementing a scheme namely Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), in association with Coal India limited (CIL), wherein financial assistance up to Rs.10 lakh is provided to eligible patients for Bone Marrow transplants (BMT) from CIL Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. This scheme provides for BMT in 17 empanelled hospitals spread across the country.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: SEACOR Marine and Proceanic Earn NOIA Safety in Seas Awards

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: SEACOR Marine and Proceanic Earn NOIA Safety in Seas Awards

    SEACOR Marine and Proceanic Earn NOIA Safety in Seas AwardsSEACOR Marine wins the Culture of Safety Award, Proceanic earns the Safety Practice Award
    Washington, D.C., – The National Ocean Industries Association is pleased to announce SEACOR Marine and Proceanic are winners of the 2025 NOIA Safety in Seas Award Competition. SEACOR Marine is the Culture of Safety winner while Proceanic won the Safety Practice award.
    The Culture of Safety Award honors overall organizational immersion in and commitment to safety, which has resulted in remarkable, measurable, and sustained safety performance over a prolonged period of time. The Safety Practice Award recognizes specific technologies, approaches, methods, or projects with direct and demonstrable impacts on improving safety.
    NOIA President Erik Milito congratulated SEACOR Marine and Proceanic saying, “The Safety in Seas awards spotlight an industry-wide truth: safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the heartbeat of what we do. SEACOR Marine and Proceanic exemplify this ethos with extraordinary resolve. SEACOR’s relentless safety culture, driven by innovative tools and a zero-incident vision, and Proceanic’s pioneering Mini-ROV inspections, safeguarding lives and assets with remarkable precision, reflect the best of our collective mission. Their leadership amplifies a broader tide of excellence, where every company, every worker, and every breakthrough pushes us toward a safer, stronger offshore future. We honor them, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all entrants—each one a vital contributor to a safer, more resilient offshore industry.”
    SEACOR Marine CEO John Gellert commented, “We are proud to be recognized for our culture of safety, which reflects our ongoing commitment to protect the health and welfare of our employees, contractors, suppliers and the broader community. We believe that our commitment to a GOAL ZERO, incident-free environment is a shared responsibility across all levels of the organization, and we empower every individual with Stop Work Authority to ensure a culture of accountability. We will continue to develop, revise and implement policies and procedures to foster the safest possible work environment, maintaining our commitment to ensuring that safety remains at the heart of our operations.”
    Mark Waller, CEO of the Proceanic Group of Companies said, “It gives me great pleasure to accept this recognition from NOIA on behalf of Proceanic. The tireless work of our ROV Teams offshore, and the mission critical onshore support teams is what makes Proceanic successful. The ingenuity and innovation of our engineering personnel is what makes the work rewarding and keeps us at the industry forefront. The confidence placed in Proceanic by our Clients is what makes everything possible. We will continue to work, every day, to maintain that success, maintain that confidence and to keep it being rewarding for all.”
    About the SEACOR Marine Culture of Safety Entry
    SEACOR Marine has been honored in the 2025 NOIA Safety in Seas awards for its exemplary safety culture, anchored by a robust Safety Management System (SMS) and innovative programs like PAUSE (Prevent Accidents Use Safety Equipment). With an impeccable audit record, prestigious ISO certifications, and a data-driven approach—logging over 117,000 behavioral safety observations in 2024 alone—SEACOR Marine sets a gold standard for offshore safety. Initiatives like the PAUSE Champion and Goal Zero awards, alongside cutting-edge risk assessment tools, empower employees and drive zero-incident milestones, with 18 vessels achieving Goal Zero in 2024. This dynamic, people-first framework not only transforms SEACOR Marine’s operations but offers a scalable model for industry-wide safety excellence.
    About the Proceanic Safety Practice Entry
    Proceanic’s Underwater Remote (Mini-ROV) Inspection Services program has been celebrated in the 2025 NOIA Safety in Seas awards for improving underwater inspections in the offshore energy sector. By leveraging advanced Mini-ROV technology and innovative tooling, Proceanic delivers high inspection quality while drastically reducing risks to personnel, assets, and the environment compared to traditional diver and Work-Class ROV methods. With a 12-year, 350+ Campaign, incident-free record founded on a robust Safety Management System, the program has prevented potential catastrophes by identifying critical structural and equipment defects on platforms and floating assets, removing divers from (sometimes unexpectedly) unsafe work locations, reducing risk and carbon footprint related to Dive Support Vessels and Work-Class ROV Support Vessls. The program offers adaptable solutions across oil, gas, maritime, and emerging offshore wind industries. From cavitation cleaning to 3D photogrammetry. Proceanic’s pioneering approach sets a new benchmark for safety, reliability, and innovation.
    About the Safety in Seas Judging Process
    The judging panel, consisting of independent offshore safety consultants, as well as representatives from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and the Ocean Energy Safety Institute, reviewed each entry and then debated their merits on March 10, 2025.
    NOIA has held the SIS awards competition since 1978 to recognize those who contribute to improving the safety of life in the offshore energy industry. The awards are sponsored by Compass Publications.
    About SEACOR Marine
    SEACOR Marine provides global marine and support transportation services to offshore energy facilities worldwide. SEACOR Marine operates and manages a diverse fleet of offshore support vessels that deliver cargo and personnel to offshore installations, including offshore wind farms; assist offshore operations for production and storage facilities; provide construction, well work-over, offshore wind farm installation and decommissioning support and carry and launch equipment used underwater in drilling and well installation, maintenance, inspection and repair for offshore rigs and platforms. Additionally, SEACOR Marine’s vessels provide emergency response services and accommodations for technicians and specialists.
    For further information about SEACOR Marine’s sustainability practices and ESG initiatives, or to view its diverse energy-efficient fleet of offshore support vessels, please visit www.seacormarine.com.
    About Proceanic
    Proceanic is a full-service, Engineering, Project Management, & Underwater ROV Inspection Company, providing innovative & proven technical services to the Offshore & Maritime Industries.
    Established in 2002, the Proceanic group of companies has become a reliable international service provider. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, and with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brazil, and representation in Nigeria, Indonesia, and Mexico.
    Engineering and ROV teams are readily deployable to any international destination, positioning Proceanic to effectively support clients and projects globally.
    Visit www.proceanic.com/ to learn more about the company.
    About NOIA
    The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.The post SEACOR Marine and Proceanic Earn NOIA Safety in Seas Awards appeared first on NOIA.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Iran: Authorities must halt gruesome plan to amputate fingers of tortured prisoners within days 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Iranian authorities are preparing to inflict the cruel and irreversible punishment of finger amputation against three prisoners as early as 11 April, following their torture-tainted convictions in unfair trials, Amnesty International warned today. The organization is calling on the international community to urgently press the Iranian authorities to end this spectacle of brutality. All Iranian officials responsible for ordering and/or carrying out these acts of torture must be criminally investigated and prosecuted. 

    Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharfian and Mehdi Shahivand, held in Urumieh Central prison, West Azerbaijan province, were informed by prosecution authorities on 13 March 2025 that their amputation sentences would be carried out as early as 11 April 2025. The authorities amputated the fingers of two brothers in the same prison in October 2024 using a guillotine device, raising alarm that they are prepared to carry out further amputation sentences. 

    Amputation constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law and is a flagrant and abhorrent assault on human dignity.

    Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International

    “Amputation constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law and is a flagrant and abhorrent assault on human dignity. We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all plans to carry out these cruel and inhuman sentences and abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice,” said Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International. 

    “For years, these men have lived in a waking nightmare, knowing the authorities could at any moment mutilate their bodies, committing torture with a judicial seal. The planned amputations, based on ‘confessions’ obtained under torture and following grossly unfair trials, are a chilling reminder of the Iranian authorities’ readiness to inflict irreversible suffering and that Iran’s judicial system is a vital cog in the machinery of torture. 

    “The prosecution and judicial authorities responsible for ordering and executing such crimes should know they are liable to face criminal prosecution under international law, and states must pursue legal pathways to hold them accountable through universal jurisdiction.” 

    In a letter from November 2024, Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharfian and Mehdi Shahivand described their mental anguish and the “constant nightmare” of awaiting the implementation of their sentence, stating: “We have been unable to sleep or eat, anxiously awaiting the enforcement of our own sentences…This nightmare must end so that we can find a way back to life.” 

    Following the latest threats in March 2025, Hadi Rostami wrote another letter from inside prison, pleading for help from the international community: “I call upon human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the international community to take urgent action to prevent the implementation of this inhumane sentence.” 

    Tortured “confessions” and grossly unfair trial 

    Hadi Rostami (38), Mehdi Sharifian (42), and Mehdi Shahivand (29) have endured years of mental torture, with repeated threats of amputations from the authorities. 

    All three were arrested in August 2017 and convicted of robbery in 2019 after a grossly unfair trial. According to their court verdict, they are sentenced to “have four fingers on their right hands completely cut off so only the palm of their hands and thumbs are left”. 

    The men were denied access to lawyers during the investigation phase of their cases and courts relied on forced “confessions” which they have said were obtained under torture to convict them, despite the men retracting them during trial. 

    According to informed sources, the men were tortured through being beaten, kicked, flogged with a cable and hung from their wrists and feet during interrogations. Hadi Rostami’s hand was broken and interrogators removed Mehdi Shahivand’s trousers and threatened to rape him using a wooden object unless he incriminated himself and the others. 

    Iranian authorities, including judges at the Supreme Court, failed in their obligations to order investigations into the men’s allegations of torture. 

    The men have gone on multiple hunger strikes in prison since their conviction to protest inhumane prison conditions and threats to carry out their amputation sentences. Hadi Rostami has also attempted suicide several times. 

    In February 2021, the authorities further tortured Hadi Rostami by carrying out a flogging sentence of 60 lashes imposed for “disrupting prison order” in reprisal for his hunger strikes. 

    Pattern of torture through amputation sentences 

    On 29 October 2024, the authorities in Urumieh Central prison carried out the amputation sentences of two brothers – Mehrdad Teimouri and Shahab Teimouri – from Iran’s Kurdish ethnic minority. After amputating their fingers, they transferred the brothers to a hospital outside prison for medical care but returned them to prison within hours. They then held them for several days in solitary confinement while denying them access to ongoing medical care. 

    At least two other men – Kasra Karami and Morteza Esmaeilian – held in Urumieh Central prison are also under sentence of finger amputation.  

    Scores of prisoners across the country are currently feared to be under amputation sentences.  

    Iran is among the last countries in the world that retains corporal punishments.  

    The Iranian authorities have issued at least 384 amputation sentences and carried out at least 223 amputation sentences since 1979, according to Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, a human rights organization based outside Iran. The authorities do not publish official figures on amputation sentences issued or implemented, so the real numbers are likely much higher. 

    Victims of amputations in Iran are overwhelmingly from poor, vulnerable backgrounds. By deliberately maiming them, the Iranian authorities further strip them of means to work and survive, particularly in a society where people with physical disabilities suffer widespread discrimination. 

    Iranian law mandates a physician’s presence during corporal punishments, violating ethical guidelines and international standards which expressly prohibit health providers’ involvement in torture. Physicians present during the implementation of amputation sentences are complicit in the crime of torture. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Philippines: State-sponsored online harassment has “chilling effect” on young human rights defenders  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    *Names changed to protect identity   

    Amnesty International’s first ever youth-led report reveals that online harassment by the Philippine authorities, including the practice of “red-tagging” or labelling individuals as communists, creates a climate of fear that is deterring young human rights defenders from engaging in activism and expressing themselves freely. 

    In the report, “Left to their own devices: The chilling effects of online harassment among young human rights defenders (YHRDs) in the Philippines,” young activists aged 18 to 24 shared experiences of being red-tagged, doxed with personal information published online without their consent, and trolled. They describe how online harassment has led to self-censorship, infringed their rights to freedom of expression and association, and in some cases, forced them to abandon their work as activists or journalists. 

    “The chilling effect of online harassment severely impairs the rights of these young human rights defenders. It not only threatens the individual, but also undermines their capacity to do their work to defend human rights. 

    Mia Tonogbanua, Amnesty Philippines Vice-Chairperson and former Youth Board Representative. 

    The report highlights how young activists’ age, sexual orientation, student status and institutional affiliations magnify the risks and impact of online harassment that they experience. 

    This current research is part of RightUp, Amnesty International’s first youth-led research project in which young voices, often overlooked in traditional human rights work, take centre stage. Nine young researchers documented and investigated the experiences of YHRDs through desk research, an online questionnaire, and interviews with young people aged 18 to 24. Amnesty International provided resources, guidance, and technical support. 

    Death threats, self-censorship and fear 

    State-sponsored online harassment has had disturbing effects on young activists. They describe suffering psychological distress, being isolated from families and social circles and feeling that their contribution to human rights work was devalued.  

    Habagat*, a student activist, received death threats after being publicly red-tagged on the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-ELCAC) Facebook page. 

    “I couldn’t sleep properly for three weeks after it happened,” he recalled. “I was constantly afraid for my safety.”  

    NTF-ELCAC is a task force established by Philippine government in 2018 as part of its response to the ongoing communist insurgency in the country. Since its creation, it has been criticized by activists and human rights groups, including Amnesty International, for engaging in red-tagging. 

    Environmental defender Marisol* said she had resorted to “playing it safe” and self-censorship to minimize backlash over controversial issues. However, this approach has left her conflicted: “It’s like you’re not taking a stand on what needs to be done.” 

    Sarita*, a young advocate for peace and security in southern Philippines, said online harassment “made me feel so weak, so inferior compared to these politicians with all the powers that they have.” 

    Online harassment affects various rights, including the right to freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, health, remedy, non-discrimination and the right to defend human rights. 

    Young activists also spoke of a pervasive fear of participating in public discussions. Some of the YHRDs attributed this to concerns about reprisals from the authorities in the form of online harassment. Many expressed doubts about the value of their voices and expertise as young people in the face of violence and hatred in online spaces. 

    A call for collective action and accountability 

    Despite these challenges, YHRDs have found ways to adapt their approach to ensure they can continue their human rights advocacy. These include establishing internal well-being committees, enforcing safety protocols, and accessing mental health services.  

    “Being a young human rights defender in the Philippines is not safe, comfortable, or ideal. Yet…young activists continue to fight, spurred onwards by strategies for care and commitment to justice.  

    Mia Tonogbanua Amnesty Philippines Vice-Chairperson and former Youth Board Representative

    The Philippine government has consistently failed to fulfill its obligations to protect the rights of human rights defenders in the country. Perpetrators of online harassment are not effectively held accountable, while YHRDs must cope with the consequences of this harassment without sufficient support or protection. 

    At the time of publication, the Philippine government had not responded to a request for comment on the findings of Amnesty’s report. 

    Amnesty International urges the Philippine government to end state-sponsored red-tagging, intimidation, harassment, threats or attacks against activists, including young human rights defenders. 

    This research builds on findings of previous Amnesty International investigations, including how the two successive governments of President Duterte and President Marcos Jr have weaponized digital tools, misinformation and vague anti-terror laws to create a climate of fear and intimidation among young human rights defenders in the Philippines. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Women Ministry speaks out on Omotoso’s acquittal

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has expressed its disappointment with the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused from 32 serious charges, which include rape and human trafficking.

    “While the department respects the independence of the judiciary, a clarion call by the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence, Pillar Number Three (Justice Safety and Protection), emphasises the importance of strengthened capacity within the criminal justice system to address all impunity and effectively respond to femicide and facilitate justice for GBV survivors.

    “The department stands firmly with both victims and survivors of the prolonged case. The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities acknowledges and recognises the emotional toll and the potential secondary trauma that may be experienced by survivors,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

    The department said the acquittal of Omotoso serves as a judicial turning point for the many women who came forward to testify as both victims and survivors. 

    The department, together with other sister departments, has called for essential services, including psychosocial support and counselling, to navigate the emotional and psychological impact of these traumatic experiences.

    The department maintained that GBV and femicide is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that needs urgent and comprehensive attention. 

    The department called on all sectors of society to unite in action, solidarity and support for survivors to continue with the fight against all forms of gender-based violence. 

    “To combat gender-based violence, accountability, coordination and strong leadership are crucial for effective prevention, response and support for survivors, which will require a multi-sectoral approach with clear roles and responsibilities.

    “This ruling will not dampen our fight; it will only fuel our intention to build a South Africa that is safe, just, and empowering for women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: NPA head requests report on Omotoso case

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, has requested a report from the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, on the judgement in the Timothy Omotoso case.

    Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court of 32 serious charges, including allegations of rape, racketeering and human trafficking, on Wednesday.

    In a stinging judgement, Judge Irma Schoeman noted that the prosecution’s cross-examination of the accused was “shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth” – leading to the acquittal as the prosecution did not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

    National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said Batohi would “carefully study the judgment when it is made available to the parties”.

    “In the meantime, she has expressed her serious concerns about adverse findings made by the judge against the prosecution team, relating to the manner in which the prosecution was conducted.

    “The NDPP has called for a transcript of the proceedings and will consider it in order to determine whether the criticism of the prosecution team is warranted. Depending on the outcome of this process, the NDPP, together with the DPP: EC [Eastern Cape], will decide on appropriate action,” Mhaga explained.

    He added that the DPP in the Eastern Cape has also “indicated that the team will study the judgement and decide on whether to bring an application to appeal the judgement”.

    Mhaga emphasised that the NPA has demonstrated commitment to the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual offences.

    “The NPA has a world-class special unit called the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit which is dedicated to dealing with sexual violence and related cases. The NDPP appreciates the public outrage expressed by many in response to the judgment in view of its devastating impact on the victims in this case, and the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence in the country. 

    “The NDPP is proud of the NPA’s track record in providing victim-centred and professional support to victims of gender-based violence, including through the national rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) that for the past eight years have provided specialised support in almost 280 000 matters (or 34,600 matters per year).

    “This recent judgement represents a travesty of justice that we cannot accept. The NDPP awaits the report from the DPP EC and will consider the next steps to ensure that this tragic outcome is dealt with swiftly and appropriately, based on the facts and the legal dimensions relevant to the judgement,” Mhaga concluded.

    Meanwhile, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed her deep concern regarding the manner in which the case of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused was handled by the prosecuting team.

    READ | Justice Minister requests comprehensive report on Omotoso acquittal

    – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: KwaZulu-Natal police operations bear fruit

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, April 4, 2025

    Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested 11 780 suspects for various crimes while also recovering 341 firearms and 3 562 rounds of ammunition.

    “The highest number of arrests was for contact crimes where 3 872 suspects were nabbed, with 219 of them arrested for murder, 222 for attempted murder and 160 for robberies including robbery with aggravating circumstances, house and business robbery, carjacking and cash in transit robbery,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said of the arrests made in March.

    In its statement on Thursday, the SAPS said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives arrested 248 suspects for rape while 49 suspects were also arrested for sexual assault.

    Additionally, 1 817 suspects were arrested for cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, whilst 891 more suspects were nabbed for common assault. On property related crimes, 268 suspects were arrested for burglary at residential premises and 55 suspects were arrested for stock theft with 33 cattle and 80 goats recovered in the process. 

    Seventeen suspects were also arrested for theft of motor vehicles.

    On drug related crimes, 1 599 suspects were arrested. 

    “Police visibility on the roads was maintained and 512 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 41 people were arrested for reckless and negligent driving.

    “Stop and search operations resulted in the recovery of 791dangerous weapons, of which 716 were knives. These operations will be amplified during the month of April and high police visibility will be maintained, especially during the Easter weekend,” said the police. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Bug drugs’ could be new weapon against cancer

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Justin Stebbing, Anglia Ruskin University

    Imagine a world where bacteria, typically feared for causing disease, are turned into powerful weapons against cancer. That’s exactly what some scientists are working on. And they are beginning to unravel the mechanisms for doing so, using genetically engineered bacteria to target and destroy cancer cells.

    Using bacteria to fight cancer dates back to the 1860s when William B. Coley, often called the father of immunotherapy, injected bacteria called streptococci into a young patient with inoperable bone cancer. Surprisingly, this unconventional approach led to the tumour shrinking, marking one of the first examples of immunotherapy.

    Over the next few decades, as head of the Bone Tumour Service at Memorial Hospital in New York, Coley injected over 1,000 cancer patients with bacteria or bacterial products. These products became known as Coley’s toxins.

    Despite this early promise, progress in bacteria-based cancer therapies has been slow. The development of radiation therapy and chemotherapy overshadowed Coley’s work, and his approach faced scepticism from the medical community.

    However, modern immunology has vindicated many of Coley’s principles, showing that some cancers are indeed very sensitive to an enhanced immune system, an approach we can often capture to treat patients.

    How bacteria-based cancer therapies work

    These therapies take advantage of the unique ability of certain bacteria to proliferate inside tumours. The low oxygen, acidic and dead tissue in the area around the cancer – the tumour “microenvironment” (an area I am especially interested in) – create an ideal niche for some bacteria to thrive. Once there, bacteria can, in theory, directly kill tumour cells or activate the body’s immune responses against the cancer. However, several difficulties have hindered the widespread adoption of this approach.

    Safety concerns are paramount because introducing live bacteria into a patient’s body can cause harm. Researchers have had to carefully attenuate (weaken) bacterial strains to ensure they don’t damage healthy tissue. Additionally, controlling the bacteria’s behaviour within the tumour and preventing them from spreading to other parts of the body has been difficult.

    Bacteria live inside us, known as the microbiome, and treatments, disease and, of course, new bacteria that are introduced can interfere with this natural environment. Another significant hurdle has been our incomplete understanding of how bacteria interact with the complex tumour microenvironment and the immune system.

    Questions remain about how to optimise bacterial strains for maximum anti-tumour effects while minimising side-effects. We’re also not sure of the dose – and some approaches give one bacteria and others entire colonies and multiple bug species together.

    Recent advances

    Despite these challenges, recent advances in scientific fields, such as synthetic biology and genetic engineering, have breathed new life into the field. Scientists can now program bacteria with sophisticated functions, such as producing and delivering specific anti-cancer agents directly within tumours.

    This targeted approach could overcome some limitations of traditional cancer treatments, including side-effects and the inability to reach deeper tumour tissues.

    Emerging research suggests that bacteria-based therapies could be particularly promising for certain types of cancer. Solid tumours, especially those that have a poor blood supply and are resistant to conventional therapies, might benefit most from this approach.

    Colon cancer, ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer are among the high-mortality cancers that researchers are targeting with these innovative therapies. One area we have the best evidence for is that “bug drugs” may help the body fight cancer by interacting with routinely used immunotherapy drugs.

    Recent studies have shown encouraging results. For instance, researchers have engineered strains of E coli bacteria to deliver small tumour protein fragments to immune cells, effectively training them to recognise and attack cancer cells. In lab animals, this approach has led to tumour shrinkage and, sometimes, complete elimination.

    By exploiting these mechanisms, bacterial therapies can selectively colonise tumours while largely sparing healthy tissues, potentially overcoming limitations of conventional cancer treatments.

    Ultimately, we need human trials to give us the answer about whether this works, by controlling or eradicating cancer and, of course, if there are side-effects, its toxicity.

    In one study I worked on, we showed that part of a bacterial cell wall, when injected into patients, could safely help control melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.

    While we’re still in the early stages, the potential of bacteria-based cancer therapies is becoming increasingly clear. As our understanding of tumour biology and bacterial engineering improves, we may be on the cusp of a new era in cancer treatment.

    Bacterial-based cancer therapies take advantage of several unique mechanisms to specifically target tumour cells. As a result, these therapies could offer a powerful new tool in our arsenal against cancer, working in synergy with existing treatments like immunotherapy and chemotherapy. And, as we look to the future, bacteria-based cancer therapies represent a fascinating convergence of historical insight and groundbreaking science.

    While challenges remain, the progress in this field offers hope for more effective, targeted treatments that could significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients.

    Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Summer programme for Adult Community Learning launched 4 April 2025 Summer programme for Adult Community Learning launched

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Community Learning team has unveiled its new summer programme, featuring a diverse range of workshops and courses.

    From ICT to arts, crafts, and health and wellbeing activities, the programme promises something for everyone. Additionally, free online short courses are available, ensuring accessible learning opportunities for all.

    Alternatively, email acl@iow.gov.uk or speak to a member of staff by calling (01983) 817280.

    For those looking to develop their skills further, perhaps to retrain or return to work, careers appointments with our information, advice, and guidance professional Claire Rixon, are available.

    Claire can assist with CV writing, cover letters, and application forms, and provide support with career changes, redundancy, education, and training. To book an appointment, call (01983) 817280.

    Drop-in sessions are also available at The Learning Centre, Westridge for those needing help with learning and employment. These take place on Fridays, 9.30am to 11.30am on 25 April, 9 May, 23 May, 13 June and 25 July. No booking is necessary, just turn up.

    If you need help with accessing computers or ICT learning, drop-in sessions are available Fridays, 9.30am to 12.30pm on 2 May, 16 May, 6 June, 20 June, 4 July and 18 July. No booking is necessary.

    If you would like to join our waiting list for NOCN functional skills classes in English and maths starting September, please contact us.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans to enhance electric vehicle charging network unveiled

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Perth and Kinross and Angus Councils have received an EV Infrastructure Fund Grant Award of £1.925 million for the upgrades.

    This will see an expansion of the current network at local authority sites and ensure motorists without access to off-street parking, in urban and rural areas, have access to nearby charging hubs, either in car parks or on-street.

    Perth and Kinross Council will act as the Lead Authority throughout the procurement process and the delivery of the project.

    The contract, spanning 15-20 years, will involve the supply, installation, and maintenance of existing and new EV chargers across both council areas.

    A dedicated back office team will manage the network, including tariff collection, usage data, payments, and maintenance.

    The project has secured a total of £2.205 million in funding, including £280,000 for EV strategies and procurement, and an EV Infrastructure Fund Grant Award of £1.925 million. The expected project delivery is set to begin in Autumn 2025 with contracts going out to tender this summer.

    Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Making sure we have a reliable and easily accessible charging network is incredibly important as more people choose electric vehicles.

    “This valuable funding will allow us to improve the network across Perth and Kinross and Angus, particularly for those living in more rural areas.”

    Councillor Richard Watters, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, added: “More people are choosing electric or hybrid vehicles and it is vital we have a charging network that can cope with this growing demand.

    “I am delighted to see this project progressing and our transport network becoming greener.”

    Councillor Mark McDonald, Communities Convener for Angus Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Angus and Perth & Kinross as we improve our EV infrastructure, building on the Clean Growth and Low Carbon development and innovation work we are delivering across Angus.

    “I’m excited to see the benefits this funding will bring, especially for those living, working, and visiting our rural areas, as we deliver an accessible EV charging network.”

    Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased to confirm funding of over £1.9 million from the Scottish Government to support electric vehicle charging across Angus, Perth and Kinross.

    “Transport remains the largest source of carbon emissions and EVs enable drivers to take climate action and help protect our environment.

    “This significant investment from our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund will ensure that people and communities can benefit from this switch to EVs, so that no one and no part of the country is left behind – including those living in, working or visiting Angus, Perth and Kinross.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City centre walking and cycling infrastructure project reaches its conclusion

    Source: City of Manchester

    Works to significantly improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists along Deansgate have now been completed.

    From Friday, April 4, the newly installed cycle lane and upgraded pedestrian crossings will be fully open to the public, running from the Chester Road roundabout to the junction of Deansgate and Quay Street.

    The installation of this infrastructure project – under the banner of the Deansgate and Whitworth Street West Active Travel scheme – now links with the recently completed Manchester to Chorlton Cycleway, creating an entirely segregated cycle route from south Manchester into the heart of the city centre.

    Click here to find out more about the Deansgate and Whitworth Street West Active Travel scheme.

    Also, additional improvements have been made for pedestrians, with new and improved crossing points and street furniture to make it safer for people to travel in and around the city centre, along one of Manchester’s busiest streets.

    The completion of this project also now creates a unified link along the entire length of Deansgate, with infrastructure now mirroring the improvements made to the upper section of the road several years ago.

    Discussions are ongoing regarding the final use of the space which runs parallel to Great Northern Warehouse, details which will be made public in due course, however the Council is committed to ensuring that it serves as a beneficial space for the residents and businesses who reside in the area.

    Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said: “I am pleased that this new infrastructure is now in place, finally creating a uniform and cohesive link with runs the entire length of Deansgate and connects the city centre with other established cycle facilities.

    “As a Council we are committed to putting measures in place that will, over time, change the way we think about transport. We want to empower people to make different choices when it comes to transport, and putting in the right kind of infrastructure is central to that ambition.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –