NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressmen Don Davis & August Pfluger Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Lifesaving Medications

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Don Davis (NC-01) and U.S. Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the bipartisan H.R. 2542, the Old Drugs, New Cures Act, legislation to improve access to innovative, affordable medication and tackle health disparities in rural and low-income communities across America.

     

    “To ensure every patient, no matter their income, no matter where they live, has access to the best treatments possible, Congress must pass legislation to encourage the development of new, affordable drugs,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Eastern North Carolina communities face the greatest health care disparities of any region in the state. Without an incentive for innovation, patients will not have access to affordable, quality health care.”

     

    Current Medicaid regulations inhibit the research of certain conditions that disproportionately affect rural and low-income communities, like sickle cell disease or other chronic illnesses. The Old Drugs, New Cures Act would carve out an exemption for “priority research” drugs in existing law, allowing for a smoother path from drug development to patient access. To ensure equal access to lifesaving cures, a drug designated as a “priority research drug,” would be excluded from the definition of a “line extension,” therefore making it more accessible to all patients and encouraging innovation at the same time.

     

    “The federal government should be fostering medical innovation, not standing in its way,” said Congressman August Pfluger. “Unfortunately, current HHS regulations create unnecessary barriers to researching new applications for existing medications, preventing potentially life-changing treatments from reaching the patients who need them most. I’m proud to join Congressman Don Davis once again in introducing the Old Drugs, New Cures Act, which will clear these obstacles and create a smoother pathway for breakthrough treatments to reach the market, particularly for conditions that disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities.”

     

    “As a global diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through a relentless drive to deliver better health outcomes, new legislation allowing manufacturers the ability to study and bring forward new treatments based on existing FDA-approved products just makes sense for patients,” said Jeff Hartness, Executive Vice President, Market Access, Commercial Operations, Neurology, Generics and Government Affairs. “We believe the introduction of the Old Drugs New Cures Act legislation has the potential to positively impact patient lives in a way that otherwise will not be feasible.”

     

    “Here at Bausch Health, we are focused on our core R&D platforms, but we are also continuously looking across our existing portfolio to identify underserved, unmet diseases and therapeutic areas,” said Dr. Tage Ramakrishna, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, President, R&D at Bausch Health. As knowledge of disease states and pharmaceutical products increase, manufacturers like Bausch Health need the ability to study all molecules, new and old, for future medical breakthroughs.”

     

    “Reformulating existing drugs is an opportunity for innovation to address unmet needs in an efficient and timely manner,” said Donna R. Cryer, JD, founder and CEO of Global Liver Institute. “New uses for existing drugs have long been supported by the rare disease community, for whom treatment options are highly limited. This bill presents an opportunity to advance health equity by driving innovation to Medicaid-eligible patients who experience high unmet medical needs.”

     

    “GLI strongly supports innovation that addresses unmet needs in an efficient and timely manner,” said Larry Holden, CEO of Global Liver Institute.“Only about 5% of rare disease patients have a treatment approved by the FDA, making any policy to incentivize new uses for existing drugs especially valuable for vulnerable populations, particularly patients whose care is largely provided by Medicaid.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Reintroduces Legislation to Safeguard Medicare Advantage Plans for Upstate New York Seniors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today reintroduced legislation aimed at addressing reductions in Medicare Advantage (MA) access and benefits. The bill addresses reimbursement shortfalls to local MA plans from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Specifically, the bill allows CMS to adjust benchmark amounts based on local wage indices that have increased by 20 percent or more to ensure enrollees continue to receive comprehensive benefits and quality care.

    Rep Tenney was joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Mike Lawler (NY-17).

    In 2023, CMS made a needed adjustment to the wage index for Upstate New York hospitals, treating geographically rural and rural reclassified hospitals equally. This change led to wage index increases of 20-40% across Upstate New York. While this provided significant relief for hospitals that had been severely underpaid by the fee-for-service program, it inadvertently placed substantial financial pressure on regional MA plans, which are predominantly non-profit organizations. Because CMS did not account for these new costs in their benchmark rates for 2024, MA plans have experienced significant financial challenges that jeopardize plans’ ability to provide affordable, quality coverage to their beneficiaries. Without relief, health plans will be forced to cut benefits and increase premiums for seniors who can least afford it.

    Last week, Rep. Tenney sent a letter to CMS urging the agency to reassess the ongoing misalignment between hospital wage index increases and MA benchmark adjustments in Upstate New York.

    “Our community’s seniors deserve continued access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Unfortunately, the payment disparity has already affected local plans’ offerings and limited seniors’ coverage choices. By adjusting the benchmark rates to reflect the increased costs faced by our regional plans, we can restore MA options for our seniors and protect them from higher premiums in the future. This bill will ensure that Medicare Advantage plans continue to provide the robust benefits that so many members of our community rely on,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Food Deserts and Increase Access to Healthy Food

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) have introduced legislation to eliminate food deserts and expand access to affordable and nutritious food by incentivizing food providers to expand access to healthy food options in underserved communities. The Healthy Food Access for All Americans (HFAAA) Act was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Jennifer McLellan (VA-04).                                                                                                                    
    “Fresh and nutritious foods are a cornerstone of health and wellbeing, but too many families in Virginia and across America live in places where these foods are out of reach,” said Sen. Warner. “This legislation will help us fight food deserts by incentivizing grocery stores to come to communities that have the hardest time accessing fresh produce.”
    “Even while living in the breadbasket of our nation, food insecurity affects far too many Kansans, particularly those living in rural communities far from a grocery store,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation, which would incentivize food providers to establish and renovate grocery stores, food banks and farmers markets in communities that traditionally lack affordable, healthy and convenient food options, would help provide those who are hungry with access to nutritious food.”
    “Many West Virginians struggle to access fresh, nutritious food to keep their families and communities well fed. I’m proud to reintroduce the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act, which will expand access to healthy foods through food banks and local grocery stores in rural communities across West Virginia and the nation,” said Sen. Capito.
    “Access to nutritious food is essential for every family’s health and well-being, but it remains out of reach for far too many communities. This bipartisan legislation offers a key solution to eliminating food deserts in Maryland and across the country – ensuring every American can buy fresh, affordable, healthy food in their neighborhood, regardless of where they live,” said Sen. Van Hollen.
    According to recent data, an estimated 18.8 million Americans live in what the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies as a “food desert.” Urban areas designated as food deserts lack a grocery store within one or more miles. Rural areas designated as food deserts lack a grocery store within ten or more miles. Studies have shown that Americans who live in communities with low-access to healthy food options are at higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
    Specifically, the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act – which defines a grocery market as a retail sales store with at least 35 percent of its selection (or forecasted selection) dedicated to selling fresh produce, poultry, dairy, and deli items – would encourage investment in food deserts across the country that have a poverty rate of 20 percent or higher, or a median family income of less than 80 percent of the median for the state or metro area.
    It would grant tax credits or grants to food providers who service low-access communities and attain a “Special Access Food Provider” (SAFP) certification through the Treasury Department. Incentives would be awarded based on the following structure:
    New Store Construction – Companies that construct new grocery stores in a food desert will receive a one-time 15 percent tax credit after receiving certification.
    Retrofitting Existing Structures – Companies that make retrofits to an existing store’s healthy food sections can receive a one-time 10 percent tax credit after the repairs certify the store as an SAFP.
    Food Banks – Certified food banks that build new (permanent) structures in food deserts will be eligible to receive a one-time grant for 15 percent of their construction costs.
    Temporary Access Merchants – Certified temporary access merchants (i.e. mobile markets, farmers markets, and some food banks) that are 501(c)(3)s will receive grants for 10 percent of their annual operating costs.
    The Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act boasts the support of numerous organizations, including Feeding America, the National Grocers Association, and Share Our Strength.
    “Feeding America commends Senator Warner for confronting the unfortunate fact that for the 47 million Americans living with hunger, access to affordable nutritious food is significantly harder for those who live in food deserts. The Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks understands that areas without affordable, healthy food options have higher rates of food insecurity. Rural communities in particular lack access to adequate transportation to the nearest grocery store or food pantry. Feeding America supports the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act as a critical step to give nonprofits and retailers support to increase food access in underserved areas,” said Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America.
    “The National Grocers Association applauds Senator Warner and Representatives McClellan and Sykes for their leadership on this important legislation focused on eliminating the challenges confronting grocers seeking to expand access to nutritious food in underserved rural and urban areas alike. Independent grocers are the backbone of the communities they serve and have a long-standing tradition of leading efforts to provide improved food options for those most in need. Enhanced access to healthy food bolsters both the physical well-being and economic vitality of local communities everywhere, and we look forward to working with Congress to pass this important bipartisan legislation,” said Stephanie Johnson, Vice President, Government Relations, National Grocers Association.
    “To end childhood hunger in America, we must ensure that low-income families have access to healthy, affordable food options no matter their zip code or circumstances. Ending food deserts will help more families put food on the table and help children get the nutrition they need to grow up healthy and strong. Share Our Strength supports The Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act and thanks Sens. Warner, Capito, Van Hollen, and Moran for their leadership on this issue,” said Jason Gromley, Senior Director of Share Our Strength.
    Bill text for the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act can be found here. A summary of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces He Will Vote to Uphold Trump Executive Order to Stop Fentanyl, Human Trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released a statement ahead of a vote on a Democrat resolution led by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) to repeal President Trump’s executive order to halt fentanyl and human trafficking across our northern border, including placing tariffs on Canadian goods.
    “President Trump uses tariffs to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants across both our northern and southern borders. President Trump is right to do that,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I stand with President Trump.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Talks Tariffs and Universal Injunctions on Fox News

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today joined America Reports on Fox News to discuss his Judicial Relief Clarification Act and reciprocal tariffs.
    Video and excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow.
    [embedded content]
    VIDEO
    On Universal Injunctions:
    “[My bill] would limit the injunction that a judge could do to his district and to the parties before the court, as opposed to a national injunction that would apply it to the other 92 districts around the United States. This would keep judges from being policy makers… Our legislation would also go on to another step, if it’s necessary, to speed up the process of appeals.”
    On Tariffs:
    “We have a political leader that was elected by a big margin, both electoral and popular. He’s carrying out a promise he made in the election to bring manufacturing to the United States, and increasing tariffs is part of it.
    “I hope the end result of the tariffs is, that by putting on reciprocal tariffs, it brings other countries to bring their tariffs down. I think if we had less tariffs throughout the world, we’d have a stronger – not only U.S. economy, but we’d have a stronger world economy.”
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Daily Caller Highlights Grassley’s Oversight of Wasteful DEI Spending at DOJ

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    EXCLUSIVE: GOP Sens Seek Answers For Taxpayers Who Picked Up Tab For Biden’s DEI InitiativesAdam PackMarch 31, 2025
    Senate Judiciary Republicans are seeking accountability for taxpayers who footed the bill for the Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under former President Joe Biden.
    Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and GOP Sens. Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas and Ashley Moody of Florida wrote to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Thursday to ask the nonpartisan watchdog to perform an audit of the DOJ’s DEI practices under the Biden-Harris administration. The senators asked that GAO investigate how much time and money were spent executing the Biden administration’s executive orders cementing DEI initiatives across the federal government, according to the letter obtained exclusively by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
    “The Biden-Harris EO [Executive Order] was a divisive bureaucratic burden on the Executive Branch,” the GOP senators wrote to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro. “The taxpayer deserves to know how much time and money the Biden-Harris DOJ spent on these efforts.”
    “Specifically, the taxpayer has a right to know how many DOJ employees were hired to work on DEIA [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility] programs or initiatives and how much money the DOJ spent on these functions, including salaries, fringe benefits, rent for office space, and supplies for employees,” the senators said.
    Senate Republicans’ request for an audit of the Biden administration’s DEI initiatives comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has moved to roll back Biden’s DEI practices, which Trump has referred to as “illegal and immoral discrimination.”
    “[N]early every Federal agency and entity [under Biden] submitted ‘Equity Action Plans’ to detail the ways that they have furthered DEIs [sic] infiltration of the Federal Government,” Trump wrote in his executive order banning government DEI initiatives on Jan. 20. “The public release of these plans demonstrated immense public waste and shameful discrimination. That ends today. Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect, and to expending precious taxpayer resources only on making America great.”
    The Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans are specifically requesting that the GAO probe the Biden administration’s EO 14035 titled, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce,” issued in June 2021.
    “As the Nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government must be a model for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, where all employees are treated with dignity and respect,” Biden wrote.
    The EO led to the creation of new DEI offices in the federal government and new federal spending on DEI initiatives. The GOP senators cited a Parents Defending Education analysis that found that the Biden-Harris DOJ alone spent more than $100 million on promoting DEI initiatives in K-12 school districts.
    The EO also required federal agencies to create individual “strategic plans” to advance DEI priorities. “GAO should review the time and money the DOJ dedicated to these efforts,” the senators wrote.
    Attorney General Pam Bondi has worked to undo the Biden DOJ’s DEI practices and carry out Trump’s EO prohibiting certain DEI practices in the private sector and in educational bodies that receive federal funds.
    The DOJ announced an investigation into four California universities Friday for allegedly using DEI practices in their admission policies.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bombshell Report Confirms Grassley Oversight of Biden-Harris Admin’s Failure to Protect Migrant Children

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) numerous concerns about abuse in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) unaccompanied alien children (UAC) program. Under the Biden-Harris administration, more than 500,000 children crossed the Southern border and entered the UAC program, while cartel trafficking activity surged.
    Grassley repeatedly warned that the Biden-Harris UAC program’s inadequate safeguards, lax vetting procedures and limited inter-agency communication allowed children to be lost or released to dangerous adult sponsors. DHS OIG’s report validated all of Grassley’s findings. Notably, the report exposed how DHS was prevented from receiving key HHS information to follow up on potential criminal sponsors. Grassley broke through this inter-agency firewall last year by submitting a law enforcement referral to DHS containing HHS information provided to Grassley by legally protected whistleblowers. DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations followed up on 102 investigative targets Grassley identified.  
    “My oversight revealed the Biden-Harris administration prioritized speed and optics over the safety and security of hundreds-of-thousands of migrant children. DHS OIG’s report echoes my longstanding concerns and further fuels the fire of my investigative and legislative work. I’ll continue fighting to ensure abuse like this never happens again,” Grassley said. 
    The DHS OIG report found that: 
    HHS and DHS lost track of hundreds of thousands of migrant children.
    HHS failed to provide DHS complete sponsor addresses for over 31,000 unaccompanied migrant children. Without sponsor addresses, law enforcement is unable to keep track of migrant children.
    DHS law enforcement officers additionally estimated that addresses collected by HHS were incorrect 80 percent of the time.

    DHS officers failed to enroll over 233,000 migrant children who crossed the border since January 2021 in immigration proceedings, increasing their risk of trafficking and exploitation.
    Of those enrolled, more than 43,000 children failed to appear.

    HHS failed to provide updated sponsor information to DHS when sponsors changed addresses, further hindering DHS’s ability to find children.  

    HHS placed migrant children with potentially dangerous sponsors.
    In Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, HHS released more than 24,100 migrant children to unrelated sponsors or distant relatives. Law enforcement officers note these children are at the highest risk for trafficking.
    HHS frequently placed migrant children in rundown apartment complexes and dilapidated motels with barred windows, appliances stacked on patios and apartments with no doors or kitchens.
    Local police noted many of these properties were located in areas with high violent crime rates, daily shootings and gang activity.

    Multiple DHS offices confirmed HHS released children to incomplete or commercial addresses, and ICE officials at one field office noted the Biden HHS released 34 children to two addresses that didn’t exist.

    The Biden-Harris administration limited HHS employees’ communication with law enforcement.
    HHS failed to provide DHS law enforcement officers with accurate or timely information regarding the status and safety of migrant children.
    A 2021 Biden-Harris inter-agency agreement restricted HHS from sharing sponsors’ biometric information with law enforcement officers.
    DHS law enforcement noted this restrictive agreement prevents law enforcement from having input regarding children’s sponsors.

    DHS law enforcement officers stated they were open to sharing information with HHS, but HHS did not share information with them. One officer noted, “Getting information from HHS is like pulling teeth.”
    According to these officers, the Biden-Harris HHS feared that sharing sponsor information could lead to law enforcement actions against sponsors, especially those with criminal history or lacking legal immigration status.

    The vast majority of migrant children discussed in the report date to the Biden-Harris administration, according to a related DHS OIG report released in August.
    Read the full DHS OIG report HERE.
    Grassley discussed the report in a speech on the Senate floor. 
    Background:Grassley has led efforts to protect unaccompanied migrant children from exploitation and abuse for more than a decade. See an overview of his work below:
    03.11.2025 | Grassley Reignites Oversight of HHS’s Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program
    01.14.2025 | Grassley, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Halt Child Trafficking at the Border 
    10.18.2024 | Biden-Harris HHS Can’t Account to Congress for Status of Thousands of Unaccompanied Minors
    10.16.2024 | ICYMI: Grassley Recognized for Work to Combat Sex-Trafficking Crisis: ‘The Only Person in a Position of Power Who Cares’
    09.23.2024 | Grassley Leads Bicameral Colleagues in Calling Out Abuses in the Biden-Harris Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program
    09.18.2024 | Democrats Block Grassley Effort to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children from Sexual Harm
    09.17.2024 | Grassley: Not One More Child Should Have to Suffer Abuse Because of Biden-Harris Policies
    09.04.2024 | Grassley Puts HHS Vetting, Information-Sharing under Microscope amid Biden-Harris Admin’s Neglect to Protect Migrant Children
    07.11.2024 | RECORDS: HHS Sent Unaccompanied Minors to Sponsors with MS-13 Ties, Potential Trafficking Rings
    07.09.2024 | Grassley Highlights Exploitation and Abuse of Migrant Children During Senate Roundtable
    07.09.2024 | Grassley Delivers Opening Remarks At Roundtable On Abuse Of Unaccompanied Migrant Children
    07.08.2024 | ICYMI: WSJ Reveals Alarming ‘Dilemma’ At The Heart Of Biden’s Unaccompanied Minors Program
    06.12.2024 | Grassley Discusses Effort To End Biden Admin’s Abuse Of Unaccompanied Minors Program
    06.05.2024 | Grassley Moves To Overturn Biden Admin Rule Enabling Abuse Of Unaccompanied Migrant Children
    04.30.2024 | Grassley Scrutinizes HHS’s Improper Care Of Unaccompanied Migrant Children
    03.14.2024 | Grassley Goes Head-To-Head With HHS Secretary On Immigration And Rural Health Care
    01.24.2024 | Grassley Alerts DHS, FBI To Evidence Of Human Trafficking; Calls For Immediate Action To Locate & Rescue Migrant Children
    12.04.2023 | Grassley And Senate Republicans Demand Changes To Biden Admin Rule Endangering Safety And Wellbeing Of Unaccompanied Alien Children
    10.28.2021 | Grassley, Wyden Release Investigation On Misconduct And Abuse At Federally-Funded Facilities Caring For Unaccompanied Migrant Children
    05.09.2019 | Grassley, Wyden Demand Answers On Misconduct And Abuse At Federally-Funded Facilities Caring For Unaccompanied Migrant Children
    03.14.2016 | Feds Skip Child Abuse Checks For Some Sponsors Of Child Immigrants As Surge Continues
    02.23.2016 | The Unaccompanied Children Crisis: Does the Administration Have a Plan to Stop the Border Surge and Adequately Monitor the Children
    02.22.2016 | Feds Fall Short In Care, Tracking Of Unaccompanied Children
    02.19.2016 | Grassley, Cornyn Continue To Press Administration On Vetting Of Sponsors For Unaccompanied Minors
    11.24.2015 | Obama Administration Allegedly Releasing Unaccompanied Minors Into Criminals’ Custody
    10.10.2014 | Grassley, Hatch, Coburn Press For GAO Study On The Office Of Refugee Resettlement Efforts With Unaccompanied Minors
    08.22.2014 | Grassley: Unanswered Questions Plague HHS Response To Unaccompanied Minors
    07.17.2014 | Grassley Presses For Answers On Housing For Unaccompanied Minors Crossing Southern Border
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Statement in Support of Iowan Matt Whitaker

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Statement for the Congressional Record by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
    “Nomination of Matt Whitaker to be U.S. Permanent Representative on the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization”
    Wednesday, April 2, 2025
    The Senate [voted yesterday] to confirm my good friend and fellow Iowan, Matt Whitaker, to be the U.S. Ambassador to NATO.
    I want to take a few minutes to express my support for his nomination…
    Matt is someone who’s well known back home in Iowa, and he’s earned the respect of many here in Washington, too. 
    He has a long record of service to our country, from his time as Acting Attorney General in the first Trump administration to his work as Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice. 
    He’s traveled around the world meeting with leaders on important issues, including dealing with the fentanyl crisis and talking with Chinese officials.
    During the George W. Bush administration, Matt served our home state as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District from 2004 to 2009, where he worked hard to keep our communities safe. 
    In Iowa, he’s known not just for his work, but for his deep pride in his home state. 
    He never lets you forget that he’s a proud graduate of the University of Iowa, where he earned his undergraduate degree, MBA and law degree. 
    In fact, he even played football for the Hawkeyes, which speaks to his work ethic and commitment to teamwork.
    Matt carries that same commitment and drive in every role he takes on. 
    Whether it’s on the football field, as a U.S. Attorney, or in his leadership in national law enforcement. 
    This dedication is exactly what he’ll bring to his work with NATO. 
    I’m proud to support a true friend and fellow Iowan who has always shown the highest standards of service to our country.
    I ask my colleagues to support Matt Whitaker’s confirmation. 
    He’ll serve with the same passion and energy that he brings to his love of Iowa football, and I have no doubt that he will represent the United States on the world stage with the same level of commitment.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Russian shadow fleet and oil imports – E-001226/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001226/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)

    1. To what extent does the Commission rely on oil and gas tanker data from Vortexa regarding the so-called Russian shadow fleet?

    2. With regard to the sanctions against Russia and accusations of EU double standards, what does the Commission make of the fact that Russian oil is transported by ship to India, where it is processed, and then exported to the EU?

    Submitted: 24.3.2025

    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Supporting autonomous vehicles and innovation in the EU automotive sector – E-001267/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001267/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D)

    The action plan for the automotive sector identifies autonomous vehicles (AVs) as a key technology that is expected to generate a global added value for the sector of EUR 400 billion by 2035. However, while the United States and China have moved forward with AV deployment, in Europe we are lagging behind.

    Our automotive industry is at a critical juncture and must embrace advanced technologies to remain globally competitive. AVs represent a key sector where the EU could invest more, as highlighted in the Draghi report, but progress is being hindered by fragmentation in the single market and other constraints. We need to create a single market to support the innovation and deployment of AVs.

    In the light of this, can the Commission:

    • 1.Clarify the timeline for updating the regulatory framework for AVs, particularly regarding the lifting of the restriction on small series vehicles?
    • 2.Lay out the steps for establishing large-scale test beds for AVs and indicate what concrete objectives (in terms of number of vehicles deployed) it will set for these test beds?
    • 3.Explain when we can expect the number of AVs on the EU’s roads to match the number of those on US roads, currently estimated at 1 000 vehicles with high levels of automation?

    Submitted: 26.3.2025

    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Toxic waste water from chemical tankers released into the Baltic Sea – E-001265/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001265/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE)

    Chemical tankers are discarding cancer-causing waste water into the Baltic Sea. When chemical tankers’ tanks are washed at sea, chemicals such as tall oil, styrene and benzene[1] are spilled into the sea.

    For instance, the company Borealis Polymer[2] admits to releasing chemicals such as benzene into the Baltic Sea when washing its tanks relatively close to coastal settlements near Porvoo, Finland. Benzene can cause cancer, mutations and is toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish.

    Despite the high environmental and health risks, this practice remains legal.

    • 1.What action is the Commission taking to ensure that chemical tankers adhere to stricter environmental regulations regarding chemical discharge into the ocean?
    • 2.What other measures is the Commission taking to address the issue of chemicals being released into the ocean?

    Submitted: 26.3.2025

    • [1] https://johnnurmisensaatio.fi/mita-teemme/hankkeet/kemikaalialushanke/.
    • [2] https://www.hs.fi/alueet/art-2000011062707.html.
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Negotiations on the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement – P-002536/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Sustainability impact assessments (SIAs) are independent assessments produced by external consultants on behalf of the Commission.

    These usually analyse the impact of trade agreements on the EU as a whole. Similarly, the Commission is currently analysing the economic impact of the negotiated outcome which is expected to be concluded before the proposal for signature and conclusion is sent by the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament.

    Member States are free to carry out their own SIAs based on their perceived exposure to the agreement. For instance, the Irish government requested an independent economic and sustainability impact assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Agreement[1].

    The Belgian government commissioned an independent economic impact assessment for Belgium of the EU-Mercosur Agreement on the impact for Belgian economic sectors[2].

    Another study was carried out by Wageningen Economic & Research[3] assessing the impact of the EU-Mercosur Agreement on the Netherlands.

    Now that a final political agreement has been reached between the EU and Mercosur, and after completion of the legal verification and translation into all official languages, the Commission will transmit a proposal to the Council and the European Parliament for signature and conclusion of the agreement.

    In that context, the Commission will present its proposal for the legal basis and architecture of the deal after an assessment of the outcome of the negotiations.

    • [1] https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1c8a6-economic-and-sustainability-impact-assessment-for-ireland-of-the-eu-mercosur-trade-agreement/
    • [2] https://economie.fgov.be/fr/publications/accord-de-libre-echange-entre
    • [3] Wageningen University & Research — Report 2020-065: Effecten van het EU-Mercosur akkoord op de Nederlandse economie: https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/effecten-van-het-eu-mercosur-akkoord-op-de-nederlandse-economie
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reducing and sharing network costs – P-001316/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001316/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE)

    The Dutch Government recently published a report on funding electricity infrastructure[1], which concluded that network tariffs will triple by 2040 due to the massive investments required. This sharp increase in costs will raise household and industry bills, hampering electrification. While a range of measures is needed to address this challenge, two critical areas urgently require a legislative response from the Commission: the spreading of costs over time (amortisation) and international cost-sharing.

    • 1.Given that amortisation has already been approved and implemented for hydrogen networks within the EU through intertemporal cost allocation in the hydrogen and gas decarbonisation package, can the Commission commit to implementing similar legislative changes for electricity grids as soon as possible?
    • 2.Reducing network tariffs would provide Member States with a competitive advantage, but not all have the fiscal capacity to implement such measures. Therefore, can the Commission commit to taking action on common rules and financing to ensure a level playing field?
    • 3.As voluntary cost-sharing mechanisms between Member States have not yielded sufficient results, does the Commission envisage taking legislative action in the upcoming EU action plan for grids to establish an effective cost-sharing mechanism?

    Submitted: 31.3.2025

    • [1] https://open.overheid.nl/documenten/e914cc94-ffcd-42dd-9989-bf7c3fdd44f9/file.
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting Alberta’s communities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: (Part 2) Autism Awareness Day 2025- Advancing Neurodiversity & the UN SDGs | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    6) Advocacy in Action – Employment Solutions for Advancing Workplace Inclusion

    7) Session 2 – Inclusive Education for Autistic Learners: Advancing SDG 4 on Quality Education

    8) Session 3 – Workplace Inclusion and Autism: Advancing SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth

    9) Session 4 – Workplace Inclusion and Autism: Advancing SDG 10 on Reducing Inequalities

    This year’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) observance, titled Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN SDGs, focuses on the intersection of autism and sustainable development. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, advocacy highlights, and a fireside chat, the event explores how embracing neurodiversity contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Each session highlights key areas of inclusion — from healthcare and education to employment, urban development, and governance — while centering autistic voices and experiences. The observance champions a world where autistic individuals are recognized as vital contributors to society and are fully included and supported in all aspects of life.

    These discussions aim to inspire concrete action and global collaboration in support of a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

    More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

    #WorldAutismAwarenessDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnOJoeqKyR8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: (Part 3) Autism Awareness Day 2025- Advancing Neurodiversity & the UN SDGs | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    This year’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) observance, titled Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN SDGs, focuses on the intersection of autism and sustainable development. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, advocacy highlights, and a fireside chat, the event explores how embracing neurodiversity contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Each session highlights key areas of inclusion — from healthcare and education to employment, urban development, and governance — while centering autistic voices and experiences. The observance champions a world where autistic individuals are recognized as vital contributors to society and are fully included and supported in all aspects of life.

    These discussions aim to inspire concrete action and global collaboration in support of a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

    More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

    #WorldAutismAwarenessDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcIt_WL6ecw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: (Part 1) Autism Awareness Day 2025- Advancing Neurodiversity & the UN SDGs | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    1) Opening Address by Charlotte Valeur – Advancing Autism Awareness through the SDGs | United Nations

    2) Introductory Remarks by Maher Nasser – Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations

    3) Panel Discussion – Autism and the UN SDGs: A Global Perspective on Advancing Neurodiversity | United Nations

    4) Advocacy Solutions – Advancing Neurodiversity through the 2023 UN WAAD Highlights | United Nations

    5) Session 1 – Inclusive Healthcare and Autism: Advancing SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being | United Nations

    This year’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) observance, titled Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN SDGs, focuses on the intersection of autism and sustainable development. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, advocacy highlights, and a fireside chat, the event explores how embracing neurodiversity contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Each session highlights key areas of inclusion — from healthcare and education to employment, urban development, and governance — while centering autistic voices and experiences. The observance champions a world where autistic individuals are recognized as vital contributors to society and are fully included and supported in all aspects of life.

    These discussions aim to inspire concrete action and global collaboration in support of a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

    More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

    #WorldAutismAwarenessDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6CCKHm_ZeE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: (Opening) Autism Awareness Day 2025- Advancing Autism Awareness through the SDGs | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Opening Address by Charlotte Valeur – Advancing Autism Awareness through the SDGs | United Nations.

    This year’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) observance, titled Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN SDGs, focuses on the intersection of autism and sustainable development. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, advocacy highlights, and a fireside chat, the event explores how embracing neurodiversity contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Each session highlights key areas of inclusion — from healthcare and education to employment, urban development, and governance — while centering autistic voices and experiences. The observance champions a world where autistic individuals are recognized as vital contributors to society and are fully included and supported in all aspects of life.

    These discussions aim to inspire concrete action and global collaboration in support of a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

    More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

    #WorldAutismAwarenessDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwOWY1E0tZE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Veterans Experience CX Video 2025

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

    This video shares the journey of a Veteran when she connects with VA. The Veteran is at the heart of everything we do. Veterans deserve their journey to be easy, effective, and emotionally resonant to build trust while providing timely access to world-class health care and earned benefits.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k84Juai7aU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Industry Support Grows Ahead of Vote on Kaine, Klobuchar & Warner’s Bill to Undo Trump’s Canada Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following an endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement welcoming broad support for their bipartisan legislation to undo President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, which amount to a 25 percent tax on goods imported from one of America’s top trading partners and closest allies. The legislation will be voted on today.

    “We welcome the strong support we continue to receive from both organized labor and businesses, including from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, for our legislation to undo Trump’s new sales tax on Canadian goods,” said the senators. “The outpouring of endorsements for our effort highlights that these new taxes are bad for America’s businesses that need stability to thrive and for hardworking families who want prices to go down, not up. We are giving every Senator an opportunity today to put their constituents’ pocketbooks first by challenging a nonsensical trade war with one of America’s closest trading partners and allies.”

    “Tariffs are taxes—paid by Americans—and they will quickly increase prices at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living. These import taxes are also harming U.S. manufactures and drawing retaliatory duties, worsening their impact on our economy… It is appropriate for Congress to exercise its authority under IEEPA and pass SJ Res 37, which would terminate the national emergency and the imposition of tariffs under Executive Order 14193,” wrote Neil L. Bradley, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy, in the Chamber’s endorsement letter, which is available here.

    In addition to the Chamber, the senators’ bill is supported by the AFL-CIO, the United Steelworkers (USW), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Retail Federation (NRF), the North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Foreign Policy for America (FP4A), the National Taxpayers Union, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and Advancing American Freedom. Here’s what they’re saying:

    North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey: “The United States and Canada share far more than just a border—we share a deep, enduring economic and workforce partnership that has strengthened both our nations for generations… That partnership is enshrined in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a comprehensive trade agreement that President Trump himself negotiated and enacted that already governs our economic relations in this hemisphere… By circumventing this agreement and imposing unilateral tariffs on Canada, the Administration is harmfully undermining a key foreign ally while also carelessly shooting holes in the credibility of its own signature economic policy.”

    The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) Executive Director for Legislative and Political Affairs Stanley E. Kolbe, Jr.: “On behalf of our membership, SMACNA would like to voice its strong support for S.J. Res. 37… Tariff penalties aimed at Canada for non-trade objectives have already caused harsh and unnecessary economic pain for US workers and harm to our nation’s construction and related metal fabricating as well as HVAC equipment manufacturing businesses. In fact, it will punish businesses, labor and economies on both sides of the border, and in direct contravention of the provisions featured in the existing USMCA.”

    The National Retail Federation (NRF) Executive Vice President for Government Relations David French: “While we strongly agree with the need to secure our borders, we do not believe using trade tools such as tariffs for non-trade purposes is the right approach to achieve this goal, especially without closest trading partner… U.S. retailers depend on Canada for a wide range of consumer goods under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Congress overwhelmingly approved. Canada represents a significant market for U.S. retailers that not only have operations in Canada but also rely on a robust cross-border consumer market, with Canadian consumers hopping in U.S. retail stores on a daily basis. These operations are all now being significantly disrupted because of the tariffs applied to Canada under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Canada’s retaliation against those tariffs.”

    The U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran: “…We write to express our strong support for S.J. Res. 37, the joint resolution to terminate the national emergency declared on February 1, 2025, that launched a trade war with Canada and thus to terminate the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as part of that unfounded emergency… This declaration has triggered a damaging and unnecessary trade conflict with Canada—our closest ally, largest trading partner, and critical collaborator in addressing economic and public safety challenges across North America… These actions are raising prices for consumers, disrupting key industries such as construction and manufacturing, and threatening jobs in communities large and small. They also risk increasing already high housing costs, as tariffs on Canadian lumber, steel, aluminum, and other critical building materials will make housing construction and infrastructure development significantly more expensive.”

    AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Jody Calemine: “On behalf of the AFL-CIO, I urge you to support S.J. Res. 37, a resolution introduced by Senator Tim Kaine to terminate the national emergency that was declared to justify tariffs on imports from Canada under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)… However, imposing large, across the board tariffs on Canada aimed at non-trade objectives will only cause unnecessary economic pain for workers and businesses on both sides of the border.”

    International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Brian Bryant: “On behalf of the 600,000 active and retired members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), I write today in strong support of S.J. Res. 37… These new tariffs on Canada, one of our closest allies and largest trading partners, are unjust and will have lasting negative impacts on American and Canadian workers… The Trump administration’s erratic approach to tariffs is wreaking havoc on workers and businesses in the United States and Canada. Punishing one of our nation’s closest trading partners based on a false pretense is wrong and the action needs to be reversed.”

    International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President Matthew S. Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson: “As the Executive Officers of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), representing 90,000 workers in the private, public, and federal sectors across North America, we are writing in support of S.J. Res. 37… Canada is America’s closest ally and number one trading partner. Our trading relationship uplifts American and Canadian working families alike. Imposing reckless tariffs on Canadian imports will harm both the U.S. and Canadian economies and do even greater harm to working families on both sides of the border. Congress must step in now to block this reckless and destructive policy.”

    National Taxpayers Union: “Canada is an important supplier of goods that strengthen U.S. security, including crude oil, natural gas, steel, and aluminum. Tariffs that restrict our access to these supplies and increase their cost will weaken our industrial base and undermine our ability to sustain our defense in the event of a national emergency.”

    Taxpayers Protection Alliance President David Williams: “TPA enthusiastically supports Sens. Tim Kaine and Rand Paul’s CRA to overturn President Trump’s February 1, 2025, national emergency declaration. This use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is fraught with issues. The ensuing trade war will inevitably raise costs for consumers. Placing a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico will harm consumers and the vast majority of American businesses.”

    United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall: “On behalf of the 850,000 active members of the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW), I urge you to support S.J. Res. 37, a resolution introduced by Senator Tim Kaine to terminate the national emergency that was declared to impose duties on imports from Canada, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)… These new tariffs are misdirected, unsubstantiated by facts, and harmful to the very workers we represent.”

    Advancing American Freedom (AAF) President Tim Chapman: “Tariffs are a tax on American families and businesses. The first Trump administration cut an excellent deal with Canada with USMCA. The president should not abandon this agreement and lacks the authority to unilaterally do so.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: From the Senate Floor, Senator Collins Opposes Emergency Tariffs on Canadian Goods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of her full remarks

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of a resolution authored by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) that would end the emergency declaration that President Trump signed in February to implement tariffs on Canada for not doing enough to halt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

    Below is the transcript of her remarks:

    “Mr. President, I rise today in support of the resolution introduced by my colleague from Virginia, Senator Kaine, to overturn the emergency declaration for the northern border that is being used to impose tariffs on goods imported from Canada.

    “Mr. President, the Maine economy is integrated with Canada, our most important trading partner. From home heating oil, gasoline, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products, to Maine’s paper mills, forest products businesses, agricultural producers, and lobstermen, the tariffs on Canada would be detrimental to many Maine families and our local economies.

    “Mr. President, of course I share the President’s goal of stemming the tide of dangerous fentanyl that flows into the United States. I commend him for taking far stronger actions to halt this dangerous and deadly flow than did the previous administration. I do not, however, agree with his invoking the powers of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on Canadian goods and products. The fact is, the vast majority of fentanyl in America comes from the southern border. In fiscal year 2024, less than 1% of fentanyl seizures occurred at our northern border, and our Canadian neighbors are working collaboratively and cooperatively with our government to stop that trafficking.

    “Mr. President, one of the best examples of the intertwined relationship between Maine’s economy and Canada can be seen at the Twin Rivers paper mill in Madawaska, Maine, way in the north, on the Canadian border. Twin Rivers produces lightweight specialty paper for packaging materials, for our nation’s newspapers and our retailers’ catalogs, for food and environmentally safe papers used in restaurants, and for a wide variety of other paper goods that are used all over the country. The raw pulp for this paper mill in Maine is piped across the St. John River, from Edmundston, New Brunswick, to Madawaska, Maine. There literally is a pipeline through which the pulp travels between these two sister mills. A tariff placed on this pulp would jeopardize the financial well-being of this vital paper mill, which employs more than 500 people in rural northern Maine. There is not another big employer in that area that could possibly compensate for the loss of those 510 direct jobs. And that doesn’t include the indirect jobs: the truck drivers, the restaurant owners who would be harmed by the closure or reduction in the operation of this vitally important mill. The tariff would not only devastate Twin Rivers, but also harm hundreds of Maine families.

    “Another example of our integration with Canada is in energy. 95% of the heating oil that is used by most Mainers to heat their homes comes from refineries in Canada. Irving Oil, a Canadian-based company, has 150 gas stations in Maine and supplies two-thirds of the state’s gas, diesel, and heating oil. This includes Mr. President, 100% of the jet fuel that is used by the Air National Guard Base in Bangor. Maine consumers, Maine businesses, and the U.S. Department of Defense, our own Department of Defense, would bear the cost of that Canadian energy tariff.

    “Mr. President, Canadian tariffs would also harm many Maine farmers, lobstermen, and fishermen. According to the Maine Potato Board, 90% of the potash, which is the fertilizer used for growing potatoes, is imported from Canada. Fertilizer accounts for 11% of total input costs to grow our great Maine potatoes. Tariffs on imports like fertilizer will only hurt Maine potato growers. And Mr. President, I grew up in Aroostook County. I know these potato growers. I picked potatoes as a school child when I was growing up.

    “Just recently, a farmer from Mars Hill, Maine, told me that just the threat of tariffs is causing a price increase on seed and equipment. This farmer supplies potatoes to a Canadian company with facilities on both sides of the border. The different facilities have specialized equipment to process potatoes for different uses, hash browns in one plant, curly fries in another. A tariff on potatoes as they cross back and forth between Maine and Canada would cause terrible harm to this and other growers

    “Other products are processed back and forth across the border as well. For example, many Maine blueberries are processed in Prince Edward Island. Maine also sends between $200 million and $400 million worth of lobster to Canada each year for processing. There are 240 lobster processing plants in Canada, but only 15 in the United States. I share the President’s goal of getting more of that manufacturing done in the State of Maine, done in the United States, but the fact is that if we impose these tariffs on Canadian processing, it’s going to be our Maine lobstermen who will bear the cost; it’s going to be consumers who bear the cost.

    “I would like to make mention of another industry that would be affected as well, and that is the aquaculture industry. In Washington County, in far-eastern Maine, Cooke Aquaculture is one of the largest employers, with more than 200 direct jobs throughout the state. While they have a processing plant in Machias, Maine, the first step of their salmon processing occurs in Canada before reentering the United States for finishing. At a time when the Maine aquaculture industry is growing, these tariffs on Canada would jeopardize current jobs and also block future ones.

    “Mr. President, close relationships between and among families on both sides of the border are very common in the State of Maine. It is typical of communities, ranging from Calais in the east, Fort Kent in the north, and Jackman in the West. You see it all across the northern, eastern, and western parts of our state, because our communities are so integrated. It is not surprising to me that I had a conversation with members of the tourism industry in Maine just this morning, who told me that they’re seeing cancelations by Canadian tourists, who have come for years to vacation in Maine. Old Orchard Beach, for example, is known for the number of Canadian tourists.

    “We don’t want to discourage these Canadian tourists who are so vital to Maine’s economy from vacationing in Maine because they are so angry at what has happened. Maine families benefit from more than $900 billion in goods and services that are exchanged between our two countries every year. It is crucial that we remain a dependable and vibrant global trading partner, particularly with Canada.

    “Now, I want to distinguish that I think there is a strong case to be made for tariffs on Mexico, on our adversary, China, but I don’t see the case for Canada. There are areas where Canada does need to do better, and the dairy industry is one. And I hope that we will see that result. And let me conclude my remarks by reaffirming my support for ensuring that the Department of Homeland Security has every tool at its disposal to stem the flow of fentanyl into our nation. But unlike Mexico and China, Canada is not complicit in this crisis, and we should continue working with our Canadian allies to secure the northern border, not unfairly penalize them. Our consumers, our manufacturers, our lobstermen, our blueberry growers, our potato farmers will pay the price.

    “Mr. President, the price hikes that will happen for Maine families, every time they go to the grocery store, they fill their gas tank, they fill their heating oil tank, if these tariffs go into effect, will be so harmful. And as price hikes always do, they will hurt those the most who can afford them the least. Therefore, I will support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do so likewise.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: Sexual violence used as weapon of terror against women and girls

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Women

    Amid alarming reports of sexual violence being used as a weapon of terror across Sudan, UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, is warning that over 12 million women and girls – and increasingly men and boys – are estimated to be at risk.

    It is nearly two years since the brutal war between the forces of the military government in Khartoum and the Rapid Support Forces militia erupted, sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

    Human rights abuses have been committed on both sides and more than 30.4 million Sudanese require urgent assistance, with millions displaced, and tens of thousands killed. Nearly 25 million people face acute hunger.

    According to the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, there have been increasing and alarming reports of sexual violence being used to terrorise civilians.

    Layla’s story

    In late 2024, in the northern state of Sudan, armed men forced their way into Layla’s* home in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, while she was alone with her children. “They arrested my son and took me to a separate car. I noticed they were looking at my daughter in a disturbing way – she’s 18 years old. Probably they took me away to keep her alone.”, she told UNFPA.

    Layla’s fears for her daughter were a precursor of what she would later confront at an overcrowded prison, where she was held for nearly three weeks.

    © UNFPA Sudan

    A woman, who has fled conflict in Sudan, washes clothes.

    ‘Unimaginable horrors’

    Recounting that they brought her son back and started beating him in front of her, Layla added that they interrogated her, accused her of being a spy and claimed that her husband was working for the army.

    Although the Sudanese army has recently retaken strategic areas of Khartoum, at that time opposition paramilitary forces were in control. Layla described being strip-searched, beaten and detained without charge.

    “I witnessed unimaginable horrors,” she said. “When the officers left, the soldiers would begin raping prisoners. They would take young women out into the yard, and all night long we would hear the screams of girls and women.”

    Over 12 million women and girls – and increasingly men and boys – are estimated to be at risk of assault, an 80 per cent increase from the previous year.

    A growing health crisis

    Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the situation has worsened dramatically, with almost 13 million people forcibly displaced – nearly one third of the population – and the health system all but obliterated.

    Across Sudan, UNFPA is providing reproductive health and protection services through 90 mobile health teams, more than 120 health facilities, and 51 safe spaces for survivors of sexual violence.

    This assistance includes clinical treatment and psychological counselling following rape, sexual abuse and assault, as well as referrals for legal assistance and awareness raising among communities of the risks of sexual violence, coercion and trafficking.

    At a UNFPA-supported safe space, Layla explained how she struggled to endure the ordeal in prison. “One day, a 16-year-old girl was brought back to the cell, bleeding heavily,” she recalled. “She came to me, hugged me, and we cried together for an entire day.”

    © UNFPA Sudan

    UNFPA is providing reproductive health and protection services in dozens of locations in Sudan.

    After nine days in prison, Layla stopped eating and drinking, hoping to die instead of being raped as well. Eventually becoming very sick, Layla was released.

    Although Layla and the young survivor were able to find physical and mental health support through the safe space, they are not among the majority.

    According to UNFPA, there have been more than 540 attacks on health facilities reported over the last two years, supplies and equipment are frequently looted, and health workers, patients and ambulances are targeted with violence and intimidation.

    ‘No longer safe havens’

    Maha Mahmoud, a social worker at a UNFPA-supported safe space in Dongola in Northern State, said health facilities are no longer safe havens.

    “I was informed that a young woman had been raped at a maternity hospital,” she told UNFPA. “She’s 18, divorced with one daughter and had been living with her family when opposition forces entered her area. They took her, along with many other women, and raped them.”

    “She lost consciousness. When she woke up, she found herself surrounded by other girls, all of whom had also been raped. They were then left in the street.”

    The woman would later discover she was pregnant. “She made her way to the safe space, where we provided her with psychological support and all the necessary medical care,” said Ms. Mahmoud, adding that the woman and her baby are slowly recovering. “Since then, we have continued to help her cope with the trauma.”

    Listen to an interview with UNFPA’s Representative ad interim in the country, Argentina Matavel Piccin: 

    Soundcloud

    Urgent appeal

    UNFPA is calling for $119.6 million for its work in Sudan and a further $26 million to assist refugees in the country. In the northern state, UNFPA’s sexual and reproductive health programmes and safe spaces operate with funding from Canada, the European Union, Japan, Norway and Sweden.

    Yet unprecedented funding cuts by many leading donors are throwing into jeopardy the health and lives of hundreds of thousands of women and girls.

    The United States has been a crucial supporter of the people of Sudan, but recent funding cuts will leave some 250,000 women without reproductive health services.

    Training for frontline medical workers has also been halted, and 10,000 women will lose access to safe spaces that provide medical, legal, and psychosocial support.

    * Name changed for privacy and protection.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Inclusion Not Optional’, Deputy Secretary-General Says in Message to Disability Summit

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message at the opening of the Global Disability Summit in Berlin today:

    I am truly sorry that I could not join you in person today, but it is a true honour to open this third Global Disability Summit.  More than that, I want to thank you for your leadership and commitment to shape a more just world.

    Expanding hope and opportunities for people with disabilities is close to my heart — and that of the Secretary-General.  It is a matter of dignity, of humanity, of human rights.  It is a test of our common values.  And it is also plain common sense.

    When persons with disabilities can fully participate in society, societies are stronger.  When we unlock potential and recognize talents, economies and communities thrive. When we advance human rights, all of humanity moves forward.

    Disability rights are human rights — and everyone one wins when we make them real.  And so I thank the International Disability Alliance and the Governments of Germany and Jordan for bringing us together.

    You are meeting at a crucial time — with the five-year clock ticking on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  I was involved in the shaping of that agenda — and saw firsthand how so many of you helped put the rights and hopes of persons with disabilities front and centre.

    In doing so, you gave deeper meaning to the promise of leaving no one behind — and laid the foundation for the progress we strive to advance today.

    The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, reinforces that call for a more peaceful, inclusive, accessible and equitable world — with persons with disabilities a full and equal part of our shared effort to advance sustainable development, climate action and digital transformation.

    Yet today, we face a sobering truth.

    Progress is not just slow — in some cases, we are moving backward.  The UN Disability and Development Report found that about 98 per cent of the SDG [Sustainable Development Goal] indicators for persons with disabilities are off track.

    This is far more than a statistic — it is a wake-up call. Persons with disabilities are being left behind.  The world is failing them.

    We are seeing growing and stark inequalities across the board — with higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity and more limited access to digital technologies.

    Women, Indigenous Peoples, rural residents with disabilities, and persons with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities face even greater exclusion.

    Not to mention those in humanitarian and emergency situations. In Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, countless civilians have sustained permanent injuries and deep psychological trauma.  Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable.  Gaza alone has the highest number of child amputees in modern history.

    Too often, persons with disabilities also face inaccessible evacuation routes, shelters, and services — an assault on their human rights and dignity.  Many are deprived of the assistive devices critical to their survival.  When I think of people with disabilities in conflict, I think of people like Mai.  Mai was a young Palestinian, and a proud employee of the United Nations, living and working in Gaza.  Mai did not let her muscular dystrophy or her wheelchair confine her dreams.

    She was a top student, became a software developer and devoted her skills to working on information technology for the United Nations. When given the opportunity, she excelled — bringing skill and determination to all she did.  Unfortunately, she was killed along with her family in November 2023.  Her story still weighs heavily on our hearts.

    I share it not only to honour her memory, but because it reminds us both of what is possible when barriers are removed and of the terrible truth that persons with disabilities are often among the first casualties in conflict.

    Despite the challenges, we have much to build upon.  The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has led to significant legislative progress worldwide.  Yet, implementation is lagging.

    The problem is not always a lack of will, but a lack of resources. Nearly 90 per cent of developing countries have laws or policies protecting education for persons with disabilities — yet only about one third of those countries have accessible schools.

    Meanwhile, almost half of all persons with disabilities in these countries face inaccessible transportation.  Behind these figures are people.  Children shut out of classrooms.

    Adults who cannot get to work.  Families denied essential services.  This must change.  And we must all be part of it.  The United Nations is committed to leading by example.

    Our UN Disability Inclusion Strategy is striving to drive action across the system.  We are working to strengthen institutional capacities, mainstream disability inclusion across our work, and expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

    At the country level, we are working to ensure that our cooperation frameworks with Governments are fully inclusive of the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

    And we are committed to supporting Member States turn global commitments into local progress — for and with persons with disabilities.  This Summit presents opportunities to strengthen cooperation with all partners — and reaffirm the leadership of organizations of persons with disabilities.

    Development assistance for disability inclusion has been growing — but it is still far from enough.  And in today’s troubling context, it is under increasing threat.  So too, perversely, is the very concept of accessibility.

    Developed countries in particular have a responsibility to step up support.  Now is the time to recommit to the 2030 Agenda by securing decent work and dignified livelihoods, fostering inclusive education and career opportunities, building accessible and affordable housing, promoting equitable health systems and harnessing technologies that enable autonomous living for all.

    That means investing in inclusive public institutions, empowering representative organizations as full partners in policy and implementation, and integrating disability inclusion into national development plans backed by clear targets and real funding.

    I know so many of you have spent years, even decades, breaking down barriers and opening doors — for all of us.  Let this Summit help drive that action forward.

    As we look ahead to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar and beyond, let’s together send a clear message:  Inclusion is not optional.  Rights are not negotiable.  Accessibility is essential.  Promises made must be promises kept.  Let’s keep fighting for the inclusive, just, sustainable future for all that our world needs.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah participates in the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 9:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The opposition is spreading the misconception that this bill is an interference in the religious activities of Muslims and the property donated by them

    The opposition is trying to build its vote bank by scaring the minority community

    The government does not want to interfere in the religious activities of Muslim brothers and the trusts associated with their donations, i.e. Waqf

    Mutawali, Waqif, Waqf will all be Muslims, but it will definitely have to be seen whether the property of Waqf is being maintained properly or not

    No non-Islamic member will get a place in the Waqf Board’s work related to religious donations

    Work of non-Muslim members, appointed in the Waqf Board or its premises, will not be related to religious activities

    A person of any religion can become the Charity Commissioner, he will ensure that the board is run according to charity law, this is the administrative work, not religious

    The work of Waqf Board should be to catch and throw out those who sell Waqf properties

    The opposition wants the collusion that was going on in their rule to continue, but this will not happen now

    Had the Waqf law not been amended in 2013, there would have been no need to bring this bill

    In 2013, Waqf law was made extreme overnight for appeasement, due to which 123 VVIP properties of Lutyens zone in Delhi were given to Waqf

    Narendra Modi government runs on a very clear principle that we will not bring any law for vote bank because law is for justice and welfare of people

    Everyone has the right to follow their religion, but conversion cannot be done for greed, temptation and fear

    The amendment bill brought in 2013 was discussed for a total of 5 and a half hours in both the houses, while this bill is being discussed for 16 hours in both the houses

    We formed a joint committee, 38 meetings were held, 113 hours of discussion took place and 284 stakeholders were included and about one crore online suggestions came from all over the country from all these and after analyzing all these, this law was made and it cannot be rejected like this

    This is the law of the Government of India which is binding on everyone and everyone will have to accept it

    From 1913 to 2013, the total land of the Waqf Board was 18 lakh acres, in which from 2013 to 2025, a new 21 lakh acres of land was added

    There were 20 thousand properties given on lease, but according to the records, these properties became zero in 2025, these properties were sold

    This bill will provide protection to the land, someone’s land will not become Waqf by mere declaration

    Donation can be made only of one’s own property, hence Waqf will not be able to take personal property without ownership

    The right to declare Waqf property has been abolished and now this will have to be certified by the district collector

    Shri Amit Shah stressed that it has become a fashion to create fear among the people of the minority community

    Even during Ram Janmabhoomi, Triple Talaq and CAA, efforts were made to create fear among the people of the Muslim community, but the Muslim community also knows that there is nothing to fear

    It has been two years, no one has lost citizenship due to CAA, if anyone has lost citizenship due to CAA, then the opposition should put this information on the table of the House

    It is the resolve of the Modi government that no citizen of this country, irrespective of his religion, will be harmed

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today participated in the discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.

    Participating in the discussion, Shri Amit Shah said that Waqf is an Arabic word, and its history is linked to the Hadiths. The way it is used today refers to a donation of property in the name of Allah or a donation of property for sacred religious purposes. He mentioned that the contemporary meaning of Waqf came into existence during the time of the second caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar. In today’s language, Waqf is a type of Charitable Endowment, where a person donates property for religious or social welfare. He clarified that such donations can only be of private property, and government property or someone else’s property cannot be donated.

    Union Home Minister said that no non-Islamic member will be included in religious charity-related activities in the Waqf Board. He emphasized that there is no provision for involving non-Muslims in the administration of religious institutions, and they do not wish to create such provisions. Shri Shah further mentioned that the opposition is spreading misconceptions, claiming that this Bill is being introduced to interfere with the religious activities of Muslims and the properties they have donated. He asserted that the opposition is trying to create fear among the minority community to build its vote bank.

    Union Home Minister said that any non-Muslim members appointed in the Waqf Board or its premises will not be involved in religious activities. Their role will be solely to ensure that the administration of charity-related matters is being conducted in accordance with the regulations. He said that Waqf in India functions like a trust, where there are trustees and a managing trustee. In Waqf, there are Waqif (donor) and Mutawalli (administrator), who are followers of Islam. Shri Shah pointed out that the word Waqf itself comes from Islam, so only those who follow Islam can manage Waqf. He further clarified that while Waqf is a religious matter, the Waqf Board or Waqf properties themselves are not religious institutions. According to the law, a Charity Commissioner can be from any religion, as they are not managing a trust; their responsibility is to ensure that the Board operates in compliance with charity laws. Shri Shah emphasized that this is an administrative matter, not a religious one.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the primary role of the Waqf Board should be to identify and remove those who are exploiting Waqf properties. It should focus on individuals who have leased out properties in the name of Waqf at extremely low rates for hundreds of years. He mentioned that the income from Waqf is decreasing, whereas this money should be used for the development of the minority community and to strengthen the institutions of Islam. The main task of the Waqf Board and its premises should be to stop the theft of these funds. He further stated that the opposition wants to maintain the ongoing collusion during their rule, but now, that will no longer be the case.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that if the Waqf law had not been amended in 2013, this bill would not have been necessary. However, before the 2014 elections, in 2013, the Waqf law was drastically altered overnight for the sake of appeasement, which led to the allocation of 123 high-profile properties in the Lutyens’ Zone of Delhi to Waqf. The Delhi Waqf Board transferred the land of Northern Railways to Waqf. In Himachal Pradesh, land was illegally converted into Waqf property and used to build unauthorized mosques. In Tamil Nadu, 400 acres of land belonging to the 1500-year-old Tiruchendur temple were declared Waqf property. Shri Shah mentioned that according to a report from a committee in Karnataka, 29,000 acres of Waqf land were leased for commercial use. Between 2001 and 2012, Waqf properties worth ₹2 lakh crore were leased to private institutions for 100 years. He also stated that the High Court in Bengaluru had to intervene to stop the acquisition of 602 acres of land. In Honwad village, Vijaypur, Karnataka, 1500 acres of land was made controversial, and this land, worth ₹500 crore, was leased to a five-star hotel for just ₹12,000 per month.

    Shri Amit Shah said that all this money is meant for the welfare of poor Muslims, not for the plundering of the wealthy. In Karnataka, a claim was made on the Dattapeeth temple. In Taliparamba, an attempt was made to seize 600 acres of land based on a 75-year-old claim. Even properties belonging to the Christian community were seized. He mentioned that many churches in the country have opposed the Waqf Bill because they see it as a means to win the sympathy of the Muslim community. However, in four years, even the Muslim brothers will realize that this bill is actually in their benefit.

    Union Home Minister said that in Telangana, a claim was made on 1700 acres of land worth ₹66,000 crore. Similarly, in Assam, a claim was made on 134 acres of land in Morigaon district. Fourteen Marla land related to a Gurudwara in Haryana was handed over to Waqf, and the Chandrashekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj was also declared Waqf property. In Maharashtra, a claim was made on the Mahadev temple in Vadange village, and in Beed, the Waqf Board forcibly took 12 acres of land from Kankaleshwar.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the government has no intention of interfering in the religious activities of Muslim brothers or the trusts they have established, including Waqf. He clarified that the Mutawalli, Waqif, and Waqf will remain under their control, but it is essential to ensure that Waqf properties are being properly maintained and used lawfully, rather than for personal gain. He questioned the justification of leasing centuries-old donated property for a five-star hotel at a mere ₹12,000 per month. Instead, he emphasized that this money should be utilized for the welfare of poor Muslims, divorced women, orphaned children, and unemployed youth, helping them become self-sufficient and skilled. He further pointed out that while Waqf owns land worth lakhs of crores of rupees, its annual income is only ₹126 crore, raising concerns about mismanagement and misuse.

    Union Home Minister stated that when the 2013 amendment bill was introduced, senior leaders in the then government had advocated for stricter laws to prevent the misuse of Waqf property and ensure that the culprits were held accountable. Shri Amit Shah emphasized that the current bill aims to establish a transparent audit system for Waqf properties. He pointed out that the opposition had proposed an amendment stating that Waqf Board orders could not be challenged in court, whereas the truth is that the bill does allow legal challenges. He further clarified that this bill will not have retrospective effect, but the opposition is misleading and creating fear among Muslims regarding its implications.

    Regarding the role of the District Collector in the Waqf Bill, Shri Amit Shah stated that whenever land is purchased for a temple in the country, it is the Collector who determines its ownership. He questioned why there is opposition to the Collector investigating Waqf land, emphasizing that only the Collector has the authority to verify whether Waqf land belongs to the government or not.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Modi government follows a clear principle—no law will be made for vote-bank politics, as laws should serve the purpose of justice and public welfare. He highlighted that in this very House, the Modi government passed the law for 33% reservation for women and granted constitutional rights to backward classes. He further emphasized that while everyone has the right to practice their religion, religious conversion should not take place through greed, temptation, or fear.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the 2013 amendment bill was discussed for a total of 5.5 hours in both Houses, whereas the current bill is being debated for 16 hours. He emphasized that the government formed a joint committee, which held 38 meetings, engaged in 113 hours of discussion, and consulted 284 stakeholders. Additionally, one crore online suggestions were received from across the country, analyzed thoroughly before drafting this law. Therefore, it cannot be dismissed lightly. He further asserted that every member has the freedom to speak in the House. No single family holds control here. MPs are elected representatives of the people, not present in the House by anyone’s favor, and they will raise the voice of the public.

    Union Home Minister stated that this law has been enacted by the Parliament of India, making it binding on everyone, and thus, it must be accepted by all. He highlighted that from 1913 to 2013, the total land under the Waqf Board was 18 lakh acres. However, between 2013 and 2025, this land increased by 21 lakh acres, bringing the total to 39 lakh acres, with 21 lakh acres being added after 2013. Shri Amit Shah further revealed that while 20,000 properties were originally recorded as leased, official records in 2025 now show zero leased properties, indicating that these properties were sold off. He also mentioned that Catholic and Church organizations have extended their support to this law and have termed the 2013 amendment unjust.

    Shri Amit Shah said that this bill will safeguard land, ensuring that no land will become Waqf merely by declaration—it will be protected by law. He emphasized that land belonging to the Archaeological Department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be secured, and as per Schedules 5 and 6, tribal lands will also be protected. Additionally, the private property of ordinary citizens will remain safe under this bill. Shri Shah clarified that only one’s own property can be donated, meaning Waqf cannot acquire private property without ownership. To ensure transparency, the bill includes a mandatory information disclosure process in the Waqf Act.

    The Home Minister stated that the authority to declare a property as Waqf has been abolished, and now such declarations must be verified by the District Collector. Additionally, any new Waqf property will have to be registered through a transparent process. He further mentioned that Muslims now have the option to register their trusts under the Waqf Trust Act, making a separate Waqf law unnecessary for this purpose.

    Union Home Minister emphasized that it has become a trend to instill fear among the minority community. He pointed out that similar attempts were made during the discussions on the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Triple Talaq, and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to create panic among Muslims. However, he asserted that the Muslim community is well aware that there is nothing to fear. He criticized the opposition, reminding them that they had falsely claimed that Muslims would lose their citizenship due to CAA, yet even after two years, not a single person has lost their citizenship. He challenged the opposition to present evidence in the House if anyone had been stripped of their citizenship due to CAA. Shri Amit Shah further stated that similar fear-mongering was attempted after the abrogation of Article 370, but today, Jammu & Kashmir has an elected government, terrorism has declined, development is progressing, and tourism is flourishing.

    Shri Amit Shah stated that the opposition party and its allies have sought to build their vote bank by intimidating the Muslim community. The Home Minister emphasized that the Modi government is firmly committed to ensuring that no citizen of this country, regardless of their religion, will be harmed.

    ****

    RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2118064) Visitor Counter : 61

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP invokes 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP in the entire NCR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Today, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 217 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In wake of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ air quality category ranging between 201-300, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi, it was observed as under:

    • AQI of Delhi has shown increasing trend and has been recorded as 217 for 02.04.2025 (in ‘Poor’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM predicts AQI to remain in this range.

    As per the unanimous decision of the Sub-Committee on GRAP, all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of GRAP – ‘POOR’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300), to be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR, with immediate effect. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been addressed to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage-I under GRAP during this period.

    Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP as under:

    • Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.
    • Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.
    • Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.
    • Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.
    • Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.
    • Do not litter / dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.
    • Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.
    • Plant more trees.
    • Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner – avoid firecrackers.
    • Do not drive/ ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/ Petrol vehicles.

    A 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This 27-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC. These steps are:

    1. Ensure proper implementation of Directions/ Rules/ guidelines on dust mitigation measures in Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.
    2. Ensure strict compliance of Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11.06.2021 and do not permit C&D activities in respect of such projects with plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective state / GNCTD and / or which do not fulfil the other requirements as per the above noted statutory directions, for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.
    3. Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.
    4. Carry out periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and ensure scientific disposal of the dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
    5. Ensure that C&D materials & waste are properly stored/ contained, duly covered in the premises.  Ensure transportation of C&D materials and C&D waste only through covered vehicles.
    6. Strictly enforce the Statutory directions and yardsticks for use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites, in proportion to the total built-up area of the project under construction.
    7. Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction / widening / repair projects and maintenance activities.
    8. Stringently enforce prohibition on open burning of bio-mass and municipal solid waste. Impose maximum EC upon violations in accordance with Hon’ble NGT’s orders dated 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.
    9. Strict vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites/ dumpsites.
    10. Deploy traffic police for smooth traffic flow at all identified corridors with heavy traffic and congestion prone intersections.
    11. Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles.
    12. No tolerance for visible emissions – Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and/ or levying maximum penalty.
    13. Strictly enforce the Hon’ble Supreme Court order on diversion of non- destined truck traffic for Delhi, through Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
    14. Strictly enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and as per extant statutes.
    15. Ensure strict penal/ legal action against non-compliant and illegal industrial units.
    16. Stringently enforce all pollution control regulations in Industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants etc. – strict compliance of the prescribed standards of emissions.
    17. Ensure that only approved fuels are used by the industries in NCR including in brick kilns and hot mix plants and enforce closure in case of violations, if any.
    18. Stringently enforce emission norms in thermal power plants and strict actions be taken against non-compliance.
    19. Strictly enforce Hon’ble Courts / Tribunal orders regarding ban on firecrackers.
    20. Ensure regular lifting and proper disposal of industrial waste from industrial and                    non-development areas.
    21. DISCOMS to minimise power supply interruptions in NCR.
    22. Ensure that diesel generator sets are not used as regular source of power supply.
    23. Strictly enforce the extant ban on coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.
    24. Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel – based appliances.
    25. Information dissemination including through social media and bulk SMS etc. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels, contact details of control room, enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.
    26. Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 APP, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App and other such social media platforms to curb polluting activities.
    27. Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.

    All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities & Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

    The Commission shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.

    The comprehensive schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and may be accessed on https://caqm.nic.in

    *****

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2117937) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kisan Rail Facilitates Swift Transport of Perishables from Surplus Regions to Markets Across the Country

    Source: Government of India

    Kisan Rail Facilitates Swift Transport of Perishables from Surplus Regions to Markets Across the Country

    Since August 2020, Indian Railways Operated 2,364 Kisan Rail Services, Transporting 7.9 Lakh Tonnes of Perishables; 65 Services from Gujarat Transported 18,250 Tonnes to Different Parts of the Country

    Railways, Agriculture and other Ministry with States and other Stakeholders Identify Key Circuits for Efficient Movement of Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Perishables Across India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Kisan Rail enables movement of perishables including fruits and vegetables from production or surplus regions to consumption or deficient regions in reasonable time.

    Since the launch of Kisan Rail service on 7th August 2020, Railways have operated around 2,364 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately 7.9 lakh tonnes of perishables.  Out of these, 65 services have operated from Gujarat to different parts of the country, transporting 18,250 tonnes (approximately) of fruits and vegetables.

    Potential circuits for movement of vegetables, fruits and other perishables are identified in consultation with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries Departments of State Governments as well as local bodies and agencies, Mandis etc., and services are planned on the basis of demands placed taking into consideration, operational feasibility.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2118005) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways Achieves ₹2.56 Lakh Crore Revenue in 2023-24 with Net Profit of ₹3,260 Crore Amid Major Investments in Staff, Pension, and Energy

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Railways Achieves ₹2.56 Lakh Crore Revenue in 2023-24 with Net Profit of ₹3,260 Crore Amid Major Investments in Staff, Pension, and Energy

    Indian Railways Adopts Two-Pronged Strategy to Boost Profits by Increasing Revenue and Enhancing Operational Efficiency

    Freight Loading Surges 29% to 1,591 MT in 2023-24; Indian Railways Targets 1.6 Billion Tonnes in 2024-25 to Become World’s Third Largest Freight Carrier

    Railways Expands Freight Business with Private Investment in Terminals, Modern Wagons, Cargo Aggregation, and Competitive Tariff Policies

    Railways Strengthen Cost Management Through Electrification, Workforce Optimization, and Operational Efficiencies, Saving ₹4,700 Crore on Diesel in 2023-24

    Indian Railways Pioneers Green and Sustainable Initiatives with HOG Trains, Electrification, LED Adoption, Renewable Energy, and Hydrogen-Powered Trains

    Rail Network Speed Potential Expands to 80,000 km at 110 kmph, with 23,000 km Upgraded for 130 kmph Since 2014

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:39PM by PIB Delhi

    During 2023-24, the earning of Indian Railways (IR) was ₹2,56,093 cr and revenue expenditure was ₹2,52,834 cr. The net Revenue has improved to Rs 3,260 crore in 2023-24. Major expenditure is done on Staff cost, Pension, energy consumption etc.

    To increase the profit, Indian Railways (IR) has adopted two-pronged approach i.e. increase the revenue and bring efficiency in operational expenditure. 

    Due to implementation of several freight revenue initiatives, the freight carried by IR during 2020-21 was 1,233 million tonnes which increased to 1,591 million tonnes during 2023-24 i.e. a growth of 29%. IR is set to achieve 1.6 billion tonnes freight loading in the FY 2024-25 making it the third largest freight handling railway system in the world. Some of the important measures to improve the freight include-

    • Encouraging private sector to develop the modern rail freight terminals under ‘Gati Shakti Multi- Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy and augmenting/ upgrading the infrastructure at railway owned goods sheds.
    • Implementing various schemes for private sector to invest in wagons including the commodity focused specialized wagons such as wagons for cement, oil, steel, fly-ash, automobiles etc.
    • Facilitating cargo aggregation and thereby, expand the commodity basket by the schemes including the policy of “Cargo Aggregator Transportation Product” and “Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Services”.
    • Implementing the several tariff related measures to enhance the rail share by making rail mode competitive with respect to road. These include Short Lead Concession for traffic upto 90 Km, Liberalized Automatic Freight Rebate scheme for traffic loaded in empty flow direction, discounts on loading of bagged consignment in open and flat wagon, discount in freight to Fly ash/Bed ash traffic, operation of Mini Rake for Container train, fixation of special haulage rate for Bulk Cement (cement in loose form) when transported in normal containers.

    IR has also undertaken many initiatives to increase non-fare revenue such as measures to increase the advertisement earnings, implementing the NINFRIS (New and Innovative Ideas and Concepts Scheme for Generation for Non-fare Revenue) policy to encourage innovative revenue-generating ideas. Some examples of NINFRIS Contracts are Nursing pods, luggage wrapping and sanitization, digital cloakrooms, disposal linen kiosks, imitation jewellery kiosks, Khadi selling kiosks, handicraft kiosks, Kiosks for online education platforms, facilities for electric charging facilities, oxygen parlours, etc. An e-auction policy has been implemented to expedite the bidding for assets such as leased parcel space, parking lots, ATMs etc.  The benefits of e-Auction module include – realization of true earning potential of each asset, reduction the time taken in finalization of Tenders and prevent revenue loss on this account, re-award of contract in quick time in case of failure in commencing by any contractor etc.

    IR has also undertaken steps to improve the earning from passenger segments such as running of special trains, augmentation of on-board capacity, and introduction of new trains with higher facilities on appropriate fare.

    Similarly, various measures are being regularly taken in railways to ensure optimum expenditure.  Some of the expenditure management on railways includes manpower management, electrification of Railway tracks etc.  Measures like electrification of Railway tracks has led to savings of more than Rs 4700 crore under Diesel traction in FY 2023-24.    

    Cleanliness is a continuous process and various measures have been taken for maintaining cleanliness at stations and trains which include integrated housekeeping contracts at major stations & trains, mechanized cleaning, bio-toilets in passenger coaches, On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) scheme in long distance trains, Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme for identified trains en-routed at nominated stations, dustbins for bio-degradable and non-biodegradable wastes etc.

    IR has taken various steps to promote environment friendly & sustainable practices. Some of them are as under: –

    • Conversion of End on Generation (EOG) trains into Head on Generation (HOG) trains to reduce noise, air pollution and diesel consumption.
    • Construction of Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
    • Procurement of renewable energy from different power procurement modes for its future energy requirements.
    • Provision of energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting in all Railway installations including stations, service buildings, residential quarters and coaches for reduction in electricity consumption.
    • Use of star rated appliances.
    • 98% of railway tracks have been electrified, resulting in saving in diesel consumption.
    • Harnessing hydrogen gas to drive train sets.
    • Green Certifications of railway establishments.
    • Proper waste management.

    Improvement/up-gradation of Rolling Stock to enhance safety and comfort of passengers is a continuous and ongoing process on IR. The initiatives include LHB coaches with operating speed of 160 Kmph, better riding index, improved aesthetics and safety features like Lightweight design, Anti-telescopic & Anti climbing features, Centre Buffer Coupler, Axle mounted disc brake system etc. as compared to the conventional ICF coaches of the 1960s.

    In its constant endeavor to provide faster service and better travel experience to the passengers, IR are introducing Vande Bharat trains and Namo Rapid Rail service, which have modern coaches, enhanced safety features and better amenities. Presently, 136 Vande Bharat services and 2 Namo Rapid Rail services are in operation on the IR network.

    IR have also introduced modern State-of the Art fully Non-AC Amrit Bharat trains. These trains have advanced features like Semi-Permanent couplers for jerk free travel, horizontal sliding windows, better aesthetics of Berths with enhanced look & feel on the lines of Vande Bharat Sleeper, improved crashworthiness in coaches, Emergency Talk Back Unit, improved LED Light fitting & Charging Sockets, foldable snack table and bottle holders, mobile holders etc. These trains comprise 12 Sleeper Class Coaches and 8 General Class coaches. Presently, 4 Amrit Bharat services are in operation.

    Besides the improvement in rolling stock, the following measures have been taken by IR to upgrade railway tracks:

    1. Using modern track components consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Pre-stressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with modern elastic fastenings.
    2. Laying of fan-shaped turnout on PSC sleepers with Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings.
    3. Providing Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges while carrying out primary track renewals.
    4. Using 130m/260m long rail panels for rail renewals to minimize weld- joints.
    5. Field-welding by mobile Flash Butt Welding Plant and advanced USFD Testing technique of Rail/ Welds by Phased array technology.
    6. Mechanization in Track renewal/ replacement using Track Relaying Trains, Points & Crossing Changing machines, Track laying Equipment etc.
    7. Deployment of Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) for comprehensive health assessment to project optimal maintenance requirements.
    8. Induction of advance modern machines for track maintenance i.e., high output tampers, high output Ballast Cleaning Machines and Rail Grinding machines etc.
    9. Adopting Self-propelled Ultrasonic Rail Testing Car (SPURT) and Rail Cum Road Vehicle (RCRV) based USFD system for testing of rails/welds.
    10. Using web enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of the track inspection records received through various sources to enable precise maintenance inputs.

    As a consequence of above measures, speed potential of 110 kmph has now been improved significantly to about 80,000 km at present which was only about 31,000 km in 2014. In addition, upgradation and improvement of about 23,000 km track has been done from 2014-15 to 2024-25 (up to Feb’25) for speed potential of 130 kmph. 

    IR strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society. IR gave a subsidy of Rs. 56,993 crores on passenger tickets in 2022-23. This amounts to concession of 46% on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways. In other words, if the cost of providing service is Rs. 100, then the price of ticket is Rs. 54 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many categories like 4 categories of Persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Make in India and the Capital Goods Revolution

    Source: Government of India

    Make in India and the Capital Goods Revolution

    Catalyzing Domestic Production and Technological Innovation

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, heavy engineering and machine tools sector comprises of capital goods industry. India’s capital goods sector is experiencing significant attention due to its critical role in driving industrial growth and economic development. This sector encompasses industries such as electrical equipment, machinery, and construction, which are essential for the country’s infrastructure development. According to the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA), the electrical equipment industry witnessed consistent double-digit growth in power equipment, particularly transmission equipment and transformers, driven by domestic demand and international market expansion.

    India is the third-largest market for construction equipment. Government initiatives have been instrumental in bolstering the capital goods sector. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched several policies to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. These initiatives are part of the broader Make in India campaign (launched in 2014), which seeks to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP, generate employment, and improve technological capabilities. The capital goods sector is crucial to India’s economic strategy, supporting large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure projects. With rapid urbanization, extensive infrastructure development, and strong government support, the sector is poised to drive sustainable industrial growth and elevate India’s position in the global market.

     

    Overview of the Heavy Industries and Engineering Sector

    As per the present estimates, the Capital Goods industry contributes about 1.9% of GDP.  The Heavy Engineering and Machine Tool sector (capital goods industry) consists of the following major sub-sectors: Dies, Moulds and Press Tools; Plastic Machinery; Earthmoving and Mining Machinery; Metallurgical Machinery; Textile Machinery; Process Plant Equipment; Printing Machinery; and Food Processing Machinery. Due to catalytic effect of Ministry of Heavy Industries intervention, the production of capital goods sector has increased from Rs 2,29,533 crore in 2014-15 to Rs.4,29,001 crore in 2023-24. Production (in crores) by the sub-sectors of capital goods industry since 2019-20 are presented in the table below:

     

    Exports (in crores) by the sub-sectors of capital goods industry since 2019-20 are presented in the table below:

     

     

    The policy environment for the capital goods sector includes:

    • No industrial license is required for the sector.
    • FDI up to 100% permitted on automatic route (through RBI) except from the countries having land borders with India.
    • Quantum of payment for technology transfer, design and drawing, royalty, etc. to the foreign collaborator is not restricted.
    • There is no restriction on imports and exports.

    The Union Budget 2025-26 proposes to add 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing to the list of exempted capital goods. This will boost domestic manufacture of lithium-ion battery, both for mobile phones and electric vehicles.

     

    National Capital Goods Policy (2016)

    The National Capital Goods Policy, formulated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, is a comprehensive framework aims at boosting the capital goods sector in India. policy envisions increasing the sector’s contribution to manufacturing activity from 12% (2016) to 20% by 2025. It seeks to make India one of the top capital goods producing nations, aiming to more than double production and increase exports to at least 40% of the total production. Furthermore, the policy aims to enhance the technology depth within the sector, moving from basic and intermediate levels to advanced levels.

    The major salient features of the policy are:

    1. To increase budgetary allocation and scope of the Scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Capital Goods Sector adding components i.e. skills, capacity building, advanced manufacturing and cluster development.
    2. To launch a Technology Development Fund under PPP model to fund technology acquisition/ transfer, purchase of IPRs/ designs and drawings/ commercialization.
    3. To set up regional State-of-the-Art Greenfield Centre of Excellence for skill development.
    4. To modernize existing CG manufacturing units, especially SMEs by replacing with the modern, computer controlled and energy efficient machineries across capital goods sub-sectors.
    5. To upgrade/ develop, testing and certification infrastructure.

     

    The National Capital Goods Policy, 2016, inter alia, recommended increasing the budgetary allocation and scope of the Scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness of Capital Goods which included setting up of Centers of Excellence, Common Engineering Facility Centers, Integrated Industrial Infrastructure Park and Technology Acquisition Fund Programme. These recommendations were incorporated in the Phase II of the scheme.

     

    Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase I

    In order to address the skill gaps, infrastructure development and technology needs for the capital goods sector, Phase I of the capital goods scheme was rolled out in November 2014 which had the total outlay of Rs 995.96 crores. Phase I of the scheme fostered partnerships between academia and industry for engendering technology development with government support. The outcome of the Scheme has proved the efficacy of the strategies deployed for technology and industrial infrastructure development.

     

    • Centre of Excellence (CoE): 8 CoEs have been established wherein 30 niche indigenous technologies have been successfully developed in the fields of machine tools, additive manufacturing, textile machinery, welding robots and alloys design, earth moving machinery, and sensor technologies at national research institutes of eminence such as Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) etc.
    • Common Engineering Facility Centres (CEFC) – 15 CEFCs including four Industry 4.0 SAMARTH centres and six Web-Based Technology Innovation Platforms (TIPs) have been setup. Industry 4.0 SAMARTH centres are at Indian Institute of Sciences at Bengaluru, Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) lab at Pune, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) at Bengaluru and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
    • The six web-based open manufacturing technology innovation platforms are helping in bringing all India’s technical resources and the concerned Industry on to one platform to kick start and facilitate identification of technology problems faced by Indian Industry and crowd source solutions for the same in a systematic manner so as to facilitate start-ups and angel funding of India innovations.
    • Over 76,000 students, experts, institutes, industries and labs have already registered on these platforms so far.
    • Technology Acquisition Fund Programme (TAFP) – Following 5 technologies have been acquired from abroad under TAFP:
    1. Development & Commercialization of Titanium Casting with Ceramic Shelling Technology;
    2. Manufacturing of Heavy-Duty High Reliability Electrical Specialized Power Cables;
    3. Development of Turn Mill Centre;
    4. Development of Four Guideway CNC Lathe;
    5. Cutting Edge Robotic Laser Cladding Technology.

     

    • Integrated Machine Tools Park, Tumakuru: An exclusive industrial park for machine tool industry has been developed across 530 acres at Tumkuru, Karnataka. So far, out of 336 acres of allottable land, 145 acres of land has been allotted to the machine tool manufacturers.

     

    Under Phase- I of the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector, 33 projects with budgetary support of Rs. 583.312 crore were sanctioned. After launching of the Capital Goods Scheme Phase II, The Phase I of the Capital Goods Scheme has been merged with Phase II of the Scheme.

     

    Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase II

    Ministry of Heavy Industries notified the Phase 2 of the Scheme on January 25, 2022, with an objective to expand and enlarge the impact created by Phase I of the capital goods scheme, thereby providing greater impetus through creation of a strong and globally competitive capital goods sector. The scheme has a financial outlay of Rs. 1207 crores with budgetary support of Rs. 975 crore and industry contribution of Rs. 232 crores. Under the Phase II, a total of 33 projects with project cost of Rs 1366.94 crores (due to higher contribution by Industry) and government contribution of Rs 963.19 crore have been sanctioned by August 2024. There are six components under the Phase II and the details of the projects sanctioned so far are:

     

    • Setting up of New Advanced Centres of Excellence and augmentation of Existing Centres of Excellence: To expedite R&D by utilizing academia of repute and private industry which is involved in research and development activities. A total of 9 projects with the budget of Rs. 478.87 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Setting up of Common Engineering Facility Centres (CEFCs) and augmentation of existing CEFCs: For creating demonstration & training, consultancy, hand holding and R & D services and awareness programmes to industrial units. A total of 5 projects with the budget of Rs. 357.07 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Promotion of skilling in Capital Goods Sector: Creation of Qualification packages for skill levels 6 and above- in association with Skill Councils for skills level 6 and above. A total of 3 projects with the budget of Rs. 7.59 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Augmentation of Existing Testing and Certification Centres: To address the needs of Capital Goods Sector & Auto sector for testing of machinery in terms of various properties relating to mechanical, electrical, chemical, structural, metallurgical, electronics aspects etc. A total of 7 projects with the budget of Rs. 195.99 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Setting up of Industry Accelerators for Technology Development: Aimed at development of targeted indigenous technologies, scaled to meet the requirements of selected industry segment, which till now has been dependent on imports. Selected Academic Institute/ Industry Body will act as an Accelerator for fostering the development of such technologies. A total of 8 projects with the budget of Rs. 325.32 have been sanctioned so far.
    • Identification of Technologies through Technology Innovation Portals: Six Web-based open manufacturing technology innovation platforms have been developed under CG Scheme Phase-I. These are being supported under CG Scheme Phase-II.

     

    The details of the funds allocated and its utilization under the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase- I and II is as given in the table below:

     

     

    Recent Achievements of the Capital Goods Scheme

     

    1. Sitarc, Coimbatore has indigenously developed a 6-inch BLDC submersible pump with a motor efficiency of 88% and a pump efficiency of 78% under the Capital Goods Scheme. This initiative promotes “Aatmanirbharta” by reducing the import of such pumps by 80%. This innovation was recognized as the best product in the pumps category by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
    2. CMTI has developed a high-speed rapier loom machine capable of weaving yarns upto 450 RPM. This machine was launched at ITMA 2023 in Milan, Italy.
    3. Under the SAMARTH centre at CMTI, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) technology has been implemented in Toyota Engine Manufacturing line controlling 64 machines for preventive maintenance.
    4. A testing facilities for battery and Battery Management System (BMS) has been established at ARAI, Pune for the first time in India under the aegis of Ministry of Heavy Industries.
    5. 6 Smart Technologies, 5 Smart Tools, 14 solutions have been developed in digital twin, virtual reality, robotics, inspection, sustainability, additive manufacturing etc. by I-4.0 India @ IISc, Bengaluru;
    6. Under Industry Accelerator at ARAI-Advanced Mobility Transformation & Innovation Foundation (AMTIF) a high-voltage motor controller developed, which enabled the industry partner Raptee Energy Private Limited to launch a high-voltage motorcycle with electric car DNA.
    7. Under Industry Accelerator at ARAI-Advanced Mobility Transformation & Innovation Foundation (AMTIF) thermally stable sodium-ion batteries developed.

     

    Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

    BHEL is a major contributor towards engineering and manufacturing capacity building for the Country. The company is carrying out following initiatives with support from Ministry of Heavy industries under the Capital Goods Scheme Phase II:

    • BHEL has established a “Common Engineering Facility Centre (CEFC)” for skill development in Welding Technology at WRI Trichy along with its extension centers at Varanasi, Ranipet, Bhopal, Jhansi and Haridwar units of BHEL.

    •  BHEL is establishing a testing facility comprising both Hardware in the Loop (HIL) and Software in the Loop (SIL) functionalities in the area of Industrial, Naval and Aircraft related processes at its Corporate R&D Unit at Hyderabad with support from Ministry of Heavy Industries.

     

    Conclusion

    The ‘Make in India’ initiative has had a transformative impact on the heavy industries and engineering sector. By fostering technological advancements, increasing domestic production, enhancing competitiveness, and generating employment, the initiative has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s industrial base. With sustained policy support and continued investment, the sector is poised for further growth in the coming years.

     

    References

    https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/capital-goods

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2098364

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2085938

    https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2042179

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2039020

    https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/echapter.pdf

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/heavy-engineering-and-machine-tool

    https://x.com/investindia/status/1302798627337723904?lang=ar-x-fm

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-07/Capital-Goods-Policy-Final.pdf

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU1227_CBVr5x.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/182/AU1375_e9YzYN.pdf?source=pqals

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/scheme-enhancement-competitiveness-indian-capital-goods-sector-phase-i

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/scheme-enhancement-competitiveness-indian-capital-goods-sector-phase-ii

    https://heavyindustries.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/heavy_annual_report_2024-25_final_27.02.2025_compressed.pdf

    Make in India and the Capital Goods Revolution

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Till Feb 2025, Indian Railways Installs 209 MW Solar Plants at 2,249 Stations and Service Buildings

    Source: Government of India

    Till Feb 2025, Indian Railways Installs 209 MW Solar Plants at 2,249 Stations and Service Buildings

    Indian Railways Solar Power Expansion Reaches 2249 Installations Units with 1489 Added in the Last Five Years, 2.3 Times More Than 628 in the Previous Five Years

    Rajasthan Leads in Solar Power Expansion with the Highest 275 Installations Units Among All States and UTs

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways is making all endeavors to promote solar energy in line with the Government policies to proliferate renewable energy, environmental sustainability and to achieve long-term financial savings. The transition to renewable energy is an ongoing process.

    Indian Railways has planned to progressively procure renewable energy through different power procurement modes for Round The Clock (RTC) power, which is hybrid solution for renewable power includes solar and wind etc. Most of the work of setting up of solar plants is undertaken by Railways through Power Purchase Agreement under developer mode.

    During implementation of solar energy, many challenges like regulatory constraints, power evacuation and connectivity issues were faced by the railways. To tackle these issues, State Governments and Transmission Utilities were pursued on regular basis.

    So far, about 209 MW of solar plants on 2249 Railway stations and service buildings across the country have been provided. State-wise and year-wise details are as under:

     

    S.No.

    State

    Railway Stations Provided with Solar Plants (in Nos.)

     2014-15 to 2019-20

    2020-21 to February, 2025

    Cumulative
    upto February, 2025

    1

    Rajasthan

    73

    200

    275

    2

    Maharashtra

    43

    213

    270

    3

    West Bengal

    12

    222

    237

    4

    Uttar Pradesh

    78

    93

    204

    5

    Andhra Pradesh

    33

    126

    198

    6

    Karnataka

    86

    60

    146

    7

    Madhya Pradesh

    49

    74

    134

    8

    Odisha

    30

    103

    133

    9

    Gujarat

    11

    96

    112

    10

    Telangana

    35

    60

    95

    11

    Bihar

    25

    42

    81

    12

    Assam

    27

    48

    78

    13

    Tamil Nadu

    42

    31

    73

    14

    Jharkhand

    10

    35

    47

    15

    Haryana

    9

    23

    36

    16

    Punjab

    19

    11

    30

    17

    Uttarakhand

    1

    17

    18

    18

    Himanchal Pradesh

    1

    16

    17

    19

    Tripura

    15

    1

    16

    20

    Chhattisgarh

    10

    5

    16

    21

    Kerala

    12

    1

    13

    22

    Delhi

    4

    3

    8

    23

    J & K

    2

    4

    6

    24

    Nagaland

    0

    2

    2

    25

    Meghalaya

    0

    1

    1

    26

    Manipur

    0

    1

    1

    27

    Chandigarh

    0

    1

    1

    28

    Puducherry

    1

    0

    1

     

    Total

    628

    1489

    2249

     

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: $61.5M Thruway Pavement Improvement Project Underway

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a $61.5 million pavement improvement project is underway on the New York State Thruway, Interstate 90, in Ontario and Monroe counties. The project includes pavement rehabilitation and safety enhancements on a 4.3-mile stretch of the Thruway just east of Exit 44 to west of Exit 45 — Canandaigua, Victor, NY Route 332 to Rochester, Victor, Interstate 490. More than 60,000 vehicles per day travel on this stretch of the interstate daily.

    “We are making important investments in infrastructure to provide motorists with a safe and dependable roadway,” Governor Hochul said. “The improvements made on this section of the Thruway will benefit the thousands of New Yorkers who travel through Ontario and Monroe counties and strengthen our transportation infrastructure.”

    Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The I-90 corridor in the Finger Lakes region is a busy section for commuters, tourism and the commercial trucking industry. Investing in these critical infrastructure projects enhances the safety and reliability of the Thruway system, offers some of the lowest toll rates in the nation for customers and maintains the Thruway as one of the safest superhighways in the country.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “This project will be vital for the safety of drivers who rely on our New York State Thruway each and every day. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to bolstering our infrastructure statewide and am proud to be her partner in providing the kind of transportation system New Yorkers deserve.”

    Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “Investing in pavement rehabilitation and safety improvements on our highways ensures that they remain safe and sustainable for all users. The New York State Thruway system helps encourage statewide commerce and travel. I am happy to see it and other roads and infrastructure being maintained and strengthened.”

    Ontario County Board of Supervisors Chair Jared Simpson said, “This project will go a long way to enhance the safety of this well-traveled corridor. This section of the Thruway is one of the main gateways into Ontario County, whether for visitors shopping at Eastview Mall, tourists visiting Canandaigua Lake, or people travelling to and from work. The tens of thousands of people who traverse this section of highway each day will appreciate a new, modern and safe roadway. Thank you to our leaders in Albany and to the New York State Thruway Authority for implementing the project.”

    Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello said, “I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in New York State’s infrastructure, and this latest road improvement project on the New York State Thruway covering the roadway between Exits 44 and 45 is particularly important for local motorists. This section of the Thruway is used by tens of thousands of Monroe County residents each year, whether for commuting to work or heading out on vacation. These improvements will make Thruway driving safer and more pleasant for people who live, work and visit in Monroe County.”

    To improve the driving surface, crews will utilize a method called “crack and seat” in both directions on I-90 from milepost 347.1 to milepost 351.4. “Crack and seat” involves cracking the concrete pavement, rolling the concrete with a heavy proof roller and overlaying the surface with asphalt. After the crack and seat is completed, the area will be paved with asphalt on the mainline and shoulders.

    Additional work includes milling and replacing the asphalt pavement on the Exit 44 and Exit 45 interchange ramps, replacing the concrete median barrier and replacing the Variable Message Sign (VMS) structure at milepost 349.51 with a new digital sign structure that can display important real-time safety information for drivers.

    The project also includes work at four bridge culverts located at mileposts 350.77, 349.97, 348.67 and 347.81. Concrete repairs will be made to the deck of the bridges, which will then be covered with a waterproof membrane and asphalt wearing surface. Repairs will also be made to the existing bridge railing and drainage systems. These improvements will extend the life of the Thruway and the culverts and enhance safety for motorists. The four bridge culverts included in this project carry traffic on I-90 eastbound and westbound, and conduct traffic on Willowbrook Road, High Street, Victor Egypt Road, and Brownsville Road below the Thruway. During work on the bridge culverts, a section of Willowbrook Road and Victor Egypt Road will be closed with a posted detour for several weeks. The closures on a section of Brownsville Road and High Street at the bridge culvert locations will be conducted at a later date.

    Other improvements in the project include installing a snow fence to prevent blowing snow at Exit 44, a new guiderail, new traffic signs — such as milepost markers, delineators and snow plow markers — and adding new reflective line striping along the mainline and Exit 44 and Exit 45 ramps.

    Villager Construction, Inc. of Fairport, New York is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.

    Motorists may encounter lane closures on the highway along with traffic shifts and stoppages while construction is underway. All work is weather dependent and subject to change. Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.

    To further enhance safety for workers in a work zone, Governor Hochul signed legislation establishing the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program. The safety enforcement program began in April 2023 and is in effect in various active construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed camera enforcement will have clear signage leading up to it and motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined.

    For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map which features live traffic cameras. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

    About the Thruway Authority

    The Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway, built in the early 1950s, is one of the oldest components of the National Interstate Highway System and one of the longest toll roads in the nation. The maintenance and operation of the Thruway system is funded primarily by tolls. The Thruway Authority does not receive any dedicated federal, state or local tax dollars and is paid for by those who drive the Thruway, including one-third of drivers from out of state.

    In 2024, the Thruway Authority processed more than 400 million transactions and motorists drove 8.2 billion miles on the Thruway. The Authority’s approved 2025 Budget invests a total of $477.3 million in dedicated funding for capital projects across the Thruway system beginning in 2025, an increase of more than $33 million compared to the approved 2024 budget. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately 61 percent of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 pavement lane miles as well as the replacement or rehabilitation of 20 percent of the Thruway’s 817 bridges.

    The Thruway is one of the safest roadways in the country with a fatality rate far below the nationwide index, and toll rates are among the lowest in the country compared to similar toll roads. The Thruway’s base passenger vehicle toll rate is less than $0.05 per mile, compared to the Ohio Turnpike ($0.06 per mile), the New Jersey Turnpike (up to $0.39 per mile) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike ($0.16 per mile).

    The Thruway Authority’s top priority is the safety of our employees and customers. In 2024, two Thruway Authority employees died and another was seriously injured in separate incidents while working on the Thruway. The lives of Thruway Authority employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on all of those who travel the highway. Motorists should stay alert and pay attention while driving, slow down in work zones and move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. New York State’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024, requires drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. Safety is a shared responsibility.

    For more information, follow the Thruway on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram, or visit the Thruway website.

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