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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Opposes Dr. Oz, Trump’s Pick to Oversee Medicare and Medicaid Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the Senate Finance Committee today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) opposed advancing Dr. Mehmet Oz’s nomination to be the next Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that provides health care to over 100 million Americans. Senator Welch released the following statement after the vote: 
    “A major responsibility of the person overseeing the Medicare and Medicaid programs–services more than 150,000 Vermonters rely on–is to fight excessive charges. We spend the most and get the least and need to be doing everything we can to get folks a fair price for their prescription drugs. It was clear after his nomination hearing that Dr. Oz is not the right person to lead CMS and will not crack down on excessive pricing in health care. He’s spent years promoting debunked health products to the public for his own gain and will enable President Trump as he rips away the health care millions of seniors, children, and families depend on.” 
    Earlier this month in the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Welch pressed Dr. Oz about how the Trump Administration plans to eliminate rip-offs for patients and excessive pricing in private equity and Medicare Advantage to lower prescription drug prices.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: No carbon tax in B.C. as of April 1, 2025

    People will see immediate savings through the elimination of the consumer carbon tax in British Columbia.

    With the federal government removing the federal carbon tax on consumers, the B.C. government is not only halting the scheduled tax increase, it is tabling legislation on Monday, March 31, 2025, to remove the tax, effective April 1, 2025.

    The Province is notifying fuel sellers and natural gas retailers now so they can take action to stop collecting the tax from consumers as of April 1, 2025. While the Government of B.C. understands that eliminating the tax requires changes, the Province expects fuel sellers and natural gas retailers to make every effort to ensure their customers are not charged the carbon tax on purchases as of April 1.

    The Province will continue to act on the commitment to battle climate change by ensuring people in British Columbia have affordable options to make sustainable choices and by encouraging industry to innovate.

    Incentivizing industry to adopt lower-carbon technologies while maintaining their competitiveness is critically important in the province. While government removes the carbon tax on people, the Province of B.C will continue to ensure big industrial emitters pay their fair share through the output-based carbon pricing system. The system holds large industrial emitters accountable and offers cost-effective ways to cut emissions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Element Nominates Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar for Election to the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX:EFN) (“Element” or the “Company”), the largest publicly traded, pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, today announced that Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar have been nominated to stand for election to the Company’s Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on May 2, 2025. They are being nominated to replace Andrew Clarke and Arielle-Meloul Wechsler who have decided not to stand for re-election.

    Mr. Ferrari is a seasoned global executive, most recently holding the roles of Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone Americas, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone West, and Joint Global Chief Operations Officer of Bridgestone Corporation. He is also the former Chief Executive Officer of Pirelli North America and Latin America, and held prior executive roles in telecommunications, technology, and investment banking.

    Ms. McVicar is a Partner at CAI Capital Partners, a private equity firm she joined in 2003. She previously held senior positions in investment banking at Raymond James Ltd. and RBC Capital Markets. Ms. McVicar is also a past director of Teck Resources Ltd. where she served as Chair of the Audit Committee and a past director of BC Hydro Corporation where she chaired the Audit and Finance Committee.

    “We are pleased to nominate Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar to our Board,” said Element Board Chair Kathleen Taylor. “Paolo and Tracey bring integral skills, perspectives, and experience, and we are confident they will be tremendous assets to the Company. We would also like to thank our outgoing Board members, Andrew Clarke and Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, for their valuable support and contributions to Element.”

    Further details about Element’s nominated directors can be found in our management information circular, which is available at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    Delivering Value Through Our Global Growth Strategy

    Continuing to demonstrate how Element is driving growth and delivering value to our clients, shareholders, and team members, the Company also announced the release of its inaugural annual report. The report provides stakeholders with a clear and comprehensive overview of the Company’s strategy, vision, operations, and financial performance for 2024. It also highlights key trends shaping the fleet and mobility industry, and how the strategic investments Element made in 2024 will drive the Company’s continued industry leadership across fleet and mobility, setting a strong foundation for future success. More details are available in Element’s 2024 Annual Report.

    About Element Fleet Management

    Element Fleet Management (TSX: EFN) is the largest publicly traded pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world. As a Purpose-driven company, we provide a full range of sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions to optimize and enhance fleet performance for our clients across North America, Australia and New Zealand. Our services address every aspect of our clients’ fleet requirements, from vehicle acquisition, maintenance, route optimization, risk management, and remarketing, to advising on decarbonization efforts, integration of electric vehicles and managing the complexity of gradual fleet electrification. Clients benefit from Element’s expertise as one of the largest fleet solutions providers in its markets, offering economies of scale and insight used to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency and performance. At Element, we maximize our clients’ fleet so they can focus on growing their business.

    This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Element and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of Element’s management. In some cases the forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “believe” or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, including, among others, statements regarding Element’s expectations for financial performance. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Element’s actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. Such risks and uncertainties include those regarding the fleet management and finance industries, economic factors and many other factors beyond the control of Element. A discussion of the material risks and assumptions associated with this outlook can be found in Element’s annual MD&A, and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, each of which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Element undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell to SSA Nom: “The American People Are Very Bothered by Billionaires Taking a Shot at Their Social Security.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    03.25.25
    Cantwell to SSA Nom: “The American People Are Very Bothered by Billionaires Taking a Shot at Their Social Security.”
    Shortly after DOGE team entered Social Security Admin, Seattle constituent was incorrectly marked dead, halting his Social Security checks and clawing back thousands from his spouse
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Frank Bisignano, President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, on recent comments by Trump officials attacking Americans’ Social Security benefits.
    “A lot of the American people are very bothered by billionaires taking a shot at their Social Security. I just think it sounds out of touch,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Secretary Lutnick saying, ‘stop payments to find fraud,’ and then Mr. Musk — who everybody is questioning what his role is anyway — ‘the big one to eliminate,’ that’s what he was saying on Social Security.”
    Sen. Cantwell continued: “But now we have these patterns. Let’s go after the staffing. Let’s go after the office closures. A new requirement to re-register. The American people are scared to death that you’re really going after Social Security. So instead of hiring [more] people like my colleagues are suggesting to improve the service, basically you’re allowing Elon Musk’s little DOGE team to go in there and find fraud.”
    When Sen. Cantwell asked Bisignano if Social Security should be privatized or if the age requirement should be raised, Bisignano responded, when pressed, “I’ve never heard a word of it and I’ve never thought about it … I don’t believe anybody’s thinking about that,” and “I don’t believe I’m a decision maker on any of these items.”
    In the State of Washington, 1.4 million people receive Social Security. Below is a breakdown of Social Security Recipients by county:

    County

    Number of Social Security Recipients

    King Co.

    312,000+

    Spokane Co.

    115,000+

    Clark Co.

    98,000+

    Yakima Co.

    46,000+

    *County data sourced from SSA.gov*
    At the hearing, Sen. Cantwell referenced a constituent in Seattle who was incorrectly presumed dead shortly after Elon Musk sicced his DOGE team on the Social Security Administration. DOGE staffers were specifically tasked with seeking out evidence that tens of millions of dead people are receiving Social Security benefits – a false claim made by both President Trump and Musk. Subsequently, Ned Johnson was incorrectly listed as dead by SSA, which failed to issue his next Social Security check and clawed back over $5,000 in prior benefits payments from his and his wife’s joint bank account, while his Medicare insurance was also cancelled.
    Sen. Cantwell said, “And then what did he do? He had to go down to the building in Seattle, the federal building that you’re trying to close, and stand in line for hours and hours and hours to try to say he wasn’t dead and to stop taking his money.
    “He made an in-person appointment, but it was pushed back 11 days. 11 days ultimately had to wait in line, as I said, which he said, quote, ‘they are so understaffed down there. They think their office is about to be closed down, and they don’t know where they’re going to go. It feels like the agency is being gutted,’ end quote. So I have to ask you, why are we allowing these people to go in and cause havoc to our constituents instead of hiring people to do the job?”
    Sen. Cantwell has been a long-standing champion for Social Security and protecting Washingtonian’s benefits. Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored and voted in December 2024 to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed two Social Security policies that unfairly limited payments for people who also receive a pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security, as well as their surviving spouses and widow(ers). In 2018, Sen. Cantwell introduced and passed the Tribal Social Security Fairness Act to correct a long-standing inequity in the Social Security Act that prevented elected tribal leaders from contributing to and accessing Social Security benefits.
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks today with Bisignano are available HERE, audio HERE, and a full transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Colin Flint, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utah State University

    A warship is seen docked in the port of the Black Sea city of Sochi. Mikhail Mordasov/AFP via Getty Images

    Away from the grueling land battles and devastating airstrikes, the Ukraine war has from its outset had a naval element. Soon after the February 2022 invasion, Russia imposed a de facto naval blockade on Ukraine, only to see its fleet stunningly defeated during a contest for control of the Black Sea.

    But that war on the waves looks like it could be ending.

    Under the terms of a deal announced on March 25, 2025, by the U.S. and agreed upon in Saudi Arabia, both sides of the conflict committed to ensuring “safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea,” according to a White House statement.

    The naval aspect of the Ukraine war has gotten less attention than events on land and in the skies. But it is, I believe, a vital aspect with potentially far-reaching consequences.

    Not only have Russia’s Black Sea losses constrained Moscow’s ability to project power across the globe through naval means, it has also resulted in Russia’s growing cooperation with China, where Moscow is emerging as a junior party to Beijing on the high seas.

    Battle over the Black Sea

    The tradition of geopolitical theory has tended to paint an oversimplification of global politics. Theories harkening back to the late 19th century categorized countries as either land powers or maritime powers.

    Thinkers such as the British geopolitician Sir Halford Mackinder or the U.S. theorist Alfred Thayer Mahan characterized maritime powers as countries that possessed traits of democratic liberalism and free trade. In contrast, land powers were often portrayed as despotic and militaristic.

    While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers. An accompanying view that naval and army warfare is somewhat separate has continued.

    And this division gives us a false impression of Russia’s progress in the war with Ukraine. While Moscow has certainly seen some successes on land and in the air, that should not draw attention away from Russia’s stunning defeat in the Black Sea that has seen Russia have to retreat from the Ukrainian shoreline and keep its ships far away from the battlefront.

    As I describe in my recent book, “Near and Far Waters: The Geopolitics of Seapower,” maritime countries have two concerns: They must attempt to control the parts of the sea relatively close to their coastlines, or their “near waters”; meanwhile, those with the ability and desire to do so try to project power and influence into “far waters” across oceans, which are the near waters of other countries.

    The Black Sea is a tightly enclosed and relatively small sea comprising the near waters of the countries that surround it: Turkey to the south, Bulgaria and Romania to the west, Georgia to the east, and Ukraine and Russia to the north.

    Control of the Black Sea’s near waters has been contested throughout the centuries and has played a role in the current Russian-Ukraine war.

    Russia’s seizure of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 allowed it to control the naval port of Sevastopol. What were near waters of Ukraine became de facto near waters for Russia.

    Controlling these near waters allowed Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s trade, especially the export of grain to African far waters.

    But Russia’s actions were thwarted through the collaboration of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey to allow passage of cargo ships through their near waters, then through the Bosporus into the Mediterranean Sea.

    Ukraine’s use of these other countries’ near waters allowed it to export between 5.2 million and 5.8 million tons of grain per month in the first quarter of 2024. To be sure, this was a decline from Ukraine’s exports of about 6.5 million tons per month prior to the war, which then dropped to just 2 million tons in the summer of 2023 because of Russian attacks and threats. Prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had forecasted a decline in Ukrainian grain exports for 2025.

    But efforts to constrain Russia’s control of Ukraine’s near waters in the Black Sea, and Russia’s unwillingness to face the consequences of attacking ships in NATO countries’ near waters, meant Ukraine was still able to access far waters for economic gain and keep the Ukrainian economy afloat.

    For Putin, that sinking feeling

    Alongside being thwarted in its ability to disrupt Ukrainian exports, Russia has also come under direct naval attack from Ukraine. Since February 2022, using unmanned attack drones, Ukraine has successfully sunk or damaged Russian ships and whittled away at Russia’s Black sea fleet, sinking about 15 of its prewar fleet of about 36 warships and damaging many others.

    Russia has been forced to limit its use of Sevastopol and station its ships in the eastern part of the Black Sea. It cannot effectively function in the near waters it gained through the seizure of Crimea.

    Russia’s naval setbacks against Ukraine are only the latest in its historical difficulties in projecting sea power and its resulting tendency to mainly focus on the defense of near waters.

    In 1905, Russia was shocked by a dramatic naval loss to Japan. Yet even in cases where it was not outright defeated, Russian sea power has been continually constrained historically. In World War I, Russia cooperated with the British Royal Navy to limit German merchant activity in the Baltic Sea and Turkish trade and military reach in the Black Sea.

    In World War II, Russia relied on material support from the Allies and was largely blockaded within its Baltic Sea and Black Sea ports. Many ships were brought close to home or stripped of their guns as artillery or offshore support for the territorial struggle with Germany.

    During the Cold War, meanwhile, though the Soviet Union built fast-moving missile boats and some aircraft carriers, its reach into far waters relied on submarines. The main purpose of the Soviet Mediterranean fleet was to prevent NATO penetration into the Black Sea.

    And now, Russia has lost control of the Black Sea. It cannot operate in these once secure near waters. These losses reduce its ability to project naval power from the Black Sea and into the Mediterranean Sea.

    Ceding captaincy to China

    Faced with a glaring loss in its backyard and put in a weak position in its near waters, Russia as a result can project power to far waters only through cooperation with a China that is itself investing heavily in a far-water naval capacity.

    Joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in July 2024 are evidence of this cooperation. Wang Guangzheng of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Southern Theater said of the drill that “the China-Russia joint patrol has promoted the deepening and practical cooperation between the two in multiple directions and fields.” And looking forward, he claimed the exercise “effectively enhanced the ability to the two sides to jointly respond to maritime security threats.”

    Warships of the Chinese and Russian navies take part in a joint naval exercise in the East China Sea.
    Li Yun/Xinhua via Getty Images

    This cooperation makes sense in purely military terms for Russia, a mutually beneficial project of sea power projection. But it is largely to China’s benefit.

    Russia can help China’s defense of its northern near waters and secure access to far waters through the Arctic Ocean – an increasingly important arena as global climate change reduces the hindrance posed by sea ice. But Russia remains very much the junior partner.

    Moscow’s strategic interests will be supported only if they match Chinese interests. More to the point, sea power is about power projection for economic gain. China will likely use Russia to help protect its ongoing economic reach into African, Pacific, European and South American far waters. But it is unlikely to jeopardize these interests for Russian goals.

    To be sure, Russia has far-water economic interests, especially in the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa. And securing Russian interests in Africa complements China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean to secure its own, and greater, global economic interests. But cooperation will still be at China’s behest.

    For much of the Ukraine war, Russia has been bottled up in its Black Sea near waters, with the only avenue for projecting its naval power coming through access to Africa and Indian Ocean far waters – and only then as a junior partner with China, which dictates the terms and conditions.

    A maritime deal with Ukraine now, even if it holds, will not compensate for Russia’s ongoing inability to project power across the oceans on its own.

    Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally published by The Conversation U.S. on Oct. 3, 2024.

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

    – ref. Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions – https://theconversation.com/maritime-truce-would-end-a-sorry-war-on-the-waves-for-russia-that-set-back-its-naval-power-ambitions-253089

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Modernizes Payments to and from America’s Bank Account

    Source: The White House

    PHASING OUT PAPER CHECKS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to modernize how the government handles money, switching from old-fashioned paper-based payments to fast, secure electronic payments.

    • The Order mandates that, effective September 30, 2025, the Federal government will cease issuing paper checks for all disbursements, including intragovernmental payments, benefits, vendor payments, and tax refunds.
    • All executive departments and agencies must transition to modern, electronic funds transfer (EFT) methods like direct deposit, debit/credit card payments, digital wallets, and real-time transfers.
    • Payments made to the Federal government, such as fees, fines, loans, and taxes, must also be processed electronically where permissible under existing law.
    • Treasury will phase out physical lockbox services and expedite electronic collection of Federal receipts.
    • A comprehensive public awareness campaign will be launched to inform Federal payment recipients of the shift to electronic options and offer guidance on setting up digital payments.
    • Exceptions will be made for people without banking or electronic payment access, certain emergency payments, certain law enforcement activities, and other special cases qualifying for an exception under the Order or other existing law.
    • This Executive Order does not establish a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

    DEFENDING AGAINST FINANCIAL FRAUD AND IMPROPER PAYMENTS: President Trump is cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse in government by modernizing outdated paper-based payment systems that impose unnecessary costs, delays, and security risks.

    • Paper-based payments, such as checks and money orders, impose unnecessary costs, delays, and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies.
    • Mail theft complaints have increased substantially since 2020.
    • Historically, Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer.
    • Maintaining the physical infrastructure and specialized technology for digitizing paper records cost the American taxpayer over $657 million in fiscal year 2024 alone.
    • Check fraud is becoming more common, with banks issuing about 680,000 reports of check fraud in 2022 – nearly double the number from 2021.
    • Digital payments are more efficient, less costly, and less vulnerable to fraud.

    MODERNIZING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: President Trump is making government work better for the American people.

    President Trump has long championed the need for replacing outdated technology, saying “government needs to catch up with the technology revolution.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Addressing Risks from Jenner & Block

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Background.  My Administration is committed to addressing the significant risks associated with law firms, particularly so-called “Big Law” firms, that engage in conduct detrimental to critical American interests.  Many firms take actions that threaten public safety and national security, limit constitutional freedoms, degrade the quality of American elections, or undermine bedrock American principles.  Moreover, law firms regularly conduct this harmful activity through their powerful pro bono practices, earmarking hundreds of millions of their clients’ dollars for destructive causes, that often directly or indirectly harm their own clients.  Lawyers and law firms that engage in such egregious conduct should not have access to our Nation’s secrets, nor should such conduct be subsidized by Federal taxpayer funds or contracts.

    Jenner & Block LLP (Jenner) is yet another law firm that has abandoned the profession’s highest ideals, condoned partisan “lawfare,” and abused its pro bono practice to engage in activities that undermine justice and the interests of the United States.  For example, Jenner engages in obvious partisan representations to achieve political ends, supports attacks against women and children based on a refusal to accept the biological reality of sex, and backs the obstruction of efforts to prevent illegal aliens from committing horrific crimes and trafficking deadly drugs within our borders.  Moreover, Jenner discriminates against its employees based on race and other categories prohibited by civil rights laws, including through the use of race-based “targets.”

    In addition, Jenner was “thrilled” to re-hire the unethical Andrew Weissmann after his time engaging in partisan prosecution as part of Robert Mueller’s entirely unjustified investigation.  Andrew Weissmann’s career has been rooted in weaponized government and abuse of power, including devastating tens of thousands of American families who worked for the now defunct Arthur Andersen LLP, only to have his unlawfully aggressive prosecution overturned by the Supreme Court.  The numerous reports of Weissman’s dishonesty, including pursuit of nonexistent crimes, bribery to foreign nationals, and overt demand that the Federal Government pursue a political agenda against me, is a concerning indictment of Jenner’s values and priorities. 

    Sec. 2.  Security Clearance Review.  (a)  The Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and all other relevant heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall immediately take steps consistent with applicable law to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at Jenner pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest.

    (b)  The Office of Management and Budget shall identify all Government goods, property, material, and services, including Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities, provided for the benefit of Jenner.  The heads of agencies providing such material or services shall, to the extent permitted by law, expeditiously cease such provision.

    Sec. 3.  Contracting.  (a)  To prevent the transfer of taxpayer dollars to Federal contractors whose earnings subsidize, among other things, activities that are not aligned with American interests, including racial discrimination, Government contracting agencies shall, to the extent permissible by law, require Government contractors to disclose any business they do with Jenner and whether that business is related to the subject of the Government contract.

    (b)  The heads of agencies shall review all contracts with Jenner or with entities that disclose doing business with Jenner under subsection (a) of this section.  To the extent permitted by law, the heads of agencies shall:

    (i)   take appropriate steps to terminate any contract, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, for which Jenner has been hired to perform any service; and

    (ii)  otherwise align their agency funding decisions with the interests of the citizens of the United States; with the goals and priorities of my Administration as expressed in executive actions, especially Executive Order 14147 of January 20, 2025 (Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government); and as heads of agencies deem appropriate.  Within 30 days of the date of this order, agencies shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget an assessment of contracts with Jenner or with entities that do business with Jenner effective as of the date of this order and any actions taken with respect to those contracts in accordance with this order.

    Sec. 4.  Racial Discrimination.  Nothing in this order shall be construed to limit the action authorized by section 4 of Executive Order 14230 of March 6, 2025 (Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP).  

    Sec. 5.  Personnel.  (a)  The heads of agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide guidance limiting official access from Federal Government buildings to employees of Jenner when such access would threaten the national security of or otherwise be inconsistent with the interests of the United States.  In addition, the heads of agencies shall provide guidance limiting Government employees acting in their official capacity from engaging with Jenner employees, including but not limited to Andrew Weissmann, to ensure consistency with the national security and other interests of the United States.

    (b)  Agency officials shall, to the extent permitted by law, refrain from hiring employees of Jenner, including but not limited to Andrew Weissmann, absent a waiver from the head of the agency, made in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, that such hire will not threaten the national security of the United States.

    Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: 

    Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Despite pioneering self-government, the United States now fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing.  India and Brazil, for example, are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.  In tabulating votes, Germany and Canada require use of paper ballots, counted in public by local officials, which substantially reduces the number of disputes as compared to the American patchwork of voting methods that can lead to basic chain-of-custody problems.  Further, while countries like Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person and do not count late-arriving votes regardless of the date of postmark, many American elections now feature mass voting by mail, with many officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received well after Election Day. 

    Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic.  The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election.
    Under the Constitution, State governments must safeguard American elections in compliance with Federal laws that protect Americans’ voting rights and guard against dilution by illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error.  Yet the United States has not adequately enforced Federal election requirements that, for example, prohibit States from counting ballots received after Election Day or prohibit non-citizens from registering to vote.

    Federal law establishes a uniform Election Day across the Nation for Federal elections, 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1.  It is the policy of my Administration to enforce those statutes and require that votes be cast and received by the election date established in law.  As the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently held in Republican National Committee v. Wetzel (2024), those statutes set “the day by which ballots must be both cast by voters and received by state officials.”  Yet numerous States fail to comply with those laws by counting ballots received after Election Day.  This is like allowing persons who arrive 3 days after Election Day, perhaps after a winner has been declared, to vote in person at a former voting precinct, which would be absurd.  

    Several Federal laws, including 18 U.S.C. 1015 and 611, prohibit foreign nationals from registering to vote or voting in Federal elections.  Yet States fail adequately to vet voters’ citizenship, and, in recent years, the Department of Justice has failed to prioritize and devote sufficient resources for enforcement of these provisions.  Even worse, the prior administration actively prevented States from removing aliens from their voter lists.  

    Additionally, Federal laws, such as the National Voter Registration Act (Public Law 103-31) and the Help America Vote Act (Public Law 107-252), require States to maintain an accurate and current Statewide list of every legally registered voter in the State.  And the Department of Homeland Security is required to share database information with States upon request so they can fulfill this duty.  See 8 U.S.C. 1373(c).  Maintaining accurate voter registration lists is a fundamental requirement in protecting voters from having their ballots voided or diluted by fraudulent votes. 
    Federal law, 52 U.S.C. 30121, prohibits foreign nationals from participating in Federal, State, or local elections by making any contributions or expenditures.  But foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations have taken advantage of loopholes in the law’s interpretation, spending millions of dollars through conduit contributions and ballot-initiative-related expenditures.  This type of foreign interference in our election process undermines the franchise and the right of American citizens to govern their Republic.  

    Above all, elections must be honest and worthy of the public trust.  That requires voting methods that produce a voter-verifiable paper record allowing voters to efficiently check their votes to protect against fraud or mistake.  Election-integrity standards must be modified accordingly.
    It is the policy of my Administration to enforce Federal law and to protect the integrity of our election process.

    Sec. 2.  Enforcing the Citizenship Requirement for Federal Elections.  To enforce the Federal prohibition on foreign nationals voting in Federal elections:

    (a)(i) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to require, in its national mail voter registration form issued under 52 U.S.C. 20508:

    (A)  documentary proof of United States citizenship, consistent with 52 U.S.C. 20508(b)(3); and

    (B)  a State or local official to record on the form the type of document that the applicant presented as documentary proof of United States citizenship, including the date of the document’s issuance, the date of the document’s expiration (if any), the office that issued the document, and any unique identification number associated with the document as required by the criteria in 52 U.S.C. 21083(a)(5)(A), while taking appropriate measures to ensure information security.

    (ii)  For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, “documentary proof of United States citizenship” shall include a copy of: 

    (A)  a United States passport; 

    (B)  an identification document compliant with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-13, Div. B) that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States; 

    (C)  an official military identification card that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States; or 

    (D)  a valid Federal or State government-issued photo identification if such identification indicates that the applicant is a United States citizen or if such identification is otherwise accompanied by proof of United States citizenship.

    (b)  To identify unqualified voters registered in the States:

    (i)    the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, ensure that State and local officials have, without the requirement of the payment of a fee, access to appropriate systems for verifying the citizenship or immigration status of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered;

    (ii)   the Secretary of State shall take all lawful and appropriate action to make available information from relevant databases to State and local election officials engaged in verifying the citizenship of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered; and 

    (iii)  the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the DOGE Administrator, shall review each State’s publicly available voter registration list and available records concerning voter list maintenance activities as required by 52 U.S.C. 20507, alongside Federal immigration databases and State records requested, including through subpoena where necessary and authorized by law, for consistency with Federal requirements. 

    (c)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, provide to the Attorney General complete information on all foreign nationals who have indicated on any immigration form that they have registered or voted in a Federal, State, or local election, and shall also take all appropriate action to submit to relevant State or local election officials such information.

    (d)  The head of each Federal voter registration executive department or agency (agency) under the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U.S.C. 20506(a), shall assess citizenship prior to providing a Federal voter registration form to enrollees of public assistance programs.   

    (e)  The Attorney General shall prioritize enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 611 and 1015(f) and similar laws that restrict non-citizens from registering to vote or voting, including through use of:

    (i)    databases or information maintained by the Department of Homeland Security; 

    (ii)   State-issued identification records and driver license databases; and

    (iii)  similar records relating to citizenship.

    (f)  The Attorney General shall, consistent with applicable laws, coordinate with State attorneys general to assist with State-level review and prosecution of aliens unlawfully registered to vote or casting votes.

    Sec. 3.  Providing Other Assistance to States Verifying Eligibility.  To assist States in determining whether individuals are eligible to register and vote:

    (a)  The Commissioner of Social Security shall take all appropriate action to make available the Social Security Number Verification Service, the Death Master File, and any other Federal databases containing relevant information to all State and local election officials engaged in verifying the eligibility of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered.  In determining and taking such action, the Commissioner of Social Security shall ensure compliance with applicable privacy and data security laws and regulations. 

    (b)  The Attorney General shall ensure compliance with the requirements of 52 U.S.C. 20507(g).  

    (c)  The Attorney General shall take appropriate action with respect to States that fail to comply with the list maintenance requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America     Vote Act contained in 52 U.S.C. 20507 and 52 U.S.C. 21083.

    (d)  The Secretary of Defense shall update the Federal Post Card Application, pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. 20301, to require:

    (i)   documentary proof of United States citizenship, as defined by section 2(a)(ii) of this order; and

    (ii)  proof of eligibility to vote in elections in the State in which the voter is attempting to vote.

    Sec. 4.  Improving the Election Assistance Commission.  
    (a)  The Election Assistance Commission shall, pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21003(b)(3)and 21142(c) and consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate action to cease providing Federal funds to States that do not comply with the Federal laws set forth in 52 U.S.C. 21145, including the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 20505(a)(1) that States accept and use the national mail voter registration form issued pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 20508(a)(1), including any requirement for documentary proof of United States citizenship adopted pursuant to section 2(a)(ii) of this order.

    (b)(i) The Election Assistance Commission shall initiate appropriate action to amend the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and issue other appropriate guidance establishing standards for voting systems to protect election integrity.  The amended guidelines and other guidance shall provide that voting systems should not use a ballot in which a vote is contained within a barcode or quick-response code in the vote counting process except where necessary to accommodate individuals with disabilities and should provide a voter-verifiable paper record to prevent fraud or mistake. 

    (ii)  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to review and, if appropriate, re-certify voting systems under the new standards established under subsection (b)(i) of this section, and to rescind all previous certifications of voting equipment based on prior standards.  

    (c)  Following an audit of Help America Vote Act fund expenditures conducted pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21142, the Election Assistance Commission shall report any discrepancies or issues with an audited State’s certifications of compliance with Federal law to the Department of Justice for appropriate enforcement action.

    (d) The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, consistent with applicable law, shall in considering the provision of funding for State or local election offices or administrators through the Homeland Security Grant Programs, 6 U.S.C. 603 et seq., heavily prioritize compliance with the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 developed by the Election Assistance Commission and completion of testing through the Voting System Test Labs accreditation process.

    Sec. 5.  Prosecuting Election Crimes.  To protect the franchise of American citizens and their right to participate in fair and honest elections:

    (a)  The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to enter into information-sharing agreements, to the maximum extent possible, with the chief State election official or multi-member agency of each State.  These agreements shall aim to provide the Department of Justice with detailed information on all suspected violations of State and Federal election laws discovered by State officials, including information on individuals who: 

    (i)    registered or voted despite being ineligible or who registered multiple times; 

    (ii)   committed election fraud;

    (iii)  provided false information on voter registration or other election forms;

    (iv)   intimidated or threatened voters or election officials; or 

    (v)    otherwise engaged in unlawful conduct to interfere in the election process.

    (b)  To the extent that any States are unwilling to enter into such an information sharing agreement or refuse to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions of election crimes, the Attorney General shall: 

    (i)   prioritize enforcement of Federal election integrity laws in such States to ensure election integrity given the State’s demonstrated unwillingness to enter into an information-sharing agreement or to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions; and

    (ii)  review for potential withholding of grants and other funds that the Department awards and distributes, in the Department’s discretion, to State and local governments for law enforcement and other purposes, as consistent with applicable law.

    (c)  The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to align the Department of Justice’s litigation positions with the purpose and policy of this order.

    Sec. 6.  Improving Security of Voting Systems.  To improve the security of all voting equipment and systems used to cast ballots, tabulate votes, and report results:

    (a)  The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate actions to the extent permitted by 42 U.S.C. 5195c and all other applicable law, so long as the Department of Homeland Security maintains the designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e), to prevent all non-citizens from being involved in the administration of any Federal election, including by accessing election equipment, ballots, or any other relevant materials used in the conduct of any Federal election.

    (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission and to the maximum extent possible, review and report on the security of all electronic systems used in the voter registration and voting process.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, as the head of the designated Sector Risk Management Agency under 6 U.S.C. 652a, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission, shall assess the security of all such systems to the extent they are connected to, or integrated into, the Internet and report on the risk of such systems being compromised through malicious software and unauthorized intrusions into the system.  

    Sec. 7.  Compliance with Federal Law Setting the National Election Day.  To achieve full compliance with the Federal laws that set the uniform day for appointing Presidential electors and electing members of Congress:

    (a)  The Attorney General shall take all necessary action to enforce 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1 against States that violate these provisions by including absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day in the final tabulation of votes for the appointment of Presidential electors and the election of members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

    (b)  Consistent with 52 U.S.C. 21001(b) and other applicable law, the Election Assistance Commission shall condition any available funding to a State on that State’s compliance with the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 21081(a)(6) that each State adopt uniform and nondiscriminatory standards within that State that define what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote, including that, as prescribed in 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1, there be a uniform and nondiscriminatory ballot receipt deadline of Election Day for all methods of voting, excluding ballots cast in accordance with 52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq., after which no additional votes may be cast.  

    Sec. 8.  Preventing Foreign Interference and Unlawful Use of Federal Funds.  The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall prioritize enforcement of 52 U.S.C. 30121 and other appropriate laws to prevent foreign nationals from contributing or donating in United States elections.  The Attorney General shall likewise prioritize enforcement of 31 U.S.C. 1352, which prohibits lobbying by organizations or entities that have received any Federal funds.   

    Sec. 9.  Federal Actions to Address Executive Order 14019.  The heads of all agencies, and the Election Assistance Commission, shall cease all agency actions implementing Executive Order 14019 of March 7, 2021 (Promoting Access to Voting), which was revoked by Executive Order 14148 of on January 20, 2025 (Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions), and, within 90 days of the date of this order, submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a report describing compliance with this order.

    Sec. 10.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any agency, person, or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other agencies, persons, or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 11.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        March 25, 2025. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Risks from Jenner & Block

    Source: The White House

    SUSPENDING SECURITY CLEARENCES TO PROTECT THE NATIONAL INTEREST: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to suspend security clearances held by individuals at Jenner & Block LLP (Jenner) pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest.

    • Security clearances held by Jenner employees will be immediately suspended, pending a review of whether their access to sensitive information is consistent with the national interest.
      • The Federal Government will halt all material and services, including sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) access provided to Jenner and restrict its employees’ access to government buildings.
      • Federal Agencies will also refrain from hiring Jenner employees unless specifically authorized.
    • To ensure taxpayer dollars no longer go to contractors whose earnings subsidize activities not aligned with American interests, the Federal Government will terminate contracts that involve Jenner.
    • The practices of Jenner will be reviewed under Title VII to ensure compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias.

    ADDRESSING ROGUE LAW FIRMS: President Trump believes that lawyers and law firms that engage in conduct detrimental to critical American interests should not be subsidized by American taxpayers or have access to our Nation’s secrets.

    • Jenner pursues partisan goals, supports attacks against women and children based on the denial of the biological reality of sex, and backs the obstruction of efforts to prevent illegal aliens from committing horrific crimes and trafficking deadly drugs within our borders.
    • Jenner has been accused of discriminating against its own employees on the basis of race and other categories prohibited by civil rights laws, including through the use of race-based “targets.”
    • Jenner was also “thrilled” to re-hire Andrew Weissmann, a prosecutor known for his unethical behavior, including his role in engaging in partisan prosecution as part of Robert Mueller’s entirely unjustified investigation.
      • Weissmann’s career has been rooted in weaponized government and abuse of power, including devastating tens of thousands of American families who worked for the now defunct Arthur Andersen LLP, only to have his unlawfully aggressive prosecution overturned by the Supreme Court. 
      • The numerous reports of Weissman’s dishonesty, including pursuit of nonexistent crimes, bribery to foreign nationals, and overt demand that the federal government pursue a political agenda against President Trump, is a concerning indictment of Jenner’s values and priorities. 

    A RETURN TO ACCOUNTABILITY: President Trump is delivering on his promise to end the weaponization of government and protect the nation from partisan and bad faith actors who exploit their influence. 

    • In addition to Jenner, President Trump has also taken action to hold other major law firms accountable.
    • This Executive Order aligns with President Trump’s priority on refocusing government operations to serve the citizens of the United States.
    • It builds on President Trump’s previous actions, such as signing an Executive Order on his first day in office to end the weaponization of the Federal government and ensure accountability for past misconduct.
    • It follows his revocation of security clearances held by intelligence officials who falsely claimed Hunter Biden’s laptop was Russian disinformation during the 2020 election.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Tillis Introduce Legislation to Update Performing Artist Tax Deduction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced legislation to provide much-needed tax relief to working artists. The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act would update the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) tax deduction, an above-the-line tax deduction which allows certain performing artists to deduct the cost of expenses incurred in the course of their employment.

    The Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction has not been updated since its inception in 1986 and is currently only available to those making less than $16,000 a year, meaning that very few artists qualify. This legislation would update and increase the income ceiling to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for married joint filers, allowing more lower- and middle-income performing artists to receive tax relief for work-related expenses. This bill also indexes the deduction for inflation so it automatically adjusts for increases in the cost of living in the future.

    “Middle class and up-and-coming artists have found their home in the Commonwealth making meaningful contributions to our rich culture,” Sen. Warner said. “This legislation levels the playing field for more artists by treating them like the small businesspeople they are, enriching our society and spurring our commerce.”

    “The arts play a vital role in North Carolina’s culture and economy, yet many artists struggle with financial burdens that make it difficult to sustain their careers,” Sen. Tillis said. “By updating this outdated tax deduction, this commonsense legislation ensures that hardworking artists can deduct necessary expenses, just like other professionals. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to provide long-overdue tax relief to the creative community.” 

    Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 24, 2025, by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Judy Chu (D-CA).

    The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act is endorsed by numerous organizations advocating for the rights of emerging artists, including the Actors’ Equity Association, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs. 

    “We commend Senators Warner and Tillis for championing tax fairness for our members and all entertainment professionals. Their bipartisan leadership ensures our members’ voices continue to be heard on this critical issue. It’s time to lower the cost of living for entertainment workers by including PATPA in tax legislation expected later this year, correcting an oversight that has taken money out of the pockets of middle-class IATSE members since 2017,” said Matthew D. Loeb, International President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

    “With just a few weeks until Tax Day, Senator Tillis and Senator Warner could not have better timed this critically important bipartisan bill that would mean actors, stage managers and other creative professionals won’t have to pay hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars more in taxes simply due to common business costs like their agents and managers fees and travel to auditions. I’m grateful for the leadership of Senator Tillis and Senator Warner and look forward to working with them as we fight to make this bill law,” said Brooke Shields, President of Actors’ Equity Association.

    “Entertainment is one of the United States’ top industries, and the work of performing artists has made an immeasurable impact on our national identity. It’s time for the tax code to address the skyrocketing business costs of this highly risky profession and allow performers to deduct legitimate expenses such as agent and manager fees. This will enable working-class performers to continue supporting local economies that generate income from performers living and working in their communities. SAG-AFTRA enthusiastically supports the reintroduction of the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act in the Senate and applauds Sens. Tillis and Warner for their work in addressing the financial challenges of those who dedicate their lives to human artistry,” said Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA.

    “The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) is a critical step toward restoring financial fairness for performing artists across the country. For too long, we’ve been unfairly burdened by a tax system that fails to recognize the realities of our profession. This legislation paves the way for artists to be treated less like expendable contractors and more like the vital parts of an institution that we are. It’s an important step toward ensuring that performing artists are no longer penalized for the cost of doing our jobs and toward a future where we receive the same workplace protections and benefits as others who work within the companies we sustain,” said Ned Hanlon, President of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

    “Addressing the unique challenges artists and musicians face under the tax code is imperative to supporting the creative community’s impact on culture and the economy. RIAA appreciates Senators Warner and Tillis’ continued leadership driving the bipartisan, bicameral Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. This bill is designed to balance outdated burdens on performers now and enable the next generation to thrive,” said Mitch Glazier, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Chairman & CEO.

    “The Motion Picture Association thanks Sens. Thom Tillis and Mark Warner for re-introducing the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) – an important bipartisan effort to deliver essential economic relief to a creative community that includes more than 2.3 million jobs supported by the film, television, and streaming industry. The MPA is again proud to endorse this legislation and support the American creative economy,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association.

    “The bipartisan and bicameral Performing Artist Tax Parity Act is commonsense legislation that benefits working musicians.   PATPA makes long overdue updates to restore the intention our tax code.  We are grateful to Senators Tillis and Warner for championing fairness for all performing artists and arts workers,” said Tino Gagliardi, President of the American Federation of Musicians.

    “Supporting working artists through tax relief creates ripple effects that build more vibrant communities across the country. Beyond the arts and culture sector’s $1.1 trillion economic impact, one of the largest public opinion studies ever conducted on the arts in the U.S. found that 86% of Americans believe arts and culture improve their community’s quality of life and livability. By modernizing the tax code nationally, we can support artists and strengthen every community. We applaud Senators Warner and Tillis for introducing the Senate companion to the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act, alongside the House bill championed by Representatives Buchanan and Chu, to modernize an outdated tax code that hasn’t been updated since 1986,” said Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts.

    “Musicians nationwide are essential contributors to the U.S. workforce and the communities in which they perform,” said Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras. “We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Tillis and Warner in re-introducing this critical legislation to support tax fairness for performing artists.”

    “The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) is a lifeline for the artists who bring independent stages to life. The Senate is taking an important step toward building a fairer, more sustainable live ecosystem that benefits independent stages, artists, audiences, and communities alike. We hope that Congress will move quickly to enact PATPA this year,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association.

    “Virginians for the Arts is grateful to Senator Warner for his unwavering support of the arts and artists here in Virginia and nationally.  We are also grateful to the Senator for sponsoring the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. This legislation modernizes the qualified performing artist tax deduction and is an important recognition of the value the arts play in our communities and the economy,” said Brett Bonda, President of Virginians for the Arts.

    “Aligned with its mission to advance the performing arts in the Richmond region through programs and resources that support the artists of today, nurture the artists of tomorrow, and provide spaces for the arts to thrive, Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (RPAA) fully endorses the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA). This legislation is critical for RPAA’s vision to create a vibrant community where the performing arts flourish and strengthen Richmond’s cultural, social, and economic vitality. We strongly believe that for this to happen artists from all backgrounds must have the capacity and resources to grow their programs and reach new audiences. We thank Senators Warner and Tillis for introducing this legislation and realizing the tremendous investment that artists make in their work and the incredible contributions they make to our lives,” said Abbi Haggerty, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Peters, Issue Statement Defending Mission Critical Civil Rights And Civil Liberties Offices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement following reports of termination of the Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.

    “Congress established the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) Officer position at the Department of Homeland to ensure that civil rights and civil liberties were integrated into every aspect of the Department’s work. As we noted in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Congress also required that the Officer have sufficient resources and personnel to accomplish this vital mission.

    “The President’s Executive Order requires federal agencies to cut costs related to activities and employees whose responsibilities are not statutorily required. We are hearing that not only has the entire CRCL Office been placed on administrative leave with the intention of eliminating the office, but the same has happened at the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) and Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.

    “This is unacceptable and contrary to the law and Congressional intent.

    “The CRCL Officer and office, OIDO, and CIS Ombudsman carry out critical and statutorily required missions—cutting these offices is inappropriate and, more importantly, will harm the mission of the Department and all Americans.


    “Earlier this month, we sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, emphasizing that Congress created the CRCL Office to integrate civil rights into DHS’s work and mandated that it be adequately resourced. The CIS Ombudsman and OIDO also provides vital oversight of the immigration system. Eliminating these offices undermines DHS’s mission and violates its legal obligations.

    “The Department has provided no explanation as to why it plans to terminate staff who help balance national security interests with individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the rule of law.

    “We call on the Department to reverse these cuts immediately.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Alarm over Türkiye detentions, Ukraine update, Sudan-Chad border emergency

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN human rights office (OHCHR) expressed major concern on Tuesday following the detention of at least 92 people by the Turkish authorities over the past week, including Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has been charged with corruption and removed from office.

    “These detentions triggered country-wide demonstrations that were met with unlawful blanket bans on protests in three cities,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell.

    More than 1,000 people have been detained during the protests, among them at least nine media workers.

    Türkiye has reportedly seen its largest street protests in more than a decade following the arrest of current Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival, Mr. İmamoğlu.

    Legitimate right of protest

    Ms. Throssell said that all those detained “for the legitimate exercise of their rights must be released immediately and unconditionally.”

    Those facing charges should be treated with dignity, she added, and their rights to due process while their rights to a fair trial – including access to a lawyer of their own choice – must be fully ensured.

    “We urge the authorities to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are guaranteed, in line with international law, and that credible allegations of unlawful use of force against protesters are promptly and thoroughly investigated,” Ms. Throssell underscored.

    Ukraine: Dozens injured in Sumy attack; UN welcomes announcement of Black Sea ceasefire

    More than 80 civilians – including children – were injured following a Russian missile attack on the city of Sumy on Monday in Ukraine’s northeast, UN humanitarians have reported.

    Citing local authorities, more than 20 children were injured with two schools, a hospital and multiple homes suffering extensive damage in the attack, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

    “Complementing the efforts of the first responders, and immediately after the attack, humanitarian organizations provided first aid and helped transport the wounded to the hospitals. They also distributed shelter materials, blankets and other necessities.”

    UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Mattias Schmale, condemned the attack in Sumy and recent drone strikes in the cities of Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv.

    Since the escalation of the war in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has verified more than 2,500 child casualties in that country, Mr. Dujarric maintained.

    It also noted an alarming increase in child casualties in 2024, caused by explosive weapons targeting territory inside Ukraine, due to intensified attacks along the frontline in the Donetsk Region and increased use of long-range missiles, drones and aerial bombing.

    Black Sea announcements

    The White House on Tuesday said that Russia and Ukraine had reached separate agreements following talks in Saudi Arabia with US negotiators, with both agreeing to a maritime ceasefire in the crucial Black Sea shipping corridor.

    The US said Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to the principal of safe navigation, eliminating the use of force and preventing the use of commercial vessels for military purposes.

    Asked for reaction from the Secretary-General, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told the regular noon briefing that the two announcements were a welcome development.

    “These issues, notably, on the freedom of navigation and Black Sea, are issues that the Secretary-General, his team, notably Rebeca Grynspan [head of trade and development body, UNCTAD] and others, have been working on since almost the start of the conflict. And there continues to be discussions on these issues.”

    Mr. Dujarric said the UN had played no part in discussions in Riyad but noted Ms. Grynspan had been in Moscow for talks Monday on resuming the Memorandum of Understanding between Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the United Nations under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Moscow pulled out of in July 2023.

    He confirmed talks had also taken place recently in Washington.

    The UN has been heavily invested in ensuring that Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea can happen safely, along with the transport of Russian food and fertilizer, to halt spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine in vulnerable countries.

    The UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative was agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN in Istanbul in July 2022. It allowed more than 30 million tonnes of grain and other foodstuffs to leave Ukraine’s ports and played an “indispensable role” in global food security, Mr. Guterres said at the time.

    Sudanese uprooted by conflict drag themselves across Chad’s border

    Finally, to the Sudan-Chad border, where UN teams have said that a humanitarian emergency is underway, with the number of people fleeing to eastern Chad expected to surpass one million by the end of the year.

    There are already 970,000 refugees in Chad today, the result of almost two years of heavy fighting in Sudan between rival militaries. Many have endured terrible violence and sexual abuse.

    The refugees are being housed in 18 refugee camps and other shelters, but this has added to pressures on already neglected communities in eastern Chad, according to the UN Development Programme, UNDP.

    To help, the UN agency’s Resident Representative in Chad, Francis James, said that a new centre for women should open in Adre next month. It’s an initiative of the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and its purpose is to strengthen ties between host and refugee communities, Mr. James said:

    “You have refugees coming over, literally crawling over and stumbling over the border, and you need social protection…but also you need to give them hope.”

    Other UN projects include supporting women and girls to go back to school.

    UNDP’s Mr. James explained that it was key that classrooms are built close to the refugee camps so that schoolgoers can avoid walking “for kilometres through dangerous zones” where they risk being assaulted.

    Continued attacks in Sudan

    Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday the UN was “gravely alarmed by continued attacks on civilians” inside Sudan.

    Dozens of casualties were reported on Monday night when an air strike hit a market around 40 kilometres north-west of Darfur’s main city of El Fasher – which remains besieged by the Rapid Support Forces militia who have been fighting Government troops for nearly two years for control of Sudan.

    “Our humanitarian colleagues are also deeply concerned about escalating attacks on populated areas in Khartoum,” Mr. Dujarric continued.

    There were reports of civilians killed and injured in eastern Khartoum on Monday when artillery struck a mosque during evening prayers. Civilian casualties were also reported on Sunday as a result of heavy shelling in Omdurman – Khartoum’s twin city across the Nile.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

    Under Modi ji’s leadership, India became a global leader in disaster management

    Modi government is managing disasters by adopting a proactive approach instead of a reactive one and by aiming for zero casualties instead of minimising casualties

    Compared to the previous regime, Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central fund

    In the previous regime, funds were given to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from PMNRF

    This bill will further increase the capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response

    Earlier, thousands of people used to die in cyclones, but Modi government is moving towards zero casualty

    The aim of this bill is to increase transparency, accountability, efficiency and cooperation in disaster management

    India’s disaster management prowess has been established globally through CDRI

    To deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods, systems and make institutions accountable as well as give them powers

    India has had the most successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the entire world

    Earlier, it used to take two generations for getting vaccines, but under the Modi government, India has made the COVID vaccine and also delivered it to every citizen

    The Modi government has given more money than the prescribed amount to the states for disaster managementna

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 9:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today replied to the discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024.  After the discussion, with the passage of the bill from the upper house the amendment bill was passed by the Parliament.

    Speaking in the upper house during the discussion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that through this amendment bill, the Narendra Modi government intends to connect Centre, State governments, Panchayat and all our citizens with the cause of disaster management and there is no question of centralization of power. He said that this disaster management amendment bill is an attempt to take the fight against disasters from a reactive approach to a proactive one and also beyond to an innovative and a participatory approach.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji presented a ten-point agenda to the world for disaster risk reduction which has been accepted by more than 40 countries of the world. He said that this bill envisages participation not only from state governments and local units but also from the society. He said that the amendment bill keeps scope of minute planning at local levels too along with the national level and gives clarity on the powers and duties of institutions involved. Shri Shah said that the fight against disasters cannot be accomplished without enabling the institutions and making them better and more accountable, and both of these things have been taken care of in the bill. He said that disasters are directly related to climate change and to mitigate them, we should take steps against global warming. He said that India has been moving in this direction for thousands of years and the Modi government is working to take this tradition forward.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Disaster Management Act was brought for the first time in the year 2005 and under this NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) and DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority) were formed. He said that in this bill, the biggest responsibility in the aftermath of disasters have been given to DDMAs which is under the state government, thus there is no question of any damage to our federal system. He said that for financial assistance, National Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Mitigation Fund were created. Shri Amit Shah said that the Finance Commission has made a scientific arrangement for disaster relief and the Modi government has not given a single penny less than the prescribed amount to any state, rather it has given more.

    He said that due to global disasters like Covid-19, increasing urbanization, irregular rain-related disasters and climate change, both the size and scale of disasters have changed. Shri Shah said that to deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods and systems and also make the institutions accountable and give them powers. He said that with this objective, this bill has been brought for an effective and comprehensive solution to the disaster management problem. He said that suggestions have been incorporated from stakeholders, ministries and departments of the Central Government, all state governments, Union Territories, international organizations and national and international non-governmental organizations and this bill has been prepared comprehensively by accepting 89 percent of their suggestions.

    Union Home Minister said that through this bill, Modi government wants to move from reactive response to proactive risk reduction, from manual monitoring to AI-based real-time monitoring, from radio warnings to social media, apps and mobile warnings, and from government-led response to a multi-dimensional response involving society and citizens. He said that this entire bill has been made to incorporate capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response. Shri Shah said that in the last 10 years, there has been a change in disaster management in our country due to which we have emerged as a regional and global power recognized by the world. He said that this bill is necessary to maintain this success story of India for a longer time in future.

    Shri Amit Shah said that this Bill will make both NDMA and SDMA effective, disaster database will be created at national and state level. It envisages creation of Urban Disaster Management Authority which will be completely under the state governments. Apart from this, this Bill will also give statutory power to NDMA and SDMA in creating a blueprint for 100% implementation of the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. He said that transparency, trust, credibility and accountability have been given place in it. Shri Shah also said that well-defined roles have been fixed in it and moral responsibilities have also been given place. The Home Minister said that we have also fixed responsibility for the best use of resources. He said that through this Bill, an attempt has been made to fight against disaster with synergy, between preparation, good management and coordination. Many reforms have been made on these four pillars and not a single one of these reforms is for centralization of power.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in the last ten years, on one hand, Prime Minister Modi Ji has done many things for environmental protection and on the other hand, he has also taken disaster management a long way forward. He said that on one hand Modi Ji talked about Mission Life in front of the world and on the other hand he also announced a ten-point disaster risk reduction agenda. He said that on one hand, a definite concrete program was given to become a pro-planet people and on the other hand, the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) was presented to the world, which has 43 countries as members. Shri Shah said that Modi Ji started the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance and also formed a task force on Disaster Risk Reduction by hosting the G20 conference in India. He said that on both these fronts, Prime Minister Modi and the government led by him have worked in a meticulous manner with great foresight. The Home Minister said that on the one hand efforts should be made to prevent disasters by protecting the environment and on the other hand, in case of a disaster, Modi ji has made complete arrangements to fight the disaster in a scientific manner from villages to Delhi.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, Gujarat in 2001 shook not only Gujarat but the entire country and the world. He said that at that time Shri Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and he had established the Climate Change Department for the first time in India. He said that at that time Modi ji created the Climate Change Fund in Gujarat and in 2003 brought the State Disaster Management Act in Gujarat. Shri Shah said that in 2013, the country’s first city level action plan for heat wave was made in Ahmedabad and Modi ji also worked on making a detailed plan for reconstruction, community preparedness and rehabilitation after the earthquake.

    Union Home Minister said that after Shri Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, a holistic and integrated approach was introduced in the country instead of a relief-centric approach. He said that a proactive approach was adopted instead of a reactive one and disaster management was done by keeping the target of zero casualty instead of the usual target of minimum casualty of the previous regime. He said that today governments are not only focus on relief and rescue after a disaster but also make many preparations to tackle them. Shri Shah said that the Modi government has done a very good job in early warning system, prevention to the extent possible, mitigation, timely preparedness and disaster risk reduction. He said that when the Odisha Super Cyclone hit in 1999, 10 thousand people died, but when Cyclone Fani hit in 2019, only one person died, this was the result of our changed approach. He said that when Cyclone Biparjoy hit Gujarat in 2023, not a single person or animal died and we achieved the target of zero casualties in 2023. He said that there has been a 98 percent reduction in loss of life and property due to cyclones and we have also succeeded in reducing heat-related mortality significantly.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the budget of SDRF was Rs 38 thousand crores during the year 2004 to 2014, which was increased to Rs 1 lakh 24 thousand crores by the Modi government during 2014 to 2024. Rs 28 thousand crores were given to NDRF during 2004 to 2014, while Rs 80 thousand crores were given during 2014 to 2024. Shri Shah said that the government has increased the total amount from Rs 66 thousand crores to more than Rs 2 lakh crores. He said that the Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central funds. Shri Shah said that apart from this, a National Disaster Response Reserve of 250 crores was created, the first National Disaster Management Plan was released in 2016 which is completely in line with the Sendai framework, the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award was established in 2018-19 and the first phase of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation was done in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in 2018. He said that in 2020-21, the Home Ministry decided that the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Team (IMCT) will first go and do an immediate review and the Modi government made a provision to provide immediate assistance by sending 97 IMCTs within 10 days in 5 years.

    Union Home Minister said that currently 16 battalions of NDRF are operational and seeing the NDRF personnel, people feel assured that they are safe now. He said that apart from this, programs have also been made for landslide risk management, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and civil security and training capacity building.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, conducted ‘Operation Maitri’ during the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, ‘Operation Samudra Maitri’ in Indonesia in 2018, ‘Operation Dost’ in Turkey and Syria in 2023, ‘Operation Karuna’ in Myanmar and ‘Operation Sadbhav’ in Vietnam, due to which the governments and people of these countries praised NDRF and Modi ji. He said that NDRF has worked to get our disaster management system firmed up at a national level.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Government of India has signed agreements with Japan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Italy, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Uzbekistan to strengthen disaster management and disaster risk reduction. The geographical conditions of these countries make them prone to similar disasters which are possible in India. He said that we have tried to ensure that these countries benefit from our best practices and we benefit from their best practices. Apart from the MoUs, international seminars were also held in the years 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2023, in which disaster management experts from member countries of organizations like SAARC, BRICS, SCO also participated.

    Union Home Minister said that the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is an example of India’s global leadership in the field of disaster management. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi put forward this idea in the UN Climate Summit held in New York on 23 September 2019 and it was established in India itself. He said that so far 42 countries and 7 international organizations have become members of CDRI and through CDRI, work has been done to establish India’s leadership in this field at the global level.

    Shri Amit Shah said that through the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, a force of one lakh community volunteers has been created in 350 disaster prone districts at a cost of Rs 370 crore and the volunteers have been registered on the India Disaster Resource Network portal. The District Collectors have their complete details. When a disaster strikes, these volunteers reach for the help on their own. The Home Minister said that 20 percent of the one lakh ‘Aapada Mitra’ volunteers are women. Our women power is working shoulder to shoulder in the work of disaster management. He said that as a result of the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, 78 thousand people were rescued from disasters and taken to safe places and 129 lives were saved by providing them timely treatment at the hospitals.

    Union Home Minister said that the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme is being expanded. To involve the youth, more than 1300 trained ‘Aapada Mitras’ have been employed as master trainers with a budget of Rs 470 crore. In this, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and Bharat Scouts and Guides will train two lakh 37 thousand ‘Aapada Mitras’, which will increase the total number of community volunteers to three lakh 37 thousand.

    Shri Amit Shah said that we have created many apps for weather related information. These include ‘Mausam’, ‘Meghdoot’, ‘Flood Watch’, ‘Damini’, ‘Pocket Bhuvan’, ‘Sachet’, ‘Van Agni’ and ‘Samudra’. Also, a nodal agency has been created for the study of landslides. India Quake app has been created for automated broadcasting of earthquake parameters. He said that due to the efforts of Modi ji, today all these apps have reached almost every citizen of the country. This has benefited farmers, fishermen, people living on the seashore and people living in landslide prone areas on time.

    Union Home Minister said that the entire world has accepted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the world in the field of environment, therefore the United Nations has honoured him with the award of Champions of the Earth. Modi ji has almost completed the task of making India free from single-use plastic. Many countries have joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) formed on his initiative. Modi ji has worked to popularise the ‘One Sun, One Earth, One Grid’ project worldwide. The construction of Inter-Regional Energy Grid has begun for sharing solar energy across the world. Crores of people have planted trees with devotion in reverence of Mother Earth and their own mothers through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

    Shri Amit Shah said that India has set the target of Net Zero Carbon Emission by the year 2070. He said that we have already achieved the targets of International Solar Alliance, Global Bio-fuel Alliance and 20 percent Ethanol Blending by the year 2025. Today all our vehicles have 20 percent eco-friendly fuel. Shri Shah said that by providing 10 crore gas connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, we have stopped the smoke of cow dung cakes and coal. We have increased the Swachhata Abhiyan from 39 percent to 100 percent sanitation coverage. Along with this, the Green Hydrogen Mission has started the implementation of a new type of scheme in the entire world.

    Union Home Minister said that, if the best COVID management has happened anywhere in the world, it has happened in India. Every Indian should be proud of this and the whole world praises our efforts immensely. He said that as soon as Corona arrived, we started making the vaccine. He said that during the previous regime, it used to take two generations to administer vaccines but under Modi Government India not only got the vaccine made but also ensured that it reached every citizen of the country. Shri Shah said that there is no parallel to such a precise use of technology for public welfare anywhere in the world. Due to the use of technology, the certificate was made available on the mobile as soon as the vaccine was administered and a reminder message would also come up with the time for the second vaccine.

    Shri Amit Shah said that through video conference in the state’s civil hospitals and AIIMS, doctors treating minor diseases in small villages were guided about telemedicine, which saved the lives of lakhs of people. He said that the Prime Minister talked to the Chief Ministers of the states 40 times during COVID-19 and inquired about the situation. Not only the Prime Minister, the entire cabinet was involved in this work.

    Union Home Minister said that due to our leadership we were able to fight the best battle against Corona in the whole world. Governments were fighting against Corona all over the world, but here the Central Government, State Government and 130 crore people were fighting together. He said that there is not a single example in independent India when an appeal by a leader has had the seriousness of a government order and the whole country followed the appeal of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for Janta curfew with full seriousness. No leader’s appeal had ever received such a great respect.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was created during the previous regime. He said fund from PMNRF used to be given to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Shri Shah said that during Modi ji’s regime PM Cares fund was created. We spent its funds for tackling the corona epidemic, disaster relief, oxygen plants, ventilators, assistance to the poor and vaccination. Shri Shah said that under PM Cares, along with relief work, we have also provided many types of innovative assistance. There is no political interference in this.

    Union Home Minister said that for Karnataka, an estimate of Rs 5,909 crore was given by a high-level committee, out of which Rs 5,800 crore was transferred. For Kerala, an estimate of Rs 3,743 crore was made, out of which Rs 2438 crore was given. For Tamil Nadu, Rs 4600 crore was given out of Rs 4817 crore. West Bengal was given Rs 5000 crore out of Rs 6837 crore. Himachal Pradesh was given Rs 1766 crore out of Rs 2339 crore. The committee has given more or less the same amount to Telangana as well.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Rs 111 crore was given to Jharkhand, Rs 121 crore to Kerala, Rs 460 crore to Maharashtra, Rs 256 crore to Bihar and Rs 254 crore to Gujarat for fire-fighting measures, which was never given before. He said that other states will be given funds for fire-fighting measures next year. Shri Shah said that Rs 228 crore has been given to Tamil Nadu between the years 2019 to 2024 and a lot of assistance has been provided.

    Union Home Minister said that we declared the disaster in Wayanad, Kerala as a disaster of severe nature. Rs 215 crore was immediately released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Rs 36 crore was sent for debris removal, which has not been spent yet. Apart from this, assistance of Rs 153 crore was given on the basis of the IMCT report. The state government has estimated the need for Rs 2219 crore for normalizing the situation and reconstruction, out of which Rs 530 crore has been given. Along with this, other measures have been suggested to get additional assistance from a special window.

    Shri Amit Shah said that for the Central Government, citizens of all states including Kerala, Ladakh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh are equal and we do not discriminate against anyone. He said that in the Disaster Management Bill, we have paid attention to increasing human resources along with the provision of increasing technical capacity. Along with the government’s effort, provision has also been made for community effort and along with disaster-resistant construction, care has also been taken for the conservation of nature.

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    RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (LOI) on Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India, Singapore Sign Letter of Intent (LOI) on Green Shipping & Digital Corridor Collaboration

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal along with Senior Minister Dr Amy Khor Attends the Signing Ceremony

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held Bilateral Meeting with Vice Minister Brigit Gijsbers of The Netharlands on Further Deepening Maritime Cooperation between the two countries

    “Fruitful discussion on using Dutch Global expertise to enable Cargo Movement in low draft rivers of Brahmaputra & Barak”: Sarbananda Sonowal

    Sarbananda Sonowal joined Dr Amy Khor to inaugurate India Pavillion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 

    Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates ‘’ Pavillion, Presides over India Business Roundtable

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the signing ceremony of Letter of Intent (LOI) between India and Singapore on maritime digitalisation (Digital Corridor Collaboration) and Decarbonisation (Green Shipping) here today. Shri Sonowal was joined by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Enviornment and Ministry of Transport, Singapore. The LOI was inked by Shri R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

    Under the LOI, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

    India is a leading player in information technology with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels.

    Singapore, as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, also supports a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem. The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions. 

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The signing of this landmark LOI marks the bilateral

    collaboration as a significant step towards modernising maritime operations and advancing green shipping efforts. The Singapore-India

    Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will drive innovation, accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies, and strengthen digital integration in the sector, allowing us to move India towards realising the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modiji’s ‘Viksit Bharat’. With India’s strength in Information Technology and green fuel production, along with Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub, this partnership will set new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. We look forward to work closely to build a resilient, future ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both nations and the global maritime industry.”

    Seeking the Global Dutch Expertise for revamping India’s waterways rivers like Barak and Brahmaputra, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “With their rich experience and global expertise in dredging, river engineering, we can enable our diverse and rich riverine system with effective dredging techniques, modern inland vessel technology & water management. The Netherlands’ expertise in shallow-draft push barges, modular inland vessels, & LNG-powered river transport presents a valuable opportunity for India. We are keen to adapt these technologies to enhance cargo movement in low-draft rivers like the Brahmaputra & Barak, making inland waterways more efficient, sustainable, & economically viable. We see great potential for Dutch collaboration in India’s major projects like the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) and Brahmaputra River dredging. This will help us realise the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji to empower the Northeast as the New Engine of Growth for an Atmanirbhar Bharat charting its course on becoming a Viksit country.” 

    The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated the ‘India Pavilion’ along with Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of Singapore.

    Shri Sonowal also inaugurated the IRClass Pavilion at the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week (SMW). Speaking at the India Business Roundtable, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India is rapidly emerging as a global maritime hub, driven by sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are transforming ports into clean energy-driven investment hubs, fostering shipbuilding excellence, and decarbonising shipping. With bold reforms, resilient supply chains, and global collaborations like the India-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, we invite the world to partner with us in shaping a sustainable and future-ready maritime economy.”

    During the day, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also visited Singapore Cruise Centre to understand the infrastructure and facilities that has helped Singapore to become a thriving cruise tourism destination. India aims to replicate such terminals in key locations like Goa, Mumbai and Chennai to provide a fillip to the cruise tourism. Sonowal also met with key officials of Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) as well as top industry captains from maritime sector of the Netherlands.

    ***

    GDH

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves acquisition of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited and Quazigund Expressway Private Limited by Cube Highways Trust and Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:47PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited and Quazigund Expressway Private Limited by Cube Highways Trust and Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd.

    The Proposed Combination envisages:

    1. acquisition of 100% shareholding of Athaang Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited (ADTPL) by Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd. (Cube V); and
    2. acquisition of 100% shareholding of (i) Athaang Jammu Udhampur Highway Private Limited (AJUHPL), and (ii) Quazigund Expressway Private Limited (QEPL) by Cube Highways Trust (Cube Trust).

    (Hereinafter ADTPL, AJUHPL and QEPL are collectively referred to as the ‘Targets’)

    The Cube Trust is an infrastructure investment trust registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014 (as amended). The road assets/ SPVs of Cube Trust are engaged, inter alia, in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of various road and highway projects in India.

    Cube V is registered as a foreign portfolio investor with the SEBI and acquires, operates and manages road assets in India.

    The Targets have been incorporated in India as special purpose vehicles and are engaged in the business of operating (through governmental concessions) roads and highways in India.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

    *****

     NB/AD

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the proposed combination involving, inter alia, Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT); CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CDPQ Asia); Maple Highways Pte. Ltd.; 360 ONE Private Equity Fund and certain road assets of the Ashoka Buildcon group

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed combination involving, inter alia, Maple Infrastructure Trust (MIT); CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc. (CDPQ Asia); Maple Highways Pte. Ltd.; 360 ONE Private Equity Fund and certain road assets of the Ashoka Buildcon group.

    The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition by MIT, acting through Maple Infra Invit Investment Manager Private Limited (Maple IM) of Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Tollway Limited (ADKTL); Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Limited (ASBTL); Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway Limited (ABDTL); Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited (AHBL); and Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited (AHDL) (Proposed SPV Acquisitions) and certain inter-connected transactions.

    MIT is a private trust settled under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and was registered as an infrastructure investment trust under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014, on 24thFebruary 2020. MIT is, through its special purpose vehicles, engaged in the business of owning and operating road assets in India. Maple IM is the investment manager of MIT.

    CPDQ Asia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec (CDPQ). CDPQ is a global investment group that manages the funds of its depositors, primarily comprised of public and para-public pension and insurance plans from Québec.

    Maple Sponsor is the sponsor of MIT for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.

    360 ONE Private Equity Fund is registered with the SEBI as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide. The 360 ONE Private Equity Fund is managed by its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited.

    ADKTL, ASBTL, ABDTL, AHBL and AHDL are engaged by the National Highway Authority of India Limited (NHAI) to provide infrastructure concession services.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

     

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves the acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11 road special purpose vehicles owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited and Ashoka Buildcon Limited by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 7:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of 100% equity shareholding in 11 road special purpose vehicles owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited and Ashoka Buildcon Limited by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited.

    The Proposed Combination envisages acquisition of 100% equity shareholding by Epic Concesiones 2 Private Limited (EC2PL) in road 11 special purpose vehicles (Target SPVs) owned by Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL) and Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL) (Proposed Equity Transaction).

    EC2PL is a private limited company engaged in owning and operating infrastructure projects. It is owned by Infrastructure Yield Plus II (IYP II) & Infrastructure Yield Plus IIA (IYP IIA) (collectively IYP), which are both schemes of the Infrastructure Yield Trust, an irrevocable and determinate contributory investment trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and registered with the SEBI as a Category I – Infrastructure Alternative Investment Fund, under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. The investment manager of IYP II and IYP IIA is EAAA India Alternatives Limited (EIAL) which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EFSL, the parent entity of EC2PL.

    The Target SPVs are eleven road SPVs have been incorporated in India and are engaged in the business of operating (through governmental concessions) roads and highways in India.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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    NB/AD

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKPF conducts inter-departmental tabletop exercise to strengthen collaboration and responsiveness in transportation services near KTSP (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKPF conducts inter-departmental tabletop exercise to strengthen collaboration and responsiveness in transportation services near KTSP  
         The exercise built on insights from the first phase of the tabletop exercise completed on October 25, 2024, and data collected from a number of subsequent large-scale test events and stress tests, which showed approximately 70 per cent of participants chose to take the MTR Tuen Ma Line during large-scale events at the KTSP. As such, this exercise, which was based on the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens simulated different emergency scenarios involving train operations and signal systems at nearby MTR stations,  causing varying degrees of impact to the MTR Tuen Ma Line service.
     
         The exercise aimed to enhance stakeholders’ ability to immediately deploy manpower, implement appropriate contingency measures, and coordinate inter-departmental actions according to different emergency situations, so as to minimise impacts on participants of large-scale events and local residents near the KTSP, as well as ensuring their safety and smooth mobility.
     
         Supported by 13 government bureaux, departments and relevant organisations, over 150 representatives participated in the exercise, including personnel from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Security Bureau, the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Transport Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Home Affairs Department (Wong Tai Sin District Office and Kowloon City District Office), the MTR Corporation Limited and the KTSP Limited.
    Issued at HKT 21:35

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority implements fees and charges reform rationalising healthcare services and enhancing patient protection

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hospital Authority implements fees and charges reform rationalising healthcare services and enhancing patient protection 
    The Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan, said, “We sincerely thank the Health Bureau for leading the HA in conducting this fees and charges reform review. Through this reform, the HA can promote the development of Hong Kong’s public healthcare services. We believe that once the fees and charges reform measures are fully implemented, the current service imbalances in public hospitals can be gradually straightened out and the protection for patients, especially those with critical illnesses or emergency conditions, can be enhanced. This will enable sustainable development of public healthcare services to cope with the various challenges posed by Hong Kong’s ageing population.”
     
    Currently, the government provides a high degree of subsidy for HA services, with a subsidy rate as high as 97.6 per cent, with the subsidy amount for some public hospital services even reaching 100 per cent. Beyond facing challenges from an ageing population creating excess demand, Hong Kong’s public healthcare system experiences systemic imbalances, subsidy misallocations, and service waste. To ensure the sustainability of the public healthcare system, the HA initiated a review to reform public healthcare fees and charges last year, based on relevant principles including public affordability, optimal service utilisation, cost sharing, subsidy prioritisation, support for the underprivileged and public acceptance. The review covers the following areas:
     
    Reforming the susidisation structure
     Reducing wastage and misuse
     Strengthening healthcare protection
     The Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, said, “The HA will fully implement the reform. Under the reform, subsidy ratios will vary by service type of public hospitals, depending on the nature of the service. After the reform, the public copayment ratio will remain affordable. Through the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism, relaxed eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net applications, and a cap on annual spending on inpatient and outpatient fees, the HA will continue to ensure that no one will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means and will strengthen the protection of the public, not only taking care of the underprivileged groups, but also preventing middle income people from impoverishment due to illness.”
     
    After the implementation of measures such as enhancing medical fee waiving mechanism, relaxing eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net applications, and establishing a cap on annual spending on inpatient and outpatient fees, over 1.4 million people are expected to be eligible for protection. The HA pledges that all additional revenue generated from fees and charges adjustments will be entirely utilised to medical services, particularly supporting those with critical conditions like cancer or rare diseases, waiving or reducing self-financed medications and devices or medical supplies fees. The HA can also accelerate the introduction of more effective new medications and devices to improve treatment outcomes.
     
    The detailed fee schedule will take effect in January 2026 (see Annex). Details of enhanced protection measures, include enhancing medical fee waiving mechanism, introducing an annual fee cap on inpatients and outpatients of $10,000, and relaxing eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net application, are provided in the appendix. The HA’s last fee adjustment was in 2017.
     
    Mr Fan stated that Hong Kong’s public hospitals remain among the world’s most efficient healthcare providers. The HA will continue promoting reforms to improve the service level of public hospitals, and ensure limited medical resources can be used for patients most in need. Once the public healthcare fees and charges reform achieves its target within five years, Hong Kong’s public healthcare system will take a major step forward. The HA will also fully cooperate with other government healthcare reform measures to continue providing high-quality and sustainable medical services with appropriate healthcare protection for Hong Kong citizens.

    Annex
     
    Public healthcare fees and charges reform
     

    Service(Acute bed)(convalescent / rehabilitation, infirmary and psychiatric beds)
    Maintenance fee (per day)(Geriatric, rehabilitation) Community allied health service(Fee exempted for Category I, II)16 weeks maximumup to 4 weeks(applicable for SOPC) 
    $135 for the 1st attendance
     
    $80 per
    subsequent attendance  
    $15 per unit,
    16 weeks maximumup to 4 weeksIssued at HKT 21:25

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector to promote research and development (R&D) including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector to promote research and development (R&D) including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

    National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) provide training in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has taken steps to promote research and development (R&D) in the sector, including in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, in the pharmaceutical sector through the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma Medtech sector. Further, the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) under the aegis of DoP have introduced topics related to AI and block chain technology in their courses and they provide training to students in AI-based tools to build human resource capacities in these areas for the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, the Department of Biotechnology also supports AI-based research activities in the biotech sector, particularly in the healthcare and agriculture areas, in order to leverage emerging technologies for these sectors. Further, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, with the assistance of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, has undertaken a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a block-chain-based track-and-trace system for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

    *****

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences actively involved in strengthening clinical research infrastructure in Ayush

    Source: Government of India (2)

    S.

    No.

    Name of Project

    Name of the Collaborating Institutes

    Clinical Research Projects

    1.

    A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and imunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer at first

    serological relapse collaborative project.

    The Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer & CARI, Mumbai

    2.

    Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of PTK as an add on therapy in the patients of Tuberculosis  on  ATT  –  A  double  blind

    randomized control clinical study

    K.L.E. Academy        of        Higher Education & Research, Belagavi

    3.

    Evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention as add on to conventional treatment and explore the interaction of epigenetics, neuro/gut biomarkers and neuroimaging in pediatric ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacidity Disorder)

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru

    4.

    Double blind randomized placebo controlled multicentric clinical trial of Ayush M-3 in the management of Migraine.

    NIMHANS, Bengaluru

    5.

    Ayurveda therapeutic regimen as on Add-on to optimized conventional management of Parkinson’s disease: an RCT for assessment of clinical Cortical excitability neuroimmune and Autonomic function parameters.

    NIMHANS, Bengaluru

    6.

    Efficacy and safety of Ayurveda Formulation Trikatu as add on to standard care in Dyslipidemia – a randomized controlled trial

    All    India   Institute   of   Medical Sciences (AIIMS) , Bhubaneswar

    7.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda regimen (mild purgation and internal oleation) in comparison with Allopathic regimen (Letrozole) along with Yoga module in the management of unexplained and anovulatory female infertility: A RCT

    Indian               Institute               of Technology (IIT) , Mandi

    8.

    Topical Oil Pooling (Karnapurana) with Kshirabala Taila and supple mentation of Ashwagandha churna (TOPMAC) in presbycusis

    – An exploratory randomized controlled trial

    Institute of Communicative and cognitive                   Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Kerala

    9.

    Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point exploratory clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimen as an adjunct to Hydroxyurea in the management of Sickle cell disease.

    AIIMS, Bhopal

    10.

    A multi-center study to assess the treatment adherence & tolerability of Ayush SR in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    Shri B.M. Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya,                  Belgavi; Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda

    College, Kotakkal; Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research,                                        Bengaluru;

    Adichunchanagiri            Ayurvedic Medical College, Bengaluru

    11.

    Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunti in reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating women consuming traditional diet foods in Maharashtra: A randomized Controlled preliminary clinical study

    National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH-ICMR), Mumbai

    12.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) – A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    Ayurvedic Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Madhavbaugh, Pune

    13.

    Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Pushkar guggulu & Haritaki churna) in the management of stable coronary artery disease.

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    14.

    A randomized double blind placebo control clinical study to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Swarnaprashan in moderately malnourished children.

    Sanjiv Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

    15.

    Efficacy and safety of Punarnavadi Mandura alone and in combination with Drakshavaleha compared to iron folic acid in the treatment of moderate iron deficiency anaemia among non- pregnant women of reproductive age group: a community-based three arm multicentre randomized controlled trial.

    Ayush-ICMR

    16.

    Randomized controlled trial of Anshumati Ksheer Paka in hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    17.

    Anemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission -Utkarsh

    All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi; National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)’s Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi (IIPH-D)

    18.

    An exploratory series of n of 1 responder restricted study of Ayurveda regimen on quality of life among elderly population in Ballabgarh district of Haryana- A community-based study.

    AIIMS, Ballabhgarh

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine with Allopathic system

    Source: Government of India (2)

    AYUSH

    Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine with Allopathic system

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ayush has taken multiple initiatives towards integration of Ayush systems of medicine including Ayurveda with Allopathic system:

    1. The Ayush Vertical under Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), established by the Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), serves as a dedicated institutional mechanism for planning, monitoring, and supervising Ayush-specific public health programs. This vertical provides technical support to both Ministries in developing strategies for public health, healthcare, Ayush education, and training.
    2. The Ministry of Ayush and MoH&FW have jointly established Integrated Ayush Departments in Central Government Hospitals to promote integrative healthcare. As part of this initiative, Department of Integrative Medicine has been set up and is operational at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi through All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi and Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi respectively. No separate funding is allocated for establishing these centres.
    3. An Advisory committee was constituted under the chairpersonship of Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog to study the existing knowledge and efficacy of different models of Integrative Medicine and its benefits at large and to propose a framework of comprehensive Integrative Health Policy.
    4. Government of India has adopted a strategy of Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), thus enabling the choice to the patients for different systems of medicines under a single window. The engagement of AYUSH doctors/ paramedics and their training is supported by the MoH&FW under National Health Mission (NHM), while the support for AYUSH infrastructure, equipment/ furniture and medicines are provided by the Ministry of Ayush under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) as shared responsibilities.
    5. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has undertaken research studies such as Operational study to explore the feasibility of integrating Ayurveda with modern system of medicine in a tertiary care hospital (Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi) for the management of Osteoarthritis (Knee), Feasibility of introducing the Indian System of Medicine (Ayurveda) in the National Reproductive and Child Health services at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level in Himachal Pradesh and Integration of AYUSH systems in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) and Feasibility of introducing Ayurveda Intervention in Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in PHCs of the Selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study). Details of the collaborative projects by the Council in the last five years are given in Annexure I.

     

    Further, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and CCRAS has taken an initiative to set up Ayush-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR), at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to conduct research on identified areas focusing on integrative healthcare under Extra Mural research Scheme of ICMR. Under this program, four research areas in four AIIMS have been identified, which are as follows:

     

    1. AIIMS Delhi:
      1. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Gastro-intestinal Disorders
      2. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Women and Child Health
    2. AIIMS Jodhpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health
    3. AIIMS Nagpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Cancer Care
    4. AIIMS Rishikesh: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health.

     

    1. In All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, integrative medical services are available under, Centre for Integrative Cancer Therapy, Centre for Integrative Dentistry, Centre for Integrative Critical Care & Emergency Medicine, Centre for Integrative Orthopedics, Centre for Integrative Dietetics and Nutrition and Causality OPD Section. Integrated services are also provided through Satellite Clinical Services Units established at Integrative Medical Services Unit at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Integrative Medical Services Unit AIIMS Jhajjar and Centre for Integrative Oncology at National Cancer Institute – AIIMS, Jhajjar.
    2. Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), conducts integrated research and also has visiting allopathic doctors for consultation.
    3. The Ministry of Ayush has been implementing the Central Sector Scheme namely Ayurswasthya Yojana since 2021-22. The Scheme has 02 components viz. (i) Ayush & public health (PHI) component and (ii) Upgradation of facilities to the centre of excellence. Under the Centre of Excellence, financial assistance is provided to support creative and innovative proposals of prestigious organizations with well-established buildings and infrastructure and wish to work for Ayush systems to the level of Centre of Excellence. Nine organizations of National repute have been funded under the Centre of Excellence component of Ayurswasthya Yojana under the activity-based/research-based Centre of Excellence for research and development to integrate the knowledge of Ayurveda with the modern system of medicine. Details of organizations are given at Annexure II.

    Annexure I

    LIST OF COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS OF LAST FIVE YEARS 2020-21 TO 2024-25

    1. COMPLETED PROJECTS

     

    S.

    No.

    Name of Project

    Name of the Collaborating Institutes

    1.

    Evaluation of Add on Efficacy & Safety of an Ayurvedic coded Formulation in the management of Dengue Fever & Prevention of its complications – A Double Blind Clinical Study

    National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, KLE University’s Department of Integrative Medicine, Kolar.

    2.

    A Randomized Placebo Controlled Prospective Phase II Clinical Study of an Ayurvedic Coded Drug ‘AYUSH-D’ on Glycemic control in Pre- Diabetic Subjects

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru

    AIIMS, New Delhi

    RRA Poddar Medical College, Mumbai

    KLEU’s        Shri       BMK                      Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgavi

    3.

    A Randomized Placebo Controlled Phase II Clinical Study of an Ayurvedic Coded Drug ‘AYUSH-D’ in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as add on Therapy to Metformin

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru

    AIIMS, New Delhi

    RRA Poddar Medical College, Mumbai

    Rajiv      Gandhi    PG    Govt               Ayurveda College, Paprola

    4.

    Multi-centric Collaborative Double Blind study on clinical evaluation of AYUSH-SL in chronic Filarial Lymphoedema in patients receiving mass drug administration Multi-centric Collaborative Double Blind study on clinical evaluation of AYUSH-SL in chronic Filarial Lymphoedema in patients receiving mass drug administration

    Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine (CSTM) in collaboration with CARI, Kolkata

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bhubaneswar

    Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Vijayawada

    5.

    Feasibility          of        introducing                          Ayurveda intervention in Reproductive and Child Health

    30 PHCs of Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra

    (RCH) in PHCs of selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study)

    6.

    Randomized control study to evaluate the efficacy of Ayush CCT and Rajyoga Meditation versus conventional treatment on clinical recovery and post-operative outcomes following elective adult cardiothoracic surgeries

    AIIMS, New Delhi

    7.

    Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of “Ayush- SS Granules” in exclusively breast feeding mothers with Insufficient Lactation (Stanyalpata)-A Randomized double blind placebo control Trial”

    Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi

    8.

    A comparative clinical study of Ayush LND a coded Ayurvedic formulation in the management of Asrigdara (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding)

    Regional Ayurveda Research Institute,, Nagpur

    Govt. Medical College, Nagpur

    9.

    A Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of Marma therapy in Lumbar disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.

    Uttrakhand         Ayurved                            University, Dehradun

    10.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda nutritional supplements and Yoga protocol in the prevention and reduction of the severity of Acute Mountain Sickness: an open-label randomized controlled study

    2118 field hospitals, Nimu/Leh under the AFMS, Northern Command of Indian Army

    11.

    A pilot study to assess the effect of intranasal oil instillation (Pratimarsha Nasya) on nasal barrier function among healthy individuals

    Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

    12.

    Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Sarpagandha Mishran) vs. Amlodipine in the management of stage-I Primary Hypertension

    AIIMS Delhi

    13.

    Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical study Ayurvedic coded drug AYUSH-A in the management of Bronchial Asthma (Tamaka Shwasa)

    AIIMS Delhi

    14.

    Study the physiological basis and gut bacterial modulation induced by Virechana Purgation therapy in the healthy adults: A prospective longitudinal study.

    Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi

    15.

    Morbidity and Healthcare-seeking behaviour of

    Directorate       General     Armed                         Force

    the patients visiting the Ayurveda healthcare facilities of the DGAFMS Hospitals: A multicentre cross-sectional survey study

    Medical Services- facilities

    16.

    A Randomized Controlled Study to Assess the Effect of Marsha Nasya Karma in Motor, Sensory, Memory and Cognitive Parameters elicited through f – MRI in Apparently Healthy Individuals.

    Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala

    17.

    Evaluation of Ayush-GMH in the subjects of mild to moderate Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-A double blind randomized control clinical study

    KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi ICMR – National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belegavi

    18.

    A randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of multimodal Ayurveda interventions in Jannu Sandhigatavata (Primary Knee – osteoarthritis)

    AIIMS Delhi

    19.

    Clinical evaluation of Ayurvedic management in Allergic Rhinitis- A Randomized controlled Trial

    Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi

     

    1. ONGOING PROJECTS

     

    S.

    No.

    Name of Project

    Name of the Collaborating Institutes

    1.

    A phase II trial to study efficacy, toxicity and imunomodulatory effect of Carctol-S in high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer at first serological relapse collaborative project.

    Tata Memorial Hospital ACTREC Mumbai & Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Mumbai

    2.

    Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of PTK as an add on therapy in the patients of Tuberculosis on ATT – A double blind randomized control clinical study

    KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi

    3.

    Evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention as add on to conventional treatment and explore the interaction of epigenetics, neuro/gut biomarkers and neuroimaging in pediatric ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacidity Disorder)

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru

    4.

    Double blind randomized placebo controlled multicentric clinical trial of Ayush M-3 in the management of Migraine.

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru

    5.

    Ayurveda therapeutic regiman as on Add-on

    to optimized conventional management of Parkinson’s disease: an RCT for assessment

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru

    of clinical Cortical excitability neuroimmune and Autonomic function parameters.

    6.

    Efficacy and safety of Ayurveda Formulation Trikatu as add on to standard care in Dyslipidemia – a randomized controlled trial

    AIIMS, Bhubaneswar

    7.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda regimen (mild purgation and internal oleation) in comparison with Allopathic regimen (Letrozole) along with Yoga module in the management of unexplained and anovulatory female infertility: A RCT

    IIT, Mandi

    8.

    Topical Oil Pooling (Karnapurana) with Kshirabala Taila and supple mentation of Ashwagandha churna (TOPMAC) in presbycusis – An exploratory randomized controlled trial

    Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences(ICCONS), Shoranur, Kerela

    9.

    Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Blinded End Point exploratory clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic regimen as an adjunct to Hydroxyurea in the management of Sickle cell disease.

    AIIMS, Bhopal

    10.

    A multi-center study to assess the treatment adherence & tolerability of Ayush SR in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    Shri B.M. Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgavi; Vaidyaratnam PS Varier Ayurveda College, Kotakkal; Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Bengaluru; Adichunchanagiri Ayurvedic Medical College, Bengaluru

    11.

    Impact of Mukta Shukti Bhasma and Saubhagya Shunti in reversal of bone mineral density among Lactating women consuming traditional diet foods in Maharashtra: A randomized Controlled preliminary clinical study

    ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai

    12.

    Efficacy of Ayurveda interventions (Hridyarnava Rasa and Harityakyadi yoga) as an add-on to standard care in Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) assessed through Global Longitudinal Strain Imaging Technique (GLSIT) – A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    Ayurvedic Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, Madhavbaugh, Pune

    13.

    Prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical study on Ayurvedic intervention (Pushkar guggulu & Haritaki churna) in the management of stable coronary artery disease.

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    14.

    A randomized double blind placebo control clinical study to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Swarnaprashan in moderately malnourished children.

    Sanjiv Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

    15.

    Randomized controlled trial of Anshumati Ksheer Paka in hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy

    Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

    16.

    Anemia control among adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission Utkarsh

    All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi;

    National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Public Health Foundation India’s IIPH- Delhi

    17.

    An exploratory series of n of 1 responder restricted study of Ayurveda regimen on quality of life among elderly population in Ballabgarh district of Haryana- A community based study.

    AIIMS, Ballabhgarh

    ANNEXURE II

     

    NINE ORGANIZATIONS OF NATIONAL REPUTE FUNDED UNDER CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE COMPONENT OF AYURSWASTHYA SCHEME TO INTEGRATE KNOWLEDGE OF AYURVEDA WITH MODERN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE AYURSWASTHYA SCHEME:

     

    S.

    No.

    Name of the Organization

    State

    Project Name

    Fund Released (Amount in Crore)

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    1.

    Tata Memorial Centre, (TMC) Mumbai

    Maharashtra

    Centre                          of

    Excellence   for

    Discovery and Development of AYUSH

    Medicine for Cancer Care

    –

    2.00

    1.62

    2.

    Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI),

    Lucknow

    Uttar Pradesh

    Center                          of

    Excellence                         for Fundamental and Translation Research            in

    Ayurveda          at Central Drug Research Institute

    –

    2.00

    1.99

    3.

    Jawaharlal Nehru University, (JNU) New Delhi

    Delhi

    Functional-based CoE on Ayurveda

    and                Systems Medicine

    –

    1.01

    2.44

    4.

    Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

    Delhi

    Centre                          of

    Excellence         in Sustainable Ayush             for Advanced technological solutions, startup support and net zero            sustainable solutions    for

    Rasausadhies

    –

    2.00

    1.14

    5.

    Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru

    Karnataka

    Centre                          of

    Excellence                          in

    Diabetes                        and Metabolic Disorders

    –

    2.00

    1.82

    6.

    Centre for

    Delhi

    Centre                          of

    2.05

    2.04

    –

    Integrative Medicine and Research (CIMR), AIIMS

    New Delhi

    Excellence                         for

    Yoga                          &

    Ayurveda

    7.

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS),

    Bangalore

    Karnataka

    Centre                          of

    Excellence         in Ayush Research

    0.85

    0.37

    –

    8.

    Institute of Liver and                  Biliary Sciences (ILBS)

    Delhi

    Effects of Indian Foods                        and Ayurvedic  drugs

    on healthy and diseases Liver

    2.61

    –

    –

    9.

    Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Jodhpur

    Rajasthan

    Centre                          of

    Excellence         in AYURTech                   for Integrative Precision                   Health and Medicine

    –

    4.00

    –

    Total

    5.51

    15.42

    9.01

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

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    (Release ID: 2114965)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systems

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Under the National AYUSH Mission an amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs released as financial assistance to State/UT during the last five years for overall promotion of Ayush systems

    Ministry of Ayush approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals for establishment during the last five years

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM) through State/UT Governments. Under NAM, as per the proposals received from State/UT Governments through their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) during the last five years, a consolidated amount of Rs. 276529.87 Lakhs has been released as financial assistance to them for different activities and overall promotion of Ayush systems as per the provision of NAM guidelines.

    Under NAM, as per the proposals submitted by State/UT Governments through their SAAPs, the Ministry of Ayush has approved 145 Integrated Ayush Hospitals (IAHs) for establishment during the last five years. The State and district-wise status of approved IAHs is furnished at Annexure-I. Further, existing Ayush Hospitals and Dispensaries have also been supported under the activities of supply of medicines & upgradation of Ayush hospitals/dispensaries during the last five years as per the proposals received from States/UTs through SAAPs.

    Ayush Gram is a concept wherein villages will be selected for adoption of principles and practice of Ayush way of life and interventions of health care. As per NAM guideline, there is a provision of financial assistance of Rs. 3.0 lakhs per unit covering 2000-3000 population in 2-3 villages in a block. As per the proposals received by the States/UTs through SAAPs, 699 number of Ayush Gram units have been supported under Ayush Gram in the country during the last five years but district-wise data is not being maintained in the Ministry. The State/UT-wise status of approved Ayush grams is furnished at Annexure -II.

    Annexure-I State and district-wise status of approved Integrated Ayush Hospitals during last five

    years under NAM

    S.No.

    State/UT

    District

    Bedded

    1.

    Andaman & Nicobar

    Island

    South Andaman

    50

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    Kakinada

    50

    Visakhapatnam

    50

     

    3.

     

    Arunachal Pradesh

    West Kameng

    50

    Lower Siang

    50

    Upper Siang

    10

    East Kameng

    10

    Lower Subansiri

    10

     

    4.

     

    Assam

    Goalpara

    50

    Majuli

    50

    Kokrajhar

    50

    Baksa

    50

    Morigaon

    50

    Nagaon

    50

    KarbiAnglong

    30

    Bajali

    10

    5.

    Bihar

    Patna

    50

    6.

    Chandigarh

    Chandigarh

    50

     

    7.

     

    Chhattisgarh

    Janjgir-Champa

    10

    Mahasamund

    10

    Korea

    10

    Korba

    10

    Uttar BastarKanker

    10

    Narayanpur

    10

    Bijapur

    10

    DakshinBastarDantewada

    10

    Balod

    30

    8.

    Dadra Nagar Haveli and

    Daman & Diu

    Dadra and Nagar Havel

    50

    9.

    Goa

    North Goa

    50

    South Goa

    50

    10.

    Gujarat

    Surat

    50

    11.

    Haryana

    Hisar

    50

    12.

    Himachal Pradesh

    Kullu

    50

     

    13.

     

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Kishtwar

    50

    Kupwara

    50

    Kathua

    50

    Kulgam

    50

    Samba

    50

    Baramulla

    10

    14.

    Jharkhand

    Ranchi

    50

    Gumla

    10

    Bokaro

    10

    Deoghar

    10

    Palamu

    10

    Dumka

    10

    East Singhbum

    50

     

    15.

     

    Karnataka

    Gadag

    50

    Dakshina Kannada

    50

    Shivamogga

    10

     

    16.

     

    Kerala

    Thrissur

    50

    Kannur

    50

    Pathanamthitta

    10

    Palakkad

    50

    Kollam

    30

    Wayanad

    30

    Idukki

    30

    Pathanamthitta

    30

    Thiruvanthapuram

    50

    Thiruvanthapuram

    50

    17.

    Lakshadweep

    Lakshadweep

    30

     

    18.

     

    Maharashtra

    Nandurbar

    30

    Sindhudurg

    30

    Pune

    30

    Osmanabad

    50

    Ahmednagar

    30

    Jalgaon

    30

    Jalna

    50

    Thane

    50

    Nagpur

    50

     

    19.

     

    Manipur

    Tengnoupal

    50

    Churachandpur

    50

    Imphal East

    50

    Chandel

    10

    Jiribam

    10

    Kangpokpi

    10

    Bishnupur

    10

    Noney

    10

    Thoubal

    10

    Senapati

    10

     

    20.

     

    Madhya Pradesh

    Bhopal

    50

    Indore

    50

    Narsinghpur

    50

    Anuppur

    50

    Khargone

    50

    Balaghat

    50

    Sehore

    50

    Guna

    50

    Panna

    50

    Bhind

    50

    Barwani

    30

     

    21.

     

    Meghalaya

    East Khasi Hills

    50

    RiBhoi

    50

    West Jaintia Hills

    30

    22.

    Mizoram

    Aizwal

    50

    Saitual

    10

     

    23.

     

    Nagaland

    Noklak

    30

    Kohima

    50

    Mokokchung

    50

    Longleng

    30

    Kiphire

    30

    Mon

    30

    Zunheboto

    30

    24.

    Odisha

    Dhenkanal

    50

    Balasore

    50

    25.

    Puducherry

    Puducherry

    50

    Yanam

    50

     

    26.

     

    Rajasthan

    Sikar

    50

    Sawaimadhopur

    50

    Bharatpur

    50

    27.

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    50

    Gangtok

    30

    28.

    Tamil Nadu

    Namakkal

    50

    Chennai

    50

     

    29.

     

    Telangana

    Siddipet

    50

    Vikarabad

    50

    JayashankarBhupalapally

    50

    30.

    Tripura

    West Tripura

    50

    South Tripura

    50

     

    31.

     

    Uttar Pradesh

    Jaunpur

    30

    Kaushambi

    50

    Sonbhadra

    50

    Jalaun

    50

    SantKabir Nagar

    50

    Saharanpur

    50

    Deoria

    50

    Lalitpur

    50

    Amethi

    50

    Kanpur Dehat

    50

    Ballia

    50

    Raebareli

    50

    Baghpat

    50

    Fatehpur

    50

    Shrawasti

    50

    Unnao

    50

    Hardoi

    50

    Gorakhpur

    50

    Sambhal

    50

    Mirzapur

    50

     

    32.

     

    Uttarakhand

    TehriGarhwal

    50

    Champawat

    50

    PauriGarhwal

    50

    Haridwar

    10

    Nainatal

    10

    Haridwar

    50

    33.

    West Bengal

    PaschimMedinipur

    50

    Annexure II

    State/UT- wise status of supported villages under Ayush Gram concept during the last five years

    Sr.No.

    States/UTs

    Total

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    7

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    13

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    2

    4

    Assam

    4

    5

    Bihar

    10

    6

    Chandigarh

    0

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    8

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli Daman & Diu

    13

    9

    Delhi

    0

    10

    Goa

    10

    11

    Gujarat

    110

    12

    Haryana

    22

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    0

    14

    Jammu & Kashmir

    20

    15

    Jharkhand

    97

    16

    Karnataka

    0

    17

    Kerala

    64

    18

    Lakshadweep

    6

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    201

    20

    Maharashtra

    9

    21

    Manipur

    2

    22

    Meghalaya

    35

    23

    Mizoram

    7

    24

    Nagaland

    2

    25

    Odisha

    7

    26

    Puducherry

    0

    27

    Punjab

    0

    28

    Rajasthan

    5

    29

    Sikkim

    0

    30

    Tamil nadu

    0

    31

    Telangana

    10

    32

    Tripura

    1

    33

    Uttar Pradesh

    25

    34

    Uttrakhand

    0

    35

    West Bengal

    8

    36

    Ladakh

    9

    Total

    699

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today’

    ****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Blue Economy

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has taken note of the imminent threat to the Blue Economy posed by climate change, which may affect the livelihoods of fishermen and other coastal communities. In this regard, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in consultation with the coastal State Governments, has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages situated close to the coastline as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV). The activities promoted in the identified coastal fishermen villages under PMMSY are need-based facilities, including development of common facilities like fish drying yards, fish processing centers, fish markets, fishing jetties, ice plants, cold storages, and emergency rescue facilities. The Government is also promoting the climate-resilient livelihoods like aquaculture, especially the mariculture of seaweed, food and ornamental fishes, bivalves etc. through the schemes of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. Further, for livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fisher’s families during fish ban/lean period and insurance cover to fishers are also provided under the PMMSY scheme. Additionally, the ICAR-Fisheries Research Institutes have been contributing to promote inland and marine aquaculture activities through ongoing research, technology development, and capacity-building programs with funding support of the Government of India.

    The Department of Fisheries, Government of India has not received any assistance from the  Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in this regard. However, to combat marine plastic pollution, particularly from fishing and maritime sectors, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has been actively engaged in the global and regional efforts like Glolitter Partnership Project and Reglitter Project both of which are jointly implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Food, and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO). These projects focus on preventing and reducing Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) from sea-based sources, with an emphasis on addressing abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and wastes from ships. The Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and NORAD with co-financing from member countries and being implemented by the FAO in partnership with regional organizations viz. Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) in its member countries, including India. The BOBLME Project is promoting the concept of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) that aims to integrate ecological health, social equity, and economic sustainability, ensuring that fisheries management addresses broader ecosystem and community needs. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India hosted the FAO Workshop on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance and Strengthen of Fisheries Management Measures in the Indo-Pacific Region, organized by BOBP-IGO and NFDB during 16th -19th  October, 2023. Over 15 Regional Fisheries Bodies from the region participated in the event and identified potential areas for collaboration and the capacity development needs in mainstreaming climate change in fisheries management.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by Acting CE at Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit Principal Dinner (English only) (with photo/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by Acting CE at Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit Principal Dinner (English only) (with photo) 
    Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good evening. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to tonight’s Principal Dinner, on the eve of the third annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit.
     
    Allow me to begin by thanking our Hong Kong dancers for their elegant and innovative approach to the traditional Chinese lion dance – tonight performed as a lion ballet dance. That mingling of Asian and Western cultures is very much in keeping with today’s Hong Kong, the world’s rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
     
    Hong Kong’s singular role as a gainful bridge between East and West is why many of you are here, with us, from all over the world – from Mainland China and throughout Asia, from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and beyond. And while our Chief Executive, John Lee, is unfortunately away on a duty visit, I am delighted to be your host for this evening’s gala dinner.
     
    Over these next few days, I invite you to immerse yourselves in all that Hong Kong has to offer – to discover, first-hand, why our city is the leading choice for family offices.
     
    And for good reason. Hong Kong is a super-connector bringing together people and ideas. We are a platform for visionaries looking to create lasting legacies, a dynamic hub where your offices and families can flourish.
     
    The theme of this year’s Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, “Hong Kong of the World, for the World,” smartly reflects that reality, spotlights our commitment to international collaboration and mutual rewards.
     
    Hong Kong’s advantages are clear and unique. Our “one country, two systems” framework ensures close and beneficial ties with our country and deep connectivity with the rest of the world.
     
    It helps, too, that Hong Kong is China’s international financial centre and one of the world’s major financial centres. In the latest Global Financial Centres Index, out last week, Hong Kong maintained its position as the world’s third-ranked financial centre, and the top in the Asia-Pacific. In the Index’s “human capital,” “infrastructure” and “financial sector development” areas, Hong Kong climbed to second, worldwide, while our rankings in “business environment” and “reputational and general” rose to third, globally.
     
    We are at the forefront of digitalisation, too, the first government to issue tokenised green bonds, demonstrating our flexibility and support for financial technology.
     
    And we will soon publish a second policy statement on virtual assets, including advancing stablecoin regulations to set a new global standard for the future of digital finance.
     
    Hong Kong is also a hub for world-class events such as this evening’s. We bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators to help shape the future of finance, technology and sustainability.
     
    Yesterday, the Milken Institute held its second Global Investors’ Symposium, attracting senior players from finance, business, technology, healthcare, philanthropy and government.
     
    It’s just one of a number of events making up our “Wealth & Investment Mega-Event Week”. The HSBC Global Investment Summit opened earlier today. On Thursday, we have the Bloomberg Family Office Summit. And the World Economic Forum is hosting several sustainability-themed events here, including Friday’s One Earth Summit.
     
    Our commitment to creating an enriching environment extends beyond finance and investment. Earlier this month, we opened Kai Tak Sports Park, the striking, pearl-like landmark rising from the waterfront in East Kowloon.
     
    The world-class venue features a 50 000-seat stadium, complete with a retractable roof, and stunning views to Victoria Harbour from the South Stand. The 100-metre Champions Bar will be a popular watering hole this weekend, given that the renowned Hong Kong Sevens kicks off on Friday.
     
    And there’s more, much more, on tap this month in Hong Kong. Art Basel Hong Kong opens this week, featuring more than 240 galleries from 42 countries and regions. And the five-day Art Central opens tomorrow, spotlighting Asian galleries and emerging artists.
     
    Family offices, let me add, are no less critical to Hong Kong’s flourishing future.
     
    At the inaugural Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, in 2023, we issued a Policy Statement setting out our strategic vision for family offices.
     
    The majority of the Policy Statement’s eight initiatives have already been implemented, I’m pleased to tell you.
     
    They include establishing a dedicated FamilyOfficeHK team within Invest Hong Kong. To date, the team has helped more than 160 family offices set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.
     
    We’ve also launched the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, designed to attract asset owners to invest and reside in Hong Kong.
     
    And, more good news, a series of enhancement measures are now in place. They include recognising jointly owned assets and investments through specified family-owned entities. And that works well with the tax concession regime we introduced in 2023 for single-family offices.
     
    We are, let me add, expanding tax concessions for single-family offices, increasing the types of qualifying transactions. Add it up, and I think you’ll agree with me that Hong Kong is one of the world’s most attractive destinations for asset owners.
     
    More good reason to turn to Hong Kong for your family office future. You’ll be in good company, with more than 2 700 single-family offices now operating here.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we’re just one group photo away from a fine dinner and a fabulous evening.

    ​I wish you all a rewarding Summit and a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 20:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $690 million for critical road projects in South Australia

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, and investing in the transport infrastructure that South Australians need.  

    The 2025-2026 Federal Budget delivers funding for three new projects including: 

    • $525 million for the High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN)
    • $125 million for the Curtis Road Level Crossing Removal
    • $40 million for Main South Road upgrade – Myponga to Yankalilla

    The HPVN will deliver upgrades between the South Eastern Freeway and Sturt Highway such as the duplication of the Swanport Bridge and Murray Bridge Township Bypass in Monarto. 

    The project will provide the necessary infrastructure to enable higher productivity vehicles to bypass Adelaide resulting in fewer trips with reduced vehicle carbon emissions, increased freight efficiency and improved safety for all road users.

    Removal of the Curtis Road Level Crossing in Munno Para in northern Adelaide will eliminate the need for road traffic to interact with the Gawler passenger rail line.

    The project will improve safety and support the significant housing development in the region, improving residents’ access to employment, education and recreational services by reducing road and rail network conflicts. The project will also improve travel times within the northern growth area of Adelaide.

    The Main South Road upgrade – Myponga to Yankalilla will deliver critical safety improvement works along Main South Road between Myponga and Yankalilla, including:

    • two new overtaking lanes
    • targeted curve easing and road widening; and 
    • widening narrow bridges and culverts

    Its completion will create a safer environment for all road users in the area.  

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King: 

    “In this Budget, the Albanese Government is investing in infrastructure in South Australia – in the projects that are needed to make our roads safer, our freight networks more resilient and our transport links better serve communities. 

    “Our Government is committed to working with the Malinauskas Labor Government are get these projects done.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost:

    “I have been advocating for appropriate and safer traffic solutions for years, in fact since before I was elected. The Liberals, including the previous Member for Boothby, made a complete mess of it, cancelling Globelink and proposing an unsafe inadequate alternative. 

    “Through the investment in this Budget, and these critical new projects, Labor is building South Australia’s future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Loan for Fishermen

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    In the year 2018-19, Government of India has extended the facility of Kisan Credit Card to fishers and fish farmers to meet their working capital requirements. Under the scheme, farmers receive KCC loans up to Rs.2.00 Lakhs (fishers & fish farmers) at a subsidized interest rate of 7%. To facilitate this, an up-front interest subvention (IS) of 1.5% is provided to financial institutions by the Govt. of India and additionally, farmers who repay their loans promptly on time, receive a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI), effectively reducing the interest rate to 4% per annum. Besides, the collateral-free loan limit for KCC fisheries has also been enhanced  from Rs.1.60 lakh to Rs. 2.00 lakh from 01.01.2025. Moreover, in the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government of India has increased the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) lending limit of loans up to ₹5 lakh to enhance credit accessibility for fishers, farmers, processors and other fisheries stakeholders under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme. Till date, 4,63,492  KCC cards have been issued to fishers and fish farmers with a loan amount of Rs. 2982.58 crore in all States/UTs.

    Besides, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with effect from financial year 2018-19 is implementing Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore.  FIDF inter-alia provides concessional finance for development of various fisheries infrastructure facilities to the Eligible Entities (EEs), including State Governments/Union Territories, State entities and other Stakeholders for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities.  Under FIDF, the Department of Fisheries provides interest subvention up to 3% per annum for providing the concessional finance by the NLEs at the interest rate not lower than 5% per annum. A total of 141 projects with outlay of Rs.3947.54 crore have been approved under FIDF.

    Further, in order to provide social security measure to fishers, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India under ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) provides Group accidental insurance coverage to fishers wherein the entire insurance premium amount is borne by the Central and State Government, with no contribution from the beneficiary. The insurance coverage provided includes (i) Rs.5,00,000/- against death or permanent total disability, (ii) Rs.2,50,000/- for permanent partial disability and (iii) hospitalization expenses in the event of accident for a sum of Rs. 25,000/. During the last three years (2021-22 to 2023-24) and current financial year (2024-25) of the implementation of the PMMSY, 131.30  lakh fishers with an average of 32.82  lakh fishers annually have been enrolled for providing insurance coverage under the Scheme.

      This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Global CEO of Eli Lilly, world’s pioneer Insulin manufacturing Company, David Ricks called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to discuss strengthening partnership, with a focus on Insulin and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) therapies as well as biomanufacturing

    Source: Government of India

    Global CEO of Eli Lilly, world’s pioneer Insulin manufacturing Company, David Ricks called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to discuss strengthening partnership, with a focus on Insulin and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) therapies as well as biomanufacturing

    The talks also covered the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for insulin therapies, as well as clinical trials for advanced treatment options

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Global CEO of Eli Lilly, world’s pioneer Insulin manufacturing Company, David Ricks called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh to discuss strengthening partnership, with a focus on Insulin and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) therapies as well as biomanufacturing.

    Eli Lilly, a global pharmaceutical giant headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and a global pioneer in Insulin production for Diabetes and several other drugs particularly for Cancer etc has a significant presence in India through its subsidiary, Eli Lilly and Company (India) Pvt. Ltd. The company imports and markets medicines for diabetes, gastric cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other critical diseases. Its operations also extend to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka through partnerships with local pharmaceutical firms.

    The talks also covered the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for insulin therapies, as well as clinical trials for advanced treatment options.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh, himself a renowned Endocrinologist, emphasized on carrying out studies particularly for India, as there is difference in metabolic disorders faced in India and the rest part of the world. He stressed that food habits and phenotype are different thus central obesity and visceral obesity is quite prevalent.

    With diabetes being a major health concern in India, discussions on expanding insulin production and accessibility hold immense significance. Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has been vocal about leveraging biotechnology for affordable healthcare solutions, welcomed the dialogue, emphasizing India’s growing capabilities in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. The conversation aligns with the government’s broader push for self-reliance in drug manufacturing and innovation in life sciences.

    Referring to India’s push for affordable healthcare for all and the importance of generic medicine, Dr. Jitendra Singh said “Both Generic Medicine and advancement in specialized medicine can co-exist in India.

    Eli Lilly’s engagement aligns with the government’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in drug manufacturing and advancing innovation in life sciences. Dr. Jitendra Singh has emphasized that bio-manufacturing plays a crucial role in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing import dependence and ensuring wider access to cutting-edge therapies. He has pointed out that India’s robust pharmaceutical industry, evolving biotech ecosystem, and highly skilled scientific workforce position the country as a potential global leader in bio-manufacturing. The Minister has also highlighted the importance of government-industry collaboration in accelerating research, streamlining regulatory processes, and driving innovation, particularly in insulin production and treatments for non-communicable diseases.

    Eli Lilly’s engagement with India comes at a time when the country is focusing on bolstering its pharmaceutical industry, not just for domestic needs but also as a global supplier. The potential establishment of a Centre of Excellence could serve as a critical step in making insulin therapies more accessible, reinforcing India’s role in combating lifestyle diseases.

    The meeting underscores the increasing collaboration between global pharmaceutical firms and the Indian government, with a shared vision of enhancing healthcare accessibility and advancing research in non-communicable diseases.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRAI responds to the DoT’s back-reference in respect of the TRAI’s recommendations dated 24.04.2024 on ‘Telecommunication Infrastructure Sharing, Spectrum Sharing, and Spectrum Leasing’.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today issued its response to the back-reference received from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in respect of TRAI’s recommendations dated 24.04.2024 on ‘Telecommunication Infrastructure Sharing, Spectrum Sharing, and Spectrum Leasing’.

    Earlier, DoT, through a reference dated 07.12.2021 under Section 11 (1) (a) of the TRAl Act, 1997, requested TRAI to provide recommendations on allowing sharing of core network elements such as MSC, HLR, IN etc., among telecom operators. Subsequently, DoT, through a reference dated 10.02.2022, mentioning its earlier reference dated 07.12.2021, informed that “to promote optimum resource utilization among the licensees, it is proposed to allow sharing of all kinds of telecom infrastructure and network elements among all categories of service providers licensed under the Section 4 of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 for provision of authorized telecom services”, and requested TRAI to provide recommendations on the subject.

    Considering the request of stakeholders to permit inter-band spectrum sharing and leasing of spectrum in the country, the Authority decided to take up the issues related to spectrum sharing and spectrum leasing along with the issues related to infrastructure sharing in the stakeholders’ consultation.

    After a comprehensive consultation with stakeholders, TRAI sent its recommendations on ‘Telecommunication Infrastructure Sharing, Spectrum Sharing, and Spectrum Leasing’ to DoT on 24.04.2024.

    Subsequently, DoT, through a back-reference dated 13.02.2025, informed TRAI that as per Section 11(1) of the TRAI Act 1997 (as amended), such recommendations on ‘Telecommunication Infrastructure Sharing, Spectrum Sharing, and Spectrum Leasing’ dated 24.04.2024, where the Government has reached a prima-facie conclusion that these recommendations may not be accepted or may need modification are being referred back to TRAI for its reconsideration.

    In this regard, after a careful examination, TRAI has sent its response to the back-reference to DoT. TRAI’s response to the back-reference has also been placed on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in).

    For any clarification or information, Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-20907758.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Assistant to Fishermen

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The uniform ban on fishing for 61 days is implemented annually by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India beyond territorial waters on both the coasts for 61 days (i.e., 15th April to 14th June in the East Coast, and 1st June to 31st July in the West Coast) based on the recommendations of the Technical Committee and in consultation with the coastal States/Union Territories (UTs). The traditional non-motorized units are exempted from this uniform fishing ban imposed in the Indian EEZ beyond territorial waters. Similarly, the coastal States/UTs are also implementing the fishing ban within their territorial waters in line with the uniform ban implemented in the EEZ. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, the livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional fishers is provided during the fishing ban/lean period. Livelihood and nutritional support for 5,97,709 fisher families has been provided annually during fishing ban/lean period, at a total investment of Rs.1059.94 crores during 2020-21 to 2023-24.

    As informed by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, there has been an import of fish and fish products worth 722.01 million USD to India in the last 3 years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24), including import in the state of Tamil Nadu. As informed by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, there has been an export of fish and fish products worth 23,235.78 million USD from India in the last 3 years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24), including fish and fish products worth 2,607.99 million USD from the state of Tamil Nadu.

    In order to promote the export of marine products, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has taken several steps, these inter-alia include support through PMMSY for branding, standards and certification, training and capacity building, creation of post-harvest infrastructure with emphasis on seamless cold-chain and development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centers, etc. In addition, to address the critical infrastructure requirements of fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the Department of Fisheries, GoI during 2018-19 has created the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore to provide concessional finance to states/UT and private sector. In this regard the supported activities included development of 27,823 ice plant /cold storages and transportation facilities with an investment of ₹1362 Cr, acquisition of 1398 Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (₹ 1310 Cr) and up-gradation of 1338 fishing vessels (₹ 193.64 Cr). Further, Department of Fisheries has also approved the projects for export oriented fish species such as Scampi, Mud crab, Asian Seabass, Cobia etc. and supported the state-of-the-art aquaculture production technologies like RAS and Biofloc. In addition, Department of Fisheries, GoI has notified Tuna Cluster in the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Seaweed Cluster in the Lakshadweep and has issued the Guidelines for promoting diversified species and Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBCs)/Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMCs) under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 (amended in 2023). Apart from this, to ensure the sustainability and uninterrupted supply of Indian seafood material to the US Market, the Department is supporting a Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Project at the cost of around ₹ 13.29 Cr. In order to meet the requirements of the export markets for wild-caught shrimp, the Department of Fisheries is facilitating the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in shrimp trawlers by including TEDs as a separate line item under the PMMSY scheme, and has advised the maritime states/UTs to mandate TED usage in trawl nets through amendments in their respective Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts. To strengthen India’s seafood sector globally, the Government is facilitating ease of business by amending Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act (Amendment) 2023. In addition, the Department is conducting Investors meets, Stakeholders consultation and also advising the States/UTs to encourage the farmers to attend the technical and demonstration workshops/training programs related to seed and feed, technology infusion, ornamental fisheries, hatchery technologies etc. on periodic basis in order to increase in productivity and quality of fishery produce.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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