More Investment, More Jobs, and More Money in Americans’ Pockets
Today, Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment in the United States — including $5.8 billion for a new steel plant in Louisiana, which will create nearly 1,500 jobs. The investment, which builds on Hyundai’s pledge earlier this year to “further localize production in the U.S.,” is the latest success in President Donald J. Trump’s pursuit of a Made in America renaissance.
It’s further proof that President Trump’s economic agenda is working.
Hyundai is far from the only automaker planning major investments as President Trump leverages tariffs to remake the U.S. into a global manufacturing powerhouse:
Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network — including re-opening an Illinois manufacturing plant — as it pledges to increase domestic vehicle production.
Volkswagen is considering shifting production of the high-end Audi and Porsche brands to the U.S.
Honda is expected to produce its next-generation Civic hybrid model in Indiana.
Nissan is considering moving production from Mexico to the U.S.
Rolls-Royce is expected to “ramp up” production in the U.S. by hiring more American workers and expand its U.S.-based operations.
Volvo is considering expanding its U.S.-based output.
It’s not just the auto sector; domestic and foreign companies have pledged trillions in new investments since President Trump took office:
Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
Nvidia announced it will invest hundreds of billions of dollars over the next four years in U.S.-based manufacturing.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment in domestic manufacturing.
United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
Merck announced it will invest $8 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility.
Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announcedplans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
Samsung is considering moving its dryer production from Mexico to South Carolina.
LG is considering moving its refrigerator manufacturing from Mexico to Tennessee.
Italian spirits group Campari is “assessing the opportunities to expand its production in the U.S.”
Essity, a Swedish hygiene product manufacturer, is considering shifting production to the U.S.
Taiwan-based Compal Electronics is considering a U.S.-based expansion.
Taiwan-based Inventec is expected to expand its manufacturing operations into Texas.
LVMH, a French luxury giant, is “seriously considering” an expansion to its U.S.-based production capabilities.
Cra-Z-Art, the biggest toymaker in the U.S., said it will move a “large percentage” of its China-based manufacturing back home.
Prepac, a Canadian furniture manufacturer, announced it will move production from Canada to the U.S.
Alberta’s government is committed to strengthening primary health care, ensuring every Albertan has access to a primary health care provider no matter where they live. This new compensation model is designed to not only support physicians in their essential work but also to enhance access to family doctors across the province.
Developed in partnership with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), this model was announced in December following months of collaboration. With the AMA meeting the threshold of 500 enrolled physicians, the program is now set to officially launch on April 1. As of March 24, 789 family physicians have signed up to receive compensation through the new model.
“Implementing the new primary care physician compensation model is an exciting milestone in our journey to strengthen Alberta’s primary health care system. The model will support family physicians and be a recruitment and retention tool to give more Albertans access to the primary care they need.”
The new compensation model will ensure Alberta’s family doctors are competitively paid while promoting patient-focused care. Incentives include increases for:
Maintaining high panel numbers (minimum of 500 patients), which will incentivize panel growth and improve access to primary care for patients.
Providing after-hours care to relieve pressure on emergency departments and urgent care centres.
Enhancing team-based care, which will encourage developing integrated teams that may include family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, dietitians and pharmacists to provide patients with the best care possible.
Adding efficiencies in clinical operations to simplify processes for both patients and health care providers.
Alberta’s government is committed to improving access to family physicians. This new model fosters growth while addressing patient complexity, striking a balance that enhances access to quality care for all Albertans.
“This new model will strengthen comprehensive, cradle-to-grave primary care. These practices are the foundation of our health care system. The model will help us to retain the family medicine specialists and rural generalists we already have and will go a long way toward attracting more to Alberta.”
“Family physicians welcome this announcement. For us, it signals government’s commitment to making primary care a priority within our health care system. I know many physicians are eager to begin working under this new model so they can stabilize their practices and focus on providing high-quality care to their patients.”
“Primary Care Alberta is pleased to see the extensive training, experience and leadership of family medicine specialists recognized. Primary care providers play an integral role in the health of Albertans. We look forward to working with government and family medicine specialists across the province to increase access to comprehensive primary care for all Albertans, particularly in rural and remote communities.”
“The PCPCM model is an important step forward in connecting every Albertan with a family physician and medical home.”
Alberta International Medical Graduate Program changes
Alberta’s government is also making changes to the Alberta International Medical Graduate Program (AIMG) to better support Albertans who are studying medicine abroad and help them complete their residency in Alberta. The program assesses the qualifications of Alberta international medical graduates (IMGs) to determine their eligibility for medical residency positions at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary, but it does not select who is chosen for a residency position.
The changes will adjust the graduation deadline and remove the requirement for an externship assessment, which previously required Alberta IMGs to complete a clinical assessment period in Alberta before beginning residency. Now, they can begin right after graduation. The application period for 2026 is from May 1 to May 30, 2025.
For the 2026 application cycle, applicants will be eligible if they graduate by July 1, 2026. Previously, applicants would have had to graduate by Dec. 31, 2025. These changes will make it easier for more Albertans to complete their residency here, helping to retain skilled health care professionals and build a stronger, more sustainable health care workforce for years to come.
Quick facts
If passed, Budget 2025 will provide $66.3 million for postgraduate medical education programs in 2025-26, including $2.3 million for the AIMG Program.
Alberta offered 55 IMG residency seats in 2025, with plans to expand to 70 by 2028, and additional IMGs will also have the opportunity to fill unfilled Canadian medical graduate seats.
Adjustments to the AIMG program will go into effect for the class of 2026; physicians wanting medical residency positions need to apply to the program in May 2025.
Related information
Primary care physician compensation model
Alberta International Medical Graduate Program
Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS)
Related news
New pay model, better access to family doctors (Dec. 19, 2024)
Competitive compensation for resident physicians (Oct. 9, 2024)
Modernizing how family doctors are paid in Alberta (April 17, 2024)
Stabilizing Alberta’s primary health care system (April 4, 2024)
Helping primary care providers support patients (Feb. 8, 2024)
New funding to stabilize primary health care (Dec. 21, 2023)
Strengthening health care: A collaborative effort (Oct. 24, 2023)
Strengthening health care: Improving access for all (Oct. 18, 2023)
March 24, 2025 – Grande Cache, Alberta – Correctional Service Canada
On March 18, 2025, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Grande Cache Institution, a medium-security federal institution.
The items seized included methamphetamine, cannabis concentrate, MDMA, steroids, vaping devices, and wireless earphones. The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $226,865.
The police have been notified and the institution is investigating.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors
CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.
CSC has also set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.
The toll-free number, 1 866 780 3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.
Police are continuing to investigate a crash on Symonds Steet in central Auckland on Monday afternoon.
Auckland City Road Policing Manager acting Inspector Scott Jones says five pedestrians were injured in the crash, two of which were treated at the scene.
“One man remains in a serious but stable condition in Auckland City Hospital, with two others recovering at home.”
Acting Inspector Jones says the 20-year-old driver has been arrested and charged with three counts of careless driving causing injury.
He has also been forbidden to drive.
“The driver has been bailed to appear in the Auckland District Court on 28 March,” acting Inspector Jones says.
“Our investigation is continuing into the circumstances of the crash, and we cannot rule out further charges being laid.”
Ka nui te mihi kia kotou, kia ora, and good morning everyone. To those of you visiting us from overseas, can I extend a very special welcome to each and every one of you. Welcome to New Zealand, welcome to the best country on planet Earth, and welcome to our stunning Auckland waterfront. And to all those Kiwis I see in the room today, thank you for being here and showcasing some of the extraordinary businesses and talent that exists in our business community. And it was a real pleasure to meet many of you informally last night, and my Ministers and I are really looking forward to spending much more time with you over the next two days. I meant it before when I said this is the best country on planet Earth. Because what makes New Zealand so very special and unique is our Kiwi Spirit which is exemplified in the qualities, character, and attitude of New Zealanders. For us, it‘s about resilience and determination, ingenuity and innovation, adventure and exploration, creativity and practical problem-solving, humility and mateship, fairness, and a deep care for our land and community. It’s no surprise that growing up in New Zealand, our heroes are Kiwi trailblazers and pioneers, people who have dared to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and leave a lasting mark on the world. From our early Māori explorers navigating vast oceans guided by the stars, to modern-day adventurers like Sir Edmund Hillary conquering Everest. To Ernest Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics, who split the atom and revolutionised our understanding of science. To Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck and his groundbreaking developments in rocket technology launching satellites into space. And Kate Shepperd, who secured New Zealand women the right to vote – the very first country in the world to do so. And our phenomenal athletes who show the world what determination and talent can achieve. Or the stunning world of The Lord of the Rings created by one of our most creative storytellers – Peter Jackson. We may be a small country, but time and again, we have proven that size is no barrier to greatness. From the peaks of Everest to the frontlines of social progress, from scientific breakthroughs to arts and sporting legends, Kiwis have led the way. And we’re living in an age when New Zealand has never been closer to the action – right in the middle of the booming Indo-Pacific with direct connections to Asia and North America. With the weight of global economic activity shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific and digital connections breaking down barriers, New Zealand has never been closer to the world. But for all our spirit and hard work, we also know New Zealand can’t do it alone. We’re a small country of around five million people like Ireland, Singapore, and Denmark. Just as those countries have prospered by tapping into larger markets, building stronger international connections, and fostering trade and investment, New Zealand needs to do the same. If we want our country to thrive, we need to work even harder to compete on the world stage – and, in particular, to unlock the commercial partnerships that will supercharge the next generation of growth in the New Zealand economy. That means the Government will work more with Industry to deliver much of the infrastructure and projects that will be showcased over the next two days. Many of your organisations will have extensive experience delivering outstanding world-class infrastructure to national and regional governments worldwide. I want New Zealand to seize every opportunity to partner with the private sector and deliver a fresh generation of infrastructure investment to unleash economic growth. But it’s not just infrastructure. I want to develop closer ties between outstanding New Zealanders and their companies based here, with investors and organisations based offshore. I also want to unlock more partnerships between indigenous Iwi Māori organisations and commercial investors, whether they are based in Auckland or Abu Dhabi, Dunedin or Denver. I want start-ups based in Christchurch and Hamilton fighting for seed capital in San Francisco and London – winning their share of global influence and success. Breaking perceptions about the New Zealand economy is critical to that. Yes, we have globally competitive dairy, film, and tourist industries, but our space industry is also operating at the cutting edge, ranking fourth in the world for launches behind the US, China, and Russia. Over the next two days, you will hear more about our plan to unleash growth and ensure New Zealand reaches its full potential. We want you to join us on that journey, and we will have several opportunities on display. That will include the opportunity to deliver infrastructure in partnership with the Crown – both in the form of immediate opportunities and the pipeline of projects going forward. It will include working with Iwi Māori organisations to grow their businesses as they make a multigenerational investment in their people. It will include opportunities in a range of specific sectors where we believe New Zealand has a unique role to play and where we expect the Government to focus its efforts on growth. In the very short term, we have made good economic progress in our first year in Government, although there’s still a long way to go. New Zealand is now in the early stages of a cyclical economic recovery, with growth beginning to pick up and unemployment expected to peak around its current rate. Inflation has fallen and now sits comfortably anchored within the Reserve Bank’s target band at 2.2%. Annual tourism expenditure was up 23% last year, and services and manufacturing activity have returned to growth after extended periods of contraction. Business confidence is at around its highest level in a decade. As confidence has risen, retail trade has picked up, and growth is expected to rise, hitting 3% in 2026. So, there’s now cause for optimism in the New Zealand economy that the recovery is underway and better days lie ahead. For policymakers here in New Zealand, that poses an opportunity – not just to watch the economic recovery, but to shape it. Step-changing economic productivity, lifting incomes, creating jobs, and unleashing the investment New Zealand needs to become much more prosperous. Which brings us to today. I know the only way we will raise incomes, lift New Zealanders’ standard of living, and fund the quality public services we rely on is by unlocking more investment, more innovation, and more entrepreneurship. Having broken inflation last year, our collective focus has now turned to shaping the economic recovery – ensuring we take every possible step to lift New Zealand’s economic performance. That renewed energy and effort forms the backdrop of this Summit. My Government is working around the clock to make New Zealand an outstanding place to do business. But before I highlight some of those reforms and my economic priorities as Prime Minister, I want to make a more fundamental point about New Zealand as an investment destination. New Zealand has been and will continue to be a poster child for social and political stability in a more volatile and challenging world. That reputation is long-standing, but in challenging times, it has come into sharper focus. We stand up for our values and live by them, too. That means respecting civil liberties, private property and private life, and the democratic and social institutions that underpin them. We consistently advocate for a rules-based international order that allows small countries like New Zealand to thrive. Free trade isn’t just an idea in New Zealand; it’s the bedrock of our prosperity. For farmers and growers living in rural New Zealand, it has allowed a modern economic miracle: the opportunity to not just collectively operate one of the most efficient agricultural sectors in the world but to live in some of the most stunning parts of the world while they do it. Finally, we might disagree sometimes – but we’re not disagreeable. Over the next two days, you will hear from various political leaders. You will hear from senior Ministers representing each of the three political parties in our Coalition Government, as well as Barbara Edmonds, the Labour Party’s Opposition Finance Spokesperson. It’s pretty normal in New Zealand for political parties to disagree with each other – often loudly, and sometimes even with my own Coalition colleagues. But I believe the broad political representation that is here demonstrates that most New Zealanders share the same motivations – higher incomes and more financial freedom, quality public services, and a long-standing belief that our best days lie ahead of us. When you look at all the tension, volatility, and strife in the world today, I think that makes us pretty special, and a very attractive destination for anyone looking to take shelter from the global storm. Political stability, however, is not an excuse for a lack of ambition. You should be under no illusions about my commitment to the Government’s growth agenda and the reforms we are pushing through to unleash investment in the New Zealand economy. Last month, Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis published our Government’s Going for Growth Agenda – we have copies for you here – which outlines a range of actions we are taking to get the New Zealand economy moving and realising its vast potential. Each of those actions fits into one of five pillars we have identified as critical to lifting economic growth and improving New Zealanders’ standard of living:
Developing talent, Encouraging innovation, science, and technology, Introducing competitive business settings, Promoting global trade and investment, And delivering infrastructure for growth.
Across each of those pillars, we have Ministers from across the Government working day and night to drive through reform – in transport, tourism, aquaculture, construction, advanced aviation, mining, energy, agriculture, and horticulture. Over the next two days, you will hear much more about our work programme in those areas that will play a critical role in the next phase of New Zealand’s growth story – with more information on a series of specific investable propositions available in the private sector. Among that reform programme are some significant changes designed to achieve a profound step change in the New Zealand economy that I would like to touch on today. For a start, we are clearing away decades of broken planning law – brick by brick. We have introduced the Fast Track regime, which streamlines the consenting process for projects that are regionally and nationally significant. In short, instead of seeking different permissions under different laws, under Fast Track, it’s all done in one place, with a faster process and fewer hurdles to getting underway. That regime is now up and running, and I know a number of projects have already submitted applications since it became operational last month. In short, if you want to build a wind farm, a highway, a quarry, hundreds of new homes, or any other regionally or nationally significant projects, we are busting down the doors to make it happen faster and cheaper. 149 projects have already been listed in legislation, but nothing prevents new projects from applying for referral into the scheme. And it doesn’t stop with Fast Track. Further planning reforms are also on the way, including a total replacement of the Resource Management Act. We are also eliminating the barriers to more significant investment in energy and generation to unleash abundant, affordable energy. The impact of unaffordable and unreliable energy on economic growth has been brought into the spotlight in recent years following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Industries in Europe that had historically relied on access to low-cost natural gas came under tremendous strain, putting pressure on growth and household incomes. In New Zealand, we are lucky that 85% of electricity generation is already renewable, thanks to decades of investment in hydro, wind, solar, and geothermal. But we can’t risk falling short in the years to come. So, as a Government, we are tearing down the barriers to fresh energy investment. That means introducing more permissive rules for renewables. But it also means ending restrictions on offshore oil and gas exploration – and providing certainty for market participants by confidently saying that gas has to be part of New Zealand’s energy mix going forward. At the same time, we are making it easier to invest in New Zealand from offshore. That started last year, with fresh directives to our Overseas Investment Office, which slashed processing times and made applications more predictable. Today, an application for offshore investment is approved within 18 days on average, compared to 28 days prior to those changes. And two weeks ago, we announced upcoming changes to legislation designed to further improve the timeliness and reliability of our overseas investment regime. We also announced just last month that, from April 1 this year, individuals who invest at least $5 million in New Zealand will be eligible for an Active Investor Visa, with a pathway to residency after three years. I know that for many of you from offshore in this room, that will be positive news. But as a New Zealander, I have to say it’s an even bigger deal for the sharp, ambitious Kiwis here and all around the country, who are hungry for capital and hungry to grow. We know the impact foreign investment has on local businesses. It’s not just the capital investment; it’s the skills, connections, and linkages into new markets. That translates into higher wages, more jobs, more money in Kiwi wallets, and more resilient businesses that make an even greater contribution in the community. We need more of it, especially for a small country hungry to grow like New Zealand, which is why I have invited many of you here today. I believe New Zealand’s best days are ahead of us—and we can make them happen if we get serious about partnering with commercial expertise to solve some of our biggest economic challenges and seize on the huge economic opportunities ahead of us. Helping to end New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit through private sector partnership. Fattening out our capital markets and opening up new sectors for growth. Strengthening our connections to the world, enhancing technology, lifting productivity, and opening new markets for our products and services. Over the next two days, you will hear from a range of leaders—cabinet Ministers, business leaders, and Iwi Māori leaders—who I know are committed to responding to our challenges and opportunities. There will also be plenty of time across both days for closer interactions and to discuss the opportunities and challenges that you are confronting in your own businesses. While you’re here, please also enjoy our hospitality and culture. We’re not just here to do business—we’re here to build relationships and make the case for New Zealand as an outstanding country to invest in, to visit, and to establish roots in. So once again, and on behalf of the New Zealand Government and the New Zealand people, welcome to this year’s Summit. I’m excited to get stuck in – and I can’t wait to hear more from you over the next two days about your approach to business and the difference you could make for growth, investment, jobs, and opportunity for us here in New Zealand. Thank you.
One week of night closures are coming for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill.
The route is set to be closed to traffic for five nights, 9 pm to 4 am, from Sunday, 6 April until Thursday, 10 April.
Because State Highway 2 over Remutaka Hill is narrow and winding, there is not enough space to accommodate traffic and maintenance equipment. A full closure allows maintenance works to be finished much faster and with fewer disruptions for traffic.
SH2 Remutaka Hill summit
Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says it will be the only full week of night closures between now and the middle of the year.
“While further closures are planned in May and June, both of these will only be for a single night.
She says work crews will be making the most of the closure to make sure the route is in the best possible shape for the wet winter months.
“They will be clearing slip and rockfall debris, replacing signs, as well as doing paving work and safety barrier repairs.”
“Keeping debris off the road and out of drains is essential. When it rains, we want to ensure water doesn’t run across the road as it is a safety risk,” Ms Hilliard says.
She says the resurfacing work and barrier repairs are critical too.
“A smoother road is a safer road and motorcyclists, in particular, have a higher crash rate compared to other vehicles on the Remutaka Hill. The safety barriers provide vital protection for them if things go wrong.”
She urges regular users of the route to ensure they are ready for the closures and to book an escorted crossing if they need to travel over the Remutaka Hill at night
“If you are not booked, you may not be able to join a crossing. We absolutely do not want drivers to be in this situation, given that the only detours are a much longer trip via the Paihiatua Track or Saddle Road,” Ms Hilliard says.
Important information for Remutaka Hill closures:
Escorted crossings are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
Full access is always available for emergency services.
More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website:
State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. January – June 2025:
A stretch of State Highway 3 either side of the new Waitara Road intersection roundabout will be rebuilt over the next 2 months.
Crews will begin the work next Monday (31 March), focussing initially on a section of SH3 south of the intersection with Waitara Road.
To complete this rebuild safely and efficiently, this section of SH3 will be closed at nights, from 8pm to 5.30am, Monday to Friday. During the day it will remain open under a temporary speed limit.
The work is expected to wrap up on Thursday 17 April.
During the work, a detour will be in place via Richmond Road, Kairau Road East, and Waitara Road at night. The detour will add 5 minutes to journey times.
Residents will continue to have access to their properties during the night closures.
Emergency services will also be able to travel through the site.
Crews are also planning a rebuild on SH3 north of the intersection to take place in May, and details will follow once confirmed.
Rebuilding the road involves removing the existing road surface and underlying road structure (pavement) and replacing it with new materials. This will boost the resilience and durability of that section of the road, ultimately benefiting the safety and efficiency of travel as well.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi understands the closures will be frustrating however by closing these sections at night, the work can be finished a lot quicker than if it was done under stop/go traffic management.
Please drive to the conditions and expect delays while driving the detour.
Construction on the Waitara Road roundabout will continue during the day, while the road is rebuilt at night.
Construction of the roundabout is progressing well. It is being built in stages and is expected to be complete later this year.
From late April to late May, we will start on Stage 4 of the Waitara Road roundabout which will see the completion of the roundabout.
Elsewhere on SH3, between New Plymouth and Tongapōrutu
Crews will begin work on Sunday 30 March to complete asphalt surfacing on SH3 at Strandon, between Paynters Avenue and Mangaorei Road. The work is expected to take 3 nights and during that time, a single lane closure will be in place but both directions of traffic will continue to use the site, with minimal delays.
Work to install a roundabout at the intersection of SH3 and Mangorei Road, south of New Plymouth continues, with much of the initial enabling works complete.
Crews will begin the reconstruction of the road at this intersection from Sunday 30 March.
This work will be completed at night (6pm-6am, excluding Friday and Saturday nights) under stop/go traffic controls, with access to/from Mangorei Road at SH3 closed during works.
During the day (6am-6pm), and on Friday and Saturday nights, SH3 will return to contraflow (two-way) traffic controls, with access to/from Mangorei Road open.
Last summer, a couple out exercising their dog took their usual walk around a local public reserve in Pukekohe.
As they passed a stormwater pond, something caught their eye: a vibrant green plant with purple flowers, floating on the water’s surface. It looked healthy, almost ornamental. Only a few months later, that seemingly innocent plant had exploded across three-quarters of the water’s surface, forming an impenetrable mat.
Cloverlea Reserve pond covered in pest water lilies.
Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) is a serious water weed and is infamous for its invasive, fast-growing nature. Given the right conditions, a single small infestation can double in size in just one to two weeks.
At first glance, water hyacinth may appear too pretty to be a problem with its stunning lilac-coloured flowers from mid-summer to early autumn, each stalk boasting up to 20 delicate blooms. But beneath its beauty lurks an ecological nightmare.
Water hyacinth doesn’t just spread outward – it grows downward, with roots extending up to a metre deep. It forms dense mats that can reduce water quality, change water flows and increase sediment, crowding out native aquatic plants and animals, altering ecosystems, destroying habitats, and blocking irrigation systems.
It is also an expert at long-term survival. Each water hyacinth flower, once fertilized, produces hundreds of tiny seeds that sink to the bottom of waterways where they can remain viable for three decades, waiting for the perfect conditions to sprout.
Water hyacinth is an unwanted organism in New Zealand, meaning it is illegal to sell, grow, display or distribute it. It is also a notifiable organism – so if you do spot it, you must report it immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand.
Thanks to the sharp eyes of the Pukekohe couple, the outbreak in their local park was identified before it could spread further. Biosecurity officers were able to remove the plants, and the pond will be monitored for the next 30 years.
Cloverlea Reserve after treatment.
What Can You Do?
Be on the lookout: Water hyacinth has round, glossy green leaves and distinctive lilac flowers.
Help spread awareness: This invasive water weed may seem like a good choice for aquariums or garden ponds, so many people don’t realize they are illegal and harmful.
Never release aquatic plants into the wild: Many invasive species start as discarded garden or pond plants. Biosecurity New Zealand can dispose of these pest plants safely.
New Zealand’s biosecurity depends on all of us. If you think you’ve found water hyacinth, report it to Biosecurity New Zealand at 0800 80 99 66 or https://report.mpi.govt.nz/
25 March 2025 – New research commissioned by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has highlighted barriers that can prevent some New Zealanders from opening bank accounts.
The research, titled First steps to financial inclusion, was conducted by ThinkPlace New Zealand and explored opening bank accounts from the perspective of frontline bank staff and customers. It found that certain groups were reported to be most likely to find it difficult to open a bank account, including recent migrants, rural communities, the elderly, people with disabilities, and trusts (including Māori trusts).
“Financial inclusion empowers people to manage money, build confidence, and engage in the economy. Addressing barriers to financial participation is a strategic priority aligned with our modernised legislation,” says Assistant Governor Simone Robbers.
Frontline banking staff play a key role in helping customers open accounts, but some participants reported that they are not able to open accounts for some people. From a survey of 722 frontline staff, a third of frontline staff said that they had not been able to open an account for someone often (on a monthly basis) or very often (on a weekly basis). Some of these cases may be temporary while others may be long term.
The most common barriers reported by participating staff include lack of proof of address, complex paperwork, lack of photo identification, language barriers and lack of access to a bank branch.
Other findings:
Risk appetite: 76% of participating staff noted being encouraged to take a cautious or very cautious approach to onboarding. Awareness: 60% of frontline staff reported that their employer had policies in place to support flexibility and exceptions for onboarding customers, 40% of frontline staff reported that their employer did not have such policies in place, or they were not sure. Staff training: Nearly half participating frontline staff said they were trained on how to apply flexibility in the onboarding process, while 31% said they had not been trained and 15% were not sure.
The research also highlighted existing practices that support financial inclusion, such as extra care teams, customer education, policy changes, and both digital and in-person onboarding.
“This research provides a snapshot of the onboarding experience in Aotearoa New Zealand and outlines the shifts needed to promote efficient and inclusive access to bank accounts,” Ms Robbers says.
While the research fills some gaps in understanding access to bank accounts, they also highlight the need for further research (for example, on the annual number of declined bank account applications). The insights from this report will help to inform our upcoming initiatives, including on Financial Inclusion Indicators, Māori Access to Capital, and our work with the Council of Financial Regulators on basic transaction accounts.
“The Reserve Bank remains committed to working with banks, regulators, and community groups to remove barriers and promote financial inclusion for all New Zealanders,” Ms Robbers says.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
PROVIDENCE, RI – Arbitrary mass-firings, field office closings, and deep staff cuts at the Social Security Administration (SSA) threaten the agency’s capacity to deliver for seniors and Americans with disabilities. This week, President Trump’s hand-picked temporary SSA boss threatened to shut down the entire agency over an unfavorable court ruling. Such an irresponsible move would jeopardize the delivery of monthly Social Security payments to millions of Americans. Yesterday, President Trump’s billionaire Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick went on a podcast hosted by fellow billionaires and doubled down on this threat and declared his 94-year old mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if her Social Security check didn’t arrive; only “fraudsters” would miss monthly Social Security payments; and people wouldn’t mind if the U.S. government stopped sending out Social Security checks for a month.
In response, U.S. Senator Jack Reed stated:
“I hope Secretary Lutnick washes his feet frequently because he seems to stick them in his mouth quite a bit.
“Trump’s cabinet is shamefully out of touch and clearly does not care about everyday Americans. President Trump and his billionaire golfing buddies have no use for Social Security. Their Project 2025 manifesto makes clear their intention to eliminate America’s social safety net in order to give themselves a bigger tax break.
“Americans pay into Social Security rightfully expecting it to deliver when they need it. Missing a check could mean missing the rent, missing a prescription, or going hungry. These folks don’t deserve to be denigrated by the Trump Administration and lumped in with ‘fraudsters.’
“Secretary Lutnick’s message is ‘don’t complain when the payments stop or it means you’re a fraud.’ First of all, there is no reason Social Security payments should be halted. Second, if they are, Americans have every right to complain and damn well should. And third, if the Trump Administration follows through with threats to shut Social Security down and stop people’s payments then they will be the ones investigated for fraudulent activity and more.
“If people aren’t getting their checks on time or if they can’t get through to someone at SSA who can assist, President Trump and his team are to blame and must be held accountable. Instead of shaming seniors, this Administration should be ashamed of itself.”
According to SSA data, over 7 million Americans 65 and older receive at least 90 percent of their income from Social Security.
Unelected billionaire Elon Musk, who heads up Trump’s so-called DOGE office claims there is “massive” fraud in the Social Security payment system and that it is an illegal “Ponzi scheme.” Lee Dudek, who Trump named as acting commissioner of the SSA, said this week that around $100 million is lost each year in direct deposit fraud, which would make up about 0.006 percent of the total sum paid out each year.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, The Atlantic reported that senior members of President Trump’s cabinet discussed highly classified military plans and operations over “Signal,” an commercial messaging app, and apparently mistakenly included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic in the group chat while active military missions were discussed and executed. The group chat included the Secretaries of Defense and State, as well as the National Security Advisor, CIA Director, and several other top Trump appointees.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response:
“If true, this story represents one of the most egregious failures of operational security and common sense I have ever seen. Military operations need to be handled with utmost discretion, using approved, secure lines of communication, because American lives are on the line. The carelessness shown by President Trump’s cabinet is stunning and dangerous. I will be seeking answers from the Administration immediately.”
A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty today to transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to sexually abuse the child and to accessing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, George “Travis” Woodfield, 41, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, drove an eleven-year-old child across state lines for an overnight trip to New York City in November 2018 in order to engage in sexual activity with the child. During the trip, Woodfield sexually abused the child in their hotel room. Further, between September 2015 and July 2024, Woodfield accessed numerous depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused.
Woodfield pleaded guilty to one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of accessing with intent to view child pornography, including that of a prepubescent minor. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced by the court on July 1 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Jennifer Toritto Leonardo and Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca J. Kulik for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Over the past ten years, Indian Navy has deepened its partnerships with maritime agencies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR), to enhance maritime security in consonance with the GoI’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Indian Navy has been collaborating with navies of IOR countries on several initiatives such as joint naval exercises, coordinated patrols, information sharing, HADR efforts, capacity building and other diplomatic engagements. With SAGAR entering its second decade, and the announcement of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) by Hon’ble Prime Minister, during his visit to Mauritius in March 2025, Indian Navy is launching its maiden initiatives of IOS Sagar and AIKEYME, which are aimed at consolidating Indian Navy’s stature as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in Indian Ocean Region.
IOS Sagar
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar, is an initiative towards continued cooperation with IOR nations. One Indian Naval ship (INS Sunayna) is being deployed to the Southwest IOR with a combined crew of India and nine Friendly Foreign Countries (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka , South Africa). The ship is planned to be deployed for over a month in April 2025, and would be undertaking port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria and Male and Joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles.
The personnel from FFCs would undergo a training capsule of two weeks at various naval professional schools at Kochi, including training at Sea. The FFC personnel would be engaged in wholeship activities, watch keeping and other events related to their respective branches/ trade. The participants of IOS Sagar are also planned to witness harbour phase activities of Exercise AIKEYME at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
AIKEYME
India and Africa give immense importance to maritime security and have reiterated their commitment to increase cooperation in tackling maritime security threats such as piracy, illegal activities including trafficking, unregulated and unreported fishing through sharing of information and surveillance. A large scale multilateral maritime engagement exercise with African Countries, titled as ‘Africa India Key Maritime Engagement’ also known as ‘AIKEYME’, which means ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit is an initiative in this direction to enhance interoperability with the navies/ maritime agencies. The maiden edition of the exercise is being co-hosted by Indian Navy and Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF) and would be conducted at/ off Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and is planned to be inaugurated by Hon’ble RM Shri Rajnath Singh in mid-April 2025. The exercise is planned over six days and includes participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa in addition to the co-hosts. The Harbour Phase of the exercise would include TableTop and Command Post exercises on Piracy and Information sharing, along with training on Seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS). The Sea Phase comprises Seamanship evolutions, Search and Rescue, VBSS, Small Arms firing and Helicopter Operations.
Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including religious tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/UT Administration. The Ministry of Tourism complements the efforts of States/UTs by developing and promoting various tourism products of the country through various schemes and initiatives.
Ministry of Tourism works closely with Ministry of Road Transport and Ministry of Civil Aviation for improving road and air connectivity to tourist destinations. Under RCS UDAN, Ministry of Tourism collaborated with Ministry of Civil Aviation and shared the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) amount for 53 tourism routes identified.
In order to attract foreign investment in the tourism sector, 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route in the tourism and hospitality industry in India, subject to applicable regulations and laws. 100% FDI is allowed in tourism construction projects, including the development of hotels, resorts and recreational facilities.
To give fillip to private investment in tourism, three-star or higher category classified hotels located outside cities with population of more than 1 million, ropeways & cable cars and Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre Projects with minimum built-up floor area of 100,000 square metres of exclusively exhibition space or convention space or both combined, have been included in the Harmonized Master List of infrastructure sub-sectors.
Further in Union Budget 2025-26, an announcement for inclusion of hotels located in the top 50 tourist destination sites in the country, identified for development in challenge mode, in the Harmonized Master List of infrastructure sub-sectors.
The Ministry has launched the revamped version of Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) on September 27, 2024 as a comprehensive resource for travellers and stakeholders interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. One of the new feature of the IIDP is the Incredible India Content Hub – a comprehensive digital repository, featuring rich collection of high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters related to tourism in India. This repository is intended for the use of a diverse range of stakeholders, including tour operators, journalists, students, researchers, film makers, authors, influencers, content creators, government officials, and ambassadors. The IIDP uses an AI-powered tool that personalizes visitor experiences by offering real-time weather updates, city exploration, and essential travel services. The portal has also partnered with several OTAs (Online Travel Agents) and Stakeholders for seamless booking of flights, hotels, cabs, and buses and tickets for ASI monuments.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
As informed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Air pollution in Delhi is a collective result of multiple factors including high level of anthropogenic activities in the high-density populated areas in NCR, arising from various sectors viz. Vehicular Pollution, Industrial Pollution, Dust from Construction & Demolition Project activities, Road and Open Areas Dust, Biomass Burning, Municipal Solid Waste burning, Fires in Landfills, air pollution from dispersed sources, etc.
During post-monsoon and winter months, lower temperature, lower mixing heights, inversion conditions and stagnant winds lead to trapping of the pollutants resulting in high pollution in the region. This is further aggravated due to the emissions from episodic events like firecrackers and stubble burning in NCR States.
Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand. It transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature and colour.
The web-based system is designed to provide AQI on real time basis. It is an automated system that captures data from continuous monitoring stations without human intervention, and displays AQI based on running average values. For manual monitoring stations, an AQI calculator is developed wherein data can be fed manually to get AQI value.
The AQI values ranges from 0 to 500. There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe which are mentioned below:
AQI Categories
AQI value
Good
0–50
Satisfactory
51-100
Moderate
101-200
Poor
201-300
Very Poor
301-400
Severe
>400
Various initiatives have been taken for control of pollution from different sources (transport, C&D activities, industries etc.) in Delhi-NCR, which has resulted in overall improvement in air quality. However, effectiveness of each of these actions can’t be evaluated in absolute terms as meteorological parameters like wind speed and mixing height which are variable factors also play crucial role in governing overall air quality. Various measures taken by the Government to reduce Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR from different sources, are enclosed as Annexure-I.
Due to the concerted efforts made by all stakeholders, gradual improvement has been observed in Delhi air quality. The number of days of Good-Moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) categories has increased to more than 200 for consecutive two years i.e. 2023 and 2024 in comparison of 110 days in 2016. Further, 2024 has recorded maximum number of days (209) in Good-Moderate AQI categories since 2016, except for COVID year 2020. The details of AQI of Delhi from 2016-2024 are enclosed as Annexure-II.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com
ANNEXURE-I
Steps taken by the Government for abatement of Air Pollution in Delhi NCR:
National Clean Air Programme:
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019 with an aim to improve air quality in 130 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States by engaging all stakeholders.
There are total 06 Non-attainment cites (NACs) in Delhi NCR, out of which 03 cities – Delhi, Alwar and Noida are funded under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and 03 cities- Ghaziabad, Meerut and Faridabad are funded under Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC).
City Action Plans for improvement in air quality have been rolled out for implementation in all the 06 identified cities in Delhi NCR.
Regulatory Actions in Delhi-NCR:
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was formulated for Delhi-NCR to tackle the issue of sudden rise in air pollution levels. The revised GRAP was published by CAQM in December 2024 and further directions were issued for its implementation. Actions listed for different AQI levels under GRAP are invoked from time to time by a sub-committee constituted by CAQM.
For air pollution abatement and control in Delhi / NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has devised a comprehensive policy for air pollution abatement in NCR in July 2022, stipulating sector-specific action points quantifying targets along with timelines and implementation plan by various agencies in NCR States. The policy framework details sector-wise interventions, quantified targets and timelines for various sectors contributing to air pollution.
Directions prescribing measures for control of pollution from various sources such as implementation of RECD system/ dual fuel kits in DG sets, use of cleaner fuels in industries, shift to EV/ CNG/ BS VI diesel fuel in transport sector, implementation of dust control measures at C&D sites etc., have been issued by CAQM. Further, policy to curb air pollution in NCR has also been formulated.
Measures for control of emissions from Stubble Burning in Delhi-NCR:
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) in 2018 launched scheme for providing subsidy for purchase of crop residue management machinery and establishment of custom hiring centres (CHCs) in NCT of Delhi and the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for in-situ management of paddy straw. During the period from 2018-19 to 2024-25 (as on 28.02.2025), Rs. 3698.45 crores have been released by MoA&FW (Punjab – Rs. 1756.45 crores, Haryana – Rs. 1081.71 crores, Uttar Pradesh – Rs. 763.67 crores, NCT of Delhi – Rs. 6.05 Crores, ICAR- Rs. 83.35 crores & others Rs. 7.22 Crores). The states have distributed more than 3.00 lakhs machines to the individual farmers and to more than 40000 CHCs in these 4 States, which also include more than 4500 Balers & Rakes which are used for collection of straw in the form of bales for further ex-situ utilization. MoA&FW in 2023 revised guidelines under the scheme to support establishment of crop residue/paddy straw supply chain, by providing financial assistance on the capital cost of machinery and equipment.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Special Secretary, MoA&FW for convergence of scheme of Schemes/Initiatives supporting Ex-situ management of paddy straw.
CAQM has provided a Framework to the states concerned for control / elimination of crop residue burning and directed these to draw up detailed state-specific action plans based on the major contours of the framework. Directions have also been issued by CAQM to State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to strictly and effectively implement revised action plan to eliminate and control stubble burning.
CAQM has issued directions permitting use of PNG or biomass as industrial fuel in NCR except Delhi where only PNG is permitted as industrial fuel. CAQM has also issued directions for co-firing of 5-10% biomass with coal in thermal power plants located within 300 kms of Delhi, and, in captive power plants of industrial units located in NCR.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has framed Guidelines for grant of one-time financial support under Environment Protection Charge funds for establishment of pelletization and Torrefaction plants to promote utilisation of paddy straw. So far, 15 plants have been sanctioned with utilization capacity of 2.7 lakh tonnes of paddy straw per annum.
During stubble burning season of 2023 (10.11.23 onwards), 33 scientists of CPCB were deployed as flying squads for assisting CAQM in NCR and adjoining areas for intensifying monitoring and enforcement actions towards prevention of paddy stubble burning incidents in 22 districts of Punjab and 11 districts of Haryana. The flying squads coordinated with state govt/nodal officers/officers from respective districts and sent their daily report to CAQM.
CPCB has deployed 26 teams (in 16 districts of Punjab and 10 districts of Haryana) for the period 01st October – 30th November, 2024 to intensify monitoring and enforcement actions regarding stubble burning. These teams are coordinating with concerned authorities/ officers deployed at the district level by the State Govt. and reporting to CAQM.
MoA&FW had deputed 31 Central Teams, which have conducted Quality Survey work w.e.f. 1-15th September, 2024 in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and the Teams had visited 275 manufacturers and conducted quality audit of 910 agricultural machines. Further, 10 Central Teams have conducted survey on utilization of machines in States of Punjab and Haryana during 15th October – 31st October 2024. A Team comprising members from DA&FW, CAQM and ICAR and other stakeholders had visited to the State of Punjab to witness the activities of paddy straw management on 14th November, 2024.
Measures for control of vehicular emissions:
Directions issued by CAQM to Government of NCT of Delhi and State Governments of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for migration of public transport services, especially buses in NCR to cleaner modes. All state govt. bus services between Delhi and any city/town in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to be operated only through EV /CNG/BS-VI diesel w.e.f. 01.11.2023.
Installation of VRS system at 3256 petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR in compliance with orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble NGT.
Measures for control of industrial emission:
Installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) in red category air polluting industries in Delhi-NCR
Industrial units in Delhi have shifted to PNG/cleaner fuels and, operational units in NCR have shifted to PNG/Biomass.
Directions issued for conversion of brick kilns to zig-zag technology in Delhi and NCR. Brick kilns not converted to zig-zag technology are not permitted to operate in Delhi-NCR.
In order to control DG set emissions, CPCB also provides funds for retrofitment/ upgradation of DG sets in Govt. hospitals in Delhi-NCR and guidelines have been issued in this regard.
Ban on use of pet coke and furnace oil as fuel in NCR States since October 24, 2017.
An approved fuel list is in force in Delhi-NCR w.e.f. 01.01.2023. Industries operating on only PNG or biomass are permitted in NCR, except for specific requirement of other fuels by specific industries owing to technical, technological and process requirements. The industries not operating on approved fuels are not allowed to operate in Delhi-NCR.
Stringent PM emission norms for biomass based boilers have been prescribed for compliance in NCR.
Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste:
Directions issued to DPCC and NCR SPCBs to enforce installation of anti-smog guns and other dust control measures at C&D sites.
Directions issued for setting up of a “Dust Control and Management Cell” by road owning/ maintaining/ construction agencies for monitoring and effective implementation of dust control measures in the NCR.
Online monitoring mechanism (through web portal) introduced for monitoring compliance of dust mitigation measures for construction sites.
Close Monitoring & Ground level implementation in Delhi-NCR:
40 teams have been deputed by CPCB since December 2021, to assist CAQM, for conducting incognito inspections of air polluting industries, C&D sites, DG sets in Delhi-NCR to check implementation status of pollution control measures and compliance of other provisions of the Air (P&CP) Act,1981.
Annexure-II
Comparative Status of AQI- Delhi from 01 January to 31 December, 2016-2024
Dozens of wildland fires broke out as dry winds swept across South Korea in March 2025. Blazes began igniting on March 21, prompting evacuations as well as the deployment of thousands of personnel and more than 100 helicopters to combat the fires, according to news reports. Smoke from some of the larger fires is visible in this image, acquired by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on March 22. One of the plumes billowed from an area burning near Andong in Uiseong County. More than 1,000 people evacuated the area, several sections of highway and a rail line were forced to close, and an ancient temple was destroyed by the flames. To the south, another large smoke plume originated from rural Sancheong County. A large, fast-moving fire had burned over 500 hectares (2 square miles) by the evening of March 22, the Associated Press reported, and caused multiple injuries and deaths. Mountainous terrain and strong winds made containment efforts challenging. Officials issued strong wind advisories for several counties on March 21 and 22 and discouraged people from burning trash and agricultural products. Dry weather also contributed to the fire risk. March through May is the driest time of year in the region. As of March 24, many of the fires had been extinguished, according to officials cited in news reports, and the large blazes in Uiseong and Sancheong counties were each about two-thirds contained. In total, the fires were reported to have burned at least 8,700 hectares (34 square miles). The government declared a state of disaster for several of the affected regions. NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Lindsey Doermann.
Researchers analyzing pulverized rock onboard NASA’s Curiosity rover have found the largest organic compounds on the Red Planet to date. The finding, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests prebiotic chemistry may have advanced further on Mars than previously observed. Scientists probed an existing rock sample inside Curiosity’s Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) mini-lab and found the molecules decane, undecane, and dodecane. These compounds, which are made up of 10, 11, and 12 carbons, respectively, are thought to be the fragments of fatty acids that were preserved in the sample. Fatty acids are among the organic molecules that on Earth are chemical building blocks of life. Living things produce fatty acids to help form cell membranes and perform various other functions. But fatty acids also can be made without life, through chemical reactions triggered by various geological processes, including the interaction of water with minerals in hydrothermal vents. While there’s no way to confirm the source of the molecules identified, finding them at all is exciting for Curiosity’s science team for a couple of reasons. Curiosity scientists had previously discovered small, simple organic molecules on Mars, but finding these larger compounds provides the first evidence that organic chemistry advanced toward the kind of complexity required for an origin of life on Mars.
The new study also increases the chances that large organic molecules that can be made only in the presence of life, known as “biosignatures,” could be preserved on Mars, allaying concerns that such compounds get destroyed after tens of millions of years of exposure to intense radiation and oxidation. This finding bodes well for plans to bring samples from Mars to Earth to analyze them with the most sophisticated instruments available here, the scientists say. “Our study proves that, even today, by analyzing Mars samples we could detect chemical signatures of past life, if it ever existed on Mars,” said Caroline Freissinet, the lead study author and research scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in the Laboratory for Atmospheres and Space Observations in Guyancourt, France In 2015, Freissinet co-led a team that, in a first, conclusively identified Martian organic molecules in the same sample that was used for the current study. Nicknamed “Cumberland,” the sample has been analyzed many times with SAM using different techniques.
Curiosity drilled the Cumberland sample in May 2013 from an area in Mars’ Gale Crater called “Yellowknife Bay.” Scientists were so intrigued by Yellowknife Bay, which looked like an ancient lakebed, they sent the rover there before heading in the opposite direction to its primary destination of Mount Sharp, which rises from the floor of the crater. The detour was worth it: Cumberland turns out to be jam-packed with tantalizing chemical clues to Gale Crater’s 3.7-billion-year past. Scientists have previously found the sample to be rich in clay minerals, which form in water. It has abundant sulfur, which can help preserve organic molecules. Cumberland also has lots of nitrates, which on Earth are essential to the health of plants and animals, and methane made with a type of carbon that on Earth is associated with biological processes. Perhaps most important, scientists determined that Yellowknife Bay was indeed the site of an ancient lake, providing an environment that could concentrate organic molecules and preserve them in fine-grained sedimentary rock called mudstone. “There is evidence that liquid water existed in Gale Crater for millions of years and probably much longer, which means there was enough time for life-forming chemistry to happen in these crater-lake environments on Mars,” said Daniel Glavin, senior scientist for sample return at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and a study co-author.
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The recent organic compounds discovery was a side effect of an unrelated experiment to probe Cumberland for signs of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. After heating the sample twice in SAM’s oven and then measuring the mass of the molecules released, the team saw no evidence of amino acids. But they noticed that the sample released small amounts of decane, undecane, and dodecane. Because these compounds could have broken off from larger molecules during heating, scientists worked backward to figure out what structures they may have come from. They hypothesized these molecules were remnants of the fatty acids undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, and tridecanoic acid, respectively. The scientists tested their prediction in the lab, mixing undecanoic acid into a Mars-like clay and conducting a SAM-like experiment. After being heated, the undecanoic acid released decane, as predicted. The researchers then referenced experiments already published by other scientists to show that the undecane could have broken off from dodecanoic acid and dodecane from tridecanoic acid. The authors found an additional intriguing detail in their study related to the number of carbon atoms that make up the presumed fatty acids in the sample. The backbone of each fatty acid is a long, straight chain of 11 to 13 carbons, depending on the molecule. Notably, non-biological processes typically make shorter fatty acids, with less than 12 carbons. It’s possible that the Cumberland sample has longer-chain fatty acids, the scientists say, but SAM is not optimized to detect longer chains. Scientists say that, ultimately, there’s a limit to how much they can infer from molecule-hunting instruments that can be sent to Mars. “We are ready to take the next big step and bring Mars samples home to our labs to settle the debate about life on Mars,” said Glavin.This research was funded by NASA’s Mars Exploration Program. Curiosity’s Mars Science Laboratory mission is led by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; JPL is managed by Caltech for NASA. SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) was built and tested at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. CNES (the French Space Agency) funded and provided the gas chromatograph subsystem on SAM. Charles Malespin is SAM’s principal investigator. By Lonnie ShekhtmanNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Overview Welcome to the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) services page. Provided here are different resources to support informed steps toward a new career opportunity in the public or private sector. Transition Assistance NASA is partnering with OPM to offer a 1-day workshop covering multiple areas associated with career transitions. The workshop will be offered virtually on pre-scheduled dates and will include:
NASA will follow-up with employees eligible for CTAP to enroll them in the workshop and share participation details. Transition Resources Below are links to guidance, resources, and tools that are helpful during a career move, including resume preparation, interview preparation, networking strategies, job search assistance, and more. Resume Preparation Resources to help craft strong professional resumes that showcase personal skills and experience, including specialized training and tools. General Resume Tips Brochure to Launch Your Career JPL Resume Workshop Writing an Effective Resume CareerOneStop Federal/State/Local Government Federal employees who have been displaced due to a Reduction in Force (RIF) may be eligible for priority selection for another federal job under the CTAP. In their USAJOBS profiles, they can indicate their CTAP eligibility under the Federal Service section and make their resume and profile searchable for Agency Talent Portal (ATP) users by selecting a saved resume under the Documents tab. How to Build a Resume What Should I Include in My Resume How to Make Your Resume and Profile Searchable Private Sector Creating A Successful Private Sector Resume from Your Federal Resume Beyond Federal Service: How to Transition to the Private Sector Interview Coaching Resources to prepare for job interviews and improve interview skills, including information about the interview process, how to prepare and respond to interview questions, and platforms to conduct practice interviews and receive feedback on responses. Interview Process Interview Tips from Department of Labor Interview Tips from DOL’s CareerOneStop Interview Responses STAR Method: How to Use This Technique to Ace Your Next Job Interview Interview Practice Barclays Virtual Interview Practice Tool (Free) Google Interview Warmup (Free) Pramp (Free) Networking Guidance on how to leverage LinkedIn for job search and professional networking, and providing feedback on LinkedIn profiles, optimizing keywords, and increasing visibility to recruiters. Rock Your LinkedIn Profile Learning Series Videos LinkedIn Profile Best Practices LinkedIn Profile Summary Best Practices Leveraging LinkedIn for Job Search Success Make the Most of LinkedIn for Your Job Search Forming a Network Job Information/Job Search Assistance Free online resources for identifying adjacent or new career opportunities, including job matching websites and websites offering personality or career assessments. Career Search CareerOneStop O*NET Online Self-Assessment CareerExplorer Assessment CareerOneStop Self-Assessments O*NET Interest Profiler USAJOBS Career Explorer Job Search Apprenticeship Job Finder CareerOneStop Job Search Indeed Monster USAJOBS ZipRecruiter Other CareerOneStop Find American Job Centers Retraining Free and fee-based online e-learning resources to enhance current skills or acquire new skills. Codeacademy Coursera edX Harvard Online Learning Khan Academy LinkedIn Learning MasterClass MIT OpenCourseWare Skillshare Stanford Online Udemy Employment Counseling NASA’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential counseling that can be used to obtain employment counseling and support during a career transition, as well as referrals to other needed resources. NASA Enterprise EAP Page NASA Center EAP Pages Additional Transition Resources There are also additional career transition resources available through OPM including: The Employee’s Guide to Career Transition
Media accreditation is open for the next launch to deliver NASA science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than Monday, April 21, to launch the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch is the 32nd SpaceX commercial resupply services mission to the orbital laboratory for the agency. Credentialing to cover prelaunch and launch activities is open to U.S. media. The application deadline for U.S. citizens is 11:59 p.m., EDT, Friday, April 4. All accreditation requests must be submitted online at: https://media.ksc.nasa.gov Credentialed media will receive a confirmation email after approval. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online. For questions about accreditation, or to request special logistical support, email: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov. For other questions, please contact NASA Kennedy’s newsroom at: 321-867-2468. Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitor entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo o Messod Bendayan a: antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov o messod.c.bendayan@nasa.gov. Each resupply mission to the station delivers scientific investigations in the areas of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development and demonstrations. Cargo resupply from U.S. companies ensures a national capability to deliver scientific research to the space station, significantly increasing NASA’s ability to conduct new investigations aboard humanity’s laboratory in space. Along with food and essential equipment for the crew, Dragon is delivering a variety of experiments, including a demonstration of refined maneuvers for free-floating robots. Dragon also carries an enhanced air quality monitoring system that could protect crew members on exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, and two atomic clocks to examine fundamental physics concepts, such as relativity, and test worldwide synchronization of precision timepieces. Astronauts have occupied the space station continuously since November 2000. In that time, 283 people from 23 countries have visited the orbital outpost. The space station is a springboard to NASA’s next great leap in exploration, including future missions to the Moon under the Artemis campaign, and human exploration of Mars. Learn more about NASA’s commercial resupply missions at: https://www.nasa.gov/station -end- Julian Coltre / Josh FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100julian.n.coltre@nasa.gov / joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov Stephanie Plucinsky / Steven SiceloffKennedy Space Center, Florida321-876-2468stephanie.n.plucinsky@nasa.gov / steven.p.siceloff@nasa.gov Sandra JonesJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov
For many plant species, flowering is biologically synced with the seasons. Scientists are clocking blooms to understand our ever-changing planet. NASA research is revealing there’s more to flowers than meets the human eye. A recent analysis of wildflowers in California shows how aircraft- and space-based instruments can use color to track seasonal flower cycles. The results suggest a potential new tool for farmers and natural-resource managers who rely on flowering plants. In their study, the scientists surveyed thousands of acres of nature preserve using a technology built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The instrument — an imaging spectrometer — mapped the landscape in hundreds of wavelengths of light, capturing flowers as they blossomed and aged over the course of months. It was the first time the instrument had been deployed to track vegetation steadily through the growing season, making this a “first-of-a-kind study,” said David Schimel, a research scientist at JPL.
For many plant species from crops to cacti, flowering is timed to seasonal swings in temperature, daylight, and precipitation. Scientists are taking a closer look at the relationship between plant life and seasons — known as vegetation phenology — to understand how rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns may be impacting ecosystems. Typically, wildflower surveys rely on boots-on-the-ground observations and tools such as time-lapse photography. But these approaches cannot capture broader changes that may be happening in different ecosystems around the globe, said lead author Yoseline Angel, a scientist at the University of Maryland-College Park and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “One challenge is that compared to leaves or other parts of a plant, flowers can be pretty ephemeral,” she said. “They may last only a few weeks.” To track blooms on a large scale, Angel and other NASA scientists are looking to one of the signature qualities of flowers: color.
Mapping Native Shrubs Flower pigments fall into three major groups: carotenoids and betalains (associated with yellow, orange, and red colors), and anthocyanins (responsible for many deep reds, violets, and blues). The different chemical structures of the pigments reflect and absorb light in unique patterns. Spectrometers allow scientists to analyze the patterns and catalog plant species by their chemical “fingerprint.” As all molecules reflect and absorb a unique pattern of light, spectrometers can identify a wide range of biological substances, minerals, and gases. Handheld devices are used to analyze samples in the field or lab. To survey moons and planets, including Earth, NASA has developed increasingly powerful imaging spectrometers over the past 45 years. One such instrument is called AVIRIS-NG (short for Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation), which was built by JPL to fly on aircraft. In 2022 it was used in a large ecology field campaign to survey vegetation in the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve and the Sedgwick Reserve, both in Santa Barbara County. Among the plants observed were two native shrub species — Coreopsis gigantea and Artemisia californica — from February to June. The scientists developed a method to tease out the spectral fingerprint of the flowers from other landscape features that crowded their image pixels. In fact, they were able to capture 97% of the subtle spectral differences among flowers, leaves, and background cover (soil and shadows) and identify different flowering stages with 80% certainty. Predicting Superblooms The results open the door to more air- and space-based studies of flowering plants, which represent about 90% of all plant species on land. One of the ultimate goals, Angel said, would be to support farmers and natural resource managers who depend on these species along with insects and other pollinators in their midst. Fruit, nuts, many medicines, and cotton are a few of the commodities produced from flowering plants. Angel is working with new data collected by AVIRIS’ sister spectrometer that orbits on the International Space Station. Called EMIT (Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation), it was designed to map minerals around Earth’s arid regions. Combining its data with other environmental observations could help scientists study superblooms, a phenomenon where vast patches of desert flowers bloom after heavy rains. One of the delights of researching flowers, Angel said, is the enthusiasm from citizen scientists. “I have social media alerts on my phone,” she added, noting one way she stays on top of wildflower activity around the world. The wildflower study was supported as part of the Surface Biology and Geology High-Frequency Time Series (SHIFT) campaign. An airborne and field research effort, SHIFT was jointly led by the Nature Conservancy, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and JPL. Caltech, in Pasadena, manages JPL for NASA. The AVIRIS instrument was originally developed through funding from NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office. News Media Contacts Andrew Wang / Jane J. LeeJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 818-354-0307andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov Written by Sally YoungerNASA’s Earth Science News Team 2025-041
After completing a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts will discuss their science mission during a postflight news conference at 2:30 p.m. EDT Monday, March 31, from the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Following the news conference, the crew will be available for a limited number of individual interviews at 3:30 p.m. NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore will answer questions about their time in space. The three NASA crew members and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov returned to Earth on March 18. Gorbunov will not participate in the news conference because of his travel schedule. Watch live coverage on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of additional platforms, including social media. Media are invited to attend in person or virtually. U.S. media requesting in-person attendance or media seeking an interview with the crew must contact the NASA Johnson newsroom no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, at 281-483-5111 or jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov. A copy of NASA’s media accreditation policy is available on the agency’s website. Media participating by phone must dial into the news conference no later than 10 minutes before the start of the event to ask questions. Questions also may be submitted on social media using #AskNASA. Hague and Gorbunov lifted off at 1:17 p.m. Sept. 28, 2024, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next day, they docked to the forward-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on June 5, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 41 as part of the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. The duo arrived at the space station on June 6. In August, NASA announced the uncrewed return of Starliner to Earth and integrated Wilmore and Williams as part of the space station’s Expedition 71/72 for a return on Crew-9. Williams and Wilmore traveled 121,347,491 miles during their mission, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov traveled 72,553,920 miles during their mission, spent 171 days in space, and completed 2,736 orbits around Earth. Hague, Williams, and Wilmore completed over 900 hours of research, conducting more than 150 unique experiments. During their time in orbit, the crew studied plant growth and development, tested stem cell technology to improve patient outcomes on Earth, and participated in research to understand how the space environment affects material degradation. They also performed a spacewalk and collected samples from the station’s exterior, studying the survivability of microorganisms in space. Additionally, the crew supported 30 ham radio events with students worldwide and conducted a student-led genetic experiment, helping to inspire the next generation of explorers. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program has delivered on its goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station from the United States through a partnership with American private industry. This partnership is changing the arc of human spaceflight history by opening access to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station to more people, more science, and more commercial opportunities. The space station remains the springboard to NASA’s next great leap in space exploration, including future missions to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars. Find more information on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew -end- Joshua Finch / Jimi RussellHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov / james.j.russell@nasa.gov Courtney BeasleyJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111courtney.m.beasley@nasa.gov
On March 24, 1975, the last in a long line of super successful Saturn rockets rolled out from the vehicle assembly building to Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Saturn IB rocket for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was the 19th in the Saturn class stacked in the assembly building, beginning in 1966 with the Saturn V 500F facilities checkout vehicle. Thirteen flight Saturn V rockets followed, 12 to launch Apollo spacecraft and one to place the Skylab space station into orbit. In addition, workers stacked four flight Saturn IB rockets, three to launch crews to Skylab and one for Apollo-Soyuz, plus another for the Skylab rescue vehicle that was not needed and never launched. Previously, workers stacked Saturn I and Saturn IB rockets on the pads at Launch Complexes 34 and 37. With the successful liftoff in July 1975, the Saturn family of rockets racked up a 100 percent success rate of 32 launches.
Inspections of the Saturn IB rocket’s first stage fins revealed hairline cracks in several hold-down fittings and managers ordered the replacement of all eight fins. While the cracks would not affect the flight of the rocket they bore the weight of the rocket on the mobile launcher. Workers finished the fin replacement on March 16. Engineers in Kennedy’s spacecraft operations building prepared the Apollo spacecraft for its historic space mission. By early March, they had completed checkout and assembly of the spacecraft and transported it to the assembly building on March 17 to mount it atop the Saturn IB’s second stage. Five days later, they topped off the rocket with the launch escape system.
On March 23, workers edged the mobile transporter carrying the Saturn IB just outside the assembly building’s High Bay 1, where engineers installed an 80-foot tall lightning mast atop the launch tower. The next morning, the stack continued its rollout to Launch Pad 39B with the prime crew of Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand, and Donald “Deke” Slayton and support crew members Robert Crippen and Richard Truly on hand to observe. About 7,500 people, including guests, dependents of Kennedy employees and NASA Tours patrons, watched as the stack moved slowly out of the assembly building on its five-mile journey to the launch pad.
On March 20, flight controllers and crews began a series of joint simulations for the joint mission scheduled for July 1975. For the six days of simulations, cosmonauts Aleksei Leonov and Valeri Kubasov and astronauts Stafford, Brand, and Slayton participated in the activity in spacecraft simulators in their respective countries, with both control centers in Houston and outside Moscow fully staffed as if for the actual mission. The exercises simulated various phases of the mission, including the respective launches, rendezvous and docking, crew transfers and joint operations, and undocking.
Astronauts Stafford, Brand and Slayton participated in a water egress training activity on March 8, completing the exercise in a water tank in Building 260 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The astronauts practiced egressing from their spacecraft onto a lift raft and being lifted up with the use of a Billy Pugh rescue net. They practiced wearing their flight coveralls as well as their spacesuits.
Craving an ice cream sundae with a cherry on top? This random alignment of Herbig-Haro 49/50 — a frothy-looking outflow from a nearby protostar — with a multi-hued spiral galaxy may do the trick. This new composite image combining observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) provides a high-resolution view to explore the exquisite details of this bubbling activity. Herbig-Haro objects are outflows produced by jets launched from a nearby, forming star. The outflows, which can extend for light-years, plow into a denser region of material. This creates shock waves, heating the material to higher temperatures. The material then cools by emitting light at visible and infrared wavelengths.
When NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope observed it in 2006, scientists nicknamed Herbig-Haro 49/50 (HH 49/50) the “Cosmic Tornado” for its helical appearance, but they were uncertain about the nature of the fuzzy object at the tip of the “tornado.” With its higher imaging resolution, Webb provides a different visual impression of HH 49/50 by revealing fine features of the shocked regions in the outflow, uncovering the fuzzy object to be a distant spiral galaxy, and displaying a sea of distant background galaxies.
HH 49/50 is located in the Chamaeleon I Cloud complex , one of the nearest active star formation regions in our Milky Way, which is creating numerous low-mass stars similar to our Sun. This cloud complex is likely similar to the environment that our Sun formed in. Past observations of this region show that the HH 49/50 outflow is moving away from us at speeds of 60-190 miles per second (100-300 kilometers per second) and is just one feature of a larger outflow. Webb’s NIRCam and MIRI observations of HH 49/50 trace the location of glowing hydrogen molecules, carbon monoxide molecules, and energized grains of dust, represented in orange and red, as the protostellar jet slams into the region. Webb’s observations probe details on small spatial scales that will help astronomers to model the properties of the jet and understand how it is affecting the surrounding material. The arc-shaped features in HH 49/50, similar to a water wake created by a speeding boat, point back to the source of this outflow. Based on past observations, scientists suspect that a protostar known as Cederblad 110 IRS4 is a plausible driver of the jet activity. Located roughly 1.5 light-years away from HH 49/50 (off the lower right corner of the Webb image), CED 110 IRS4 is a Class I protostar. Class I protostars are young objects (tens of thousands to a million years old) in the prime time of gaining mass. They usually have a discernable disk of material surrounding them that is still falling onto the protostar. Scientists recently used Webb’s NIRCam and MIRI observations to study this protostar and obtain an inventory of the icy composition of its environment. These detailed Webb images of the arcs in HH 49/50 can more precisely pinpoint the direction to the jet source, but not every arc points back in the same direction. For example, there is an unusual outcrop feature (at the top right of the main outflow) which could be another chance superposition of a different outflow, related to the slow precession of the intermittent jet source. Alternatively, this feature could be a result of the main outflow breaking apart.
[embedded content] Video Caption:This visualization examines the three-dimensional structure of Herbig-Haro 49/50 (HH 49/50) as seen in near- and mid-infrared light by the James Webb Space Telescope. HH 49/50 is an outflow produced by the jet of a nearby still-forming star in the Chamaeleon I Cloud complex, one of the nearest active star formation regions in our Milky Way. At a distance of 625 light-years from Earth, this new composite infrared image (using data from program 6558, PI: M. Garcia Marin) allows researchers to examine its details on small spatial scales like never before. Visualization Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, J. DePasquale (STScI), L. Hustak (STScI), G. Bacon (STScI), R. Crawford (STScI), D. Kirshenblat (STScI), C. Nieves (STScI), A. Pagan (STScI), F. Summers (STScI).
The galaxy that appears by happenstance at the tip of HH 49/50 is a much more distant, face-on spiral galaxy. It has a prominent central bulge represented in blue that shows the location of older stars. The bulge also shows hints of “side lobes” suggesting that this could be a barred-spiral galaxy. Reddish clumps within the spiral arms show the locations of warm dust and groups of forming stars. The galaxy even displays evacuated bubbles in these dusty regions, similar to nearby galaxies observed by Webb as part of the PHANGS program. Webb has captured these two unassociated objects in a lucky alignment. Over thousands of years, the edge of HH 49/50 will move outwards and eventually appear to cover up the distant galaxy. Want more? Take a closer look at the image, “fly through” it in a visualization, and compare Webb’s image to the Spitzer Space Telescope’s. Herbig-Haro 49/50 is located about 625 light-years from Earth in the constellation Chamaeleon. The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb will solve mysteries in our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency. Downloads Click any image to open a larger version. View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Quyen Hart – qhart@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md. Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
Images – Webb images of other protostar outflows – L483, HH 46/47, and HH 211 Animation Video – “Exploring Star and Planet Formation” Interactive – Explore the jets emitted by young stars in multiple wavelengths: ViewSpace Interactive Article – Read more about Herbig-Haro objects More Webb News More Webb Images Webb Science Themes Webb Mission Page
What is the Webb Telescope? SpacePlace for Kids En Español Ciencia de la NASA NASA en español Space Place para niños
NEWS RELEASE: CBED Program Awards Grant to INPEACE to Support Native Hawaiian Businesses at 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival
Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANDTOURISM
KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMOHALA PĀʻOIHANA, ʻIMI WAIWAI A HOʻOMĀKAʻIKAʻI
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT DIVISION
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE
DENNIS T. LING
ADMINISTRATOR
CBED PROGRAM AWARDS GRANT TO INPEACE TO SUPPORT NATIVE HAWAIIAN BUSINESSES AT 2025 MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2025
HONOLULU – The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) Center for Entrepreneurship. The funding will support nine Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses in participating as vendors at the Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market, taking place April 24-26, 2025 at Sangha Hall in Hilo, Hawai‘i, in conjunction with the Merrie Monarch Festival.
“The CBED Program is committed to fostering economic opportunities that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s small business community, particularly those that align with cultural preservation and sustainability,” said DBEDT Business Support Division Branch Chief Mark Ritchie. “By supporting Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs at the Merrie Monarch Festival, we are investing in the long-term success of local businesses while celebrating and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.”
As one of Hawai‘i’s premier cultural events, the Merrie Monarch Festival attracts thousands of attendees, including residents, visitors and cultural practitioners. The Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Merrie Monarch Market, which runs alongside the festival, provides a unique opportunity for local artisans, food vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, increase brand recognition and generate revenue.
“This funding allows us to provide critical support for Native Hawaiian small businesses – helping them grow their brands, expand their customer base and contribute to the local economy,” said Lisa Pakele, program director of the INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship. “We are grateful to the CBED Program for its commitment to community-based economic development.”
The grant funding will cover vendor booth fees, travel expenses and marketing efforts to enhance visibility for participating businesses. The selected cohort includes:
Bujo Bae: Island-inspired stationery, paper goods, scrapbooking materials and journals. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
Honolulu Baby Company: Keiki apparel and accessories that are comfy, conscious and cute. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
Kākou Collective: Stationery, greeting cards, notebooks and apparel featuring hand-drawn artwork by Native Hawaiian artist Kea Peters. (‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu)
Kaulana Mahina: A research-based resource promoting Hawaiian culture and language through mahina workshops, moon calendars, maps, keiki books and more. (Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island)
Keha Hawai‘i: A blend of classic and contemporary fashion for men and women that pays homage to the ʻāina, kānaka, ʻōlelo and moʻolelo of Hawaiʻi. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
The Keiki Dept: A lifestyle brand for the ‘ohana that encourages families to have conversations about the plants and animals featured on their products. (ʻAiea, O‘ahu)
Mahina Made: A Hawaiʻi lifestyle brand of apparel, accessories and home goods. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)
Pawniolo Pets: Offering high-quality pet food and snacks rooted in the traditions of its family cattle ranch on Hawaiʻi Island. (Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island)
Sweetheart Farm: Farm-fresh products ranging from microgreens and chili pepper jelly to baked goods and lilikoi butter. (Hilo, Hawai‘i Island)
The CBED Program supports initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency and sustainable business development in Hawaiʻi. By investing in community-driven projects, DBEDT aims to strengthen local industries, enhance job creation and foster long-term economic resilience.
For more information about the CBED Program and its initiatives, visit https://invest.hawaii.gov/business/cbed/. To learn more about INPEACE and its programs, visit https://inpeace.org/.
About the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation-sector job growth.
About the Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program
The CBED Program is dedicated to supporting the economic growth and sustainability of Hawaiʻi’s communities. By providing grants, loans and technical assistance, CBED empowers local businesses and organizations to thrive and contribute to a vibrant local economy.
About the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE)
INPEACE is a nonprofit organization committed to the education, culture and economic development of Native Hawaiians. Through a range of programs and initiatives, INPEACE strives to create opportunities that promote self-sufficiency and enhance the quality of life for Native Hawaiian communities. The INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship supports new family-owned businesses and start-ups on the Leeward Coast of O‘ahu to increase their capacity to succeed. The center provides intensive individual support, personal and business finance training, 1-on-1 coaching, access to business micro loans, peer networking, business equipment, administrative back-office support, specialized services and expert mentors.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Laci Goshi
Communications Officer
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Cell: 808-518-5480
Email: [email protected]
Mark Ritchie
Branch Chief, Business Support Division
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Terry Leslie Washington, 46, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that a Columbia Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for operating without a tag light. Washington was the lone occupant. Washington informed the officer that he did not have a valid driver’s license. Washington told the officer he had a gun and marijuana with him in the car. The officer conducted an inventory of the vehicle, where he found a loaded 9mm pistol along with three plastic pouches of marijuana and a clear plastic baggie containing psilocybin mushrooms. Washington was arrested.
Washington was prohibited from possessing a firearm based upon prior convictions for strong-armed robbery, robbery/armed with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, robbery while armed or allegedly armed with a deadly weapon and attempted armed robbery.
United States District Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Washington to 180 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Sam Austin Young (28, Fort Myers) and Bryant Eric Scharoun (35, Lehigh Acres) to 20 and 15 years in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. Young pleaded guilty on July 23, 2024, and Scharoun pleaded guilty on May 14, 2024.
According to court records, Young and Scharoun held leadership roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy during which large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine were possessed and sold in Lee County between approximately June 2022 and March 2023. The investigation revealed that Young and Scharoun used an elderly, drug addicted individual to courier drugs and money for them as part of the conspiracy. During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 2 kilograms of cocaine, approximately one-half kilogram of fentanyl, and 10 firearms that were possessed in furtherance of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
DS630: European Union — Definitive Countervailing Duties on New Battery Electric Vehicles from China
China submitted its first request for the establishment of a dispute panel with respect to the definitive countervailing duties imposed by the European Union in October 2024 on new battery electric vehicles from China. The request also concerns the underlying investigation that led to the imposition of the duties. China and the European Union held consultations in December 2024 with the aim of reaching a mutually satisfactory solution but failed to resolve the dispute, China said, prompting its request for the panel.
China outlined the various concerns it had about the process resulting in the duties. It said this process was not carried out in a manner consistent with the WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994. China said that while WTO members have the legitimate right to adopt trade remedy measures, such rights must be exercised within the confines of the WTO agreements.
The European Union said it regretted China’s decision to request a panel. The EU said it had hoped the consultations with China had provided the necessary information and clarifications China needed. China undoubtedly has the right to bring this issue to WTO dispute settlement, the EU said, but it strongly maintains that the measures in question are entirely justified and is confident they are in compliance with WTO rules. The EU said it is not ready to accept the establishment of a panel.
The DSB took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter should a requesting member wish to do so.
DS593: European Union – Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop Based Biofuels
The European Union said it intended to implement the panel ruling in DS593 by bringing the concerned measures into conformity with the WTO agreements. The EU said it was impractical for it to comply immediately and that it needed a reasonable period of time to do so. The EU added that it was keen to discuss and agree with Indonesia the length of this period of time at the earliest available opportunity, as it has done with Malaysia in a related dispute case.
Indonesia underlined the necessity for the EU to adjust its policies in line with the WTO agreements as well as the importance of prompt and effective implementation of the panel’s ruling. Indonesia said it is committed to working constructively with the EU to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation process. It encouraged the EU to provide a clear and detailed timeline for this process.
DS597: United States – Origin Marking Requirement (Hong Kong, China)
The United States once again raised the matter of the panel ruling in DS597 at the DSB meeting. The US said it was raising the matter as a result of further alarming developments and effects of the National Security Law of Hong Kong, China on free speech and human rights. The US referred back to its previous statements regarding its position on essential security and its reasons for placing this item on the DSB agenda.
Hong Kong, China said it was regrettable that the United States continues to abuse DSB meetings as a platform for political posturing. The US approach reflects a troubling presumption that it alone has the authority to interpret national security matters, said Hong Kong, China, adding that it remains frustrated at being deprived of the legitimate right to allow the case to be settled through a proper channel.
China reiterated its objections to the item being placed on the DSB agenda. It said the WTO dispute settlement mechanism is a forum to resolve trade disputes rather than a place to discuss political issues.
Appellate Body appointments
Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 85th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.
The United States said it does not support the proposed decision and noted its longstanding concerns with WTO dispute settlement that have persisted across US administrations. The US said the panel reports in DS593 and DS597 provided examples of its concerns regarding WTO dispute settlement overreach. The US said fundamental reform of WTO dispute settlement is needed to address these and other US concerns. Despite extensive US engagement, WTO members continue to have vastly different perspectives on the role of WTO dispute settlement in today’s world and the reforms that are needed, it added.
More than 20 members took the floor to comment, one speaking on behalf of a group of members. Most reiterated their support for the joint proposal and for the urgent need to restore a fully functioning dispute settlement system. Several welcomed the progress made in the dispute settlement reform discussions last year and said they looked forward to starting consultations on how to take the process forward. Ten members urged others to consider joining the Multi-party interim appeal arrangement (MPIA), a contingent measure to safeguard the right to appeal in the absence of a functioning Appellate Body.
Colombia, on behalf of the 130 members, said it regretted that for the 85th occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.
Surveillance of implementation
The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “US — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”, DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”
The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”
Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.”
Next meeting
The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 25 April 2025.
(L-R) Attorney General Raúl Labrador, K-9 Badger, ICAC Investigator Lauren Lane
[BOISE] – Today, Attorney General Raúl Labrador introduced the newest member of his ICAC Unit – K-9 Badger, a two-year-old English Labrador (no relation). Badger is specifically trained to detect hidden electronic storage devices (ESD), like SD cards and flash drives that may contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Suspects regularly put CSAM on easily concealable devices and go to great lengths to hide them, knowing that possession of such materials is a felony in Idaho with a potential sentence of 10 years per count. Electronic storage devices with CSAM have been concealed to specifically avoid detection by investigators. K-9s like Badger give ICAC investigators a powerful edge when it comes to CSAM search warrants. SD cards and other devices like air tags, cell phones, hidden cameras, laptops, and hard drives are all sprayed with triphenylphosphine oxide, or TPPO, during the manufacturing process to dissipate heat. Badger is one of only 195 K-9s worldwide trained to detect TPPO, even in challenging environments, including underwater. Badger joins K-9 Ardis with the Pocatello Police Department as the second ICAC Unit ESD K-9 in Idaho working to detect electronic storage devices. “The capabilities of Badger and other ESD K-9s are truly remarkable,” said Attorney General Labrador. “In the fight against those that would exploit and endanger kids, Badger is a potent weapon. I’m looking forward to all that Badger can bring to our ICAC Unit and our state. Another Labrador on the team is always welcome!” In addition to detecting electronic storage devices. Badger is also dual certified as a therapy dog and will assist with relatives and victims during search warrants and throughout the legal process. Badger will also accompany his handler, ICAC Investigator Lauren Lane, during educational presentations throughout Idaho. Badger joins twenty investigators, forensic analysts and support staff in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit, alongside affiliated partner agencies across the state dedicated to investigating cases of child sexual exploitation and enticement, as well as the possession, distribution, and manufacturing of CSAM.
As the Commission pointed out in its reply to Written Question E-000814/2023[1], in line with the EU Vaccines Strategy[2], the Commission and the Member States have taken a common EU approach to securing COVID-19 vaccine supplies and facilitating their distribution.
An Agreement[3] was concluded between the Commission and the Member States allowing the Commission to procure COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the Member States and related procedures.
This Agreement established a Steering Board, where all Member States are represented, to provide guidance throughout the evaluation process, as well as a Joint Negotiation Team composed of Commission officials and Member States representatives to carry out the negotiations.
In accordance with the Agreement, individual Commissioners, including the President of the Commission, did not have any role in negotiations.
Agreements concluded by the Commission on behalf of the Member States have been signed by the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, following a decision of the Commission as a college.
The EU taxonomy aims to help identify investments into activities that make a substantial contribution to EU environmental objectives.
The taxonomy already covers several technologies that are important for Europe’s strategic autonomy and resilience, such as manufacturing of renewable energy, generation of electricity and/or heat from renewable sources, hydrogen, storage and batteries, grids technologies, also recognised under the Net-Zero-Industry-Act[1], as well as transitional energy activities including gas and nuclear.
Although defence activities are not covered as such in the taxonomy, undertakings in the defence sector can report investments into greening of their buildings or transport like any other sector[2].
The EU taxonomy is a living document. More activities could be added to its scope over time. This could include more strategic activities.
The Platform on Sustainable Finance[3], an independent advisory group, is currently developing recommendations for potential inclusion of mining and refining of critical raw materials in the taxonomy.
In line with the EU Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS)[4], improving access to finance for the defence industry is a priority for the EU, and the EU sustainable finance framework does not impose any limitations in this regard.
EDIS stresses that, ‘with the exception of weapons subject to prohibitions by international conventions signed by Member States — which are therefore deemed by the EU to be incompatible with social sustainability — the defence industry enhances sustainability, given its contribution to resilience, security and peace’.
[1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724, OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024.
[2] Commission Notice on the interpretation and implementation of certain legal provisions of the EU Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act establishing technical screening criteria for economic activities that contribute substantially to climate change mitigation or climate change adaptation and do no significant harm to other environmental objective, OJ C, C/2023/267, 20.10.2023 , https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/267/oj