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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on CNN’s ‘The Situation Room’

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer. The Governor spoke on the New York City mayoral race, her “You’re Hired” initiative for those impacted by the Department of Government Efficiency’s layoffs and on how the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canada affect New York State residents.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN:  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is now plotting a major political comeback, announcing over the weekend his candidacy for mayor of New York City. Cuomo resigned from office back in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal — he denies all those allegations.

    Joining us now is New York’s current governor, Kathy Hochul. She served as Lieutenant Governor during the Cuomo administration. Governor Hochul, thanks so much for joining us. When Cuomo stepped down, back in 2021, you called his behavior, and I’m quoting you now, “repulsive.” Do you think he is fit to serve as New York’s mayor?

    Governor Hochul: First of all, Wolf, congratulations on the new show, delighted to be on your first episode. Also, here’s what I’m going to tell you about the mayor’s race — and this is the position you’re going to hear today, all the way up until the election’s over for the primary in June — I will work with whomever the really smart voters of New York City decide they want to be their mayor. That is not up for me to decide. I don’t even vote in the city.

    But I will say, also, I will support people — ultimately, after they’re elected — who support my agenda of increasing public safety, dealing with the homelessness crisis, people with mental health problems, closing down illegal cannabis shops, making our streets safer.

    So, I’m looking forward to working with whomever wants to partner with me to lift this city up. But in the meantime, I’m not focused on the politics. I have a state to run, I’ve got multiple crises — many of them emanating from Washington. I was with children yesterday who are severely ill, where parents are terrified of losing Medicaid. So, I will say this will all work itself out, but I’m focused on governing the State of New York, nothing else.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: The Governor of New York, as you well know, and the Mayor of New York City have to work together very, very closely. If Cuomo wins that race and becomes the next mayor of New York, would you be able to work with him despite some of that history?

    Governor Hochul: It’s up to the voters, Wolf. I’m not injecting my voice into this election. There’s a lot of people that have put their names forward. I admire anybody who wants to run for office. I’m in my 16th election — I know how challenging it is, but I want people who will put the city first, who will understand that I have done more to help this city than anybody in a long time. Investing money — I’m literally paying for overtime for our police officers, NYPD, to be on the subways, and guess what? Subway crimes are way down. I’m working on getting more homeless off the streets, building more housing. No one has ever taken this on the way I have — to reduce the cost of living here in this great city.

    My agenda is broad-based. It’s very supportive of the city. I had to work with Bill de Blasio as mayor, I worked with Eric Adams for the last number of years and, whatever the voters decide, I will respect that.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: Governor, I want to turn now to President Trump’s sweeping efforts right now to slash the entire federal government. You hosted a roundtable this morning with workers hit by those federal job cuts. What kind of impact is this having in my home State of New York?

    Governor Hochul: It is absolutely devastating. Some people are on the verge of tears. I gathered about ten people who, unceremoniously, were dumped, some of them on Valentine’s Day. People that were working to fight consumer fraud, making sure that the huge corporations that are trying to evade taxes have to pay it; people who take care of our veterans; people who are making us safe — all of them were just dumped.

    And I know the Trump-Musk administration doesn’t have regard for them — they think they’re disposable, that they make no contributions, but guess what? These are people who keep our skies safe. They’re the ones who are researching, making sure we can have cures so our kids don’t get sick; taking care of vaccinations. Countless ways that these are highly valuable people, but in New York, we’re saying, “You get fired by them? In New York, you’re hired.”

    And just literally today, you’ll start seeing in Washington at Union Station, you’ll see ads that show basically this message, that you want a job in public service? We respect you, we want you to stay and so here it is.

    We want you to come back and work for us. I will hire you. I need you. We have 7,000 openings in the State of New York, and we value public service. Public servants take care of our people. That’s what it’s all about. Come onboard. We’ll hire you.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: On another very sensitive issue, Governor, I want to get your thoughts. President Trump is now pushing ahead with plans to slap 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting tomorrow. Canada, of course, borders New York State. You and I grew up in western New York, right on the border with Canada. How is this going to affect New York State, which has such close economic ties with Canada, especially Ontario?

    Governor Hochul: It’ll be devastating. You know the synergy there is to us in Western York. It’s not another country, it’s just our neighbors across the bridge. And the jobs, the people who go get their education back and forth, the close connections, but also the businesses that thrive in New York and in Canada because they’re our largest trading partner. $5 billion worth of trade across our borders every single year. That’s going to affect the cost of steel and aluminum as we’re trying to build up.

    We’re building Micron, the largest semiconductor manufacturing plant going on right now, the largest [private] investment in [New York State] history, going on in Syracuse, New York. I have to keep that going.

    And for our businesses to think that some of their commodities, their products, are now going to cost 25 percent more, how is that about reducing people’s costs? We were promised lower prices on day one, Inauguration Day. Not only is everything going to go up, even eggs — eggs now cost $11 in New York City, up 20 percent from what they’ve been on Inauguration Day.

    This is not the trend. This is not what people have promised. And I encourage the administration to look closely at how they can keep the promise of reducing the cost of living for every American, but particularly people who are hard hit here in New York.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: Yeah. Very hard hit indeed. Governor, the Trump administration has already delayed the implementation of these tariffs before. Do you foresee that happening again?

    Governor Hochul: I hope so. I hope they understand that what is a good sound bite is not going to help in reality, especially the businesses and the people who voted for you. These are people in the North Country of New York. It is a predominantly red area. They voted for you, Mr. President, and now their jobs in manufacturing are on the line. And I’d be terrified to know that the damage that could happen is people losing their jobs in New York and all across America. We can’t let that happen. So continue to delay. Let’s work this out, let’s find a solution, but let’s not drive up the cost on people all across this country. That’s the last thing we need right now.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: The President has repeatedly tied his proposal for a lot of tariffs to the flow of drugs crossing the border, including the Canadian border, into the United States. Are you seeing evidence of significant drug trafficking from New York’s border with Canada?

    Governor Hochul: There was a time when there was a spike, but I have deployed more people on the border, the Canadians are working closely with us, the Border Patrol — it is a fraction of what is being talked about. It is a problem, of course, we don’t want a single drug to come across the border. But it does not justify the cataclysmic impact the tariffs will have on the State of New York.

    So, we can solve the problem at the border. We don’t want drugs coming over, we don’t want gangs coming over, we don’t want human traffickers coming over, we get that. We’ll work with you. We’ll work with the federal administration on this. But this is such an extreme remedy that is going to have a ripple effect across our entire economy, and especially in a place like this state.

    Wolf Blitzer, CNN: New York Governor Kathy Hochul, as usual, thank you very much. Appreciate it. We’ll continue this conversation down the road.

    Governor Hochul: Sounds good. Thanks, Wolf.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Opens Thirty-Second Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Six New Committee Members Make Solemn Declaration

    The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities today opened its thirty-second session, during which it will review the reports of Canada, Dominican Republic, European Union, Palau, Tuvalu and Viet Nam. 

    Andrea Ori, Chief of the Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Treaties Branch, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, extended a warm welcome to six new members of the Committee, namely: Magino Corporán Lorenzo (Dominican Republic); Mara Cristina Gabrilli (Brazil); Natalia Guala Beathyate (Uruguay); Christopher Nwanoro (Nigeria); Inmaculada Placencia Porrero (European Union); and Hiroshi Tamon (Japan). 

    He also congratulated the re-elected members of the Committee, namely: Gerel Dondovdorj (Mongolia); Abdelmajid Makni (Morocco); and Floyd Morris (Jamaica).

    Mr. Ori said that as a result of the election, the composition of the Committee had changed this year to 10 women and eight men.  It was one of the largest female representations in a treaty body.  The 192 ratifications to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities showed the commitment of the international community to an inclusive and accessible world.  Since the last session, Eritrea had ratified the Convention. In addition, Ireland had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention, bringing the States parties to that instrument to 107. 

    The six new members made their solemn declaration to the Committee.

    The Committee then adopted the programme of work for the session.

    Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, outgoing Committee Chairperson, said this morning, the Committee would elect a Chair, three Vice-Chairs and a Rapporteur in a private meeting.  Ms. Fefoame then provided an overview of her activities undertaken since the last session.  She was filled with profound gratitude to have chaired the Committee for the past two years.  In times of crisis, persons with disabilities were too often left behind and this was not acceptable.  Ms. Fefoame thanked everyone who had supported her during her time as Chairperson. 

    Floyd Morris, Committee Expert, expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the Committee to Ms. Fefoame for her leadership. 

    Speaking at the opening of the session were representatives from the Committee on Victim Assistance; United Nations Women; World Intellectual Property Organization; Implementation Support Unit of the Convention on Cluster Munitions; International Disability Alliance; World Federation of the Deaf; Peace Inclusion Peace; Universal Rights Group; and United for Global Mental Health

    Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.  The programme of work of the Committee’s thirty-second session and other documents related to the session can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 4 March to consider the initial report of Tuvalu (CRPD/C/TUV/1).

    Opening Statement

    ANDREA ORI, Chief of the Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Treaties Branch, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, extended a warm welcome to the six new members of the Committee: Magino Corporán Lorenzo (Dominican Republic); Mara Cristina Gabrilli (Brazil); Natalia Guala Beathyate (Uruguay); Christopher Nwanoro (Nigeria); Inmaculada Placencia Porrero (European Union); and Hiroshi Tamon (Japan).

    He also congratulated the re-elected members of the Committee: Gerel Dondovdorj (Mongolia); Abdelmajid Makni (Morocco); and Floyd Morris (Jamaica). 

    As a result of the election, the composition of the Committee had changed this year to 10 women and eight men among their members.  It was one of the largest female representations in a treaty body.  The 192 ratifications to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities showed the commitment of the international community to an inclusive and accessible world.  Since the last session, Eritrea had ratified the Convention. In addition, Ireland had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention, bringing the States parties to that instrument to 107. 

    Mr. Ori then briefed the Committee on important events and developments related to disability rights at the international level since the Committee’s previous session, including the adoption of the Pact of the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations in September 2024 by the General Assembly, which contained several relevant commitments for persons with disabilities. 

    Additionally, on 17 December 2024, the General Assembly adopted resolution 79/149, on “Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities”, while the Human Rights Council, during its fifty-seventh session, held from 9 September to 11 October 2024, adopted several resolutions relevant to the rights of persons with disabilities. 

    In January 2025, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights published a report on the rights of persons with disabilities and digital technologies and devices, including assistive technologies.  In February, the Office published a report on the human rights dimension of care and support. Mr. Ori said there were several important upcoming events related to disability rights, including the Global Disability Summit, being held on 3 and 4 April in Berlin; the seventeenth session of the Conference of States parties in New York from 11 to 13 June 2025; and during the current fifty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council, where, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities would introduce her report.

    The Office of the High Commissioner continued its work to support the strengthening of the treaty bodies, with last year being particularly challenging.  In addition to the chronic resource constraints, the liquidity crisis hampered the planning and implementation of work.  Mr. Ori assured the Committee that the Office was doing its utmost to ensure that the Committee and other treaty bodies could implement their mandates.  However, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future. 

    The treaty body strengthening process remained active and reached a key moment, with the adoption last December of the biennial resolution on the treaty body system by the General Assembly. On Human Rights Day last year, an informal meeting was organised of the Chairs and focal points on working methods. The meeting explored the latest developments on the treaty body system and sought to identify possible ways forward to improve the harmonisation of procedures.  The Office of the High Commissioner would continue to work alongside the Chairs and all the treaty body experts to strengthen the system.

    Mr. Ori said during this session, the Committee would hold dialogues with six parties to the Convention: Canada, Dominican Republic, European Union, Palau, Tuvalu, and Viet Nam, and would also review individual communications under the Optional Protocol.  The Committee would hold a day of general discussion on 20 March 2025 on the right of persons with disabilities to participation in political and public life, aimed to help it to elaborate a general comment on article 29 of the Convention.  Mr. Ori expressed appreciation for the Committee’s work and wished it a successful and productive session.

    Discussion

    In the discussion, some speakers, among other things, sincerely appreciated the efforts of the Committee to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.  They congratulated the new members who had been elected to the Committee. It was clear to see the improvement in gender and regional diversity, which spoke to the Committee’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.  The Committee should be congratulated for its work to advance and monitor the Convention. The general comment on article 29 was key to advancing disability inclusion.  The work done so far on the general comment on article 11 was welcomed. It was crucial to ensure that persons with disabilities were not left behind in any form of conflicts, including in the occupied Palestinian territory. 

    One speaker said 164 States were party to the Ottowa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines and were required to provide assistance to survivors, families and communities who were victims of mines.  This Convention was the first disarmament convention which acknowledged the rights of those affected by an indiscriminate weapon, setting a positive precedent in the area of humanitarian disarmament.  Most survivors of mines had a disability, meaning the Convention on anti-personnel mines intersected with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

    A new five-year action plan, the Siam-Reap action plan, had been adopted in 2024 and included 10 actions linked to assistance to victims, and to the work of the Committee.  Some of the reports to be examined by the Committee were from States parties that had obligations to assist victims under the Convention on anti-personnel mines. The Committee was invited to include questions pertaining to mine survivors to these States. 

    Another speaker said the Convention on Cluster Munitions stood as a landmark humanitarian disarmament treaty, addressing the unacceptable consequences of the use of cluster munitions, and prohibiting the use, transfer and stockpiling of these weapons.  It also established a framework for cooperation ensuring victim assistance, care and rehabilitation for survivors and clearance of contaminated areas. 

    A speaker said disability, gender and discrimination were closely interlinked, with one in five women experiencing a gender-related exclusion.  Work was being done with women and girls with disabilities, including by supporting initiatives and policy work.  Programmes had been launched on mainstreaming disability within the humanitarian response to Ukrainian refugees. 

    The Marrakech Treaty allowed for the production of accessible books across national boundaries for people who were print disabled; 125 countries had joined the treaty since 2013 and Colombia had ratified the treaty last week.  One million titles were now available for cross-border exchange under the treaty.  While many countries had ratified the treaty, its provisions needed to be implemented into national law to allow people who were print disabled to fully benefit from it. Member States that wished to ratify or implement the treaty would be provided with support.

    One speaker said the potential lack of sign language interpretation was a concern; this would break 14 years of ensuring full inclusion of all Committee members and persons with disabilities, which was unacceptable.  Without access to sign language, deaf individuals were denied human rights and were excluded.  It was regretful that the Committee was meeting under circumstances where one of the new members, who was deaf, could not fully participate.  By continuing its thirty-second session, where a member did not have full access, the Committee was complicit in preventing the member from carrying out their full mandate.  It was hoped sign language interpretation would continue this session. The United Nations must ensure the accessibility of their events and meetings for deaf individuals to enable them to participate on an equal footing to other individuals. 

    One speaker said a new organization had been developed to support an inclusive society for all and in every field, including education, labour, welfare and the economy.  In 10 years, the organization had the ambitious goal of 100 billion dollars’ worth of new business creation.  Another speaker said a project was underway to analyse the recommendations on the rights of persons with disabilities extended by the treaty bodies, the Universal Periodic Review, and the Special Procedures to see what degree of United Nations support was being extended to the implementing States. Around 12,108 recommendations had been identified as relating to the rights of persons with disabilities.  The Committee had issued the majority of the recommendations.  On initial analysis, it seemed that implementation of the Convention was falling behind, and a key part of the project would be to understand why. 

    Another speaker said many persons with disabilities were locked in institutions; approximately 8.4 million people were in-patients in mental hospitals every year.  One in 10 people in institutions had been there for over 25 years, according to a study.  In 60 out of 100 countries, people were still being shackled for psychosocial disabilities. During its thirty-second session, the Committee was asked to commit to ending all forms of institutionalisation and to strengthen primary, secondary and community-based mental health care. 

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CRPD25.001E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Call for Proposals: Shaping Resilience: Women’s Role in the Private Sector

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    UNDRR is the United Nations’ focal point for the coordination of disaster risk reduction, working with countries and a broad range of partners and stakeholders to support the implementation, monitoring and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in coherence with the 2030 Agenda and other instruments, for the multi-hazard management of disaster risk in development and the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses.

    UNDRR issues grants, in line with UN Financial Regulations and Rules, to apolitical and not profit-making organizations to facilitate, implement, or carry out activities related to UNDRR’s and the partner’s mandates and work programmes.

    To this end, UNDRR invites non-profit organizations with more than 10 years of operation, with demonstrable experience in disaster risk reduction or sustainable development teams and that have developed projects in gender and private sector teams in Honduras, Guatemala or El Salvador to submit grant proposals that focus on the project described below.

    A. Rationale

    This project addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the private sector, particularly in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate action in Central America. Despite progress in gender equality, only 37.3% of managerial roles in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are occupied by women, limiting their influence in shaping resilience strategies.

    The private sector plays a pivotal role in DRR efforts; however, gender considerations are often overlooked in policies and actions. By focusing on Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, this initiative aims to empower women leaders by providing them with essential knowledge, tools, and networks necessary for integrating gender-responsive DRR strategies into private sector operations. Women bring significant value to enhancing resilience within the private sector through their leadership skills, strategic decision-making capabilities, and adaptability. Their contributions are vital for fostering a resilient and equitable business environment. Therefore, supporting and empowering women in leadership roles is crucial.

    To maximize impact and scalability, this project leverages existing leadership within the ARISE network-where nearly 70% of regional networks are led by women-positioning it as a catalyst for change that can effectively promote gender equity while enhancing business resilience across Central America.

    B. Purpose

    This project aims to empower women to take on leadership roles in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate actions within the private sector. It focuses on documenting best practices, strengthening women’s leadership capacities, and fostering regional collaboration to address gender disparities. Through participatory workshops, research, and knowledge-sharing activities across Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, the initiative promotes inclusive resilience strategies that prioritize women’s roles within businesses. By aligning with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth for all and building upon the Paris Agreement’s commitment to integrate gender equality into climate action; this project seeks to have a significant social impact by supporting women in protecting productive assets from disasters while promoting employment generation and enhancing the social function of businesses.

    C. Outcome

    • Enhanced the leadership skills of women in strategic decision-making for business continuity planning and disaster risk reduction.
    • Increased visibility and documentation of gender-responsive DRR practices.
    • Enhanced regional collaboration on DRR through shared learning and cross-sector dialogue.
    • Development of actionable recommendations for integrating gender considerations into private sector DRR strategies.
    • Integrating gender considerations into business operations to contribute to sustainable development goals at the enterprise level.

    D. Output

    • Three documented case studies highlighting women’s contributions to disaster resilience and business continuity.
    • Survey analysis report capturing key insights from at least 80 respondents on challenges and opportunities for women in DRR leadership.
    • Capacity-building workshop training at least 15 women leaders in DRR strategies and business continuity planning.
    • High-level knowledge exchange event with at least 40 participants fostering collaboration on gender and DRR.
    • Comprehensive learning resource guide for private sector stakeholders, distributed to at least 50 key actors.
    • Widespread dissemination of materials reaching at least 200 stakeholders through digital platforms and ARISE networks.

    E. Suggested activities

    The following activities must involve the participation and collection of information, from at least the three primary countries in the project: Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

    1. Good Practices Documentation: Conduct field research and stakeholder consultations to identify and document gender responsive DRR practices, ensuring that at least two documented practices are collected for each primary country involved in the project. It is necessary to gather information on the organizations involved, including investment in the practice, location, timeline, scope, key stakeholders, multimedia materials, challenges and setbacks, barriers, implemented activities, impact and results, and lessons learned.
    2. Survey Analysis: Conduct a regional survey with at least 80 respondents to assess perceptions, challenges, and opportunities in gender and DRR leadership.
    3. Capacity-Building Workshop: Organize a tailored leadership workshop to enhance women’s skills in DRR, climate resilience, and business continuity.
    4. Knowledge Exchange Event: Support the organization of a high-level roundtable at the ARISE Americas and Caribbean Forum in May 2025 featuring of a representative from the National Government of Honduras to discuss project findings and best practices.
    5. Development of Learning Resources: Produce a comprehensive guide outlining gender-responsive DRR strategies and disseminate among regional stakeholders.
    6. Creation of Dissemination Materials: Develop communication materials, policy briefs, and outreach materials for broad stakeholder engagement.

    F. Resources

    The project requires USD 70,000 from UNDRR to successfully implement its activities, which include the activities described in section E.

    The Selected NGO is expected to contribute key resources essential for the project’s success, including the allocation of workspaces for the project team, back-office support, and access to meeting facilities for coordination and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the provision of relevant reports, studies, and data from previous projects-particularly those related to gender and capacity-building efforts-will be crucial for informed decision-making. The Selected NGO’s institutional influence will also play a vital role in strengthening the project’s impact by facilitating connections with key stakeholders. These contributions will serve as in-kind co-financing, enhancing the project’s implementation capacity and alignment with existing initiatives.

    G. Elements specific to the project that the grantee should know

    All International and national non-governmental organizations that wish to be considered for partnership opportunities with UNDRR will need to register and create a profile on the United Nations Partner Portal (UNPP). Following verification of the profile information, partners will be eligible to apply to partnership opportunities with UNDRR as well as the UN Secretariat and all other participating UN Organizations.

    We encourage you to start the registration as soon as possible to avoid delays. Only registered organizations whose profile has been successfully verified will be considered eligible partners to apply for grant opportunities with UNDRR. For more details on registration procedures please visit the UN Section of UNPP.

    Furthermore, the United Nations system requires all partners to be assessed regarding their capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. UNDRR encourages implementing partners to use the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) module in the UNPP. For more information please see the PSEA Module User Guide.

    H. Budget and administrative-related aspects

    The duration of the proposed project cannot exceed 10 months. The maximum amount requested from UNDRR for the implementation of this project cannot exceed USD 70,000. The project proposal must not exceed 10 pages (attachments such as scanned copies of entity’s registration, CVs of staff etc. do not count). For this purpose, please fill in duly all the sections of the application form, include the required documents (scanned copy of NGO/IGO’s registration certificate, CVs of staff etc.) and budget excel sheets, and send the complete application package (application form, budget excel sheets, entity registration certificate, CVs of staff, etc.) to the following email address: [email protected] cc: [email protected], [email protected].

    Deadline for applications: 10 March 2025, midnight New York, USA EST (Eastern Standard Time). Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. 

    Projects’ activities can include, amongst others, the following: seminars, workshops, trainings; capacity building activities; institutional strengthening activities; and advocacy. 

    The following types of activity will not be covered: capital expenditure, e.g. land, buildings, equipment and vehicles; individual scholarships for studies or training courses; supporting political parties; and sub-contracting. 

    Due to the number of applications, only short-listed applicants will be notified. 

    Please note that the grant payment schedule will be determined with the selected grantee when finalizing the agreement. UNDRR standard practice is not to exceed 40% of the requested amount upon signature of the grant agreement; remaining payments made based on a schedule of payments linked to production of project milestones and the final payment, 20%, will be paid after the end of the project, once final documents have been received, verified and approved by UNDRR. 

    Refund of grants: UNDRR may request organizations to refund, either in part or in whole any amounts paid in respect of a grant when: the project was not implemented in full or in part; the grant was spent for ineligible expenditures other than those mentioned in the budget proposal submitted to, and approved by UNDRR; no narrative, financial or audit report was submitted within the deadline established by the grant agreement; a narrative report and/or a financial report submitted was determined to be unsatisfactory; a negative evaluation of the project by UNDRR; any other valid reason provided by the UNDRR.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 110 Years Ago: The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics Founded 

    Source: NASA

    On March 3, 1915, the United States Congress created the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Although the NACA’s founding took place just over 11 years after the Wright Brothers’ first powered flightfirst powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Congress took the action in response to America lagging behind other world powers’ advances in aviation and aeronautics. From its modest beginnings as an advisory committee, over the years, the NACA established research centers and test facilities that enabled groundbreaking advances in civilian and military aviation, as well as the fledgling discipline of spaceflight. With the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1958, the new agency incorporated the NACA’s facilities, its employees, and its annual budget. The NACA provided NASA with a strong foundation as it set out to explore space. 

    The Congressional action that created the NACA, implemented as a rider to the 1915 Naval Appropriations Bill, reads in part, “…It shall be the duty of the advisory committee for aeronautics to supervise and direct the scientific study of the problems of flight with a view to their practical solution. …”. In its initial years, the NACA fulfilled its intended role, coordinating activities already in place in the area of aeronautics research, reporting directly to the president. The committee, made up of 12 representatives from government agencies, academia, and the military, first met on April 23 in the Office of the Secretary of War in Washington, D.C. It established a nine-member executive committee to oversee day-to-day operations and spent the first few years establishing its headquarters in Washington.  

    Within a few years, the NACA’s role began to expand with the establishment of research facilities. The Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, today NASA’s Langley Research Center, in Hampton, Virginia, opened on June 11, 1920. Over the next few decades, Langley served as a testing facility for new types of aircraft, using wind tunnels and other technological advances. The Ames Aeronautical Laboratory in Sunnyvale, California, today NASA’s Ames Research Center, opened in 1940 and the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, today NASA’s Glenn Research Center, in 1941. The three labs achieved many breakthroughs in civilian and military aviation before, during, and after World War II. The Cleveland lab, renamed the Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory in 1948, concentrated most of its efforts on advances in jet propulsion. 

    After World War II, the NACA began work on achieving supersonic flight. In 1946, the agency established the Muroc Flight Test Unit at the Air Force’s Muroc Field, later renamed Edwards Air Force Base, in California’s Mojave Desert. In a close collaboration, the NACA, the Air Force, and Bell Aircraft developed the X-1 airplane that first broke the sound barrier in 1947. Muroc Field underwent several name changes, first to the High-Speed Flight Station in 1949, then in 1976 to NASA’s Dryden, and in 2014 to Armstrong Flight Research Center. In 1945, the NACA established the Pilotless Aircraft Research Station on Wallops Island, Virginia, now NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, as a test site for rocketry research, under Langley’s direction. From the first launch in 1945 through 1958, the NACA launched nearly 400 different types of rockets from Wallops. 

    In the 1950s, the NACA began to study the feasibility of spaceflight, including sending humans into space. In 1952, NACA engineers developed the concept of a blunt body capsule as the most efficient way to return humans from space. The design concept found its way into the Mercury capsule and all future American spacecraft. Following the dawn of the space age in 1957, the NACA advocated that it take the lead in America’s spaceflight effort. The Congress passed, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to create a new civilian space agency, and on Oct. 1, 1958, NASA officially began operations. The new organization incorporated the NACA’s research laboratories and test facilities, its 8,000 employees, and its $100 million annual budget.  Many of NASA’s key early leaders and engineers began their careers in the NACA. The NACA’s last director, Hugh Dryden, served as NASA’s first deputy administrator. 
    For more information about the NACA and its transition to NASA, read former NASA Chief Historian Roger Launius’ book NASA to NASA to Now: The Frontiers of Air and Space in the American Century. Watch this video narrated by former NASA Chief Historian Bill Barry about the NACA. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

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    Seems like almost everyone is carrying a bottle of water these days.
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water products, working to ensure that they’re safe to drink.
    The FDA protects consumers of bottled water through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which makes manufacturers responsible for producing safe, wholesome, and truthfully labeled food products.
    There are regulations that focus specifically on bottled water, including:

    “standard of identity” regulations that define different types of bottled water
    “standard of quality” regulations that set maximum levels of contaminants—including chemical, physical, microbial, and radiological contaminants—allowed in bottled water
    “current good manufacturing practice” regulations that require bottled water to be safe and produced under sanitary conditions

    Types of Bottled Water
    The FDA describes bottled water as water that’s intended for human consumption and sealed in bottles or other containers with no added ingredients, except that it may contain safe and suitable antimicrobial agents. Fluoride may also be added within the limits set by the FDA.
    The agency classifies some bottled water by its origin. Here are four of those classifications:

    Artesian well water. This water is collected from a well that taps an aquifer—layers of porous rock, sand, and earth that contain water—which is under pressure from surrounding upper layers of rock or clay. When tapped, the pressure in the aquifer, commonly called artesian pressure, pushes the water above the level of the aquifer, sometimes to the surface. Other means may be used to help bring the water to the surface.
    Mineral water. This water comes from an underground source and contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids. Minerals and trace elements must come from the source of the underground water. They cannot be added later.
    Spring water. Derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface, this water must be collected only at the spring or through a borehole that taps the underground formation feeding the spring. If some external force is used to collect the water through a borehole, the water must have the same composition and quality as the water that naturally flows to the surface.
    Well water. This is water from a hole bored or drilled into the ground, which taps into an aquifer.

    Bottled water may be used as an ingredient in beverages, such as diluted juices or flavored bottled waters. However, beverages labeled as containing “sparkling water,” “seltzer water,” “soda water,” “tonic water,” or “club soda” aren’t included as bottled water under the FDA’s regulations. These beverages are instead considered to be soft drinks.
    It May Be Tap Water
    Some bottled water also comes from municipal sources—in other words, public drinking water or tap water. Municipal water is usually treated before it is bottled. Examples of water treatments include:

    Distillation. Water is turned into a vapor, leaving minerals behind. Vapors are then condensed into water again.
    Reverse osmosis. Water is forced through membranes to remove minerals.
    Absolute 1 micron filtration. Water flows through filters that remove particles larger than one micron—.00004 inches—in size. These particles include Cryptosporidium, a parasitic pathogen that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
    Ozonation. Bottlers of all types of waters typically use ozone gas, an antimicrobial agent, instead of chlorine to disinfect the water. Chlorine can add residual taste and odor to the water.

    Bottled water that has been treated by distillation, reverse osmosis, or another suitable process may meet standards that allow it to be labeled as “purified water.”
    Ensuring Quality and Safety
    Federal quality standards for bottled water were first adopted in 1973. They were based on U.S. Public Health Service standards for drinking water set in 1962.
    The 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act gave regulatory oversight of public drinking water to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The FDA subsequently took responsibility, under the FD&C Act, for ensuring that the quality standards for bottled water are compatible with EPA standards for public drinking water.
    Each time the EPA establishes a standard for a contaminant, the FDA either adopts it for bottled water or finds that the standard isn’t necessary for bottled water.
    In some cases, standards for bottled water and public drinking water differ. For example, because lead can leach from pipes as water travels from water utilities to home faucets, the EPA set its limit for lead in public drinking water at 15 parts per billion. For bottled water, for which lead pipes aren’t used, the lead limit is set at 5 ppb.
    For bottled water production, bottlers must follow the CGMP regulations specific to processing and bottling drinking water, put in place and enforced by the FDA. Water must be sampled, analyzed, and found to be safe and sanitary. These regulations also require proper plant and equipment design, bottling procedures, and record keeping.
    In addition, bottled water processors are generally required to register with the FDA as food facilities. Domestic and foreign facilities that are required to register as food facilities must comply with the requirements for risk-based preventive controls mandated by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act as well as the modernized CGMPs of this rule that cover all human food facilities, unless an exemption applies. Please see FDA’s Preventive Controls for Human Food webpage for additional details.
    Furthermore, the FDA oversees inspections of bottling plants. The agency inspects bottled water plants under its general food safety program and has states perform some plant inspections under contract. Some states also require bottled water firms to be licensed annually. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Going With the Flow: Visualizing Ocean Currents with ECCO

    Source: NASA

    Historically, the ocean has been difficult to model. Scientists struggled in years past to simulate ocean currents or accurately predict fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and other properties. As a result, models of ocean dynamics rapidly diverged from reality, which meant they could only provide useful information for brief periods.
    In 1999, a project called Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean (ECCO) changed all that. By applying the laws of physics to data from multiple satellites and thousands of floating sensors, NASA scientists and their collaborators built ECCO to be a realistic, detailed, and continuous ocean model that spans decades. ECCO enabled thousands of scientific discoveries, and was featured during the announcement of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2021.
    NASA ECCO is a powerful integrator of decades of ocean data, narrating the story of Earth’s changing ocean as it drives our weather, and sustains marine life.
    The ECCO project includes hundreds of millions of real-world measurements of temperature, salinity, sea ice concentration, pressure, water height, and flow in the world’s oceans. Researchers rely on the model output to study ocean dynamics and to keep tabs on conditions that are crucial for ecosystems and weather patterns. The modeling effort is supported by NASA’s Earth science programs and by the international ECCO consortium, which includes researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and eight research institutions and universities.
    The project provides models that are the best possible reconstruction of the past 30 years of the global ocean. It allows us to understand the ocean’s physical processes at scales that are not normally observable.

    Large-scale wind patterns around the globe drag ocean surface waters with them, creating complex currents, including some that flow toward the western sides of the ocean basins. The currents hug the eastern coasts of continents as they head north or south from the equator: These are the western boundary currents. The three most prominent are the Gulf Stream, Agulhas, and Kuroshio. NASA Goddard’s Scientific Visualization Studio.

    Seafarers have known about the Gulf Stream — the Atlantic Ocean’s western boundary current — for more than 500 years. By the volume of water it moves, the Gulf Stream is the largest of the western boundary currents, transporting more water than all the planet’s rivers combined.
    In 1785, Benjamin Franklin added it to maritime charts showing the current flowing up from the Gulf, along the eastern U.S. coast, and out across the North Atlantic. Franklin noted that riding the current could improve a ship’s travel time from the Americas to Europe, while avoiding the current could shorten travel times when sailing back.

    Franklin’s charts showed a smooth Gulf Stream rather than the twisted, swirling path revealed in ECCO data. And Franklin couldn’t have imagined the opposing flow of water below the Gulf Stream. The countercurrent runs at depths of about 2,000 feet (600 meters) in a cold river of water that is roughly the opposite of the warm Gulf Stream at the surface. The submarine countercurrent is clearly visible when the upper layers in the ECCO model are peeled away in visualizations.
    The Gulf Stream is a part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which moderates climate worldwide by transporting warm surface waters north and cool underwater currents south. The Gulf Stream, in particular, stabilizes temperatures of the southeastern United States, keeping the region warmer in winter and cooler in summer than it would be without the current. After the Gulf Stream crosses the Atlantic, it tempers the climates of England and the European coast as well.

    The Agulhas Current flows south along the western side of the Indian Ocean. When it reaches the southern tip of Africa, it sheds swirling vortices of water called Agulhas Rings. Sometimes persisting for years, the rings glide across the Atlantic toward South America, transporting small fish, larvae, and other microorganisms from the Indian Ocean. 
    Researchers using the ECCO model can study Agulhas Current flow as it sends warm, salty water from the tropics in the Indian Ocean toward the tip of South Africa. The model helps tease out the complicated dynamics that create the Agulhas rings and large loop of current called a supergyre that surrounds the Antarctic. The Southern Hemisphere supergyre links the southern portions of other, smaller current loops (gyres) that circulate in the southern Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Together with gyres in the northern Atlantic and Pacific, the southern gyres and Southern Hemisphere supergyre influence climate while transporting carbon around the globe. 

    In addition to affecting global weather patterns and temperatures, western boundary currents can drive vertical flows in the oceans known as upwellings. The flows bring nutrients up from the depths to the surface, where they act as fertilizer for phytoplankton, algae, and aquatic plants.
    The Kuroshio Current that runs on the west side of the Pacific Ocean and along the east side of Japan has recently been associated with upwellings that enrich coastal fishing waters. The specific mechanisms that cause the vertical flows are not entirely clear. Ocean scientists are now turning to ECCO to tease out the connection between nutrient transport and currents like the Kuroshio that might be revealed in studies of the water temperature, density, pressure, and other factors included in the ECCO model.

    When viewed through the lens of ECCO’s temperature data, western boundary currents carry warm water away from the tropics and toward the poles. In the case of the Gulf Stream, as the current moves to far northern latitudes, some of the saltwater freezes into salt-free sea ice. The saltier water left behind sinks and then flows south all the way toward the Antarctic before rising and warming in other ocean basins. 

    Currents also move nutrients and salt throughout Earth’s ocean basins. Swirling vortexes of the Agulhas rings stand out in ECCO temperature and salinity maps as they move warm, salty water from the Indian Ocean into the Atlantic.

    ECCO offers researchers a way to run virtual experiments that would be impractical or too costly to perform in real oceans. Some of the most important applications of the ECCO model are in ocean ecology, biology, and chemistry. Because the model shows where the water comes from and where it goes, researchers can see how currents transport heat, minerals, nutrients, and organisms around the planet. 
    In prior decades, for example, ocean scientists relied on extensive temperature and salinity measurements by floating sensors to deduce that the Gulf Stream is primarily made of water flowing past the Gulf rather than through it. The studies were time-consuming and expensive. With the ECCO model, data visualizers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, virtually replicated the research in a simulation that was far quicker and cheaper.

    The example illustrated here relies on ECCO to track the flow of water by virtually filling the Gulf with 115,000 particles and letting them move for a year in the model. The demonstration showed that less than 1% of the particles escape the Gulf to join the Gulf Stream. 
    Running such particle-tracking experiments within the ocean circulation models helps scientists understand how and where environmental contaminants, such as oil spills, can spread.

    Today, researchers turn to ECCO for a broad array of studies. They can choose ECCO modeling products that focus on one feature – such as global flows or the biology and chemistry of the ocean – or they can narrow the view to the poles or specific ocean regions. Every year, more than a hundred scientific papers include data and analyses from the ECCO model that delve into our oceans’ properties and dynamics. 

    [embedded content]
    Credits: Kathleen Gaeta Greer/ NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio 

    Composed by James Riordon / NASA’s Earth Science News Team
    Information in this piece came from the resources below and interviews with the following sources: Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, Dimitris Menemenlis, Ian Fenty, and Atousa Saberi.  

    Liao, F., Liang, X., Li, Y., & Spall, M. (2022). Hidden upwelling systems associated with major western boundary currents. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 127(3), e2021JC017649.
    Richardson, P. L. (1980). The Benjamin Franklin and Timothy Folger charts of the Gulf Stream. In Oceanography: The Past: Proceedings of the Third International Congress on the History of Oceanography, held September 22–26, 1980 at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA on the occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the founding of the Institution (pp. 703-717). New York, NY: Springer New York.
    Biastoch, A., Rühs, S., Ivanciu, I., Schwarzkopf, F. U., Veitch, J., Reason, C., … & Soltau, F. (2024). The Agulhas Current System as an Important Driver for Oceanic and Terrestrial Climate. In Sustainability of Southern African Ecosystems under Global Change: Science for Management and Policy Interventions (pp. 191-220). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
    Lee-Sánchez, E., Camacho-Ibar, V. F., Velásquez-Aristizábal, J. A., Valencia-Gasti, J. A., & Samperio-Ramos, G. (2022). Impacts of mesoscale eddies on the nitrate distribution in the deep-water region of the Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Marine Systems, 229, 103721.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Names Norman Knight as Acting Deputy Director of Johnson Space Center

    Source: NASA

    NASA has selected Norman Knight as acting deputy director of Johnson Space Center. Knight currently serves as Director of Johnson’s Flight Operations Directorate (FOD), responsible for astronaut training and for overall planning, directing, managing, and implementing overall mission operations for NASA human spaceflight programs. This also includes management for all Johnson aircraft operations and aircrew training. Knight will serve in this dual deputy director and FOD director role for the near term.
    “It is an honor to accept my new role as acting deputy director for Johnson,” Knight said. “Human spaceflight is key to our agency’s mission and our Johnson team is unified in that goal. The successes we see every day are the evidence of that. It never ceases to amaze me what our team is capable of.”
    Knight began his career at the Johnson Space Center as a Space Shuttle mechanical systems flight controller, working 40 missions in this capacity. He progressed through management roles with increasing responsibility, and in 2000, he was selected as a flight director and worked in that capacity for numerous International Space Station expeditions and Space Shuttle missions. In 2009, he became the deputy chief of the Flight Director Office and participated in a NASA fellowship at Harvard Business School in general management. In 2012, Knight was selected as the chief of the Flight Director Office and then in 2018 as deputy director of the Flight Operations Directorate after serving a temporary assignment as the assistant administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. In 2021, Knight was selected as the director of FOD.
    “Norm has an accomplished career within the agency,” said Steven Koerner, Johnson acting director. “His leadership, expertise, and dedication to the mission will undoubtably drive our continued success.”
    Throughout his career, Knight has been recognized for outstanding technical achievements and leadership, receiving a Spaceflight Awareness Honoree award for STS-82. He also received several center and agency awards, including two Exceptional Achievement medals, multiple Johnson and agency group achievement awards, two Superior Accomplishment awards, an Outstanding Leadership medal, the Johnson Director’s Commendation award, and the Distinguished Service medal.
    Knight earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1990.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Webb Exposes Complex Atmosphere of Starless Super-Jupiter

    Source: NASA

    An international team of researchers has discovered that previously observed variations in brightness of a free-floating planetary-mass object known as SIMP 0136 must be the result of a complex combination of atmospheric factors, and cannot be explained by clouds alone.
    Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to monitor a broad spectrum of infrared light emitted over two full rotation periods by SIMP 0136, the team was able to detect variations in cloud layers, temperature, and carbon chemistry that were previously hidden from view.
    The results provide crucial insight into the three-dimensional complexity of gas giant atmospheres within and beyond our solar system. Detailed characterization of objects like these is essential preparation for direct imaging of exoplanets, planets outside our solar system, with NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2027.

    SIMP 0136 is a rapidly rotating, free-floating object roughly 13 times the mass of Jupiter, located in the Milky Way just 20 light-years from Earth. Although it is not classified as a gas giant exoplanet — it doesn’t orbit a star and may instead be a brown dwarf — SIMP 0136 is an ideal target for exo-meteorology: It is the brightest object of its kind in the northern sky. Because it is isolated, it can be observed with no fear of light contamination or variability caused by a host star. And its short rotation period of just 2.4 hours makes it possible to survey very efficiently.
    Prior to the Webb observations, SIMP 0136 had been studied extensively using ground-based observatories and NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes.
    “We already knew that it varies in brightness, and we were confident that there are patchy cloud layers that rotate in and out of view and evolve over time,” explained Allison McCarthy, doctoral student at Boston University and lead author on a study published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. “We also thought there could be temperature variations, chemical reactions, and possibly some effects of auroral activity affecting the brightness, but we weren’t sure.”
    To figure it out, the team needed Webb’s ability to measure very precise changes in brightness over a broad range of wavelengths.

    Using NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph), Webb captured thousands of individual 0.6- to 5.3-micron spectra — one every 1.8 seconds over more than three hours as the object completed one full rotation. This was immediately followed by an observation with MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument), which collected hundreds of spectroscopic measurements of 5- to 14-micron light — one every 19.2 seconds, over another rotation.
    The result was hundreds of detailed light curves, each showing the change in brightness of a very precise wavelength (color) as different sides of the object rotated into view.
    “To see the full spectrum of this object change over the course of minutes was incredible,” said principal investigator Johanna Vos, from Trinity College Dublin. “Until now, we only had a little slice of the near-infrared spectrum from Hubble, and a few brightness measurements from Spitzer.”
    The team noticed almost immediately that there were several distinct light-curve shapes. At any given time, some wavelengths were growing brighter, while others were becoming dimmer or not changing much at all. A number of different factors must be affecting the brightness variations.
    “Imagine watching Earth from far away. If you were to look at each color separately, you would see different patterns that tell you something about its surface and atmosphere, even if you couldn’t make out the individual features,” explained co-author Philip Muirhead, also from Boston University. “Blue would increase as oceans rotate into view. Changes in brown and green would tell you something about soil and vegetation.”

    To figure out what could be causing the variability on SIMP 0136, the team used atmospheric models to show where in the atmosphere each wavelength of light was originating.
    “Different wavelengths provide information about different depths in the atmosphere,” explained McCarthy. “We started to realize that the wavelengths that had the most similar light-curve shapes also probed the same depths, which reinforced this idea that they must be caused by the same mechanism.”
    One group of wavelengths, for example, originates deep in the atmosphere where there could be patchy clouds made of iron particles. A second group comes from higher clouds thought to be made of tiny grains of silicate minerals. The variations in both of these light curves are related to patchiness of the cloud layers.
    A third group of wavelengths originates at very high altitude, far above the clouds, and seems to track temperature. Bright “hot spots” could be related to auroras that were previously detected at radio wavelengths, or to upwelling of hot gas from deeper in the atmosphere.
    Some of the light curves cannot be explained by either clouds or temperature, but instead show variations related to atmospheric carbon chemistry. There could be pockets of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide rotating in and out of view, or chemical reactions causing the atmosphere to change over time.
    “We haven’t really figured out the chemistry part of the puzzle yet,” said Vos. “But these results are really exciting because they are showing us that the abundances of molecules like methane and carbon dioxide could change from place to place and over time. If we are looking at an exoplanet and can get only one measurement, we need to consider that it might not be representative of the entire planet.”
    This research was conducted as part of Webb’s General Observer Program 3548.
    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing 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 CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    Downloads
    Right click any image to save it or open a larger version in a new tab/window via the browser’s popup menu.
    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
    View/Download the research results from The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Margaret W. Carruthers – mcarruthers@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
    Hannah Braun – hbraun@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    More Webb News
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    Article: Spectroscopy 101

    What is the Webb Telescope?
    SpacePlace for Kids
    En Español
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harrisburg Woman Sentenced To 41 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud And Bank Fraud Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ester N. Mbaya, age 43, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to 41 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, on charges of health care fraud and bank fraud. Judge Munley also ordered Mbaya to pay back $3,349,550 in restitution to the parties she defrauded.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Mbaya was president of Cool Waters, LLC, a home health care agency. Mbaya submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims seeking compensation for services that were not provided or were otherwise inflated. Mbaya submitted these fraudulent claims from January 2018 to June 2020, and obtained in excess of $1 million as a result of the fraud.

    Mbaya also submitted falsified records to four financial institutions to obtain loans and lines of credit. The falsified records included altered bank statements which made it appear she had more money on deposit than she did. She also submitted falsified pay checks to obtain loans.

    “This exhaustive investigation uncovered nearly three million dollars in Medicaid funds that should have been used to help Pennsylvanians in need of care, but instead were taken by the defendant who deliberately defrauded the system,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “I commend the dedication of our team which uncovered this fraud, and thank our federal partners for collaboration which led to a successful prosecution.”

    “This sentencing sends a clear message that home health care providers are required to follow the law and submit only valid claims to Medicaid for reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to investigate fraudulent claims made to federally funded health care programs.”

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Sherwood and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando Woman Ordered To Pay Over $3 Million For Her Involvement In Wire And Tax Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Marielys Feliciano Rodriguez (47, Orlando) to one year of house arrest and ordered her to pay $3,338,558 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for wire fraud and tax fraud. She was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release. The court also entered a money judgment against Rodriguez in the amount of $347,760, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud. 

    According to court documents, Rodriguez established a shell company that purported to be involved in the construction industry. She obtained a workers’ compensation insurance policy in the name of the shell company to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees, then “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance to work crews who had obtained subcontracts with construction contractors on projects in various Florida counties as well as contractors in other states. Rodriguez sent the contractors a certificate as “proof” that the work crews had workers’ compensation insurance, as required by Florida law. By sending the certificate Rodriguez falsely represented that the work crews worked for the shell company. Over the course of the scheme, Rodriguez “rented” the certificates to dozens of work crews, defrauding the worker’s compensation carrier, typically allowing numerous undocumented illegal workers to be employed unlawfully.

    As part of the scheme, the contractors issued payroll checks for the workers’ wages to the shell companies and Rodriguez cashed these checks, then distributed the cash to the work crews, after deducting their fee, which was typically about 6% of the payroll. During the scheme, Rodriguez cashed payroll checks totaling approximately $13 million. Neither the shell company nor the contractors reported to government authorities the wages that were paid to the workers, nor did they pay either the employees’ or the employer’s portion of payroll taxes – including Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax. The amount of payroll taxes due on wages collected by Rodriguez totaled over $3 million.

    The scheme also facilitated the avoidance of the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance for the numerous workers on the work crews to whom Rodriguez “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance. The policy that Rodriguez purchased and then “rented” out was for an estimated payroll of $121,800 and the insurance company issued a policy for a premium of approximately $8,006. Had a workers’ compensation insurance policy been purchased for the actual payroll totaling approximately $5 million dollars, the policy premium would have totaled about $461,679.

    “Fraudulent schemes that provide under-the-table cash payments ultimately exploit undocumented aliens for large profits and undermines the integrity of the industry, endangering both the workers and the system that’s meant to protect them,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will investigate those who engage in illegal practices and hold them accountable for their actions.”

    “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that off the books payroll schemes which enable illegal immigrants the ability to work without paying taxes will not be tolerated.  These schemes are violations of a number of serious federal criminal statutes including wire fraud and tax evasion. The impact of this scheme, and others like it, harm law-abiding businesses and legal workers who are unable to compete against the tax-free labor of illegal immigrants,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Tampa Field Office.  “We are proud to work alongside our partners at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on this case, and we will continue this partnership to ensure all employers are on an even playing field.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clay County Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Loaded Firearm As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida –Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Toby Harris (46, Clay County) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Harris faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of a CANIK 9mm pistol and ammunition used in the offense. No sentencing date has been set.   

    According to court documents, on August 27, 2024, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a call about a reckless driver on Blanding Boulevard. After locating the car and arresting the driver for DUI, the CCSO advised Harris, who was a passenger, that the car would be towed. As the CCSO prepared the car for towing, Harris repeatedly approached the car and was told by law enforcement to stay away from the vehicle. Ignoring law enforcement, Harris went to the front driver’s side wheel well and then walked to a grassy area. A deputy walked toward Harris and located a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol laying on the ground, directly where Harris was previously standing. Examination of the firearm determined it contained six rounds of ammunition with one round chambered in the barrel. At the time, Harris had multiple prior felony convictions which prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

    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. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lisa G. Johnston Named Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Lisa G. Johnston has been named the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of West Virginia, which covers 23 counties, and oversees all federal criminal prosecutions as well as the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest.

    “I am honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney and pledge to continue to fulfill the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” Johnston said. “On behalf of this office and its dedicated attorneys and staff, I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to protect the public, enforce the law fairly and consistently, and promote respect for the legal system and the rule of law.”

    Johnston previously served as the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia from February 2021 to October 2021. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of West Virginia in August 2006. Since January 2018, Johnston has served as First Assistant United States Attorney, the second most-senior official in the United States Attorney’s Office tasked with overseeing the operations of the criminal, civil and administrative sections of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    Johnston began her 37-year career in the Northern District of West Virginia, where she served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and then as an Assistant United States Attorney. In October 2001, Johnston accepted a detail with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Chief Counsel’s Office where she served as a legal advisor to ATF employees in the Louisville Field Division. In August 2005, Johnston accepted a detail with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she handled immigration appeals.

    Throughout her extensive career as an Assistant United States Attorney, Johnston has handled investigations and prosecutions of federal criminal laws involving crimes against children, firearms, violence, drug trafficking, health care fraud, immigration, and other white-collar offenses.

    As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston oversees a staff of 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley.

    A native of Moundsville, West Virginia, Johnston earned a Juris Doctor degree from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1988. She graduated Cum Laude from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1984.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Gang Member Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison After Being Found With A Stolen AR-15 Rifle Loaded With 30 Rounds of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon after he was found in possession of a stolen AR-15 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. On August 21, 2024, Shelvy Travon Edwards, age 29, pled guilty to the charges.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on September 12, 2023, Halifax County Sheriff’s Deputies and Roanoke Rapids Police Officers received a community tip that Edwards was in the parking lot of an apartment complex and was armed. Officers were looking for Edwards because there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. When law enforcement arrived, they saw Edwards move a long, dark colored object towards the center console of the vehicle he was seated in prior to fleeing on foot and leaving the car door open. Two officers pursued Edwards and quickly apprehended him with the assistance of a K-9 officer.  Two other officers secured the scene and determined that the object Edwards had placed near the center console was a fully loaded AR-15 rifle. A review of the serial number later determined that it was stolen. Edwards has prior felony convictions in North Carolina and Virginia that prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm. The felonies include conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon (NC), and unlawful wounding (VA).

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-15-M-RN.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus men sentenced to decades in prison for their roles in drug & human trafficking rings, overdose & violent deaths

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus men were sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 25years and 23 years in prison for drug crimes, sex trafficking crimes and their roles in the deaths of a local man and woman. The defendants are two of nearly two dozen individuals charged in a case involving large-scale drug and human trafficking rings, the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim.

    Dustin A. Speakman, 35, of Columbus, was sentenced to 276 months in prison. He pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school. As part of his plea, Speakman admitted to his role in the violent death of one victim that occurred during the time he was operating a drug distribution house.

    Tyler Bourdo, 31, of Columbus, was sentenced to 300 months in prison. He also pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school, as well as distributing fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in death and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

    Speakman and Bourdo are two of 23 defendants charged in a narcotics and human trafficking case that involves at least two deaths. Two of the defendants were found guilty following a jury trial last month. All 23 defendants have been convicted or pleaded guilty.

    According to court documents, from 2008 until June 2022, lead defendants Patrick Saultz and Cordell Washington ran a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus that included sex trafficking, labor trafficking and money laundering.

    Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit.

    Speakman joined the drug trafficking organization after being released from jail in 2022, where he was housed with Saultz. Speakman was a mid-level drug distributor for the group out of residences on South Ogden and South Warren.

    As part of his guilty plea, Speakman admitted to severely beating one of his drug runners in May 2022 and then providing him with free drugs to make up for the attack. Witnesses said the male was beaten by Speakman and then given cocaine and fentanyl as compensation. Shortly after, the victim began to seize and foam at the mouth and did not respond to Narcan. The victim was driven to an alley near Grant Hospital where he was found unconscious by Columbus Fire Department personnel with severe trauma to the face and head. His cause of death was ultimately determined to be blunt force trauma caused by Speakman.

    Bourdo supplied and oversaw the drug distribution at one of the stash houses on North Warren. He was providing the property’s owners approximately $100 in illegal narcotics per day for use of the residence.

    According to Bourdo’s plea agreement, on Oct. 14, 2021, an individual was found deceased in an alley between Bourdo’s primary residence and a drug distribution house. The woman was found with a needle in her hand and another needle in her pocket and had been dead for approximately 18 hours.

    Further investigation revealed that, on Oct. 10, 2021, the woman had overdosed on crack cocaine and fentanyl at one of the organization’s drug houses that Bourdo supplied on North Warren. Witnesses on site immediately placed the woman in a bathtub and soaked her in cold water. The witnesses provided multiple rounds of Narcan, CPR and chest compressions, eventually resuscitating her. The woman left and, over the next 48 hours, met up with Bourdo on more than one occasion to get and use more drugs.

    Video surveillance of the alley shows Bourdo walking to the deceased woman’s body just moments before police personnel arrived to attempt (unsuccessfully) to obtain her phone to prevent further investigation into her death.

    As part of his plea, Bourdo admitted to coercing adult drug-addicted females into performing commercial sex acts by using violence as well as providing and then withholding or threatening to withhold narcotics and lodging.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphey , Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

    This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mercer County Accounting Professor Convicted Of Tax Evasion And Filing False Tax Returns Sentenced To 24 Months In Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading federal income taxes and filing false tax returns, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Gordian A. Ndubizu, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, was convicted on Aug. 15, 2024, of all eight counts of an indictment charging him with four counts of tax evasion and four counts of filing false tax returns in tax years 2014 through 2017, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi, who imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and evidence introduced at trial:

    During tax years 2014 through 2017, Ndubizu was a professor of accounting at a university in Pennsylvania as well as the co-owner of Healthcare Pharmacy in Trenton, New Jersey. Healthcare Pharmacy was organized as an S corporation, the income of which flowed through to Ndubizu and his wife and was to be reported on their personal income tax returns. Ndubizu prepared fraudulent books and records for Healthcare Pharmacy inflating the pharmacy’s costs of goods sold to reduce and underreport the pharmacy’s actual profits flowing through to Ndubizu and his wife. In the fraudulent books and records, among other things, Ndubizu identified certain wire transfers as payments to purchase goods sold by the pharmacy when those wire transfers were in fact made to personal bank accounts under Ndubizu’s control and to bank accounts in Nigeria associated with an automotive company under Ndubizu’s control. Each of Ndubizu’s tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017 falsely underreported his income and falsely reported that he had no financial interest in or signature authority over any foreign bank accounts. Ndubizu failed to report approximately $3.28 million in income from the pharmacy, resulting in the evasion of approximately $1.25 million in tax due and owing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and officers of the Trenton Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case.  

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Ramey and Ashley Super Pitts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: EDGE and Thales strengthen strategic cooperation with MoU for advanced radio and IFF solutions

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: EDGE and Thales strengthen strategic cooperation with MoU for advanced radio and IFF solutions

    On the occasion of IDEX-NAVDEX 2025, EARTH, an entity within EDGE, an advanced technology group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and Thales, a global high technology and defence leader, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in radio communications, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) solutions, and associated services. This agreement will support the UAE’s ambition to enhance the operational capabilities of its armed forces, particularly in equipping UAVs with advanced military communication technologies.

    EARTH is a world-class provider of engineering, systems integration, and procurement services to defence, national security and public safety clients in the UAE and internationally. Thanks to its expertise, EARTH has been elected by the UAE Air Force Air Defence as the system integrator to equip various airborne platforms with Thales radios and IFF.

    As part of this cooperation, Thales will provide military radios and advanced IFF transponders to EARTH, as system integrator on UAVs. The IFF solution, a miniature and lightweight transponder, is specifically designed for UAVs, helicopters, and transport platforms. It offers future-proof capabilities, including the potential integration of GPS and detect & avoid features, further strengthening mission-critical situational awareness.

    This agreement reflects Thales’s strategic ambitions in the UAE, reinforcing its long-standing presence as a trusted partner in defence, aerospace, digital, and cybersecurity. With 1,700 employees in the region, including 550 in the UAE, Thales has been developing sovereign solutions, investing in local talent, and fostering industrial partnerships to support the country’s national vision.

    EDGE Group’s strategic collaboration with Thales reflects our unwavering commitment to equipping the UAE’s armed forces with the world’s most reliable military communication technologies. By integrating Thales’ cutting-edge radios and IFF solutions into airborne platforms, we are enhancing mission-critical capabilities while reinforcing local expertise and innovation in our defence systems integration,” said Hazzaa Al Alabdouli, CEO of EARTH.

    “Our partnership with EARTH is a testament to our commitment to developing cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthening the UAE’s defence ecosystem. By localising expertise and co-developing advanced solutions, Thales is committed to helping build a more resilient and self-sufficient defence industry,” said Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President, Thales Secure Communications & Information Systems.

    Present in the UAE for more than five decades, Thales has played a key role in equipping land, sea, air, and space platforms with innovative electronic systems, including radars, sensors, sonars, communication systems, and digital solutions.

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

    It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

    About EDGE

    Launched in November 2019, the UAE’s EDGE is one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

    With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.

    For more information, visit edgegroup.ae

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New round of polio vaccinations begins in Gaza

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Health

    The latest round of a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Gaza targeting nearly 600,000 young children got underway on Saturday.

    It follows a campaign last year that reached hundreds of thousands of young children under the age of 10.  Polio virus was recently detected in wastewater samples in Gaza, indicating that circulation is ongoing, thus putting young lives at risk.

    The campaign is being led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health and implemented with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA and other partners.

    UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote in post on the social media platform X that 1,700 team members are taking part across the agency’s health centres and mobile points.

    Separately, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “teams are on the ground providing support to ensure a quality campaign.”

    UNRWA health teams constitute a third of the response, comprising 555 out of the total 1,660 teams involved.

    They will be issuing vaccinations in 10 of its health centres: one in Rafah, three each in Khan Younis and the Middle Area, and one in Gaza City in the north.  Around 60 UNRWA mobile medical points will also carry out vaccinations.

    The campaign is set to run through 26 February.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company acquitted in workplace fatality

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Opening remarks by Commissioner Kadis at the European Ocean Days Event

    Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

    Good morning, friends of the ocean,

    It is truly an honour to be here today as we kick off the second edition of the European Ocean Days.

    I am pleased to see all of you here in Brussels, and I also want to extend a warm welcome to everyone joining us online. We have ocean experts, marine scientists, fishers, policymakers, community leaders, youth, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from across Europe gathered here to discuss the importance of our ocean, seas and waters. I would like to take a moment to thank all my colleagues across the European Commission services and our partners for organising this week of inspiring events.

    The European Ocean Days are more than just a week of events. They represent the European Union’s strong commitment to a sustainable blue economy and to the protection of our ocean. They also celebrate the hard work many of you have done to help shape the policies we are building on today.

    As you well know, the ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. It regulates our climate and provides essential resources that sustain life, both at sea and on land. Yet the ocean still faces many challenges, such as overfishing, plastic pollution and the effects of climate change. This year’s European Ocean Days are filled with exciting events to explore the future of our ocean, share success stories, and discuss innovative solutions to the challenges at hand. This is a unique opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other, and take steps towards our shared ocean goals.

    But before I get into the details of what we have planned for you, I would like to tell you more about an initiative that we are working on – the European Ocean Pact.

    With this pact, we want to ensure coherence across all EU policy areas linked to the ocean, with clear objectives:

    • Developing a competitive and sustainable European blue economy;
    • Protecting and restoring ocean health, productivity and resilience;
    • Building a robust marine knowledge framework;
    • Establishing a global ocean governance and diplomacy;
    • Enhancing the resilience of coastal communities and cities;
    • And putting in place a governance model that will ensure implementation.

    In the coming days, you will hear a lot about the Ocean Pact and I hope that our discussions will feed into it.

    Now let me tell you what we have planned for you:

    We begin today with Young Voices for the Ocean and the first Youth Policy Dialogue, where I will have the opportunity to discuss ocean policies with 16 young people from across the European Union. Young people’s voices matter and it is important that we hear your views, because the future of our ocean largely rests in your hands. Your opinions and needs must contribute to the upcoming European Ocean Pact and help shape the future of the blue economy. Let me emphasise that listening to the views of the youth is among the priorities of this European Commission as it is clearly stated in the political guidelines of President Von Der Leyen.

    In the afternoon, we have three panels lined up, focusing on key topics for young people: career opportunities in the blue economy, youth engagement in ocean conservation and restoration projects, and what it means to be a blue citizen. During breaks, I invite you to visit the art exhibition by the JRC SciArt project, relax with ocean sounds, or network and discover new initiatives and partners at the Ocean Literacy Island. Before we close today, our Ocean Literacy Coalition will launch the campaign #MakeEUBlue: Cities on board!. This initiative calls on cities across Europe to take action for the ocean, from supporting blue education to organizing beach clean-ups and restoration projects. We encourage you all to get involved and ensure no city is left behind on our shared journey toward ocean sustainability.

    The rest of the week is just as full of important events. We will host the 3rd Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters Forum to highlight what we are doing to restore our ocean and waters, as well as what else needs to be done to meet our 2030 goals. Then, the Fisheries and Ocean Dialogues will bring together stakeholders from the fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy sectors. These dialogues will play a crucial role in shaping the European Ocean Pact, addressing issues such as the future of fisheries, biodiversity protection, and the health and resilience of our ocean.

    We will also hold a session on the European Institute of Technology’s call for a new Knowledge and Innovation Community on Water, Marine, and Maritime Sectors and Ecosystems. This session will provide essential information on funding opportunities for innovative projects. And, once again, investors and innovators will gather at the Blue Invest event to explore investment opportunities and sustainable solutions for the blue economy, with workshops and networking sessions on innovation and sustainability. To close the week, we will discuss Marine Knowledge for the European Ocean Pact, focussing on how observation, data, research, marine knowledge and citizen science can drive informed decision-making and help shape ocean-related policies, including the Oceans Pact. Finally, the Fisheries and Ocean Science Seminar will offer insights into the current state of scientific research and advice related to fisheries and ocean health. As you can see, we have a week full of activities that promise to be both informative and engaging.

    So let’s make this week all about learning, sharing, and working together to build a better future for our ocean.

    I wish you all an enjoyable and productive week and I look forward to the discussions, ideas, and actions that will emerge.

    Thank you

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Oahu Physical Therapy Clinic Sentenced to Nine Months in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Stephen Timothy Wells, 41, of Waialua, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake to 9 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for health care fraud. Wells, the owner of Oahu Spine and Rehab, a physical therapy clinic with locations in Kailua and Aiea, pleaded guilty to the charge on September 27, 2024. As part of his sentence, Wells was also ordered to pay restitution to TRICARE, a healthcare program for United States military service members and their families, and Medicare totaling $392,157.20.

    In his plea agreement, Wells admitted that from July 2013 through early 2020, he submitted false claims for payment for physical therapy services to TRICARE and Medicare. Wells used individuals not trained in physical therapy, including massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, and an individual who had no professional licenses or certifications whatsoever, to provide physical therapy services to patients. Wells admitted that he knew these individuals were not authorized providers and that he could not legitimately bill TRICARE and Medicare for physical therapy services rendered by them, even under supervision. Nevertheless, Wells billed the programs as though the services had been provided by licensed practitioners.

    “Tens of billions of dollars are lost to health care fraud each year, robbing Americans of vitally needed quality health services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Over a nearly seven-year period, the defendant endeavored to bilk our nation’s taxpayer-funded TRICARE and Medicare programs out of as much money as possible. He diverted scarce program dollars from military service members and their families, as well as elderly and disabled Americans—some the most deserving and physically and financially vulnerable members of our society. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to those who attempt to cheat our taxpayer funded insurance programs: you will be caught and when you are, a prison sentence awaits.”

    This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Rebecca Perlmutter prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER WILL BRING FIRED WESTERN NY VETERAN & BUFFALO VA WORKER AS HIS PERSONAL GUEST TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS THIS WEEK

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    DOGE & New Admin Have Fired Thousands Of Federal Workers In Past Month, Disproportionally Impacting Vets, Who Make Up 30% Fed Workforce, Uprooting Lives And Directly Impacting Care For Veterans Across Upstate NY
    Alissa Ellman, An Army Veteran Who Is Disabled From Burn Pit Exposure In Afghanistan, Dedicated Her Life To Service And Worked For The Buffalo VA To Help Her Fellow Veterans, But Like Thousands Of Others Found Out She Was Callously Fired Without Warning This Past Week – Now She Is Joining Schumer In Calling For Better Treatment For Our Vets
    Schumer: We Need To Be Increasing Care For Our Veterans In Western NY, Not Firing Them
    U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today announced he will bring Western NY’s Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan who was suddenly fired this past week from her job working for the Buffalo VA, as his personal guest to attend President Trump’s Joint Session of Congress. Under new DOGE directive and President Trump, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, of which 30% are veterans, have been fired in the past month, including 2,400 VA employees, like Alissa.
    “Alissa Ellman dedicated her life to service for our country, both in the Army, where she suffered injuries, and here in Western NY helping her fellow veterans while working at the Buffalo VA. Firing her, firing veterans and slashing thousands from the VA workforce is outrageous and should be reversed. This is not how you treat our veterans – it’s not just unacceptable, it’s un-American,” said Senator Schumer. “DOGE cuts and Trump’s funding freeze have created chaos in Western NY and kneecapped far too many vets. I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Jobs and care for our veterans in Upstate NY is not government waste. Even funding to help vets suffering from toxic burn pit exposure, like Alissa, was put on the chopping block. Our nation told our veterans that if they put their lives and health on the line to protect our freedoms, we would take care of them, and now we need the Trump administration to uphold that promise. I look forward to welcoming Alissa Ellman as my personal guest to President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress as we fight for better treatment of our veterans here in Western NY and across the country.”
    Alissa Ellman said, “I am speaking out because I cannot see how employing veterans in the federal government is fraud, waste, or abuse. Veterans are some of the best people I know. Veterans have sacrificed for this country; they are the ones who have been defrauded – their talents wasted and service abused. For many of us these jobs are more than a job, they are how we continue our service, continue our devotion to make America a better place. I’m not telling you my story for pity; my life will be fine. But we need to be making more thoughtful cuts to the federal workforce, not our vets.”
    Schumer said this fire first, ask questions later approach towards cutting jobs and funding is unacceptable, especially when caring for our veterans. Federal jobs give preference to veterans, allowing them to continue serving our country in what was previously a stable government career, which is why approximately 30 percent of the federal workforce are veterans.
    Schumer in 2022 led the PACT Act to passage in the Senate. The PACT Act extends health coverage for veterans like Alissa who were exposed to burn pit smoke and other environmental hazards that caused cancers and other illnesses during their service. However, in the past month President Trump’s funding & hiring freeze has also led to hundreds of cuts for VA health research, including projects to study burn pit exposure and most recently contracts with VA to help vets with toxic exposure were temporarily suspended. Schumer said this horrific pattern of cuts and firings that is directly impacting our veterans cannot continue, and he is looking forward to welcoming Alissa to demand better treatment for veterans across America.
    These funding cuts have also directly hit care for veterans in Upstate NY, with VA workers being laid off in Rochester, Canandaigua, Buffalo, and just last week in Steuben County at the Bath VA facility impacting treatment for veterans suffering from addiction and substance use disorder. Schumer said now more than ever veterans are concerned about their benefits, and VA staffers are concerned about their jobs especially with the Trump administration saying more mass firings are coming soon. Schumer has been leading the charge to stop this in the Senate, most recently demanding VA Secretary Collins demanding they reverse the mass terminations of VA employees and reinstate the workers ensuring our nation’s veterans receive quality healthcare.
    Biography for Alissa Ellman:
    Alissa Ellman joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17, and she returned from basic training to high school ten days before the September 11th attack which further spurred her desire to serve her country. She deployed to Afghanistan voluntarily from January 2003 to June 2004 as a flight operation specialist. She returned to the Afghanistan with Halliburton from 2005-2008 managing flight line operations in Kandahar. In 2008, Alissa returned to Western New York, started a family and later graduate Magnum Cum Laude from Niagara University with a degree in Special Education.
    In 2018, Alissa was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer, pheochromocytoma, associated with toxic burn pit exposure during her service in Afghanistan. After 5 years of treatment at the VA, she was deemed 100% disabled, a diagnosis she never envisioned, but knew that she continued to want to serve her community.
    In December 2023, she began to apply to work at the Buffalo VA working for the education department to help fellow veterans as that means to give back. Not taking the job for the money, receiving only a few dollars more per month on top of her VA disability payments, but to continue to help the community she cared so deeply about, eventually being hired in April 2024.
    She met all the training and meeting production numbers, and in January had a 200% daily production average. When the VA began announcing the cuts under the new administration, she told her friends she was safe because she always exceeded work goals, but she was wrong.
    Last week, Alissa found herself locked out of her computer, with both her and her boss thinking at first it was an error, only to later find out she had been fired. Alissa said she never felt so disrespected after giving so much.
    She will attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress Tuesday evening, March 4th as Senator Schumer’s honored guest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Beaufort Native Leads the Way at FRCE

    Source: United States Navy

    From writing a report titled “The Sound of Freedom” in elementary school to later enlisting in the Army, Beaufort, North Carolina, native David Rose has always been driven by a deep sense of dedication to serving his country.

    Today, as the Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) executive director – the senior civilian for a command workforce comprised of more than 4,000 civilian, contractor and military personnel – Rose continues to embody that commitment, proving that his passion for service has only grown stronger with time.

    Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, a region with strong military ties, Rose developed an appreciation for the armed forces and a lifelong desire to pursue law enforcement. This passion led him to join the Army in 1996, where he served as a military police officer during his five-year enlistment. Rose said several experiences throughout his youth inspired him to enlist, making it an obvious choice after graduating from East Carteret High School. 

    “As a child, I was fixated on becoming a police officer, but I also knew I wanted to serve my country in some capacity,” said Rose. “My grandfather and uncle served, so I felt inspired by them. Back in high school, I did some ride alongs with deputy sheriffs and state troopers who were mostly former military. They would tell me stories about their time in the military and I remember their advice was to join, so that also contributed to my decision.

    “Not only that, just being surrounded by the military presence here in Eastern North Carolina during my childhood was inspiring,” Rose continued. “The air shows, going to the state port in Morehead City to be a part of the fanfare as the Marines, sailors and soldiers returned from Operation Desert Storm, it all played a part in my decision. So, when I realized the Army offered my choice of military occupational specialty, it was a no-brainer.”

    After separating from the Army with an honorable discharge in 2001, Rose returned to Eastern North Carolina for a brief stint with the State of North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Soon after hearing about all the opportunities going on at the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP), Rose decided to make a career change and accepted employment with Raytheon Aerospace supporting NADEP, which is now known as FRCE.

    “I had recently married, and we had our first child,” said Rose. “I decided it was a good time to reevaluate my career path.

    “Having grown up in the area, I was well aware of the many folks from the community that served in this command, to include some family members,” he continued. “Because of that, I already knew about the depot and its mission, and I was really intrigued by the opportunities here. Not only that, but it also allowed me to continue to serve my country in a similar capacity.”

    In 2002, Rose accepted employment as a civil servant and started his career with FRCE as a pneudraulic systems worker for the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Production Department, formerly known as the Production Floor Trades Department. He has since worked his way up the chain of command, gaining years of large-scale experience in diversified logistics and industrial operations, all of which led him to his current role of executive director.

    “I have been fortunate to be a part of the FRC East team for well over 20 years now and have grown very passionate for FRC East, its workforce and capabilities,” he said. “The people employed here are proud Americans and proud to support the mission. It’s not just a job. It’s a career, it’s a family, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of it.” 

    As a military aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul depot, FRCE’s mission is to provide the nation’s military with the highest quality aircraft, engines, components and field services on time and at the best value to the American taxpayer. Rose said this is why the work FRCE does is so critical. 

    “What we do here is absolutely vital to national security,” said Rose. “As part of the Commander Fleet Readiness Centers, the FRC East team plays a crucial role in ensuring our military aviators, crew members and teammates can carry out their missions safely and efficiently. That’s why it’s imperative that we put forth our best efforts and diligence in producing high-quality products for the warfighter. We want them to have dependable assets for when they must take the fight to the enemy.”

    Rose said his experiences within the greater Naval Aviation Enterprise have helped him understand the role and impact the depot’s civilian workforce plays in supporting the Navy and Marine Corps fleet readiness, as well as the other services.

    “Back when I was an artisan on the shop floor, I remember the lasting impression of seeing aircraft and engines that were the result of the casualty of battle,” said Rose. “Seeing an engine with shrapnel or foreign object debris damage, or an aircraft riddled with holes from enemy fire — holy moly, it really puts everything into perspective. You’re looking at the very evidence of what our nation’s military members are subjected to as they defend our country. It gives you a sense of humility and pride because our mission here at FRC East is to turn those battle-damaged aircraft into mission-ready and fully combat-capable machines.”

    Sharing experiences like those with colleagues at FRCE has shown him that the depot’s strength truly lies in its people.

    “During my time here, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most selfless, skilled and dedicated individuals in the world,” said Rose. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the loyalty and dedication from many of the people who work here, and I can say with certainty that what makes FRC East truly special is its workforce. It’s not just about getting the job done – it’s about how and when presented with a challenge, we always come together to support each other and ultimately rise to the challenge and solve the problem.”

    Having worked alongside many skilled and dedicated people during his time at FRCE, Rose values both formal and informal mentorship. That’s why, in his new role, he plans to continue encouraging mentorship within the command.

    “As I sit here now, I can think of at least 20 individuals from our various occupations who have, through the course of my career, poured into me the guidance and support I needed to get to where I am today,” he said. “I admit, I don’t have all the answers, but I know within this organization, we have the people who, collectively, have all the answers. That’s the beauty of the FRC East team and mentorship. There is no challenge that we can’t overcome or solve together.”

    Just as mentors guide their mentees, Rose said he approaches his leadership role with the intent to do the same, believing that if you take care of your people, they will rise to any challenge. As a servant leader, someone who prioritizes the needs and growth of their team members above their own, Rose is committed to leading by example, willing to roll up his sleeves and do anything he asks of his employees.

    “I won’t ever do anything or ask anything of my folks that I wouldn’t do myself or haven’t already done myself,” said Rose. “That was something that was engrained into me during my time in the military. At FRC East, we are the largest industrial employer, arguably, east of interstate 95. It takes the entire team being laser focused, understanding that it takes everyone’s skill sets, experiences, and knowledge to make our mission happen – it’s all of us.”

    Rose described FRCE’s success as a puzzle with many pieces and, while each employee at the facility represents a piece, not all the pieces lie within the depot’s walls. He said a huge part of the puzzle is the support from the surrounding community.

    “We are very fortunate to have overwhelming support from our local and regional area,” said Rose. “The city of Havelock, Craven County, and all of the surrounding counties, within a 50-plus-mile radius, the State of North Carolina, and last but not least, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point – they all support our mission. 

    “There’s nothing like the local community here,” Rose continued. “They’re all rooting for us to succeed.  I’m aware of other communities surrounding other military organizations across the nation that may not favor them, but everyone here knows the importance of what we do. They advocate for us, and we are fortunate to have their support.”

    In the end, Rose’s decision to join the FRCE workforce in 2002 brought him back to his roots: advocating for the military, just as he did in a book report he wrote in the early 1980s as a student at Smyrna elementary school.

    “Back in the ‘80s, when I was in third or fourth grade, I wrote a book report I titled ‘The Sound of Freedom,’” Rose said. “It focused on the recent arrival of the AV-8B Harrier to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and the importance of the military in the community. I remember making the point that, even at that young age, I valued the military presence in Eastern North Carolina and how it provides freedom and safety for all American citizens.

    “That report was, and still is, a big deal to me because it inspired me to learn more about and defend the mission of MCAS Cherry Point and the depot,” he continued. “It all came full circle in the end. Fast forward to now, as the executive director of the same facility I wrote about in that report as young child… who would have ever thought?”

    FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Innovation Fund to support Crisis Café

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today visited Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru Crisis Café where he announced they are the latest recipient of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.

    “I am thrilled that the Wellington Mission will be receiving funding to deliver on an important initiative that is designed to increase early access to support for people who are experiencing mental health challenges,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Todays announcement will allow the Mission to operate the Crisis Café twenty-four hours, four days a week.

    “Often sitting in an ED or clinical settings in times of mental distress can be a very challenging place for people, Crisis Cafés provide an alternative welcoming place where people can go when they need support. The service also has the potential to help alleviate demand on EDs, Police, and specialist secondary mental health teams.

    The Crisis Café is a peer-delivered service and provides a safe, relaxed, non-clinical setting for people who are in distress related to either mental health and/or addiction issues, and need to talk to someone face-to-face.

    “Initiatives such as this Crisis Café are exactly what the Innovation Fund was designed for. This Government is here to support community-driven and delivered solutions that will make a real difference to people facing mental health and addiction challenges.

    This is the fifth successful recipient from the first round of the Innovation Fund with Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction and the Mental Health Foundation already announced, with more still to come.

    In addition, last year, Mr Doocey announced six new Crisis Recovery Cafés will be rolled out around the country over the next two years.

    “I am committed to trialling new and innovative solutions to help address unmet need. Crisis Recovery Cafés are safe, welcoming places where people can go when they need support. It’s an alternative model of care that can prevent people ending up in ED,” Mr Doocey says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY’S MOTOR CAR RALLY ON EAST COAST FLAGGED OFF FROM KOLKATA

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 8:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Navy’s Motor Car Rally Expedition on the East Coast was flagged off by Naval Officer-in-Charge (West Bengal), from INS Netaji, Kolkata on 03 Mar 25. This Motor Car Rally, aimed at enhancing maritime awareness and engaging with youth and civil society, will travel from Kolkata to Chennai, continue to Kanyakumari, and return to Chennai on 21 Mar 25. The initiative also seeks to spread awareness about career opportunities in the Indian Navy, including the Agnipath Scheme. The rally will feature visits to various schools and colleges, inspiring young men and women to join the Navy. It will also promote the Government of India’s women empowerment initiative – Naari Shakti. The rally team will also engage with Naval Veterans and Veer Naaris by updating them on the latest policy initiatives by the Government of India and the Indian Navy for their welfare.

    A total of 56 Indian Naval personnel, including Officers, Sailors, and family members, are participating in this expedition, covering an approximate distance of 3,800 km. The rally will traverse through the coastal states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, engaging with local communities en route.

    The event, supported by M/s Hyundai Ltd, will also explore India’s rich maritime heritage, visiting historical naval sites and key locations along the ancient maritime trade routes.

    ****

    VM/SPS  

    (Release ID: 2107879) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident
    Invest Hong Kong provides updates on information security incident
    ******************************************************************

         ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) provided an update today (March 3) on the information security incident identified on February 22 which involved a malicious ransomware attack to part of InvestHK’s computer systems. According to InvestHK’s investigation findings, there was no evidence indicating leakage of personal information. No further suspicious activities have been identified. InvestHK is very grateful for the support and assistance rendered by the Police and the Digital Policy Office (DPO) during the incident. The department’s computer systems have largely resumed normal operations today.     The spokesman for InvestHK said that as the global cybersecurity landscape was evolving, the department would continue to enhance its cyber resilience level and cybersecurity risk management. It will also follow the suggestions from the DPO and experts in tightening its IT security systems to prevent similar incidents from happening again .     The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert and to refrain from clicking on any embedded links or providing any personal or financial information such as credit card information, or making any payment to suspicious emails or SMS messages.     The department condemns such malicious attacks again and hopes that the culprits can be brought to justice as soon as possible so as to safeguard information and cybersecurity.

     
    Ends/Monday, March 3, 2025Issued at HKT 22:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cleansing the Ghat, Carrying the Blessings

    Source: Government of India

    Cleansing the Ghat, Carrying the Blessings

    The Twin Efforts After Maha Kumbh 2025

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed an unprecedented gathering of faith and spirituality, with over 66.30 crore devotees immersing themselves in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The event, spanning 45 days, became a symbol of devotion and cultural heritage.

    The consistent efforts of the sanitation workers and the state government led to the Maha Kumbh 2025 setting a Guinness World Record in Ganga Cleaning Drive and Mass Cleaning Initiative, where a record breaking 329 and 19,000 individuals, respectively, set new benchmarks in mass sanitation and environmental efforts. To appreciate the hard work by the sanitation and cleanliness workers, the state Chief minister announced Rs. 16,000 salary hike, starting from April 2025, and a bonus of Rs. 10,000.

    With the grand festival coming to an end, the focus has shifted towards an equally monumental task—restoring the city and ensuring the pristine condition of the Kumbh area. Cleaning the Maha Kumbh site, after it hosted one of the largest human congregations in history, required an extraordinary effort. Recognizing this, the state government swiftly initiated a comprehensive sanitation campaign. A special 15-day cleanliness drive was launched to restore the Kumbh Mela area to its original purity. Thousands of sanitation workers, along with dedicated volunteers, took up the massive challenge of cleaning the riverbanks, roads, and temporary settlements.

    As the cleanup drive continues, the administration and environmentalists have urged people to pledge their commitment to maintaining the sanctity of these sacred waters. A local official overseeing the sanitation drive remarked, “The Maha Kumbh may be over, but its message of cleanliness and reverence for our environment must continue. It is our collective duty to ensure that our rivers remain pure and free from pollution.”

    The successful organization of the Maha Kumbh 2025 would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of sanitation workers, security personnel, and local authorities. Acknowledging their hard work, the state government honoured these ‘karmayogis’ who played a pivotal role in keeping the Kumbh area clean throughout the event. More than 15,000 sanitation workers and 2,000 ‘Ganga Seva Doots’ worked day and night to ensure that the holy rivers and the fairgrounds remained spotless, reinforcing the commitment to a ‘Swachh Kumbh’.

    Beyond just collecting waste, the cleanup campaign focused on systematic waste disposal, dismantling temporary infrastructure, and restoring the ecological balance of the region. Special efforts were made to:

    • Dismantle temporary toilets: Over 1.5 lakh portable toilets installed for the event were systematically removed.
    • Manage waste effectively: Garbage collected from the Kumbh area was transported to the Baswar plant in Naini for proper disposal.
    • Restore essential infrastructure: The temporary pipelines and streetlights installed for the Kumbh were carefully removed, ensuring that the site was returned to its original state.
    • Clear makeshift settlements: Tents and pandals set up for sages and pilgrims were dismantled, making way for the natural beauty of the region to resurface.

    The successful execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025 has set new benchmarks in event management and environmental sustainability. As the city transitions back to normalcy, the lessons learned from this historic congregation will serve as guiding principles for future mega-events. The dedication towards cleanliness and preservation of cultural heritage will continue to inspire efforts to keep Prayagraj, and its sacred rivers, clean for generations to come.

    Also, even as the last of the devotees departed from the holy city, the state government ensured that those unable to attend the Maha Kumbh in person could still partake in its sanctity. In a unique initiative, fire services and emergency departments were assigned the responsibility of transporting the sacred water from the Triveni Sangam to all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Over five lakh liters of this consecrated water have been delivered to various regions, allowing people to experience the blessings of the Maha Kumbh from their homes.

    This initiative also extended to prisons across the state, where more than 90,000 inmates were given the opportunity to bathe in the holy water, marking a historic first in the Kumbh’s history. Such efforts exemplify the commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that faith transcends barriers and reaches every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

    In the end, the Maha Kumbh was not just about a spiritual confluence; it was also a testament to human resilience, responsibility, and the collective spirit of maintaining a cleaner and more sustainable environment. As devotees carry the memories of their sacred journey, the city of Prayagraj stands rejuvenated, ready to welcome the next chapter in its rich and timeless history.

    References

    Department of Information & Public Relations (DPIR), Government of Uttar Pradesh

    Maha Kumbh Series: 25/Feature

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ***

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2107843) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity Inaugurated by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity Inaugurated by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, in New Delhi

    MoUs signed between NDDB and 26 Milk Unions of 15 States for Establishment of Biogas Plants and Dairy Cooperatives

    Guidelines Released for Greening of the Dairy Sector; NDDB Sustain Plus Project Launched

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 7:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying successfully organized the Workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 3rd March 2025. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the workshop today in the august presence of Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj. Union Ministers of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian also graced the occasion. Alongside key stakeholders from the dairy sector, senior officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Department of Fertilizers, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), and various milk cooperatives also participated in the workshop.

    The workshop marked significant milestones in the field of sustainability and circularity with the signing of MoU between NDDB and NABARD to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the dairy sector by leveraging the technical, financial and implementation support. For setting up Biogas Plants across the country NDDB has signed MoUs with 26 Milk Unions of 15 States. On this occasion,  Comprehensive Guidelines aimed at sustainability in the dairy sector (Click here) was released along with the launch of Financing Initiatives under NDDB’s (National Dairy Development Board) Small  Scale Biogas, Large Scale Biogas/Compressed Biogas projects ( Click here)  and the NDDB Sustain Plus Project for financing sustainable dairying interventions (Click here). These initiatives are expected to accelerate the adoption of circular practices in dairy farming, promoting efficient manure management and energy generation while reducing environmental impact. This national workshop has provided a crucial platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss and develop strategies for enhancing sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring financial viability for small and marginal dairy farmers.

    In his address, Union Minister Shri Amit Shah said that today when we are moving towards the White Revolution 2.0, the importance of sustainability and circularity takes precedence. He said that apart from what we have achieved so far with the help of first White Revolution, sustainability and circularity in dairy sector are still to be fully accomplished. Shri Amit Shah said that India’s agriculture system is based on small farmers and their migration from villages to cities is associated with their prosperity. He said that dairy is an important option to make small farmers prosperous along with overcoming the problem of rural migration.

    Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, said that with focus on circularity and sustainability in the dairy sector, use of cow dung to produce fuel will help in increasing income of farmers. Shri Singh highlighted that from the huge livestock resource of more than 53 crores, approximately 30 crore constitutes cows and buffaloes in the country. He said that a large quantity of cow dung is hence available that can be used for organic fertilizer, biofuels etc., that will boost productivity.  While thanking the Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh said that due to dedicated efforts of the government, the dairy sector has largely moved from unorganised to an organised sector. He highlighted the importance of circular economy practices, renewable energy initiatives, and public-private partnerships to drive green growth and farmer welfare in the country. Addressing the stakeholders, he stated that integrating eco-friendly practices with innovation will not only drive green growth but also uplift millions of farmers ensuring their prosperity.

    In her address, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, emphasized the need for sustainable practices in the dairy sector and the government’s vision of integrating circular economy principles. Highlighting that India is the “Dairy of the World,” she noted that the dairy sector contributes 30 percent of the agriculture GVA. To support these sustainable practices, NDDB has introduced a new financing scheme with an allocation of Rs 1,000 crores, aimed at providing financial assistance through credit support for small biogas, large-scale biogas plants, and Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects, thereby facilitating the scaling up of various manure management models over the next 10 years.

    During the workshop, key discussions revolved around the Policy framework and financial mechanisms required to scale up circularity initiatives in dairying. Senior officials from DAHD, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Department of Fertilizers, NABARD, ONGC, NDDB, Maruti Suzuki, GCMMF (Amul), Banaskantha Milk Union, AMUL, GIZ, and EKI Energy Services shared valuable insights. Key themes for deliberations included successful circular economy models, carbon credit opportunities for small dairy farmers, and the role of carbon trading in promoting sustainable practices. The dairy sector, supported by the Government of India and led by the NDDB, has initiated key manure management practices to enhance sustainability and circularity. Three notable models include the Zakariyapura Model, Banas Model and Varanasi Model which highlight dung’s potential as a valuable commodity alongside milk, contributing to a more sustainable and circular dairy ecosystem. The session concluded with a call for a structured roadmap to ensure a financially viable and environmentally responsible dairy sector.

    ****

    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2107835) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Retired Justice Michael Wilson and Professor Vesselin Popovski hail PM Gati Shakti as a solution to global transportation challenges

    Source: Government of India

    Retired Justice Michael Wilson and Professor Vesselin Popovski hail PM Gati Shakti as a solution to global transportation challenges

    PM Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership has enabled PM Gati Shakti to spur innovation and sustainability: Retired Justice Wilson

    ODOP initiative set to transform India’s economy: Professor Popovski 

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The PM Gati Shakti Experiential Centre at Bharat Mandapam is extraordinary and is an example of India’s brilliance and its cutting-edge technology combined in a way that celebrates the tradition of the country. This was stated by Justice Michael Wilson, former Supreme Court Judge of Hawaii, United States of America who visited the high-tech Centre at New Delhi today. Professor Vesselin Popovski of Soka University, Japan also called the experience absolutely spectacular and added that it captures the beauty, diversity and creativity of the Indian government.

    Retired Justice Wilson expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for allowing him and his colleague Professor Vesselin Popovski to observe the cutting-edge approach to one of the international problems – transportation. He also remarked that the Experiential Centre provides hope to the world because it reflects immense dedication to the local heritage, artistry and shows at the same time that India understands sustainability.

    Noting that Hawaii has been experiencing environmental and transportation problems, Mr. Wilson praised PM’s efforts in implementing PM Gati Shakti and said that the initiative will give citizens hope as it reflects dedication to the heritage, local artistry and also at the same time realises that we live in a planet that needs to be taken care of. Elaborating on the initiative, Mr. Wilson emphasised that PM Gati Shakti shows that the country with the biggest population can have faster modes of transportation if attention is given to best and sustainable practices. Idea of speed coupled with technology brings together international capital at the world stage, he said.

    The dignitaries were given a tour of the PM Gati Shakti Experiential Centre in Bharat Mandapam by Shri Ramesh Verma, Deputy Secretary, Logistics Division, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Speaking on his experience of the tour, Mr. Wilson remarked that the Experiential Centre captures the talent, expertise and the entrepreneurial spirit of the country to grow its economy that is sustainable.

    Professor Vesselin, on his experience of the Centre, said that the 40-min experience at the Centre made him realise that India truly is a future global power. On One District One Product (ODOP), which is also showcased at the Centre, he said that the initiative will benefit the producers, consumers, suppliers and every stakeholder in the value chain. The ODOP also connects industries from agriculture, textile to manufacturing. It also is an opportunity for international investment, foreign consumers are also going to benefit from the initiative, he said. Professor Popovski also stressed on the young demographic of the country and pointed out that India’s educated youth have the capability to be the future of the world for the next 60 years. 

    The Gati Shakti Experiential Centre is a state-of-the-art audio-visual museum for PM Gati Shakti and the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and has been developed at the ITPO Complex in New Delhi. Using cutting-edge technologies like a 270-degree screen and holographic displays, the centre will raise awareness about various initiatives on logistic and transportation showcasing their success.

    PM Gati Shakti incorporates the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, and UDAN. This digital platform is designed to bring various Ministries, including Railways and Roadways, to ensure integrated planning and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects. The initiative aims to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services across various modes of transport, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2107823) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Serious crash at Port Adelaide

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been seriously injured in a crash at Port Adelaide.

    About 6.15pm on Monday 3 March, police were called to the intersection of Grand Junction Road and Commercial Road following a crash between a Hyundai sedan and a motor scooter.

    The scooter rider, a 30-year-old man from Alberton, was seriously injured in the crash. His injuries are considered life threatening.

    The Hyundai driver, a 29-year-old woman from Semaphore South was not injured.

    Major Crash Investigators attended the scene.

    There were traffic restrictions in place for several hours surrounding the intersection and for eastbound lanes on Grand Junction Road but was cleared just after midnight.

    Anyone who witnessed the crash who hasn’t yet spoken to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

    Policies, Achievements and Global Commitments

    Posted On: 03 MAR 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi

    “Today, on World Wildlife Day, let’s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come! We also take pride in India’s contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife.”

    Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India[1]

     

    Introduction

    Every year on March 3rd, the world celebrates United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) to honour the vital role of wild animals and plants in our lives and the planet’s health. This day is a reminder of the need to protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations. The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” [2]

    [3]

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat today to chair the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife. The Board reviewed the Government’s key wildlife conservation efforts, including the expansion of protected areas and flagship programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. Discussions also covered initiatives for the conservation of dolphins and Asiatic lions, along with the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance.[4]

    [5]Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Gir National Park

    India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, even though it covers only 2.4% of the Earth’s land. It is home to 7-8% of all known species, including over 45,000 types of plants and 91,000 types of animals. The country’s varied landscapes and climate have created different ecosystems like forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastal and marine habitats. These ecosystems support rich biodiversity and benefit people in many ways. India also has 4 of the world’s 34 major biodiversity hotspots—the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Northeast region, and the Nicobar Islands—making it an important region for global conservation.[6]

    The Government of India, primarily through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has instituted a comprehensive framework of policies, legislative measures, and initiatives aimed at conserving and protecting this natural heritage.

    Budgetary Allocations[7]

    In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has been allocated ₹3,412.82 crores, which is 9% higher than the 2024-25 revised estimates of Rs. 3125.96 crores.

    • ₹3,276.82 crore (96%) is for revenue expenditure, which has increased by 8%.
    • ₹136 crore (4%) is for capital expenditure, which has risen by 46% from 93.25 crore from 2024-25 revised estimates.

    For 2025-26, the central government has allocated ₹450 crore for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats under its centrally sponsored scheme. Additionally, ₹290 crore (64% of the total allocation) has been earmarked for Project Tiger and Elephant, reflecting an 18% increase from the 2024-25 revised estimates.[8]

    National Wildlife Database Cell

    The National Wildlife Database Centre of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been developing a National Wildlife Information System (NWIS) on the Protected Areas of the country. As of 27th November, 2023 India has a network of 1014 Protected Areas including 106 National Parks, 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 115 Conservation Reserves and 220 Community Reserves covering a total of 1,75,169.42 km2 of geographical area of the country which is approximately 5.32%. [9]

     

    Category

    Number

    National Parks

    106

    Wildlife Sanctuaries

    573

    Conservation Reserves

    115

    Community Reserves

    220

    Total

    1014

     

    The National Wildlife Database Centre (NWDC) is providing information on the conservation status of animal species, biogeographic regions, administrative units, habitat types and the network of protected areas in India, in a variety of formats and also providing an extensive bibliographic support for wildlife research.

    1. Legislative and Policy Framework

    • National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): This strategic plan emphasizes landscape-level conservation, community involvement, and the integration of climate change considerations into wildlife management.[10]
    • National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan: The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-26) (HWC-NAP) aims to systematically reduce human-wildlife conflict (HWC) while ensuring wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and sustainable development. Developed through a four-year consultative process under the Indo-German Project on HWC Mitigation, it integrates scientific, policy, and community-driven approaches to balance human well-being with wildlife protection. [11]

    2. Species-Specific Conservation Initiatives – Success Stories

    2.1 Project Dolphin: Key Developments and Conservation Efforts[12]

    Launched on 15th August 2020, Project Dolphin aims to conserve both marine and riverine dolphins, along with associated cetaceans, through habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness. In 2022-23, ₹241.73 lakhs and in 2023-24, ₹248.18 lakhs were allocated under the CSS: Development of Wildlife Habitats for conservation activities. Key dolphin hotspots have been identified in Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep, with focused efforts on species protection, habitat improvement, monitoring, patrolling, and awareness programs. A Comprehensive Action Plan (2022-2047) has been finalized and shared with relevant Ministries for execution.

    Policy & Governance Enhancements

    • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in December 2022, empowering the Indian Coast Guard with enforcement powers and recognizing Gangetic & Indus River Dolphins as distinct species under Schedule I.
    • The Project Dolphin Steering Committee was reconstituted, with the first committee meeting held on 6th September 2023, where the first edition of the Project Dolphin Newsletter was launched.
    • States have been urged to align with International Whaling Commission regulations, appointing Dolphin and Whaling Commissioners for conservation efforts.

    Scientific Research & International Engagement

    • Population estimation of riverine dolphins has been completed, with the report under finalization.
    • A meeting on Irrawaddy dolphins was conducted in Odisha with the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in attendance.
    • India participated in discussions on the Global Declaration for River Dolphins (23-24 October 2023, Bogotá, Colombia), reinforcing its commitment to global dolphin conservation.
    • Chambal River Conservation Zone: A 200 km stretch in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh has been recommended for designation as a Dolphin Conservation Zone for targeted protection efforts.

    India’s First-Ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging: A Historic Conservation Milestone[13]

    On 18th December 2024, India achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully satellite-tagging the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in Assam under Project Dolphin. Led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, and funded by the National CAMPA Authority (MoEFCC), this initiative marks a global first in dolphin conservation.

    • With 90% of the global population found in India, knowledge gaps on their movement and ecology have hindered conservation efforts.
    • This initiative will study their habitat use, migration patterns, and environmental stressors, aiding better conservation strategies.

    Technology & Future Steps

    • Advanced lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos satellite systems enable tracking despite dolphins’ minimal surfacing time.
    • Plans are underway to expand tagging across other states, creating a comprehensive conservation roadmap.

    2.2  50 Years of Project Tiger: [14]

    Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, has been India’s flagship conservation initiative, successfully completing 50 years in 2023. Focused on tiger conservation through dedicated reserves and strict protection measures, it has played a crucial role in reviving tiger populations. Marking this milestone, the Prime Minister inaugurated a commemorative event in Mysuru, Karnataka, on April 9, 2023. As per the 5th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation 2022, India now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, reaffirming its leadership in global tiger conservation.

    Statistic

    Value

    India’s Share of Global Wild Tigers

    Over 70%

    Minimum Tiger Population

    3,167

    Estimated Upper Limit

    3,925

    Average Population

    3,682

    Annual Growth Rate

    6.1%

    India has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in tiger conservation, with the tiger population rising to 3,682 (range 3,167-3,925) as per the All India Tiger Estimation 2022, marking a steady increase from 2,967 in 2018 and 2,226 in 2014. The population is growing at 6.1% per annum in consistently sampled areas.[15]

    To commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, the Prime Minister released key reports, including the ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation’, the 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves, and the official summary of All India Tiger Estimation 2022. A commemorative coin was also issued.

    Major Conservation Efforts

    Tiger Reserve Expansion & Management

    • India now has 54 tiger reserves, covering over 78,000 sq. km (2.30% of the country’s geographical area), with Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) being the latest addition.
    • MEE 2022 assessed 51 reserves, ranking 12 as ‘Excellent’, 21 as ‘Very Good’, 13 as ‘Good’, and 5 as ‘Fair’.

    Reintroduction of Tigers in Extinct Areas

    • Tigers have been reintroduced in Rajaji (Uttarakhand), Madhav (Madhya Pradesh), Mukundra Hills (Rajasthan), and Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan) Tiger Reserves, with plans for Buxa Tiger Reserve next.

    Global Conservation Recognition & Collaboration

    • 23 Indian tiger reserves are now CA|TS-accredited, ensuring global best practices in conservation, with six new reserves receiving accreditation this year.
    • Pench and Satpura Tiger Reserves received the prestigious Tx2 Award for doubling their tiger populations.
    • India signed MoUs with Cambodia for tiger reintroduction and held bilateral discussions with Bangladesh for transboundary conservation in the Sundarbans.

    2.3 International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Becomes a Treaty-Based Organization[16]

    The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization on January 23, 2025, with Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia ratifying the agreement. With 27 countries onboard, IBCA aims to drive global big cat conservation through cross-border collaboration.

    About IBCA

    • Launched by PM Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50 Years of Project Tiger event.
    • Union Cabinet approved its establishment in February 2024, with headquarters in India.
    • Founded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under MoEFCC on March 12, 2024.
    • Focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

    Key Objectives & Impact

    • Enhances global collaboration among governments, conservationists, and NGOs.
    • Establishes a central fund and technical hub for research and conservation efforts.
    • Strengthens habitat protection, anti-poaching strategies, and wildlife law enforcement.
    • Combats illegal wildlife trade and promotes sustainable conservation practices.
    • Integrates climate change mitigation into conservation strategies.

    With IBCA’s legal status now formalized, it marks a historic milestone in global big cat conservation, fostering stronger international cooperation to protect these apex predators and their ecosystems.

    In collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the IBCA organized an executive course on capacity building for wildlife and conservation practitioners, bringing together officials from 27 countries, underscoring the shared global commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable development. ​[17]

    2.4 Project Cheetah

    Project Cheetah is a landmark wildlife conservation initiative launched on September 17, 2022 aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India after their extinction in the late 1940s and early 1950s. As the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project, it operates under the umbrella of Project Tiger and aligns with the Cheetah Action Plan to restore and conserve the species. Efforts are underway to expand suitable habitats, ensuring long-term survival and ecological balance in India’s grassland ecosystems.

     Key Achievements:

    • Transcontinental Relocation: In September 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were translocated to Kuno National Park, followed by twelve cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023. [18]
    • Successful Adaptation: The majority of these cheetahs have adapted well to their new environment, exhibiting natural behaviours such as hunting, territory establishment, and mating. Notably, a female cheetah gave birth to cubs on Indian soil after 75 years, with one surviving cub reported to be six months old and showing normal growth patterns as of September 2023.[19] On 3rd January, 2024 three cubs were born to Namibian Cheetah Aasha at the Kuno National Park.[20]
    • Community Engagement: The project has actively involved local communities, providing direct and indirect employment opportunities. Over 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ (Cheetah Friends) from surrounding villages have been engaged to educate the public on cheetah behaviour and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, fostering peaceful coexistence. [21]

    2.5 Project Elephant:

    India, home to over 60% of the global Asian elephant population, has undertaken significant measures to protect and conserve these majestic animals. Project Elephant, launched by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats. This program focuses on habitat preservation, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and the welfare of captive elephants, reflecting India’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological commitment to elephant conservation. [22]

    Key Achievements and Initiatives

    1. Growing Elephant Population: India’s wild elephant population has increased from 26,786 (2018 census) to 29,964 in 2022, reinforcing the country’s successful conservation efforts.[23]

    Year

    Elephant Population in India

    2018

    26,786

    2022

    29,964

    2. Expanding Protected Areas: India has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states, covering a vast 80,777 km², ensuring elephants have safe migratory corridors and protected habitats.[24]

    3.Integrated Wildlife Protection: Elephant Reserves are often overlapping with Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserved Forests, ensuring comprehensive protection under multiple forest and wildlife laws.[25]

    4. Financial Investment in Conservation: Under the 15th Finance Commission cycle, the Government has approved a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for wildlife conservation, with ₹236.58 crores specifically allocated for Project Elephant to strengthen conservation measures and reduce human-elephant conflicts.[26]

    2.6 Conservation of the Asiatic Lion in India

    The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), once teetering on the brink of extinction, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in India, primarily within Gir National Park and its surrounding landscapes in Gujarat. This conservation success is attributed to dedicated efforts by the Government of India, the Gujarat State Government, and local communities.

    Key Initiatives

    • Project Lion:[27]
      Launched as a flagship initiative, Project Lion focuses on:
      • Landscape ecology-based conservation, ensuring sustainable lion habitats.
      • Habitat restoration and securing additional areas for lions.
      • Community participation, creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
      • Disease management, establishing India as a global hub for big cat health research and treatment.

     

    Significance and Achievements

    1. Population Recovery:[28]
    Through rigorous conservation efforts, the Asiatic lion population has shown a consistent upward trend:

    • 2010: 411 lions
    • 2015: 523 lions
    • 2020: 674 lions
    1. Increased Conservation Funding:[29]
      The Gujarat Government has steadily increased its financial commitment to lion conservation, ₹155.53 crore in 2023-24.
    2. International Recognition:[30]
      Due to India’s conservation initiatives, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the Asiatic lion from “Critically Endangered” to ‘Endangered’ in 2008, acknowledging the success of India’s efforts.

    2.7 Conserving the One-Horned Rhinoceros in India

    The Government of India has implemented several strategic initiatives to conserve and protect the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), leading to significant achievements in their population recovery and habitat preservation,

    Key Conservation Initiatives:

    • National Conservation Strategy for the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (2019): Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2019, this strategy aims to repopulate rhinoceros populations in areas where they previously existed by augmenting existing conservation efforts through scientific and administrative measures. [31]
    • Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020: This program focuses on increasing the rhino population and expanding their distribution by translocating individuals to suitable habitats, thereby enhancing genetic diversity and reducing the risk of localized threats. [32]

    Impact and Achievements:

    • Population Growth: As of 2022, Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses, reflecting effective conservation efforts.[33]
    • Global Significance: Assam’s rhino population accounts for approximately 68% of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses, underscoring the state’s pivotal role in global conservation.[34]
    • Community Engagement: Initiatives such as World Rhino Day celebrations in Kaziranga National Park involve local communities and raise public awareness about rhino conservation, fostering a collective sense of responsibility towards protecting this iconic species. [35]

    3. Habitat and Ecosystem Conservation

    • Digitization of Flora, Fauna and herbarium records: In 2024, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has carried out the digitization of 16500 specimens with 45000 images of the Type and Non-Type of Indian Faunal specimens. ZSI has completed faunal documentation from 27 States and Union Territories as well as all of the 10 Biogeographic Zones across the country. Data of 6124 springs in 11 IHR States and 1 UT (J&K) has been geo-tagged spatially online on the HIMAL Geo portal.[36]
    • Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched on World Environment Day 2024, MISHTI focuses on the restoration of mangroves to bolster coastal sustainability. Approximately 22,561 hectares of degraded mangroves have been restored across 13 states and union territories. [37]
    • National Mission for Green India (GIM): As part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, GIM was launched in February, 2014 aiming to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.[38]
    • Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): This centrally sponsored scheme provides financial and technical assistance to state and union territory governments for wildlife conservation activities. The scheme encompasses the development of wildlife habitats, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant, with a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.[39]

    4. Research and Monitoring

    • Advanced Research Facilities: In December 2024, the MoEFCC inaugurated a Next Generation DNA Sequencing facility at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun. This facility enhances research capabilities in wildlife genetics, aiding in the development of effective conservation strategies.[40]

    5. Community Involvement and Awareness

    • ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign: Launched on World Environment Day 2024, this initiative encourages individuals to plant trees in honour of their mothers and Mother Earth. By December 2024, over 102 crore trees had been planted under this campaign, with a target of 140 crore trees by March 2025.[41]
    • World Wildlife Day Celebrations: The 2024 World Wildlife Day, themed “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” was celebrated at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The event featured eco-trails, poster-making competitions, and interactive sessions to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.[42]

    6. Conservation of Marine Species

    • National Marine Turtle Action Plan: Released by the MoEFCC, this plan focuses on the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats along the Indian coastline.[43]
    • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: This regulation emphasizes the conservation of ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds, ensuring their protection from unregulated developmental activities.[44]

    7. Combating Wildlife Crime

    • Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Established to combat organized wildlife crime, the WCCB coordinates enforcement actions, gathers intelligence, and assists in international efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade. Between 2019 and 2023, the WCCB conducted 166 joint operations in the North Eastern Region, leading to the arrest of 375 wildlife offenders.[45]

    Key Announcements by the Government of India on World Wildlife Day 2025[46]

    • Release of India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, covering 28 rivers across eight states. Encouragement of local community participation in dolphin conservation.
    • Foundation stone laid for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh to enhance coordination in wildlife health management.
    • Establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – SACON, Coimbatore to tackle human-wildlife conflict.
    • Deployment of Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking technology, surveillance systems, and AI-driven intrusion detection.
    • Collaboration between Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N to enhance forest fire prediction, detection, prevention, and control using space technology.
    • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.
    • New sites identified for cheetah reintroduction, including Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).
    • Announcement of a Tiger Conservation Scheme focused on protecting tigers and co-predators outside traditional tiger reserves.
    • Launch of a dedicated Project on Gharials to address their dwindling population.
    • Announcement of a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to upscale conservation efforts.
    • Documentation and research on India’s traditional forest and wildlife conservation practices using AI.
    • Expansion of India’s engagement with the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) for enhanced international cooperation.

    Conclusion

    India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is reflected in a series of transformative initiatives that blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. From strengthening flagship programs like Project Tiger and Project Elephant to pioneering new conservation efforts for species such as the gharial and the Great Indian Bustard, the Government has adopted a holistic and science-driven approach. The integration of artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and community-led conservation underscores India’s global leadership in biodiversity preservation. The remarkable resurgence of endangered species, strengthened legal frameworks, and a strategic integration of technology underscore the Government of India’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship. Moreover, India’s collaboration with international organizations, multilateral bodies, and conservation partners has reinforced its leadership in addressing global biodiversity challenges. By fostering cross-border cooperation, leveraging scientific innovation, and ensuring community participation, India continues to drive a holistic and inclusive conservation agenda. As we mark World Wildlife Day 2025, the nation reaffirms its resolve to protect and restore ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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