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  • MIL-OSI Global: Miss Austen: the TV show about the Georgian writer’s life embraces her love of fiction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gillian Dow, Associate Professor of English, University of Southampton

    At the heart of the BBC’s new series Miss Austen is a fictional Cassandra Austen (played by Keeley Hawes). Reviews have stressed that the real life Cassandra’s destruction of her sister Jane Austen’s letters has been considered one of the greatest acts of literary vandalism in history. These letters would have provided an invaluable insight into the author who died so young.

    Why Cassandra destroyed her sister’s correspondence – and what she destroyed – cannot be known. But Miss Austen gives us intriguing speculation. It deals with family relationships, and with what gets passed down to subsequent generations.

    In Miss Austen, Mary Austen is considering encouraging her son James Edward to write a biography of his literary father and aunt. Cassandra must find her sister’s letters before they get into the wrong hands. What happens next is a clever blend of fact and fiction.

    James Edward Austen-Leigh did publish the first full biography of his aunt with the help of his sisters, although not until 1869.

    However, the series also deviates from fact in its depiction of an incident in Jane’s life in the early 1800s. She may have met a young gentleman at a seaside resort in Devon. This young man may have admired Jane and she may have admired him in turn.

    This story was recounted to James Edward Austen-Leigh by his sister when he was preparing a second edition of his Jane Austen memoir. She had been told the story by Cassandra and, though she could not remember the young man’s name, she knew he died shortly after Jane’s encounter with him.

    Miss Austen picks up on the suggestion of Jane’s shadowy seaside encounter, locates the events firmly in Sidmouth, names the gentleman Mr Hobday and gives the encounter an intriguing twist by making it Cassandra’s, not Jane’s, romance.

    Jane Austen might have enjoyed this fictionalisation.

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    A love of fiction and an aversion to history

    In the concluding paragraphs of Mansfield Park (1814), Austen’s narrator purposely abstains from dates, “that every one may be at liberty to fix their own”. In Northanger Abbey, the heroine Catherine Morland has no taste for “real, solemn History.” Instead, the novels of Maria Edgeworth and Frances Burney are championed as “works in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed”.

    Miss Austen’s Jane is played by Patsy Ferran as witty, acerbic and, crucially, devoted to fiction. She is utterly determined to become a published author and her family support her in this pursuit. This Austen is true to the version of the author that scholars and biographers have presented in recent years.

    Jane Austen’s novels are not about the union of one couple. They explore communities and dependence, particularly that of women. Foremost in these explorations are sisterly bonds.

    In Austen’s fiction, these bonds may indeed be mutually supportive and fulfilling. But they are always complex too. It is the truth of these complexities that the series Miss Austen captures so beautifully, via Isabella Fowle and her relationship with her sisters, and of course via Cassandra’s relationship with hers.

    This adaptation should send viewers to read Gill Hornby’s novel, and to read and reread Jane Austen. Miss Austen embraces the possibilities of fiction in rethinking the lives of the past.

    I hope viewers of Miss Austen will think more favourably about the real Cassandra too.

    She kept letters and Jane’s manuscripts, leaving them to her nieces on her death. Jane and Cassandra had six brothers.

    She was not the only one who had letters that gave insight into Jane Austen’s mind. She must have also written countless more to her other brothers and their wives, her nieces and nephews and her friends.

    Many of these are now lost to us. But Cassandra’s curation of her sister’s correspondence can be seen in a positive light when we reflect on what she preserved in relation to what was lost.

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

    – ref. Miss Austen: the TV show about the Georgian writer’s life embraces her love of fiction – https://theconversation.com/miss-austen-the-tv-show-about-the-georgian-writers-life-embraces-her-love-of-fiction-249783

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How does toothpaste affect the good bacteria in your mouth?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Niamh Coffey, Senior Lecturer, Dentistry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    The goal of brushing one’s teeth is to have fresh breath and prevent cavities. But the effect of toothpaste on the complex ecosystem of bacteria in our mouths — the oral microbiome — is often overlooked.

    Recent research has highlighted just how crucial the oral microbiome is for our overall health. A well-balanced microbiome helps regulate harmful bacteria, aids digestion and protects the gums. But does toothpaste support this balance, or could it be disrupting it? And could the toothpaste of the future be designed to work with the oral microbiome rather than against it?

    The mouth is one of the most densely populated microbial habitats in the body, home to more than 700 species of bacteria. These bacteria inhabit not only the surfaces of the teeth and gums in biofilm – a sticky, structured community that can be both beneficial and harmful – but also thrive in our saliva, contributing to the dynamic oral microbiome.

    A healthy microbiome includes bacteria that help regulate pH levels (a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is), break down food and even produce natural antimicrobial compounds. But when the balance is disrupted — often due to diet, poor oral hygiene or certain medical conditions — harmful bacteria can take over. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, is linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

    What does toothpaste actually do?

    The main function of toothpaste isn’t to kill bacteria outright but to disrupt the biofilm that allows harmful bacteria to thrive. Brushing mechanically removes this biofilm from teeth and gums, while abrasives in toothpaste help break it up further.

    Many toothpastes also contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Interestingly, fluoride itself doesn’t kill bacteria, but it makes it harder for acid-producing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a key player in tooth decay, to cause damage.

    Some toothpastes include antibacterial agents, such as triclosan (now banned in some countries due to safety concerns) or newer alternatives like stannous fluoride and zinc compounds. These ingredients target harmful bacteria, but there’s still debate about whether they also disrupt beneficial microbes in the process.

    Despite toothpaste being a daily staple, research into its effects on the oral microbiome is still evolving. Some studies suggest that certain antibacterial agents reduce both harmful and beneficial bacteria, potentially changing the microbiome in ways we don’t yet fully understand. Others indicate that the microbiome recovers quite quickly after brushing, making any disruption temporary.

    Scientists are now exploring whether future toothpaste formulations could take a more targeted approach, reducing harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial species. Some emerging research looks at probiotics and prebiotics — ingredients that could actively support a healthier oral microbiome rather than simply disrupting it.

    Keeping the oral microbiome in balance isn’t just about avoiding cavities. There’s growing evidence linking gum disease to heart disease, diabetes and harms during pregnancy. Inflammation triggered by harmful oral bacteria can spread beyond the mouth, potentially contributing to long-term health problems.

    Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and cleaning between the teeth helps reduce the bacterial load in the mouth, lowering the risk of both oral and systemic diseases.

    Tooth decay is linked to a number of systemic diseases.
    Jo Panuwat D/Shutterstock

    Microbiome-friendly toothpaste?

    As our understanding of the oral microbiome grows, toothpaste may evolve to become more selective in its action. Instead of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, future formulations might include ingredients that support beneficial bacteria while keeping harmful species in check.

    Some promising candidates include arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, and plant-derived antimicrobials that disrupt harmful biofilms without killing good bacteria. However, research in this area is still in its early stages, and more evidence is needed to determine the long-term effects of these ingredients.

    Toothpaste plays a key role in oral health by breaking up bacterial biofilm, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. While some ingredients may affect the oral microbiome, research suggests that brushing and flossing remain the most effective ways to maintain a healthy mouth.

    Future toothpaste innovations may shift towards microbiome-friendly formulations but, for now, the best advice remains the same: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, spit out the excess and clean between your teeth daily.

    Nothing to disclose.

    Albert Leung and Niamh Coffey do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How does toothpaste affect the good bacteria in your mouth? – https://theconversation.com/how-does-toothpaste-affect-the-good-bacteria-in-your-mouth-250826

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Delhi: how weather patterns and faraway mountains made this the world’s most polluted megacity

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ankit Bhandekar, Research Student — Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate, University of Reading

    Delhi is perhaps the most polluted of the world’s megacities. Every winter, the city’s 30 million residents breathe air so toxic that visibility drops to mere metres. If you stand on top of one of Delhi’s monuments you can barely make out buildings across the street as the thick, acrid smog burns your eyes and scratches your throat.

    But conditions can and do change rapidly. January 2025 offered a dramatic demonstration of how weather patterns can rapidly transform the city’s air quality.

    On January 5, favourable winds improved air quality enough to lift some restrictions. Yet by January 15, as winds calmed and temperatures dropped, pollution levels soared dramatically, forcing the city to implement its maximum “severe +” interventions. These include banning trucks from entering the city, restricting private vehicles and moving schools to online classes.

    Delhi didn’t suddenly have more cars, factories, power plants or construction sites from one week to the next. Those things are consistent sources of pollution. There are some events that add to air pollution in the shorter term, such as fireworks during Diwali, or the mass burning of unwanted crop debris (known as stubble), both of which take place in October or November.

    But that wasn’t what happened in January. Instead, the sudden reversal revealed how weather, not just emissions, dictates Delhi’s ability to breathe. Understanding this will be crucial if the city is to clean up its air.

    A meteorological prison

    Delhi is one of many large cities found in a flat and hugely fertile region spanning the Indian subcontinent to the south of the Himalayas. It’s known as the Indo-Gangetic plains, as it contains the floodplains of the Indus and Ganges-Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries. More than a billion people live in this part of the world.

    Delhi specifically is also bordered by another mountain range to its south, the Aravallis. While modest compared to the Himalayas, these mountains contribute to the city sitting in a natural bowl-like area, which makes it harder for pollution to disperse.

    This geographical positioning means its location naturally collects airborne pollutants from surrounding agricultural areas. Even if Delhi somehow produced zero emissions, the region would still be likely to experience air quality problems during winter.

    In winter, Delhi experiences “temperature inversions” where warmer air sits above colder air like a lid on a pot. This phenomenon occurs naturally in the region but is intensified by the city’s heat-trapping urban landscape. Normally, temperature decreases with height, allowing air to mix vertically, since warm air rises. Under inversion conditions, this pattern reverses and pollutants are trapped near the ground.

    The height up to which pollutants can disperse, known as the “mixing height”, also dramatically reduces in winter. While summer allows mixing up to an altitude of about one kilometre, winter can compress this to just a few hundred meters, concentrating pollutants in a much smaller volume of air.

    Meanwhile the Himalayas block air from flowing northward, forcing pollution to travel the entire stretch of northern India before finding an exit over the Bay of Bengal. In cities, urban structures further complicate this by creating “surface roughness”, a frictional effect that slows pollution dispersion.

    Seasonal factors

    There are also seasonal factors that make pollution accumulate or disperse more at certain times of year.

    Satellite map showing smoky skies over northern India in November 2022 (Delhi is the small unlabelled region between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh). The red images show fires started by farmers to clear away unwanted crop residue. This ‘stubble burning’ is a big source of pollution downwind in Delhi.
    Nasa

    Delhi’s summer monsoon season runs from July to September, providing natural cleansing through rainfall. During post-monsoon months (October-November), rainfall is minimal. At the same time, wind speeds decrease, limiting ventilation. These conditions compress the atmospheric boundary layer — the lowest part of atmosphere influenced by Earth’s surface — trapping pollutants near ground level.

    Throughout winter (December-February), cooler surface temperatures intensify temperature inversions. This creates lots of fog, which combines with pollutants in the atmosphere to form Delhi’s characteristic smog. The reduced mixing height during this period severely restricts vertical dispersal of pollutants.

    In pre-monsoon months (March-May), strong westerly winds can blow additional dust from the Thar Desert and agricultural regions toward Delhi. However, higher temperatures increase vertical mixing, improving overall dispersion despite this additional dust.

    Season-specific approach

    India’s technological interventions, including smog towers and anti-smog guns,have shown limited effectiveness in addressing the causes of pollution. Even more ambitious proposals such as using cloud seeding to induce precipitation aren’t very practical. Cloud seeding is expensive, can only cover a limited area, and needs very specific meteorological conditions.

    An anti-smog gun in Delhi sprays water to suppress dust and reduce air pollution.
    PradeepGaurs / shutterstock

    To manage its air quality, Delhi needs a season-specific approach that anticipates weather patterns and pulses in emissions. Getting ahead of the smog could involve a few different things.

    Preventive planning would mean implementing stricter emission controls before the cold, still winter days when fog is likely, rather than reacting after pollution has already accumulated.

    It would involve solutions that span the whole of the Indo-Gangetic plains, rather than focusing just on Delhi (or indeed any other individual urban centre). After all, many of India’s most polluted cities share the same weather conditions, and the long-range transport of pollution can play a huge role.

    A season-specific approach would mean some fixed seasonal policies would instead adapt to forecast meteorological conditions. For instance, construction restrictions (building dust is a big source of air pollution) might be tightened when inversions are predicted, even on seemingly clear days.

    Finally, by combining meteorological and air quality monitoring, authorities could provide targeted warnings and interventions days before visible pollution accumulates.

    Understanding these natural constraints isn’t just an academic exercise – it’s essential for developing effective policies that can protect millions of residents year-round. As climate change potentially alters these meteorological patterns, the need for scientifically informed policy becomes even more critical.

    Ankit Bhandekar receives funding from Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

    Laura Wilcox receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Norwegian Research Council, and Horizon Europe.

    – ref. Delhi: how weather patterns and faraway mountains made this the world’s most polluted megacity – https://theconversation.com/delhi-how-weather-patterns-and-faraway-mountains-made-this-the-worlds-most-polluted-megacity-249894

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Barrasso, and Hageman Introduce Legislation to Rename Casper’s National Historic Trails Interpretive Center After Rep. Barbara Cubin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C.—  U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, and Representative Harriet Hageman (all R-WY) introduced legislation to rename the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper the “Barbara L. Cubin National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.” 

    “Wyoming, the Equality State, has produced remarkable trailblazers who shaped the path forward for American women, and Barbara Cubin stands firmly among them,” said Lummis.“As a founding member of the Congressional Western Caucus, Barbara was a powerful voice for our western values. Now, as chair of the Senate counterpart, I’m proud to carry on her legacy as a fierce champion for the Wyoming way of life. This legislation not only commemorates Barbara’s extraordinary decades of public service but also acknowledges the indelible mark she has left on our state and nation.”

    “As the first woman to represent Wyoming in the U.S. Congress, Barbara Cubin demonstrated incredible leadership and strength. Her dedication to the people of Wyoming will never be forgotten,” said Barrasso. “Our legislation provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize Barbara’s legacy and record of public service.” 

    “Barbara Cubin set a standard for public service that continues to inspire us all,” said Hageman. “Her work to establish the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center preserved the rich history of our state and the West. I’m honored to join the Wyoming Delegation in supporting this legislation to recognize her remarkable contributions to Wyoming and our nation.”

    In 1998, Rep. Barbara Cubin successfully passed her legislation establishing the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper to tell the stories of westward migration in the U.S. The center is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is run through a public-private partnership with the BLM, the National Historic Trails Center Foundation and the City of Casper.

    Rep. Cubin was the first woman to win an election for federal office in the state of Wyoming and served as a founding member of the Congressional Western Caucus. She represented Wyoming in the U.S. House from 1995-2009.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global biodiversity agreement mobilises $200 billion boost for nature

    Source: United Nations 2

    Climate and Environment

    Governments on Friday reached agreement on a strategy to raise an additional $200 billion each year to better protect the world’s flora and fauna by 2030.

    Delegates met in Rome this week for the resumption of the UN Biodiversity Conference to hammer out an agreement at COP16.2 after attempts to reach a deal on financing at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, fell short last November.

    It is hoped that the hard-won decisions made by parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity will shore up biodiversity and fragile ecosystems which are bearing the brunt of increased conflict, deforestation, mining, toxic waste dumping and other environmental impacts worldwide.

    “We very much welcome this announcement,” the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Friday. “We need to mobilise at least $200 billion dollars a year by 2030 to close the global biodiversity finance gap.”

    However, discussions on who pays to protect the Earth’s biodiversity have long been a point of contention, while more than a million plant and animal species are now threatened with extinction.

    © Gregoire Dubois

    Hammering out an agreement

    “These days of work in Rome have demonstrated the commitment of the parties to advance the implementation of the [Kunming-Montreal] Global Biodiversity Framework,” said COP16 president Susana Muhamad, referring to the landmark 2022 agreement and underscoring “the collective effort to reach consensus of key issues that were left pending in Cali”.

    Why is biodiversity important? Read our explainer here.

    Delegates worked through Friday morning following days of intense negotiation and reached decisions on outstanding issues including biodiversity finance, planning, monitoring, reporting and review.

    Negotiators also agreed on a set of indicators to measure global and national progress towards implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework.

    The framework was finalised a little over two years ago – a historic UN-driven agreement to guide global action on nature through to 2030, which was hashed out at meetings in Kunming, China, and Montreal, Canada, in 2022.

    Keeping promises made in Canada and China

    The Global Biodiversity Framework aims to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, who suffer disproportionately from biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

    The global framework also contains concrete measures to halt and reverse nature loss, including protection measures covering 30 per cent of the planet and 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems by 2030.

    Currently only 17 per cent of land and around eight per cent of marine areas are protected.

    “Only by working together can we make peace with nature a reality,” said Ms. Muhamad.

    ‘Multilateralism works’

    Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, said the positive outcome in Rome shows that “multilateralism works” and is “the vehicle to build the partnerships needed to protect biodiversity and move us towards peace with nature”.

    After intense negotiations, parties to the convention agreed on a way forward in terms of resource mobilisation with a view to close the global biodiversity finance gap and achieve the target of at least $200 billion a year by 2030.

    This includes working to improve existing financial tools, especially to provide resources for developing countries, under the temporary leadership of UN agencies and partners.

    “We now have a clear mandate” for implementation, Ms. Schomaker said. “As we do this and implement the other supporting elements for resource mobilisation, the world will have given itself the means to close the biodiversity finance gap.”

    Call for pioneering investors

    On the margins of COP16.2, the Cali Fund, which was created in Colombia in late 2024, was officially launched, ushering in a new era for biodiversity financing.

    “Today’s launch is the culmination of multilateralism that delivers,” said Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

    “The ball is now in the court of businesses around the world. Those who pay into the fund will go down in history as pioneers and will reap the benefits as the public increasingly recognises the importance of giving back to nature.”

    Here’s how the Cali Fund will benefit biodiversity:

    • Companies making commercial use of data from genetic resources in nature in a range of lucrative industries will be expected to contribute a portion of their revenue to the fund
    • Contributions to the Cali Fund will be used to implement the UN Biodiversity Convention, including by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
    • At least 50 per cent of the Cali Fund resources will be allocated to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, recognising their role as custodians of biodiversity

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New urgent and primary care centre open in Williams Lake

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People living in Williams Lake and surrounding communities will have increased access to team-based primary health care at the new Williams Lake Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).

    “Our government is committed to making sure everyone in our province has access to quality health care that’s close to home,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new UPCC means people living in Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, and East and West Cariboo regions will have increased access to same-day primary health care so they can receive the care they need, while also easing pressure on emergency rooms and hospitals.”

    The new UPCC opened on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. The 490 square-metre (5,300 square feet) clinic is located at 47 Cameron St. When fully operational, it will provide urgent and episodic primary care, in person and virtually, seven days a week, including statutory holidays, 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

    The UPCC will offer same-day care for people who need access to health care within 12 to 24 hours, but do not require an emergency department. The UPCC is available to people who do not have a primary-care provider, as well as those who are unable to schedule an appointment with their primary-care provider within a convenient timeframe.

    “This UPCC will make a real difference to the lives of people living in and around Williams Lake by providing timely primary health care,” said Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health. “We know how important it is to have access to health care close to home, especially in rural areas, and we will continue to strengthen our health-care system to accommodate the growing demand.”

    As hiring progresses, people will be cared for by more than 18 full-time-equivalent health-care providers, including family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, Indigenous patient navigators and administrative staff.

    “We are excited to welcome patients to the new urgent and primary care centre in Williams Lake,” said Diane Shendruk, vice-president clinical operations, Interior Health. “This UPCC is the first in the Interior to have a dedicated smudging space, which reflects our commitment to reconciliation by bringing Indigenous wellness practices into health care.” 

    The project will have a total capital cost of more than $4 million, with the ministry funding $2.67 million and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District funding $1.37 million.

    This UPCC marks the 41st UPCC open in the province since 2018, which combined have had approximately three million patient visits. Planning for nine more UPCCs is underway, with the goal of establishing 50 UPCCs in communities throughout B.C. This work is part of B.C.’s Primary Care Strategy, which is bringing more team-based primary-care services to people in B.C.

    Quotes:

    Al Richmond, board chair, Thompson Regional Hospital District –

    “This clinic is critical to easing the workload of the emergency room at the Cariboo Memorial Hospital, especially for those without a family doctor. Having separate spaces for emergency care and urgent care will produce the best outcomes for health-care staff and patients accessing these services.”

    Chief Willie Sellars, Williams Lake First Nations, and board director, Interior Health –

    “The opening of the Williams Lake Urgent and Primary Care Centre is a significant step toward improving health outcomes for Indigenous people and the broader community. Many of our community members are without family doctors and this facility will help fill that void by providing access to timely care. I’m proud to see this commitment to culturally safe health services that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The Williams Lake UPCC is the 11th UPCC operating in the Interior Health region, including Ashcroft, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Rutland, Vernon and West Kelowna. 
    • The Williams Lake UPCC is planning to facilitate more than 42,000 visits per year.
    • Interior Health UPCCs have provided care to more than 754,000 visitors since 2018 when the first UPCC opened in the health authority.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about UPCCs in the Interior Health region, visit:
    https://www.interiorhealth.ca/information-for/patients-and-visitors/urgent-and-primary-care-centres

    To read about B.C.’s primary health strategy, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/bcs-primary-care-system
    and
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0034-001010

    To learn more about the Province’s health human resource strategy, visit:
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0059-001464

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unexplained death, Morningside

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Allan:

    An investigation has been launched after the death of a woman at a Morningside address last night.

    Police were called to the Don Croot Street property about 9.15pm, after a report of a woman being found unconscious.

    CPR was performed, however unfortunately the woman was not able to be revived.

    Her death is currently being treated as unexplained, and Police are working to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred.

    A scene examination will be carried out at the property today.

    Anyone who has any information about this incident encouraged to call Police.

    You can do so through our 105 service, quoting reference number 250228/6990.

    Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025

    The Jahan-e-Khusro event has a unique fragrance, It is the fragrance of soil of Hindustan,That Hindustan, which Hazrat Amir Khusro had compared to heaven : PM

    The Sufi tradition has created a unique identity for itself in India: PM

    The civilization and culture of any country get their voice from its music and songs: PM

    Hazrat Khusro described India as greater than all the major nations of the world during his time, He considered Sanskrit the best language in the world: PM

    Hazrat Khusro regarded India’s scholars as greater than the greatest of scholars: PM

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 10:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025, today, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi.

    Addressing the gathering at Jahan-e-Khusro, Prime Minister said that it was natural to feel elated in the presence of the rich legacy of Hazrat Amir Khusro. He noted that the essence of the Spring season, which Khusro was so fond of, is not just the season but is also present in the air of Jahan-e-Khusro today in Delhi.

    Shri Modi emphasized the significance of events like Jahan-e-Khusro for the country’s art and culture, stating they provide both importance and tranquility. He highlighted that the event, now completing 25 years, has earned a prominent place in people’s hearts, marking it as a major achievement. The Prime Minister congratulated Dr. Karan Singh, Muzaffar Ali, Meera Ali, and other collaborators for their contributions. He wished the Rumi Foundation and all associated with Jahan-e-Khusro continued success in the future. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also extended his Ramadan greetings to all attendees and citizens of the country, as the holy month approaches. Shri Modi recalled the contribution of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, whose efforts in enhancing the Sunder nursery have been a blessing for millions of art enthusiasts.

    The Prime Minister  spoke about the significant role of Sarkhej Roza in Gujarat’s Sufi tradition. He highlighted that, in the past, the condition of the site had deteriorated, but as Chief Minister, he focused on its restoration. The Prime Minister also recalled the time when Sarkhej Roza hosted grand Krishna Utsav celebrations, which were well-attended. He mentioned that even today, the essence of Krishna devotion is present in the atmosphere. “I used to regularly participate in the annual Sufi music festival held at Sarkhej Roza”, Shri Modi shared. “Sufi music represents a shared heritage that unites people from all walks of life. The performance of Nazre Krishna also reflected this shared cultural legacy”, Shri Modi emphasized.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the Jahan-e-Khusro event carries a unique fragrance, representing the soil of India. He recalled how Hazrat Amir Khusro compared India to paradise, describing the country as a garden of civilization where every aspect of culture has flourished. “The soil of India has a unique character, and when the Sufi tradition arrived here, it found a connection with the land. The spiritual teachings of Baba Farid, the love ignited by Hazrat Nizamuddin’s gatherings, and the new gems created by Hazrat Amir Khusro’s verses, which collectively embody the essence of India’s rich cultural legacy”, Shri Modi remarked.

    The Prime Minister emphasized the unique identity of the Sufi tradition in India, where Sufi saints blended Quranic teachings with Vedic principles and devotional music. He praised Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya for expressing unity in diversity through his Sufi songs. “Jahan-e-Khusro has now become a modern reflection of this rich, inclusive tradition”, Shri Modi stated.

    Shri Modi highlighted that the civilization and culture of any country get their voice from its music and songs. “When Sufi and classical music traditions merged, they gave birth to new expressions of love and devotion, evident in the qawwalis of Hazrat Khusro, the verses of Baba Farid, the poetry of Bullah Shah, Mir, Kabir, Rahim, and Ras Khan. These saints and mystics gave a new dimension to devotion”, he added.

    Shri Modi noted that whether one reads Surdas, Rahim, Ras Khan, or listens to Hazrat Khusro, all these expressions lead to the same spiritual love, where human limitations are transcended, and the union between man and God is felt.  “Ras Khan, despite being Muslim, was a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, reflecting the universal nature of love and devotion, as expressed in his poetry. The grand performance at the event also reflected this deep sense of spiritual love”, Shri Modi underscored.

    The Prime Minister highlighted that the Sufi tradition has not only bridged the spiritual distances among humans but also reduced the gaps between nations. He recalled his visit to the Afghan Parliament in 2015, where he spoke emotionally about Rumi, who was born in Balkh, Afghanistan, eight centuries ago. Shri Modi shared Rumi’s thought that transcends geographical boundaries: “I am neither from the East nor the West, I am not born from the sea nor the land, I have no place, I am everywhere.” The Prime Minister connected this philosophy to India’s ancient belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), drawing strength from such thoughts during his global engagements. Shri Modi also recalled reading a couplet by Mirza Ghalib during a joint press conference in Iran, reflecting India’s universal and inclusive values.

    Shri Modi spoke about Hazrat Amir Khusro, who is famously known as the ‘Tuti-e-Hind’. He highlighted that in his works, Khusro praised India’s greatness and charm, as seen in his book Nuh-Siphr. The Prime Minister emphasized that Khusro regarded India as superior to the great nations of his time and considered Sanskrit the best language in the world. Shri Modi acknowledged that Khusro respected Indians as being greater than the greatest scholars.“Khusro also took pride in how India’s knowledge of zero, mathematics, science, and philosophy spread to the rest of the world, especially how Indian mathematics reached the Arabs and became known as “Hindsa.”, Shri Modi noted. The Prime Minister further pointed out that despite the long period of colonial rule and the devastation that followed, Hazrat Khusro’s writings played a significant role in preserving India’s rich past and keeping its legacy alive.

    The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of Jahan-e-Khusro, which has been successfully promoting and enriching India’s cultural heritage for 25 years. Shri Modi acknowledged that maintaining this initiative for a quarter of a century is no small feat. Prime Minister Shri Modi concluded his address by extending his gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the celebration and expressing his heartfelt appreciation for everyone involved with the event.

    Background

    The Prime Minister has been a strong proponent of promoting the diverse art and culture of the country. In line with this, he will participate in Jahan-e-Khusrau which is an international Festival dedicated to Sufi music, poetry, and dance. It is bringing together artists from across the world to celebrate the legacy of Amir Khusrau. Organized by the Rumi Foundation, the Festival, started by renowned filmmaker and artist Muzaffar Ali in 2001, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and is being held from 28th February to 2nd March.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Tseung Kwan O

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tseung Kwan O yesterday afternoon (February 28), in which a man died.

         At 6.10pm, a medium goods vehicle (MGV) driven by a 58-year-old man, a motorcycle driven by a 50-year-old man and a bus driven by a 62-year-old man were travelling along Wan Po Road southbound. When approaching the junction of Wan Po Road and Chun Yat Street, the MGV driver and the motorcyclist slowed down and stopped their vehicles due to traffic condition. The bus suspectedly failed to brake in time and rammed into the motorcycle.

         The motorcyclist was trapped between the MGV and the bus and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious head injury, the motorcyclist was rushed to Tseung Kwan O Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.52pm.

         The bus driver was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital in conscious state. He was then arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

         Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 1 of Traffic, Kowloon East is under way.

         Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 0264.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India inaugurates C-DOT 5G Lab at Department of ECE, Gauhati University

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 9:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Hon’ble Minister of Communications and North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated5G Lab developed by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) at Dept. of ECE, at a function held in Gauhati University.

    India has made significant progress in the telecommunications sector, especially with the successful adoption and nationwide deployment of 5G technology. ’Atmanirbhar Bharat’vision of Governmentof India has led to the development of indigenous 4G/5G stack that is being rolled out in BSNL network. This achievement sets a strong foundation to venture into new use cases of 5G and development of 6G technology.

    There are thousands of engineering colleges in the country that aspire to be current with new technologies like 5G and 6G. In order to develop desired competencies and innovative use cases for 5G and to enable acceleration of 6G R&D and IPR generation, a cost effective 5G test lab set up is required at universities and engineering colleges. A need was felt to develop a cost effective 5G test bed solution that is affordable for wider adoption by engineering colleges. C-DOT has realized low cost 5G solution which is suitable for deployment in universities & engineering colleges to serve as 5G Testbed set up.

    5G test lab inaugurated by Minister of Communications, and Development of North Eastern Regionwill benefit the students, researchers and faculty in the following ways.

     • Gaining practical insights into an end-to-end 5G system

    • Developing a deeper understanding of 3GPP specifications for 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) and 5G Core networks.

     • Enhancing system capabilities while exploring new 5G use cases and applications.

    • Providing a foundation for advanced research and specification development for 6G technologies, enabling IPR generation.

    C-DOT 5G University solution consists of gNodeB (radio), Core Network and IMS. gNodeB consists of CU (Centralized Unit), DU (Distributed Unit) and RU (Radio Unit) functionalities. An EMS (Element Management System) has also been provided for managing and configuring various 5G units of Radio subsystems. A technical manual is also supplied that will allow students to configure the system in various ways so that a deeper understanding of 5G network can be achieved.

    The Minister stated ”the 5G use case lab will proliferate the capability of our country to spread education, to take telemedicine and healthcareto the last village in the country. He said he has great belief in the young cohort which will spearhead the change and such test labs will prove extremely beneficial for them to transcend across multiple dimensions and bring in innovations within our country.”

    The Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, thanked Hon’ble Minister of Communicationsand C-DOT team while highlighting the University’s contribution to higher education, research, and technological advancements, emphasising its vision towards enhancing innovation and excellence in the region.

    Professor Dr.Kandarpa Kumar Sarma, Head of Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at Guwahati University said “C-DOT 5G Lab is very beneficial for the students & the teaching faculty. This 5G test bed solution and the short-term training programme provided by C-DOT engineers would be very helpful for the students to become familiar with 5G technology. The physical device in the lab would facilitate the students to work on the domain of 5G and beyond and would further help them to contribute towards the development of 6G technology”. He thanked the C-DOT members for all the support & guidance. “

    Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to Hon’ble Minister of Communications,and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, for motivating and inspiring C-DOT engineersthat led to the development of low cost 5G lab. Dr Upadhyay also assured that C-DOT will work with various engineering colleges in establishing 5G test labs and providing support for development and scalability of Indigenous telecom technologies.

    To avail more information, C-DOT can be reached by mail at 5Gtestlab@cdot.in

    Inauguration of 5G lab by Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India

    Training Programme by C-DOT Engineer to Guahati University Students & Faculties.

    Demonstration of 5Gtest Lab at Guahati University

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Former NASA Astronaut Mike Massimino Visits Atal Tinkering Lab at Modern Public School, Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 9:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog hosted a special visit by Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University, to the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) today in Delhi.

    The visit aimed to inspire young minds and promote scientific curiosity among students by providing them with an opportunity to interact with a veteran astronaut who has been part of two space shuttle missions and played a crucial role in servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.

    The dignitary was received by Ms. Alka Kapur, Principal, Modern Public School, along with students, followed by a presentation on Atal Tinkering Labs by Mr. Shubham Gupta, Innovation Lead, AIM, NITI Aayog.

    During the visit, the students showcased various innovative projects developed within the lab, highlighting the impact of AIM in fostering a culture of problem-solving and critical thinking among young learners. Mr. Mike also interacted with the students who are part of famous AzaadiSat satellite launch, a joint initiative of ISRO & Spacekidz. The satellite is built by 750 girl students of 75 schools across India. The eight-kg satellite has 75 Femto experiments, selfie cameras to click pictures of its own solar panels and long-range communication transponders. Ms. Srimathy Kesan, Founder, Spacekidz also briefed Mr. Mike about this unique initiative promoting Girl students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

    Mike Massimino, addressing the students, shared insights from his experiences as a NASA astronaut, the challenges of space missions, and the future of space exploration. His motivational speech encouraged students to dream big and explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields with passion.

    About Atal Tinkering Labs

    Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are an initiative under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, designed to cultivate an innovative mindset among school students. ATL is a workspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills. Young children get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand the concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). ATL contains educational and learning ‘do it yourself’ kits and equipment on – science, electronics, robotics, open-source microcontroller boards, sensors and 3D printers and computers.

    About Mike Massimino

    Mr. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, is a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University and the senior advisor for space programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. He received a BS from Columbia University, and MS degrees in mechanical engineering and in technology and policy, as well as a PhD in mechanical engineering, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    After working as an engineer at IBM, NASA, and McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, along with academic appointments at Rice University and at the Georgia Institute of Technology, he was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1996, and is the veteran of two space flights, the fourth and fifth Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions in 2002 and 2009. Mike has a team record for the number of hours spacewalking in a single space shuttle mission, and he was also the first person to tweet from space. During his NASA career he received two NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the American Astronautical Society’s Flight Achievement Award, and the Star of Italian Solidarity.

    He is the Senior Adviser for Space Programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. He is also a professor in Columbia University’s engineering school, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department smashes illegal workers syndicate (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Outside Investigation Section of the Immigration Department (ImmD) conducted a surprise raid to a dishwashing company and successfully neutralised an illegal worker syndicate yesterday (February 27). Six syndicate members and one illegal worker were arrested, and copies of forged Hong Kong identity cards were seized.

         The ImmD discovered a dishwashing company suspected to have arranged illegal workers to various restaurants to perform dishwashing duties. After in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, the illegal worker syndicate was identified. From December 2024 to February 2025, enforcement officers of the ImmD performed a number of territory-wide anti-illegal employment operations. A total of 25 restaurants were raided, and arrested a total of 14 suspected illegal workers. During investigation, it was found that the illegal workers had used forged Hong Kong identity cards, copies of forged Hong Kong identity cards or identity cards in relation to other persons for job interviews. It is highly suspected that the company did not take practicable steps to ensure the employees are lawfully employable. After the illegal workers were employed, they were deployed to various restaurants to work, and were paid $70 per hour, involving an estimated amount of around $2 million. 

         During the operation yesterday, the ImmD had raided the office of the dishwashing company located in Lai Chi Kok, and arrested three male and three female Hong Kong resident staff aged from 24 to 39. They were all key members of the syndicate and were suspected of aiding and abetting illegal workers to take up employment and in possession of copies of forged Hong Kong identity cards. At scene, enforcement officers intercepted a 55 years old Chinese female overstayer. She was suspected of working illegally and in possession of suspected forged Hong Kong identity card. Twenty-two copies of suspected forged Hong Kong identity cards and employment records of the illegal workers previously arrested were unearthed. The investigation is still ongoing, and more persons involved in the case may be arrested.

         An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

         The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

         According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.      

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SIMPLIFICATION AND TRANSPARENCY IN FINANCIAL LAWS HAVE PROVIDED AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR INVESTMENT IN INDIA: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    Source: Government of India (2)

    SIMPLIFICATION AND TRANSPARENCY IN FINANCIAL LAWS HAVE PROVIDED AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR INVESTMENT IN INDIA: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    TODAY’S INDIA WITH DEEPER DEMOCRATIC SPIRIT, STABLE GOVERNMENT AND VISIONARY LEADERSHIP, IS A LAND OF IMMENSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    FOR THE FIRST TIME IN INDIA, AN EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO CHANGE COLONIAL LAWS, TO REPEAL REDUNDANT LAWS AND TO MAKE NEW LAWS IN SYNC WITH HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS OF PEOPLE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    NEW LAWS ARE SIMPLE, TRANSPARENT, PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    OUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS COMMAND RESPECT ALL OVER THE WORLD: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES INAUGURAL SESSION OF A TWO-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON ‘ADOPTION TO CHANGING LANDSCAPE: MY VIKSIT BHARAT – 2047’ ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF COST ACCOUNTANTS OF INDIA

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 8:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today stressed that the recent initiatives in simplification and transparency in financial laws have provided an enabling environment for investment in India. Today’s India with deeper democratic spirit, stable government and visionary leadership, is a land of immense opportunities for the investors, he noted. The fastest growing economy in the world is a favourite destination for investment across the world, he added.

    Shri Birla made these remarks in his inaugural address at the two day symposium on ‘Adoption to Changing landscape: My Viksit Bharat – 2047′ organized by the Northern India Regional Council, Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) at New Delhi. Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, both Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

    Referring to legal reforms in India, Shri Birla noted that for the first time in India, an effort has been made to change colonial laws, to repeal the redundant laws and to make new laws which are in sync with the hopes and aspirations of people of New India. Mentioning about GST, proposed income tax legislation, changes in labour laws and company laws, Shri Birla emphasized that these initiates reflect the vision of the leadership to take the country on the path of progress and prosperity. New laws are not only simple, transparent and progressive but also inclusive to improve the life of the last person in the society, he observed. Progressive laws always take into consideration the changing requirements of the country and the society and the changing international scenario, he added.

    Stating that developments in the fields of infrastructure, road connectivity, rail connectivity, air connectivity have augmented the capacity to bring in more investment to the country, Shri Birla observed that these investments will ultimately benefit the society at large. He also mentioned about the clarion call of the Prime Minister to pursue sustainable living for a better future. India is leading the world in inspiring the people to pursue the path of sustainable living, he added.

    Mentioning that India’s financial institutions are its strength, Shri Birla noted that our financial institutions command respect all over the world. Hailing the contributions of the ICAI, Shri Birla opined that this institution not only plays an important role in ensuring transparency in financial system but also for guiding the country on mass production with minimum cost. Playing a vital role in strengthening economic potential of the country, the ICAI, with its management skills, is improving the lives of the people.  He expressed hope that the two day symposium would provide a roadmap about the contributions of the ICAI to fulfill the resolve of the Prime Minister to make India a developed country by 2047 a reality.

    Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the inaugural session of a two-day symposium on ‘Adoption to Changing landscape: My Viksit Bharat – 2047’ organised by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India in New Delhi on 28 February, 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces 2025-26 Land Sale List

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (February 28) announced the Government’s 2025-26 Land Sale List.

         “The 2025-26 Land Sale List covers eight residential sites, capable of providing about 4 450 flats. Apart from the eight sites available for sale, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) plans to put up for tender its development projects Tuen Mun A16 Station (Package 1) and Tung Chung East Station (Package 2) in the coming financial year, providing a total of about 2 440 flats. In addition, the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) plans to relaunch its project at Kai Tak Road / Sa Po Road in Kowloon City, capable of providing about 810 flats. As for private development/redevelopment projects, with reference to the figures in the past decade, the supply in 2025-26 is estimated to be around 6 000 flats,” Ms Linn said. 

         Taking into account the estimated land supply from Government land sale, projects of the MTRCL and the URA, as well as private development/redevelopment projects, the private housing land supply in 2025-26 is estimated to have a capacity to produce about 13 700 flats. Pursuant to the “Long Term Housing Strategy Annual Progress Report 2024” released by the Government in October 2024, the target for private housing land supply in 2025-26 is 13 200 flats, similar to the potential supply of this financial year.

         As regards sites for commercial use, the 2025-26 Budget announced that the Government will not roll out any commercial sites for sale in the coming year, so as to allow the market to absorb the existing supply, having considered the high vacancy rate of offices in recent years and the relatively ample supply in the next few years. Therefore, no commercial has been included on the Land Sale List this year. In response to market feedback and to enhance the market attractiveness of sites, the Government will consider rezoning some of the commercial sites, which are expected to be available for sale in the next few years, into residential use and allowing greater flexibility of land use. To tie in with the relevant work, the Government will extend the deadline for completing in-situ land exchange for commercial sites in the town centre of Hung Shui Kiu / Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK/HT NDA), with a view to studying whether the land use could be suitably adjusted without compromising the overall industry positioning of HSK/HT NDA.

         As for industrial sites, the Government has identified three pilot areas to adopt the large-scale land disposal approach, respectively located in HSK/HT, Fanling North and San Tin Technopole. Each pilot area covers land for residential, industry and public facilities. The expressions of interest exercise will last until end-March, with the target to commence the tendering work for the three pilot areas progressively from the second half of 2025 to 2026. Ms Linn added that the Government could not rely solely on publicly-funded works projects to implement large-scale development. The Government has to dare to break new ground and innovate continuously, integrate the government with the market, and to adopt diversified development model such as public-private partnership, in-situ land exchange and large-scale disposal. The Government will explore allowing land owners to voluntarily surrender land planned to be resumed by the Government in the Northern Metropolis to offset or reduce the premium charged for the in-situ land exchange or large-scale land disposal. By paying less premium, developers can manage their cash flow with greater ease and are more incentivised to take part in the development of the Northern Metropolis. The measure also helps to alleviate pressure on public finance.

         Reviewing the private housing land supply in 2024-25, Ms Linn noted that the Government sold four residential sites in this financial year, which have a total capacity to produce about 1 970 flats. The aggregate private housing land supply in 2024-25 from different sources is estimated to have a capacity to produce about 8 930 flats, amounting to around 68 per cent of the annual supply target (13 200 flats). Ms Linn added that the Government considers the achievement rate of private housing land supply in this financial year foreseeable and reasonable. Owing to the uncertain external environment in the past year, the slower-than-expected interest rates cut as well as the continued high level market supply, developers have remained rather conservative in land tenders. Hence, having considered the market situation, the Government has been rolling out sites for sale in a pragmatic and prudent manner over the past year despite having available land in hand, taking the initiative on land supply. In fact, the supply in the past few financial years have each exceeded the annual supply target, which is sufficient to offset the shortfall this year. The impact on the short-to-medium term market supply is not expected to be significant.

         Reviewing the commercial land supply in 2024-25, given that the vacancy rate of commercial floor area still remains at a relatively high level, coupled with the several large-scale commercial sites sold in the past few years, the Government did not roll out any commercial site in this financial year. 
          
         On sites for industrial use, the tender of two sites in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu for development of multi-storey buildings for modern industries (MSB) is now ongoing. The two sites could provide a total of about 550 000 square metres floor space.
          
         Ms Linn said that the Transport and Logistics Bureau has successfully tendered a logistics site in Tsing Yi. Recently, a few potential investors provided feedbacks on the two MSB sites with ongoing tender. While pursuing the policy objective, the Government is considering possible adjustments on the tender conditions in response to market feedback, and for this reason, will extend the tender closing date of these two sites. Further details will be announced in early March.
          
         For the first quarter of 2025-26, i.e. April to June 2025, the Government will put up for tender a residential site in Tuen Mun, which is capable of producing about 525 flats. Ms Linn said that the site is located in a mature residential neighbourhood near a light rail station, and should be attractive to the market. In addition, for private development/redevelopment projects, two lease modification cases are expected to be executed in the first quarter, capable of providing a total of about 165 flats. The total private housing land supply for the first quarter is estimated to be about 690 units. Ms Linn added that an in-situ land exchange within the HSK/HT NDA is approaching its application deadline of end March. The development will bring about an additional supply of 1 600 flats for the first quarter if the application is concluded before the deadline.

         Ms Linn reiterated that the Government will prudently roll out land in a paced and pragmatic manner for development and to maintain continuous and sustained land supply. Placing available sites on the Land Sale List does not mean that all sites are to be rolled out. The Government will continue to make reference to market situation and other supply sources, so as to announce the Land Sale Programme on a quarterly basis. Depending on the market situation, the Government may also put up additional sites to respond to market changes.

         The 2025-26 Land Sale List can be found on the Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk).

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “India’s Science Budget witnessed quantum leap under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Testimony of his patronage to innovation and Science” says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    “India’s Science Budget witnessed quantum leap under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Testimony of his patronage to innovation and Science” says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh recalls Prime Minister Modi’s clarion call in Man Ki Baat to celebrate this year’s National Science Day with festive fervour

    S&T Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, launches Electric Vehicle Solutions led by Startups Under the DST’s new initiative

    India embarked on a bold and transformative journey to establish itself as a global hub for research, innovation, and scientific excellence to become Viksit Bharat@2047

    India’s 5352 Scientists feature in Top 2 percent of Scientific Minds according to a survey shares Dr. Singh

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 7:09PM by PIB Delhi

    NEW DELHI, February 28: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh states the quantum budgetary increase to science departments highlighting the Government’s commitment to the progress of Science Technology and innovation. He calls it the patronage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to innovation and Science during his speech at the National Science Day 2025 celebrations at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the budget allocations for various departments have seen significant growth over the years. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) received an allocation of ₹2777 crore in 2013-14, which has surged to ₹28,509 crore in 2024-25, marking a 926% increase. Similarly, the Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR) saw its budget rise from ₹2013 crore in 2013-14 to ₹6658 crore in 2024-25, reflecting a 230% increase. The Department of Space (DOS) experienced a budget growth from ₹5615 crore in 2013-14 to ₹13,416 crore in 2024-25, resulting in a 139% increase.

    Addressing the celebration, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalls Prime Minister Modi’s clarion call in Man Ki Baat to celebrate this year’s National Science Day with festive fervor.

    The National Science Day is celebrated on February 28th each year in India to honor the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist C.V. Raman in 1928. This discovery was a groundbreaking achievement in the field of light scattering, for which C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

    During the programme, The Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched the DST’s new initiative for Electric Vehicle Solutions, which is led by startups for component manufacturing in collaboration with the Ministry of Heavy Industries and ACMA.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space said “India embarked on a bold and transformative journey to establish India as a global hub for research, innovation, and scientific excellence to become Viksitbharat@2047”.

    Reflecting on the past decade of India’s scientific journey, the minster emphasized that India has transformed into the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with a growing base of innovative, youth-led deep-tech startups. These startups are not only addressing domestic challenges but are also creating solutions for global issues such as communication, cybersecurity, data privacy, sustainable energy, healthcare advancements, and smart manufacturing.

    Dr. Singh shared that according to the survey with a cutoff date of 31st December has found that 5352 Indian Scientific Minds feature in Top 2 percent. Referring to India’s progress in the Global Innovation Index, Dr. Singh said, “In just ten years, India has ascended from 80th to 39th position, cementing its place among the world’s most innovative nations.”

    Dr. Singh touched upon India’s groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs that have been a source of national pride, most notably the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole—making India the first country to achieve this extraordinary feat. He also highlighted the successful launch of ISRO’s SPADEX mission on December 30, 2024, a pioneering project in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking.

    Dr. Singh underscored that India is poised to make its mark in the global quantum technology landscape, with a focus on quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum cryptography. Indian youth-led startups in deep-tech are at the forefront, developing solutions for global challenges.

    Emphasizing on this year’s theme i.e. “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” was emphasized by Dr. Singh as a reflection of India’s growing investment in its young scientists. He also dedicated the National Science Day to the youth of the country and seeks to enable the youth to undergo capacity building and prepare them to be the architects of 2047.

    In his presence, nine new institutes were included in NIDHI- iTBIs Inclusive Technology Business Incubators with 50 Institutes already present

    1. National Engineering College, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu
    2. GITAM, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
    3. Indian Institute of Management, Jammu, J&K
    4. Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha
    5. Sanskriti University, Mathura, UP
    6. AIIMS, Patna, Bihar
    7. Sona College of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu
    8. Assam Down Town University, Assam
    9. Sangam University, Bhilwara, Rajasthan

    An MoU was exchanged between IIT Kanpur and HAB Biomass Pvt. Ltd. on a Green Corrosion Inhibitor from Manure developed by the SHRI Cell of DST. The celebration also witnessed a technology transfer between CSIR-NBRI and Ankur Seeds, Nagpur. Dr. Singh also released the Compendium of Selected Projects of the 31st NCSTC.

    Today 9 more Universities under PURSE were supported on diverse scientific themes and different geographical regions with Rs 75 Cr

    1. Central University of South Bihar
    2. Central University of Tamil Nadu
    3. Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Chattisgarh
    4. Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand;
    5. Maharshi Dayanand University Rohtak, Haryana
    6. Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh
    7. Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University; Maharashtra
    8. Tezpur University; Assam
    9. Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Uttar Pradesh

    In another landmark initiative, Dr. Singh shared that ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund exclusively for the space sector. Approved by the Cabinet, this fund aims to foster India’s growing base of nearly 300 space startups, positioning India as a leader in the space industry.

    The government has also allocated Rs 2,000 crore for Mission Mausam, a national program focused on enhancing weather forecasting capabilities. Additionally, the launch of the Anusandhan National Research Fund (NRF) with a corpus of ₹50,000 crore marks a giant leap toward ensuring that India’s scientific advancements are driven by research excellence and innovation.

    Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by developing indigenous technologies tailored to India’s unique needs. The Ministry of Science and Technology is working relentlessly to ensure that innovations move from the lab to land, benefiting local communities while positioning India as a global leader in science and technology.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of collaboration between various departments of science and the private sector. The government’s efforts are focused on creating an enabling environment for scientific innovation, ensuring that research and development align with the needs of both the public and private sectors.

    The celebration was graced by Prof. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR and Secretary of DSIR; Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST; Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT; Sh. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space; along with Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Head, NCSTC. Senior Officials of State S&T Councils, School & College students from 22 States across India joined the Science Day celebrations in Online mode.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting with newly-elected Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Home Minister, Shri Ashish Sood, Commissioner of Police, Delhi and senior officials on Law and Order and coordination, in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting with newly-elected Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Home Minister, Shri Ashish Sood, Commissioner of Police, Delhi and senior officials on Law and Order and coordination, in New Delhi today

    Home Minister said, the double engine government of Delhi will work with double speed for a developed and safe Delhi, as per the expectations of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

    Strict action should be taken against the entire network that helps Bangladeshi and Rohingya intruders enter the country, get their documents made and facilitate their stay here

    The issue of illegal intruders is also related to national security and it should be dealt with strictly and they should be identified and deported

    Strict action should be taken against police stations and sub-divisions which consistently perform poorly

    Union Home Minister said, it should be the priority of Delhi Police to eliminate interstate gangs in Delhi with a ruthless approach

    Work with top to bottom and bottom to top approach in narcotics cases and dismantle its entire network

    Home Minister directed that permission of Delhi Police will not be required in matters related to construction in Delhi

    For quick disposal of 2020 Delhi riots cases, the Delhi government should appoint special prosecutors so that these cases can be disposed of soon

    Delhi Police should start the process of recruitment for additional posts soon

    Union Home Minister said, DCP-level officers should go to police stations and organize public hearing camps and solve the problems of the public

    New security committees should be formed in JJ clusters for the safety of women and children

    Delhi Police should identify the places where there is daily traffic jam and Delhi Police Commissioner and Chief Secretary should meet and find a quick solution to this, so that the public can get relief

    Delhi Government should prepare a ‘Monsoon Action Plan’ to deal with water-logging by identifying the places where water-logging occurs

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on Delhi’s law and order situation in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta in New Delhi today. Home Minister of Delhi Government Shri Ashish Sood, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau, Chief Secretary of Delhi, Delhi Police Commissioner, and several senior officials of Union Home Ministry, Delhi Government and Delhi Police, were present.

    During the review meeting, several measures and suggestions to strengthen safety of women, children and senior citizens and improve law and order in the national capital and controlling crime were discussed in detail. While reviewing the performance of Delhi Police, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that the Delhi Police has done good work in maintaining the law and order in Delhi. Home Minister expressed hope that the double engine government of Delhi will work with double speed for a developed and safe Delhi, as per the expectations of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation directed Delhi police that strict action should be taken against the entire network that helps Bangladeshi and Rohingya intruders enter the country, get their documents made and facilitate their stay here. He said that the issue of illegal intruders is also related to national security and it should be dealt with strictly and they should be identified and deported.

    Shri Amit Shah emphasized that strict action should be taken against police stations and sub-divisions which fail to perform. He said that it is very important to know the level of satisfaction of the people about various other activities of Delhi police through third party surveys, like lost and found, police clearance certificate, character verification, traffic management, safety of senior citizens and Himmat App. The review by third party will help improve the efficiency of these initiatives.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that it should be the priority of Delhi Police to eliminate interstate gangs in Delhi with a ruthless approach. Home Minister said that DCP-level officers should go to police stations and organize public hearing camps and solve the problems of the public. Shri Shah said that all ACPs should monitor of serious cases themselves in police stations under them. He said that for the next one year, Delhi Police should run a special drive against crimes at an interval of every three months and later on it should be run every one and a half months.

    Union Home Minister said that there is a need to work with a ‘top to bottom’ and ‘bottom to top’ approach in dealing with narcotics cases and dismantle its entire network. He directed that permission of Delhi Police will not be required in matters related to construction in Delhi. He directed that 25 security committees should be formed, on a pilot basis, in JJ clusters and after seeing their results and efficacy the initiative may then be taken forward.

    Union Home Minister asked the Delhi Government to prepare a ‘Monsoon Action Plan’ to deal with water-logging by identifying the places where water-logging occurs.

    Shri Amit Shah directed that to prevent traffic jams caused by broken down buses, DTC should deploy QRTs and coordinate with other departments to seek immediate help and reduce the response time in removing the obstruction to the traffic.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that efforts should be made to make Mandoli and Tihar jails of Delhi as model jails. He asked Delhi Police to start the process of recruitment for additional posts soon. He said that for quick disposal of 2020 Delhi riots cases, the Delhi government should appoint special prosecutors so that these cases can be disposed of soon.

    Shri Amit Shah said that only with mutual cooperation between Delhi Police and Delhi Government the country’s capital can be made an ideal capital. He suggested working towards joint efforts on traffic management, strengthening the infrastructure of law enforcement, women and child empowerment, mutual cooperation between civic departments, curbing corruption, community policing, maintenance and integration of CCTV cameras, etc.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement: Second Meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, New Delhi (February 28, 2025)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place in New Delhi on 28 February 2025. It was co-chaired on the Indian side by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar; Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal; and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Mr. Maros Šefčovič and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ms Ekaterina Zaharieva co-chaired on the EU side.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had established the India-EU TTC in April 2022 as a key bilateral platform to address challenges at the confluence of trade, trusted technology and security. India and the European Union, as two large and vibrant democracies with open market economies, shared values and pluralistic societies, are natural partners in a multipolar world.

    The deepening of bilateral relations and the growing strategic convergence between the EU and India respond to the shifting dynamics of the global geopolitical landscape and a common interest in promoting global stability, economic security, and sustainable and inclusive growth. In that respect, both sides emphasized again the importance of the rules-based international order and the full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The TTC reflects a shared acknowledgement between the EU and India of the increasingly critical links between trade and technology, the potential of cooperation on these issues to enhance the economies of both partners, and the need to work together on the related security challenges. Both sides note the potential of their partnership to increase resilience, strengthen connectivity and drive forward the development of green and clean technologies.

    The first meeting of the India-EU TTC was held in Brussels on 16 May 2023. The TTC Ministerial Meeting provided political guidance for the way forward. Subsequently on 24 November 2023, a stock-taking meeting in virtual mode reviewed the progress made by the three TTC working groups.

    Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity

    India and the European Union reaffirmed the importance of deepening their digital cooperation in line with their shared values through the Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity. Both sides committed to leverage their respective strengths to accelerate a human-centric digital transformation and the development of advanced and trustworthy digital technologies such as AI, semiconductors, High-Performance Computing and 6G, which will benefit both economies and societies. Both sides committed to work jointly to strengthen EU-India research and innovation for this purpose to further enhance competitiveness, while increasing their economic security. Both sides committed to promoting global connectivity in a cyber-secure digital ecosystem.

    Recognizing the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the development of open and inclusive digital economies and digital societies, India and the European Union agreed to collaborate on working towards interoperability of their respective DPIs that respect human rights and protect personal data, privacy, and intellectual property rights. Both sides further committed to jointly promote DPIs solutions to third countries and further emphasized the need of mutual recognition of e-signatures to enhance cross-border digital transactions and foster mutual economic growth.

    Both sides emphasized their commitment to further strengthen the resilience of semiconductor supply chains and promote collaboration in the field of semiconductors. To that end, they agreed to explore joint R&D in the field of chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies, technology development for advanced processes for process design kit (PDK), among others. Both sides shall promote the strengthening of the EU and Indian semiconductor ecosystems to enhance technological capabilities and ensure supply chain resilience by developing sustainable, secure and diversified semiconductor production capacities. Furthermore, they committed to developing a dedicated programme that will facilitate talent exchanges and foster semiconductor skills among students and young professionals.

    The two sides reiterated their commitment to safe, secure, trustworthy, human-centric, sustainable and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to promote this vision on the international level. In addition, with a view to ensuring continued and impactful cooperation on AI, the European AI Office and India AI Mission agreed to deepen cooperation, encouraging an ecosystem of innovation and fostering information exchange on common open research questions for developing trustworthy AI. They also agreed to enhance cooperation on large language models, and to harness the potential of AI for human development and common good, including through joint projects such as developing tools and frameworks for ethical and responsible AI. These will build on the progress made under R&D collaboration on high-performance computing applications in the areas of natural hazards, climate change, and bioinformatics.

    India and the EU welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for aligning research and development priorities and creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains. Both sides will also enhance cooperation on IT and telecoms standardisation with a particular focus on promoting interoperable global standards.

    Furthermore, the two sides agreed to work towards bridging the digital skills gap, explore mutual recognition of certifications, and promote legal pathways of skilled professionals and exchange of talent.

    Both sides agreed to collaborate on the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, agreed by consensus at the UN General Assembly in September 2024, as a key instrument for delivering on their shared objectives. They noted the need to ensure that the forthcoming World Summit on Information Society +20 maintains global support for and enhances the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.

    Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies

    India and the European Union recalled the importance of the priority workstreams identified under Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies for achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and 2050 for India and the European Union, respectively. Achieving these targets will require significant investment in new clean technologies and standards. An emphasis on research and innovation (R&I) will foster technological collaboration and exchange of best practices between the EU and India. In parallel, supporting technological innovations for market uptake will enhance access to the respective markets by Indian and EU enterprises and facilitate wide adoption of innovative technologies. This opens perspectives for cooperation between Indian and EU incubators, SMEs and start-ups and building human resource capability and capacity in such technologies.

    In this regard, both sides agreed on joint research cooperation through exceptional coordinated calls on recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste-to-hydrogen. The estimated total joint budget will be about EUR 60 million from the Horizon Europe programme and from matching Indian contributions. On recycling of batteries for EVs, the focus will be on battery circularity through different kinds of flexible/low cost/easy to recycle batteries. In marine plastic litter, the focus will be on developing technologies for detection, measurement and analysis of aquatic litter and for mitigation of the cumulative impact of pollution on the marine environment. On waste-to-hydrogen, the focus will be on developing technologies with greater efficiency to produce hydrogen from biogenic wastes.

    The two sides recalled the importance of the substantive exchanges between experts in the identified areas of cooperation as the basis for future action. Indian experts have participated in a training and mutual learning exercise on EV interoperability and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) E-Mobility Lab in Ispra, Italy in January 2024. Furthermore, a joint hybrid workshop on EV Charging Technologies (Standardisation and Testing) was organised at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, India and online, to deepen the EU-Indian dialogue and the industry’s engagement in charging infrastructure standardisation processes with India. The two sides also concluded a Matchmaking Event to identify, support and organise exchanges between Indian and EU startups in technology for recycling of batteries for EVs. Experts also jointly discussed assessment and monitoring tools for marine plastic litter. Finally, an “Ideathon” fostering EU-India collaboration to co-create practical solutions involving all stakeholders for addressing marine plastic pollution effectively is in preparation.

    Both sides agreed to explore cooperation on harmonising standards for EV charging infrastructure, including cooperative, pre-normative research for harmonised testing solutions and knowledge exchange in the domain of e-mobility. They also agreed to explore how to enhance collaboration in the field of hydrogen-related safety standards, the science of standards as well as the market uptake of wastewater treatment technologies as outcomes of previous jointly conducted research projects.

    Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains

    India and the European Union noted productive discussions under Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains with a view to building a closer economic partnership between India and the European Union. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical context, both sides committed to work together for creating wealth and shared prosperity. The work under Working Group 3 complements the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and a Geographical Indications Agreement which are proceeding on separate tracks.

    Both sides committed to fostering resilient and future-ready value chains by prioritizing transparency, predictability, diversification, security and sustainability. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Agri-food, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Clean Technologies sectors and agreed on work plans in these three fields with the aim of promoting value chains that can withstand global challenges.

    In agriculture, India and the EU intend to collaborate on contingency planning for food security and welcomed common efforts on shared research and innovations needs regarding climate-resilient practices, crop diversification and infrastructure improvements as promoted for cooperation through the G20 framework. In the pharmaceutical sector, both sides aim to enhance transparency and security in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) supply chains by mapping vulnerabilities, promoting sustainable manufacturing, and establishing early warning systems to prevent disruptions. Clean technology cooperation centers on strengthening supply chains for solar energy, offshore wind, and clean hydrogen by exchanging information on sectoral capabilities and investment incentives and Research, Development and Innovation priorities as well as on methodologies to assess vulnerabilities, discussing approaches to minimize trade barriers and exploring possible synergies of the supply chains. Across these sectors, India and the EU are working to foster investment, exchange best practices, and mitigate risks through regular dialogues, research collaborations, and business-to-business engagements, ensuring supply chain resilience and sustainable economic growth.

    Both sides acknowledged that relevant priority market access issues are being addressed through cooperation within the TTC framework. The EU side appreciated the Indian initiatives to approve the marketing of several EU plant products while the Indian side appreciated the listing of a number of Indian aquaculture establishments and taking up the issue of equivalence for agricultural organic products. Both sides agreed to pursue their efforts on these topics, under the TTC review mechanism, and to continue their engagement on remaining issues flagged by each other.

    The two sides noted the exchanges regarding best practices in the screening of Foreign Direct Investments, which is an area of growing importance to foster economic security.

    India and the EU strengthened their commitment towards the multilateral trading system as an anchor in the current challenging geopolitical context. At the same time, they recognized the need to bring necessary reform to the WTO so that it is able to address efficiently and effectively issues of interest to Members. Both sides also recognized the importance of a functioning dispute settlement system. For this purpose, they agreed to deepen their dialogue and engagement to help the WTO deliver concrete outcomes, including at MC14.

    Both sides have held in-depth discussions on trade and decarbonization through several bilateral channels and have engaged jointly with stakeholders, especially on the implementation of the EU’s carbon border mechanism (CBAM). Both sides discussed the challenges arising out of CBAM implementation, in particular for the small and medium enterprises and agreed to continue addressing them.

    The co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to expanding and deepening their engagement under the TTC and to working together to fulfill the goals laid out in this successful second meeting of the TTC. They agreed to meet again for the third meeting of TTC within one year from now.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “TDB-DST supports M/s APChemi Pvt. Ltd., Navi Mumbai to Advance Plastic Circularity with Indigenous Pyrolysis Oil Purification Technology”

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 6:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Technology Development Board (TDB) has signed an agreement with M/s APChemi Pvt. Ltd., Navi Mumbai, for their project titled “Production and Commercialization of Purified Pyrolysis Oil to Enable Downstream Production of Circular Plastics and Sustainable Chemicals.” Under this agreement, TDB has sanctioned financial assistance, reaffirming its commitment to fostering indigenous technological advancements in sustainability.

    (Pic- Sh. R.K.Pathak, Secretary (TDB) exchanging agreement with Mr. Suhas Dixit, CEO, M/s APChemi Pvt. Ltd. along with other officials from TDB & AlChemi Pvt. Ltd.)

    APChemi, a pioneer in plastic and biomass pyrolysis with 12 patents (including five granted), has developed a transformative technology that converts non-recyclable, end-of-life plastic waste into high-value, refinery-grade pyrolysis oil. Their patented PUREMAX™ technology offers an innovative and cost-effective method for purifying pyrolysis oil, making it suitable for producing PUROIL™, a feedstock validated by leading global petrochemical and FMCG companies for food-grade circular plastics.

    With the global plastic waste crisis escalating—where less than 10% of the 350 million metric tonnes generated annually is effectively recycled—this project is poised to accelerate plastic circularity by processing 1.2 to 6 kilotonnes of waste per year. Additionally, it is expected to generate approximately 100 jobs while significantly curbing plastic pollution and lowering carbon emissions associated with incineration and landfilling.

    One of the key strengths of this technology lies in its capability to process complex multi-layer packaging waste containing PET and PVC, with an impurity removal efficiency of up to 99.7% for chlorine. This breakthrough has already garnered interest from eight global corporations, including Shell, BASF, Unilever, and PepsiCo, which have issued Letters of Intent for integrating PUROIL™ into their supply chains to advance circularity in plastics.

    Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, emphasized the project’s alignment with national priorities, stating, “APChemi’s innovative approach exemplifies the kind of indigenous solutions that TDB is dedicated to supporting—technologies that not only address pressing environmental challenges but also strengthen domestic capabilities and create economic opportunities. This initiative will significantly contribute to establishing a sustainable and self-reliant circular economy for plastics in India, reducing reliance on imported crude oil and fostering employment generation.”

    Mr. Suhas Dixit, CEO, APChemi, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “The partnership with TDB marks a significant milestone in our mission to turn the plastic waste crisis into an economic opportunity while restoring environmental balance. Our technology bridges a crucial gap in plastic circularity by eliminating corrosives and catalyst poisons from pyrolysis oil, enabling the production of high-value circular plastics from waste that would otherwise contribute to pollution.”

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Leaders’ Statement: Visit of Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and EU College of Commissioners to India (February 27-28, 2025)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 6:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that the EU-India Strategic Partnership has delivered strong benefits for their peoples and for the larger global good. They committed to raise this partnership to a higher-level, building upon 20 years of India-EU Strategic Partnership and over 30 years of India-EC Cooperation Agreement.

    President von der Leyen was on her landmark official visit as she led the European Union College of Commissioners to India on 27-28 February 2025. This is the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent since the start of their new mandate and also the first such visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties.

    As the two largest democracies and open market economies with diverse pluralistic societies, India and EU underscored their commitment and shared interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development.

    The leaders agreed that shared values and principles including democracy, rule of law, and the rules-based international order in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter make India and the EU like-minded and trusted partners. The India-EU Strategic partnership is needed now, more than ever, to jointly address global issues, foster stability, and promote mutual prosperity.

    In this context, they stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation between India and Europe in trade and de-risking of supply chains, investment, emerging critical technologies, innovation, talent, digital and green industrial transition, space and geospatial sectors, defence and people-to-people contacts. They also highlighted the need to cooperate on tackling common global challenges, including climate change, the governance of Artificial Intelligence, development finance, and terrorism in an interdependent world.

    The two leaders welcomed the progress made by the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) that took place during the visit in fostering deeper collaboration and strategic co-ordination at the intersection of trade, trusted technology, and green transition.

    They also welcomed the specific outcomes emerging from deliberations conducted between the EU College of Commissioners and their Indian counterpart Ministers.

    The leaders committed to as follows:

    i. Task their respective negotiating teams to pursue negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial FTA with the aim of concluding them within the course of the year, recognizing the centrality and importance of growing India EU trade and economic relations. The leaders asked the officials to work as trusted partners to enhance market access and remove trade barriers. They also tasked them to advance negotiations on an Agreement on Investment Protection and an Agreement on Geographical Indications.

    ii. Direct the India-EU Trade and Technology Council to further deepen its engagement to shape outcome-oriented cooperation in areas of economic security and supply chain resilience, market access and barriers to trade, strengthening of semiconductor ecosystems, trustworthy and sustainable Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, 6G, Digital Public Infrastructure, joint research and innovation for green and clean energy technologies with a focus on trusted partnerships and industry linkages across these sectors, including the recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste to green/renewable hydrogen. In this context, they welcomed the progress in the implementation of MoU on semiconductors for boosting the semiconductor supply chains, leveraging complementary strengths, facilitating talent exchanges and fostering semiconductor skills among students and young professionals; as well as the signing of MoU between Bharat 6G alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains.

    iii. Further expand and deepen cooperation under India-EU partnerships in areas of connectivity, clean energy and climate, water, smart and sustainable urbanization, and disaster management as well as work to intensify cooperation in specific areas such as clean hydrogen, offshore wind, solar energy, sustainable urban mobility, aviation, and railways. In this context, they welcomed the agreement on holding an India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and the India-EU Business Summit on Offshore Wind Energy.

    iv. Develop new specific areas of co-operation identified during the bilateral discussions between the EU Commissioners and Indian Ministers to be reflected in the future joint Strategic Agenda to drive mutual progress.

    v. Undertake concrete steps for the realization of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announced during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, deepen their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT 2.0), and Global Biofuels Alliance.

    vi. Strengthen people-to-people ties especially in the areas of higher education, research, tourism, culture, sports, and between their youths, and create an enabling environment for enhancing such exchanges. Also to promote legal, safe and orderly migration in areas of skilled workforce and professionals in view of India’s growing human capital and taking into account EU member states’ demographic profile and labour market needs.

    The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law and mutual respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes underpinned by effective regional institutions. India welcomed the EU joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Both sides also committed to explore trilateral co-operation including in Africa and the Indo-Pacific.

    The two leaders expressed satisfaction at growing cooperation in the defence and security domain, including joint exercises and collaboration between Indian Navy and EU Maritime security entities. The EU side welcomed India’s interest in joining the projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) as well as to engage in negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA). The leaders also committed to explore a security and defence partnership. They reiterated their commitment to international peace and security, including maritime security by tackling traditional and non-traditional threats to safeguard trade & sea lanes of communication. They emphasised the need to deepen collaboration in counter terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing in a comprehensive and sustained manner.

    The two leaders also discussed key international and regional issues, including on the situation in the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine. They expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also reiterated their commitment to the vision of the two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, consistent with international law.

    The Leaders recognized the productive and forward-looking nature of the discussions and agreed on the following concrete steps:

    (i) Expedite the conclusion of the FTA by the end of the year.

    (ii) Further focused discussions on defence industry and policy to explore opportunities from new initiatives and programmes.

    (iii) A review meeting with partners to take stock on the IMEC initiative.

    (iv) Engage on maritime domain awareness with a view to promoting shared assessment, coordination and interoperability.

    (v) Convene the next meeting of the TTC at an early date to deepen cooperation in semiconductors and other critical technologies.

    (vi) Enhance the dialogue on clean and green energy between governments and industry, with a focus on green hydrogen.

    (vii) Strengthening collaboration in the Indo-Pacific including through trilateral cooperation projects.

    (viii) Strengthen cooperation on Disaster Management through the development of appropriate arrangements including on policy and technical level engagement for preparedness, response capacities and coordination.

    Both leaders expressed confidence that this momentous visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership. They looked forward to the next India EU Summit being organized in India at the earliest mutually convenient time and to the adoption of a new joint Strategic Agenda on that occasion. President von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Modi for his warm hospitality.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP of DH responds to media enquiries on B virus human infection

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP of DH responds to media enquiries on B virus human infection
    CHP of DH responds to media enquiries on B virus human infection
    ****************************************************************

          In response to media enquiries about a case of human infection of B virus (also known as herpes simiae virus) announced by the Department of Health (DH) on April 3 last year, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, today (February 28) responded as follows:-      “In the fight against communicable diseases, the CHP adheres to the ‘3Rs’ i.e. real-time surveillance, rapid intervention and responsive risk communication. The CHP has upheld the principles of openness and high transparency in providing the public and healthcare professionals with the latest information and epidemiological situation on communicable diseases as well as relevant prevention and health education through various appropriate channels. At the same time, the CHP conducts necessary epidemiological investigations on reported cases in a timely manner and takes appropriate follow-up, prevention and control measures to minimise the threat of communicable diseases to Hong Kong citizens.           The CHP confirmed the first case of B virus human infection in Hong Kong on April 3 last year, and immediately adopted a multi-pronged approach to prevent the virus from spreading locally. Apart from issuing a press release on the same day to announce the details of the case (including the case had been receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit with critical condition) and reminding the public of the precautions to be taken against the virus, the CHP also immediately notified the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to take appropriate measures, including stepping up patrols in country parks and reminding visitors not to feed monkeys.           As this was the first case of its kind in Hong Kong, the CHP immediately stepped up local medical surveillance. On April 5 last year, the CHP added the disease to the list of “Other communicable diseases of topical public health concern” and issued letters to doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with clinical and epidemiological information on the case, reminding them to pay attention to the disease during medical consultations and to report suspected cases to the CHP for follow-up.           To continue to educate the public and raise their awareness about the B virus, the CHP has produced promotional leaflets and continued to provide relevant health information on its website and social media since April 5 last year. In addition, the CHP has reported the latest epidemiological investigation results of the case in the Communicable Disease Watch in June last year and yesterday (February 27), reminding the public and healthcare workers to exercise caution against the B virus.           Regarding this case, there was no delay in the CHP’s investigation, disease control and prevention, and the publicity and education efforts. Nevertheless, the CHP is aware of comments that the CHP could have issued another press release on the day of the patient’s death to inform the public. The CHP will review the current practice and consider announcing the crucial changes in the clinical conditions of special infectious disease cases as soon as practicable, in addition to announcing the results of the relevant epidemiological investigations, prevention and control work, and public education.           To date, only one case of B virus human infection has been recorded in Hong Kong. However, the virus is naturally carried in the saliva, urine and stool of macaques, which are wild animals commonly found in Hong Kong. Members of the public must remain vigilant and stay away from wild monkeys, avoiding touching or feeding them. If bitten or scratched by a monkey, members of the public should rinse the wound with water as soon as possible and seek medical attention immediately.”

     
    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025Issued at HKT 20:28

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Victor Marquez

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, February 28, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Victor Marquez’s death from an officer-involved shooting in an unincorporated area of Tulare County, near Exeter, California, on December 17, 2022. The incident involved officers from the Woodlake Police Department (WPD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. 
     
    “We recognize the considerable challenges and difficulties faced by all those impacted, including Mr. Marquez’s family, the law enforcement agencies involved, and the community as a whole,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The California Department of Justice aims to partner with law enforcement to build a just and equitable legal environment, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, and justice is accessible to everyone.”
     
    On December 17, 2022, at approximately 10:50 AM, WPD police officers heard over radio dispatch that the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office was trying to locate a domestic violence suspect, later identified as Mr. Marquez, who was armed with a nine-millimeter firearm. At approximately 11:30 AM, a WPD officer located Mr. Marquez’s vehicle, a high-speed pursuit of Mr. Marquez ensued, and other law enforcement officers joined the pursuit. The pursuit ended when Mr. Marquez’s vehicle collided with two other vehicles and came to a stop. Officers approached Mr. Marquez’s vehicle while issuing commands, such as, “Show me your hands,” and “Don’t do this!” The officers would later describe Mr. Marquez as holding what they believed to be a firearm in a small black bag and raising it at officers. At which point two WPD officers discharged their duty weapons and Mr. Marquez was fatally shot. After the shooting, the officers discovered that Mr. Marquez’s right hand, which was hidden inside the small black bag, was not holding a firearm, and that there were no firearms in the vehicle. 
     
    Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officers did not act in lawful defense of themselves or others. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officers. As such, no further action will be taken in this case. 
     
    As part of its investigation, DOJ has identified five policy recommendations related to this incident. The first recommendation is that WPD revise its policy on body-worn camera footage, to state that the officer “shall” activate their body worn cameras, rather than state that officers “should” activate them. Currently, WPD policy states that officers “should” activate the camera in specified situations. 
     
    The second recommendation is that WPD consider installing digital in-car video systems in its patrol units. In-car video systems work to enhance accountability and transparency to establish a higher level of trust between law enforcement officers and their community. In-car video systems ensure officers are always recording when needed.
     
    The third recommendation is that WPD ensure that its officers are equipped with a variety of less lethal options, in addition to TASERS, such as 40mm launchers and pepper spray. If WPD has already issued these less lethal weapons to its officers, DOJ recommends that WPD amend its policies to require that officers have these less lethal options with them while on patrol.
     
    The fourth recommendation is that WPD amend its vehicle pursuit policy, to simplify the criteria for determining when to engage in and terminate a vehicle pursuit. “If police departments eliminate the factor-based cognitive analysis requiring patrol officers to decide whether to initiate or sustain a pursuit and, instead, implement simple clear-cut rules of engagement for police vehicle pursuits, this may eliminate many dangerous high-speed chases and some high-speed crashes.”
     
    The fifth recommendation is that WPD amend its current policy on de-escalation to make the language clear. Government Code section 7286, subdivision (b)(1), requires that each law enforcement agency maintain a policy that includes a requirement that officers utilize de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention tactics, and other alternatives to force, when feasible. WPD should further review its other processes, procedures, and training related to de-escalation to ensure those too are consistent with existing law.
     
    A copy of the report can be found here.
     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lobbying by fake NGOs – E-000123/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In well-functioning democracies, transparent and accountable interest representation is a legitimate activity. Transparency of information about interest representation activities and entities carrying out such activities is essential for maintaining both EU citizens’ trust in democratic processes and decision-makers’ ability to exercise their responsibilities.

    In 2023, the Commission presented the Defence of Democracy package[1] which includes a legislative proposal that aims to enhance transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries which seek to influence policies, decision making and the democratic space. The proposal is currently being discussed by the co-legislators.

    At EU level, the EU Transparency Register[2] covers activities carried out by interest representatives with the objective of influencing the formulation or implementation of policy or legislation, or the decision-making processes of the EU institutions. It is up to each EU institution to define the rules on their interaction with interest representatives.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6453
    • [2] https://transparency-register.europa.eu/index_en
    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – An end to Ryanair’s abusive fines at the airport? – E-002920/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Fines for air passengers not having checked in online by a certain time before departure are usually stipulated in the relevant airline’s terms and conditions of carriage.

    Under Council Directive 93/13/EEC[1] on unfair terms in consumer contracts, standard contract terms are regarded as unfair ‘if, contrary to the requirement of good faith, they cause a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights and obligations arising under the contract, to the detriment of the consumer’. Unfair contract terms are not binding on consumers.

    The indicative list of unfair terms in the annex to the directive mentions disproportionately high penalties that consumers are requested to pay when failing to comply with their obligations.

    Under current EU consumer law, the Member States are responsible for the enforcement of consumer law. Whether or not a specific contract term is unfair under Council Directive 93/13/EEC is therefore assessed by national authorities and courts.

    Depending on their assessment, Member State authorities may take appropriate action against the use of such terms. In the event of a suspected widespread infringement of consumer law, Member State authorities may also activate the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network[2] established under Regulation (EU) 2017/2394[3].

    • [1] Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts, OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29-34.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/live-work-travel-eu/consumer-rights-and-complaints/enforcement-consumer-protection/consumer-protection-cooperation-network_en
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004, OJ L 345, 27.12.2017, p.1-26.
    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Johnson County Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Debord, Ky., man, Dustin Newsome, 35, was sentenced on Friday to 35 years in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for production of child pornography. 

    According to his plea agreement, in August 2023, the parent of the minor victim called law enforcement and reported that she had located THC vape cartridges in her child’s room.  The minor victim stated that he received the cartridges and a cellphone from a mail carrier, later identified as Newsome, in exchange for nude images and sexually explicit videos.  Law enforcement discovered nine minor victims that reported having produced sexually explicit images and videos at Newsome’s request.

    A search of Newsome’s residence revealed devices that contained numerous sexually explicit images, videos, and recordings of live chats between Newsome and at least four of the minor victims. In addition to the images and videos he produced, there were several hundred images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Newsome had obtained from the internet and stored on his electronic devices.  These images and videos were obtained over many years beginning in 2013. 

    Under federal law, Newsome must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. Newsome was also ordered to pay $105,000 in restitution. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by FBI and KSP.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Minneapolis Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan was arrested yesterday and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

    As alleged in the criminal complaint, in December 2024, Hassan attempted to travel from Minnesota to Somalia to join ISIS on two occasions, neither of which were successful. Hassan attempted to disguise the purpose of his travel as visiting family despite having none in Somalia and was traveling with his birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and high school diploma. The FBI’s investigation established that Hassan publicly supported ISIS on social media through multiple posts and communicated with a Facebook account for the Manjaniq Media Center, which encouraged individuals to travel to join ISIS and touts itself as a media organization of the Islamic Caliphate. The investigation further revealed that Hassan praised Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the perpetrator of the ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan. 1. On Feb. 21, Hassan also posted a video of himself driving while holding a small ISIS flag inside the vehicle, as well as another video of himself driving with an open knife on his lap. On Feb. 26, FBI observed Hassan driving while again holding the ISIS flag.

    Hassan was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. He made his initial appearance in the District of Minnesota today and was ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing which will take place at a later date.

    The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Minneapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorneys Ryan White and Charles Kovats Jr. of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Monday Briefings, Secretary-General & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    – Monday Briefings
    – Secretary-General
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Syria
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo/Peacekeeping
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – South Sudan
    – Biodiversity
    – International Days
    – Jane

    MONDAY BRIEFINGS
    On Monday there will be a briefing here by Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen, whom as you know is the Permanent Representative of Denmark, but she will be here in her capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of March. She will of course brief on the Council’s programme for the month. The briefing will be in person only, so if you want to ask questions you will need to have your backside in the seats. You can obviously follow it on the webcast.
    Then, at 2:15 p.m., there will be a briefing here on the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Speakers will include Akan Rakhmetullin, the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan and President of the Meeting, and he will be joined by Melissa Parke, the Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.

    SECRETARY-GENERAL
    You will have seen that early this morning, the Secretary-General in his remarks expressed his deep concern about information received in the last 48 hours by UN agencies — as well as many humanitarian and development NGOs — regarding severe cuts in funding by the United States. The consequences, he said, will be especially devastating for vulnerable people around the world.
    The Secretary-General expressed his hope that these decisions can be reversed based on more careful reviews, adding that in the meantime, every United Nations agency stands ready to provide the necessary information and justification for its projects.
    The Secretary-General also announced that next Tuesday, he will be in Cairo to join the Extraordinary Summit of the League of Arab States to discuss the issue of the reconstruction of Gaza.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    And turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that since last month, our humanitarian partners have screened more than 100,000 children under the age of five for malnutrition, enrolling those who need it for treatment. They also continue to distribute nutrient supplements to infants and young children.
    For its part, UNRWA [the Relief and Works Agency] tells us that more than half a million people across the five governorates of the Gaza Strip have received blankets, mattresses, floor mats, clothes, and other items including tarpaulins for rain protection.
    Turning to the West Bank, our colleagues at OCHA remind us that the ongoing Israeli forces’ operation has entered its sixth week. Tens of thousands of people remain displaced in Jenin and Tulkarm.
    On 25 and 26 of this month, OCHA and its partners led a mission to assess the needs of people displaced in Jenin and Tulkarm. Many of these families have been displaced multiple times. They lost their livelihoods and are no longer able to cover the basic needs of their families. Access to food is limited, with some displaced people reporting a reduction in meals consumed each day.
    Children in schools have lost more than one month of learning and have been subjected to high levels of anxiety and distress.
    In a report published yesterday, partners called for the protection of children and their right to live and access education, healthcare and other basic services.
    Meanwhile, Israeli settlers continue to attack Palestinian communities across the West Bank. Since 2020, settler-related incidents targeting Palestinian Bedouin and herding communities have increased almost sevenfold.
    Documented incidents rose to 330 in 2024 – compared to just 50 in 2020.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20February%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4yCJbG0vw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Wildlife Crime in Ecuador: The Hidden Crisis | UNODC Fights Back! 🛑🌿 | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    This World Wildlife Day, we shine a light on a hidden crisis: wildlife crime in Ecuador. From jaguar trafficking to illegal logging in the Amazon, criminals are putting Ecuador’s biodiversity at risk. But hope is not lost—UNODC is training police, park rangers, and legal experts to fight back and protect our most vulnerable species. Watch how frontline defenders are taking action to stop this environmental crime.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump, VP Vance Are Standing Up for Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance will always stand up for the interests of the American people and those who respect the United States’ position in the world — and will never allow the American people to be taken advantage of.
    President Trump: “Let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards — but without us, you don’t have any cards.”
    More than half (52%) of Ukrainians want a quick end to the war and believe Ukraine “should be open to ceding some territory in exchange for peace,” according to a November Gallup poll.
    Since martial law was declared in Ukraine, 1,000,050 Ukrainians have been drafted into military service. In October 2024, Ukraine announced it would be drafting another 160,000 — bringing the total number of conscripted Ukrainians to 1,160,050.
    The average age of Ukrainian troops is 43 years old.
    “Even if the West did come through with all the weapons they have pledged, ‘we don’t have the men to use them,’ one of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s close aides told Time’s Simon Shuster, revealing that the average age of a Ukrainian soldier has already reached 43.”

    One of Zelenskyy’s closest aides told TIME in 2023 that he is “[deluding] himself … We’re out of options. We’re not winning. But try telling him that.”
    The Ukrainian army is facing rising desertions as “ill-trained and exhausted soldiers [go] AWOL,” with the military further strained by struggles in recruiting and the “arrests of respected and popular combat officers.”
    President Trump: “You’re gambling with World War III.”
    Zelesnkyy himself has acknowledged that the situation in Ukraine could lead to WWIII, and that without U.S. aid, they would lose: “A third world war could start in Ukraine, continue in Israel, and move on from there to Asia, and then explode somewhere else.”
    President Trump: “I gave you the javelins to take out all those tanks. Obama gave you sheets.”
    President Trump gave anti-tank javelin missiles to Ukraine, while Obama gave non-lethal aid only, including blankets.
    EURACTIV: “Poroshenko asks Obama for weapons, obtains blankets”
    President Trump approved lethal weapons sales to Ukraine in 2017: “The new arms include American-made Javelin anti-tank missiles, U.S. officials said.”
    President Trump approved a $39 million sale of defensive lethal weapons to Ukraine in 2019: “The new package will include Javelin anti-tank weapons, with one U.S. official saying it includes 150 missiles and two launchers.”

    Vice President Vance: “You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October.”
    Zelenskyy was called out for campaigning against President Trump in Pennsylvania.
    “Zelenskyy was flown to Pennsylvania in an Air Force C-17 plane.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Highlights Need to Confirm Trump Administration Nominees for Top Economic, Financial Regulator Posts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — At yesterday’s nominations hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) highlighted the qualifications of President Trump’s nominees to top economic policy and financial regulator posts: 

    • Dr. Stephen Miran, nominee to be Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, Executive Office of the President
    • Mr. Jeffrey Kessler, nominee to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, Department of Commerce
    • Mr. William Pulte, nominee to be Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency
    • Mr. Jonathan McKernan, nominee to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

    Senator Scott emphasized the importance of quickly advancing President Trump’s nominees to rebuild the economy, restore confidence in the financial system, and ensure American families have the tools to thrive.

    Senator Scott’s opening remarks as delivered:

    I want to take a second to congratulate each of our nominees before us today and thank you for your willingness to serve our country.

    If confirmed, you will help put our nation back on the path to prosperity. 

    As we reflect on the past four years, we must acknowledge the severe damage created by the Biden administration’s reckless spending.

    It’s hard for me to forget, as a kid and my brother growing up in poverty, single parent household, watching my mother trying to make every single dollar count. She did the best she could with what she had. 

    Inflation is especially cruel to the communities like the one I grew up in.

    No one should have to make a choice between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on.

    During Joe Biden’s time in office, overall prices rose by over 20 percent, energy by 34 percent, transportation 31 percent, groceries 22 percent.

    I refuse to accept that the last four years will be the next four years.

    Unlike his predecessor, President Trump understands what it takes to create a blue-collar comeback. And I’m excited about that.

    Each of the nominees before us today will play a critical role in rebuilding the economy, restoring confidence in our financial system, and ensuring that American families can thrive once again.  

    The Council of Economic Advisers serves as the White House’s chief advisors, think tank so to speak, providing the President with data-driven guidance on policy decisions. 

    Dr. Stephen Miran is an accomplished economist with a strong record of advocating for fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies.

    He will play an instrumental role in helping President Trump rebuild America’s economy. 

    Turning to Mr. Kessler, the Department of Commerce’s mission is to create an environment for economic growth and opportunity for all communities.

    Unfortunately, under President Biden, we saw China rapidly advance in developing advanced technologies that support its military capabilities, distort global markets, and erode competitiveness of U.S. companies.  

    Mr. Kessler’s experience in trade and national security policy will be critical in strengthening our supply chains and ensuring the U.S. leads in the next generation technologies. 

    Now, let’s talk about housing. Under President Biden, the dream of homeownership became unaffordable for millions and millions of Americans. The FHFA plays a crucial role in overseeing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank – entities that significantly influence the U.S. housing finance market.

    These institutions not only impact mortgage rates and housing affordability, but also provide essential liquidity to the mortgage market, ensuring a stable supply of funds for home loans. 

    William Pulte is a businessman with a deep understanding of the housing market. His insight and passion for people will serve him well in leading the FHFA’s efforts to address our broken housing system.

    And finally, the CFPB was allegedly created to protect American consumers, but under the Biden administration, it overstepped its authority, burdened businesses with excessive politically driven regulation, and drove up costs for consumers.

    The CFPB has become a tool for progressive overreach, making it harder for small banks and lenders to serve their communities.

    Jonathan McKernan has the expertise needed to rein in the CFPB’s excesses and ensure that the agency works for consumers – not against them.

    Today’s hearing is not just about these four nominees – it is about the future of our economy and the direction of our country.

    We have an opportunity to undo the failures of the past four years and usher in a golden era of American prosperity.

    That begins by confirming these well-qualified individuals who will stand up for the American families, American workers, and for small businesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Booker Reintroduce Legislation Addressing Sickle Cell Disease

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced the bipartisan Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act. The legislation would allow State Medicaid programs to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) through a health home model.

    Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately impacts people of African descent. Among the most notable symptoms of SCD is debilitating pain, but those with SCD also experience complications like stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ damage. Furthermore, individuals with SCD have a significantly lower life expectancy than the overall population.

    While there have been some advancements in the treatment of SCD, many with the disease are not receiving the level of care needed to adequately manage SCD. The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act directs CMS to establish a SCD Health Home to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality, outpatient care, which will be available to Medicaid beneficiaries with SCD in states that submit a state plan amendment (SPA). Further, this program shows promise in saving money, as it aims to reduce patients’ reliance on costly emergency room care. 

    “Nearly 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease—many of whom are left without access to consistent care,” said Senator Scott. “I am glad to work on this bipartisan legislation to help treat this disease that affects thousands of Americans from minority communities. Creating access to high-quality comprehensive care to avoid costly emergency room visits continues to be a top priority of mine for folks facing diseases like SCD.”

    “Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, and is a disease that primarily affects those of African ancestry,” said Senator Booker. “Despite the prevalence and the severe health consequences of the disease, Americans battling sickle cell continue to face barriers to accessing the care they need. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this bipartisan legislation to increase access to comprehensive, high-quality care and invest in quality treatments for patients fighting SCD.”

    Throughout his time in the Senate, Senator Scott has raised awareness for sickle cell disease and advocated for equitable funding, increased attention, and better access to treatments and care for people with SCD. The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act builds upon this work, including his bipartisan Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act that he introduced with Senator Booker and which passed and was signed into law in 2018. 

    The legislation is endorsed by: Sickle Cell Disease Partnership; American Society of Hematology; Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –