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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Large Fire Footprint on Faraway Amsterdam Island

    Source: NASA

    On the afternoon of January 15, 2025, a wildfire broke out on the northern end of Amsterdam Island. The island occupies a remote spot in the southern Indian Ocean between Australia, Antarctica, and Africa. Part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to large marine mammal and bird populations, rare plant life, and a research station important for monitoring Earth’s atmosphere.
    By February 9, when the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9 acquired these images, the fire had burned a considerable portion of the 54-square-kilometer (21-square-mile) island. The image on the right is shown in false color to help distinguish between burned (brown) and healthy vegetation (green). The image on the left shows the same scene in natural color.
    Burned areas form a thick ring around most of the island’s perimeter. Based on mapping by the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, the fire’s footprint spanned nearly 30 square kilometers—more than half of the island. The cause of the fire was unknown as of early February.
    The fire started a few kilometers away from the Martin-de-Viviès research facility amid dry, windy conditions that helped it spread, according to a French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) news release. At daybreak the next morning, the 31 people stationed at Martin-de-Viviès evacuated safely to a nearby lobster fishing vessel. They were transferred to a TAAF ship a couple days later.

    News reports have noted concern for the island’s distinct vegetation and abundant wildlife, although the fire’s effects on the ecosystem have yet to be assessed. Amsterdam Island is one of the few places in the world where the endangered Phylica arborea shrub grows. The speck of land also supports the world’s largest Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross population, the only Amsterdam albatross population, and colonies of elephant and fur seals.
    Scientific research operations on Amsterdam are notable for including long-term monitoring of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. These observations are made atop a cliff near the Martin-de-Viviès research station. Some of the power, water, and communications infrastructure at Martin-de-Viviès was damaged in the fire, according to a TAAF news release on January 29.

    The island produced interesting atmospheric phenomena of its own as the fire burned. The VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite captured this image of cloud bands and smoke downwind of the landmass on January 28.
    “What you see at Amsterdam Island is a perfect example of a mountain wave effect,” said Galina Wind, atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. This phenomenon occurs when winds blow through a stable atmosphere and encounter a barrier—in this case, Amsterdam Island jutting up 881 meters (2,890 feet) from the sea. The disturbance sets off vertical ripples in the air, where clouds form at the cooler wave crests and not in the warmer troughs.
    A faint plume of wildfire smoke also trails to the lee side of the island, entrained with the eddies, Wind noted. If the smoke were brighter, she said, it might be visible forming a similar wave pattern.
    “Because the air is otherwise very stable with very little convection,” Wind said, “this pattern is being transported wholesale by the general circulation far away from the island.” Mountain-wave clouds extended over 300 kilometers (200 miles) on this day—even beyond the scope of the image above.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey, VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership, and MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Photo of yellow-nosed albatross on Amsterdam Island by Antoine Lamielle. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Remembers Long-Time Civil Servant John Boyd

    Source: NASA

    John Boyd, known to many as Jack and whose career spanned more than seven decades in a multitude of roles across NASA as well as its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), died Feb. 20. He was 99. Born in 1925, and raised in Danville, Virginia, he was a long-time resident of Saratoga, California.
    Boyd is being remembered by many across the agency, including Dr. Eugene Tu, director, NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, where Boyd spent most of his career.
    “Jack brought an energy, optimism, and team-based approach to solving some of the greatest technological challenges humanity has ever faced, which remains part of our culture to this day,” said Tu. “There are few careers as wide-ranging and impactful as Jack’s.”
    In 1947, Boyd began his career at the then-called Ames Aeronautical Laboratory in Moffett Field, California, as an aeronautical engineer working to design and test various wing shapes using the center’s 1-by-3-foot supersonic wind tunnel. Boyd continued conducting research in wind tunnels, testing designs that led to dramatic increases in the efficiency of the supersonic B-58 bomber, as well as the F-102 and F-106 fighters.
    In 1958, just before Ames became part of a newly established NASA, Boyd recalled thinking, “Maybe someday we’ll go out into the far blue yonder, and if we do, what are we going to fly? How are we going to bring it back into the atmosphere safely?” He and a team of engineers turned their attention to studying the dynamics of high-speed projectiles in hypervelocity ranges, filled with different mixtures of gases to mimic the atmospheres of Mars and Venus, in preparation for sending spacecraft out into space and safely back again or to the surface of other worlds.
    By the mid-60s, Boyd was promoted into leadership and tapped to become deputy director for Aeronautics and Flight Systems at NASA Ames. In the late 1960s, as America was redefining its space exploration goals and sending humans to the Moon, Boyd served as the center’s lead to assist NASA Headquarters in Washington consolidate and create new research programs.
    In 1979, Boyd served as the deputy director at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center (now known as NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center) in Edwards, California, and prepared the center for its role as a landing site for the space shuttle. He briefly returned to Ames before heading to NASA Headquarters to be associate administrator for management under James M. Beggs. Boyd left government service in 1985, taking a position as chancellor for research and an adjunct professor of aerodynamics, engineering, and the history of spaceflight for the University of Texas System.
    Boyd returned to NASA and California’s Silicon Valley in 1993,inspiring students through educational outreach initiatives, and serving as the senior advisor to the director, senior advisor for history, and the center ombudsman until his retirement in 2020.
    Boyd credits his interest in airplanes to a cousin who was a paratrooper and gave him a ride in a biplane in the 1940s. In 1943, he enrolled and became the first in his family to earn a degree with a bachelor of science in aeronautical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. He was a recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service Award, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Award, the NASA Equal Employment Opportunity Medal, the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Command Medal, and the NASA Headquarters History Award. He also was a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a Sloan Fellow at Stanford University.
    “The agency and the nation thank and honor Jack as a member of the NASA family and the highest exemplar of a public servant who believed investing in others is the greatest contribution one can make,” added Tu. “He will be deeply missed.”
    For more information about NASA Ames, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/ames
    -end-
    Cheryl WarnerHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov
    Rachel HooverAmes Research Center, Silicon Valley650-604-4789rachel.hoover@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fourth Launch of NASA Instruments Planned for Near Moon’s South Pole

    Source: NASA

    Sending instruments to the Moon supports a growing lunar economy on and off Earth, and the next flight of NASA science and technology is only days away. NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative is a lunar delivery service that sends NASA science and technology instruments to various geographic locations on the Moon using American companies. These rapid, cost-effective commercial lunar missions at a cadence of about two per year improve our understanding of the lunar environment in advance of future crewed missions to the Moon as part of the agency’s broader Artemis campaign.  
    Of the 11 active CLPS contracts, there have been three CLPS launches to date: Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission One, which collected data in transit but experienced an anomaly that prevented it from landing on the Moon; Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission, which landed, tipped over, and operated on the lunar surface; and Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission One that is currently enroute and scheduled to land in early March 2025. The CLPS contract awards cover end-to-end commercial payload delivery services, including payload integration, launch from Earth, landing on the surface of the Moon, and mission operations. 
    NASA’s fourth CLPS flight is from Intuitive Machines with their IM-2 mission. The IM-2 mission is carrying NASA science and technology instruments to Mons Mouton, a lunar plateau just outside of 5 degrees of the South Pole of the Moon, closer to the pole than any preceding lunar mission.  
    Scheduled to launch no earlier than Wednesday and land approximately eight days later, Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander, named Athena, will carry three NASA instruments to the lunar South Pole region – the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) suite and the Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA). 
    The PRIME-1 suite consists of two instruments, the TRIDENT drill (The Regolith Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain) and MSolo (Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations), which will work together to extricate lunar soil samples, known as regolith, from the subsurface and analyze their composition to further understand the lunar environment and gain insight on potential resources that can be extracted for future examination. 
    The meter-long TRIDENT drill is designed to extract lunar regolith, up to about three feet below the surface. It will also measure soil temperature at varying depths below the surface, which will help to verify existing lunar thermal models that are used for ice stability calculations and resource mapping. By drilling into the lunar regolith, information is gathered to help answer questions about the lunar regolith geotechnical properties, such as soil strength, both at the surface and in the subsurface that will help inform Artemis infrastructure objectives. The data will be beneficial when designing future systems for on-site resource utilization that will use local resources to create everything from landing pads to rocket fuel. The lead development organization for TRIDENT is Honeybee Robotics, a Blue Origin Company. 
    The MSOLO instrument is a mass spectrometer capable of identifying and quantifying volatiles (or gasses that easily evaporate) found at or beneath the lunar surface, including– if it’s present in the regolith within the drill’s reach – water and oxygen, brought to the surface by the TRIDENT drill. This instrument can also detect any gases that emanate from the lander, drilling process, and other payloads conducting operations on the surface. Using MSolo to study the volatile gases found on the Moon can help us understand how the lander’s presence might alter the local environment. The lead development organization is INFICON of Syracuse, New York, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 
    NASA’s LRA is a collection of eight retroreflectors that enable precision laser ranging, which is a measurement of the distance between the orbiting or landing spacecraft to the reflector on the lander. The LRA instrument is passive, meaning it does not power on. It will function as a permanent location marker on the Moon for decades to come, similar to its predecessors. The lead development organization is NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. 
    In addition to the CLPS instruments, two technology demonstrations aboard IM-2 were developed through NASA’s Tipping Point opportunity. These are collaborations with the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and industry that support development of commercial space capabilities and benefit future NASA missions.  
    Intuitive Machines developed a small hopping robot, Grace, named after Grace Hopper, computer scientist and mathematician. Grace will deploy as a secondary payload from the lander and enable high-resolution imaging and science surveying of the lunar surface, including permanently shadowed craters around the landing site. Grace is designed to bypass obstacles such as steep inclines, boulders, and craters to cover a lot of terrain while moving quickly, which is a valuable capability to support future missions on the Moon and other planets, including Mars. 
    Nokia will test a Lunar Surface Communications System that employs the same cellular technology here on Earth. Reconceptualized by Nokia Bell Labs to meet the unique requirements of a lunar mission, this tipping point technology aims to demonstrate proximity communications between the lander, a Lunar Outpost rover, and the hopper. 
    Launching as a rideshare alongside the IM-2 mission, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft also will begin its journey to lunar orbit where it will map the distribution of water – and other forms of water – on the Moon. 
    Future CLPS flights will continue to send payloads to the near side, far side, and South Pole regions of the Moon where investigations and exploration are informed by each area’s unique characteristics. With a pool of 13 American companies under CLPS, including a portfolio of 11 lunar deliveries by five vendors sending more than 50 individual science and technology instruments to lunar orbit and the surface of the Moon, NASA continues to advance long-term exploration of the Moon, and beyond to Mars.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 6 Things to Know About NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer

    Source: NASA

    The small satellite mission will map the Moon to help scientists better understand where its water is, what form it’s in, how much is there, and how it changes over time.
    Launching no earlier than Wednesday, Feb. 26, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer will help resolve an enduring mystery: Where is the Moon’s water? After sharing a ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 launch — part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative — the small satellite will take several months to arrive in lunar orbit.
    Here are six things to know about the mission.
    1. Lunar Trailblazer will produce high-resolution maps of water on the lunar surface.
    One of the biggest lunar discoveries in recent decades is that the Moon’s surface has quantities of water, but little about its nature is known. To investigate, Lunar Trailblazer will decipher where the water is, what form it is in, how much is there, and how it changes over time. The small satellite will produce the best-yet maps of water on the lunar surface. Observations gathered during the two-year prime mission will also contribute to the understanding of water cycles on airless bodies throughout the solar system.
    2. The small satellite will use two state-of-the-art science instruments.
    Key to achieving these goals are the spacecraft’s two science instruments: the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) infrared spectrometer and the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM) infrared multispectral imager. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California provided the HVM3 instrument, while LTM was built by the University of Oxford and funded by the UK Space Agency.  
    HVM3 will detect and map the spectral fingerprints, or wavelengths of reflected sunlight, of minerals and the different forms of water on the lunar surface. The LTM instrument will map the minerals and thermal properties of the same landscape. Together they will create a picture of the abundance, location, and form of water while also tracking how its distribution changes over time and temperature.

    3. Lunar Trailblazer will take a long and winding road to the Moon.
    Weighing only 440 pounds (200 kilograms) and measuring 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) wide with its solar panels fully deployed, Lunar Trailblazer is about the size of a dishwasher and relies on a relatively small propulsion system. To make the spacecraft’s four-to-seven-month trip to the Moon (depending on the launch date) as efficient as possible, the mission’s design and navigation team has planned a looping trajectory that will use the gravity of the Sun, Earth, and Moon to guide Lunar Trailblazer to its final science orbit — a technique called low-energy transfer.
    4. The spacecraft will peer into the darkest parts of the Moon’s South Pole.
    Lunar Trailblazer’s science orbit positions it to peer into the craters at the Moon’s South Pole using the HVM3 instrument. What makes these craters so intriguing is that they harbor cold traps that may not have seen direct sunlight for billions of years, which means they’re a potential hideout for frozen water. The HVM3 spectrometer is designed to use faint reflected light from the walls of craters to see the floor of even permanently shadowed regions. If Lunar Trailblazer finds significant quantities of ice at the base of the craters, those locations could be pinpointed as a resource for future lunar explorers.
    5. Lunar Trailblazer is a high-risk, low-cost mission.
    Lunar Trailblazer was a 2019 selection of NASA’s SIMPLEx (Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration), which provides opportunities for low-cost science spacecraft to ride-share with selected primary missions. To maintain a lower overall cost, SIMPLEx missions have a higher risk posture and lighter requirements for oversight and management. This higher risk acceptance allows NASA to enable science missions that could not otherwise be done.
    6. Future missions will benefit from Lunar Trailblazer’s data.
    Mapping the Moon’s water supports future human and robotic lunar missions. With knowledge from Lunar Trailblazer of where water is located, astronauts could process lunar ice to create water for human use, breathable oxygen, or fuel. And they could conduct science by sampling the ice for later study to determine the water’s origins.
    More About Lunar Trailblazer
    Lunar Trailblazer is led by Principal Investigator Bethany Ehlmann of Caltech in Pasadena, California. Caltech also leads the mission’s science investigation, and Caltech’s IPAC leads mission operations, which includes planning, scheduling, and sequencing of all spacecraft activities. NASA JPL manages Lunar Trailblazer and provides system engineering, mission assurance, the HVM3 instrument, and mission design and navigation. JPL is managed by Caltech for NASA. Lockheed Martin Space provided the spacecraft, integrated the flight system, and supports operations under contract with Caltech. The University of Oxford developed and provided the LTM instrument, funded by the UK Space Agency. Lunar Trailblazer, part of NASA’s Lunar Discovery Exploration Program, is managed by NASA’s Planetary Mission Program Office at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
    News Media Contact
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov
    Ian J. O’NeillJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-2649ian.j.oneill@jpl.nasa.gov
    Isabel SwaffordCaltech IPAC626-216-4257iswafford@ipac.caltech.edu
    2025-027

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom grants executive clemency

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 26, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced multiple clemency actions. He granted pardons in three cases. He also sent multiple clemency cases to the Board of Parole Hearings, initiating the process for granting clemency in fifteen cases. He also sent two clemency applications to the Board and directed the Board to conduct risk assessment investigations.

    The California Constitution gives the Governor the authority to grant clemency in the form of a pardon, commutation, or reprieve. In cases where the applicant has more than one felony conviction, the Governor must first get the approval of the Board of Parole Hearings and the California Supreme Court. The Board of Parole Hearings also investigates clemency applications at the Governor’s request. 

    The Governor issues clemency grants only when they are consistent with public safety. In making this determination, the Governor weighs numerous factors including the applicant’s self-development and conduct since the offense and the impact of a grant on the community, including crime victims and survivors. Clemency recognizes rehabilitative change after conviction. A clemency grant does not forgive or minimize the crime and the harm it caused.

    The Governor regards clemency as an important part of the criminal justice system that can incentivize accountability and rehabilitation, increase public safety by removing counterproductive barriers to successful reentry, and correct unjust results in the legal system. 

    While in office, Governor Newsom has granted a total of 208 pardons, 141 commutations, and 42 reprieves.

    The Governor’s Office encourages victims, survivors, and witnesses to register with CDCR’s Office of Victims and Survivors Rights and Services to receive information about an incarcerated person’s status. For general information about victim services, to learn about victim-offender dialogues, or to register or update a registration confidentially, please click here or call 1-877-256-6877 (toll free).

    Copies of the gubernatorial clemency certificates announced today can be found here. The cases the Governor sent today to the Board of Parole Hearings for a recommendation will be scheduled for a future hearing. Those agendas will be posted here.

    Additional information on executive clemency can be found here.

    Press Releases, Public Safety

    Recent news

    Feb 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today released a new economic vision for California’s future with a bold plan, realized locally. The unveiling comes alongside the announcement of more than $245 million in investments to help support workers statewide,…

    Feb 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today issued a statement in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that it had released more than $315 million of obligated money to create new water storage at the future Sites Reservoir and at the existing San…

    Feb 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: More than 9,000 properties were cleared of hazardous materials in less than 30 days – marking the fastest-ever hazardous debris removal effort in the nation. LOS ANGELES – In less than 30 days, federal and state crews have substantially…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces statewide plan for economic growth, $245 million for more jobs — with additional investment for LA’s recovery

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 26, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today released a new economic vision for California’s future with a bold plan, realized locally. The unveiling comes alongside the announcement of more than $245 million in investments to help support workers statewide, including additional investment in LA to bolster the region’s ongoing economic recovery from wildfires.

    Los Angeles, California – Governor Newsom today released the new California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a statewide plan built with input from 13 regional plans to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade. The Blueprint is paired with $125 million in funding to support new, ready-to-go projects, $15 million for economic development projects for California Native American tribes, $13 million to support the economic recovery and small businesses in the Los Angeles region, and $92 million in funding for new apprenticeship and jobs programs.

    California’s economic dominance and success are grown locally, with the contributions of each diverse region of our state. From agriculture to clean energy to film to every industry in between, our Golden State owes its success to the people, communities, and industries that make it work. I am proud of the collaborative work of Californians from every region who developed this statewide Economic Blueprint. California thrives because we work together, despite adversity and even disagreement. It is this collective resilient spirit that will help move Los Angeles forward and help us overcome any challenge that stands in our way.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The California Jobs First Economic Blueprint launch is a bold step toward building an economy that uplifts every worker, every family, and every community. California leads the world in innovation and opportunity, but opportunity should never be reserved for a select few — it must be a reality for all. Shaped by communities, the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint ensures every Californian has the chance to thrive.

    First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    Funding for economic and workforce development 

    Along with the Jobs First Economic Blueprint, the Governor’s announced key investments in the state’s efforts to grow the economy and create job opportunities, including:

    ✅ $125 million grant solicitation to support new “ready-to-go” projects aligned to the state’s strategic sectors, ensuring that every region across California continues to play a critical role in the sustainable growth of the world’s fifth-largest economy. 

    ✅ $15 million grant solicitation for economic planning, pre-development, and implementation projects for California Native American tribes. 

    ✅ $52 million for new apprenticeships through the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund with a focus on high-demand sectors such as finance, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.

    ✅ $16 million for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship funding for young people ages 16-24 through the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grant program. This funding supports pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on, real-world job training for young people who are often neither working nor in school.

    ✅ $24.1 million in High Road Training Partnership funds to 10 projects statewide to train people for jobs to meet California’s most urgent healthcare needs, with a focus on behavioral health and nursing. LA recipients include the Center for Caregiver Advancement, which is training home-health workers to be prepared for disasters such as the Los Angeles fires.

    Supporting recovery and rebuilding in LA

    Today, the Governor received the Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative’s regional plan as part of his continued tour of the state’s thirteen economic regions, and announced new support to aid in LA’s rebuilding and recovery efforts:

    ✅ $10 million on behalf of the State, LA Rises, Maersk and APM Terminals to the LA Region Small Business Relief Fund, a grant program run by the City and County of LA that will be critical in rebuilding fire-impacted communities.  This is the first investment by LA Rises, the unified recovery effort launched by the Governor in January and led by Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman. 

    ✅ $3 million for the Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative in their recovery efforts for the region, including for the launch of public-facing campaigns to promote small business support and the addition of capacity for near-term business and economic recovery. 

    California Jobs First: Bold vision, realized locally

    In 2021, Governor Newsom launched a statewide economic development planning process called the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF), which was later renamed the Regional Investment Initiative under the banner of California Jobs First in 2023. The objective was to create good-paying, accessible jobs and sustainable economic growth across the state’s thirteen regions.

    Each region created a planning body — or collaborative — with representation from a wide variety of community partners, including labor, business, local government, education, environmental justice, community organizations, and more. The collaboratives then wrote their own data-driven, community-led economic plans, including identifying strategic industry sectors.

    To support this process, California has invested $287 million since 2022, including $5 million per region for planning, $39 million for pilot projects across the state and $14 million per region to develop viable projects that advance their strategic sectors.

    In March 2024, Governor Newsom announced the creation of the California Jobs First Council, made up of nine Cabinet-level agencies, focused on streamlining the state’s economic and workforce development programs to create more family-supporting jobs and prioritize industry sectors for future growth.

    California’s Economic Blueprint

    The California Jobs First Economic Blueprint guides the state’s investments in key sectors to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade. Made up of ten strategic industry sectors, this framework will help streamline the state’s economic, business, and workforce development programs to create more jobs, faster. 

    The state’s thirteen economic regions engaged more than 10,000 local residents and experts who collectively identified these sectors as key to driving local economies into the future.

    California’s economy has industries at all stages of advancement and growth. They are categorized as follows within the Economic Blueprint:

    • Strengthen: Sectors where California has an established competitive position and/or significant employment, but where there is leveling growth or wages
    • Accelerate: Sectors with moderate to high projected growth that are ready for expansion, where additional investments (e.g., capital, infrastructure) could “bend the curve” to generate growth
    • Bet: Emerging sectors with significant investment or high strategic importance to the innovation ecosystem
    • Anchor: Regional anchors that are critical for attracting and supporting industry activities while also providing quality, good-paying jobs within local communities

    Training workers for jobs in growth sectors 

    The workforce training dollars announced by Gov. Newsom on Wednesday mark another significant milestone in meeting the governor’s goal of creating 500,000 new training slots by 2029. Since 2019, California has served 201,000 registered apprentices, solidifying its position as the nation’s leader in apprenticeship programs. More than 400,000 additional workers have or will be served through existing contracts for earn-and-learn programs, which provide income or stipends while training people for new jobs or to advance in their current fields. Much of the funding prioritizes high-growth sectors like healthcare and advanced manufacturing. 

    The earn-and-learn model is represented in the soon-to-be-released California Master Plan for Career Education, which will prioritize hands-on learning and real-life skills. It envisions new tools to reflect the total of a person’s abilities, including a digital “Career Passport,” that can enable Californians to display their certified skills, badges, and credentials to advance economic mobility and skills-based hiring. The Master Plan on Career Education is designed to complement the Jobs First initiative by preparing a workforce to fill the jobs envisioned in each region.  

    California’s economic dominance

    California remains the fifth-largest economy in the world. With an increasing state population and recent record-high tourism spending, California is the nation’s top state for new business starts, access to venture capital funding, and manufacturing, high-tech, and agriculture.

    Learn more

    More information about the California Jobs First and the Economic Blueprint can be found here. For ongoing updates, follow California Jobs First on LinkedIn and X. 

    Recent news

    Feb 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today issued a statement in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that it had released more than $315 million of obligated money to create new water storage at the future Sites Reservoir and at the existing San…

    Feb 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: More than 9,000 properties were cleared of hazardous materials in less than 30 days – marking the fastest-ever hazardous debris removal effort in the nation. LOS ANGELES – In less than 30 days, federal and state crews have substantially…

    Feb 25, 2025

    News 23 new sites now available for development What you need to know: Governor Newsom is expanding access to the state’s program to create new housing on underutilized state property by streamlining the effort. Today the Governor launched a revamped Excess Sites…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State and City Launch 2025 Food Drives to Support Hawaiʻi Foodbank

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    State and City Launch 2025 Food Drives to Support Hawaiʻi Foodbank

    Goal Set to Provide 515,000 Meals to Families in Need

    HONOLULU — The State of Hawaiʻi and the City and County of Honolulu, in partnership with Hawaiʻi Foodbank, have officially launched their 2025 employee food drives to help fight food insecurity across the islands. Together, the state and city have set a goal of providing 515,000 meals to Hawaiʻi residents in need.

    The 26th Annual State Employees Food Drive aims to raise 405,000 meals, while the City and County of Honolulu’s drive aims to raise 110,000 meals. Both food drives will run from February 21 to May 9, encouraging employees and residents to donate food and funds to support local families.

    In 2024, the joint effort surpassed its goal of 500,000 meals. Every donation makes an impact—1.2 pounds of food equals one meal, and every $1 provides approximately 2.15 meals. That means just $10 can provide up to 20 meals, making even small contributions meaningful.

    Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who is leading the state’s food drive for a third year said, “Food insecurity affects far too many families in Hawaiʻi, including 90,000 keiki. The generosity of our state employees and community members makes a real difference in ensuring that no one in our islands goes hungry. This food drive is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together.”

    Hunger remains a significant challenge, with one in three households in Hawaiʻi struggling with food insecurity. In recent months, Hawaiʻi Foodbank has been serving an average of 170,000 individuals each month—this is a dramatic increase from previous years. Rising living costs, the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, and other economic hardships have left more families, children, and kūpuna struggling to meet their basic nutritional needs. The annual food drive helps bridge that gap by providing meals for those in need.

    “28% of households are hungry or food insecure on Oʻahu, according to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. That alarming statistic demonstrates that we are all facing extraordinarily challenging times,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “But here in Hawaiʻi, we take care of one another, especially those who need it most. I am inspired by the generous spirit of everyone who makes a donation, and I am exceptionally proud to team up with our partners at the State of Hawaiʻi in a dedicated and united effort to aggressively address hunger and food insecurity here at home.”

    Since its inception, the annual food drive has played a crucial role in ensuring families across Hawaiʻi have access to nutritious meals. Every contribution—big or small—helps make a difference.

    “These food drives are such an important component of our collective work—both in raising awareness and in providing critical food assistance to our families and neighbors,” said Amy Miller, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Foodbank. “Ending hunger is a shared community responsibility, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi and the City and County of Honolulu, and for every employee and resident who gives to help nourish our ‘ohana. By coming together, we can create a future where everybody in Hawai‘i has consistent, sufficient access to the safe and healthy food we all deserve to thrive.”

    Anyone can support the Hawaiʻi Foodbank by donating online, and employee contributions will be counted toward their department’s overall total. Donations can be made at:

    • State Employees Food Drive: org/state
      • Food donations are being accepted in person at the Lt. Governor’s office in the state Capitol (415 S. Beretania St., Fifth Floor).
    • City and County Employees Food Drive: org/city
      • Oʻahu residents can drop off food donations at all Satellite City Halls or at any Honolulu Fire Department station throughout the drive.

    To kick off the drives, Hawaiʻi Foodbank, in coordination with the University of Hawaiʻi Athletics, will also collect food and monetary donations at upcoming UH sports events.

    Friday, Feb. 28

    • Softball: Hawaiʻi vs. Jackson State, 4 p.m., Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium
    • Softball: Hawaiʻi vs. Washington, 6 p.m., Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium
    • Baseball: Hawaiʻi vs. Northeastern, 6:35 p.m., Les Murakami Stadium
    • Men’s Volleyball: Hawaiʻi vs. UC Irvine, 7 p.m., SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

    Saturday, March 1

    • Men’s Basketball: Hawaiʻi vs. UC Davis, 7 p.m., SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

    For those facing food insecurity, resources and assistance are available at hawaiifoodbank.org/help.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA responds to the European Commission’s partial rejection of its technical standards on authorisation for issuers of asset-referenced tokens

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today issued an Opinion in response to the European Commission’s proposed changes to its draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on the information to be provided to competent authorities when authorising the offer to the public of asset-referenced tokens or the admission to trade them under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR).

    In this Opinion, the EBA accepts the changes proposed by the European Commission, in particular those considered as substantive. At the same time the EBA invites the European Commission to consider amending the Level 1 text at the next available opportunity, to include those elements that were set out in the draft RTS submitted to the Commission, given their importance from a supervisory perspective. Namely, the requirements of a market policy abuse, of an independent third-party audit about the issuer’s proprietary DLT that is operated by the issuer or by a third-party operator, and of a comprehensive notion of good repute aligned with the rest of the financial sector.

    Legal basis and background  

    This Opinion is based on Article 10(1), para. 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010, which requires the EBA to submit its response in the form of an opinion to amendments to draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) proposed by the EC. 

    The draft RTS on information for application for authorisation to offer to the public and to seek admission to trading of ARTs specify the information requirements for authorisation to offer to the public or seek admission to trading of asset-referenced tokens under MiCAR. They aim to regulate access to the EU market of ARTs by applicant issuers.

    On 6 May 2024, the EBA submitted its final draft RTS to the European Commission and on 13 January 2025, the latter sent a letter to the EBA about its intention to endorse the RTS with amendments and subsequently submitted a modified version of the RTS with the envisaged changes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: OptimizeRx Sets Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results Conference Call for March 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OptimizeRx Corp. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: OPRX), a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions helping life sciences companies reach and engage healthcare professional (HCPs) and patients, will hold a conference call on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss full year fiscal 2024 financial results and the fourth quarter period ended December 31, 2024. The financial results will be issued in a press release prior to the call.

    OptimizeRx management will host the call, followed by a question-and-answer period. Details for the conference call can be found below:

    Please call the conference telephone number or log on to the web access link five minutes prior to the start time.

    A replay of the call will remain available for 12 months via the Investors section of the OptimizeRx website at http://www.optimizerx.com/investors.  

    About OptimizeRx

    OptimizeRx provides trailblazing technology that fosters care-focused engagement between life sciences organizations, healthcare providers, and patients at critical junctures throughout the healthcare journey. With the ability to synchronize messaging across 2 million healthcare providers and over 240 million adults across a multitude of digital channels including a proprietary point-of-care network, OptimizeRx is changing the way life sciences engage with customers.

    For more information, follow the Company on X, LinkedIn or visit www.optimizerx.com. 

    OptimizeRx Contact 
    Andy D’Silva, SVP Corporate Finance
    adsilva@optimizerx.com

    Investor Relations Contact
    Sandya von der Weid
    LifeSci Advisors, LLC
    svonderweid@lifesciadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Meeting of 29-30 January 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    Account of the monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank held in Frankfurt am Main on Wednesday and Thursday, 29-30 January 2025

    27 February 2025

    1. Review of financial, economic and monetary developments and policy options

    Financial market developments

    Ms Schnabel noted that the financial market developments observed in the euro area after October 2024 had reversed since the Governing Council’s previous monetary policy meeting on 11-12 December 2024. The US presidential election in November had initially led to lower euro area bond yields and equity prices. Since the December monetary policy meeting, however, both risk-free yields and risk asset prices had moved substantially higher and had more than made up their previous declines. A less gloomy domestic macroeconomic outlook and an increase in the market’s outlook for inflation in the euro area on the back of higher energy prices had led investors to expect the ECB to proceed with a more gradual rate easing path.

    A bounce-back of euro area risk appetite had supported equity and corporate bond prices and had contained sovereign bond spreads. While the euro had also rebounded recently against the US dollar, it remained significantly weaker than before the US election.

    In euro money markets the year-end had been smooth. Money market conditions at the turn of the year had turned out to be more benign than anticipated, with a decline in repo rates and counterparties taking only limited recourse to the ECB’s standard refinancing operations.

    In the run-up to the US election and in its immediate aftermath, ten-year overnight index swap (OIS) rates in the euro area and the United States had decoupled, reflecting expectations of increasing macroeconomic divergence. However, since the Governing Council’s December monetary policy meeting, long-term interest rates had increased markedly in both the euro area and the United States. An assessment of the drivers of euro area long-term rates showed that both domestic and US factors had pushed yields up. But domestic factors – expected tighter ECB policy and a less gloomy euro area macroeconomic outlook – had mattered even more than US spillovers. These factors included a reduction in perceived downside risks to economic growth from tariffs and a stronger than anticipated January flash euro area Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

    Taking a longer-term perspective on ten-year rates, since October 2022, when inflation had peaked at 10.6% and policy rates had just returned to positive territory, nominal OIS rates and their real counterparts had been broadly trending sideways. From that perspective, the recent uptick was modest and could be seen as a mean reversion to the new normal.

    A decomposition of the change in ten-year OIS rates since the start of 2022 showed that the dominant driver of persistently higher long-term yields compared with the “low-for-long” interest rate and inflation period had been the sharp rise in real rate expectations. A second major driver had been an increase in real term premia in the context of quantitative tightening. This increase had occurred mainly in 2022. Since 2023, real term premia had broadly trended sideways albeit with some volatility. Hence, the actual reduction of the ECB’s balance sheet had elicited only mild upward pressure on term premia. From a historical perspective, despite their recent increase, term premia in the euro area remained compressed compared with the pre-quantitative easing period.

    Since the December meeting, investors had revised up their expectations for HICP inflation (excluding tobacco) for 2025. Current inflation fixings (swap contracts linked to specific monthly releases in year-on-year euro area HICP inflation excluding tobacco) for this year stood above the 2% target. Higher energy prices had been a key driver of the reassessment of near-term inflation expectations. Evidence from option prices, calculated under the assumption of risk neutrality, suggested that the risk to inflation in financial markets had become broadly balanced, with the indicators across maturities having shifted discernibly upwards. Recent survey evidence suggested that risks of inflation overshooting the ECB’s target of 2% had resurfaced. Respondents generally saw a bigger risk of an inflation overshoot than of an inflation undershoot.

    The combination of a less gloomy macroeconomic outlook and stronger price pressures had led markets to reassess the ECB’s expected monetary policy path. Market pricing suggested expectations of a more gradual easing cycle with a higher terminal rate, pricing out the probability of a cut larger than 25 basis points at any of the next meetings. Overall, the size of expected cuts to the deposit facility rate in 2025 had dropped by around 40 basis points, with the end-year rate currently seen at 2.08%. Market expectations for 2025 stood above median expectations in the Survey of Monetary Analysts. Survey participants continued to expect a faster easing cycle, with cuts of 25 basis points at each of the Governing Council’s next four monetary policy meetings.

    The Federal Funds futures curve had continued to shift upwards, with markets currently expecting between one and two 25 basis point cuts by the end of 2025. The repricing of front-end yields since the Governing Council’s December meeting had been stronger in the euro area than in the United States. This would typically also be reflected in foreign exchange markets. However, the EUR/USD exchange rate had recently decoupled from interest rates, as the euro had initially continued to depreciate despite a narrowing interest rate differential, before recovering more recently. US dollar currency pairs had been affected by the US Administration’s comments, which had put upward pressure on the US dollar relative to trading partners’ currencies.

    Euro area equity markets had outperformed their US counterparts in recent weeks. A model decomposition using a standard dividend discount model for the euro area showed that rising risk-free yields had weighed significantly on euro area equity prices. However, this had been more than offset by higher dividends, and especially a compression of the risk premium, indicating improved investor risk sentiment towards the euro area, as also reflected in other risk asset prices. Corporate bond spreads had fallen across market segments, including high-yield bonds. Sovereign spreads relative to the ten-year German Bund had remained broadly stable or had even declined slightly. Relative to OIS rates, the spreads had also remained broadly stable. The Bund-OIS spread had returned to levels observed before the Eurosystem had started large-scale asset purchases in 2015, suggesting that the scarcity premium in the German government bond market had, by and large, normalised.

    Standard financial condition indices for the euro area had remained broadly stable since the December meeting. The easing impulse from higher equity prices had counterbalanced the tightening impulse stemming from higher short and long-term rates. In spite of the bounce-back in euro area real risk-free interest rates, the yield curve remained broadly within neutral territory.

    The global environment and economic and monetary developments in the euro area

    Starting with inflation in the euro area, Mr Lane noted that headline inflation, as expected, had increased to 2.4% in December, up from 2.2% in November. The increase primarily reflected a rise in energy inflation from -2.0% in November to 0.1% in December, due mainly to upward base effects. Food inflation had edged down to 2.6%. Core inflation was unchanged at 2.7% in December, with a slight decline in goods inflation, which had eased to 0.5%, offset by services inflation rising marginally to 4.0%.

    Developments in most indicators of underlying inflation had been consistent with a sustained return of inflation to the medium-term inflation target. The Persistent and Common Component of Inflation (PCCI), which had the best predictive power of any underlying inflation indicator for future headline inflation, had continued to hover around 2% in December, indicating that headline inflation was set to stabilise around the ECB’s inflation target. Domestic inflation, which closely tracked services inflation, stood at 4.2%, staying well above all the other indicators in December. However, the PCCI for services, which should act as an attractor for services and domestic inflation, had fallen to 2.3%.

    The anticipation of a downward shift in services inflation in the coming months also related to an expected deceleration in wage growth this year. Wages had been adjusting to the past inflation surge with a substantial delay, but the ECB wage tracker and the latest surveys pointed to moderation in wage pressures. According to the latest results of the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises, firms expected wages to grow by 3.3% on average over the next 12 months, down from 3.5% in the previous survey round and 4.5% in the equivalent survey this time last year. This assessment was shared broadly across the forecasting community. Consensus Economics, for example, foresaw a decline in wage growth of about 1 percentage point between 2024 and 2025.

    Most measures of longer-term inflation expectations continued to stand at around 2%, despite an uptick over shorter horizons. Although, according to the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises, the inflation expectations of firms had stabilised at 3% across horizons, the expectations of larger firms that were aware of the ECB’s inflation target showed convergence towards 2%. Consumer inflation expectations had edged up recently, especially for the near term. This could be explained at least partly by their higher sensitivity to actual inflation. There had also been an uptick in the near-term inflation expectations of professionals – as captured by the latest vintages of the Survey of Professional Forecasters and the Survey of Monetary Analysts, as well as market-based measures of inflation compensation. Over longer horizons, though, the inflation expectations of professional forecasters remained stable at levels consistent with the medium-term target of 2%.

    Headline inflation should fluctuate around its current level in the near term and then settle sustainably around the target. Easing labour cost pressures and the continuing impact of past monetary policy tightening should support the convergence to the inflation target.

    Turning to the international environment, global economic activity had remained robust around the turn of the year. The global composite PMI had held steady at 53.0 in the fourth quarter of 2024, owing mainly to the continued strength in the services sector that had counterbalanced weak manufacturing activity.

    Since the Governing Council’s previous meeting, the euro had remained broadly stable in nominal effective terms (+0.5%) and against the US dollar (+0.2%). Oil prices had seen a lot of volatility, but the latest price, at USD 78 per barrel, was only around 3½% above the spot oil price at the cut-off date for the December Eurosystem staff projections and 2.6% above the spot price at the time of the last meeting. With respect to gas prices, the spot price stood at €48 per MWh, 2.7% above the level at the cut-off date for the December projections and 6.8% higher than at the time of the last meeting.

    Following a comparatively robust third quarter, euro area GDP growth had likely moderated again in the last quarter of 2024 – confirmed by Eurostat’s preliminary flash estimate released on 30 January at 11:00 CET, with a growth rate of 0% for that quarter, later revised to 0.1%. Based on currently available information, private consumption growth had probably slowed in the fourth quarter amid subdued consumer confidence and heightened uncertainty. Housing investment had not yet picked up and there were no signs of an imminent expansion in business investment. Across sectors, industrial activity had been weak in the summer and had softened further in the last few months of 2024, with average industrial production excluding construction in October and November standing 0.4% below its third quarter level. The persistent weakness in manufacturing partly reflected structural factors, such as sectoral trends, losses in competitiveness and relatively high energy prices. However, manufacturing firms were also especially exposed to heightened uncertainty about global trade policies, regulatory costs and tight financing conditions. Service production had grown in the third quarter, but the expansion had likely moderated in the fourth quarter.

    The labour market was robust, with the unemployment rate falling to a historical low of 6.3% in November – with the figure for December (6.3%) and a revised figure for November (6.2%) released later on the morning of 30 January. However, survey evidence and model estimates suggested that euro area employment growth had probably softened in the fourth quarter.

    The fiscal stance for the euro area was now expected to be balanced in 2025, as opposed to the slight tightening foreseen in the December projections. Nevertheless, the current outlook for the fiscal stance was subject to considerable uncertainty.

    The euro area economy was set to remain subdued in the near term. The flash composite output PMI for January had ticked up to 50.2 driven by an improvement in manufacturing output, as the rate of contraction had eased compared with December. The January release had been 1.7 points above the average for the fourth quarter, but it still meant that the manufacturing sector had been in contractionary territory for nearly two years. The services business activity index had decelerated slightly to 51.4 in January, staying above the average of 50.9 in the fourth quarter of 2024 but still below the figure of 52.1 for the third quarter.

    Even with a subdued near-term outlook, the conditions for a recovery remained in place. Higher incomes should allow spending to rise. More affordable credit should also boost consumption and investment over time. And if trade tensions did not escalate, exports should also support the recovery as global demand rose.

    Turning to the monetary and financial analysis, bond yields, in both the euro area and globally, had increased significantly since the last meeting. At the same time, the ECB’s past interest rate cuts were gradually making it less expensive for firms and households to borrow. Lending rates on bank loans to firms and households for new business had continued to decline in November. In the same period, the cost of borrowing for firms had decreased by 15 basis points to 4.52% and stood 76 basis points below the cyclical peak observed in October 2023. The cost of issuing market-based debt had remained at 3.6% in November 2024. Mortgage rates had fallen by 8 basis points to 3.47% since October, 56 basis points lower than their peak in November 2023. However, the interest rates on existing corporate and household loan books remained high.

    Financing conditions remained tight. Although credit was expanding, lending to firms and households was subdued relative to historical averages. Annual growth in bank lending to firms had risen to 1.5% in December, up from 1% in November, as a result of strong monthly flows. But it remained well below the 4.3% historical average since January 1999. By contrast, growth in corporate debt securities issuance had moderated to 3.2% in annual terms, from 3.6% in November. This suggested that firms had substituted market-based long-term financing for bank-based borrowing amid tightening market conditions and in advance of increasing redemptions of long-term corporate bonds. Mortgage lending had continued to rise gradually but remained muted overall, with an annual growth rate of 1.1% in December after 0.9% in November. This was markedly below the long-term average of 5.1%.

    According to the latest euro area bank lending survey, the demand for loans by firms had increased slightly in the last quarter. At the same time, credit standards for loans to firms had tightened again, having broadly stabilised over the previous four quarters. This renewed tightening of credit standards for firms had been motivated by banks seeing higher risks to the economic outlook and their lower tolerance for taking on credit risk. This finding was consistent with the results of the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises, in which firms had reported a small decline in the availability of bank loans and tougher non-rate lending conditions. Turning to households, the demand for mortgages had increased strongly as interest rates became more attractive and prospects for the property market improved. Credit standards for housing loans remained unchanged overall.

    Monetary policy considerations and policy options

    In summary, the disinflation process remained well on track. Inflation had continued to develop broadly in line with the staff projections and was set to return to the 2% medium-term target in the course of 2025. Most measures of underlying inflation suggested that inflation would settle around the target on a sustained basis. Domestic inflation remained high, mostly because wages and prices in certain sectors were still adjusting to the past inflation surge with a substantial delay. However, wage growth was expected to moderate and lower profit margins were partially buffering the impact of higher wage costs on inflation. The ECB’s recent interest rate cuts were gradually making new borrowing less expensive for firms and households. At the same time, financing conditions continued to be tight, also because monetary policy remained restrictive and past interest rate hikes were still being transmitted to the stock of credit, with some maturing loans being rolled over at higher rates. The economy was still facing headwinds, but rising real incomes and the gradually fading effects of restrictive monetary policy should support a pick-up in demand over time.

    Concerning the monetary policy decision at this meeting, it was proposed to lower the three key ECB interest rates by 25 basis points. In particular, lowering the deposit facility rate – the rate through which the ECB steered the monetary policy stance – was justified by the updated assessment of the inflation outlook, the dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary policy transmission. The alternative – maintaining the deposit facility rate at the current level of 3.00% – would excessively dampen demand and therefore be inconsistent with the set of rate paths that best ensured inflation stabilised sustainably at the 2% medium-term target.

    Looking to the future, it was prudent to maintain agility, so as to be able to adjust the stance as appropriate on a meeting-by-meeting basis, and not to pre-commit to any particular rate path. In particular, monetary easing might proceed more slowly in the event of upside shocks to the inflation outlook and/or to economic momentum. Equally, in the event of downside shocks to the inflation outlook and/or to economic momentum, monetary easing might proceed more quickly.

    2. Governing Council’s discussion and monetary policy decisions

    Economic, monetary and financial analyses

    As regards the external environment, incoming data since the Governing Council’s previous monetary policy meeting had signalled robust global activity in the fourth quarter of 2024, with divergent paths across economies and an uncertain outlook for global trade. The euro had been broadly stable and energy commodity prices had increased. It was underlined that gas prices were currently over 60% higher than in 2024 because the average temperature during the previous winter had been very mild, whereas this winter was turning out to be considerably colder. This suggested that demand for gas would remain strong, as reserves needed to be replenished ahead of the next heating season, keeping gas prices high for the remainder of the year. In other commodity markets, metal prices were stable – subdued by weak activity in China and the potential negative impact of US tariffs – while food prices had increased.

    Members concurred that the outlook for the international economy remained highly uncertain. The United States was the only advanced economy that was showing sustained growth dynamics. Global trade might be hit hard if the new US Administration were to implement the measures it had announced. The challenges faced by the Chinese economy also remained visible in prices. Chinese inflation had declined further on the back of weak domestic demand. In this context, it was pointed out that, no matter how severe the new US trade measures turned out to be, the euro area would be affected either indirectly by disinflationary pressures or directly, in the event of retaliation, by higher inflation. In particular, if China were to redirect trade away from the United States and towards the euro area, this would make it easier to achieve lower inflation in the euro area but would have a negative impact on domestic activity, owing to greater international competition.

    With regard to economic activity in the euro area, it was widely recognised that incoming data since the last Governing Council meeting had been limited and, ahead of Eurostat’s indicator of GDP for the fourth quarter of 2024, had not brought any major surprises. Accordingly, it was argued that the December staff projections remained the most likely scenario, with the downside risks to growth that had been identified not yet materialising. The euro area economy had seen some encouraging signs in the January flash PMIs, although it had to be recognised that, in these uncertain times, hard data seemed more important than survey results. The outcome for the third quarter had surprised on the upside, showing tentative signs of a pick-up in consumption. Indications from the few national data already available for the fourth quarter pointed to a positive contribution from consumption. Despite all the prevailing uncertainties, it was still seen as plausible that, within a few quarters, there would be a consumption-driven recovery, with inflation back at target, policy rates broadly at neutral levels and continued full employment. Moreover, the latest information on credit flows and lending rates suggested that the gradual removal of monetary restrictiveness was already being transmitted to the economy, although the past tightening measures were still exerting lagged effects.

    The view was also expressed that the economic outlook in the December staff projections had likely been too optimistic and that there were signs of downside risks materialising. The ECB’s mechanical estimates pointed to very weak growth around the turn of the year and, compared with other institutions, the Eurosystem’s December staff projections had been among the most optimistic. Attention was drawn to the dichotomy between the performance of the two largest euro area economies and that of the rest of the euro area, which was largely due to country-specific factors.

    Recent forecasts from the Survey of Professional Forecasters, the Survey of Monetary Analysts and the International Monetary Fund once again suggested a downward revision of euro area economic growth for 2025 and 2026. Given this trend of downward revisions, doubts were expressed about the narrative of a consumption-driven economic recovery in 2025. Moreover, the December staff projections had not directly included the economic impact of possible US tariffs in the baseline, so it was hard to be optimistic about the economic outlook. The outlook for domestic demand had deteriorated, as consumer confidence remained weak and investment was not showing any convincing signs of a pick-up. The contribution from foreign demand, which had been the main driver of growth over the past two years, had also been declining since last spring. Moreover, uncertainty about potential tariffs to be imposed by the new US Administration was weighing further on the outlook. In the meantime, labour demand was losing momentum. The slowdown in economic activity had started to affect temporary employment: these jobs were always the first to disappear as the labour market weakened. At the same time, while the labour market had softened over recent months, it continued to be robust, with the unemployment rate staying low, at 6.3% in December. A solid job market and higher incomes should strengthen consumer confidence and allow spending to rise.

    There continued to be a strong dichotomy between a more dynamic services sector and a weak manufacturing sector. The services sector had remained robust thus far, with the PMI in expansionary territory and firms reporting solid demand. The extent to which the weakness in manufacturing was structural or cyclical was still open to debate, but there was a growing consensus that there was a large structural element, as high energy costs and strict regulation weighed on firms’ competitiveness. This was also reflected in weak export demand, despite the robust growth in global trade. All these factors also had an adverse impact on business investment in the industrial sector. This was seen as important to monitor, as a sustainable economic recovery also depended on a recovery in investment, especially in light of the vast longer-term investment needs of the euro area. Labour markets showed a dichotomy similar to the one observed in the economy more generally. While companies in the manufacturing sector were starting to lay off workers, employment in the services sector was growing. At the same time, concerns were expressed about the number of new vacancies, which had continued to fall. This two-speed economy, with manufacturing struggling and services resilient, was seen as indicating only weak growth ahead, especially in conjunction with the impending geopolitical tensions.

    Against this background, geopolitical and trade policy uncertainty was likely to continue to weigh on the euro area economy and was not expected to recede anytime soon. The point was made that if uncertainty were to remain high for a prolonged period, this would be very different from a shorter spell of uncertainty – and even more detrimental to investment. Therefore the economic recovery was unlikely to receive much support from investment for some time. Indeed, excluding Ireland, euro area business investment had been contracting recently and there were no signs of a turnaround. This would limit investment in physical and human capital further, dragging down potential output in the medium term. However, reference was also made to evidence from psychological studies, which suggested that the impact of higher uncertainty might diminish over time as agents’ perceptions and behaviour adapted.

    In this context, a remark was made on the importance of monetary and fiscal policies for enabling the economy to return to its previous growth path. Economic policies were meant to stabilise the economy and this stabilisation sometimes required a long time. After the pandemic, many economic indicators had returned to their pre-crisis levels, but this had not yet implied a return to pre-crisis growth paths, even though the output gap had closed in the meantime. A question was raised on bankruptcies, which were increasing in the euro area. To the extent that production capacity was being destroyed, the output gap might be closing because potential output growth was declining, and not because actual growth was increasing. However, it was also noted that bankruptcies were rising from an exceptionally low level and developments remained in line with historical regularities.

    Members reiterated that fiscal and structural policies should make the economy more productive, competitive and resilient. They welcomed the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass, which provided a concrete roadmap for action. It was seen as crucial to follow up, with further concrete and ambitious structural policies, on Mario Draghi’s proposals for enhancing European competitiveness and on Enrico Letta’s proposals for empowering the Single Market. Governments should implement their commitments under the EU’s economic governance framework fully and without delay. This would help bring down budget deficits and debt ratios on a sustained basis, while prioritising growth-enhancing reforms and investment.

    Against this background, members assessed that the risks to economic growth remained tilted to the downside. Greater friction in global trade could weigh on euro area growth by dampening exports and weakening the global economy. Lower confidence could prevent consumption and investment from recovering as fast as expected. This could be amplified by geopolitical risks, such as Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine and the tragic conflict in the Middle East, which could disrupt energy supplies and further weigh on global trade. Growth could also be lower if the lagged effects of monetary policy tightening lasted longer than expected. It could be higher if easier financing conditions and falling inflation allowed domestic consumption and investment to rebound faster.

    On price developments, members concurred with Mr Lane’s assessment that the incoming data confirmed disinflation was on track and that a return to the target in the course of 2025 was within reach. On the nominal side, there had been no major data surprises since the December Governing Council meeting and inflation expectations remained well anchored. Recent inflation data had been slightly below the December staff projections, but energy prices were on the rise. These two elements by and large offset one another. The inflation baseline from the December staff projections was therefore still a realistic scenario, indicating that inflation was on track to converge towards target in the course of 2025. Nevertheless, it was recalled that, for 2027, the contribution from the new Emissions Trading System (ETS2) assumptions was mechanically pushing the Eurosystem staff inflation projections above 2%. Furthermore, the market fixings for longer horizons suggested that there was a risk of undershooting the inflation target in 2026 and 2027. It was remarked that further downside revisions to the economic outlook would tend to imply a negative impact on the inflation outlook and an undershooting of inflation could not be ruled out.

    At the same time, the view was expressed that the risks to the December inflation projections were now tilted to the upside, so that the return to the 2% inflation target might take longer than previously expected. Although it was acknowledged that the momentum in services inflation had eased in recent months, the outlook for inflation remained heavily dependent on the evolution of services inflation, which accounted for around 75% of headline inflation. Services inflation was therefore widely seen as the key inflation component to monitor during the coming months. Services inflation had been stuck at roughly 4% for more than a year, while core inflation had also proven sluggish after an initial decline, remaining at around 2.7% for nearly a year. This raised the question as to where core inflation would eventually settle: in the past, services inflation and core inflation had typically been closely connected. It was also highlighted that, somewhat worryingly, the inflation rate for “early movers” in services had been trending up since its trough in April 2024 and was now standing well above the “followers” and the “late movers” at around 4.6%. This partly called into question the narrative behind the expected deceleration in services inflation. Moreover, the January flash PMI suggested that non-labour input costs, including energy and shipping costs, had increased significantly. The increase in the services sector had been particularly sharp, which was reflected in rising PMI selling prices for services – probably also fuelled by the tight labour market. As labour hoarding was a more widespread phenomenon in manufacturing, this implied that a potential pick-up in demand and the associated cyclical recovery in labour productivity would not necessarily dampen unit labour costs in the services sector to the same extent as in manufacturing.

    One main driver of the stickiness in services inflation was wage growth. Although wage growth was expected to decelerate in 2025, it would still stand at 4.5% in the second quarter of 2025 according to the ECB wage tracker. The pass-through of wages tended to be particularly strong in the services sector and occurred over an extended period of time, suggesting that the deceleration in wages might take some time to be reflected in lower services inflation. The forward-looking wage tracker was seen as fairly reliable, as it was based on existing contracts, whereas focusing too much on lagging wage data posed the risk of monetary policy falling behind the curve. This was particularly likely if negative growth risks eventually affected the labour market. Furthermore, a question was raised as to the potential implications for wage pressures of more restrictive labour migration policies.

    Overall, looking ahead there seemed reasons to believe that both services inflation and wage growth would slow down in line with the baseline scenario in the December staff projections. From the current quarter onwards, services inflation was expected to decline. However, in the early months of the year a number of services were set to be repriced, for instance in the insurance and tourism sectors, and there were many uncertainties surrounding this repricing. It was therefore seen as important to wait until March, when two more inflation releases and the new projections would be available, to reassess the inflation baseline as contained in the December staff projections.

    As regards longer-term inflation expectations, members took note of the latest developments in market-based measures of inflation compensation and survey-based indicators. The December Consumer Expectations Survey showed another increase in near-term inflation expectations, with inflation expectations 12 months ahead having already gradually picked up from 2.4% in September to 2.8% in December. Density-based expectations were even higher at 3%, with risks tilted to the upside. According to the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises, firms’ median inflation expectations had also risen to 3%. However it was regarded as important to focus more on the change in inflation expectations than on the level of expectations when interpreting these surveys.

    As regards risks to the inflation outlook, with respect to the market-based measures, the view was expressed that there had been a shift in the balance of risks, pointing to upside risks to the December inflation outlook. In financial markets, inflation fixings for 2025 had shifted above the December short-term projections and inflation expectations had picked up across all tenors. In market surveys, risks of overshooting had resurfaced, with a larger share of respondents in the surveys seeing risks of an overshooting in 2025. Moreover, it was argued that tariffs, their implications for the exchange rate, and energy and food prices posed upside risks to inflation.

    Against this background, members considered that inflation could turn out higher if wages or profits increased by more than expected. Upside risks to inflation also stemmed from the heightened geopolitical tensions, which could push energy prices and freight costs higher in the near term and disrupt global trade. Moreover, extreme weather events, and the unfolding climate crisis more broadly, could drive up food prices by more than expected. By contrast, inflation might surprise on the downside if low confidence and concerns about geopolitical events prevented consumption and investment from recovering as fast as expected, if monetary policy dampened demand by more than expected, or if the economic environment in the rest of the world worsened unexpectedly. Greater friction in global trade would make the euro area inflation outlook more uncertain.

    Turning to the monetary and financial analysis, members broadly agreed with the assessment presented by Ms Schnabel and Mr Lane. It was noted that market interest rates in the euro area had risen since the Governing Council’s December monetary policy meeting, partly mirroring higher rates in global financial markets. Overall, financial conditions had been broadly stable, with higher short and long-term interest rates being counterbalanced by strong risk asset markets and a somewhat weaker exchange rate.

    Long-term interest rates had been rising more substantially than short-term ones, resulting in a steepening of the yield curve globally since last autumn. At the same time, it was underlined that the recent rise in long-term bond yields did not appear to be particularly striking when looking at developments over a longer time period. Over the past two years long-term rates had remained remarkably stable, especially when taking into account the pronounced variation in policy rates.

    The dynamics of market rates since the December Governing Council meeting had been similar on both sides of the Atlantic. This reflected higher term premia as well as a repricing of rate expectations. However, the relative contributions of the underlying drivers differed. In the United States, one factor driving up market interest rates had been an increase in inflation expectations, combined with the persistent strength of the US economy as well as concerns over prospects of higher budget deficits. This had led markets to price out some of the rate cuts that had been factored into the rate expectations prevailing before the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in December 2024. Uncertainty regarding the policies implemented by the new US Administration had also contributed to the sell-off in US government bonds. In Europe, term premia accounted for a significant part of the increase in long-term rates, which could be explained by a combination of factors. These included spillovers from the United States, concerns over the outlook for fiscal policy, and domestic and global policy uncertainty more broadly. Attention was also drawn to the potential impact of tighter monetary policy in Japan, the world’s largest creditor nation, with Japanese investors likely to start shifting their funds away from overseas investments towards domestic bond markets in response to rising yields.

    The passive reduction in the Eurosystem’s balance sheet, as maturing bonds were no longer reinvested, was also seen as exerting gradual upward pressure on term premia over longer horizons, although this had not been playing a significant role – especially not in developments since the last meeting. The reduction had been indicated well in advance and had already been priced in, to a significant extent, at the time the phasing out of reinvestment had been announced. The residual Eurosystem portfolios were still seen to be exerting substantial downside pressure on longer-term sovereign yields as compared with a situation in which asset holdings were absent. It was underlined that, while declining central bank holdings did affect financial conditions, quantitative tightening was operating gradually and smoothly in the background.

    In the context of the discussion on long-term yields, attention was drawn to the possibility that rising yields might also lead to financial stability risks, especially in view of the high level of valuations and leverage in the world economy. A further financial stability risk related to the prospect of a more deregulated financial system in the United States, including in the realm of crypto-assets. This could allow risks to build up in the years to come and sow the seeds of a future financial crisis.

    Turning to financing conditions, past interest rate cuts were gradually making it less expensive for firms and households to borrow. For new business, rates on bank loans to firms and households had continued to decline in November. However, the interest rates on existing loans remained high, and financing conditions remained tight.

    Although credit was expanding, lending to firms and households was subdued relative to historical averages. Growth in bank lending to firms had risen to 1.5% in December in annual terms, up from 1.0% in November. Mortgage lending had continued to rise gradually but remained muted overall, with an annual growth rate of 1.1% in December following 0.9% in November. Nevertheless, the increasing pace of loan growth was encouraging and suggested monetary easing was starting to be transmitted through the bank lending channel. Some comfort could also be taken from the lack of evidence of any negative impact on bank lending conditions from the decline in excess liquidity in the banking system.

    The bank lending survey was providing mixed signals, however. Credit standards for mortgages had been broadly unchanged in the fourth quarter, after easing for a while, and banks expected to tighten them in the next quarter. Banks had reported the third strongest increase in demand for mortgages since the start of the survey in 2003, driven primarily by more attractive interest rates. This indicated a turnaround in the housing market as property prices picked up. At the same time, credit standards for consumer credit had tightened in the fourth quarter, with standards for firms also tightening unexpectedly. The tightening had largely been driven by heightened perceptions of economic risk and reduced risk tolerance among banks.

    Caution was advised on overinterpreting the tightening in credit standards for firms reported in the latest bank lending survey. The vast majority of banks had reported unchanged credit standards, with only a small share tightening standards somewhat and an even smaller share easing them slightly. However, it was recalled that the survey methodology for calculating net percentages, which typically involved subtracting a small percentage of easing banks from a small percentage of tightening banks, was an established feature of the survey. Also, that methodology had not detracted from the good predictive power of the net percentage statistic for future lending developments. Moreover, the information from the bank lending survey had also been corroborated by the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises, which had pointed to a slight decrease in the availability of funds to firms. The latter survey was now carried out at a quarterly frequency and provided an important cross-check, based on the perspective of firms, of the information received from banks.

    Turning to the demand for loans by firms, although the bank lending survey had shown a slight increase in the fourth quarter it had remained weak overall, in line with subdued investment. It was remarked that the limited increase in firms’ demand for loans might mean they were expecting rates to be cut further and were waiting to borrow at lower rates. This suggested that the transmission of policy rate cuts was likely to be stronger as the end of the rate-cutting cycle approached. At the same time, it was argued that demand for loans to euro area firms was mainly being held back by economic and geopolitical uncertainty rather than the level of interest rates.

    Monetary policy stance and policy considerations

    Turning to the monetary policy stance, members assessed the data that had become available since the last monetary policy meeting in accordance with the three main elements the Governing Council had communicated in 2023 as shaping its reaction function. These comprised (i) the implications of the incoming economic and financial data for the inflation outlook, (ii) the dynamics of underlying inflation, and (iii) the strength of monetary policy transmission.

    Starting with the inflation outlook, members widely agreed that the incoming data were broadly in line with the medium-term inflation trajectory embedded in the December staff projections. Inflation had been slightly lower than expected in both November and December. The outlook remained heavily dependent on the evolution of services inflation, which had remained close to 4% for more than a year. However, the momentum of services inflation had eased in recent months and a further decrease in wage pressures was anticipated, especially in the second half of 2025. Oil and gas prices had been higher than embodied in the December projections and needed to be closely monitored, but up to now they did not suggest a major change to the baseline in the staff projections.

    Risks to the inflation outlook were seen as two-sided: upside risks were posed by the outlook for energy and food prices, a stronger US dollar and the still sticky services inflation, while a downside risk related to the possibility of growth being lower than expected. There was considerable uncertainty about the effect of possible US tariffs, but the estimated impact on euro area inflation was small and its sign was ambiguous, whereas the implications for economic growth were clearly negative. Further uncertainty stemmed from the possible downside pressures emanating from falling Chinese export prices.

    There was some evidence suggesting a shift in the balance of risks to the upside since December, as reflected, for example, in market surveys showing that the risk of inflation overshooting the target outweighed the risk of an undershooting. Although some of the survey-based inflation expectations as well as market-derived inflation compensation had been revised up slightly, members took comfort from the fact that longer-term measures of inflation expectations remained well anchored at 2%.

    Turning to underlying inflation, members concurred that developments in most measures of underlying inflation suggested that inflation would settle at around the target on a sustained basis. Core inflation had been sticky at around 2.7% for nearly a year but had also turned out lower than projected. A number of measures continued to show a certain degree of persistence, with domestic inflation remaining high and exclusion-based measures proving sticky at levels above 2%. In addition, the translation of wage moderation into a slower rise in domestic prices and unit labour costs was subject to lags and predicated on profit margins continuing their buffering role as well as a cyclical rebound in labour productivity. However, a main cause of stickiness in domestic inflation was services inflation, which was strongly influenced by wage growth, and this was expected to decelerate in the course of 2025.

    As regards the transmission of monetary policy, recent credit dynamics showed that monetary policy transmission was working. Both the past tightening and the subsequent gradual removal of restriction were feeding through to financing conditions, including lending rates and credit flows. It was highlighted that not all demand components had been equally responsive, with, in particular, business investment held back by high uncertainty and structural weaknesses. Companies widely cited having their own funds as a reason for not making loan applications, and the reason for not investing these funds was likely linked to the high levels of uncertainty, rather than to the level of interest rates. Hence low investment was not necessarily a sign of a restrictive monetary policy. At the same time, it was unclear how much of the past tightening was still in the pipeline. Similarly, it would take time for the full effect of recent monetary policy easing to reach the economy, with even variable rate loans typically adjusting with a lag, and the same being true for deposits.

    Monetary policy decisions and communication

    Against this background, all members agreed with the proposal by Mr Lane to lower the three key ECB interest rates by 25 basis points. Lowering the deposit facility rate – the rate through which the monetary policy stance was steered – was justified by the updated assessment of the inflation outlook, the dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary policy transmission.

    There was a clear case for a further 25 basis point rate cut at the current meeting, and such a step was supported by the incoming data. Members concurred that the disinflationary process was well on track, while the growth outlook continued to be weak. Although the goal had not yet been achieved and inflation was still expected to remain above target in the near term, confidence in a timely and sustained convergence had increased, as both headline and core inflation had recently come in below the ECB projections. In particular, a return of inflation to the 2% target in the course of 2025 was in line with the December staff baseline projections, which were constructed on the basis of an interest rate path that stood significantly below the present level of the forward curve.

    At the same time, it was underlined that high levels of uncertainty, lingering upside risks to energy and food prices, a strong labour market and high negotiated wage increases, as well as sticky services inflation, called for caution. Upside risks could delay a sustainable return to target, while inflation expectations might be more fragile after a long period of high inflation. Firms had also learned to raise their prices more quickly in response to new inflationary shocks. Moreover, the financial market reactions to heightened geopolitical uncertainty or risk aversion often led to an appreciation of the US dollar and might involve spikes in energy prices, which could be detrimental to the inflation outlook.

    Risks to the growth outlook remained tilted to the downside, which typically also implied downside risks to inflation over longer horizons. The outlook for economic activity was clouded by elevated uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions, fiscal policy concerns in the euro area and recent global trade frictions associated with potential future actions by the US Administration that might lead to a global economic slowdown. As long as the disinflation process remained on track, policy rates could be brought further towards a neutral level to avoid unnecessarily holding back the economy. Nevertheless, growth risks had not shifted to a degree that would call for an acceleration in the move towards a neutral stance. Moreover, it was argued that greater caution was needed on the size and pace of further rate cuts when policy rates were approaching neutral territory, in view of prevailing uncertainties.

    Lowering the deposit facility rate to 2.75% at the current meeting was also seen as appropriate from a risk-management perspective. On the one hand, it left sufficient optionality to react to the possible emergence of new price pressures. On the other hand, it addressed the risk of falling behind the curve in dialling back restriction and guarded against inflation falling below target.

    Looking ahead, it was regarded as premature for the Governing Council to discuss a possible landing zone for the key ECB interest rates as inflation converged sustainably to target. It was widely felt that even with the current deposit facility rate, it was relatively safe to make the assessment that monetary policy was still restrictive. This was also consistent with the fact that the economy was relatively weak. At the same time, the view was expressed that the natural or neutral rate was likely to be higher than before the pandemic, as the balance between the global demand for and supply of savings had changed over recent years. The main reasons for this were the high and rising global need for investment to deal with the green and digital transitions, the surge in public debt and increasing geopolitical fragmentation, which was reversing the global savings glut and reducing the supply of savings. A higher neutral rate implied that, with a further reduction in policy rates at the present meeting, rates would plausibly be getting close to neutral rate territory. This meant that the point was approaching where monetary policy might no longer be characterised as restrictive.

    In this context, the remark was made that the public debate about the natural or neutral rate among market analysts and observers was becoming more intense, with markets trying to gauge the Governing Council’s assessment of it as a proxy for the terminal rate in the current rate cycle. This debate was seen as misleading, however. The considerable uncertainty as to the level of the natural or neutral interest rate was recalled. While the natural rate could in theory be a longer-term reference point for assessing the monetary policy stance, it was an unobservable variable. Its practical usefulness in steering policy on a meeting-by-meeting basis was questionable, as estimates were subject to significant model and parameter uncertainty, so confidence bands were too large to give any clear guidance. Moreover, the natural rate was a steady state concept, which was hardly applicable in a rapidly changing environment – as at present – with continuous new shocks.

    Moreover, it was mentioned that a box describing the latest Eurosystem staff estimates of the natural rate would be published in the Economic Bulletin and pre-released on 7 February 2025. The box would emphasise the wide range of point estimates, the properties of the underlying models and the considerable statistical uncertainty surrounding each single point estimate. The view was expressed that there was no alternative to the Governing Council identifying, meeting by meeting, an appropriate policy rate path which was consistent with reaching the target over the medium term. Such an appropriate path could only be identified in real time, taking into account a sufficiently broad set of information.

    Turning to communication aspects, it was widely stressed that maintaining a data-dependent approach with full optionality at every meeting was prudent and continued to be warranted. The present environment of elevated uncertainty further strengthened the case for taking decisions meeting by meeting, with no room for forward guidance. The meeting-by-meeting approach, guided by the three-criteria framework, was serving the Governing Council well and members were comfortable with the way markets were interpreting the ECB’s reaction function. It was also remarked that data-dependence did not imply being backward-looking in calibrating policy. Monetary policy was, by definition, forward-looking, as it affected inflation in the future and the primary objective was defined over the medium term. Data took many forms, and all relevant information had to be considered in a timely manner.

    Taking into account the foregoing discussion among the members, upon a proposal by the President, the Governing Council took the monetary policy decisions as set out in the monetary policy press release. The members of the Governing Council subsequently finalised the monetary policy statement, which the President and the Vice-President would, as usual, deliver at the press conference following the Governing Council meeting.

    Monetary policy statement

    Members

    • Ms Lagarde, President
    • Mr de Guindos, Vice-President
    • Mr Centeno
    • Mr Cipollone
    • Mr Demarco, temporarily replacing Mr Scicluna
    • Mr Dolenc, Deputy Governor of Banka Slovenije
    • Mr Elderson
    • Mr Escrivá*
    • Mr Holzmann
    • Mr Kālis, Acting Governor of Latvijas Banka
    • Mr Kažimír
    • Mr Knot
    • Mr Lane
    • Mr Makhlouf*
    • Mr Müller
    • Mr Nagel
    • Mr Panetta
    • Mr Patsalides*
    • Mr Rehn
    • Mr Reinesch
    • Ms Schnabel
    • Mr Šimkus
    • Mr Stournaras*
    • Mr Villeroy de Galhau
    • Mr Vujčić*
    • Mr Wunsch

    * Members not holding a voting right in January 2025 under Article 10.2 of the ESCB Statute.

    Other attendees

    • Mr Dombrovskis, Commissioner**
    • Ms Senkovic, Secretary, Director General Secretariat
    • Mr Rostagno, Secretary for monetary policy, Director General Monetary Policy
    • Mr Winkler, Deputy Secretary for monetary policy, Senior Adviser, DG Monetary Policy

    ** In accordance with Article 284 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

    Accompanying persons

    • Mr Arpa
    • Ms Bénassy-Quéré
    • Mr Debrun
    • Mr Gavilán
    • Mr Gilbert
    • Mr Kaasik
    • Mr Koukoularides
    • Mr Lünnemann
    • Mr Madouros
    • Mr Martin
    • Mr Nicoletti Altimari
    • Mr Novo
    • Mr Rutkaste
    • Ms Schembri
    • Mr Šiaudinis
    • Mr Šošić
    • Mr Tavlas
    • Mr Ulbrich
    • Mr Välimäki
    • Ms Žumer Šujica

    Other ECB staff

    • Mr Proissl, Director General Communications
    • Mr Straub, Counsellor to the President
    • Ms Rahmouni-Rousseau, Director General Market Operations
    • Mr Arce, Director General Economics
    • Mr Sousa, Deputy Director General Economics

    Release of the next monetary policy account foreseen on 3 April 2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Northern Ireland: latest police figures show race hate crimes hit ‘all-time high’ during summer 2024

    Source: Amnesty International –

    New PSNI report shows 1,777 racist incidents and 1,150 racist crimes in the year to end of December 2024

    Level of race hate incidents hit new high during the summer period of June, July and August, peaking at 351 incidents in August

    Hate crimes now represent more than 1 in 50 of all crimes in Northern Ireland

    More than half of recorded race hate crimes were in Belfast

    ‘Years of complacency about the rise of racism here left bigoted thugs, including paramilitaries, emboldened to carry out an ever-greater number of attacks’ – Patrick Corrigan

    Amnesty International has expressed concern at the level of racist hate crime in Northern Ireland, as new figures published today show attacks hit an all-time high during summer 2024.

    The figures were published today in a report by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), which tracked recorded hate crimes and incidents for the twelve months to the end of December 2024.

    The report reveals that there were 1,777 racist incidents and 1,150 racist crimes recorded by the police during 2024. There were 454 more race incidents and 292 more race crimes recorded in 2024 than the previous year. 

    Six of the eight highest monthly levels of race incidents since records began in 2004 were recorded between May and October 2024.

    The summer period of June, July and August recorded a new highest monthly level of race incidents, peaking at 351 incidents in August, the highest since police records began in 2004.

    More than half (604) of recorded race hate crimes in 2024 were in Belfast. The second highest area for recorded race hate crimes during the year was Antrim and Newtownabbey (133).

    Racist crimes represented 1.3% of all recorded crime during 2024. Hate crimes now represent more than 1 in 50 (2.15%) of all crimes in Northern Ireland.

    Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Director, said:

    “The last year has seen a devastating surge in hate crime in Northern Ireland, with thousands of victims left feeling afraid and unprotected, and race hate incidents hitting an all-time high during the summer.

    “Years of complacency about the rise of racism here left bigoted thugs, including paramilitaries, emboldened to carry out an ever-greater number of attacks, particularly during the far-right violence in the summer.  

    “That hate crime now represents more than one in fifty of all recorded crimes in Northern Ireland must be a wake-up call to both police and politicians.

    “Tackling racism and hate crime in Northern Ireland will require not just a more consistent response from the police but unambiguous political leadership and effective strategies from the Executive, something which has hitherto been lacking.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Thailand: ‘Deportation’ of Uyghurs to China ‘unimaginably cruel’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to reports that a group of about 40 Uyghurs who have been detained in Thailand since 2014 were today deported to China, Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said:

    “The forcible return of these men, or indeed any Uyghurs, to China would place them at risk of serious human rights violations. We urge the government of Thailand to clarify their status.

    “Their ordeal is already chilling: they fled repression in China, only to find themselves arbitrarily detained in Thailand for more than a decade. The fact that they now may be forcibly returned to a country where Uyghur and other non-Han ethnic groups in Xinjiang have faced torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance is unimaginably cruel.

    “The Thai government should have protected these men, but instead it has wilfully exposed them to these grave risks. In doing so it has ignored pleas from Amnesty International and United Nations (UN) experts who urged it not to violate the internationally and domestically recognized principle of non-refoulement. And this just as Thailand has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council.

    “We now call on the governments of Thailand and China to disclose the whereabouts of these individuals, and – if they continue to be in custody – to ensure that the full spectrum of their rights is respected, including their right to be free from torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

    “Many of these men are in extremely poor health after enduring years in detention. They must have access to appropriate and adequate medical care. We call for an end to their ordeal, and urge authorities to uphold their right to freedom of movement. It is past time  that they are allowed to safely rejoin their families.”

    Background

    The men deported today are among about 300 Uyghurs who were apprehended by the Thai authorities on 13 March 2014 after they had fled persecution and discrimination in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. A total of 109 people from the group were deported to China in July 2015. 

    Amnesty International has documented massive and systematic abuses by the Chinese government against Uyghurs in Xinjiang – including in internment camps, where over a million people have been arbitrarily detained.

    In a 2021 report, Amnesty found that the Chinese government has committed at least the crimes against humanity of imprisonment, torture and persecution against Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

    In a letter to the Thai government in January 2025, a group of UN experts said 23 of 48 men remaining in detention were reportedly suffering from serious health conditions including “diabetes, kidney dysfunction, paralysis of the lower body, skin diseases, gastrointestinal illnesses and heart and lung conditions”.

    Thailand is bound by the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the transfer of persons to any country or jurisdiction where they would face a real risk of serious human rights violations.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Lebanon: New government must prioritize critical need for human rights protections

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the vote of confidence in the new Lebanese government passed by the country’s parliament today, Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said:

    “Today’s vote marks a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to break with the shortcomings of past governments and place human rights at the centre of much-needed reforms.

    “Today’s vote marks a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to break with the shortcomings of past governments and place human rights at the centre of much-needed reforms” – Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

    “In the past five years alone, government failings led to an unprecedented financial and economic crisis and one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. Yet, the Lebanese people have yet to see any justice or accountability.

    “More recently, the escalation in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel resulted in mass displacement and thousands of civilian casualties. Israeli military attacks, some of which may amount to war crimes, killed healthcare workers, journalists, and civilians. Justice will remain elusive as long as Lebanon fails to join the International Criminal Court.

    “The new government must go beyond rhetoric and prove its commitment to human rights by taking decisive steps to address these and other longstanding issues. This includes ending the crisis of impunity by enabling independent and transparent investigations into the Beirut port explosion. It also means pursuing accountability for grave violations committed on and from its territory by joining the ICC and ensuring reparation for victims of violations.

    “We further call on the new government to reinforce social and economic rights protections, including through the establishment of a universal social protection scheme. It also must take meaningful steps to safeguard free expression, combat gender-based violence and discrimination, and protect the rights of all individuals, including migrants, refugees, and detainees.”

    Background

    On 9 January 2025, Lebanon’s Parliament elected a new president, Joseph Aoun, after a more than two-year presidential vacancy. On 13 January 2025, President Aoun designated the former president of the International Court of Justice and Lebanon’s former ambassador to the United Nations, Nawaf Salam, to form and lead a new cabinet of ministers.

    The government’s ministerial statement, presented to Parliament by Prime Minister Salam, pledged to “rescue, reform, and rebuild” the crisis-hit country. The statement promised an “independent judiciary that is immune to interference… and plays its role in ensuring rights and safeguarding freedoms,” including preventing obstruction of investigative judges’ work, particularly in the Beirut port explosion investigation. The government also committed to economic reforms and advancing rights, including access to health care, social security, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

    The ministerial statement, however, is non-binding and only presented government plans in key areas, for example to address the country’s ongoing financial and economic crisis, at a general level. Amnesty International examined the devastating impact the financial and economic crisis on people’s socio-economic rights, and put forward specific recommendations for reform, in a recent report.  It now falls to the new government to develop plans to implement human rights-based reforms and put those plans into practice.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Masafer Yatta community in occupied West Bank under imminent threat of ‘relentless land grab’ by settlers – new briefing

    Source: Amnesty International –

    2024 was the worst year for settler violence across the occupied West Bank

    Violent settler attacks rose from an average of two a day in 2022 to four a day in 2024

    Spike in state-backed settler violence due to new military seizure orders and failure to prevent and punish settler attacks

    ‘Once they broke our door and beat our children with their rifles’ – Hadeel Jabareen, resident

    ‘Israel is deliberately creating a coercive environment that as a result drives Palestinians like those in the Shi’b Al-Butum off their land’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    The Palestinian community of Shi’b Al-Butum in Masafer Yatta is at imminent risk of forcible transfer due to increasing state-backed settler attacks, as well as home demolitions, restrictions on access to land and illegal settlement expansion by the Israeli authorities, Amnesty International said today.

    The herding community, home to some 300 Palestinians, is one of the 12 communities that make up the area of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, and that for decades has been subjected to growing state-backed settler attacks and oppressive measures by the Israeli authorities. Since 7 October 2023 the situation has significantly worsened. Unless measures are immediately taken to hold violent settlers accountable, stop home demolitions and the expansion of nearby settlements, this community – like others in the area – will be forcibly displaced.

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

    “The situation of the Shi’b Al-Butum community is a microcosm of what Palestinians, in particular herding and Bedouin communities, are facing across most of the occupied West Bank. Settlers trespass on their land, vandalise and steal their property, harass and physically assault them with total impunity.

    “Through the cumulative impact of decades of occupation and apartheid, including violence, institutionalised discrimination and illegal settlement expansion, Israel is deliberately creating a coercive environment that as a result drives Palestinians like those in the Shi’b Al-Butum off their land. Unlawful transfer –the forced removal of civilians against their will – is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and amounts to a war crime.

    “Deeply entrenched impunity for settler violence and the longstanding failure of the international community to act to halt the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements or to end Israel’s occupation are facilitating the unlawful transfer of Palestinian communities. Instead of continuing to enable Israel’s relentless land grab, with devastating consequences for Palestinians, world leaders must press Israel to end its unlawful occupation and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians.”

    The spike in state-backed settler violence along with measures by the Israeli authorities have resulted in the forced displacement of Palestinians across the West Bank. These include implementation of new military seizure orders, a sharp increase in the destruction of Palestinian property as well as the participation in, support for, or failure to prevent and punish settler attacks against Palestinians.

    According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 2024 was the worst year for settler violence across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the organisation began keeping records 20 years ago. Between 7 October 2023 and 31 December 2024, OCHA documented 1,860 incidents of settler violence that led to the displacement of over 300 families (1,762 people, including 856 children). OCHA also recorded a rise in the number of violent settler attacks in the West Bank from an average of two a day in 2022 to four a day in 2024. Israeli human rights organisations, including Yesh Din and Haqel, have also documented the failure of Israeli law enforcement to protect Palestinian residents in the unlawfully occupied West Bank.

    Amnesty has documented how the intensification of the coercive environment created by Israel, including through state-backed settler violence, has already led to the forcible transfer of the herding community of Zanuta, in the south Hebron Hills. Shi’b Al-Butum is now facing a similar fate.

    Evidence of forcible transfer in Zanuta

    Amnesty visited the abandoned site of Zanuta, previously home to some 250 people, including 100 children in March and conducted interviews with five community members who previously lived in Zanuta, who said the frequency and violence of settler attacks against them intensified following the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, forcing the entire community to leave.

    They described how settlers from a nearby outpost, Meitarim Farm, have regularly attacked and harassed them since 2021. Despite the fact that such outposts are also considered illegal under Israeli law, settlers also built structures and began herding their sheep on Zanuta’s farming land, causing damage to the crops.

    After 7 October 2023 residents said settler attacks escalated occurring almost daily leading many Palestinians to leave. On several occasions, settlers set property on fire or pumped sewage water into farming land.

    Hadeel Jabareen, said:

    “Settlers attacked us at our home more than once after 7 October 2023. Once they broke our door and beat our children with their rifles. They broke the windows as we were sleeping.”

    The community was fully displaced by 22 October 2023. The Israeli Supreme Court ordered that the residents of Zanuta be allowed to return to their community in July 2024. However, after some families returned in August 2024, settler attacks resumed swiftly, forcing the residents to leave once again. The last families left Zanuta on 18 October 2024.

    Adel A-Tal, former resident, said:

    “The settlers were armed and kept attacking us. We were the last family there. Everyone else had left, so we had to leave as well, for the safety of our children and livestock. We were afraid, it was terror.”

    Shi’b Al-Butum: a community at risk

    Amnesty also documented a rise in Israeli settler violence targeting Palestinian shepherds in grazing areas surrounding Shi’b Al-Butum since 7 October 2023 who now risk a similar fate to Zanuta. Amnesty interviewed six people from the community and verified 38 videos of the attacks.  Residents told Amnesty that settlers from the nearby outpost of Mitzpe Yair and the settlement of Avigayil harass and attack them almost on a daily basis. Avigayil is one of 10 outposts the Israeli security cabinet retroactively “legalised” in February 2023.

    The residents described how settlers regularly approach herders threatening them, using abusive language and often falsely reporting to Israeli law enforcement that Palestinians stole their sheep.  Similar incidents have been reported in other communities in the South Hebron Hills area and elsewhere in the West Bank.

    Instead of protecting Shi’b Al-Butum’s Palestinian herders, the Israeli military ordered them not to use these areas, confining them to their village where there is not enough food for their flocks. This has placed a huge financial burden on many shepherds who cannot afford to buy animal feed all year round and are forced to sell some of their sheep, their main source of livelihood, to make ends meet.

    One shepherd, Khalil Jabarin, told Amnesty:

    “No one dares to go herd outside the village anymore. They took everything they wanted, but it’s still not enough for them…they want us to leave. They come here and tell me that I have no land here and that I should go to Yatta [a nearby Palestinian city].”

    Residents described how in particular, since early September 2024, one settler from Mitzpe Yair outpost regularly enters the village at any hour of the day or night, armed with a gun and dressed in military uniform. He walks around, takes photos and vandalises property, especially agricultural land and structures. In videos recorded by the residents, he is seen destroying gates and fences around their agricultural lands. As a result, community members live in constant fear.  In other videos, verified by Amnesty armed settlers are seen walking around the community or speeding through on their motorbikes to intimidate Palestinians.

    Iman Jabarin, who resides in the community and has seven children, said:

    “We don’t feel safe at home. We don’t have security or safety, not me, nor my children or my husband.”

    In a video verified by Amnesty from 19 July this year, a group of eight settlers, accompanied by one soldier, attacked members of the Najjar family who were sitting outside their house. According to the family, the settlers beat them with sticks as the soldier stood by. Video footage also shows the soldier pointing his gun at the Palestinian family, then shooting in the air. Two members of the family were hospitalised for their injuries. One of them, 64-year-old Wadha Najjar, said ongoing impunity for such attacks means they have no hope of justice within the Israeli legal system.

    Israeli authorities have also carried out demolitions of Palestinian homes and property in Shi’b Al-Butum. On 22 November 2023, Israeli forces demolished eight structures in the community due to lack of Israeli building permits, which are virtually impossible to obtain. According to OCHA, demolitions caused the displacement of 19 Palestinians from Shi’b Al-Butum, including 11 children. On 8 July 2024, Israeli forces demolished two residential structures citing lack of permits, displacing 14 people. According to Israeli organisation Peace Now!, which monitors settlement expansion, Israeli planning authorities did not approve a single building permit or appeal for residential purposes for Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank. 

    Settlers above the law

    Settlers continue to enjoy near-total impunity for the violence they perpetrate against Palestinians. Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group, found that around 94% of police investigations into settler violence against Palestinians across the West Bank between 2005 and 2024 concluded with no indictment. These numbers back Palestinian residents’ conviction that the Israeli law-enforcement system is designed to privilege the interests of settlers at their expense.

    International inaction has also allowed Israeli settlement policies and settler violence to thrive and has entrenched impunity. On 21 January, President Donald Trump revoked all US sanctions on violent Israeli settlers. The very existence of all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) – regardless of their status under Israeli law – flagrantly violates international law, yet states have repeatedly failed to stop their expansion or to ensure protection for the occupied population in the OPT. Even after the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of July 2024 declared Israel’s presence in the OPT unlawful and called for its dismantling with 12 months, states have failed to act.

    In addition to Shib al-Butum, nine other communities in Masafer Yatta are at imminent risk of forced displacement as the Israeli military declared their villages part of a military training zones. The plight of these communities, and their struggle to remain on their ancestral lands are featured in the documentary “No Other Land“, recently nominated for the Oscars.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Türkiye: Acquittal of Taner Kılıç after eight-year ordeal comes amid new wave of repression of rights defenders 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The case of Taner Kılıç, who has finally been acquitted after a judicial process that has lasted almost 8 years, is a stark example of the Turkish authorities’ politically motivated attempts to criminalize human rights defenders, said Amnesty International.

    Taner Kılıç, a refugee rights lawyer and former Chair of Amnesty International’s Türkiye section, was arrested in June 2017 and detained in prison for more than 14 months. Despite a complete absence of any credible evidence, in July 2020, he was convicted of “membership of a terrorist organisation” and sentenced to more than six years in prison. The end of the almost eight year ordeal for Taner Kılıç comes amid a new wave of detentions in which rights defenders, journalists, political activists and others have been targeted. 

     Taner Kılıç’s tenacity and resilience, coupled with our determination to undo this injustice, demonstrates that when we come together, we can move mountains  

    His acquittal follows the Court of Cassation’s rejection of the prosecution’s appeal against its previous decision to overturn Taner’s baseless conviction.  

    “Today, as we mark the end of Taner’s agonizing ordeal, our feelings are bittersweet. The cruelty inflicted on Taner – the years stolen from him and his family – can never be forgotten. His tenacity and resilience, coupled with our determination to undo this injustice, demonstrates that when we come together, we can move mountains,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General who spoke with Taner by video call today. 

    “For me this nightmare that has gone on for almost eight years is finally over. My imprisonment for more than a year has caused great trauma to my family. This unfair trial was like a sword of Damocles hanging not just over me but over the head of the entire human rights community in Türkiye. While it was for the prosecution to prove my guilt, this case went on for years despite my repeatedly proving my innocence,” said Taner Kılıç. 

    “The ordeal has created huge uncertainty in my life. The only thing I was sure of throughout this process was that I was right and innocent, and the support from all over the world gave me strength. I thank each and every one who stood up for me.” 

    In May 2022, the European Court of Human Rights reaffirmed that the authorities in Türkiye did not have “any reasonable suspicion that Taner Kılıç had committed an offence” when they remanded him in pre-trial detention for over 14 months in 2017/18. It found that his imprisonment on terrorism-related charges was “directly linked to his activity as a human rights defender”.  

    For me this nightmare that has gone on for almost eight years is finally over 

    In November 2022, the Court of Cassation in Turkey ruled to overturn the conviction of Taner Kılıç on the grounds that the investigation was “incomplete”. The trial court agreed with the Court of Cassation ruling in June 2023, but the prosecutor appealed the decision, insisting that Taner Kılıç’s conviction should stand. With this latest and final decision, the Court of Cassation rejected the prosecution’s appeal, ending the ordeal for the human rights defender.  

    “Taner’s protracted prosecution is emblematic of how Turkish courts have been weaponized to silence critical voices and of the ongoing crackdown by Turkish authorities on rights and freedoms and those who defend them. The flagrant miscarriage of justice he was subjected to for so long is sadly just one of many. But we will take strength from Taner’s acquittal in our fight against the curtailing of human rights in Türkiye, and on behalf of those who refuse to be silenced by the authorities’ threats,” said Agnès Callamard.

    The acquittal comes amid a crackdown in which more than 1,600 people have reportedly been investigated for their alleged links to the Peoples’ Democratic Congress, a platform for civil society organizations and political parties. Last week, at least 50 people were detained in several provinces and 30 among them unlawfully remanded in prison on ‘terrorism’ related allegations after being questioned about their peaceful activities dating from more than a decade ago. 

    Background 

    Taner Kılıç is a founding member of Amnesty International Türkiye. Over the last 20 years, he has played a crucial role in defending human rights as part of the organization and the wider human rights community in Türkiye. See here for more about his prosecution.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Masafer Yatta community in occupied West Bank under imminent threat of forcible transfer

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Palestinian community of Shi’b Al-Butum in Masafer Yatta is at imminent risk of forcible transfer due to increasing state-backed settler attacks, as well as home demolitions, restrictions on access to land and illegal settlement expansion by the Israeli authorities, Amnesty International said today.

    This herding community, home to some 300 Palestinians, is one of the 12 communities that make up the area of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, and that for decades has been subjected to growing state-backed settler attacks and oppressive measures by the Israeli authorities. Since 7 October 2023 the situation has significantly worsened. Unless measures are immediately taken to hold violent settlers accountable, stop home demolitions and the expansion of nearby settlements, this community – like others in the area – will be forcibly displaced.

    “The situation of the Shi’b Al-Butum community is a microcosm of what Palestinians, in particular herding and Bedouin communities, are facing across most of the occupied West Bank. Settlers trespass on their land, vandalize and steal their property, harass and physically assault them with total impunity,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns.

    “Through the cumulative impact of decades of occupation and apartheid, including violence, institutionalized discrimination and illegal settlement expansion, Israel is deliberately creating a coercive environment that as a result drives Palestinians like those in the Shi’b Al-Butum off their land. Unlawful transfer –the forced removal of civilians against their will – is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and amounts to a war crime.”

    “The situation of the Shi’b Al-Butum community is a microcosm of what Palestinians, in particular herding and Bedouin communities, are facing across most of the occupied West Bank,”- Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns

    Since 7 October 2023, a spike in state-backed settler violence along with measures by the Israeli authorities have resulted in the forced displacement of Palestinians across the West Bank. These include implementation of new military seizure orders, a sharp increase in the destruction of Palestinian property as well as the participation in, support for, or failure to prevent and punish settler attacks against Palestinians.

    According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 2024 was the worst year for settler violence across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the organization began keeping records 20 years ago. Between 7 October 2023 and 31 December 2024, OCHA documented 1,860 incidents of settler violence that led to the displacement of over 300 families (1,762 people, including 856 children). OCHA also recorded a rise in the number of violent settler attacks in the West Bank from an average of two a day in 2022, to four a day in 2024.

    Israeli human rights organizations, including Yesh Din and Haqel, have also documented the failure of Israeli law enforcement to protect Palestinian residents in the unlawfully occupied West Bank.

    Amnesty International has documented how the intensification of the coercive environment created by Israel, including through state-backed settler violence, has already led to the forcible transfer of the herding community of Zanuta, in the south Hebron Hills. Shi’b Al-Butum is now facing a similar fate.

    Evidence of forcible transfer in Zanuta

    Amnesty International visited the abandoned site of Zanuta, previously home to some 250 people, including 100 children, in March 2024. The organization also conducted interviews with five community members who previously lived in Zanuta, who said the frequency and violence of settler attacks against them intensified following the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, forcing the entire community to leave.

    They described how settlers from a nearby outpost, Meitarim Farm, have regularly attacked and harassed them since 2021. Despite the fact that such outposts are also considered illegal under Israeli law, settlers also built structures and began herding their sheep on Zanuta’s farming land, causing damage to the crops.

    After 7 October 2023 residents said settler attacks escalated occurring almost daily leading many Palestinians to leave. On several occasions, settlers set property on fire or pumped sewage water into farming land.

    “Settlers attacked us at our home more than once after 7 October 2023. Once they broke our door and beat our children with their rifles. They broke the windows as we were sleeping,” said Hadeel Jabareen.

    The community was fully displaced by 22 October 2023. The Israeli Supreme Court ordered that the residents of Zanuta be allowed to return to their community in July 2024. However, after some families returned in August 2024, settler attacks resumed swiftly, forcing the residents to leave once again.

    The last families left Zanuta on 18 October 2024.

    “The settlers were armed and kept attacking us. We were the last family there. Everyone else had left, so we had to leave as well, for the safety of our children and livestock. We were afraid, it was terror,” said former resident, Adel A-Tal.

    Shi’b Al-Butum: a community at risk

    Amnesty International has also documented a rise in Israeli settler violence targeting Palestinian shepherds in grazing areas surrounding Shi’b Al-Butum since 7 October 2023 who now risk a similar fate to Zanuta. The organization interviewed six people from the community and verified 38 videos of the attacks.

    Residents told Amnesty International that settlers from the nearby outpost of Mitzpe Yair and the settlement of Avigayil harass and attack them almost on a daily basis since 7 October 2023. Avigayil is one of 10 outposts the Israeli security cabinet retroactively “legalized” in February 2023.

    The residents described how settlers regularly approach herders threatening them, using abusive language and often falsely reporting to Israeli law enforcement that Palestinians stole their sheep.  Similar incidents have been reported in other communities in the South Hebron Hills area and elsewhere in the West Bank.

    Instead of protecting Shi’b Al-Butum’s Palestinian herders, the Israeli military ordered them not to use these areas, confining them to their village where there is not enough food for their flocks. This has placed a huge financial burden on many shepherds who cannot afford to buy animal feed all year round and are forced to sell some of their sheep, their main source of livelihood, to make ends meet.

    One shepherd, Khalil Jabarin, told Amnesty:“No one dares to go herd outside the village anymore. They took everything they wanted, but it’s still not enough for them…they want us to leave. They come here and tell me that I have no land here and that I should go to Yatta [a nearby Palestinian city].”

    Residents described how in particular, since early September 2024, one settler from Mitzpe Yair outpost regularly enters the village at any hour of the day or night, armed with a gun and dressed in military uniform. He walks around, takes photos and vandalizes property, especially agricultural land and structures. In videos recorded by the residents, he is seen destroying gates and fences around their agricultural lands. As a result, community members live in constant fear.  In other videos, verified by Amnesty International, armed settlers are seen walking around the community or speeding through on their motorbikes to intimidate Palestinians.

    Iman Jabarin, who resides in the community and has seven children, said: “We don’t feel safe at home. We don’t have security or safety, not me, nor my children or my husband.”

    In a video verified by Amnesty International from 19 July 2024, a group of eight settlers, accompanied by one soldier, attacked members of the Najjar family who were sitting outside their house. According to the family, the settlers beat them with sticks as the soldier stood by. Video footage also shows the soldier pointing his gun at the Palestinian family, then shooting in the air. Two members of the family were hospitalized for their injuries. One of them, 64-year-old Wadha Najjar, said ongoing impunity for such attacks means they have no hope of justice within the Israeli legal system.

    Israeli authorities have also carried out demolitions of Palestinian homes and property in Shi’b Al-Butum. On 22 November 2023, Israeli forces demolished eight structures in the community due to lack of Israeli building permits, which are virtually impossible to obtain. According to OCHA, demolitions caused the displacement of 19 Palestinians from Shi’b Al-Butum, including 11 children. On 8 July 2024, Israeli forces demolished two residential structures citing lack of permits, displacing 14 people. According to Israeli organization Peace Now!, which monitors settlement expansion, Israeli planning authorities did not approve a single building permit or appeal for residential purposes for Palestinians in Area C of the West Bank. 

    Settlers above the law

    Settlers continue to enjoy near-total impunity for the violence they perpetrate against Palestinians. Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group, found that around 94% of police investigations into settler violence against Palestinians across the West Bank between 2005 and 2024 concluded with no indictment. These numbers back Palestinian residents’ conviction that the Israeli law-enforcement system is designed to privilege the interests of settlers at their expense.

    “Instead of continuing to enable Israel’s relentless land grab, with devastating consequences for Palestinians, world leaders must press Israel to end its unlawful occupation and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians”- Erika Guevara Rosas

    International inaction has also allowed Israeli settlement policies and settler violence to thrive and has entrenched impunity. On 21 January, President Donald Trump revoked all US sanctions on violent Israeli settlers. The very existence of all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) – regardless of their status under Israeli law – flagrantly violates international law, yet states have repeatedly failed to stop their expansion or to ensure protection for the occupied population in the OPT. Even after the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of July 2024 declared Israel’s presence in the OPT unlawful and called for its dismantling with 12 months, states have failed to act.

    “Deeply entrenched impunity for settler violence and the longstanding failure of the international community to act to halt the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements or to end Israel’s occupation are facilitating the unlawful transfer of Palestinian communities, which is a war crime. Instead of continuing to enable Israel’s relentless land grab, with devastating consequences for Palestinians, world leaders must press Israel to end its unlawful occupation and dismantle its system of apartheid against Palestinians,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

    In addition to Shib al-Butum, nine other communities in Masafer Yatta are at imminent risk of forced displacement as the Israeli military declared their villages part of a military training zones. The plight of these communities, and their struggle to remain on their ancestral lands are featured in the documentary “No Other Land“, recently nominated for the Oscars.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “There should be zero tolerance of coercion, violence, or sexual abuse.”

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    In response to the review out today concluding that degrading, violent and misogynistic pornography should be banned, Green Party Baroness, Jenny Jones said:

    “Online pornography is a space where those who wish to abuse women are currently operating with virtual impunity. We’re clear that it’s the role of government to prevent this abuse, just as we would offline. Strengthening controls for online content is a good first step as we reiterate that there should be zero tolerance of coercion, violence, or sexual abuse.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NASA veteran Mr. Mike Massimino interacts with PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya students

    Source: Government of India

    NASA veteran Mr. Mike Massimino interacts with PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya students

    He explores labs, praises India’s moon mission, shares zero gravity experiences during PM SHRI school visit

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 4:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Former NASA astronaut Mr. Mike Massimino interacted with PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya students today in New Delhi. Mr. Massimino also explored the school’s facilities, including the AR-VR Lab, Atal Tinkering Lab, language lab, etc.

    While interacting with the students, Mr. Massimino praised India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, emphasizing its significance not just for India but for the global space community. He highlighted the challenges of landing on the Moon’s South Pole and how this achievement could provide key insights into water sources essential for habitation. Additionally, he underscored the importance of international collaboration in future space programs.

    Mr. Massimino shared how a movie based on 7 astronauts inspired him to become an astronaut. Engaging with the students, he answered their questions about space exploration, the kind of food they had during their space trips, etc. Recounting his personal experiences, he described how he adapted to zero gravity in space and elaborated on their sleeping arrangements, consoles to work, etc. Students were also curious about AI’s role in space exploration. In response, he explained that AI would streamline the processes, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and safe. Concluding his interaction, he advised students on the subjects and skills they should pursue if they aspire to a career in space exploration.

    During the event, students asked several questions about the challenges of pursuing a career as an astronaut and the key subjects essential for their preparation. Mr. Massimino emphasized the importance of exploring various fields, including soil sciences and marine biology. His practical and insightful answers left the students excited and deeply inspired. They also asked him about the most challenging project he worked on at NASA and whether human habitation on Mars would be possible in the near future. He explained that while living on the Moon could become a reality soon, settling on Mars would take longer due to the technological challenges that still need to be overcome.

    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.

    Also present at the programme were Shri Somit Shrivastava, Joint Commissioner (Pers); Shri B.K. Behra, Deputy Commissioner (Academics) KVS HQ; Shri S.S. Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, KVS Delhi Region; Shri G.S. Pandey and Shri K.C. Meena, Assistant Commissioner, Delhi Region; Shri V.K. Mathpal, Principal KV No.2, Delhi Cantonment; and others.

    *****

    MV/AK

    MOE/DoSEL/27 February 2025/1

    (Release ID: 2106621) Visitor Counter : 96

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE holds engagement sessions with HKSAR deputies to NPC and HKSAR members of National Committee of CPPCC

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE holds engagement sessions with HKSAR deputies to NPC and HKSAR members of National Committee of CPPCC
    CE holds engagement sessions with HKSAR deputies to NPC and HKSAR members of National Committee of CPPCC
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, held engagement sessions on February 25 and 27 to exchange views with about 100 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and about 30 HKSAR deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC), respectively, before they attend the third session of the 14th NPC and the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee to be held in Beijing in early March. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the engagement sessions separately.           Mr Lee said that the HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, as important members of the country’s institutions and leaders from various sectors, care for and are familiar with matters concerning the country and Hong Kong. He noted that he proposed the establishment of a regular exchange mechanism in the 2023 Policy Address, overseen by the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, to enhance the HKSAR Government’s communication with the HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC. During the meeting, the deputies and members actively provided their insights and ideas by proposing viewpoints and suggestions that aligned with the national development and the actual situation in Hong Kong.     Mr Lee said that with devotion to the country and home, the HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC provide various suggestions on the long-term development of the country and Hong Kong. He expressed his gratitude to the deputies and members for their efforts in playing a bridging role, fostering Hong Kong’s further integration into national development and making greater contributions to the high-quality development of the country and Hong Kong.      

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 27, 2025Issued at HKT 17:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh releases first edition of MoD’s bi-annual Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 2:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh released the first edition of Ministry of Defence’s bi-annual Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’ at South Block, New Delhi on February 27, 2025. The magazine comprises poems on the valour, patriotism and sacrifices of the Armed Forces personnel as well as articles on the policies of the Government written by the personnel of the Ministry, irrespective of their ranks, showcasing inclusivity and unity in diversity.

     

    Raksha Mantri appreciated the efforts of the MoD wing of the Department of Official Language towards promoting Hindi. He stressed on the need to adopt and increase the use of Hindi, describing the language as the thread that binds the social and cultural fabric of India.

    The objective of ‘Sashakt Bharat’ magazine is to highlight the creative talent of the employees of MoD and encourage them to carry out their day-to-day activities

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport

    Becomes 2nd airport after Kolkata to host pocket-friendly Udan Cafe

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 2:04PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport, marking the second such facility under this groundbreaking initiative. The first UDAN Yatri Cafe was inaugurated on December 19, 2024, at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the historic airport. The Kolkata Cafe has been a resounding success, with travelers expressing high satisfaction with the quality, taste and cost of the offerings. Following immense passenger demand, the initiative is now being expanded nationwide.

    At the Chennai Airport, strategically located in the pre-check area of the T1 domestic terminal, the cafe will offer all connected passengers access to hygienic refreshments at following prices:

    S. No.

    Item

    Rate (Rs.)

    1.

    Water Bottle

    10

    2.

    Tea

    10

    3.

    Coffee

    20

    4.

    Samosa

    20

    5.

    Sweet of the day

    20

     

    Addressing the media, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu said, “The UDAN Yatri Cafe is a testament to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of inclusive flying, making air travel more convenient, accessible and affordable for all. Following its successful launch at Kolkata Airport, there has been strong demand from travelers to introduce this facility at other airports. After the eastern gateway of Kolkata, we are proud to bring the UDAN Yatri Cafe to the southern gateway, Chennai Airport which is one of the oldest and now the fifth busiest airport in the country, handling over 22 million passengers annually. We are committed to enhance passenger convenience here and with the Digi Yatra and Trusted Traveler Program E-gates, we are also providing a seamless, end-to-end digital travel experience.”

    Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu also shared that the 86,135 sq.m. expansion of Terminal 2 is underway to enhance international operations. Additionally, the refurbishment of Terminals 1 and 4 is progressing with an investment of over ₹75 crore, while a comprehensive traffic flow management system, costing ₹19 crore, is being implemented to ease city-side congestion.

    Beyond infrastructure, Chennai International Airport is dedicated to passenger convenience. Free buggy services for senior citizens and pregnant women, childcare rooms, medical facilities and modern lounges ensure that every effort is made to provide a comfortable travel experience. In the media interaction, Minister also highlighted that the Chennai Airport operates entirely on green energy and houses a 1.5 MW solar power plant as part of its commitment to environment.

    The UDAN Yatri Cafe inaugurated today aligns with the spirit of the UDAN scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), aimed at democratizing air travel and modernizing airport infrastructure. The event was attended by Dr T R B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Tamil Nadu, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI and Chennai Airport, marking another milestone in the Ministry’s mission to enhance passenger experience and connectivity.

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    Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Science Day 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 1:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Celebrating the Spirit of Scientific Innovation

    National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28th February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ made by the eminent physicist Sir C.V. Raman while working in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata. For this discovery, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. On National Science Day, theme-based science communication activities are carried out all over the country. The first celebration took place on February 28, 1987, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to inspire generations. The theme for this year is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.” It emphasizes the role of young minds in driving India’s scientific and technological progress, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims for a developed and self-reliant India.

    Objectives

    The basic objective of the observation of National Science Day is to spread the message of the importance of science and its application among the people. It is celebrated as one of the main science festivals in India every year with the following objectives:

    To widely spread a message about the significance of scientific applications in the daily lives of people.

    To display all the activities, efforts, and achievements in the field of science for the welfare of human beings

    To discuss all the issues and implement new technologies for the development of science

    To encourage the people as well as popularize science and technology.

     

    Key advancements in Science and Technology: 2024 Highlights

    India’s Global Standing in Innovation and IP

    India has made remarkable progress in the global science and technology landscape, securing the 39th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2024 and 6th position in global Intellectual Property (IP) filings, as per the WIPO report. The Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 also marked India’s rise to 49th place from 79th in 2019, showcasing advancements in ICT infrastructure and digital transformation.

    Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Pioneering Research & Inclusivity

    Launched under the ANRF Act 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is accelerating India’s research and development ecosystem. Several key programs have been introduced:

    • PM Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) supports young researchers, providing them with the resources to pursue independent research.
    • EV Mission aims to foster innovation in electric vehicle technology, making India self-reliant in sustainable mobility.
    • Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) follows a Hub and Spoke model, ensuring institutional collaboration in scientific research.
    • Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) provides financial support to researchers from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), promoting equal opportunities in frontier research fields.

    National Quantum Mission (NQM): India’s Leap in Quantum Technology

    With an investment of ₹6003.65 crore over eight years, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is positioning India as a leader in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.

    • A total of 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 states and 2 Union Territories are contributing to this mission.
    • NQM has also laid out guidelines for startup support, ensuring robust mentorship, funding, and resource allocation.

    National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): Expanding India’s Computational Power

    India’s supercomputing infrastructure has significantly expanded, reaching 32 PetaFlops with the addition of 5 PetaFlops in 2024. The largest supercomputing system, commissioned at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, boasts 3 PetaFlops of computing power. Additional supercomputers at NCRA-Pune and SN Bose Institute-Kolkata further strengthen computational research.

    • The future roadmap includes adding 45 more PetaFlops, pushing India’s supercomputing capabilities to 77 PetaFlops using indigenous technology.

    Artificial Intelligence & Cyber-Physical Systems: BharatGen and Beyond

    Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the BharatGen initiative has been launched, focusing on the development of India’s first multimodal, multilingual Large Language Model (LLM) for Generative AI (GenAI).

    • The I-HUB Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune, has selected eight startups for funding, accelerating research in quantum communication, computing, and sensing.
    • Plans are underway to upgrade four top-performing Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) into Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRPs), boosting commercialization efforts.

    Geospatial Science: Expanding Spatial Thinking and Innovation

    Geospatial technology adoption has increased through Spatial Thinking Programs in Schools, covering 116 schools across seven states and reaching 6205 students. Additionally, 575 participants have received training in geospatial science through Summer/Winter Schools. Future plans include expanding the program to five additional states and organizing a national event to showcase research and innovation in this field.

    Climate Research and Risk Mapping for Disaster Preparedness

    India has intensified its efforts in climate resilience, launching four new Centres of Excellence focused on risk mapping for floods and droughts. These initiatives aim to enhance disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies across the country.

    Technology Development Board (TDB): Funding Innovation for Future Growth

    The Technology Development Board (TDB) has provided ₹220.73 crore in funding across seven key projects, accelerating advancements in critical technological sectors. This initiative ensures that startups and innovators receive the necessary financial and infrastructural support to scale their ideas.

    Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE): Nurturing Scientific Talent

    The INSPIRE program, a flagship initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), aims to attract and support young talent in science and research. It fosters innovation across disciplines, including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences, strengthening India’s S&T and R&D ecosystem.

    Key Achievements in 2024:

    • 34343 INSPIRE Scholars, 3363 INSPIRE Fellows, and 316 INSPIRE Faculty Fellows received financial support to pursue higher education and research in Science & Technology.
    • 9 INSPIRE Fellows showcased their research at the 15th JSPS-HOPE Meeting in Kyoto, Japan (Feb 26 – Mar 1, 2024).
    • INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship intake increased from 100 to 150 per year to support more postdoctoral researchers.
    • The 11th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) was held in September 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, attracting 10,000 students. The Winners Felicitation Ceremony honored 31 students from 350 finalists at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
    • A record-breaking 10,13,157 nominations were received for INSPIRE-MANAK, marking a milestone of one million entries from schools in 2024-25.
    • A new initiative, “Exposure Visit of Japanese School Students to India,” was launched under INSPIRE-MANAK. In August 2024, 10 Japanese students and 2 supervisors visited India to explore advancements in science, technology, industry, and culture.

    Future Vision for 2025:

    From 2025 onwards, the INSPIRE-MANAK scheme will expand its reach to Class 11 and 12 students, ensuring that more young minds are engaged in scientific innovation at a crucial stage of their education. This initiative is expected to strengthen India’s scientific workforce and global leadership in research and development.

    Bridging the Gender Gap: Empowering Women to Lead in Science

    India has taken significant steps to promote gender parity in STEM. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has recently implemented the WISE-KIRAN (Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN) scheme, a comprehensive program designed to support women at various stages of their scientific careers.

    Key Initiatives:

    • WISE-PhD and WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF): Encourages women to pursue research in basic and applied sciences. More than 340 women scientists have been selected under 3 major fellowship programmes namely, WISE-PhD, WISE-PDF and WIDUSHI to carry out research in Basic and Applied Sciences.
    • Launched two new programmes namely, Women’s International Grants Support (WINGS) for research training in international labs and Women Leadership Programme for early and mid-level women scientists.
    • Vigyan Jyoti Program: Encourages female students to pursue higher education and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). Under Vigyan Jyoti, more than 29,000 girls of Class IX-XII from 300 Districts of 34 States/UTs of the country benefitted through various activities and interventions.
    • Under the CURIE (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence) Programme, 22 Women PG Colleges have been selected to establish state-of-the-art research facilities.

    The Glorious Heritage

    Ancient India was a land of sages and seers as well as a land of scholars and scientists. Research has shown that from making the best steel in the world to teaching the world to count, India was actively contributing to the field of and technology centuries long before modern laboratories were set up.

    Driving Innovation for a Brighter Future

    National Science Day celebrates India’s scientific progress and commitment to innovation. With advancements in quantum computing, AI, geospatial technology, and climate research, alongside initiatives fostering inclusivity and young talent, India is shaping a future driven by science and technology. As the nation moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, continued investment in research and innovation will be key to global leadership and sustainable growth.

    References

    Click here to see PDF:

    Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Quality Council of India (QCI) brings Gunvatta Sankalp to Nagaland to propel quality-backed growth in the state

    Source: Government of India

    Quality Council of India (QCI) brings Gunvatta Sankalp to Nagaland to propel quality-backed growth in the state

    Gunvatta Sankalp Nagaland aims to strengthen quality in healthcare, education, MSMEs, and tourism

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 1:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Quality Council of India (QCI), in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland, organised Gunvatta Sankalp Nagaland at Hotel Vivor, Kohima — an initiative aimed at supporting the state’s efforts in driving quality-led growth across key sectors. After impactful engagements in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha, QCI has now brought Gunvatta Sankalp to Nagaland. This one-day event served as a dynamic platform, bringing together senior government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to drive meaningful discussions and forge partnerships aimed at elevating quality standards in Healthcare, Education & Skilling, Industry & MSMEs, and Tourism.

    Shri Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Govt. of Nagaland, in his keynote address, remarked, “The people of Nagaland can serve as a beacon of quality for the nation. The pursuit of excellence and quality is at the heart of our progress, and Nagaland is committed to partnering in this journey. The aspirations of our common people define the quality of Nagaland — they are the true brand ambassadors of our state.”

    Shri Jaxay Shah, Chairperson, QCI, emphasized the role of Gunvatta Sankalp in empowering states through quality-driven reforms, stating “Nagaland is a state that values sustainability, entrepreneurship, and excellence—qualities that make it a role model not only for India but for the world. At the Quality Council of India (QCI), we firmly believe that Viksit Bharat is not possible without a Viksit Nagaland. I am confident that through the discussions at Gunvatta Sankalp today, we will uncover new pathways to embed quality into Nagaland’s journey towards a developed future. QCI will support, collaborate, and ensure that Nagaland’s unique identity and strengths are amplified through quality-driven initiatives.”

    The inaugural session was graced by the presence of Shri Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Govt. of Nagaland; Dr. J. Alam (IAS), Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland; Shri Kesonyu Yhome (IAS), Secretary to the Chief Minister; Shri Jaxay Shah, Chairperson, QCI; and Shri Chakravarty Kannan, Secretary General, QCI, marking the beginning of a strategic dialogue on embedding quality at the grassroots level.

    Gunvatta Sankalp Nagaland marks a crucial step in supporting and amplifyingthe state’s efforts to strengthen quality standards across sectors. With engaging discussions, insights, and shared commitments, this initiative aimed to support the government, industries, and communities in enhancing quality consciousness. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, it reinforced Nagaland’s journey toward a high-quality, sustainable, and globally competitive future.

     ***

    Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Geospatial Policy 2022

    Source: Government of India

    National Geospatial Policy 2022

    “Powering India’s Vision for Viksit Bharat”

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 1:22PM by PIB Delhi

    “The democratization of Indian geospatial ecosystem will spur domestic innovation and enable Indian companies to compete in the global mapping ecosystem by leveraging modern geospatial technologies and realising the dream of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ fully.

    -Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Science and Technology

    Introduction

    The National Geospatial Policy, 2022, notified by the Government of India on December 28, 2022, is a transformative policy aimed at positioning India as a global leader in the geospatial sector. With a long-term vision extending to 2035, the policy seeks to liberalize and democratize access to geospatial data, fostering innovation and enabling its widespread use across governance, businesses, and academia.

    At its core, the policy is citizen-centric, ensuring that geospatial datasets generated with public funds are openly accessible. It outlines a strategic roadmap for the development of geospatial infrastructure, services, and platforms at both national and sub-national levels. One of its key goals is to establish a high-resolution topographical survey and mapping system by 2030, alongside a highly accurate Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the entire country.

    Recognizing the importance of geospatial technology in governance, economic growth, and societal development, the policy focuses on strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing national and state-level coordination, and fostering a vibrant geospatial ecosystem. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) plays a pivotal role in this effort by promoting the reuse and open access of geospatial data, products, and services through a network of geospatial platforms.

    By creating an enabling environment for geospatial technology adoption, the policy is expected to drive advancements in urban planning, disaster management, agriculture, environmental conservation, transportation, and various other sectors. This article examines the National Geospatial Policy 2022, focusing on its alignment with PM Gati Shakti, budgetary allocations, the National Geospatial Data Repository, and Operation Dronagiri’s impact on innovation. It also explores how the policy fosters inclusion, economic growth, and private sector participation, ensuring geospatial intelligence enhances governance, business, and public services across India.

    Recent Allocations and Trends from the Union Budget 2025

    In the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, the government has reinforced its commitment to the geospatial sector:

    • Government of India has allocated ₹100 crore for the National Geospatial Mission. This mission aims to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data, playing a crucial role in modernizing land records, urban planning, and infrastructure design. By leveraging PM Gati Shakti, the initiative will facilitate integrated planning, enhance data-driven decision-making, and improve the efficiency of infrastructure projects across the country. This strategic investment underscores the government’s focus on harnessing geospatial technology for economic growth, governance, and sustainable development.
    • To enhance public-private partnerships (PPPs) and support the private sector in project planning, access to relevant geospatial data and maps from the PM Gati Shakti portal will be made available. This initiative aims to streamline infrastructure development, improve decision-making, and foster greater collaboration between the government and private enterprises.

    Vision of the National Geospatial Policy

    To position India as a global leader in the geospatial sector by fostering a world-class innovation ecosystem, leveraging geospatial technology for economic growth, and ensuring easy access to valuable geospatial data for businesses and citizens.

    Goals of the National Geospatial Policy

    By 2025

    • Establish an enabling policy and legal framework to support the liberalization of the geospatial sector and democratization of data.
    • Enhance availability and accessibility of high-quality location data across sectors to drive innovation and enterprise.
    • Develop a unified digital interface for accessing geospatial data collected through public funds.
    • Redefine the National Geodetic Framework using modern positioning technologies, with online accessibility.
    • Create a high-accuracy geoid model for the entire country.
    • Strengthen national and sub-national geospatial governance by fostering collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society.

    By 2030

    • Conduct high-resolution topographical surveys (5–10 cm for urban/rural areas and 50–100 cm for forests/wastelands).
    • Develop a high-accuracy Digital Elevation Model (DEM) (25 cm for plains, 1–3 m for hilly/mountainous areas).
    • Establish a Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) underpinned by an Integrated Data and Information Framework.
    • Enhance geospatial skills, capabilities, and awareness to meet future technological and economic demands.

    By 2035

    • Generate high-resolution bathymetric geospatial data for inland waters and deep-sea topography to support the Blue Economy.
    • Survey and map sub-surface infrastructure in major cities and towns.
    • Develop a National Digital Twin for major urban centers, creating digital replicas to improve urban planning and management.

    Key Focus Areas of the National Geospatial Policy, 2022

    • Geospatial for Transformation & SDGs – The policy positions geospatial technology and data as key drivers for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing efficiency across sectors, and ensuring transparency in governance.
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat & Self-Reliance – Recognizing the need for locally relevant geospatial data, the policy aims to foster a self-reliant geospatial ecosystem, empowering Indian companies to compete globally and reduce dependency on foreign providers.
    • Global Best Practices & IGIF – Adopting international frameworks like the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) under UN-GGIM, the policy strengthens India’s national spatial information management.
    • Robust Geospatial & ICT Infrastructure – Establishing a well-defined data custodianship model to ensure the collection, management, and real-time accessibility of high-quality geospatial data for cross-sector collaboration.
    • Fostering Innovation & Startups – Encouraging startups, R&D, and emerging technologies, the policy promotes regulatory modernization and bridges the geospatial digital divide.
    • Standards & Interoperability – Advocating open standards, open data, and compliance frameworks, the policy ensures seamless integration and interoperability of geospatial information.
    • Capacity Development & Education – Promoting geospatial education from school levels, alongside standardized certifications and skill development programs to sustain long-term industry growth.
    • Ease of Doing Business – Continued policy liberalization to attract investment, facilitate business-friendly regulations, and support geospatial enterprises.
    • Democratization of Data – Survey of India (SoI) and other publicly funded geospatial data will be treated as a public good, ensuring easy access and utilization for all stakeholders.

    Geospatial Policy Under PM Gati Shakti

    The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 is closely aligned with the PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity, a digital platform launched by the Prime Minister to integrate 16 key Ministries, including Railways and Roadways, for coordinated infrastructure planning and implementation. The initiative aims to facilitate seamless multi-modal connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services across different modes of transport, ensuring last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time. By leveraging accurate, real-time geospatial data, NGP 2022 plays a critical role in streamlining infrastructure projects, minimizing redundancies, and optimizing resource utilization.

        

    PM Gati Shakti seeks to integrate infrastructure schemes across various Ministries and State Governments. A key aspect of this initiative is the extensive use of geospatial technology, including spatial planning tools developed by ISRO and BiSAG-N. This integration enhances data-driven decision-making for efficient infrastructure development and economic growth.

    National Geospatial Data Repository: A Step Towards Seamless Data Integration

    The National Geospatial Data Repository is being developed to serve as a centralized platform for geospatial data management and access. This repository will consolidate geospatial datasets from various government and private entities, ensuring seamless data sharing, interoperability, and accessibility across multiple sectors.

    With the increasing demand for precise and real-time geospatial intelligence, this repository will act as a critical resource for improving governance, boosting economic development, and advancing digital infrastructure. It aligns with the National Geospatial Policy 2022, reinforcing India’s commitment to leveraging geospatial technology for sustainable growth and enhanced citizen services.

    Operation Dronagiri: Transforming India’s Geospatial Landscape

    Launch and Overview

    Operation Dronagiri, launched on November 13, 2024, is a pilot initiative under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. The project aims to demonstrate the real-world applications of geospatial technologies to enhance citizen services, business efficiency, and governance. It is designed to integrate geospatial data, analytics, and advanced mapping technologies to support multiple sectors.

    Components and Implementation

    In its initial phase, Operation Dronagiri is being implemented in five states—Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

    The project brings together government departments, industry partners, corporations, and startups to drive geospatial innovation and ensure efficient utilization of spatial data.

    Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)

    A key feature of Operation Dronagiri is the development of an Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), which:

    • Facilitates seamless access and sharing of geospatial data across different sectors.
    • Supports applications in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
    • Helps organizations make data-driven decisions for public welfare.

    Impact and Future Expansion

    The initiative is expected to enhance governance, boost economic efficiency, and promote sustainable infrastructure development. By integrating geospatial technologies with public and private sector initiatives, Operation Dronagiri envisions a nationwide rollout under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

    With India’s growing emphasis on geospatial intelligence, the project aims to transform infrastructure planning, improve disaster response, and foster innovation in geospatial applications—paving the way for a data-driven and technologically advanced India.

    Empowering Inclusion and Progress: National Geospatial Policy 2022 in Action

    The National Geospatial Policy 2022 (NGP 2022) underscores the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive development by significantly expanding access to geospatial data and related services. By democratizing location-based data, the policy has enhanced citizen services, improved governance, and extended its benefits to even the most remote areas of the country.

    To implement NGP 2022, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has strengthened the governance framework to liberalize geospatial data access. Emphasizing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, DST is fostering self-reliance in geospatial technology by empowering Indian enterprises to generate, utilize, and commercialize their own geospatial data—enhancing their global competitiveness. The policy further encourages the adoption of open standards, open data, and interoperable platforms to enable seamless collaboration across stakeholders.

    To further enhance geospatial infrastructure, the Survey of India (SoI) has launched a pan-India Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) Network, ensuring high-accuracy location data. Additionally, under the SVAMITVA Scheme, SoI has surveyed and mapped over 2.8 lakh villages across Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Karnataka using drone technology, streamlining land records and property rights.

    NGP 2022 is fostering a thriving geospatial industry by encouraging private sector participation. Individuals, companies, and government agencies can now process, build applications, and develop solutions using geospatial data. The promotion of open standards, open data, and geospatial platforms has enabled enterprise development and innovation, further solidifying India’s position as a global leader in geospatial technology. To support technological innovation and entrepreneurship, the policy is facilitating the establishment of incubation centers, industry accelerators, and Geospatial Technology Parks. These initiatives are driving research, fostering startups, and strengthening India’s geospatial ecosystem, ultimately positioning the country as a world leader in geospatial innovation.

    With its focus on expanding access, promoting innovation, and leveraging geospatial intelligence, NGP 2022 is not just a policy—it is a transformative tool for national development, economic prosperity, and a thriving digital economy. It is a key driver in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), paving the way for a future driven by geospatial intelligence and data-led governance.

    Conclusion

    The National Geospatial Policy 2022 is a significant step towards strengthening India’s geospatial ecosystem. By simplifying data access, promoting innovation, and fostering enterprise development, the policy is creating a robust and dynamic geospatial sector that supports governance, industry, and research.With initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, the National Geospatial Data Repository, and Operation Dronagiri, the policy is driving data-driven decision-making, infrastructure modernization, and digital transformation. As India advances towards Viksit Bharat, geospatial intelligence will be central to planning, connectivity, and national resilience. The National Geospatial Policy 2022 positions India as a global leader in geospatial technology, ensuring that location-based intelligence powers the nation’s progress and prosperity.

    References

    Click here to see PDF:

    Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Vatsla Srivastava

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘One Nation-One Port’ to enhance efficiency with ease of doing business

    Source: Government of India

    Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘One Nation-One Port’ to enhance efficiency with ease of doing business

    Sagar Ankalan to enhance port efficiency: Union Minister

    “Bharat Ports Global Consortium to expand India’s maritime reach, strengthen supply chain, and boost Make in India”: Sonowal

    Sonowal launches MAITRI Logo; aims to transform global trade with digital integration through AI and Blockchain for seamless ‘Virtual Trade Corridor

    “India Maritime Week to celebrate ‘Maritime Virasat and Maritime Vikaas’, to be held from 27 – 31, October 2025 in Mumbai”

    Posted On: 27 FEB 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched a series of major initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) aimed at modernising India’s maritime infrastructure, strengthening its global trade presence, and to promote sustainability. These initiatives were launched during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai today to discuss on various possibilities from the major announcements made in the Union Budget for the maritime sector.

    Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)’ an initiative to standardise and streamline operations across India’s major ports. The step aims at removing inconsistencies in documentation and processes that led to inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational delays.

    Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also launched Sagar Ankalan — the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24, as a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness in India’s maritime sector.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal said, “It gives me immense pleasure to launch important initiatives of our Ministry which are aligned with Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat, driving self-reliance, sustainability, and economic growth. With the launch of ‘One Nation – One Port’ Process and Sagar Ankalan – LPPI Index, India is taking a decisive step towards standardised, efficient, and globally competitive ports. By enhancing port performance and streamlining logistics, we are reducing inefficiencies, cutting carbon footprints, and strengthening India’s position in global trade. Our commitment to modern, green, and smart port infrastructure will not only fuel economic resilience but also ensure a sustainable maritime future for generations to come. This is a transformative leap towards making India a maritime powerhouse, contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat and a developed India by 2047.”

    Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also launched Bharat Global Ports Consortium to Strengthen global trade by expanding India’s maritime reach and enhance global trade resilience; and MAITRI logo (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) with an aim to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic redundancies and expedite clearances, reinforcing India’s commitment to ease of doing business.

    Adding further, Shri Sonowal said, “The launch of Bharat Ports Global Consortium and MAITRI App marks a transformative step in strengthening India’s maritime and trade ecosystem. These initiatives will sustain the initiatives taken since 2014, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, to enhance efficiency, streamline trade processes, and bolster global supply chains, reinforcing India’s position as a key player in international logistics. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India is rapidly modernising its ports and trade infrastructure, aligning with his commitment to Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By leveraging digital innovation and global partnerships, we are creating a seamless, efficient, and future-ready trade network, accelerating India’s journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.”

    As Ports serve as critical gateways for international and domestic trade, this initiative aims to harmonise port procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen India’s global trade position. As a first step through ONOP process, the Ministry has standardised documentation with Immigration, the Port Health Organisation, and Port Authorities, reducing container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106). These reforms mark a significant step towards Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, ensuring transparency, consistency, and optimised port management. The Minister called for active stakeholder participation to maximise its impact and drive India’s ports towards operational excellence on the global stage.

    MAITRI plays a crucial role in operationalising the ‘Virtual Trade Corridor’(VTC) between India and the UAE. The initiative aligns with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and is expected to expand to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations, leveraging AI and Blockchain for efficiency and security. By standardising trade documentation and integrating digital solutions, MAITRI will reduce processing time, optimise trade flows, and contribute to sustainable development. MAITRI is set to redefine international trade, positioning India as a leader in global logistics and trade facilitation.

    Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy, Sagar Ankalan LPPI aims to benchmark port performance, drive operational excellence, and strengthen India’s trade connectivity. Developed under the Sagar Aankalan guidelines, the LPPI evaluates all major and non-major ports under Bulk (Dry & Liquid) and Container categories. Key performance indicators include cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, container dwell time, and ship berth-day output. The structured, data-driven methodology ensures transparency by equally weighing absolute performance and year-on-year improvement. By fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation, LPPI will drive India’s ports toward global standards, reinforcing the nation’s position as a maritime leader and a critical player in international trade. India has already made remarkable progress in global logistics, climbing to 22nd place in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023 for “International Shipments,” up from 44th.

    By developing robust port infrastructure, the Bharat Global Ports Consortium initiative will streamline logistics, strengthen supply chains, and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative by boosting exports. Bringing together IPGL (operations), SDCL (finance), and IPRCL (infrastructure development), the consortium will drive port expansion, operations, and financing to position India as a key player in international trade and logistics. By focusing on efficiency, innovation, and global collaboration, the consortium aims to improve trade connectivity and enhance India’s economic footprint. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to maritime excellence and economic resilience on the global stage, maintained Shri Sarbananda Sonowal during its launch.

    The Union Minister also announced the India Maritime Week to be held from 27th to 31st of October, 2025 in Mumbai with a view to celebrate country’s ‘Maritime Virasat’ and ‘Maritime Vikaas’ — a bi-annual global maritime gathering that will be one of the largest in the world. The week will host 4th edition of Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS), 2nd edition of Sagarmanthan among others. At the India Maritime Week, ‘representation from 100 countries and 100,000 delegates are expected to participate’, Sonowal said. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation, launched the ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’ as an annual dialogue to center-stage India as the global venue for all strategic maritime conversations.

    The Maritime Stakeholders Meet focused on revitalising India’s shipbuilding sector in light of recent budgetary announcements. Key discussions centered on increased financial assistance for Indian shipyards, the Ship Breaking Credit Note Scheme and its impact, along with capital infusion to develop new shipbuilding clusters, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness. The Maritime Development Fund, the inclusion of large ships in the Infrastructure Harmonised Master List (HML), and the role of financial institutions and multilateral agencies in facilitating low-cost term financing were key focus areas. These measures aim to strengthen India’s maritime sector by enhancing financial accessibility, boosting shipbuilding, and improving industry competitiveness.

    On the budgetary announcements for maritime sector, the Union Minister said, “Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is sailing towards a Viksit Bharat, ensuring that our ports, shipping, and waterways become the backbone of a thriving economy. The Union Budget 2025 has put the maritime sector at the forefront of India’s growth story. The ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund is a game-changer. It will provide long-term financing, encourage private investment, and modernize our port and shipping infrastructure. The recognition of LARGE ships as infrastructure will unlock new avenues for financing, making it easier for businesses to invest in shipbuilding and coastal trade. And let’s not forget the revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0)—this will level the playing field for our shipyards, helping them compete with global giants. The shipbuilding clusters—a vision we are actively pursuing — will not only make India a hub for ship construction but will also create thousands of jobs, bring in new technologies, and strengthen our global competitiveness. To further boost this industry, we have extended customs duty exemptions on shipbuilding inputs for another 10 years. In order to propel our rich riverine network, the extension of the tonnage tax regime to inland vessels is a major step in making river transport more attractive and viable for businesses. With the collaborative approach, we can revolutionize logistics, reduce freight costs, and create an eco-friendly alternative to road and rail transport.”

    The Union Minister also launched the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) website. It is a significant milestone in advancing sustainability in the maritime sector. This platform will offer insights and best practices for green port and shipping operations, focusing on carbon footprint reduction, cleaner fuels, and eco-friendly port management to drive a more sustainable future.

    In his concluding remarks, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India’s Blue Economy is not just about ships and ports—it’s about jobs, trade, sustainability, and economic growth. There is immense potential, and we are committed to ensuring that you have the right policies, the right financing, and the right environment to thrive. We are not just aiming to be a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030—we are aiming to create an ecosystem that is world-class, efficient, and future-ready. Let’s capitalise this opportunity. Let’s build, innovate, and collaborate. Together, we are not just shaping India’s maritime future—we are shaping India’s economic destiny.”

    ***

    G.D. Hallikeri / Henry / Shweta

    (Release ID: 2106662) Visitor Counter : 86

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK collaborates with Wuhan ETO to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as global supply chain management hub and its role as double gateway to Hubei Province (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    InvestHK collaborates with Wuhan ETO to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as global supply chain management hub and its role as double gateway to Hubei Province (with photos)
    InvestHK collaborates with Wuhan ETO to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as global supply chain management hub and its role as double gateway to Hubei Province (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​The Director-General of Investment Promotion (DGIP) at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Ms Alpha Lau, has embarked on her first official visit to Wuhan, Hubei Province, from February 26 to 28. During the visit, she is promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and its role as a global supply chain management hub with local government authorities, enterprises and major development zones.          On the first day of her visit to Wuhan, Ms Lau attended and spoke at a seminar themed “Hubei-Hong Kong Collaboration: Connecting the World for a Shared Future”, which was jointly organised by InvestHK; the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Hubei Sub-Council; the Department of Commerce of Hubei Province; the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan (WHETO); and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The seminar commenced with welcome remarks by Ms Lau, followed by remarks from the Director of the WHETO, Miss Alice Choi; Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce of Hubei Province Ms Li Xiaoyan; and Deputy Director of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Hubei Sub-Council Mr Shi Minghui.          This marks Ms Lau’s first visit as DGIP at InvestHK to Wuhan, Hubei Province. She looks forward to leveraging the economic and trade advantages between Hubei and Hong Kong to help enterprises seize opportunities in Hong Kong for growth and advancement. Ms Lau said, “Hong Kong is the largest foreign direct investment source for Hubei Province as well as its major business and trade partner. Enterprises from Hubei are also actively going global through Hong Kong. More and more Hubei enterprises are using Hong Kong as a gateway to extend their industrial and supply chains overseas, reaching new markets worldwide.” She shared with corporate guests and said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to build a high-value-added supply chain service centre to serve both domestic and international enterprises. Hong Kong possesses robust professional service capabilities. In addition, Hong Kong offers comprehensive support for Hubei enterprises in their global expansion, particularly in legal, finance and talent.” She also took the opportunity to meet with local media and elaborate on the latest business advantages of Hong Kong.          Miss Choi said, “This seminar has established a communication platform for Hubei and Hong Kong in the field of supply chain management, marking another achievement under the Hubei/Hong Kong Co-operation Mechanism. We hope this event will serve as an opportunity for enterprises from both regions to join hands in exploring the global market. The WHETO will continue to act as a bridge for communication between Hong Kong and Hubei, promoting comprehensive co-operation between the two places.”          Mr Shi and Ms Li, representing Hubei government authorities, expressed that they will actively promote and continuously deepen economic, trade, investment, and co-operative exchanges between Hubei and Hong Kong. This will enable enterprises from both regions to fully leverage and utilise their respective advantages for further development and upgrading. Ms Li stated, “Hubei is accelerating the improvement of mechanisms to facilitate the dual circulation of domestic and international markets, advancing high-level opening-up to the outside world. Hong Kong’s significant advantages in multiple fields create an excellent environment for Hubei-Hong Kong co-operation.” Mr Shi added that in the coming year, efforts will focus on strengthening collaborative innovation in technology, deepening economic and trade co-operation, and enhancing complementary strengths, seeking approaches to achieve win-win opportunities between Hubei and Hong Kong.          The Head of Transport & Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, Mr Benjamin Wong, delivered a keynote presentation on Hong Kong’s business advantages, encouraging Hubei enterprises to establish their global supply chain management centres in Hong Kong. He also introduced the services that InvestHK provides to assist Mainland enterprises.          In the second half of the seminar, the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of the WHETO, Mr Zhou Yikai, hosted a panel discussion. Participants included the Director, Central China from the HKTDC, Ms Christie Wu; Honorary Secretary of the Hongkong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Ltd, Mr Alex Koo; the Head of Cargo Chinese Mainland of Cathay Pacific Airways, Ms Wendy Ge; the General Manager of the BEA (China), Wuhan Branch, Mr Winson Lee; and Assistant to the Chairman of the Wuhan Changjiang International Trade Group Co Ltd and the Chairman of the Wuhan Changjiang Trading Company Co Ltd, Mr Bian Dakui. The discussion focused on how Hubei enterprises can fully utilise Hong Kong’s platform for global supply chain management. This seminar attracted nearly 200 representatives from local enterprises, institutions, and media in Hubei Province.          During the visit, Ms Lau met with the Director-General of Department of Commerce of Hubei Province, Ms Long Xiaohong, to exchange views on jointly supporting Hubei enterprises in fully utilising Hong Kong’s platform to expand into international markets. Ms Lau expressed hope that through InvestHK’s promotion, Hubei enterprises could gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s unique advantages and opportunities under the “one country, two systems” framework. As a gateway connecting the Mainland with the world, Hong Kong helps Mainland businesses expand globally while also attracting foreign investment. Ms Long welcomed the suggestion and looked forward to continuously deepening exchanges and co-operation between the two places and the two departments.          Ms Lau visited the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone and the Wuhan East Lake High-Tech Development Zone, where she exchanged talks with relevant officials today and tomorrow (February 27 and 28). The delegation of InvestHK visited the “Dual Intelligence” Exhibition Hall of the Wuhan National New Energy and Intelligent Connected Vehicle Demonstration Zone. After that, Member of the Standing Committee of the Wuhan Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone Mr Liu Ziqing, and the Director of the Development Zone Administrative Committee, Mr Tang Chao, held talks with Ms Lau. They exchanged views on assisting advanced manufacturing enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong to optimise their multinational supply chain management and expressed their commitment to deepening communication and co-operation.          During the visit to the development zones, Ms Lau visited leading enterprises from key industries, including advanced manufacturing, digital publishing, and high-tech sectors such as life sciences, low-altitude economy, and intelligent connected vehicles. She discussed with company representatives to understand and explore their plans for establishing or expanding operations in Hong Kong. “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to promoting innovation and technology development. With a thriving innovation and technology ecosystem and abundant opportunities, Hong Kong provides an ideal environment for Mainland advanced manufacturing and high-tech enterprises looking to expand globally. We encourage Hubei enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s new opportunities to establish their research and development centres, computing power hubs, and global management hubs,” Ms Lau said.

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 27, 2025Issued at HKT 14:25

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s malnutrition crisis: why a cheaper basket of healthy food is the answer

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Julian May, Director DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of the Western Cape

    The death in early February of a 9-year-old South African boy, Alti Willard, who drank poison while scavenging for food in rubbish bins with his father, is a tragic reflection of the persistent food insecurity crisis in the country.

    A child dying while trying to avert starvation is hard to comprehend, given the country’s economic and natural resources. South African has the capability to feed the entire nation. But it is grappling with a triple burden of malnutrition, comprising under-nutrition and hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, and unhealthy diets.

    According to the most recent Food and Nutrition Security Survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), food insecurity affects 63.5% of households in the country – 17.5% of them severely. Food insecurity is not just a matter of inadequate access to food. It is deeply intertwined with child malnutrition, meaning that food security is not just about having enough food; it’s about having nourishing food for children.

    The link between household food insecurity and child malnutrition is stark. Among households with at least one child under the age of five suffering from stunting, food insecurity rates reach 83.3%.

    Alarmingly, 1,000 children die each year due to preventable acute malnutrition. And 2.7 million children under six live in households where poverty levels prevent their basic nutritional needs from being met. Food poverty rates have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. Food inflation has exacerbated the crisis.

    The survey indicates that 28.8% of children under the age of five suffer from stunting, an indicator of chronic undernutrition. It means children are below the height expected for their age.

    Read more: South Africa’s hunger problem is turning into a major health crisis

    The South African Early Childhood Review 2024 reinforces these findings. This is an annual review of child development produced by the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town and Ilifa Labantwana, an early childhood development NGO. It highlights a rise in child malnutrition, particularly severe acute malnutrition. Between 2020 and 2023, these cases increased by 33%, with 15,000 children requiring hospitalisation in 2022/23 alone.

    Based on our extensive research experience, policy advice and activism in food security, we argue that food insecurity transcends mere food supply issues. It is deeply intertwined with systemic inequality, food system dynamics, poverty and failures in policy.

    Tackling these crises will need a profound change in the approach to food and nutrition security. It requires a shift from temporary relief measures such as the social relief of distress grant to sustainable, structural solutions that lower the cost of a healthy food basket. That would mean no child would have to search for sustenance in refuse bins.

    Any solution so far?

    South Africa has the highest number of people who relay on social grants. Some of these are aimed at addressing food insecurity and nutrition, particularly among children. Despite these safety nets, food insecurity persists, suggesting that they are either inadequately resourced or poorly targeted.

    The grants include:

    • Social grants: About 58% of children aged 14 and younger receive social grants, primarily through the child support grant. However, the youngest children, especially infants, are most likely to be excluded from the grant due to delays in registering infants after birth.

    Read more: Poor South African households can’t afford nutritious food – what can be done

    Enrolling eligible infants from birth requires better coordination between government departments. However, due to the size of the grant relative to the cost of ensuring child nutrition, and competing demands on the grant from other household needs such as housing and clothing, the grants are not enough to alleviate food insecurity.

    Volunteers from the charity Hunger Has No Religion prepare hotdogs for hungry people in Coronationville, Johannesburg. Luca Sola/AFP via Getty Images.

    • School and early childhood development feeding programmes: The National School Nutrition Programme reaches over 9 million children annually. Evidence suggests that children in these programmes have better nutritional outcomes than those who are not.

    • Community and NGO initiatives: While home, school and community gardens, community kitchens and NGO-driven food relief programmes provide support, they lack sustainability and reach.

    What needs to be done?

    The HSRC and South Africa Early Childhood Review 2024 highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral solutions:

    Read more: 47% of South Africans rely on social grants – study reveals how they use them to generate more income

    • Increase the value of the child support grant, currently R530 (US$28 a month, to align with the cost of a thrifty healthy basket of R945 (US$51).

    • Ensure infants and young children are enrolled in the child support grant from birth through better collaboration between the departments of health, home affairs and social development. The recent reduction in the visa backlog shows what can be achieved.

    • Establish the national multi-sectoral food security coordination body proposed in the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan to streamline policies across different government departments. Brazil followed a similar approach with success.

    • Expand early childhood development nutrition programmes, register informal early childhood development centres, and increase subsidies to improve food provision in these centres.

    • Address gender inequalities in food security by ensuring better economic opportunities for women engaged in food trade, including street vending, who are more likely to be heads of household.

    • Expand community-based health services, using community health workers to monitor child growth and nutrition at the household level.

    • Address neglected dimensions of food insecurity.

    Read more: Africa’s worsening food crisis – it’s time for an agricultural revolution

    For example, poverty negatively affects caregivers’ mental health, which in turn affects child nutrition. Caregivers experiencing food insecurity have higher levels of depression and hopelessness. This potentially affects their capacity to provide the care and attention that children require. Expanding income support and community health services to caregivers can mitigate this cycle.

    Disabled children and caregivers are another example. They face additional challenges and must be specifically targeted for tailored support.

    Finally, children of seasonal farmworkers are highly vulnerable when their caregivers are without employment and not receiving unemployment insurance fund payments. Immediate food relief can prevent fluctuations in the quality and quantity of their diets.

    – South Africa’s malnutrition crisis: why a cheaper basket of healthy food is the answer
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-malnutrition-crisis-why-a-cheaper-basket-of-healthy-food-is-the-answer-250308

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s malnutrition crisis: why a cheaper basket of healthy food is the answer

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Julian May, Director DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of the Western Cape

    The death in early February of a 9-year-old South African boy, Alti Willard, who drank poison while scavenging for food in rubbish bins with his father, is a tragic reflection of the persistent food insecurity crisis in the country.

    A child dying while trying to avert starvation is hard to comprehend, given the country’s economic and natural resources. South African has the capability to feed the entire nation. But it is grappling with a triple burden of malnutrition, comprising under-nutrition and hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, and unhealthy diets.

    According to the most recent Food and Nutrition Security Survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), food insecurity affects 63.5% of households in the country – 17.5% of them severely. Food insecurity is not just a matter of inadequate access to food. It is deeply intertwined with child malnutrition, meaning that food security is not just about having enough food; it’s about having nourishing food for children.

    The link between household food insecurity and child malnutrition is stark. Among households with at least one child under the age of five suffering from stunting, food insecurity rates reach 83.3%.

    Alarmingly, 1,000 children die each year due to preventable acute malnutrition. And 2.7 million children under six live in households where poverty levels prevent their basic nutritional needs from being met. Food poverty rates have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. Food inflation has exacerbated the crisis.

    The survey indicates that 28.8% of children under the age of five suffer from stunting, an indicator of chronic undernutrition. It means children are below the height expected for their age.



    Read more:
    South Africa’s hunger problem is turning into a major health crisis

    The South African Early Childhood Review 2024 reinforces these findings. This is an annual review of child development produced by the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town and Ilifa Labantwana, an early childhood development NGO. It highlights a rise in child malnutrition, particularly severe acute malnutrition. Between 2020 and 2023, these cases increased by 33%, with 15,000 children requiring hospitalisation in 2022/23 alone.

    Based on our extensive research experience, policy advice and activism in food security, we argue that food insecurity transcends mere food supply issues. It is deeply intertwined with systemic inequality, food system dynamics, poverty and failures in policy.

    Tackling these crises will need a profound change in the approach to food and nutrition security. It requires a shift from temporary relief measures such as the social relief of distress grant to sustainable, structural solutions that lower the cost of a healthy food basket. That would mean no child would have to search for sustenance in refuse bins.

    Any solution so far?

    South Africa has the highest number of people who relay on social grants. Some of these are aimed at addressing food insecurity and nutrition, particularly among children. Despite these safety nets, food insecurity persists, suggesting that they are either inadequately resourced or poorly targeted.

    The grants include:

    • Social grants: About 58% of children aged 14 and younger receive social grants, primarily through the child support grant. However, the youngest children, especially infants, are most likely to be excluded from the grant due to delays in registering infants after birth.



    Read more:
    Poor South African households can’t afford nutritious food – what can be done

    Enrolling eligible infants from birth requires better coordination between government departments. However, due to the size of the grant relative to the cost of ensuring child nutrition, and competing demands on the grant from other household needs such as housing and clothing, the grants are not enough to alleviate food insecurity.

    • School and early childhood development feeding programmes: The National School Nutrition Programme reaches over 9 million children annually. Evidence suggests that children in these programmes have better nutritional outcomes than those who are not.

    • Community and NGO initiatives: While home, school and community gardens, community kitchens and NGO-driven food relief programmes provide support, they lack sustainability and reach.

    What needs to be done?

    The HSRC and South Africa Early Childhood Review 2024 highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral solutions:



    Read more:
    47% of South Africans rely on social grants – study reveals how they use them to generate more income

    • Increase the value of the child support grant, currently R530 (US$28 a month, to align with the cost of a thrifty healthy basket of R945 (US$51).

    • Ensure infants and young children are enrolled in the child support grant from birth through better collaboration between the departments of health, home affairs and social development. The recent reduction in the visa backlog shows what can be achieved.

    • Establish the national multi-sectoral food security coordination body proposed in the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan to streamline policies across different government departments. Brazil followed a similar approach with success.

    • Expand early childhood development nutrition programmes, register informal early childhood development centres, and increase subsidies to improve food provision in these centres.

    • Address gender inequalities in food security by ensuring better economic opportunities for women engaged in food trade, including street vending, who are more likely to be heads of household.

    • Expand community-based health services, using community health workers to monitor child growth and nutrition at the household level.

    • Address neglected dimensions of food insecurity.



    Read more:
    Africa’s worsening food crisis – it’s time for an agricultural revolution

    For example, poverty negatively affects caregivers’ mental health, which in turn affects child nutrition. Caregivers experiencing food insecurity have higher levels of depression and hopelessness. This potentially affects their capacity to provide the care and attention that children require. Expanding income support and community health services to caregivers can mitigate this cycle.

    Disabled children and caregivers are another example. They face additional challenges and must be specifically targeted for tailored support.

    Finally, children of seasonal farmworkers are highly vulnerable when their caregivers are without employment and not receiving unemployment insurance fund payments. Immediate food relief can prevent fluctuations in the quality and quantity of their diets.

    Julian May receives funding from the National Research Foundation and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He is a National Planning Commissioner (NPC) and serves on the Council of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). He was chair of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Food and Nutrition Security Survey and the NPC lead on the Early Childhood Review, 2024.

    Thokozani Simelane received funding from the Department of Agriculture. This was for the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey on which the article is partially based. He was the principal investigator of the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey. He is a member of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) Community of Practice that is developing the research and innovation standard for higher education institutions in South Africa.

    – ref. South Africa’s malnutrition crisis: why a cheaper basket of healthy food is the answer – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-malnutrition-crisis-why-a-cheaper-basket-of-healthy-food-is-the-answer-250308

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Bologna tram lines – NextGenerationEU funds – E-000585/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000585/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)

    As part of the revision of measure M2C2-I4.2 of Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) – financed through NextGenerationEU – significant funding was earmarked for the construction of the red tram line and EUR 222 142 224.26 for the construction of the green tram line.

    In addition, new EU target M2C2-25bis provides for the completion of measures to upgrade the infrastructure of existing rapid mass transport systems by 30 June 2026. It is possible that the municipality of Bologna will not meet that deadline, given the delays already encountered in upgrading the infrastructure in question.

    In view of the above, I would ask the Commission:

    • 1.If EU target M2C2-25bis is not met by the deadline, for reasons attributable to the municipality of Bologna as the contracting authority, will Italy have to repay the NextGenerationEU funding it received?
    • 2.If so, and if it can be proven that the delay is the responsibility of the contracting authority, can the Member State recoup its losses from the local authority?

    Submitted: 9.2.2025

    Last updated: 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Transgender athletes competing in women’s sports – E-000679/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000679/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marco Squarta (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR)

    In the United States, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order entitled ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports’.

    It prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at school and university, arguing that it threatens sporting integrity.

    Following this decision, the US university sports governing body, the National Colloquiate Athletic Association (NCAA), revised its policy, stressing that the change will provide clear, consistent and uniform eligibility standards.

    In the EU, Article 165 TFEU recognises the social and educational function of sport and encourages cooperation and support for physical activity. However, European sports federations’ autonomy when it comes to managing competitions leads to the use of different selective criteria, creating inconsistencies and potential imbalances.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission think that the differences in the criteria adopted by European sports federations could affect the level playing field in women’s competitions?
    • 2.Drawing inspiration from the US measures, does it think it would be worth looking into the impact of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports and launching a European initiative to determine possible physiological advantages and ensure the fairness and protection of women’s sports?

    Submitted: 13.2.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –