Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Secretary Noem Deputized State Department Officials as Immigration Officers
DHS has also deputized IRS employees and DOJ employees to help with immigration enforcement actions. These deputations are a key part of giving law enforcement the resources they need to fulfill President Trump’s promise to the American people to carry out mass deportations.
Source: NASA
Pierre Morel, the first director of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and founding member of WCRP’s Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX) Core project, died on December 10, 2024.
Pierre began his research as a theoretical physicist. His doctoral thesis examined the existence and properties of a condensed superfluid state of liquid Helium 3 at very low temperature. He lectured on basic physics, geophysical fluid dynamics, and climate science. As his career progressed, he focused his research on studying the circulation of the atmosphere. He was devoted to the development of numerical modelling of atmospheric flow that laid the groundwork for the study of climatology.
Pierre’s work played an integral role in the development of tools used to study the atmosphere, many of which are still active today. Examples include Project Éole – an experimental wind energy plant conceived in the 1980s and created in Quebec, Canada that closed down in 1993; the ARGOS satellite, a collaboration between the Centre National d’Études Spatiale (CNES) [French Space Agency], National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NASA, to collect and relay meteorological and oceanographic data around the world that launched in 1978; the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system, which was developed by the U.S. – specifically NOAA, NASA, and the U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force – Canada, and France, with the first satellite launch in 1982; and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites’ METEOSAT series of geostationary satellites, which launched in 1977 and remain active today. The launch of Meteosat–12 in 2022 was the first METEOSAT Third Generation (MTG) launch.
Early in his career, Pierre was the director of the French Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique (LMD) before he became the director of the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES). In 1980 he became the first chairman of the WCRP, where he steered a broad interdisciplinary research program in global climate and Earth system science that involved the participation of atmospheric, oceanic, hydrological, and polar scientists worldwide. Pierre was later in charge of planetary programs at NASA and was involved in discussions about the future of NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) in the mid-to-late 1990s. As an example, the Earth Observer article, “Minutes Of The Fourteenth Earth Science Enterprise/Earth Observing System (ESE/EOS) Investigators Working Group Meeting,” includes a summary of a presentation Pierre gave that focused on flight mission planning for the EOS “second series,” which was NASA’s plan at the time although ultimately not pursued, with the “first series” (i.e., Terra, Aqua, Aura) enduring much longer than anticipated.
Pierre was the recipient of the 2008 Alfred Wegener Medal & Honorary Membership for his outstanding contributions to geophysical fluid dynamics, his leadership in the development of climate research, and the applications of space observation to meteorology and the Earth system science.
Source: NASA
Introduction
The NASA Land-Cover and Land-Use Change (LCLUC) is an interdisciplinary scientific program within NASA’s Earth Science program that aims to develop the capability for periodic global inventories of land use and land cover from space. The program’s goal is to develop the mapping, monitoring and modeling capabilities necessary to simulate the processes taking place and evaluate the consequences of observed and predicted changes. The South/Southeast Asia Research Initiative (SARI) has a similar goal for South/Southeast Asia, as it seeks to develop innovative regional research, education, and capacity building programs involving state-of-the-art remote sensing, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences to enrich land use/cover change (LUCC) science in South/Southeast Asia. Thus it makes sense for these two entities to periodically meet jointly to discuss their endeavors.
The latest of these joint meetings took place January 1–February 2, 2024, in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 85 participants attended the three-day, in-person meeting—see Photo. A total of 85 participants attended the three-day, in-person meeting. The attendees represented multiple international institutions, including NASA (Headquarters and Centers), the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), other American academic institutions, the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC, the event host), the Vietnam National University’s University of Engineering and Technology, and Ho Chi Minh University of Technology, the Japanese National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES), Center for Environmental Sciences, and the University of Tokyo. In addition, several international programs participated, including GEO Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM), the System for Analysis, Research and Training (START), Global Observation of Forest and Land-use Dynamics (GOFC–GOLD), and NASA Harvest.
Meeting Overview
The purpose of the 2024 NASA LCLUC–SARI Synthesis meeting was to discuss LUCC issues – with a particular focus on their impact on Southeast Asian countries. Presenters highlighted ongoing projects aimed to advance our understanding of the spatial extent, intensity, social consequences, and impacts on the environment in South/Southeast Asian countries. While presenters reported on specific science results, they also were intentional to review and synthesize work from other related projects going on in Southeast Asia.
Meeting Goal
The meeting’s overarching goal was to create a comprehensive and holistic understanding of various LUCC issues by examining them from multiple angles, including: collating information; employing interdisciplinary approaches; integrating research; identifying key insights; and enhancing regional collaborations. The meeting sought to bring the investigators together to bridge gaps, promote collaborations, and advance knowledge regarding LUCC issues in the region. The meeting format also provided ample time between sessions for networking to promote coordination and collaboration among scientists and teams.
Meeting and Summary Format
The meeting consisted of seven sessions that focused on various LUCC issues. The summary report that follows is organized by day and then by session. All presentations in Session I and II are summarized (i.e., with all speakers, affiliations, and appropriate titles identified). The keynote presentation(s) from Sessions III–VI are summarized similarly. The technical presentations in each of these sessions are presented as narrative summaries. Session VII consisted of topical discussions to close out the meeting and summaries of these discussions are included herein. Sessions III–VI also included panel discussions, but to keep the article length more manageable, summaries of these discussions have been omitted. Readers interested in learning more about the panel discussions or viewing any of these presentations in full can access the information on the Joint LCLUC–SARI Synthesis meeting website.
DAY ONE
The first day of the meeting included welcoming remarks from the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam (Session I), program executives of LCLUC and SARI, as well as from national space agencies in South and Southeast Asia (Session II), and other LCLUC-thematic/overview presentations (Session III).
Session 1: Welcoming Remarks
Garik Gutman [NASA Headquarters—LCLUC Program Manager], Vu Tuan [VNSC’s Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)—Vice Director General], Chris Justice [University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)—LCLUC Program Scientist], Matsunaga Tsuneo [National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan], and Krishna Vadrevu [NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center—SARI Lead] delivered opening remarks that highlighted collaborations across air pollution, agriculture, forestry, urban development, and other LUCC research areas. While each of the speakers covered different topics, they emphasized common themes, including advancing new science algorithms, co-developing products, and fostering applications through capacity building and training.
After the opening remarks, special guest Marc Knapper [U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam] gave a presentation in which he emphasized the value of collaborative research between U.S. and Vietnamese scientists to address environmental challenges – especially climate change and LUCC issues. He expressed appreciation to the meeting organizers for promoting these collaborations and highlighted the joint initiatives between NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to monitor environmental health and climate change, develop policies to reduce emissions, and support adaptation in agriculture. The U.S.–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership emphasizes the commitment to address climate challenges and advance bilateral research. He concluded by encouraging active participation from all attendees and stressed the need for ongoing international collaboration to develop effective LUCC policies.
Session-II: Programmatic and Space Agency Presentations
NOTE: Other than Ambassador Knapper, the presenters in Session I gave welcoming remarks and programmatic and/or space agency presentations in Session II,.
Garik Gutman began the second session by presenting an overview of the LCLUC program, which aims to enhance understanding of LUCC dynamics and environmental implications by integrating diverse data sources (i.e., satellite remote sensing) with socioeconomic and ecological datasets for a comprehensive view of land-use change drivers and consequences. Over the past 25 years, LCLUC has funded over 325 projects involving more than 800 researchers, resulting in over 1500 publications. The program’s focus balances project distribution that spans detection and monitoring, and impacts and consequences, including drivers, modeling, and synthesis. Gutman highlighted examples of population growth and urban expansion in Southeast Asia, resulting in environmental and socio-economic impacts. Urbanization accelerates deforestation, shifts farming practices to higher-value crops, and contributes to the loss of wetlands. This transformation alters the carbon cycle, degrades air quality, and increases flooding risks due to reduced rainwater absorption. Multi-source remote sensing data and social dimensions are essential in addressing LUCC issues, and the program aims to foster international collaborations and capacity building in land-change science through partnerships and training initiatives. (To learn more about the recent activities of the LCLUC Science Team, see Summary of the 2024 Land Cover Land Use Change Science Team Meeting.)
Krishna Vadrevu explained how SARI connects regional and national projects with researchers from the U.S. and local institutions to advance LUCC mapping, monitoring, and impact assessments through shared methodologies and data. The initiative has spurred extensive activities, including meetings, training sessions, publications, collaborations, and fieldwork. To date, the LCLUC program has funded 35 SARI projects and helped build collaborations with space agencies, universities, and decision-makers worldwide. SARI Principal Investigators have documented notable land-cover and land-use transformations, observing shifts in land conversion practices across Asia. For example, the transition from traditional slash-and-burn practices for subsistence agriculture to industrial oil palm and rubber plantations in Southeast Asia. Rapid urbanization has also reshaped several South and Southeast Asian regions, expanding both horizontally in rural areas and vertically in urban centers. The current SARI solicitation funds three projects across Asia, integrating the latest remote sensing data and methods to map, monitor, and assess LUCC drivers and impacts to support policy-making.
Vu Tuan provided a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s advances in satellite technology and Earth observation capabilities, particularly through the LOTUSat-1 satellite (name derived from the “Lotus” flower), which is equipped with an advanced X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor capable of providing high-resolution imagery [ranging from 1–16 m (3–52 ft)]. This satellite is integral to Vietnam’s efforts to enhance disaster management and climate change mitigation, as well as to support a range of applications in topography, agriculture, forestry, and water management, as well as in oceanography and environmental monitoring. The VNSC’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to build national expertise and self-reliance in satellite technology, such as developing a range of small satellites (e.g., NanoDragon, PicoDragon, and MicroDragon) that progress in size and capability. Alongside satellite development, the VNSC has established key infrastructure, facilities, and capacity building in Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City to support satellite assembly, integration, testing, and operation. Tuan showcased the application of remotely sensed LUCC data to map and monitor urban expansion in Ha Long city from 2000–2023 and the policies needed to manage these changes sustainably – see Figure 1.
Tsuneo Matsunaga provided a detailed overview of Japan’s Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) series of satellites, data from which provide valuable insights into global greenhouse gas (GHG) trends and support international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement.
Matsunaga reviewed the first two satellites in the series: GOSAT and GOSAT-2, then previewed the next satellite in the series: GOSAT-GW, which is scheduled to launch in 2025. GOSAT-GW will fly the Total Anthropogenic and Natural Emissions Mapping Observatory–3 (TANSO-3) – an improved version of TANSO-2, which flies on GOSAT-2. TANSO-3 includes a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS-3) that has improved spatial resolution [10.5 km (6.5 mi)] over TANSO-FTS-2 and precision that matches or exceeds that of its predecessor. TANSO-FTS-3 will allow estimates with precision better than 1 ppm for carbon dioxide (CO2) and 10 ppb for methane (CH4), as well as enabling nitrogen dioxide (NO2) measurements. GOSAT–GW will also fly the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR3) that will monitor water cycle components (e.g., precipitation, soil moisture) and ocean surface winds. AMSR3 builds on the heritage of three previous AMSR instruments that have flown on NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) missions.
Matsunaga also highlighted the importance of ground-based validation networks, such as the Total Carbon Column Observing Network, COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network, and the Pandora Global Network, to ensure satellite data accuracy.
Son Nghiem [NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)] addressed dynamic LUCC in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The synthesis study examined the factors that evolve along the rural–urban continuum (RUC). Nghiem showcased this effort using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission to map a typical RUC in Bac Lieu, Vietnam – see Figure 2.
Nghiem described the study, which examined the role of rapid urbanization, agricultural conversion, climate change, and environment–human feedback processes in causing non-stationary and unpredictable impacts. This work illustrates how traditional trend analysis is insufficient for future planning. The study also examined whether slower or more gradual changes could inform policy development. To test these hypotheses, his research will integrate high-resolution radar and hyperspectral data with socioeconomic analyses. The study highlights the need for policies that are flexible and responsive to the unique challenges of different areas, particularly in “hot-spot” regions experiencing rapid changes.
Peilei Fan [Tufts University] presented a study that synthesizes the complex patterns of LUCC, identifying both the spatial and temporal dynamics that characterize transitions in urban systems. The study explores key drivers, including economic development, population growth, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and policy shifts. She emphasized the importance of understanding these drivers for sustainable land management and urban planning. For example, the Yangon region of Myanmar has undergone rapid urbanization – see Figure 3. Her work reveals the need for integrated approaches that consider both urban and rural perspectives to manage land resources effectively and mitigate negative environmental and social impacts. Through a combination of case studies, statistical analysis, and policy review, Fan and her team aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the interactions between human activities and environmental changes occurring in the rapidly transforming landscapes of Southeast Asia.
Session III: Land Cover/Land Use Change Studies
Tanapat Tanaratkaittikul [Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Thailand] highlighted GISTDA activities, which play a crucial role in advancing Thailand’s technological capabilities and addressing both national and global challenges, including Thailand Earth Observation System (THEOS) and its successors: THEOS-2 and THEOS-2A. THEOS-1, which launched in 2008, provides 2-m (6-ft) panchromatic and 15-m (45-ft) multispectral resolution with a 26-day revisit cycle, which can be reduced to 3 days with off-nadir pointing. Launched in 2023, THEOS-2 includes two satellites – THEOS-2A [a very high-resolution satellite with 0.5-m (1.5-ft) panchromatic and 2-m (6-ft) multispectral imagery] and THEOS-2B [a high-resolution satellite with 4-m (12-ft) multispectral resolution] – with a five-day revisit cycle. GISTDA also develops geospatial applications for drought assessment, flood prediction, and carbon credit calculations to support government decision-making and climate initiatives. GISTDA partners with international collaborators on regional projects, such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund Project.
Eric Vermote [NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center] presented a keynote that focused on atmospheric correction of land remote sensing data and related algorithm updates. He highlighted the necessity of correcting surface imaging for atmospheric effects, such as molecular scattering, aerosol scattering, and gaseous absorption, which can significantly distort the satellite spectral signals and lead to potential errors in applications, such as land cover mapping, vegetation monitoring, and climate change studies.
Vermote explained that the surface reflectance algorithm uses precise vector radiative transfer modeling to improve accuracy by incorporating atmospheric parameter inversion. It also adjusts for various atmospheric conditions and aerosol types – enhancing corrections across regions and seasons. He explained that SkyCam – a network of ground-based cameras – provides real-time assessments of cloud cover that can be used to validate cloud masks, while the Cloud and Aerosol Measurement System (CAMSIS) offers additional ground validation by measuring atmospheric conditions. He said that together, SkyCam and CAMSIS improve satellite-derived cloud masks, supporting more accurate climate models and environmental monitoring. Vermote’s work highlights the ongoing advancement of atmospheric correction methods in remote sensing.
Other presentations in this session included one in which the speaker described how Yangon, the capital city in Myanmar, is undergoing rapid urbanization and industrial growth. From 1990–2020, the urban area expanded by over 225% – largely at the expense of agricultural and green lands. Twenty-nine industrial zones cover about 10.92% of the city, which have attracted significant foreign direct investment, particularly in labor-intensive sectors. This growth has led to challenges with land confiscations, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental issues (e.g., air pollution). Additionally, rural migration for employment has resulted in informal settlements, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning that balances economic development with social equity and sustainability.
Another presentation highlighted varying LUCC trends across Vietnam. In the Northern and Central Coastal Uplands, for example, swidden systems are shifting toward permanent tree crops, such as rubber and coffee. Meanwhile, the Red River Delta is seeing urban densification and consolidation of farmland – transitioning from rice to mixed farming with increased fruit and flower production. Similarly, the Central Coastal Lowlands and Southeastern regions are experiencing urban growth and a shift from coastal agriculture – in this case, to shrimp farming – leading to mangrove loss. The Central Highlands is moving from swidden to tree crops, particularly fruit trees, while the Mekong River Delta is increasing rice cropping and aquaculture. These changes contribute to urbanization, altered farming practices, and biodiversity loss. Advanced algorithms (e.g., the Time-Feature Convolutional Neural Network model) are being used to effectively map these varied LUCC changes in Vietnam.
Another presenter explained how 10-m (33-ft) resolution spatially gridded population datasets are essential to address LUCC in environmental and socio-demographic research. There was also a demonstration of PopGrid, which is a collaborative initiative that provides access to various global-gridded population databases, which are valuable for regional LUCC studies and can support informed decision-making and policy development.
DAY TWO
The second day’s presentations centered around urban LUCC (Session IV) as well as interconnections between agriculture and water resources. (Session V).
Session IV: Urban Land Cover/Land Use Change
Gay Perez [Philippines Remote Sensing Agency (PhilSA)] presented a keynote focused on PhilSA’s mission to advance Philippines as a space-capable country by developing indigenous satellite and launch technologies. He explained that PhilSA provides satellite data in various categories, including sovereign, commercial, open-access, and disaster-activated. He noted that the ground infrastructure – which includes three stations and a new facility in Quezon – supports efficient data processing. For example, Perez stated that in 2023, PhilSA produced over 10,000 maps for disaster relief, agricultural assessments, and conservation planning.
Perez reviewed PhilSA’s Diwata-2 mission, which launched in 2018 and operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit around 620 km (385 mi) above Earth. With a 10-day revisit capability, it features a high-precision telescope [4.7 m (15ft) resolution], a multispectral imager with four bands, an enhanced resolution camera, and a wide-field camera. Since launch, Diwata-2 has captured over 100,000 global images, covering 95% of the Philippines. Looking to the near future, Perez reported that PhilSA’s launch of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite is planned for 2025. He explained that MULA will capture images with a 5-m (~16-ft) resolution and 10–20-day revisit time, featuring 10 spectral bands for vegetation, water, and urban analysis.
Perez also described the Drought and Crop Assessment and Forecasting project, which addresses drought risks and mapping ground motion in areas, e.g., Baguio City and Pangasinan. Through partnerships in the Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution Information (PAPGAPI) and the Pandora Asia Network, PhilSA monitors air quality across key locations, tracking urban pollution and cross-border particulate transport. PhilSA continues to strengthen Southeast Asian partnerships to drive sustainable development in the region.
Jiquan Chen [Michigan State University] presented the second keynote address, which focused on the Urban Rural Continuum (URC). Chen emphasized the importance of synthesizing studies that explore factors such as population dynamics, living standards, and economic development in the URC. Key considerations include differentiating between two- and three-dimensional infrastructures and understanding constraints from historical contexts. Chen highlighted critical variables from his analysis including net primary productivity, household income, and essential infrastructure elements, such as transportation and healthcare systems. He advocated for integrated models that combine mechanistic and empirical approaches to grasp the dynamics of URC changes, stressing their implications for urban planning, environmental sustainability, and social equity. He concluded with a call for collaboration to enhance these models and tackle challenges arising from the changing urban–rural landscape.
Tep Makathy [Cambodian Institute For Urban Studies] discussed urbanization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He explained that significant LUCC and infrastructure developments have been fueled by direct foreign investment; however, this development has resulted in environmental degradation, urban flooding, and infrastructure strain. Tackling pollution, congestion, preservation of green spaces, and preserving the historical heritage of the city will require sustainable urban planning efforts.
Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang [Vietnam Japan University, Vietnam National University, Hanoi] explained how flooding poses a significant annual threat to infrastructure and livelihoods in Can Tho, Vietnam. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate climate change considerations into land-use planning by enhancing the accuracy of vegetation layer classifications. Doing so will improve the representation of land-cover dynamics in models that decision-makers use when planning urban development. In addition, Hang reported that a more comprehensive survey of dyke systems will improve flood protection and identify areas needing reinforcement or redesign. These studies could also explore salinity intrusion in coastal agricultural areas that could impact crop yields and endanger food security.
In this session, two presenters highlighted how SAR data, which uses high backscatter to enhance the radar signal, is being used to assist with mapping urban areas in their respective countries. The phase stability and orientation of building structures across SAR images aid in consistent monitoring and backscatter, producing distinct image textures specific to urban settings. Researchers can use this heterogeneity and texture to map urban footprints, enabling automated discrimination between urban and non-urban areas. The first presenters showed how Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar techniques, such as Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) and Persistent Scatterer (PS) have been highly effective for mapping and monitoring land subsidence in coastal and urban areas in Vietnam. This approach has been applied to areas along the Saigon River as well as in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The second presenter described an approach (using SAR data with multitemporal coherence and the K-means classification method) that has been used effectively to study urban growth in the Denpasar Greater Area of Indonesia between 2016 and 2022. The technique identified the conversion of 4376 km2 (1690 mi2) of rural to built-up areas, averaging 72.9 hectares (0.3 mi2) per year. Urban sprawl was predominantly observed in the North Kuta District, where the shift from agricultural to built-up land use has been accompanied by severe traffic congestion and other environmental issues.
Another presenter showed how data from the QuikSCAT instrument, which flew on the Quick Scatterometer satellite, and from the Sentinel-1 C-band SAR can be combined to measure and analyze urban built-up volume, specifically focusing on the vertical growth of buildings across various cities. By integrating these datasets, researchers can assess urban expansion, monitor the development of high-rise buildings, and evaluate the impact of urbanization on infrastructure and land use. This information is essential for urban planning, helping city planners and policymakers make informed decisions to accommodate growing populations and enhance sustainable urban development.
Session V – LUCC, Agriculture, and Water Resources
Chris Justice presented the keynote for this session, in which he addressed the GEOGLAM initiative and the NASA Harvest program. GEOGLAM, initiated by the G20 Agriculture Ministers in 2011, focuses on agriculture and food security to increase market transparency and improve food security. These efforts leverage satellite-based Earth observations to produce and disseminate timely, relevant, and actionable information about agricultural conditions at national, regional, and global scales to support agricultural markets and provide early warnings for proactive responses to emerging food emergencies. NASA Harvest uses satellite Earth observations to benefit global food security, sustainability, and agriculture for disaster response, climate risk assessments, and policy support. Justice also emphasized the use of open science and open data principles, promoting the integration of Earth observation data into national and international agricultural monitoring systems. He also discussed the development and application of essential agricultural variables, in situ data requirements, and the need for comprehensive and accurate satellite data products.
During this session, another presentation focused on how VNSC is engaged in several agricultural projects, including mapping rice crops, estimating yields, and assessing environmental impacts. VNSC has created high-accuracy rice maps for different seasons that the Vietnamese government uses to monitor and manage agricultural production. Current initiatives involve using satellite data to estimate CH4 emissions from rice paddies, biomass mapping, and monitoring rice straw burning. For example, in the Mekong Delta, numerous environmental factors, including climate change-induced stress (e.g., sea-level rise), flooding, drought, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion, along with human activities like dam construction, sand mining, and groundwater extraction, threaten the sustainability of rice farming and farmer livelihoods. To address these challenges, sustainable agricultural practices are essential to improving rice quality, diversify farming systems, adopt low-carbon techniques, and enhance water management.
Presentations highlighted the importance of both optical and SAR data for LUCC studies, particularly in mapping agricultural areas. A study using Landsat time-series data demonstrated its value in monitoring agricultural LUCC in Houa Phan Province, Laos, and Son La Province, Vietnam. Land cover types were classified through spectral pattern analysis, identifying distinct classes based on Landsat reflectance values. The findings revealed significant natural forest loss alongside increases in cropland and forest plantations due to agricultural expansion. High-resolution imagery validated these results, indicating the scalability of this approach for broader regional and global land-cover monitoring. Another study showcased the effectiveness of SAR data from the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) on the Japanese Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) for mapping and monitoring agricultural land use in Suphanburi, Thailand. This data proved particularly useful for capturing seasonal variations and diverse agricultural practices. Supervised machine learning methods, such as Random Forest classifiers, combined with innovative spatial averaging techniques, achieved high accuracy in distinguishing various agricultural conditions.
In the session, presenters also discussed the use of Sentinel-1 SAR data for mapping submerged and non-submerged paddy soils was highlighted, demonstrating its effectiveness in understanding water management issues see – Figure 4. Additionally, large-scale remote sensing data and cloud computing were shown to provide unprecedented opportunities for tracking agricultural land-use changes in greater detail. Case studies from India and China illustrated key challenges, such as groundwater depletion in irrigated agriculture across the Indo-Ganges region and the impacts on food, water, and air quality in both countries.
The session also focused on Water–Energy–Food (WEF) issues related to the Mekong River Basin’s extensive network of hydroelectric dams, which present both benefits and challenges. While these dams support sectors such as irrigated agriculture and hydropower, they also disrupt vital ecosystem services, including fish habitats and biodiversity. Collaborative studies integrating satellite and ground data, hydrological models, and socio-economic frameworks highlight the need to balance these benefits with ecological and social costs. Achieving sustainable management requires cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation, as well as the incorporation of traditional knowledge to address WEF trade-offs and governance challenges in the region.
DAY THREE
The third day included a session that explored the impacts of fire, GHG emissions, and pollution (Session VI) as well as a summary discussion on synthesis (Session VII).
Session VI: Fires, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Pollution
Chris Elvidge [Colorado School of Mines] presented a keynote on the capabilities and applications of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Nightfire [VNF] system, an advanced satellite-based tool developed by the Earth Observation Group. VIIRS Nightfire uses four near- and short-wave infrared channels, initially designed for daytime imaging, to detect and monitor infrared emissions at night. The system identifies various combustion sources, including both flaming and non-flaming activities (e.g., biomass burning, gas flaring, and industrial processes). It calculates the temperature, source area, and radiant heat of detected infrared emitters using physical laws to enable precise monitoring of combustion events and provide insight into exothermic and endothermic processes.
Elvidge explained that VNF has been vital for near-real-time data in Southeast Asia. The system has been used to issue daily alerts for Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Recent updates in Version 4 (V4) include atmospheric corrections and testing for secondary emitters with algorithmic improvements – with a 50% success rate in identifying additional heat sources. The Earth Observation Group maintains a multiyear catalog of over 20,000 industrial infrared emitters available through the Global Infrared Emitter Explorer (GIREE) web-map service. With VIIRS sensors expected to operate until about 2040 on the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) platforms, this system ensures long-term, robust monitoring and analysis of global combustion events, proving essential for tracking the environmental impacts of industrial activities and natural combustion processes on the atmosphere and ecosystems.
Toshimasa Ohara [Center for Environmental Science, Japan—Research Director] continued with the second keynote and provided an in-depth analysis of long-term trends in anthropogenic emissions across Asia. The regional mission inventory in Asia encompasses a range of pollutants and offers detailed emissions data from 1950–2020 at high spatial and temporal resolutions. The study employs both bottom-up and top-down approaches for estimating emissions, integrating satellite observations to validate data and address uncertainties. Notably, emissions from China, India, and Japan have shown signs of stabilization or reduction, attributed to stricter emission control policies and technological advancements. Ohara also highlighted Japan’s effective air pollution measures and the importance of extensive observational data in corroborating emission trends. His presentation emphasized the need for improved methodologies in emission inventory development and validation across Asia, aiming to enhance policymaking and environmental management in rapidly industrializing regions.
Several presenters during this session focused on innovative approaches to understand and mitigate GHG emissions and air pollution. One presenter showed how NO2 data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the European Sentinel-5 Precursor have been validated against ground-based observations from Pandora stations in Japan, highlighting the influence of atmospheric conditions on measurement accuracy. Another presenter described an innovative system that GISTDA used to combine satellite remote sensing data with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This system was used to monitor and analyze the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere in Thailand. (In this context fine is defined as particles with diameters ≤ 2.5 µm, or PM2.5.) These applications, which are accessible through online, cloud-based platforms and mobile applications for iOS and Android devices, allow users, including citizens, government officers, and policymakers, to access PM2.5 data in real-time through web and mobile interfaces.
A project under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Thailand is focused on improving air quality monitoring across the Asia–Pacific region by integrating satellite and ground-based data. At the core of this effort, the Pandora Asia Network, which includes 30 ground-based instruments measuring pollutants such as NO₂ and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), is complemented by high-resolution observations from the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) aboard South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK-2B) satellite. The initiative also provides training sessions to strengthen regional expertise in remote sensing technologies for air quality management and develops decision support systems for evidence-based policymaking, particularly for monitoring pollution sources and transboundary effects like volcanic eruptions. Future plans include expanding the Pandora network and enhancing data integration to support local environmental management practices.
PM2.5 levels in Vietnam are influenced by both local emissions and long-range pollutant transport, particularly in urban areas.The Vietnam University of Engineering and Technology, in conjunction with VNSC, continues to map and monitor PM2.5 using satellites and machine learning while addressing data quality issues that stem from missing satellite data and limited ground monitoring stations – see Figure 5.
In addition to mapping and monitoring pollutants, another presentater explained that significant research is underway to address their health impacts. In Hanoi, exposure to pollutants ( e.g., PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) has led to increased rates of respiratory diseases (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma) among children, as well as elevated instances of cardiovascular diseases among adults. A substantial mortality burden is attributable to fine particulate matter – particularly in densely populated areas like Hanoi. Compliance with stricter air quality guidelines could potentially prevent thousands of premature deaths. For example, preventive measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced pollution levels that were associated with a decrease in avoidable mortality rates. In response to these challenges, Vietnam has implemented air quality management policies, including national technical regulations and action plans aimed at controlling emissions and enhancing monitoring; however, current national standards still fall short of the more stringent guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization. Improved air quality standards and effective policy interventions are needed to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution in Vietnam.
Another presenter explained how food production in Southeast Asia contributes about 40% of the region’s total GHG emissions – with rice and beef production identified as the largest contributors for plant-based and animal-based emissions, respectively. Another presentation focused on a study that examined GHG emissions from agricultural activities, which suggests that animal-based food production – particularly beef – generates substantially higher GHG emissions per kg of food produced compared to plant-based foods, such as wheat and rice. Beef has an emission intensity of about 69 kg of CO2 equivalent-per-kg, compared to 2 to 3 kg of CO2 equivalent-per-kg for plant-based foods. The study points to mitigation strategies (e.g., changing dietary patterns, improving agricultural practices) and adopting sustainable land management. Participants agreed that a comprehensive policy framework is needed to address the environmental impacts of food production and reduce GHG emissions in the agricultural sector.
In another presentation, the speaker highlighted the fact that Southeast Asian countries need an advanced monitoring, reporting, and verification system to track GHG emissions – particularly within high-carbon reservoirs like rice paddies. To achieve this, cutting-edge technologies (e.g., satellite remote sensing, low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles, and Internet of Things devices) can be beneficial in creating sophisticated digital twin technology for sustainable rice production and GHG mitigation.
Another presentation featured a discussion about pollution resulting from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, which is significantly impacting air quality. Indonesia’s tropical peatlands – among the world’s largest and most diverse – face significant threats from frequent fires. Repeated burning has transformed forests into shrubs and secondary vegetation regions, with fires particularly affecting forest edges and contributing to a further retreat of intact forest areas. High-resolution data is essential to map and monitor changes in forest cover, including pollution impacts.
Another speaker described a web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application that has been developed to support carbon offsetting efforts in Laos – to address significant environmental challenges, e.g., deforestation and climate change. Advanced technologies (e.g., remote sensing, GIS, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems) are used to monitor land-use changes, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem health. By integrating various spatial datasets, the web GIS app enhances data collection precision, streamlines monitoring processes, and provides real-time information to stakeholders for informed decision-making. This initiative fosters collaboration among local communities, government agencies, and international partners, while emphasizing the importance of government support and international partnerships. Ultimately, the web GIS application represents a significant advancement in Laos’s commitment to environmental sustainability, economic growth, and the creation of a greener future.
Session VII. Discussion Session on Synthesis
The meeting concluded with a comprehensive discussion on synthesizing themes related to LUCC. The session focused on three themes: LUCC, agriculture, and air pollution. The session focused on trends and projections as well as the resulting impacts in the coming years. It also highlighted research related to these topics to inform more sustainable land use policies. A panel of experts from different Southeast Asian countries addressed these topics. A summary of the key points shared by the panelists for each theme during the discussion is provided below.
LUCC Discussions
This discussion focused on the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability in Southeast Asian countries, e.g., mining in Myanmar, agriculture in Vietnam, and rising land prices in Thailand. More LUCC research is needed to inform decision-making and improve land-use planning during transitions from agriculture to industrialization while ensuring food security. The panelists also discussed urban sprawl and infrastructure development along main roads in several Southeast Asian countries, highlighting the social and environmental challenges arising from uncoordinated growth. It was noted that urban infrastructure lags behind population increases, resulting in traffic congestion, pollution, and social inequality. Cambodia, for example, has increased foreign investments, which presents similar dilemmas of economic growth accompanied by significant environmental degradation. Indonesia is another example of a Southeast Asian nation facing rapid urbanization and inadequate spatial planning, leading to flooding, groundwater depletion, and pollution. These issues further highlight the need for integrated satellite monitoring to inform land-use policies. Finally, recognizing the importance of public infrastructure in growth management, it was reported that the Thai government is already using technology to manage urban development alongside green spaces.
Panelists agreed that LUCC research is critical for guiding policymakers toward sustainable land-use practices – emphasizing the necessity for improved communication between researchers and policymakers. While the integration of technologies (e.g., GIS and remote sensing) is beginning to influence policy decisions, room for improvement remains. In summary, the discussions stressed the importance of better planning, technology integration, and policy-informed research to reconcile economic growth with sustainability. Participants also highlighted the need to engage policymakers, non-government organizations, and the private sector in using scientific evidence for sustainable development. Capacity building in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, where GIS and remote sensing technologies are still developing, is crucial. Community involvement is essential for translating research findings into actionable policies to address real-world challenges and social equity.
Agriculture Discussions
These discussions explored the intricate relationships between agricultural practices, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Southeast Asia. As an example, despite national policies to manage the land transition in Vietnam, rapid conversions from forest to agricultural land and further to residential and industrial continue. While it is recognized that strict land management plans may hinder future adaptability, further regulation is needed. These rapid shifts in land use have increased land for economic development – especially in industrial and residential sectors – and contribute to environmental degradation, e.g., pollution and soil erosion. In Thailand, land is distributed among agriculture (50%), forest (30%), and urban (20%) areas. Despite a long history of agricultural practices, Vietnam faces new challenges from climate change and extreme weather.
Thailand, meanwhile, is exploring carbon credits to incentivize sustainable farming practices – although this requires significant investment and time. The nation is well-equipped with a robust water supply system, and ongoing efforts to enhance crop yields on Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, salinity levels, and flooding intensity have increased as a result of the rise in incidents of extreme weather, prompting advancements in rice farming mechanization to be implemented that are modeled after practices that have been successfully used in the Philippines.
Despite these advances, issues (e.g., over-application of rice seeds) remain. The dominant land cover type in Malaysia is tropical rainforest, although agriculture – particularly oil palm plantations – also plays a significant role in land use. While stable, it shares environmental concerns with Indonesia. The country is integrating solar energy initiatives, placing solar panels on former agricultural lands and recreational areas, which raises coastal environmental concerns. In Taiwan, substantial land use changes have stemmed from solar panel installations to support green energy goals but have led to increased temperatures and altered wind patterns.
All panelists agreed that remote sensing technologies are vital to inform agricultural policy across the region. They emphasized the need to transition from academic research to actionable insights that directly inform policy. Panelists also discussed the challenge of securing funding for actionable research – underlining the importance of recognizing the transition required for research to inform operational use. Some countries (e.g., Thailand) have established operational crop monitoring systems, while others (e.g., Vietnam) primarily depend on research projects. Despite progress in Malaysia’s monitoring of oil palm plantations, a comprehensive operational monitoring system is still lacking in many areas. The participants concluded that increased efforts are needed to promote the wider adoption of remote sensing technologies for agricultural and environmental monitoring, with emphasis on developing operational systems that can be integrated into policy and decision-making processes.
Air Pollution Discussions
The discussion on air pollution focused on various sources in Southeast Asia, which included both local and transboundary factors. Panelists highlighted that motor vehicles, industrial activities, and power plants are major contributors to pollutants, such as PM2.5, NO2, ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Forest fires in Indonesia – particularly from South Sumatra and Riau provinces – are significantly impacting neighboring countries, e.g., Malaysia. A study found that most PM2.5 pollution in Kuala Lumpur originates from Indonesia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pollution levels dropped sharply due to reduced economic activity; however, data from 2018–2023 shows that PM2.5 levels have returned to pre-pandemic conditions.
The Indonesian government is actively working to reduce deforestation and emissions, aiming for a 29% reduction by 2030. Indonesia is also participating in carbon markets and receiving international payments for emission reductions. Indonesia’s emissions also stem from energy production, industrial activities, and land-use changes, including peat fires. The Indonesian government reports anthropogenic sources – particularly from the energy sector and industrial activities, forest and peat fires, waste, and agriculture – continue to escalate. While Indonesia is addressing these issues, growing population and energy demands continue to drive pollution levels higher.
Vietnam and Laos are facing similar challenges related to air pollution – particularly from agricultural residue burning. Both governments are working on expanding air quality monitoring, regulating waste burning, and developing policies to mitigate pollution. Vietnam has been developing provincial air quality management plans and expanding its monitoring network. Laos has seen increased awareness of pollution, accompanied by government measures aimed at restricting burning and improving waste management practices.
The panelists agreed that collaborative efforts for regional cooperation are essential to address air pollution. This will require collaboration in research and data sharing to inform policy decisions. There is a growing interest in leveraging satellite technology and modeling approaches to enhance air quality forecasting and management. To ensure that research translates into effective policy, communication of scientific findings to policymakers is essential – particularly by clearly communicating complex research concepts in accessible formats. All panelists agreed on the importance of improving governance, transparency, and scientific communication to better translate research into policy actions, highlighting collaborations with international organizations – including NASA – to address air quality issues. While significant challenges related to air pollution persist in Southeast Asia, noteworthy efforts are underway to improve awareness, research, and collaborative governance aimed at enhancing air quality and reducing emissions.
Conclusion
The LCLUC–SARI Synthesis meeting fostered collaboration among researchers and provided valuable updates on recent developments in LUCC research, exchange of ideas, integration of new data products, and discussions on emerging science directions. This structured dialogue (particularly the discussions in each session) helped the attendees identify priorities and needs within the LUCC community. All panelists and meeting participants commended the SARI leadership for their proactive role in facilitating collaborations and discussions that promote capacity-building activities across the region. SARI activities have significantly contributed to enhancing the collective ability of countries in South and Southeast Asia to address pressing environmental challenges. The meeting participants emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding these collaborative efforts, which are crucial for fostering partnerships among governments, research institutions, and local communities. They urged SARI to continue organizing workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms that can equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and resources to tackle environmental issues such as air pollution, deforestation, climate change, and sustainable land management.
Krishna VadrevuNASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centerkrishna.p.vadrevu@nasa.gov
Vu TuanVietnam National Science Center, Vietnamvatuan@vnsc.org.vn
Than NguyenVietnam National University Engineering and Technology, Vietnamthanhntn@vnu.edu.vn
Son NghiemJet Propulsion Laboratoryson.v.nghiem@jpl.nasa.gov
Tsuneo MatsunagaNational Institute of Environmental Studies, Japanmatsunag@nies.go.jp
Garik GutmanNASA Headquartersggutman@nasa.gov
Christopher JusticeUniversity of Maryland College Parkcjustice@umd.edu
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBank Indianapolis” or “Bank”) declared its fourth quarter 2024 dividends on Class B-2 activity-based capital stock and Class B-1 non-activity-based stock at annualized rates of 9.50% and 4.50%, respectively. The higher dividend rate on activity-based stock reflects the Board’s discretion under the Bank’s capital plan to reward members that use FHLBank Indianapolis in support of their liquidity needs.
The dividends will be paid in cash on February 21, 2025.
“I am proud that FHLBank Indianapolis delivered strong financial results in 2024, a reflection of our steadfast commitment to serving our members’ liquidity needs while maintaining the Bank’s financial strength and stability,” President and CEO Cindy Konich said.
She added: “In addition to another strong dividend for our members, these results allowed us to invest at record levels in the communities our members serve, including an additional voluntary contribution of 7.5% of 2023 net earnings – bringing the total support of housing and community initiatives in 2024 to 17.5%. Building on the success of 2024, we look forward to continuing this support in 2025 at 17.5% of 2024 net earnings.”
Earnings Highlights
Net income, for the fourth quarter of 2024, was $67 million, a net decrease of $37 million compared to the corresponding quarter in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a significant increase in voluntary contributions to affordable housing and community investment programs and unrealized losses on qualifying fair-value hedging relationships.
Net income, for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $342 million, a net decrease of $35 million compared to the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a significant increase in voluntary contributions to affordable housing and community investment programs and net realized gains on the extinguishment of consolidated obligations in 2023 that did not occur in 2024. However, such decrease was partially offset by higher earnings on the portion of the Bank’s assets funded by its capital.1
Affordable Housing Program Allocation
The Bank’s Affordable Housing Program (“AHP”) provides grant funding to support housing for low- and moderate-income families in communities served by its Michigan and Indiana members. For the year ended December 31, 2024, AHP assessments2 totaled $40 million. Such required allocations will be available to the Bank’s members in 2025 to help address their communities’ affordable housing needs, including construction, rehabilitation, accessibility improvements and homebuyer down-payment assistance.
In addition, as part of the Bank’s commitment to further support its AHP and additional affordable housing and community investment programs, the Bank voluntarily contributed additional funding in 2024 totaling $33 million. Additionally, the Bank made a supplemental voluntary contribution to its AHP totaling $4 million. As a result, voluntary contributions to housing and community investment programs in 2024 totaled $37 million, all of which have been recognized and reported in other expenses.
The Bank’s combined required and voluntary allocations recognized in 2024 totaled $77 million, an increase of $29 million, or 60%, compared to the prior year.
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1 FHLBank Indianapolis earns interest income on advances to and mortgage loans purchased from its Michigan and Indiana member financial institutions, as well as on long- and short-term investments. Net interest income is primarily determined by the size of the Bank’s balance sheet and the spread between the interest earned on its assets and the interest cost of funding with consolidated obligations. Because of the Bank’s inherent relatively low interest-rate spread, it has historically derived a substantial portion of its net interest income from deploying its interest-free capital in floating-rate assets.
2 Each year, Federal Home Loan Banks are required to allocate to the AHP 10% of earnings, defined for this purpose as income before assessments plus interest expense on mandatorily redeemable capital stock.
Condensed Statements of Income
The following table presents unaudited condensed statements of income ($ amounts in millions):
| Three Months Ended December 31, |
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Interest income(a) | $ | 989 | $ | 1,013 | $ | 4,130 | $ | 3,755 | ||||
| Interest expense(a) | 866 | 873 | 3,623 | 3,260 | ||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
| Net interest income after provision for credit losses | 123 | 140 | 507 | 495 | ||||||||
| Other income(b) | 6 | 7 | 32 | 46 | ||||||||
| Other expenses(c) | 54 | 31 | 157 | 120 | ||||||||
| AHP assessments | 8 | 12 | 40 | 44 | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 67 | $ | 104 | $ | 342 | $ | 377 | ||||
| (a) | Includes hedging gains (losses) and net interest settlements on fair-value hedge relationships. The Bank uses derivatives, specifically interest-rate swaps, to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of certain of its advances, available-for-sale securities and consolidated obligations. These derivatives are designated as fair-value hedges and, therefore, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative, and changes in the fair value of the hedged item that are attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in net interest income. |
| (b) | Includes impact of purchase discount (premium) recorded through mark-to-market gains (losses) on trading securities and net interest settlements on derivatives hedging trading securities, while generally offsetting interest income on trading securities is included in interest income. |
| (c) | Includes voluntary contributions to the Bank’s AHP and other affordable housing, small business and community investment programs. |
Balance Sheet Highlights
Total assets, at December 31, 2024, were $84.5 billion, a net increase of $7.9 billion, or 10%, from December 31, 2023, primarily due to an increase in advances and mortgage loans outstanding.
Advances 3
The carrying value of advances outstanding, at December 31, 2024, totaled $39.8 billion, a net increase of $4.3 billion, or 12%, from December 31, 2023. The par value of advances outstanding increased by 12% to $40.1 billion, which included a net increase in short-term advances of 54% and a net decrease in long-term advances of 4%. At December 31, 2024, based on contractual maturities, long-term advances composed 63% of advances outstanding, while short-term advances composed 37%.
The par value of advances outstanding to depository institutions — comprising commercial banks, savings institutions and credit unions — increased by 18%, while advances outstanding to insurance companies increased by 1%. As a percent of total advances outstanding at par value at December 31, 2024, advances to commercial banks and savings institutions were 52% and advances to credit unions were 14%, resulting in total advances to depository institutions of 66%, while advances to insurance companies were 34%.
In general, advances fluctuate in accordance with members’ funding needs, primarily determined by their deposit levels, mortgage pipelines, loan growth, investment opportunities, available collateral, other balance sheet strategies, and the cost of alternative funding options.
Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio 4
Mortgage loans held for portfolio, at December 31, 2024, totaled $10.8 billion, a net increase of $2.2 billion, or 25%, from December 31, 2023, as the Bank’s purchases from its members significantly exceeded principal repayments by borrowers. Purchases of mortgage loans from members, for the year ended December 31, 2024, totaled $3.2 billion.
In general, the Bank’s volume of mortgage loans purchased is affected by several factors, including interest rates, competition, the general level of housing and refinancing activity in the United States, consumer product preferences, the Bank’s balance sheet capacity and risk appetite, and regulatory considerations.
Liquidity Investments 5
Liquidity investments, at December 31, 2024, totaled $12.9 billion, a net increase of $759 million, or 6%, from December 31, 2023. The Bank’s liquidity remained well above regulatory requirements and continues to enable the Bank to be a reliable liquidity provider to its members.
Cash and short-term investments increased by $271 million, or 2%, to $11.8 billion. The portion of U.S. Treasury obligations classified as trading securities increased by $488 million, or 81%, to $1.1 billion. As a result of this activity, cash and short-term investments represented 92% of the total liquidity investments at December 31, 2024, while U.S. Treasury obligations represented 8%.
The total outstanding balance and composition of the Bank’s liquidity investments are influenced by its liquidity needs, regulatory requirements, actual and anticipated member advance activity, market conditions, and the availability of short-term investments at attractive interest rates, relative to the cost of funds.
Other Investment Securities
Other investment securities, which consist substantially of mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury obligations classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale, at December 31, 2024, totaled $20.2 billion, a net increase of $738 million, or 4%, from December 31, 2023.
Consolidated Obligations 6
FHLBank Indianapolis’ consolidated obligations outstanding, at December 31, 2024, totaled $78.1 billion, a net increase of $7.0 billion, or 10%, from December 31, 2023, which reflected increased funding needs associated with the net increase in the Bank’s total assets.
Capital 7
Total capital, at December 31, 2024, was $4.2 billion, a net increase of $491 million, or 13%, from December 31, 2023. The net increase resulted primarily from issuances of capital stock to support advance activity and the growth in retained earnings.
The Bank’s regulatory capital-to-assets ratio8, at December 31, 2024, was 5.44%, which exceeds all applicable regulatory capital requirements.
__________________
3 Advances are secured loans that the Bank provides to its member institutions.
4 The Bank purchases mortgage loans from its members to support its housing mission, provide an additional source of liquidity to its members, and diversify its investments.
5 The Bank’s liquidity investments consist of cash, interest-bearing deposits, securities purchased under agreements to resell, federal funds sold and U.S. Treasury obligations.
6 The primary source of funds for FHLBank Indianapolis, and for the other FHLBanks, is the sale of FHLBanks’ consolidated obligations in the capital markets. FHLBank Indianapolis is the primary obligor for the payment of the principal and interest on the consolidated obligations issued on its behalf; additionally, it is jointly and severally liable with each of the other FHLBanks for all of the FHLBanks’ consolidated obligations outstanding.
7 FHLBank Indianapolis is a cooperative whose member financial institutions and former members own all of its capital stock as a condition of membership and to support outstanding credit products.
8 Total regulatory capital, which consists of capital stock, mandatorily redeemable capital stock and retained earnings, as a percentage of total assets.
Condensed Statements of Condition
The following table presents unaudited condensed statements of condition ($ amounts in millions):
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Advances | $ | 39,833 | $ | 35,562 | ||||
| Mortgage loans held for portfolio, net | 10,796 | 8,614 | ||||||
| Liquidity investments | 12,911 | 12,152 | ||||||
| Other investment securities(a) | 20,189 | 19,451 | ||||||
| Other assets | 806 | 829 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 84,535 | $ | 76,608 | ||||
| Consolidated obligations | $ | 78,085 | $ | 71,053 | ||||
| MRCS | 363 | 369 | ||||||
| Other liabilities | 1,852 | 1,442 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 80,300 | 72,864 | ||||||
| Capital stock(b) | 2,555 | 2,285 | ||||||
| Retained earnings(c) | 1,684 | 1,532 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (4 | ) | (73 | ) | ||||
| Total capital | 4,235 | 3,744 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and capital | $ | 84,535 | $ | 76,608 | ||||
| Total regulatory capital(d) | $ | 4,602 | $ | 4,186 | ||||
| Regulatory capital-to-assets ratio | 5.44 | % | 5.46 | % | ||||
| (a) | Includes held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities. |
| (b) | Putable by members at par value. |
| (c) | Includes restricted retained earnings, at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, of $466 million and $398 million, respectively. |
| (d) | Consists of total capital less accumulated other comprehensive income plus mandatorily redeemable capital stock. |
All amounts referenced above are unaudited. More detailed information about FHLBank Indianapolis’ financial condition as of December 31, 2024, and its results for the year then ended, will be included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events and performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “will,” “believes,” “may,” “temporary,” “estimates,” and “expects” or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release reflects FHLBank Indianapolis’ current beliefs and expectations. Actual results or performance may differ materially from what is expressed in any forward-looking statements.
Any forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date on which it was made. FHLBank Indianapolis undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Readers are referred to the documents filed by the Bank with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), specifically reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which include factors that could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements. These reports are available at www.sec.gov.
Media Contact:
Scott Thien
Senior Corporate Communications Associate
317-902-3103
sthien@fhlbi.com
Building Partnerships. Serving Communities.
FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank included in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members’ customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and receive no Congressional appropriations. FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com. Also, follow the Bank on LinkedIn, as well as Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy. Please note that content the Bank shares on its website and social media is not incorporated by reference into any of its filings with the SEC unless, and only to the extent that, a filing by the Bank with the SEC expressly provides to the contrary.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
Tacoma – A 32-year-old Renton, Washington resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 13 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring connected to Aryan prison gangs, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Shawn Ellis was arrested in March 2023, when federal agents moved in following a two-year investigation of drug trafficking activities. A search of Ellis’ car turned up buckets filled with fentanyl pills and kilos of methamphetamine, as well as four firearms – including a machine gun. At today’s sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “We’re talking about a significant amount of controlled substances,” and added, “What is really significant and obviously scary for the community is the firearms.”
According to records filed in the case, Ellis was a prolific drug redistributor. He obtained drugs from one branch of the drug conspiracy and sold the drugs to other customers for profit. Ellis would order as much as 30 pounds of methamphetamine at a time. When Ellis was arrested, agents seized the buckets of fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as cocaine and fake Xanax pills. Ellis carried four guns in the car to protect his drugs – a loaded pistol between the driver’s seat and center console, an SK-15 rifle hidden in a violin case, a shotgun and a second loaded pistol. He also had body armor in the vehicle.
In a storage shed Ellis controlled were five additional firearms, a large amount of ammunition, additional body armor and a homemade silencer. Ellis also stored cash, jewelry, precious metals, coins and other collectibles in the shed – proceeds of his drug trafficking.
Ellis has two prior felony drug convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
In asking for a 15-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “But the danger Ellis posed to the community does not stop (with his possession of a silencer). He carried guns in his car along with his drugs, including a pistol which he kept close at hand near the driver’s seat. Ellis also kept in the car a second pistol, a shotgun, and an AR-15 type rifle that he hid in a violin case. This rifle proved to be a machinegun that fires fully automatically. As a felon, Ellis could not legally possess any firearms, much less a silencer or a machinegun.”
Law enforcement made two dozen arrests on federal charges on March 22, 2023. The coordinated takedown involved ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day law enforcement seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona. Earlier in the investigation law enforcement seized 830,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine, $388,000 in cash, and 48 firearms.
The top-level leader of the drug trafficking ring, Jesse Bailey, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2025, and his wife and co-conspirator Candace Bailey, is scheduled for sentencing on May 16, 2025.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.
Source: World Trade Organization
Good morning, Chairman Lange, esteemed Members of the European Parliament, and the Steering Committee of the Interparliamentary Union.
It is a privilege to be here with you today. I have a deep appreciation for the complexities of your work and the pivotal position you occupy in bringing together international institutions with the public you represent.
As Parliamentarians, your engagement on WTO matters is essential — not only for shaping trade policy but for ensuring that our work delivers real and meaningful benefits to the public. Parliaments serve as the voice of the people in global trade discussions, and your leadership is crucial in making multilateralism both effective and responsive to the needs of your citizens.
Today, as the WTO marks its 30th anniversary, and its 80th beginning as the GATT, I will focus on two pressing topics. First, I will describe the negotiating priorities outlined by the WTO’s Members as we gear up for the 14th Ministerial Conference, scheduled to take place in March next year in Cameroon. Second, I will touch upon the broader geopolitical context — a subject that I know is front and center.
Let me begin with a subject that is especially important to showing the success of the multilateral trading system for economic and environmental sustainability: fisheries subsidies. One of our Members’ most pressing priorities is to ensure the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, while also advancing and completing the negotiations on the second phase, to achieve even deeper disciplines. These efforts are vital to protecting our oceans and promoting sustainable fishing practices worldwide.
The landmark WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies concluded at MC12 in 2022 brought WTO Members a major step closer to fulfilling the SDG 14.6 mandate by prohibiting subsidies to fishing activities considered to be among the most harmful to the sustainability of our oceans. It is estimated that USD 22 billion of harmful fisheries subsidies are provided each year. Through this Agreement, WTO Members have banned such subsidies provided to vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing of overfished stocks, and fishing in the unregulated high seas.
IUU fishing accounts for approximately 20% of the world’s catch, depleting global fish stocks. Moreover, the FAO estimates that almost 38% of global fish stocks are overfished, and by some measures, the devastation is even higher. The AFS can help to reverse this significant and worsening loss of natural resources.
However, the full potential of the Agreement will be realized only once it enters into force, which requires the acceptance of two-thirds (or 111) of WTO Members. To date, 90 Members have deposited their instruments of acceptance, bringing us within striking distance of our goal — we need just 21 more.
I would like to sincerely thank the European Union for being among the first to accept the Agreement. In addition, generous contributions by the EU and its member States to the Fish Fund will support developing and least-developed Members with the implementation of the Agreement if they have deposited their acceptances. We are so close to entry into force but not quite there yet. I strongly urge you to continue your leadership by encouraging and helping those who have not yet formally accepted the Agreement to do so as soon as possible. And for those here today from the IPU Steering Committee who have not deposited, please count on the WTO Secretariat to help you any way we can. We are aiming for the entry into force of the Agreement before the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), taking place in June in Nice, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. The need to get this done is urgent, and we are counting on everyone to work to meet the goal.
The second priority related to fisheries subsidies is concluding the second wave of negotiations on additional disciplines.
At the WTO General Council meeting last December, it was clear that nearly all Members, with the exception of just a few, were ready to conclude the negotiations based on the most recent draft text circulated last November (TN/RL/W/285). While some Members have noted that the disciplines are not perfect, they still acknowledge the substantial value of the current package in curbing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. However, those Members that do not support the text have expressed fundamental differences.
While no agreement is perfect and every Member may have aspects they wish to modify, it is in everyone’s interest to achieve an outcome. If Members fail to do so, the absence of disciplines on overcapacity and overfishing will mean continued deterioration of fish stocks for everyone. We are at a tipping point.
We remain committed to bringing this second wave of negotiations across the finish line and will continue to rely on the constructive engagement of those present here today to make this a reality. Urgent action is needed for both economic and environmental sustainability.
The second priority is reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement system to ensure that WTO rules remain meaningful for the benefit of all Members.
At MC12 in 2022, WTO Members committed to having “a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 2024” and reiterated this objective at MC13 last year. This deadline has passed, and Members are currently working to establish a path forward. I wish to thank the European Union and others in this room for their constructive stance and continued engagement in the reform process.
Following MC13, the reform of the DS system was formally advanced under the leadership of the Permanent Representative of Mauritius, who, together with six co-convenors at the expert level, worked to address outstanding issues. These included the topics of appeal/review, accessibility, and “works done thus far”. Since the departure of Mauritius’ Ambassador in last November, the General Council (GC) Chair continued to directly oversee the reform process, engaging with Members to gather perspectives on how to build upon the progress and further advance the reform.
The reform process has already resulted in several draft texts different areas. Notably, Members have developed an advanced substantive draft on “Capacity Building” and “Technical Assistance”. This is crucial for enhancing the technical support we provide to developing Members. While Members made strides in the discussions surrounding appeal/review, this remains one of the more challenging aspects of the reform, and further efforts are needed to resolve the outstanding issues.
I know that our Members are awaiting word from the United States as to its position. I remain hopeful that we will continue to make progress on this crucial work.
In the meantime, the WTO continues to serve as the primary forum for resolving international trade disputes. Eight disputes are currently ongoing, along with eleven active consultations. We have also observed an increase in negotiated solutions among Members, with the panel process often serving as a catalyst for these agreements. The dispute settlement work at the WTO remains robust.
Third, it is vital that WTO Members make progress on agriculture.
Agriculture is expected to be a central element on the MC14 agenda, especially because of its fundamental role in supporting food security and driving socio-economic development, particularly across the African continent. Consensus has remained out of reach as to the process and timeline for these negotiations. As the outgoing Chair of the negotiations outlined in his recent report (JOB/AG/265), rebuilding trust and setting credible targets is essential to progressively restoring an effective negotiating process and achieving an agricultural outcome in March 2025 in Yaoundé.
The fourth priority is for Members to find a way to incorporate the results of plurilateral joint initiatives — the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement and the Agreement on E-commerce — into the WTO rulebook.
These plurilateral initiatives represent the opportunity for like-minded Members to establish new and ambitious rules among themselves and break new ground within the WTO framework. They co-exist with the concept of multilateralism and do not reduce any WTO rights for non-participants.
The IFD Agreement currently has 126 WTO Members as parties, including 90 developing and 27 LDC Members, as well as the EU. It aims to foster sustainable development by improving the investment climate through greater transparency and predictability and to facilitate investment flows, particularly to developing and LDC Members. The proponents of the Agreement seek to incorporate it into Annex IV of the WTO Agreement as a plurilateral agreement, with its benefits applied on an MFN basis to all WTO Members. Doing so requires consensus among our Members. However, a few Members have expressed opposition to its incorporation, citing systemic concerns and the impact on multilateralism. The proponents continue work to chart a path to integrate these important disciplines into the WTO rulebook.
Ninety-one WTO Members, including the EU, have concluded negotiations on the text of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce and presented it to the General Council the day before yesterday for incorporation into the WTO rulebook. The Agreement aims at enabling electronic transactions and promoting digital trade facilitation, ensuring an open environment for digital trade, and promoting trust in e-commerce. It also has provisions on cooperation and development. As with IFD, a few Members oppose on systemic grounds.
In terms of multilateral work on e-commerce, engagement continues under the multilateral Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, as outlined in the MC13 Decision, to be completed by MC14. In January, we held a Dedicated Discussion on bridging the digital divide, focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, and internet access. Another session in February will explore legal and regulatory frameworks, including consumer protection, privacy, and cybersecurity. These sessions aim to share national experiences, delve deeper into key themes, and reflect on actionable ideas. The goal is to identify concrete steps and recommendations for Ministers’ consideration at MC14.
Another critical decision point is whether to extend the moratorium on the collection of duties on digital transmissions, set to expire on 31 March 2026 or at MC14, whichever comes first. In December, we convened a dedicated information session featuring input from the WTO Secretariat, IMF, UNCTAD, OECD, and South Centre. The session aimed to review existing studies on the moratorium’s impact, foster discussions on its scope and definition, and explore alternative taxation approaches. I encourage you to engage in an open dialogue and explore elements that could help establish a common ground to advance on this important issue.
Each of these workstreams carries a strong development dimension, which remains a top priority for many of our Members, as developing countries make up two-thirds of our membership. Just a few weeks ago, WTO Members held a forward-looking retreat focused on leveraging trade as a tool for development and charting a path forward. We will build on this successful engagement in the lead up to MC14.
Members of Parliaments, I would be remiss not to say anything about the current geopolitical situation and its impact on trade. We live in tumultuous times — times when trade measures and also countermeasures are announced and implemented within mere days, sometimes hours. The climate of uncertainty affects businesses that operate internationally and rely on supply chains spread across different corners of the world. Such volatility can disrupt economic stability, affect investment plans, and upset supply chains not only within Europe but across the globe.
It is in times like these that a stable and predictable trading environment, anchored by the multilateral trading system and the World Trade Organization, is more necessary than ever. We were established and designed to promote transparency, stability, and predictability in global trade. Over the past 30 years, the WTO — which an entity composed of its Members — has been working diligently to uphold these principles, to secure a business environment that fosters growth and cooperation. The WTO continues to cover 80% of global trade, which remains unchanged despite recent developments. No single Member dominates the system — not even the United States, which accounts for 15.9% of global trade.
Europe, with its commitment to open markets and a rules-based trading order, has been a cornerstone of the multilateral system and has long championed the cause of multilateralism and of a predictable trading environment.
However, let us remember that the multilateral system cannot be taken for granted. Its strength and effectiveness is not automatic; it depends on you, its Members. Our estimates indicate that a collapse of the trading order could result in a staggering double-digit loss in global GDP. And even the mere presence of uncertainty chips away at our collective prosperity, eroding welfare bit by bit.
That is why today, I appeal to you with an important reminder: the future of the multilateral trading system, and the WTO’s role as a guardian of security and predictability in global commerce, is in your hands.
If you value the WTO, please help us deliver on the negotiating agenda I have just laid out.
If you consider WTO rules inadequate or imperfect, I encourage you to collaborate with other Members to strengthen and improve them.
If you think that your interests are being harmed by measures taken by other Members, I urge you to make full use of the WTO’s platform — whether through our committees, bilateral consultations, or the dispute settlement system — to address and resolve these issues constructively.
And as you consider the application of your own trade measures, particularly in response to those taken by others, I urge you to remain level-headed and consider not just the immediate effects, but also the broader, long-term consequences, on consumers, industries, and the global trading system. And let us not forget the impact on developing countries — when elephants fight, the grass gets trampled. And that hurts the elephants too.
In a time when trade is increasingly disrupted by unpredictable and destabilizing actions, your support is crucial in ensuring that the rules-based system we’ve worked so hard to build endures, ultimately benefiting all.
Source: European Central Bank
20 February 2025
TIME has named you one of the 100 most influential climate leaders in business. Why are you so motivated to integrate climate and nature-related risks into exercising the mandate of central banks and supervisors?
Climate, nature and the economy are deeply interconnected and interdependent. The twin climate and nature crises are sources of financial risk. For central banks and supervisors, addressing these issues is therefore neither an option nor a political choice – it is an obligation that falls squarely within our mandate. If central bankers and supervisors want to effectively pursue their tasks of maintaining price stability and keeping the banking sector safe, they need to be mindful of the environment in which they operate. This means considering the impact of the climate and nature crises on inflation and banks’ safety and soundness.
Is the energy transition in Europe progressing too slowly? If so, why?
Europe has made significant progress in its energy transition, but if it wants to reach the agreed target, it needs to remain determined and avoid undermining what has been achieved so far. The facts are that current policies put Europe on a 3.1°C warming trajectory over the course of the century, which is too far from the 1.5°C target.[1] The economic risks associated with delayed action are stark: a late, abrupt transition away from fossil fuels would weaken the economy and increase losses for the financial system, making the path to net zero far more costly.[2] In fact, the United Nations has warned that climate mitigation must increase sixfold globally to stay on track for the Paris Agreement.[3] These figures underscore the urgent need for Europe not to relent in its transition efforts if it wants to avoid severe economic and environmental consequences.
In a previous study, you demonstrated that most European companies and banks face significant financial risks when natural ecosystems collapse due to climate change and biodiversity loss. What are examples of these financial risks? What is the most important recommendation in the report?
The interdependencies between banks, businesses and nature lead to financial risks. Damage to ecosystems through nature degradation and biodiversity loss poses a significant threat to the economic viability of companies and, by extension, to the financial stability of banks that grant them loans. The study you mention showed that, in the euro area, 72% of non-financial corporations rely heavily on at least one ecosystem service, while 75% of corporate bank loans – approximately €3.24 trillion – are tied to these ecosystem-dependent borrowers.[4] Key ecosystem services such as surface and ground water, together with mass stabilisation[5] and erosion control, are particularly critical, exposing banks to credit risks through affected firms.
One of the most important lessons from the report is the recognition that biodiversity loss is both an economic and financial risk. A second lesson is that climate and biodiversity are, to a large extent, two sides of the same coin, and they cannot be addressed in isolation. Lastly, the report shows that we are still missing the data needed to better take into account the risks stemming from nature loss. To address this, we need to improve the way we collect and organise information about nature.
What is the impact of climate change on inflation?
The economic impacts of climate change and extreme weather events are impossible to ignore. Following 2023’s record-breaking temperatures, 2024 became the warmest year on record globally, reaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.[6] Europe, the fastest-warming continent, saw temperatures soar to 2.9°C above pre-industrial levels in 2024. The physical impacts of climate change – such as more frequent and severe weather events like floods, droughts, and city and forest fires – disrupt supply chains, reduce agricultural yields and drive up food prices. For example, an interdisciplinary study by ECB economists and climate scientists showed that the 2022 heatwave in Europe added 0.8 percentage points to euro area food price inflation.[7]
The green transition will also bring about structural economic changes, which could influence inflation. Although the overall impact of the green transition remains very uncertain and may vary over time, we need to account for it to effectively deliver on our mandate. This is why we are increasingly incorporating green transition policies, such as climate-related fiscal policies or assumptions on carbon pricing under the EU Emissions Trading System 2, into our macroeconomic analyses.[8]
To what extent do oil and gas reserves, as stranded assets – losing their value due to the necessity of staying within the 1.5°C climate goal – pose an economic risk?
Generally, stranded assets pose greater economic and financial risks to the extent that industries and banks are not prepared. As the economy moves towards meeting climate goals, industries need to adjust how they operate. And since most companies in the EU with high-emitting production facilities rely on bank financing, this also has a significant impact on banks’ balance sheets. Last year, we released a study on the banking sector’s alignment with EU climate objectives, where we found that 90% of analysed banks faced elevated transition risks due to substantial misalignment with the Paris Agreement.[9] The biggest risk stems from exposures to companies in the energy sector that are lagging behind in phasing out high-carbon production processes and are slow to scale up renewable energy production.[10]
To what extent does the ECB incorporate climate-related risks into its monetary policy?
The ECB has taken significant steps to integrate climate-related risks into its monetary policy framework. It has reduced the carbon footprint of the Eurosystem’s corporate bond holdings and expanded annual climate disclosures to cover over 99% of assets held for monetary policy purposes. We’re also making progress in embedding climate considerations in our modelling and forecasting. Through exercises such as climate stress tests, we’ve deepened our understanding of the impact of the green transition and the physical impacts of the climate crisis. To improve data availability, which is key if we want to keep incorporating climate and nature risks, the ECB has developed climate-related statistical indicators.
How does the ECB ensure that the financial sector properly manages the risks associated with climate change?
Five years on from the publication of the ECB Guide on C&E risks in 2020, banks have made significant progress in managing climate-related and environmental (C&E) risk. Initially, fewer than 25% of banks had worked on climate-related risk management, and in 2021 a self-assessment conducted by the banks revealed that 90% of their practices fell short of our expectations.
Following thorough assessments in 2022, we came to the conclusion that the glass was filling up, but that it wasn’t yet half full. Based on what the banks themselves considered reasonable when we first started discussing C&E risk management with them, we set interim deadlines resulting in three milestones: by March 2023 banks were expected to draw up adequate materiality assessments; by December 2023 they needed to integrate C&E risks into their governance, strategy and risk management; and by the end of 2024 they were expected to comply with the full scope of ECB expectations on C&E risk.
Encouragingly, most banks met the targets set by the 2023 deadlines, and frameworks for climate and nature-related risks are now broadly in place. However, a few banks are still lagging behind and could face potential penalties. For the third and final deadline, which just passed at the end of 2024, we are proceeding with our compliance assessments in the same way as for the two previous deadlines.
What specific sustainability measure will you personally advocate for within the ECB in 2025?
In 2025 we will closely monitor progress and, where necessary, use all the tools at our disposal to ensure the banking sector is resilient in the face of the unfolding climate and nature crises. As part of the ECB’s multi-year agenda for banking supervision, we will make sure that the banks we supervise directly – whose assets total over €26 trillion – fully account for climate and nature-related risks in their strategies and risk management. Ensuring banks comply with the new regulatory requirement to develop transition plans to prepare for the risks and potential changes in their business models associated with the green transition is particularly high on the agenda.
What are your thoughts on Mario Draghi’s report, particularly his call for further financial and economic integration within the EU through, for example, establishing a capital markets union? This plan aims to create a single integrated capital market in the EU, allowing investments and savings to flow more freely across borders.
From an ECB perspective, we have always been supportive of a deeper capital markets union (CMU). The renewed political momentum we have seen recently in furthering CMU – or a savings and investment union – has come at a crucial time. In fact, the bulk of the additional financing needed for the green transition has to come from the private sector.[11]
The European Commission estimates that the EU needs an extra €477 billion (equivalent to 3.4% of GDP in 2023) of green investment per year by 2030. This number increases to €620 billion when considering the EU’s broader environmental ambitions. While banks are expected to make an important contribution, expanding and integrating capital markets is essential for directing the flow of funds towards green innovation. The public sector also has a key role to play in mobilising private green investment by crowding in private investment through, for example, lowering borrowers’ financing costs or de-risking green investment activities.
Sustainable energy technologies and electricity infrastructure have higher investment costs than fossil fuel technologies. As a result, high interest rates slow the energy transition, despite its potential to help combat inflation. Recent high inflation was partly driven by high fossil energy prices. Could a lower interest rate for investments in sustainable energy accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels?
The ECB’s primary objective is to maintain price stability, and this will always remain the cornerstone of our actions. But we also have a secondary objective, which requires us to support the general economic policies in the EU, including contributing to a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment.[12] Within this mandate, accounting for the effects of climate and nature-related events is part and parcel of our tasks. Importantly, any direct incentives and tools must align with our monetary policy stance. In the specific case you mention, further challenges – such as data coverage and quality, defining appropriate green targeting criteria and establishing robust verification processes – still exist. Some of these issues require agreement on a European level, where we are dependent on legislation.
Having said that, the ECB’s euro area bank lending survey tells us that European banks are already offering more favourable lending conditions to green firms or firms in transition.[13] In addition, governments can support green projects in a more targeted and effective way by offering more favourable lending through for instance public development banks. Despite this, the ECB still actively monitors regulatory developments.
Are you optimistic about the energy transition in Europe?
I am generally an optimistic person. In this case, the progress made speaks for itself: the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy use more than doubled between 2005 and 2023.[14] And last year, nearly half of the EU’s electricity was powered by renewables.[15] Much-needed investment in climate change mitigation has also grown, increasing by 42% between 2005 and 2022.[16]
We know progress is possible, but we now need to go further and faster. Our research shows that a quicker transition will lower costs – being ready can offer a competitive advantage. Consumer preferences are already changing and these will support the transition. In that respect, we welcome the European Commission’s focus on both decarbonisation and competitiveness.
Last but not least, through my involvement with the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), which I co-founded and of which I was the first Chair, I’ve also witnessed first-hand the impact a committed group of central banks and supervisors working towards a common goal can have. The NGFS has grown from its original eight members to 143 members today. This “coalition of the committed” is prepared to help future-proof the economy and the banking sector. Regardless of the political winds that are blowing, the reality of the climate and nature crises doesn’t change. And as most Europeans know, it is a reality we must face head on.
How sustainably do you live and travel?
We have a fully electric car, and as a proud Dutchman, I love to ride my bike.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Intifar Chowdhury, Lecturer in Government, Flinders University
In the 2022 federal election, two demographics were key to the final outcome: women and young people.
With another election fast approaching, will they swing the result again?
To answer this question, I turned to the Australian Election Study (AES) data spanning the period from 1987 to 2022, to investigate how different demographics have voted over time.
I found that, generally, Australian women and young people tend to favour left-of-centre parties.
However, specific election issues can have a substantial impact, making the political context of each election crucial. So what can we expect this time around?
Last year highlighted a growing gulf in political leanings between the sexes worldwide.
Young women are increasingly progressive. Young men – particularly Gen Z (born after 1994) – are leaning more conservative in many countries, including the United States, China, South Korea and Germany.
My analysis of the Australian data mirrors global trends, but with a twist.
Young Australian women are moving sharply to the left. But unlike in many other countries, young Australian men are also shifting left, just at a slower pace.
Australia’s leftward move across generations is reflected in both self-placement on a left-right ideological scale, and in the vote in federal elections.
In the 2022 Australian election, the Coalition received its lowest-ever share of the women’s vote at just 32%.
Only 24.3% of Millennials (21.9% of men and 25.7% of women) voted for the Coalition in 2022.
These are the lowest levels of support for either major party among younger people in the history of the survey.
Among Gen Z, a slightly higher proportion of 24.6% voted for the Coalition (34.0% of men and 19.8% of women).
In theory, women’s leftward shift is driven by several factors. These include higher education levels, greater participation in professional work, and exposure to feminist values. Despite Australia’s post-industrial, egalitarian image, persistent gendered inequalities and discrimination also play a role.
Meanwhile, young men’s move to the left can be attributed to progressive and egalitarian socialisation. Plus, unlike in other countries, Australia lacks Donald Trump-like figures who could mobilise anti-feminist or hardline conservative sentiments. This limits the expression of such views at an aggregate level.
This leftward shift is, in part, a generational effect – or at least a reflection of the times.
The generational angle is crucial, as the 2025 federal election will be the first in which Millennials and Gen Z together will outnumber Baby Boomers as the dominant voting bloc in Australia.
This shift should shape how political parties campaign, whom they target, and which issues take centre stage.
My analysis highlights another important angle. Over the study period, voting decisions have increasingly been driven by policy issues, with 48% of Australians citing them as the primary factor. This is followed by party affiliation (29%), party leaders (14%) and local candidates (9%).
In 2022, 54% of voters reported policy issues as the main factor influencing their choice.
Across election years, I identified the most prominent and recurrent election issues that voters identified as influential. I added these issues to my model to see how people who care about these issues lean (left-right) and whether men and women differ in their political leanings (progressive-conservative). I also considered other factors known to impact voting, including:
sociodemographic factors (education, marital status, social class, home ownership and rural/urban residency)
familial socialisation (what their parents’ political preferences were)
social network factors (whether they’re religious or a member of a union)
electoral context (what each respondent said were the most important voting issues)
Overall, women tend to be slightly more left-leaning on policy issues than men, and while this difference is statistically significant, it is small and the general trend holds across both sexes.
Compared with Boomers, each successive generation is more likely to vote for a left party. Gen Z is the most left-leaning (though their smaller sample size warrants some caution in interpretation).
Unsurprisingly, people vote according to who they think will best address the policy areas they care about most.
Those prioritising interest rates, taxation or economic management favour right-wing parties. Voters most concerned with health, Medicare and climate change are more likely to vote for the left.
Education, class and social networks matter, too. Highly educated, working-class, non-religious and union-affiliated voters tend to support left parties. So, too, do those raised in left-leaning households.
While the size of these effects varies slightly between men and women, the overall direction remains the same.
The thing about election issues is that they are highly time-sensitive. Take the GST: it was one of the defining issues of the 1998 election, yet was largely irrelevant after 2004.
In recent years, left-leaning issues — the environment, health and Medicare — were more likely to be front-of-mind when Australians all of ages headed to the polls. This gives Labor and the Greens an issue-owner advantage.
Cost of living (spanning day-to-day expenses, interest rates and housing affordability) has now become the defining issue of this election cycle. At first thought, among the two major parties, the Coalition is traditionally seen as a better economic manager.
However, my analysis from 2022 election data shows that, compared with the 2019 election, fewer people considered the Coalition the best manager of the economy among those who considered it the most important election issue.
Further, for the first time in the past five elections, a majority of the voters perceived Labor as more aligned with their own views on immigration, refugees and asylum seekers. These issues, historically seen as Coalition strongholds, are also likely to be key this time around.
For the Coalition, this is bad news. But for Labor, the challenge is twofold: retaining younger, progressive voters while addressing broader economic anxieties.
With growing voter volatility and a diminished sense of party loyalty, neither major party can rely on a stable base.
Australians are increasingly willing to shift allegiances, including to the increasing supply of independent alternatives. Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will have to convince voters they have the best solutions for the key issues.
Intifar Chowdhury does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. I looked at 35 years of data to see how Australians vote. Here’s what it tells us about the next election – https://theconversation.com/i-looked-at-35-years-of-data-to-see-how-australians-vote-heres-what-it-tells-us-about-the-next-election-249368
Source: Amnesty International –
Unaccompanied minors stranded without way to seek help or safety
Crucial organisations at border face crisis from Trump’s USAID freeze
‘The right to seek asylum simply does not exist at the border and vulnerable people are stranded’ – Amy Fischer
Amnesty International has found that the right to seek asylum in the United States is non-existent at the US-Mexico border, in violation of its national and international human rights obligations.
The 24-page briefing – Lives in Limbo: Devastating Impacts of Trump’s Migration and Asylum Policies – outlines the US government’s complete gutting of the right to seek asylum at its border with Mexico, providing virtually no way for people seeking safety to go through the legal process. According to US immigration law, people seeking asylum must apply at a port of entry.
The research finds that while the mandatory use of the US Customs and Border Protection One App to seek asylum was unlawful, ending its use has left tens of thousands of people stranded in Mexico with nowhere to go – even unaccompanied minors are stuck without a way to seek safety.
Without CPB One appointments, people are trapped in risky and precarious circumstances on the southern side of the border, which is especially dangerous for Mexicans seeking asylum.
Amnesty conducted interviews at the border between 3-9 February with dozens of people who were seeking safety in the US, documenting their treatment, and the impact of the change in border policies (see testimonies in the briefing).
Along with targeted US Immigration and Customs Enforcement across the country, the Trump administration has dismantled the US Refugee Admissions Program and ended rights enshrined in the US Constitution including birthright citizenship, along with advocating other anticipated actions rooted in racism and white supremacy.
Amy Fischer, Amnesty International USA’s Refugee and Migrant Rights Program Director, said:
“The Trump administration has made the US-Mexico border a zone that is overtly hostile to human rights and displays utter disregard for the humanity and dignity of people on the move.
“The right to seek asylum simply does not exist at the border and vulnerable people are stranded with border organisations—who themselves could now be subject to retaliation and criminalisation from the US government— struggling to prevent an even bigger humanitarian disaster.”
The research’s alarming findings stem from the Trump administration’s executive actions and the increased militarisation of the border by the Mexican government.
Impact of freezing crucial aid
Lives in Limbo has been launched in the broader context of the Trump administration’s stripping of funding for crucial humanitarian organisations working at the border that received money from USAID and other government programmes whose funding is now frozen.
Humanitarian and immigration organisations that operate on the border to provide shelter, legal help, and humanitarian care to people seeking safety are also now facing a crisis as they are left with no financial means to continue to operate and carry on their life-saving work.
Mary Kapron, Amnesty International’s Researcher, said:
“Shelters at the border struggle to tell children that they have no options left.
“Many of the kids barely understand what is happening to them in the first place. And those who do are left with an impossible decision: either go back to where they fled and understand that they may not survive or put their lives in the hands of traffickers.”
Mexican increases border militarisation
In Mexico, the Government sent 10,000 new members of the Mexican military deepening the militarisation at the border, fuelling a climate of fear, and leading to mass detention and deportation.
Amnesty continues to call on the US to urgently adopt solutions that abide by human rights obligations and stop playing politics and stoking fear with people’s lives to facilitate the adoption of increasingly draconian border and immigration policies that violate the human rights of people seeking safety, fuel violence against Black, brown, and Indigenous communities, and exacerbate the dysfunction of an already-beleaguered immigration system.
The organisation also calls on the Mexican government to cease collaboration with the US on harmful immigration policies and immediately implement measures to ensure the safety and security of people seeking asylum who are transiting through Mexico.
Source: Government of India
Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez highlights Strategic role of India in Global Shipping
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 8:54PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal reaffirmed India’s commitment to global maritime sustainability and international cooperation while speaking after inaugurating the Green Shipping Conclave, 2025 in Mumbai today. The conclave was also attended by the Secretary General of International Maritime Organisation (IMO), His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez — a gesture appreciated by the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal terming it a new milestone in India and IMO partnership for global maritime sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India stands at the forefront of a global maritime revolution—one that prioritise sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are not just adapting to change; we are driving it. Through initiatives like the ‘Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines’, the ‘Green Tug Transition Programme’, and the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’, we are transforming our ports and shipping industry into beacons of sustainability. The recently announced ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund is aimed at catalysing investments in green infrastructure, alternative fuels, and fleet modernisation, ensuring that India remains a leader in decarbonisation. Sustainability is not merely a regulatory obligation—it is an economic opportunity and a moral responsibility. As we build strategic green corridors and enhance international collaborations with IMO and BIMSTEC, our message to the world is clear: India is committed to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient maritime future. India committed to Global Maritime Sustainability in sync with PM Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat.”
The Green Shipping Conclave, 2025 marked a pivotal moment in India’s green maritime transition. The conclave served as a high-impact platform for policy dialogues, technical discussions, and roundtable meetings, engaging key stakeholders from the industry, government, and academia. Among the significant discussions, the IMO Secretary-General chaired a CEO Round Table on Renewable Energy, focusing on clean fuel investments and green port infrastructure.
The Union Minister of State, Shri Shantanu Thakur highlighted India’s ambitious green shipping initiatives under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shantanu Thakur said, “India is leading the maritime sector’s green transformation through clean energy, sustainable ports, and innovative shipbuilding. With bold policies, global collaborations, and investments in alternative fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for decarbonisation. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the ministry has chalked out the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which are the blueprint towards empowering our maritime sector and enabling it to become greener, cleaner and sustainable. Together, we are shaping a resilient, eco-friendly maritime future.”
Key areas of focus included Green Energy promoting cleaner fuels like green hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels, and LNG through the National Green Hydrogen Mission. It also held discussions on Green Ships with advancements in low emissions, hybrid, and fully electric vessels with the government programmes like Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and Harit Nauka initiative. The conclave also highlighted India’s effort to convergence of Green Ports with policy initiatives like Sustainable Ship Recycling Programme at Alang, adhering to Hong Kong Convention standards.
His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary General of IMO acknowledged India’s strategic role in global shipping, highlighting its contributions towards sustainable maritime development, alternative energy solutions, and international regulatory collaboration.
The valedictory session, presided over by the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, outlined India’s roadmap for a sustainable maritime future. In his concluding remarks, His Excellency, Arsenio Dominguez reiterated the IMO’s commitment to supporting India’s maritime transition through capacity-building, financial mechanisms, and technical cooperation. The Green Shipping Conclave 2025 and the IMO Secretary-General’s visit reinforced India’s position as a global leader in sustainable maritime practices. These engagements have deepened India-IMO cooperation, paving the way for advancements in decarbonization, alternative fuels, and digital transformation in the maritime industry.
The Green Shipping Conclave, 2025 was organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, the Directorate General of Shipping, the Institute of Marine Engineers (India). The conclave aimed at converging pioneering ideas and perspective to shape India’s leadership in maritime innovation, environmental sustainability and regulatory advancements aligning with the global goals of collective decarbonisation effort.
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Source: Government of India
States urged Centre for support in privatisation of distribution to further enhance service delivery to consumers and improve efficiency
“Listing of Utilities should be taken up by States to bring investment”
“To attract investors in the listing process States should work on bringing viability in all sectors i.e. Generation, Transmission and Distribution”
“Battery Energy Storage System should be promoted more by States”
“States were urged to meet Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirement while working on their resource adequacy and sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)”
“Steps should be taken to develop Intra-State Transmission network as per demand projections of 2032.”
Power Minister releases consumer service ratings of DISCOMS, Integrated ratings and 1st edition of comprehensive Distribution Utility Ranking for FY 2023-24
Haryana DISCOMs and Tata West in Odisha attained top ranks in the category of distribution utilities
Uttarakhand and Assam secured top rank among Special Category States
Among Urban utilities, Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd. Tata Delhi and Noida Power Corp Ltd. Attained top ranks in Utility rankings
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 8:42PM by PIB Delhi
The Regional meeting of Power Sector was held on 20th February 2025 in New Delhi. Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal chaired the meeting along with Union Minister of State for Power and NRE Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. The meeting was attended by Union Power Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries/ Secretaries/ Principal Secretaries (Power/ Energy) of participating States, CMDs of Central and State Power Utilities. Officers from Ministry of Power also participated in the meeting.
Secretary (Power) Shri Pankaj Agarwal in his address highlighted the major concerns about financial health of public sector distribution utilities. He expressed concerns about slow progress of works under RDSS. He mentioned that timely implementation of the works under RDSS would help make the distribution sector operationally efficient. Further, he also urged the States for implementation of the Resource Adequacy Plan in a strategic manner and to resolve pending issues in ongoing projects in the Generation and Transmission projects.
Addressing the stakeholders in his opening address, the Union Minister of State for Power and NRE underlined the importance of a future ready, modern and financially viable power sector to fuel the growth of country on its journey towards becoming a developed nation. He mentioned that the growing demand for electricity supplemented by newer modes of consumption like Electric Vehicles, Data Centres and newer paradigms like RE integration, Battery Storage, Cyber Security of critical Infrastructure and Pumped Storage etc. demand for collective efforts from all concerned.
He pointed out financial viability of distribution sector is vital for the overall growth of power sector in the country. He further mentioned that distribution utilities need to make efforts for expeditious implementation of works sanctioned under RDSS and called the utilities to promote smart meters through effective consumer engagement. He also mentioned about the requirement of strengthening CyberSecurity frameworks so as to safeguard critical infrastructure.
In his closing remarks, Hon’ble Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs mentioned that Power Sector has a vast domain and has multiple aspects. To discuss various challenges being faced by different stakeholders and to explore possible solutions, the Ministry has organised this meeting at regional level with participation from northern States. Power Sector has a vital role to play in India’s goal for becoming a developed nation by 2047 for which further integration of renewable as well as nuclear sources of energy is required. The world is aiming towards achieving net zero carbon emission and soon we may see demand for products manufactured through green energy only. Further, he mentioned that renewable energy sources should also be coupled with investment in Storage Systems like BESS and PSP.
He mentioned that today’s discussions have been fruitful and vital issues like financial viability of DISCOMs, expeditious implementation of works sanctioned under RDSS, transmission constraints, resource adequacy etc. were covered. The DISCOMs were advised to work towards improving their financial viability and have cost-reflective tariffs. States should also work towards listing of their power sector utilities which would help them in attracting funds for future investment to cater to load growth. DISCOMs to work towards improving their rankings for their improved credit worthiness. He also mentioned that energy efficiency is equally important. He mentioned that efforts should also be made towards capacity building of the utility functionaries. States to also implement the best practices in line with their requirements. He also assured full support from Central Government to States for strengthening the power sector.
The Ministry of Power remains dedicated to facilitating inter-state cooperation and addressing emerging challenges in the sector through such regional consultations. The outcomes of this meeting will contribute to the formulation of strategic policies for the sustainable development of India’s power sector.
The 13th Integrated Ratings of 63 Distribution Utilities was launched for the year FY 2023-24. Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) topped the ratings for FY 2023-24, followed by Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL), Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL), Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited ((MGVCL) and Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL).
The 4th edition of the Consumer Services Rating of DISCOMs (CSRD) report covering performance of DISCOMs for FY 2023-24 was launched during the meeting. Six (6) DISCOMs (BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), Tata Power Company Limited (TPCL) Mumbai, NOIDA Power Company Limited (NPCL)) have secured the highest grade “A+”, Fifteen (15) DISCOMs secured “A” grade.
The first edition of the Distribution Utilities Ranking (DUR) Report for FY 2023-24 was also launched during the meeting. In the Distribution Utilities category – Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL), Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL) and Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) topped the rankings. Under Special Category State Utilities –
Agenda for Regional Meeting with States/UTs
Joint Secretary (Distribution), Ministry of Power, GoI made a presentation on the agenda items. Highlights of the presentation are:
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JN /SK
(Release ID: 2105131) Visitor Counter : 53
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 8:19PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Railways has implemented several strict measures following the unfortunate stampede incident at New Delhi Railway Station last Saturday. Special holding areas and additional RPF deployment have been arranged to enhance passenger safety at key stations, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, New Delhi, and Anand Vihar. A holding area has been developed at Ghaziabad Station. Other safety Measures have also been implemented to prevent anyone from crossing the ropes (safety area) while a train is arriving at the platform. For this, the deployment of RPF personnel along with ropes on the platforms has been arranged. This will ensure that passengers do not approach the train before it comes to a complete stop.
Safety measure at Ghaziabad Railway Station
Indian Railways is geared up to handle a surge in passenger traffic during the final week of the MahaKumbh Mela by establishing holding areas at various stations in Northern Railway, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway and East Central Railway. These Holding areas are located outside the platforms to help control the flow of passengers and prevent overcrowding. Passengers are allowed to enter the platforms based on the scheduled departure times of their trains. This initiative aims to improve crowd management and enhance passenger safety, especially during peak hours and festive seasons.
Holding Area at New Delhi Station
Northern Railway has created massive holding areas at Ghaziabad measuring 4200 sq ft, Anand Vihar 3800 sq ft, New Delhi 12710 sq ft, Ayodhya Dham 3024 sq m. and Banaras 1280 sq m and 875 sq m.
Holding area at Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi
North Eastern Railway has also created holding areas at Banaras measuring 2200 sq ft., Siwan 5250 sq ft, Ballia 8000 sq ft, Deoria 3600 sq ft, Chhapra 10000 sq ft, Gorakhpur: 2500 sq ft.
Holding area at Ayodhya Dham
East Central Railway has created two holding areas at Rajendra Nagar Terminal: 2700 sq ft & 800 sq ft, Patna Jn 2700 sq ft & 2700 sq ft, Danapur 2700 sq ft & 2400 sq ft. Also, Holding areas are created at stations like Ara 3375 sq ft, Buxar: 900 sq ft, Muzaffarpur: 2400 sq ft., Hajipur: 2400 sq ft, Barauni: 2400 sq ft, Samastipur 2400 sq ft, Jaynagar: 2000 sq ft, Madhubani: 2000 sq ft, Raxaul: 2000 sq ft, Sakri: 2000 sq ft, Darbhanga: 2400 sq ft, Saharsa: 2400 sq ft, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn: 2400 sq ft, Sasaram: 2000 sq ft,Gaya: 2000 sq ft
North Central Railway has also created holding areas at Prayagraj Jn: 10,737 sq m, Naini: 10,637 sq m, Prayagraj Chheoki: 7500 sq m.
As a part of Kumbh area, Northern Railway and North Eastern Railway have also created Permanent/Temporary Holding areas at Prayag Jn: 10,000 sq m, Phaphamau Jn: 8775 sq m, Jhusi: 18,000 sq m and Prayagraj Rambagh: 4000 sq m.
Holding area at Varanasi Railway Station
Such holding areas and crowd management measures are already in place in Prayagraj area Railway stations. These measures are for passengers with greater convenience while boarding their trains, similar to the facilities provided during peak travel seasons such as Chhath and Diwali. Indian Railways urges passengers to cooperate and adhere to official guidelines to ensure smooth and safe travel operations. For further updates, passengers are advised to stay informed through the official channel.
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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar
(Release ID: 2105120) Visitor Counter : 12
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:45PM by PIB Delhi
Steel Cutting ceremony of third of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was held at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli on 20 Feb 25, in the presence of R Adm Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area and senior officials from Indian Navy, Hindustan Ship Yard Limited (HSL) and M/s L&T. The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) in Aug 2023, with delivery commencing mid-2027. Showcasing the strength of Public – Private partnership, HSL has contracted part construction of two FSS to M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli to effectively utilise country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery.
On induction, the FSS will bolster the Blue Water capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of Fleet ships at sea. These ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, will carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores enabling prolonged operations without returning to harbour, thus enhancing the Fleet’s extended reach and mobility. In their secondary role, these ships would be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations for evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities.
With a completely indigenous design and sourcing of the majority of equipment from indigenous manufacturers, this project will boost the Indian Shipbuilding Industry and is in consonance with GoI initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World.
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VM/SPS
(Release ID: 2105099) Visitor Counter : 42
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:36PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, February 20, 2025
A five-member jury panel has been announced to select the semi-final winners of the ongoing Comics Creator Championship being organized as part of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) which will be held in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May, 2025. The WAVES Comics Creator Championship, a joint initiative of the Indian Comics Association (ICA) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, is part of the “Create in India Challenge,” a program of government of India to promote Indian creativity and innovation globally.
The semi-finalists for the championship have already been announced. The jury panel, which includes industry legends who have shaped the Indian comics landscape, will now select the winners by evaluating the semi-finalists’ entries. The selected 10 finalists will then compete at WAVES in Mumbai.
Speaking about the jury panel, Ajitesh Sharma, President, ICA, said that the members’ expertise and passion for comics would ensure that the championship sets a new standard for excellence in Indian comics. “We are honored to have such an esteemed jury panel on board,” he said.
The Jury Members
WAVES Comics Creator Championship
The WAVES Comics Creator Championship was launched by the ICA in collaboration with the MIB in August 2024 with a motto of discovering and encouraging the next generation of Indian comic creators. The championship is an initiative aimed at creating a new era in the Indian comics by nurturing innovation, creativity, and a passion for storytelling.
About WAVES 2025
WAVES 2025 is a global summit scheduled to be held at Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai from 1st May to 4th May 2025, aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. The summit will bring together creators, industry leaders, and investors to explore new opportunities in animation, gaming, visual effects, and XR (Extended Reality). With a vision to position India as a global powerhouse in the AVGC-XR sector, WAVES 2025 promotes skill development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaborations.
PIB Mumbai | WAVES 2025/Riyas/Priti
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(Release ID: 2105094) Visitor Counter : 52
Source: Government of India
NAMASTE Scheme aims to take Death Rate of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers to Zero by providing them Proper Training and safety Measures
Profiling of more than 2400 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers done in Mumbai
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 6:16PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, February 20, 2025
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar distributed Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Health Cards to Safai Karamcharis under the Central Government’s National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, in Mumbai today. In addition, Sanction Letters for subsidized low rate loan for purchase of mechanized cleaning vehicles under Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) were also distributed to some of the beneficiaries. The event witnessed the reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged. This dedication to prioritizing the marginalized reflects the Government’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from India’s development journey.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar informed that the NAMASTE Scheme, which is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has an objective of ensuring dignity and safety of sanitation workers and empowering them socially and economically. This scheme aims to formalize and institutionalize the persons engaged in hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks and also promote safe and mechanized cleaning through trained sanitation workers. On the occasion the Union Minister also informed that waste pickers are also included as beneficiaries in the NAMASTE Scheme, along with sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) and their profiling has also started.
Dr. Kumar said that NAMASTE scheme aims to take down the death rate to zero by providing training to the sanitation workers or ‘swachhata senani’ of the country. In these training programmes, the engineers and related municipality workers will also take part so that the whole system becomes well-prepared. For this purpose, profiling of sanitation workers has started in all municipalities around the country, to ensure safe working conditions and providing them with PPE kits and other safety devices.
Applauding the spirit of the swachhata workers, Dr. Virendra Kumar said that their hard work round the year keeps the citizenry free from diseases. Calling them the most important section of society, he said that it is our duty to ensure that the sanitation workers have a safe working environment. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is holding meetings with the Social Welfare Departments of all the states for this purpose. The Union Minister also urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation sanitation workers present on the occasion to inform their fellow colleagues in other regions of the country about the benefits to be yielded from the NAMASTE scheme.
Dr. Ashwani Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC informed that 2485 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been profiled in Mumbai city and the benefits of NAMASTE scheme will be extended to them. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 is followed in letter and spirit in Mumbai where cent percent sewer connectivity will be achieved by 2027, she further informed.
Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, informed that 65,060 SSWs have been profiled under the scheme and 32,734 of them have been provided with PPE kits, while 15,153 workers have been provided with Ayushman health cards till date.
The National Safai Karmacharis Finance Development Corporation (NSKFDC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) is the implementing agency of ‘NAMASTE’.
Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ms. Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Shri Kiran Dighavkar, Dy. Municipal Commissioner, Mumbai, Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation and Shri Lahuraj Mali, Managing Director, Mahatma Phule Backward Classes Development Corporation Limited, Mumbai were also present amongst the dignitaries.
PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka/Priti
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(Release ID: 2105065) Visitor Counter : 57
Source: Government of India
Maharashtra actively actively promoting investments across sectors, making it a favourable destination for businesses and investors: Shri Goyal
Shri Piyush Goyal endorses setting up of skill & job centre in AURIC Hall in collaboration with industry stakeholders
Union Minister undertakes aerial survey of upcoming Dighi Port Industrial Area
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, visited the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) Shendra developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) on the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti on February 19, 2025. He also visited various operational industries at AURIC Shendra viz. Coatall Films Pvt Ltd, Inox Air Products, and Umasons Auto Compo Pvt. and appreciated the efforts being made by these units to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting AURIC’s global competitiveness, the Minister emphasized that Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area stands as India’s premier large-scale greenfield industrial smart city, in terms of world-class infrastructure with plug-n-play infrastructure and futuristic urban planning with walk-to-work facilities. The Minister highlighted that 20 such Industrial Smart Cities are being developed by Govt of India under the NICDP which reaffirms the Modi government’s commitment to creating an advanced industrial ecosystem that caters to global investors and businesses.
Recognizing the critical need for a dedicated skill development center in AURIC, the Minister endorsed the establishment of a Skill & Job Centre in collaboration with industry stakeholders. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been urged to take the lead in setting up this center, which will be strategically housed within 20,000 sq. ft. of office space at AURIC Hall.
Shri Goyal appreciated Maharashtra for actively promoting investments across various sectors, making it a favourable destination for businesses and investors. Investors looking at Maharashtra can benefit from its proactive Government policies, strategic location, skilled workforce, and a strong Industrial base.
Shri Goyal further emphasized the Government’s commitment towards fostering a robust Industrial ecosystem that supports innovation, sustainable growth, and global competitiveness. He highlighted the pivotal role of Industry stakeholders in achieving the nation’s ambitious Vision of a Developed Nation @ 2047.
On the sidelines, the Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on 20th Feb 2025 also undertook an aerial survey of the upcoming Dighi Port Industrial Area (DPIA) under NICDP approved by GoI in Aug 2024 and nearby critical multimodal connectivity. The Minister was briefed on the advanced trunk infrastructure, integrated master planning, demand assessment, target sectors, and implementation timelines at DPIA by the officials. It was also highlighted that the project holds immense potential due to its strategic location on Mumbai-Goa Highway and proximity to Dighi Port. The Minister directed to create best-in-class infrastructure facilities for DPIA to create a benchmark for others to follow.
The interaction witnessed the participation of more than 100 stakeholders, including representatives from CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CMIA, MASSIA, MAGIC, Marathwada Auto Cluster, Deogiri Electronic Cluster, Laghu Udyog Bharti, and other distinguished industry associations. Their continuous support and collaboration play a vital role in shaping Maharashtra into a premier global business destination. The event also provided a platform for industrialists focused on Maharashtra to share their views, innovative suggestions and success stories.
Officials from National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited (MITL) were also present during the event who were given necessary directions from the Hon’ble Minister for further facilitating Ease of Doing Business.
About AURIC:
Shendra and Bidkin Industrial Areas are being developed in two phases, covering 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) to establish a modern industrial hub. Auric Smart City follows a balanced development model, with 60% of the land dedicated to industries and the remaining 40% allocated for commercial, residential, educational, and healthcare facilities. Essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, sewage systems, and high-speed internet, has been developed in Shendra (2,000 acres) and Bidkin Phase-1 (2,500 acres), with underground distribution reaching individual industrial plots. Notably, 42% of the water demand will be met through treated wastewater. The city is equipped with advanced SCADA systems, CCTV surveillance, air quality monitoring sensors, and traffic control mechanisms for effective governance. Additionally, the implementation of the e-Land Management system ensures a transparent process for industrial land allotment. With its electricity distribution license, Auric Smart City provides power at lower tariffs, enhancing its appeal to investors.
About Dighi Port Industrial Area:
The Dighi Port Industrial Area, spanning 6,056 acres across the Roha and Mangaon tehsils in Raigad district, is positioned as a key driver of industrial growth, leveraging its proximity to Mumbai and Pune. The project ensures seamless connectivity through major highways, including NH66 (Mumbai–Goa Highway), NH753F (Mangaon–Pune Highway), and Major State Highway 05, reinforcing its appeal for global and domestic investors.DPIA is strategically designed to accommodate key industries, including Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Textiles, and Food & Beverages.
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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan
(Release ID: 2105093) Visitor Counter : 35
Source: Government of India
Reduction of 70% in violent incidents and 85% in civilian causalities in the North East under the Modi government indicates that along with the establishment of peace in the region, cultural development is also taking place
All the 8 states of North East will be connected to Delhi through rail and air connectivity by 2027
Whole of India takes pride in the heritage of North East, India without North East and North East without India is incomplete
Through 5-day Unity Utsav, the unity of the North East has been showcased in Delhi
Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of India, it is identified as a ‘Friend of the North East’, played a crucial role in rescuing the North East from numerous crises
In 2036 Olympics, India will be in top 10 in medal tally, North Eastern states will play a vital role in it
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attended the ‘Unity Utsav – One Voice, One Nation’ event organized by Assam Rifles in New Delhi today as the chief guest. Many dignitaries including the Director General of Assam Rifles were present on the occasion.
In his address, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that the word unity is very important for the North-East. For many years after independence, a vast area of North-East was physically and emotionally distant from Delhi. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has eliminated the physical and emotional distance between North-East and Delhi through connectivity. Today North-East belongs to the whole of India and the whole of India belongs to the North-East. Shri Shah said that the Modi government has increased hundreds of budgetary provisions for the North-East and has given 3-4 times more budget to the North-East. He said that by 2027, all the eight states of North-East will be connected to Delhi through rail and air connectivity.
Home Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has popularized North-East across the country as Ashtalakshmi and all 8 states of the region are capable of enriching the country in every aspect. He said that there are immense opportunities for the youth of North-East in the fields of economic, cultural, security, sports and research and development. He added that the Modi government has opened numerous avenues for North-East in every field, from tourism to technology, sports to space, agriculture to entrepreneurship and banking to business.
Shri Amit Shah said that more than 220 ethnic groups and more than 160 tribes reside in our North-East, more than 200 dialects and languages are spoken, more than 50 unique festivals are celebrated and more than 30 traditional dances and more than 100 cuisines exist in the region. He said that all this is a treasure of a rich heritage for the whole of India, which is proud of its heritage. Shri Shah said that India without the North-East and the North-East without India is incomplete.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the theme of the North-East Unity Festival is ‘one voice, one nation’. He said that our country is a wonderful blend of many languages, cultures, cuisines and costumes and this unity in diversity is the specialty and biggest strength of our country. Through the 5-day Unity Utsav, the unity of the North-East has been showcased in Delhi. Shri Shah said that Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of India and this force is identified as a ‘Friend of the North-East’. He said that the Assam Rifles has played a crucial role in rescuing the North-East from numerous crises. He said that through this event, today Assam Rifles has succeeded in showcasing the unity and cultural strength of the North-East to the entire country and the world.
Shri Amit Shah said that 212 teams and 1500 students took part in the sports competitions in this event and more than 150 students also participated in the cultural programs. He said that today most of the prizes have been bagged by Manipur, which shows the importance of sports in Manipur. Shri Shah said that keeping in mind the popularity of sports in the North-East, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi decided to establish the country’s first sports university in Manipur. He said that Sports for All, Sports for Excellence have become the formula for the development of sports in India. Home Minister expressed confidence that in 2036, India will host the Olympic Games, and the country will be in the top 10, with the North-Eastern states playing a key role in this achievement.
Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in the last 10 years, especially in the last 5 years, there has been a significant change in the law-and-order situation in the North-East. He said violent incidents and deaths of security personnel have been reduced by 70 per cent and causalities of civilians by 85 per cent in the North-East. Shri Shah said that this reduction in the figures of violence shows that there is now a gradual peace in the North-East and a new era of development and cultural development is beginning.
Shri Amit Shah said that since 2014, more than 10,500 militants have laid down their arms in the North-East and 12 peace accords have been signed in the region between 2019 and 2024. He said that many disputes had been going on here for decades, but the Modi government took two steps forward and made the youth believe that a lot of opportunities are available for them. Union Home Minister appealed to the youth indulging in violence to join the mainstream by laying down arms.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that today, there is no part of India that does not consider the North-East as its own, and where there is no love for the people of this region. He stated that the people of every state in the country have a special place for the people of the North-East in their hearts, and every state in the North-East should also step forward and contribute to the development of the entire country. Shri Shah said that the North-East now desires peace and development and wants to function as an integral part of India.
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RK/VV/PR/PS
(Release ID: 2105090) Visitor Counter : 56
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi
Marathi was recently granted classical language status by the government. Taking this further and celebrating the rich culture and heritage of India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, on 21st February, at around 4:30 PM, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
The Sammelan will be held from 21st to 23rd February and will host a diverse array of panel discussions, book exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions with eminent literary figures. The Sammelan will celebrate Marathi literature’s timeless relevance and explore its role in contemporary discourse, including themes of language preservation, translation, and the impact of digitalization on literary works.
The Marathi literary gathering being held in the national capital after 71 years also includes a symbolic literary train journey from Pune to Delhi, carrying 1,200 participants, showcasing the unifying spirit of literature. It will feature over 2,600 poetry submissions, 50 book launches, and 100 bookstalls among others. Distinguished scholars, authors, poets, and literature enthusiasts from across the country will participate.
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MJPS/VJ
(Release ID: 2105089) Visitor Counter : 81
Source: Government of India
Railway appeals all passengers and public to refrain from acts of vandalism against railway property; Asserts Railways is a national asset, Damaging it is illegal
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:27PM by PIB Delhi
On 10th February 2025, some unruly passengers damaged 73 glass windows of AC Coaches of Train Number 12561 Swatantrata Senani Express (Ex. Jaynagar- New Delhi) at Madhubani Railway Station. This created a panic and chaos amongst the railway passengers. Miscreants took advantage of the fact that there was no RPF or GRP post at Madhubani. After committing the act of causing damage to Railways property, the miscreants fled.
In response to this act of vandalism, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), East Central Railway took swift action by registering a case under Sections 145(b), 146, 153 & 174(a) of the Railways Act vide Crime No. 168/2025 at RPF Post/Darbhanga. A special team of RPF was constituted to identify the culprits and to bring them to justice.
During enquiry by the special team, information was gathered from sources and through technical evidence resulting in identification and arrest of a juvenile, who was found to be involved in the incident. He has confessed his involvement in the incident and expressed remorse. The enquiry into the case is actively under progress to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in other similar incidents of vandalism. RPF is committed to take strict action against the miscreants indulging in acts of destruction/ damage to railway property.
Railway property is a national asset, and any act of damaging railway property is illegal. RPF has made necessary security in coordination with the State Government and GRP authorities to ensure the safety and security of passengers and protect railway infrastructure.
While ensuring security to the Passengers with utmost commitment, the RPF is also committed to taking strict action against those involved in such unlawful activities. We urge the public to refrain from engaging in unlawful activities and acts which jeopardize public safety.
Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989 states that anyone who endangers the safety of a person traveling on a railway can be punished with up to five years in prison. This includes obstructing or attempting to obstruct railway rolling stock. Section 174(a) of the Railways Act, 1989 covers the offense of obstructing a train or other rolling stock. The penalty for an offense under Section 174(a) is imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to two thousand rupees, or both.
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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar
(Release ID: 2105088) Visitor Counter : 77
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse along with Sh. Sudhir Mungantiwar, MLA & former minister in Government of Maharashtra today inaugurated 26th Maharashtra State Inter-University Sports Meet at Chandrapur, Maharashtra.
The competition hosted under aegis of Chancellor of State Universities hosted by Gondwana University, Gadchiroli marks the first time in the university’s history that it has received the honor of organizing a state-level sports festival.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Smt. Raksha Khadse said that sports is a sunrise industry and can offer enormous opportunities for youth in career and congratulated Gondwana University on this remarkable achievement and highlighted the importance of sports in shaping young minds and fostering discipline, teamwork and excellence. She emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports and nurturing budding talent across the country. The MoS expressed her appreciation for the meticulous planning and execution of the event, ensuring the participation of thousands of young athletes from across Maharashtra.
The sports meet will features 8 sports disciplines – Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Athletics and Chess for boys and girls with an expected participation of more than 3500 athletes. Matches are going being held at multiple venues in Chandrapur and Ballarpur forest area, with competitions taking place in morning and evening sessions.
Union MoS remarked that this prestigious sports meet is a testament to the government’s vision of encouraging sports at the grassroots level and nurturing young talent. Smt. Raksha Khadse reaffirmed the Union Govt.’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, which play a crucial role in identifying and developing future champions.
Mrs. Khadse remarked that Chandrapur will lead the sports excellence drive in Maharashtra and showed her resolve in supporting infrastructure upgrade in Chandrapur.
The event was graced by Hon’ble MLA (Maharashtra) Sh. Sudhir Mungantiwar, District Collector Chandrapur Sh. Vinay Gowda G. C., District Sports Officer Chandrapur Sh. Avinash Pund and Former Deputy Mayor Chandrapur Sh. Rahul Pawde together with athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts.
*****
Himanshu Pathak
(Release ID: 2105084) Visitor Counter : 59
Source: European Commission
European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 Feb 2025 During the first-ever visit of a European Commission President to the Caribbean, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to deepening its relations and partnership with the region.
At the invitation of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chair, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, President von der Leyen met the 15 leaders of the Caribbean Community during the 48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM. The visit aims at further strengthening the EU’s presence in the region and lay the groundwork for the EU-CELAC Summit, planned for later this year.
In a new era of harsh geostrategic competition, Europe stands for openness, partnership and outreach. The visit took place in the context of the Commission’s effort to build new partnerships and strengthen old ones, which includes recent agreements with Mercosur, Mexico and Malaysia.
President von der Leyen said: “Europe and the Caribbean may be an ocean apart, but we are close allies. We share so many interests and values, including our mutual support for Ukraine. Europe stands with the Caribbean countries in the fight against climate change, protecting nature and biodiversity, strengthening trade, and boosting investments through Global Gateway. Europe wants to be a fair and trusted partner for all regions of the world that want to work with us.”
President von der Leyen also discussed with Caribbean partners the situation in Haiti. She underlined the EU’s commitment to Haiti’s recovery and security and its support to CARICOM efforts in this regard. In this context, a package of €19.5 million EU support was announced during the visit. This new financial support will complement ongoing efforts to deliver essential services to Haitians as well as support the country’s macroeconomic stability.
President von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean partners in fighting climate change and its devastating impact on the islands. As the leading provider of climate finance, the EU is determined to work together on innovative financing, while promoting private sector investments.
At global level, the EU and the Caribbean are stepping up their energy partnership following the launch of the Global Energy Transition Forum by President von der Leyen in Davos last month. She welcomed the 8 countries (Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica)* that joined the forum during the summit, committing to action to meet the global targets of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
During the visit, President von der Leyen underscored the reliability of the EU as a trade and investment partner to the region working together on mutually beneficial projects. President von der Leyen launched several projects under Europe’s Global Gateway strategy on renewable energy, digital transformation, pharmaceutical production and economic resilience. The projects will invest in a stronger, greener and better connected Caribbean.
Key Global Gateway projects in the Caribbean
Expanding Renewable Energy: Global Gateway energy projects are underway in 13 Caribbean countries, leveraging European expertise, technology, and financing tools. In this context, President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Mottley announced a €160 million green hydrogen storage project by the French company HDF Energy, the first of its kind in the Caribbean.
Advancing the Digital Agenda: The EU and the Caribbean are strengthening their digital partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Caribbean and the European satellite company Hispasat during the CARICOM meeting. It will improve the Caribbean’s satellite internet connectivity and sovereignty within the framework of the EU–LAC Digital Alliance. As part of this initiative, the EU and Spain will provide a €10 million grant to support satellite broadband expansion and promote digital inclusion across the region.
Developing Local Pharmaceutical Production: The EU’s €8.9 million investment to promote local production and regulatory alignment with European standards was also taken forward in the framework of the CARICOM meeting. A joint declaration to cooperate on twinning Caribbean and EU regulatory agencies, capacity-building initiatives, and research collaborations was signed during the meeting. Additionally, the first investment from a European pharmaceutical company, Biomed X in Barbados, will support research and manufacturing, further reinforcing the region’s health resilience.
Supporting Post-Hurricane Reconstruction: As part of the assistance given to Grenada in rebuilding Carriacou and Petite Martinique after Hurricane Beryl, the EU is supporting the islands to become 100% powered by renewable energy. This initiative will serve as a global model for small islands striving for climate resilience.
Combating the Sargassum Challenge: The EU, in collaboration with regional partners, is transforming the environmental and economic challenge of sargassum seaweed into an opportunity for sustainable development. Through an ongoing €386 million Global Gateway initiative, the EU is working with financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the private sector to develop sustainable value chains for sargassum, particularly in Grenada.
For More Information
* Updated on 20/02/2025 at 14:55
Europe and the Caribbean may be an ocean apart, but we are close allies. We share so many interests and values, including our mutual support for Ukraine. Europe stands with the Caribbean countries in the fight against climate change, protecting nature and biodiversity, strengthening trade, and boosting investments through Global Gateway. Europe wants to be a fair and trusted partner for all regions of the world that want to work with us.
Source: United Nations 2
Trading suits, ties and debates for DJ turntables, bright traditional Indigenous garb and ancient instruments, three performers – an anthropologist, an R&B singer and a genre-defying artist – showcased their music and messages at the Stand Up for Social Justice event to celebrate the World Day of Social Justice, marked annually on 20 February.
It took place in front of hundreds of people in the emblematic Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, where high-stakes diplomacy happens throughout the year.
The world needs more diverse platforms like the UN “so that transculturality can exist”, said Brisa Flow, a Chilean-born Mapuche artist who got her first break in rap battles in Brazil, following her intense musical performance.
“We need more empathy and to listen more to Indigenous Peoples in order to better understand how to take care of our territories that need care, not just in terms of water, food and land, but also our children and our elders,” said the São Paulo-based singer, rocking a green marble-printed manicure.
“We need to be in spaces where everything we speak about is not just a utopia, where hope, which exists, can be heard and considered.”
Ms. Flow joined French-speaking Geneva-born R&B revelation Ocevne (pronounced Océane) and anthropologist-cum-poet Idjahure Terena in delivering powerful music and personal messages inspired by social justice while helping to link local realities to issues of a global scale.
Echoing the Day’s 2025 theme Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future, the event was co-organised by UNRISD, an independent UN research institute focusing on development issues, and Antigel, a Geneva-based music festival designed to make culture more accessible.
The messages from the young people on stage did just that, with electrifying performances and calls for change around the world.
For Ocevne, 28, the message was about equality.
“The simplest way I could define it is simply the right to equal opportunities,” she said. “No matter your background, where you come from, who you are, your gender, everything, we all have the right to that opportunity.”
© City of Geneva/ANTIGEL/Giona
Ocevne warming up the room at the Stand Up for Social Justice event.
Climate justice was another recurring theme throughout the event, an issue highlighted by Mr. Terena, a doctoral student in social anthropology at the University of São Paulo and poet who spends much of his time defending the rights of his community and others.
“There is no climate justice without social justice,” he told the audience. “We know that standing forests are the simplest and most efficient solution for fighting global warming.”
The young researcher slammed the impact of mining companies and agribusinesses on his ancestral land that belongs to the Terena people of Brazil in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul.
“This is not just a territorial issue, but a matter of physical and cultural survival for our peoples and for humanity as indigenous lands represent the most important areas of biodiversity,” he said, inviting the audience to fight for a “common, diverse living world”.
© Courtesy of Idjahure Terena
Idjahure Terena playing the japurutu flute with his father-in-law Francisco Baniwa in Brazil.
Indeed, “the future is going to be very hot,” said Ms. Flow, adding that “it is already very hot in Brazil, and this is urgent for us because without water, we cannot live, and without food, [we cannot] either.”
Advocating for issues affecting indigenous communities, including the burning impacts of climate change on the natural resources of her home country, she said collectively not enough is getting done.
“We need more communication and more exchanges. By exchanges, I mean listening, speaking, listening, speaking and thinking about new ways of living well so that we can keep heading into the future.”
© Giselle Dietze
Brazilian federal deputy Célia Xakriabá (right) performs with artist Brisa Flow at the Stand Up for Social Justice concert.
The event is the brainchild of the UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) Head of communications chief Karima Cherif, who wanted to bridge art and research through the initiative.
She says her institute works with scholars from the global South to ensure that the voices and expertise of minorities are heard.
“We’re giving voices to the marginalised and the youth,” explained Ms. Cherif, who sees art as a way to “translate what we do in a language that can touch hearts”.
Thuy-San Dinh, who heads Antigel, echoed her vision and encouraged the young audience to pursue their goals, recalling when she co-created the annual event 15 years ago.
“You have to believe in your ideas and never give up,” Ms. Dinh said.
Melanie Rouquier, who created SHAP SHAP, a non-profit that fights global inequality and discrimination through cultural projects, told several activists in the room that each of their actions showed citizen engagement was not a lost cause.
“To resist, we have to get together,” she said.
© City of Geneva/ANTIGEL/Giona
Brisa Flow playing a traditional instrument at the Stand Up for Social Justice concert in Geneva in February 2025.
For Aryan Yasin, a designer from Geneva who founded a cultural non-profit supporting disadvantaged youth, the show was an opportunity for cross-pollination and broadening his network by connecting with UN staff.
The exceptional venue “is not a place where you would necessarily see young people”, he said. “But, that actually allows us to create an intergenerational connection, with people who are more experienced, more established,” he added.
After the show, management student Ludivine said she was mesmerised by the experience. Putting on a concert with one of her favourite artists there to denounce inequalities “makes sense… because at the UN, people get together to talk about inequalities around the world.”
© Courtesy of Brisa Flow
Ms. Flow (right) at a protest by the Guarani people of Brazil.
After the event ended, doctoral students Beatrice and Thomas shared what the concept of social justice, which can seem quite abstract, meant to them.
“It’s about recognising and taking differences into account while ensuring that everyone has the same access” to the same opportunities, said Beatrice, from Italy, who studies at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
“That may mean that some people will need more support, while others may not need as much, but have different needs.”
Thomas offered a more societal vision of the idea.
“For me, it’s something that is both individual and collective – something that must be built as a society. It is entirely dependent on the structures we have put in place, but it also relies on everything that is local.”
Ahead of the concert, Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva set the tone in her opening remarks in the Human Rights and Civilisation Room.
“This room sees a lot of very important and challenging negotiations,” she told the audience. “But, today we open this room to everyone.”
Geneva Mayor Christina Kitsos, whose term is guided by the motto “what connects us”, reminded the youthful audience of the UN’s fundamental role despite the worrying rise of “desire to undermine all the work [that has been done] around humanitarian aid and human rights”.
“We need to be united, strong and truly hopeful and courageous to ensure that we stay the course, that we remain a beacon in this world in turmoil,” she said.
Source: South Australia Police
Police are investigating a drive by shooting at North Plympton last night.
Police were called to a business on Hawson Avenue, North Plympton after shots were fired at a building just before 9.30pm on Thursday 20 February.
Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time and there were no reports of injuries.
Southern District Detectives and Crime Scene investigators attended to examine the scene.
Anyone with information about the shooting or any suspicious vehicles or activity in the area can report it anonymously to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000657/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE)
EU standards on CO2 emissions impose strict thresholds on car manufacturers, with steep fines for those exceeding them. With a view to meeting these obligations, some European companies exceeding these thresholds are forced to purchase ‘CO2 credits’ from manufacturers with lower average emissions, often foreign competitors specialising in electric vehicles, such as the American company Tesla or China’s BYD.
This system entails cash transfers to these companies, thus putting European manufacturers at a disadvantage and weakening their competitiveness vis-à-vis international conglomerates benefiting from a more favourable regulatory framework.
Submitted: 12.2.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000658/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)
Equalis, an association providing emergency accommodation with a focus on social integration, has previously received EU funding, in particular from the European Social Fund (ESF)[1]. Some of the bodies that have merged with Equalis, such as the Agir-Combattre-Réunir association, have also received EU subsidies for certain projects[2].
However, accusations of poor financial management have been levelled against the association. Arthur Anane, the former director of the association, had a monthly net salary of EUR 11 400, as well as the use of an Audi Q7 and a housing allowance of EUR 533 per month[3].
This raises some questions, especially given that Equalis is run almost exclusively on public funding, including EU funds. Legal proceedings are under way, and in June 2025 the association’s former director is to be tried for the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
Submitted: 12.2.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000644/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D)
A study by Nature Climate Change[1] has revealed significant changes in the CO2 balance of the arctic-boreal zone between 2001 and 2020. While the region in general remains a carbon sink, more than 30 % of the region is a net source of CO2 and the trends are alarming. Tundra regions may have already started to operate on average as CO2 sources, demonstrating a shift in carbon dynamics. What is more, when fire emissions are factored in, the zone’s growing sink is no longer statistically significant and the permafrost region becomes CO2 neutral.
Submitted: 12.2.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000666/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gerald Hauser (PfE)
The Commission has set up a new emergency committee, which will further increase the centralisation of powers at EU level. What’s particularly alarming is that the Commission will now be able to carry out public procurement on behalf of the Member States – let us not forget the billions of euros of taxpayers’ money splurged on jointly procuring vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic… One problem with this centralised procurement is the exclusivity clause, which prevents Member States from acquiring products from other sources once it has been decided that they should be procured jointly. This rule could significantly restrict their freedom of action in crisis situations. The increasing centralisation of decision-making powers risks rendering the Member States less flexible and unable to respond quickly to national needs. Yet we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic how important it is to have decentralised structures and national room for manoeuvre in times of crisis. The question remains whether, with this increased centralisation, the Commission is really offering the best solution to the many challenges faced by the Member States.
Submitted: 12.2.2025
Source: European Central Bank
20 February 2025
TIME has named you one of the 100 most influential climate leaders in business. Why are you so motivated to integrate climate and nature-related risks into exercising the mandate of central banks and supervisors?
Climate, nature and the economy are deeply interconnected and interdependent. The twin climate and nature crises are sources of financial risk. For central banks and supervisors, addressing these issues is therefore neither an option nor a political choice – it is an obligation that falls squarely within our mandate. If central bankers and supervisors want to effectively pursue their tasks of maintaining price stability and keeping the banking sector safe, they need to be mindful of the environment in which they operate. This means considering the impact of the climate and nature crises on inflation and banks’ safety and soundness.
Is the energy transition in Europe progressing too slowly? If so, why?
Europe has made significant progress in its energy transition, but if it wants to reach the agreed target, it needs to remain determined and avoid undermining what has been achieved so far. The facts are that current policies put Europe on a 3.1°C warming trajectory over the course of the century, which is too far from the 1.5°C target.[1] The economic risks associated with delayed action are stark: a late, abrupt transition away from fossil fuels would weaken the economy and increase losses for the financial system, making the path to net zero far more costly.[2] In fact, the United Nations has warned that climate mitigation must increase sixfold globally to stay on track for the Paris Agreement.[3] These figures underscore the urgent need for Europe not to relent in its transition efforts if it wants to avoid severe economic and environmental consequences.
In a previous study, you demonstrated that most European companies and banks face significant financial risks when natural ecosystems collapse due to climate change and biodiversity loss. What are examples of these financial risks? What is the most important recommendation in the report?
The interdependencies between banks, businesses and nature lead to financial risks. Damage to ecosystems through nature degradation and biodiversity loss poses a significant threat to the economic viability of companies and, by extension, to the financial stability of banks that grant them loans. The study you mention showed that, in the euro area, 72% of non-financial corporations rely heavily on at least one ecosystem service, while 75% of corporate bank loans – approximately €3.24 trillion – are tied to these ecosystem-dependent borrowers.[4] Key ecosystem services such as surface and ground water, together with mass stabilisation[5] and erosion control, are particularly critical, exposing banks to credit risks through affected firms.
One of the most important lessons from the report is the recognition that biodiversity loss is both an economic and financial risk. A second lesson is that climate and biodiversity are, to a large extent, two sides of the same coin, and they cannot be addressed in isolation. Lastly, the report shows that we are still missing the data needed to better take into account the risks stemming from nature loss. To address this, we need to improve the way we collect and organise information about nature.
What is the impact of climate change on inflation?
The economic impacts of climate change and extreme weather events are impossible to ignore. Following 2023’s record-breaking temperatures, 2024 became the warmest year on record globally, reaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.[6] Europe, the fastest-warming continent, saw temperatures soar to 2.9°C above pre-industrial levels in 2024. The physical impacts of climate change – such as more frequent and severe weather events like floods, droughts, and city and forest fires – disrupt supply chains, reduce agricultural yields and drive up food prices. For example, an interdisciplinary study by ECB economists and climate scientists showed that the 2022 heatwave in Europe added 0.8 percentage points to euro area food price inflation.[7]
The green transition will also bring about structural economic changes, which could influence inflation. Although the overall impact of the green transition remains very uncertain and may vary over time, we need to account for it to effectively deliver on our mandate. This is why we are increasingly incorporating green transition policies, such as climate-related fiscal policies or assumptions on carbon pricing under the EU Emissions Trading System 2, into our macroeconomic analyses.[8]
To what extent do oil and gas reserves, as stranded assets – losing their value due to the necessity of staying within the 1.5°C climate goal – pose an economic risk?
Generally, stranded assets pose greater economic and financial risks to the extent that industries and banks are not prepared. As the economy moves towards meeting climate goals, industries need to adjust how they operate. And since most companies in the EU with high-emitting production facilities rely on bank financing, this also has a significant impact on banks’ balance sheets. Last year, we released a study on the banking sector’s alignment with EU climate objectives, where we found that 90% of analysed banks faced elevated transition risks due to substantial misalignment with the Paris Agreement.[9] The biggest risk stems from exposures to companies in the energy sector that are lagging behind in phasing out high-carbon production processes and are slow to scale up renewable energy production.[10]
To what extent does the ECB incorporate climate-related risks into its monetary policy?
The ECB has taken significant steps to integrate climate-related risks into its monetary policy framework. It has reduced the carbon footprint of the Eurosystem’s corporate bond holdings and expanded annual climate disclosures to cover over 99% of assets held for monetary policy purposes. We’re also making progress in embedding climate considerations in our modelling and forecasting. Through exercises such as climate stress tests, we’ve deepened our understanding of the impact of the green transition and the physical impacts of the climate crisis. To improve data availability, which is key if we want to keep incorporating climate and nature risks, the ECB has developed climate-related statistical indicators.
How does the ECB ensure that the financial sector properly manages the risks associated with climate change?
Five years on from the publication of the ECB Guide on C&E risks in 2020, banks have made significant progress in managing climate-related and environmental (C&E) risk. Initially, fewer than 25% of banks had worked on climate-related risk management, and in 2021 a self-assessment conducted by the banks revealed that 90% of their practices fell short of our expectations.
Following thorough assessments in 2022, we came to the conclusion that the glass was filling up, but that it wasn’t yet half full. Based on what the banks themselves considered reasonable when we first started discussing C&E risk management with them, we set interim deadlines resulting in three milestones: by March 2023 banks were expected to draw up adequate materiality assessments; by December 2023 they needed to integrate C&E risks into their governance, strategy and risk management; and by the end of 2024 they were expected to comply with the full scope of ECB expectations on C&E risk.
Encouragingly, most banks met the targets set by the 2023 deadlines, and frameworks for climate and nature-related risks are now broadly in place. However, a few banks are still lagging behind and could face potential penalties. For the third and final deadline, which just passed at the end of 2024, we are proceeding with our compliance assessments in the same way as for the two previous deadlines.
What specific sustainability measure will you personally advocate for within the ECB in 2025?
In 2025 we will closely monitor progress and, where necessary, use all the tools at our disposal to ensure the banking sector is resilient in the face of the unfolding climate and nature crises. As part of the ECB’s multi-year agenda for banking supervision, we will make sure that the banks we supervise directly – whose assets total over €26 trillion – fully account for climate and nature-related risks in their strategies and risk management. Ensuring banks comply with the new regulatory requirement to develop transition plans to prepare for the risks and potential changes in their business models associated with the green transition is particularly high on the agenda.
What are your thoughts on Mario Draghi’s report, particularly his call for further financial and economic integration within the EU through, for example, establishing a capital markets union? This plan aims to create a single integrated capital market in the EU, allowing investments and savings to flow more freely across borders.
From an ECB perspective, we have always been supportive of a deeper capital markets union (CMU). The renewed political momentum we have seen recently in furthering CMU – or a savings and investment union – has come at a crucial time. In fact, the bulk of the additional financing needed for the green transition has to come from the private sector.[11]
The European Commission estimates that the EU needs an extra €477 billion (equivalent to 3.4% of GDP in 2023) of green investment per year by 2030. This number increases to €620 billion when considering the EU’s broader environmental ambitions. While banks are expected to make an important contribution, expanding and integrating capital markets is essential for directing the flow of funds towards green innovation. The public sector also has a key role to play in mobilising private green investment by crowding in private investment through, for example, lowering borrowers’ financing costs or de-risking green investment activities.
Sustainable energy technologies and electricity infrastructure have higher investment costs than fossil fuel technologies. As a result, high interest rates slow the energy transition, despite its potential to help combat inflation. Recent high inflation was partly driven by high fossil energy prices. Could a lower interest rate for investments in sustainable energy accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels?
The ECB’s primary objective is to maintain price stability, and this will always remain the cornerstone of our actions. But we also have a secondary objective, which requires us to support the general economic policies in the EU, including contributing to a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment.[12] Within this mandate, accounting for the effects of climate and nature-related events is part and parcel of our tasks. Importantly, any direct incentives and tools must align with our monetary policy stance. In the specific case you mention, further challenges – such as data coverage and quality, defining appropriate green targeting criteria and establishing robust verification processes – still exist. Some of these issues require agreement on a European level, where we are dependent on legislation.
Having said that, the ECB’s euro area bank lending survey tells us that European banks are already offering more favourable lending conditions to green firms or firms in transition.[13] In addition, governments can support green projects in a more targeted and effective way by offering more favourable lending through for instance public development banks. Despite this, the ECB still actively monitors regulatory developments.
Are you optimistic about the energy transition in Europe?
I am generally an optimistic person. In this case, the progress made speaks for itself: the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy use more than doubled between 2005 and 2023.[14] And last year, nearly half of the EU’s electricity was powered by renewables.[15] Much-needed investment in climate change mitigation has also grown, increasing by 42% between 2005 and 2022.[16]
We know progress is possible, but we now need to go further and faster. Our research shows that a quicker transition will lower costs – being ready can offer a competitive advantage. Consumer preferences are already changing and these will support the transition. In that respect, we welcome the European Commission’s focus on both decarbonisation and competitiveness.
Last but not least, through my involvement with the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), which I co-founded and of which I was the first Chair, I’ve also witnessed first-hand the impact a committed group of central banks and supervisors working towards a common goal can have. The NGFS has grown from its original eight members to 143 members today. This “coalition of the committed” is prepared to help future-proof the economy and the banking sector. Regardless of the political winds that are blowing, the reality of the climate and nature crises doesn’t change. And as most Europeans know, it is a reality we must face head on.
How sustainably do you live and travel?
We have a fully electric car, and as a proud Dutchman, I love to ride my bike.
Source: European Investment Bank
European Investment Bank (EIB), one of the world’s largest multilateral investors in the water sector, is providing EUR 50 million in Bratislava municipal water utility company Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť (BVS) for necessary upgrades and extensions of its water supply and wastewater infrastructure. The financing will help aligning Bratislava water and wastewater management with EU regulations, ensuring the highest quality of drinking water in the city and also allow the BVS to increase utilization of green, biomass energy sources.
The modernization programme aims to increase the reliability of water supply for nearly half a million residents and businesses in Bratislava, Slovakia`s main business hub. It also fosters environmental responsibility, by making the city more resilient to adverse effects of climate change and allows BVS to further increase its efficiency and reduce its energy costs.
“EIB cooperation with BVS means people and businesses in Bratislava can look forward to cleaner water, efficient wastewater management and eco-friendly practices that enhance the city’s quality of life,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “Modern water management is crucial to ensuring the strength and sustainability of urban centres across the EU including Bratislava.”
“The cooperation approval followed thorough preparation and extensive communication with the EIB. This financing is significantly more cost-effective for us compared to commercial banks. This partnership with BVS is expected to play a crucial role in achieving our ambitious goals of improving our customer services and supporting the environment in our operational area,” said CEO of BVS Ladislav Kizak.
A modern water and wastewater infrastructure for Bratislava
The modernization project financed by EIB will include the replacement of aging infrastructure with advanced, efficient technologies designed to minimize water loss and improve distribution efficiency as well as expansion of the BVS` network to accommodate the needs from the steadily expanding city. Expansion of the water supply network will also increase protection of surface and underground waters in metropolitan Bratislava as well as improve protection of the Danube.
Additionally, the adoption of biomass energy sources will significantly reduce the utility’s carbon footprint, aligning with the city’s commitment to climate action.
Background information
European Investment Bank: The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB is one of the largest lenders to the global water sector, with over €88 billion invested in more than 1 700 projects improving sanitation, providing access to safe drinking water and reducing the risk of flooding.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers
Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť (BVS): Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť, a.s. (BVS) supplies drinking water to approximately 740 000 regular customers in 118 municipalities across western Slovakia. It draws water primarily from exceptionally high-quality underground sources. Thanks to its advantageous location near the Danube River and the unique gravel-sand subsoil, these water sources are both high-quality and abundant. The 60 water sources that BVS currently operates could technically cover the consumption of more than half of Slovakia. The network of more than 3 200 kilometers of water pipes transports water in 130 water reservoirs and to its customers.
The second key task of BVS is disposing of wastewater in municipalities connected to the public sewage network. For this purpose, more than 1 800 kilometers of sewer pipes are used, which transport wastewater to 23 wastewater treatment plants. One is the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Vrakuňa, the most significant Slovak wastewater treatment plant, with a capacity of 172 800 m3 per day, or 2 000 l per second.
BVS controls the quality of drinking and treated wastewater in its accredited laboratories.
BVS’s shares are owned by 89 shareholders, that are cities and municipalities from the region where BVS operates. The City of Bratislava is the majority shareholder, with a share of 59,29 percent. BVS itself holds more than 8 percent of its shares.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
McALLEN, Texas – A 54-year-old Baytown resident has been ordered to prison for his role in firearms trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Eduardo Hernandez pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Hernandez to serve 151 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about Hernandez’ activities, including his purchase of several firearms from a licensed dealer in the Houston area. He had also sent photos of the firearms to an individual in Michoacan, Mexico, to provide confirmation of the transaction. During his allocution, Hernandez apologized for his offense against the United States. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane responded by commenting that the victim of this offense is really Mexico and how the people of that country suffer at the hands of cartel violence.
“Illegal aliens are prohibited from possessing firearms, period,” said Ganjei. “Hopefully Hernandez’s conviction and sentence will serve as a warning to others would consider supplying guns to those illegally in the country.”
On Nov. 1, 2023, as part of an on-going criminal investigation involving the unlawful purchase, transfer and exportation of firearms and ammunition, authorities conducted a search of a residence. At that time, they discovered and seized multiple firearms from an individual unlawfully present in the United States who admitted the firearms were intended to be transported into Mexico.
The investigation revealed Hernandez had purchased two of the seized weapons – both rifles.
At the time of his arrest, Hernandez admitted to purchasing approximately 50 firearms from licensed dealers and private sellers and transferring those firearms to aliens unlawfully present within the United States. Hernandez also admitted having transported tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to a home near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Hernandez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division are conducting the OCDETF operation with the assistance of the Baytown Police Department. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr., Lance Watt and Brittany Jensen are prosecuting the case.