Source: African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank Group and Mastercard are co-chairing a new initiative called Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance Africa, which aims to provide digital access to critical services for 100 million people and businesses in Africa over the next 10 years.
Category: Transport
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MIL-OSI Banking: World Food Day: How the new MADE Alliance will use digital technologies to help farmers in Africa feed the continent
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MIL-OSI Banking: Japan boosts African Development Fund with JPY 51.67 billion concessional loan
Source: African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank Group and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a landmark 51.67 billion Japanese yen (US$421 million) concessional donor loan (CDL) agreement towards the African Development Fund.
The loan, pledged by the Japanese government at the 16th general replenishment of the resources of the African Development Fund in December 2022, will support much-needed development in Africa’s least developed and fragile countries. The country is a top donor to the African Development Fund, having contributed the largest loans to the 14th, 15th and 16th replenishments of the Fund.
Present at the signing ceremony on Tuesday 15 October, Deputy Vice Minister Daiho Fujii of the Finance Ministry expressed optimism that Japan’s concessional donor loan, together with grant contributions, would support African countries to address various challenges relating to climate change, lack of infrastructure, fragility, regional integration, private sector development, and debt management and transparency.
“Through fruitful discussions, we reaffirmed that the African Development Fund has been playing a significant role in supporting low-income countries in Africa through its concessional loans and grants. We commit to working together toward a successful ADF-17 replenishment discussion next year,” Fujii said.
Japan and other donor countries met in Cotonou last week to review the progress made against operational priorities and policy commitments at the midpoint of the ADF-16 period that ran from 2023 to 2025. Fujii congratulated the African Development Bank Group on the successful mid-term review of the 16th cycle of ADF.
African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who is marking his fifth visit to the Asian nation, commended Japan’s government for its unwavering support. He expressed the Bank Group’s appreciation for Japan’s broader partnership, particularly through JICA’s Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa initiative – an innovative multi-component framework for resource mobilisation and development.
Adesina said: “We wouldn’t have had a successful ADF-16 replenishment without Japan’s continued support for concessional donor lending. It is important to sign these agreements, but it is the lives we touch that matter. We deliver what we promise. We keep our word”.
He highlighted the significant impact of projects completed under the African Development Fund. “This year alone, 500,000 people have been connected to electricity, one million provided with water and sanitation, 2.5 million to improved transport, and 2.7 million to health services.”
In her speech, JICA Executive Senior Vice President Katsura Miyazaki described the signing ceremony as symbolic.
She said: “African countries are facing multiple crises. Rising energy and food prices, supply chain disruptions, and worsening debt sustainability are having a serious impact on African countries. The African Development Fund is critical to addressing these challenges.
Japan’s journey with the African Development Fund
The African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional lending window of the Bank Group was established in 1972 and became operational in 1974.
Japan joined the Fund in June 1973 and has contributed to all its replenishments, significantly increasing its contributions over time.
Over the past 50 years, the ADF has played a pivotal role in providing concessional resources and knowledge services to low-income African countries, consistently demonstrating clear value for money. The ADF delivers transformative ideas and catalytic financing to these countries, including those in fragile situations. As a major source of financing, the ADF’s operations are efficient and deliver a strong development impact, cementing its reputation as a trusted and strategic partner for its stakeholders.
Japan’s critical role in supporting the ADF was underscored by its extension of the largest concessional donor loan contributions to both ADF-15 and ADF-16, as well as the largest bridge loan provided to ADF-14. The Mid-Term Review (MTR) of ADF-16, successfully concluded in Cotonou in October 2024, highlighted several key achievements.
Click here for photos.
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MIL-OSI Banking: In Tunisia, a pediatric clinic specializing in rare diseases puts smiles back on children’s faces
Source: African Development Bank Group
Soft lighting, brightly coloured walls, stencilled animal in the rooms, a warm atmosphere. At the Clinique pédiatrique de Tunis, everything is in place to help the patients forget the illnesses that have brought them here.
“The best reward for a doctor is to be able to put a smile back on the faces of children and their parents,” says Dr. Nizar Nouaili. director of the clinic, which is located in the Jardins d’El Menzah, in Ariana Ville, to the north of the Tunisian capital.
The medical facility is a recipient of financing from Tunisia’s Amen Bank, made possible by a €35 million line of credit extended by the African Development Bank to support various sectors of the economy.
“This line of credit has made it possible to boost investment in all sectors, resulting in the creation of over 1,300 jobs. In this respect, the African Development Bank is a first-rate partner,” says Neji Ghandri, Chairman of the management board of Amen, one of the country’s largest banks.
Director Nouaili explains how the clinic emerged. “The care of rare diseases was facing a gap, with no specialized structure in pediatrics, and a lack of intensive care beds. That’s why I decided to get involved.”
Since its opening in 2019, the clinic has seen its occupancy rate rise from 30 percent in 2020 to 90 percent in 2023. A success story for the director and his staff. Over fifty doctors have been recruited, and 250 permanent jobs created. Today, the facility enjoys international recognition, and offers cutting-edge medical skills and state-of-the-art technology, bringing smiles to ailing children and hope to their parents.
Fatima is a four-year-old girl suffering from a very rare auto-immune digestive disease. She traveled with her parents all the way from Guinea Conakry in West Africa. The Tunis Pediatric Clinic represented the last ray of hope for this family, who had already knocked on many doors without finding adequate treatment.
Fatima has since come a long way from her initial emergency consultation, and is now in remission. Mohamed Bejaoui, a professor of pediatrics who has followed her every step of the way, says. “What’s interesting is that throughout this care journey, there has been a multidisciplinary approach.” He cites various resources and specialties within the clinic: gastroenterology, homeopathy, nutrition, immunology, radiology, hematology and pediatrics.
Like Fatima, patients come from all across Africa, including Libya, Mauritania, Chad, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, to benefit from these cutting-edge specialties. Dr. Nouaili is drawing on his extensive network of medical specialists to expand his clinic.
“Our doctors are regional references in their specialties, which naturally helps us to forge international partnerships. For example, we have agreements with Libya for the treatment of cancer pathologies, leukemia and solid tumors,” he says, adding that he has also signed an agreement with the Mauritanian Health Insurance Fund and a number of international insurance companies, who send African patients to the clinic.
The Clinique pédiatrique de Tunis now aims to build on its successes, strengthening its reputation as a center of excellence for serious medical and surgical pediatric diseases. “We carry out research in genetics, and we have a 70 percent positivity rate in our examinations,” the clinic director emphasizes.
Over a million foreigners come to Tunisia each year for healthcare, and the Clinique pédiatrique de Tunis aims to position itself among the leaders in this flourishing medical tourism market. Director Nouaili stresses that the goal is to strengthen its African partnerships by exploring innovative practices, like the deployment of telemedicine to prepare patients remotely and monitor them after treatment. He’s proud of how far the clinic has come. “We’re very responsive to emergencies, and we offer highly competitive care,” he enthuses.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde: Lessons from Ljubljana in uncertain times
Source: European Central Bank
Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the official dinner of Banka Slovenije in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, 16 October 2024
It is a pleasure to be here this evening.
Not far from here, tucked away in the National and University Library, lie copies of the Abecedarium and the Catechism. These two texts, written by the religious reformer Primož Trubar in 1550, were the first ever books to be printed in Slovenian.[1]
At a time when German was the language of the ruling classes, Trubar’s pioneering act was fundamental in helping to establish the national identity of Slovenians.[2]
Today, his portrait graces the €1 coin in Slovenia, framed by the famous words found in the Catechism, “Stati inu Obstati” – “to stand and withstand”.[3]
It is telling that both books – one a primer for the Slovenian language, the other guidelines for religious observance – were designed to teach, for there is much that Europe can learn from Slovenia in the uncertain world we now face.
The global order we knew is fading. Open trade is being replaced with fragmented trade, multilateral rules with state-sponsored competition and stable geopolitics with conflict.
Europe had invested considerably in the old order, so this transition is challenging for us. As the most open of the major economies, we are more exposed than others.
So, in this new landscape, we too must learn “to stand and withstand”. And we can do so by drawing on two valuable lessons from Ljubljana.
Opportunity in times of uncertainty
The first lesson is that uncertainty can create opportunity.
While many in Europe are anxious about the future, Slovenians are no strangers to uncertainty.
Within a single generation, Slovenia made a success of the extraordinarily difficult transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Policymakers defied the odds by implementing tough structural reforms to first join the EU and, later, the euro area.
Today, Slovenia is a success story. It is a developed, stable and high-income economy, with the highest GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of central and eastern European countries (CEECs).
The nation’s success owes much to the creativity and vigour of its people and their innate ability to seize economic turning points and transform them into opportunities.
For example, when Slovenia joined the EU, it was exposed to greater levels of competition from other Member States in the economic bloc.
But Slovenia quickly capitalised on its skilled workforce to develop a new business model based on deep integration in the Single Market. Today, every single car produced in Europe has at least one component that is made in Slovenia.[4]
For Europe, the changes in the global economy today represent a similar turning point. But if we approach it with the right spirit, I believe it can be an opportunity for renewal.
A less favourable global economy can push us to complete our domestic market. Fiercer foreign competition can encourage us to develop new technologies. More volatile geopolitics can drive us to become more energy secure and self-sufficient in our supply chains.
For Slovenia, the transformation of the automotive supply chain will be a particular challenge. But the economy is already adapting. For example, in July this year Slovenia secured a major investment in domestic electric vehicle production.[5]
For many Slovenians, striding into an unpredictable future may seem like second nature.
One of your most famous paintings, “The Sower”, hangs on display here at the National Gallery. Depicting an agricultural labourer at the crack of dawn hard at work sowing seeds in a field, the painting represents Slovenians’ resolute determination in the face of uncertainty.
The rest of us in Europe will need to draw on this example in the uncertain times ahead. If we do so, we can also turn uncertainty into opportunity.
The importance of sharing the benefits of change
The second lesson from Slovenia is that the benefits of change can – and should – be more widely shared.
The path of renewal for Europe is inescapably linked with new technology, especially digitalisation. But new technologies can sometimes lead to uneven labour market outcomes.
Slovenia has undergone remarkable technological change over the past 20 years. Today, the country’s level of digital development is 7% above the CEEC average and it can compete with some of the most digitally developed EU countries in certain areas.[6]
Yet Slovenia’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – is the second lowest in the OECD.[7] The country also benefits from high levels of gender equality. Female labour force participation is higher than the EU average and nearly equal to that of men.[8]
Many in Europe are worried about the challenges ahead, such as the effects of artificial intelligence on social inclusion. But we should let Slovenia’s example inspire us.
With the right approach, we can move forward and become more technologically advanced while ensuring everyone can benefit from the gains.
And when everyone benefits, Europe benefits too. Over three-quarters of citizens in Slovenia feel attached to Europe, and almost two-thirds identify as both Slovenian and European – levels that are well above their respective EU averages.[9]
Conclusion
Let me conclude.
In today’s uncertain world, Europe must learn “to stand and withstand”. And it can do so by looking to Slovenia as an example of how to overcome challenges that come its way.
First, we must work hard to sow the seeds of success. And then, as the folk singer Vlado Kreslin sings, “vse se da” – “everything is possible”.
Thank you.
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MIL-OSI Canada: Ensuring newcomers can succeed in Alberta
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that every newcomer can thrive and reach their highest potential in the province. Newcomers play a vital role in Alberta’s economy, helping to address skills shortages in key sectors such as health care and construction. The Summit will explore pathways to newcomer success that support Alberta’s economic growth.
The theme of this year’s summit is “Celebrating Trades and Professions in Alberta,” and will highlight real-life success stories. The Summit brings together key partners from across Alberta to discuss actions that will benefit newcomers and all Albertans, and demonstrate how the skilled trades and regulated professions can offer clear pathways to financial stability and success for newcomers. Attendees will include representatives from newcomer serving organizations, post-secondary institutions, select Alberta regulatory bodies, trades unions and industry.
“A major part of the Alberta Advantage is the people who contribute to our communities, our economy and our prosperity. As Alberta’s economy continues to build momentum, we’re seeing a growing need for skilled labour in many areas. We know many newcomers have the skills and experience to fill those jobs, so it’s critical we create an environment where foreign trade credentials are recognized more quickly and with less red tape.”
Key topics at this year’s summit include:
- Attracting talent: strategies to attract the hard work, skills and entrepreneurial drive of newcomers to strengthen Alberta’s workforce.
- Pathways to success: clear pathways into the skilled trades and regulated professions for newcomers to Alberta.
- Credential recognition: efforts to streamline the recognition of foreign credentials, helping newcomers enter the job market quickly.
- Recognizing achievement: ways that Alberta’s government is facilitating newcomer participation in the labour market.
Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s former minister of labour, will deliver a keynote speech to share his insights on labour, training and skills development, including groundbreaking efforts to support newcomers in the workforce.
“Newcomers bring invaluable skills, ideas and perspectives that enrich our workforce and communities. With the right support and recognition of their international skills, newcomers can thrive in the skilled trades and regulated professions. These professions are more than just jobs; they are pathways to prosperity.”
“Each story shared at this summit serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of newcomers. These stories of success demonstrate that with the right support and recognition, newcomers can thrive and drive innovation in our economy.”
Advanced Education continues to work collaboratively with other jurisdictions to streamline the recognition of international trade credentials, allowing more newcomers to work in their trade in Alberta without repeating training or exams.
Related information
- Premier’s Summit on Fairness for Newcomers
Related news
- Immigration pathway assists Alberta health care (Aug. 8, 2024)
- Partnering to streamline trade credentials (July 5, 2024)
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MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Overall outcome of climate policy action over two decades – E-001582/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Analyses on the effectiveness of climate mitigation policies are welcomed and can contribute towards the EUs climate-neutrality objectives.
The Commission routinely follows methodological developments in policy analysis, including those exploiting artificial intelligence, striving to incorporate new techniques in its work, including for the preparation of climate action proposals.
The Commission notes the conclusion on the potential for synergies with the implementation of coherent policy packages. This re-affirms the EU’s approach under the fit for 55 package, implementing a broad range of measures to tackle climate change. Combining pricing and non-pricing measures, such as standards and mandates, can maximise synergistic effects.
The study underlines the effectiveness of carbon pricing, such as the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS[1]), in lowering emissions, particularly in electricity generation and industry.
The Commission also notes the finding that the impact of a specific policy tool may be heterogenous across sectors and countries, calling for caution against overgeneralising estimated effects.
Furthermore, the employed methodology is not fine-tuned to detect smaller emissions reductions, meaning many effective measures with a smaller scope or a more gradual impact on emissions have not been highlighted.
The headline figure identifying only 63 cases of effective interventions is therefore very likely underestimated, with elements of efficient EU climate action most probably being overlooked.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/eu-emissions-trading-system.html
Last updated: 16 October 2024 -
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Push for DOD to Provide Increased Transparency for Children’s Hospitals Serving Defense Communities
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined 19 of his Senate and House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to provide clarity on the implementation of a change in reimbursements for children’s hospitals that provide care to military families covered by TRICARE, the government health care program for active duty servicemembers and their families.
“We write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children’s hospitals,” wrote the lawmakers. “Children’s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change as well as the ripple effects that the ensuing financial challenges may have on the provision of care for military families. For states with large military populations and no specialty children’s hospital, any reduction in access to care would further complicate military families’ choices by increasing burdens placed on families who already have to travel outside of their own state for medical services.”
DHA previously exempted children’s hospitals from the Medicare outpatient reimbursement model because the reimbursement rate did not adequately reflect the specialized care provided at children’s hospitals. Over 2.4 million children obtain care from children’s hospitals through TRICARE each year, and the change has created some challenges for children’s hospitals in major defense communities like Virginia. Children’s hospitals that serve many servicemembers’ children, such as The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, are seeking increased transparency on how these changes will be implemented. This clarity is crucial to ensuring the continuity of services and care that military families need.
The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) sent letters to the Department of Defense in 2020 and 2023 expressing their concerns about the proposed rule. In their letter, the lawmakers specifically asked the following questions:
What dialogue has DHA had with the affected children’s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care?
What data and sources informed the agency’s analysis of the impact on children’s hospitals that care for TRICARE patients?
How did the agency account for the financial impacts of military families traveling for care in circumstances where local services are no longer available?
How did the agency develop the contingency payment and why did the DHA set a lower contingency payment for pediatrics?
Can the agency verify the number of children’s hospitals that are expected to qualify for the contingency payment that is outlined in the rule?
The full text of the letter is available here. -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening the competitiveness of Europe’s agricultural sector – E-001491/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Common Agricultural Policy has a plethora of tools to support and improve the competitiveness of European farmers. Beyond direct income support with different complementary payments for farmers facing specific challenges, access to finance via financial instruments and support for innovation as well as farm advisory services. The Commission will continue its focus on strengthening the EU food system’s competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability. In its first 100 days, the Commission will publish a communication on a Vision for Agriculture and Food outlining a long-term perspective for the sector and addressing imbalances in the food chain. This communication will take stock of the recommendations from the recent report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU Agriculture[1], present a first assessment of feasible proposals and build bridges with other policy areas, in order to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of EU agriculture, highlighting its strategic role in the new geopolitical context.
2. The enlargement process will need to be carefully managed so that the internal market and a common agricultural policy are maintained, avoiding undue shocks and with careful consideration of competitive pressure. It will therefore require a thorough impact assessment of its long-term effects on the viability of agriculture in the EU-27 and in the acceding countries to properly address any identified challenges. The enlargement process will also take time and is merit-based, which will allow for gradual integration of Ukraine in order to mitigate any unwanted shocks Finally, as any candidate country, Ukraine will have to apply the EU acquis in full at accession. This includes all EU requirements in the area of agriculture in force at that time.
Last updated: 16 October 2024 -
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CBDT is actively implementing special Campaign 4.0
Source: Government of India (2)
CBDT is actively implementing special Campaign 4.0
Cleanliness campaigns carried out at about 700 sites, space of about 1,00,000 sq. ft freed upSpecial initiatives like Waste to Wealth, Indoor Plantation, health camps for Safai Mitras, freeing up space for gymnasium among others taken up
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:51PM by PIB Delhi
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), in collaboration with the field units of the Income Tax Department, is actively implementing Special Campaign 4.0. This initiative aims at maintaining clean workplaces and surroundings, disposing of scrap, freeing up office spaces, reducing the backlog of public grievances, etc.
The Special Campaign 4.0 began with a preparatory phase from September 15 to September 30, 2024, during which targets for the campaign’s implementation were established. The implementation phase started on October 2, 2024, and will run until October 31, 2024. Throughout this phase, the CBDT is closely tracking daily progress to meet the campaign’s goals. As part of the monitoring efforts, the Nodal Officer from CBDT has been in regular contact with Nodal Officers from various regions across India.
The first 15 days of the Special Campaign 4.0 has seen enthusiastic participation from the officers and officials of the Department. During this period, various activities undertaken in offices spread across India have resulted in the following :
- Cleanliness campaigns carried out at about 700 sites.
- Weeding out of about 1,00,000 redundant files.
- Disposal of scrap material resulting in earning revenue of more than Rs. 9,80,000/-
- Freeing up space of about 1,00,000 sq. ft.
- Resolution of more than 16,000 public grievances during this period.
Further, Progress of the campaign is being monitored on a daily basis and data is uploaded on the SCPDM portal hosted by DARPG.
BEFORE
AFTER
Inspection of the records rooms in the Income Tax Department by the Nodal Officer, CBDT
CBDT is also using social media to conduct outreach with public and highlight its efforts under the Swachhata campaigns. More than 300 Tweets have been posted/reposted on X (Formerly known as Twitter) by the official social media handles of the Income Tax Department, regional handles of Principal Chief Commissioner regions and the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), to promote awareness for Swachhata campaigns. The campaign has also been amplified on other social media platforms of the Department.
Some of the best practices regarding the same-
- Waste to Wealth Initiative –
Art work created by recycling of scrap metals and it depicts an aquarium. This art piece is installed for public display at Aayakar Bhawan Dakshin, Kolkata
Waste to Wealth – Art work created by recycling of scrap metals and it depicts an aquarium. This art piece is installed for public display at Aayakar Bhawan Dakshin, Kolkata
- Indoor plantation carried out by National Faceless Assessment Center (NaFAC) to manage limited availability of open spaces for plantation.
- Shredding of over 8000 kg of records and files by Director General of Income Tax (Inv.), Delhi and conversion of the same to recycled products
- Conversion of a hall full of obsolete files into an office gymnasium by Pr. CCIT, North East Region
A review of the progress of Special Campaign 4.0 was also carried out by Sh. V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG on 11.10.2024 in the office of Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Delhi, wherein he appreciated some initiatives such as reduced use of paper by strict implementation of double side printing; use of refilled cartridges; recycling of shredded records and files into stationery; reuse of digital devices by reformatting, etc. and also suggested dissemination of these best practices across all offices of the Income Tax Department.
The CBDT and its field offices actively participated in the “Swachhta Hi Seva” (SHS) campaign in 2024. Key initiatives included the Swachhata Pledge, a nationwide tree plantation drive, medical camps for Safai Mitras, and cultural activities like nukkad nataks to promote cleanliness.
Ek Ped Maa ke Naam plantation drive led by Sh. Ravi Agrawal, Chairman CBDT
Clean-up of public places
- On Gandhi Jayanti, the Lok Nayak Setu underpass, once neglected and filled with debris, was transformed through the efforts of the Pr. CCIT Delhi’s office under the leadership of Sh. Ravi Agrawal, Chairman, CBDT. Now clean and accessible, it provides a safe passage for pedestrians, especially children on their way to school.
- Cleanliness Campaign in Mumbai led by Sh. Prabodh Seth, Member (Admin.), CBDT
CBDT has entered the 3rd week of special campaign 4.0 and is aiming to excel in various areas while innovating and adopting best practices. The momentum of initial phase will continue to be amplified further.
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(Release ID: 2065528) Visitor Counter : 61
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Campaign 4.0 Reaches Midway: Ministry Achieves 100% Cleanliness Targets at 14,559 Sites, Makes Significant Progress in Disposal of Pending Matters
Source: Government of India (2)
Special Campaign 4.0 Reaches Midway: Ministry Achieves 100% Cleanliness Targets at 14,559 Sites, Makes Significant Progress in Disposal of Pending Matters
MoRT&H is organizing Special Campaign 4.0 for disposal of Pending Matters and Cleanliness from 2nd to 31st October, 2024Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:58PM by PIB Delhi
Special Campaign 4.0 for disposal of pending matters and cleanliness has reached midway. Campaign is being carried out by MoRTH and its agencies vigorously to achieve the identified targets under various parameters during the Campaign period. Ministry has achieved 100% targets in cleanliness activities, at 14559 sites. The sites include offices, construction camps/sites, NH stretches, Toll Plazas, Wayside amenities, Road side Dhabas, Bust Stops etc. 41% of pending MP references (583), 85% of pending public grievances (986), 56% of Public Grievance Appeals (211) have been disposed of so far.
Nodal Officer of the Campaign in the MoRTH is reviewing progress of the Campaign regularly and personally taking up the matter with the concerned Senior Officers for disposal of pending references.
In order to have larger outreach, the various activities of the Campaign have also been disseminated through various Social Media Platforms such as X (Twitter), Instagram & Facebook.
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(Release ID: 2065530) Visitor Counter : 49
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Leaders from 120 Member Countries to attend the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly in New Delhi
Source: Government of India (2)
Leaders from 120 Member Countries to attend the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly in New Delhi
ISA has evolved into a key platform for global solar cooperation, now encompassing 120 Member & Signatory Countries : Union Minister Pralhad JoshiSeventh Session of ISA will held in New Delhi from from 3rd to 6th November 2024
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:01PM by PIB Delhi
The curtain raiser for the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly was hosted today in New Delhi. Representatives from 60 countries participated in the event.
The assembly will be presided over by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly is set to be a truly global event. Ministers, missions, and delegates from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, along with partner organisations and stakeholders, will come together to focus on initiatives to improve energy access, security, and transition.
Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy & President of the ISA Assembly, addressed the august gathering, stating, “ISA has evolved into a key platform for global solar cooperation, now encompassing 120 Member & Signatory Countries. This growing commitment demonstrates solar energy’s significant role in addressing our shared energy access challenges and the adverse effects of climate change. The progress made by ISA’s Member Countries in adopting solar energy is remarkable. Solar energy, available year-round and in abundance in some of our Member Countries, holds the potential to be the game-changer in the theatre of global climate action. Its attributes of being clean, reliable, free and easily accessible to all make it central to achieving universal energy access. Our efforts through the ISA focus on expanding solar infrastructure, creating green jobs, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating climate impacts.”
Under the presidency of the Republic of India and co-presidency of the Republic of France, the seventh session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India, from 03 November to 06 November 2024. Ministers, mission heads, and senior government officials from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, prospective countries, partner organisations, the private sector, and key stakeholders will participate.
Shri Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary, MNRE, Government of India, in his opening remarks, noted, “Global solar deployment presents its challenges: investments, infrastructure, and indigenisation. Countering these challenges demands targeted efforts to support the sector’s expansion. Further highlighting ISA’s role and substantial contributions, he said, “To address these challenges through various programmes, initiatives, and collaborations with governments, private enterprises, and international organisations and by working with its Member Countries, ISA creates opportunities to diversify global supply chains and boost solar energy demand, contributing to manufacturing capacity growth.” Elaborating on the focused efforts, he added, “We proudly count 120 among our Member & Signatory Countries, with 102 ratifying the ISA Framework Agreement, showcasing our growing global influence. With the firm support of Member Countries, ISA has successfully launched initiatives to accelerate solar adoption, foster innovation, and enhance capacity-building efforts.”
Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, said, “The International Solar Alliance stands at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 7 & 13 on affordable and clean energy and climate action respectively. The International Solar Alliance is a force for change. It harmonises and aggregates demand for solar finance, technologies, innovation, research and development, and capacity building. This initiative is more than just a coalition; it is a revolutionary movement reshaping our energy landscape and our planet’s future. Adding further, he said, “As we approach the mark to last five years to realise the goals defined by the 2030 Agenda, this session of the ISA Assembly is an important nudge to accelerate our actions and raise our ambitions. All stakeholders must make this decade count in favour of climate action. Our work at the ISA directly supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement and contributes to the broader UN framework for sustainable development. ISA is working with Member Countries to help shape conducive policies to bring in investments in solar energy, a sustainable pipeline of solar-powered projects, and help build skills to sustain solar projects in the long term.”
At this assembly, the fulcrum of the discussions will be the means and modes that will be adopted to accelerate solar deployment across Member Countries, especially in regions with limited energy access. Additionally, updates on the following ISA’s flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill enhancement and capacity building, mobilising finance, and advocacy for solar as energy as a choice will be presented:
- SolarX Startup Challenge, launched by ISA in collaboration with Invest India in 2022, at COP27 in Egypt, the challenge aims to foster entrepreneurship by supporting scalable and replicable solar energy business models in ISA’s Member Countries.
- The STAR-C initiative, launched in 2022 by ISA, UNIDO, and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, France, aims to build capacity and align skills with national training needs. It enhances quality infrastructure and standards for photovoltaic and solar thermal products to drive economic growth and job creation.
- Global Solar Facility: launched in 2022, enhances solar investments in underserved regions, particularly Africa, using tools like the Solar Payment Guarantee Fund and Solar Insurance Fund.
- The First International Solar Festival, launched in September 2024, brought together corporates, academia, youth, community leaders, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, promoting creativity and international cooperation for a future driven by solar energy.
The Assembly’s seventh session will be followed by a day-long series of sessions styled as a ‘High-Level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition’ on 5 November 2024 hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Government of India, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society. The conference’s third edition will be attended by the ministerial delegations of the ISA Member Countries, policymakers, subject matter experts, and industry leaders. Through its deliberations, the Conference aims to inspire real-world change and make significant strides toward achieving global climate goals by fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and sharing knowledge by focusing on promoting solar energy to cut carbon emissions, find ways to expand energy access and boost economic growth. The Conference will also witness the release of the third edition of ISA’s World Solar Reports on Technology, Finance, and Markets.
The Assembly proceedings will conclude on 6 November 2024 with a visit to a farm site on the outskirts of New Delhi showcasing the practical implementation of agrivoltaic systems. The site in Najafgarh is maintained by the India Agrivoltaics Alliance, an initiative of the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), along with like-minded organisations dedicated to advancing the concept of agrivoltaics in India, which involves the simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation.
ABOUT THE ISA ASSEMBLY
The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, representing each Member Country. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost and scale of finance. 120 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement, of which 102 countries have submitted the necessary instruments of ratification to become full members of the ISA. The Republic of India holds the office of the President of the ISA Assembly, with the Government of the French Republic as the co-president.
The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly will deliberate on initiatives of ISA that impact energy access, security, and transitions with a focus on:
- Empowering Member Countries to adopt solar energy as the energy source of choice
- Make energy access universal by supporting solar entrepreneurs to scale up local solutions
- Mobilise finance to speed up solar deployment
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE
The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member & Signatory Countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable way to transition to a carbon-neutral future.
ISA’s mission is to unlock US$ 1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport and power generation sectors. ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments. Through this work, ISA has identified and designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries, and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers.
ISA was formed at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015 and is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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Navin Sreejith
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MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Single European Sky 2+ package – 16-10-2024
Source: European Parliament
The Single European Sky (SES) initiative seeks to make EU airspace less fragmented and to improve air traffic management in terms of safety, capacity, cost-efficiency and the environment. Its current regulatory framework is based on two legislative packages: SES I (adopted in 2004), which set up the principal legal framework, and SES II (adopted in 2009), which aimed to tackle substantial air traffic growth, increase safety, and reduce costs and delays and the impact of air traffic on the environment. Nonetheless, European airspace remains fragmented, costly and inefficient. The European Commission presented a revision of the SES in 2013 (the SES 2+ package). While the Parliament adopted its first-reading position in March 2014, in December 2014 the Council agreed only a partial general approach, owing to disagreement between the UK and Spain over the application of the text to Gibraltar Airport. Once Brexit removed this blockage, the Commission amended its initial proposal. Following lengthy negotiations, the Council and Parliament negotiating teams reached a provisional agreement on 6 March 2024. The Council approved the agreed text on 26 September 2024. It now needs to be approved by Parliament. Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Maria Niestadt. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice President’s address at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub in Mawdiangdiang (Excerpts)
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:10PM by PIB Delhi
Very good afternoon to all of you.
After landing in Meghalaya my spirits are high. I am having a heavenly feeling, you all are blessed to be living here.
Let me assure you all, the Honourable Governor pointed out, the demographic composition of the state is very soothing wholesome and is a perfect recipe for success, the teenage youth, the mid-level youth, the mature youth.
What I saw here and much of it is already in progress, I can visualise that the days of this state are for the better and role model for other similar states. My congratulations to you and your team for being very thoughtful, futuristic and taking into consideration our contemporaneous needs and requirements.
It was a delightful moment for the entire country when we had Madam Droupadi Murmu as our President, the first tribal woman to occupy such a high office. I must share my joy that we have amongst us a bureaucrat, Idashisha Nongrang, the first woman DGP of Meghalaya and the first tribal lady from Meghalaya to be DGP. These twin credentials define changing profile of India’s growth trajectory. As Chairman, Rajya Sabha I was in the chair when reservation was made for one-third women to be in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures.
Distinguished bureaucrats and most importantly, boys and girls at the outset let me extend an invitation to two categories. I will request the Honourable Chief Minister that in batches I would invite students to be my guests at new building of Parliament.
This is an ongoing exercise and I get energised, enthused, motivated, and inspired when I interact with them in Rajya Sabha Secretariat. I can assure you, you will have a lifetime experience to see the new building of Parliament. In the face of COVID, the building came into being in less than 30 months with old infrastructure. Depicting our civilisational depth of 5,000 years and I am sure the batches will start coming from November. I will recruit an officer to coordinate with the Office of the Chief Secretary to make things smooth.
I also take the opportunity and that I have done with some other states in the Northeast to invite their legislators to be my guests and I am sure here also, the Honourable Chief Minister, Leader of the House, and keeping in mind that his father was a very illustrious speaker of the Lok Sabha, he himself has been in that theatre so has been the Honourable Governor. A visit by legislators to the Indian Parliament will make all the difference. It will add value to their work pattern.
The subject of skilling is indeed of contemporary relevance and in that context it was my delightful moment to be associated with two significant programmes and presence for the third one. Laying the foundation stone for the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub is not a small step. It will bring about big change. I am sure it will come into being functionally quite soon, unfolding of the infrastructure reveals that its size is going to be gigantic and will attract attention beyond the state but human resource involvement would also give a cutting edge.
I would particularly request the Honourable Minister for Skilling Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary to have deliberations with the Honourable Chief Minister and the team. He is a dynamic minister with independent charge and has already revealed his mind by two very important articles. So, the kind of passion I saw in the Chief Minister, the mission mode in which he reflected, the execution for which he is known, I am sure this is going to be a real boon to the youth because these are the times where skilling is no longer a quality, it is our need, it is our daily need.
It was equally delightful to launch CM Business Catalyst: Student B-Plan challenge. That was amazing. I was a student of physics not of chemistry but I learned over the years that a catalyst is something very important. You have to catalyse the change, you have to bring about the change you believe in. Someone has to take that step and that step was taken by visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi ten years back. No one is more informed than I am about the situation of the country in 1989 when I was a member of parliament and a minister.
How shaky weaver on economy, how fragile was our foreign exchange balance and what was mood of the nation. Prime Minister, thoughtfully by visionary steps has uplifted the mood of the nation to one of hope and possibility. An ecosystem is in place now where every young boy and girl can look for a larger basket of opportunities. Must beyond, just getting into government service. The innovation which is our obvious forte, and skilling for which we have to be a global source centre. Now the programme has taken a structured method but even without it, our health workers have contributed so massively outside the country. Particularly our girls, they have earned laurels for the entire country.
When I went to the Middle East and when I got accolades and what has come in several countries of the Middle East that infrastructure they stand out in the world for that, the underline backdrop of human resource is Indian genius, Indian skilled human resource.
When Prime Minister Modi could get the entire world on the same page, with the United Nations declaring in the shortest time with the largest support of nations ‘International Yoga Day.’ The Prime Minister made a statement that we will have yoga instructors in every part of the globe. Yoga has become a science, yoga has become an industry, yoga has been associated with fitness and yoga has been associated with our civilisation depth. Because the greatest knowledge platform for health the Honourable Minister is aware of it, our Vedas ‘Atharvaveda’ you will find it.
Boys and girls, this day indeed is a unique day and this makes my maiden visit to the state of Meghalaya very very special. It shall ever be etched in my memory. Honourable Chief Minister has been very kind, he has already extended invitation for a second visit. I remember when as president of the bar, I invited one of the persons, “Are you free for dinner today?” I was president of the bar and the great lawyer, who is no more, Ram Jethmalani, he said, “Think for a second time, Mr. Dhankhar.” I was young. I had the good fortune to be a member of parliament alongside him. He said, “I am in the habit of accepting good invitations for dinner.” But they say in the United States, there is nothing like a free lunch so, I accept the invitation with two caveats. I will entertain at least one group of students boys and girls, and one group of legislators before I visit state of Meghalaya and this should happen in 2024.
Skill development has to be understood. It is not something we are discovering or innovating. We would need a plumber, we would need an electrician, we would need a driver, we would need a carpenter, we will need someone who can deal with our computer. We will need them, they’re already there. Skill means it gets the best out of you, skill is optimal exploitation of the talent of a person in that specified field and that gives the human resource a qualitative cutting edge.
Focus on this aspect by the Prime Minister has been laboured on and has consistently reflected on this and a big change has come.
One, there’s a dedicated ministry.
Two, there is an allocation of 60,000 crores over a period of five years, where five lakh youth will be given such kind of internship.
Now, when we think of it, we have to get it closer to the requirement. Villages and semi-urban towns must be hub of skill centres of a kind, you can have them graded for some, you need a higher level of urbanisation because of human resource requirements. But this will be a great game changer and this skill for the state of Meghalaya can bring about wonders, incremental growth in your trajectory, a big economic upsurge related to tourism, for instance. Nature has bountifully gifted you. So soothing, this whole is air-conditioned by nature. Just imagine, elsewhere we have a tough time.
So tourism by itself is sustaining the economy of several countries. You have to exploit it fully by having very talented skilled people in the shape of human resources. Every tourist carries memorable moments of professionalism, excellence because the rest of the things nature has given you. The engine of your economy can be driven singularly and on all cylinders by tourism. I was happy to note when I was interacting with the Honourable Chief Minister that he has a plan. The plan is in execution but these days, while I advise every young boy and girl to be patient, I want the 15% category to which the Chief Minister belongs to be impatient. To be functional 24×7 because if we shape their future, if we shape their career, if we keep them away from stress and tension, if we keep them away from the fear of failure, we will be contributing hugely to the growth of the nation and therefore, this has to be done.
Skilling by itself is capacity building, I have seen for myself, we don’t take the first step, we fear it, we fear it thinking it is difficult. Let me tell you, there is no step which our youth cannot take. All are equal, You must be guided by your attitude and aptitude. Therein, if you get an idea in your mind, please don’t make your mind a parking place, your mind is meant to be a crucible of innovation. Try it, don’t fear failure because failures are just not there.
There are people who will always say the glass is half empty, don’t listen to them. Listen to those who say the glass is half full. Chandrayaan-2, I witnessed as the governor state of West Bengal, after midnight around 2 AM, Chandrayaan-2 was very close to the lunar surface but did not reach. Some took it as a failure. Chandrayaan-3 has demonstrated the success of Chandrayaan-3 giving Bharat the status of being the only country in the world to have landed its spacecraft at that part of the moon. It was majorly because of Chandrayaan-2.
Skilling is fine, growth of the economy is fine but there has to be another spirit and the spirit of nationalism. North-East is a very important part of the country culturally, ethnically, historically and economically. In the 90s, a great step was taken ‘Look East’ but Prime Minister Modi gave it a cutting edge. He frog-leaped into larger space by indicating ‘Look East act East’ and that act East has resulted in communication getting exponential connectivity being there, interaction taking place, airports number being doubled, and most of it being in the pipeline also. It’s a great place but challenging in several ways also when it comes to infrastructure development.
One thing is for sure North-East is on the radar of the nation’s development. North-East is a significant contributor to India’s unity economic progress, cultural essence and it is because of this policy of the present government that when I attended ASEAN for the first time as Vice President, there was a keen interest in several countries of that region and it was fructifying. When I talked about the impact we are having, I can tell you things are in the right frame but some of us out of ignorance or being ill-informed do not appreciate what a nation is.
A nation is not divisible as to who has how many roads, how many dams, how many airports. We are one whole, this is our identity. It’s an identity that has survived in spite of the nation having been assaulted from outside on a number of occasions in the last several hundred years. Therefore, boys and girls, the mantle is on you. The onus is on you. Be informed.
Thanks to technological advancement, thanks to disruptive technologies, everyone now has a right of expression. An expression which earlier was captive of newspapers, TV channels expression otherwise could not find a way in the public domain. Suddenly we find we can ourselves be the epicentre of expression but can we afford to be loose cannons, ignoring our basic commitment to our nation? Can we allow on public platforms free fall of information that has no factual foundation? Let me come to the state of the nation today. The entire world is in admiration of Bharat, its economy, its prosperity, its innovation, its human resource, its creativity.
They can’t believe that a nation of 1.4 billion people has internet connectivity virtually in every village, electricity in every house. The day is not far when every house will have tap water. These are big things but these big-ticket accomplishments are a ground reality. Therefore, boys and girls, you are much luckier than us. You are really lucky to be living in a land that is known as Bharat. Which other country can rival in our cultural wealth? No other country. Which country can claim to be a repository of knowledge, wisdom as our Bharat?
I therefore beseech our young friends that when we are destined to be a developed nation in 2047, you are the most vital contributors. You are the most significant stakeholders, you are drivers of that engine and I have no doubt this engine will not fail.
Look around, if there is heaven,it is in india. If there is heavenly spirit, it is in Meghalaya. Boys and girls, I am leaving this place with full confidence, with certainty that Bharat that is on the rise at the moment and the rise is unstoppable. This rise no one can impede, I am optimistic because I see your potential. I can read your intent, I know you will exploit all your energy to make this nation great. Make yourself a worthy citizen and make your families and teachers ever proud. I am indeed privileged to be part of this unique program.
Thank you so much.
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JK/SM
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MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Restart A Heart Day – 16 October 2024 – Subcommittee on Public Health
Source: European Parliament
The Restart A Heart Day is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the importance of knowing how to restart a heart that has stopped beating.
This day serves as a reminder that anyone can learn basic CPR skills and potentially save a life in the event of a cardiac arrest. Restart a Heart Day encourages individuals, schools, organizations, and communities to participate in CPR training and to become equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to emergencies effectively.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sh Jyotiraditya M Scindia Inaugurates International 6G Symposium
Source: Government of India (2)
Union Minister Sh Jyotiraditya M Scindia Inaugurates International 6G Symposium
Bharat 6G Alliance Expands Global Collaboration with Key MoUs Signed at the Symposium“Bharat 6G Alliance will play a constructive role in the standards-making process for 6G.”: Sh Scindia
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:52PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, inaugurated the International 6G Symposium today at the sidelines of ITU-WTSA24 and IMC 24.
Addressing the inaugural event, Minister Scindia highlighted the transformative potential of 6G, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and technological innovation. “As 6G standards evolve, the shift towards software-centric technology presents a significant opportunity for India, with our large pool of engineering and software talent” he said.
Sh Scindia also added that, “Bharat 6G Alliance will play a constructive role in the standards-making process for 6G and 10% of 6G Patents will come from India.”
While talking about India’s growing image of becoming a Vishwa Bandhu, Minister Scindia shared that, “As the Voice of the Global South, India will continue to advocate for technology that is inclusive and affordable for all.”
The event, organized by the Bharat 6G Alliance, marks a crucial milestone in India’s journey towards global leadership in 6G technology. The Bharat 6G Alliance is a collaborative initiative of Indian industry, academia, national research institutions and standards organizations. It brings together various stakeholders to foster innovation, standardization, and research in the field of 6G telecommunications and to contribute to global 6G standards through bodies like the ITU and 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project).
Highlighting India’s immense potential in the 6G landscape Shri Scindia reiterated India’s ambition to lead the global 6G ecosystem through the Bharat 6G Alliance. “While we actively contributed to the global 5G landscape, our aspiration now is to lead the world in 6G development, with strong international collaboration,” he added.
The symposium began with a welcome address by Mr. N. G. Subramaniam (NGS), Chair of the Bharat 6G Alliance, Chairperson of Tata Elxsi, and Chairperson of Tejas Networks. “India is actively collaborating with industry, academia, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to shape the future, one that empowers people on a large scale,” said Mr. Subramaniam.
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary Telecom, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of developing 6G infrastructure to position India as a global frontrunner in telecommunications. He emphasized the need for India to build robust 6G infrastructure and foster public-private partnerships to maintain a leading position in the global telecommunications sector. “Developing a skilled workforce and collaborating with global academic institutions will be critical as we implement 6G over the next 6-8 years,” he said.
The Bharat 6G Alliance(B6GA) signed various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global collaborators, NGMN Alliance (Next Generation Mobile Network Alliance), 5G ACIA (5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation), Germany, UKI-FIN (UK- India Future Networks Initiative) & UK TIN (UK Telecom Innovations Networks), 6G Forum (South Korea), 6G Brasil (Brazil). B6GA has already forged alliance with NextG Alliance of ATIS USA, 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G IA), European Council and 6G Flagship- Oulu University.
B6GA has constituted 7 working groups deliberating specific areas of 6G, including spectrum, device technologies, use cases, standards, green and sustainability, RAN and core networks, AI and sensing, and security. Today’s event saw the release of reports by working groups on Applications, Spectrum, 6G Use Cases & Revenue Streams and Green & Sustainability.
Earlier in the day, Sh Scindia had a breakfast meeting with CEO’s & leaders of prominent telecom companies including BSNL, C-DOT, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, AMD, HFCL, Cisco Qualcomm India, GSMA and Viasat. The Minister urged industry leaders to deliberate on issues related to Data Centres and Home BB/FFTH, AI/Gen AI, TMZ, Spamming, Responsible Behaviour, Social Inclusion and Sustainability with a key objective to form actionable points to take India into the next level of telecommunications.
In addition, a workshop was separately held with the academicians of 5G Use Case Labs by National Communications Academy, Department of Telecommunication, Ghaziabad and was attended by over 100 participants from premier 100 academic institutions, across the country. Deliberations were held on applications and development of new use cases for 5G in industries, healthcare, smart grids, agriculture & education sectors, etc. and the possible network transformation with emerging technologies, etc.
The workshop also focussed to disseminate information about the global standards development by ITU and opportunities for the Academicians to participate in ITU Standardization activities. The workshop chaired by Deb Kumar Chakrabarti, DG NCA and panellists included Prof Rohit Budhiraja (IIT Kanpur), Prof Chandra Murthy (IISc), Prof Sunil Jha(IIT D), Prof Dinesh Bharadia (University of California, San Diego), Mr. Thomas Basikola(ITU),Niels Koenig(FIPT, Germany), Mr Bharat Bhatia, CEO, IAFI. Speakers from DoT, RJIO, Niral Networks, Rebaca Technologies and other premier Academic Institutes, Telecom Service Providers & Industries from India and abroad and International Telecommunication Union also participated.
These discussions and developments are part of the side events of the ongoing WTSA 24 & IMC-24 being held in New Delhi. The event marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s digital journey, reinforcing the country’s commitment to becoming a global leader in advanced communication technologies.
About WTSA 2024:
WTSA 2024, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serves as a platform for the development and implementation of global telecommunications standards, uniting regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to shape the future of communications worldwide.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Commits to Ethical AI with New EoI initiative
Source: Government of India (2)
India Commits to Ethical AI with New EoI initiative
Empowering Society Through AI: IndiaAI mission selects 8 projects to enhance ethical AI development across diverse themesTop Indian institutions to make AI wise through bias mitigation, Machine Unlearning & making AI Ethical & ensure privacy
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 8:14PM by PIB Delhi
The IndiaAI Mission has selected eight Responsible AI Projects against the Expression of Interest (EoI) floated under the Safe and Trusted AI Pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. Recognizing the need for adequate guardrails to advance the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of AI, the selected Responsible AI projects include the development of indigenous tools and frameworks, and establishing guidelines for ethical, transparent, and trustworthy AI technologies.
Promoting responsible AI through 8 strategic projects
As AI continues to permeate various sectors of society, India is committed to invest in agile mechanisms for developing indigenous governance tools, frameworks, and guidelines that are based on Indian datasets and reflect its unique challenges, opportunities, and datasets. To support this vision, IndiaAI has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to promote responsible AI projects across a range of critical themes. These include Machine Unlearning, Synthetic Data Generation, AI Bias Mitigation, Ethical AI Frameworks, Privacy-Enhancing Tools, Explainable AI, AI Governance Testing, and Algorithm Auditing Tools.
More than 2000 proposals were received from reputed Academic Institutions, Start-ups, Research Organisations & Civil Society. A multi-stakeholder committee was created to provide technical expertise for the evaluation of the proposals, resulting in the selection of 8 projects across various themes.
The details of the Selected Projects are given below:-
S.No.
Name of the Theme
Name of the Selected Project
Title of the Project
Machine Unlearning
Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur
Machine Unlearning in Generative Foundation Models
Synthetic Data Generation
Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
Design and Development of Method for Generating Synthetic Data for Mitigating Bias in Datasets; and Framework for Mitigating Bias in Machine Learning Pipeline for Responsible AI
AI Bias Mitigation Strategy
National Institute of Technology Raipur
Development of Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Bias Mitigation in Health Care Systems
Explainable AI Framework
Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune in partnership with Mindgraph Technology Pvt. Ltd.
Enabling Explainable and Privacy Preserving AI for Security
Privacy Enhancing Strategy
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in partnership with Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi and Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC)
Robust Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning Models
AI Ethical Certification Framework
Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi in partnership with Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC)
Nishpaksh: Tools for assessing fairness of AI model
AI Algorithm Auditing Tool
Civic Data Labs
ParakhAI – An open-source framework and toolkit for Participatory Algorithmic Auditing
AI Governance Testing Framework
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in partnership with Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC)
Track-LLM, Transparency, Risk Assessment, Context & Knowledge for Large Language Models
Advancing India’s leadership in AI through the IndiaAI Mission
This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of leveraging AI for inclusive growth. IndiaAI, an IBD (Independent Business Division) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI’s benefits across all strata of society, bolster India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Responsibility for search and rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean – 16-10-2024
Source: European Parliament
Governments and ship’s masters are obliged, under international law, to assist people and vessels in distress at sea. They must provide this assistance regardless of the nationality, status, or the circumstances in which those in distress are found. They must apply these rules without prejudice to their obligations deriving from international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly the ban on refoulement. European Union (EU) Member States’ search and rescue (SAR) and disembarkation activities are not currently covered by a common EU legal framework, except for activities carried out in the context of joint operations at sea led by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). In recent years, EU naval operations, EU agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have rescued a significant proportion of migrants and asylum-seekers in distress in the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, over the past couple of years, a large number of people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean. The EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) reports that the estimated number of people who died or went missing when trying to reach Europe by sea in 2023 increased by some 37 % compared with 2022. In addition, a lack of coordination in SAR activities, individual countries acting alone, and criminalisation of NGOs active in SAR in the Mediterranean, have all led to migrants being forced to remain on boats. EU Member States and EU agencies (Frontex) have also been accused of pushbacks of asylum-seekers and other migrants towards Libya and Turkey and to the high seas. Individual actors dealing with migrant boats have been the subject of criticism and legal action. Their accountability is, however, not always clear, owing to varied application and interpretation of different bodies of international law. This updates and expands on a 2022 EPRS briefing written by Anita Orav.
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MIL-OSI Europe: France: EIB, EIF and Groupe BPCE strengthen partnership to support financing of innovation and energy transition for French small businesses and mid-caps
Source: European Investment Bank
EIB The EIB Group – comprising the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) – and Groupe BPCE recently signed two financing initiatives totalling over €1 billion to back innovation, research and energy transition projects led by small businesses and mid-caps.
These initiatives involve two concrete actions: on the one hand the securitisation of an €800 million loan portfolio, which will leverage a total of €1.6 billion in financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps. On the other hand, the Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne will also allocate €250 million to SME and mid-cap projects related to renewable energies.
The EIB Group and Groupe BPCE are long-standing partners in supporting investment by French firms. These operations step up their joint efforts to help SMEs and mid-caps finance innovation, research and making the energy transition towards new, more sustainable, lower-carbon growth models.
The first operation is a securitisation transaction conducted by the Groupe BPCE on an €800 million portfolio of loans to SMEs and mid-caps. It aims to support their innovation, research and energy transition-related activities. The EIB and EIF have invested €750 million and €50 million, respectively, in this securitisation operation, leveraging a total of €1.6 billion in new loans.
Securitisation was selected as part of efforts to develop a European savings and investment union – this is an EIB priority, and one that was also highlighted in the recent report by Mario Draghi on the future of European competitiveness.
The second operation, worth €250 million, supports SME and mid-caps projects in the field of renewable energy. The projects (of up to €50 million) will mainly concern facilities for solar photovoltaics, onshore wind, biomass and agricultural waste treatment for biogas production.
This operation is fully in line with the French and EU objectives for renewable energy production, and will help achieve EU energy goals and successfully fight global warming. It also supports the EIB’s priority objectives for renewable energy lending, and will contribute to its climate action.
This specialised funding envelope implements Groupe BPCE’s positive impact approach, which focuses on universally accessible local solutions and is therefore fully in line with its Vision 2030 strategic plan.
Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne Head of Retail Banking and Insurance Hélène Madar said: “These financing initiatives will enable the Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne to accelerate the funding of their customers’ investment needs in key areas of the energy transition and innovation. It is also a concrete illustration of our close links with the EIB Group as its biggest private sector banking partner in France.” Groupe BPCE Head of Finance Jérôme Terpereau added: “This major joint operation with the EIB Group showcases Groupe BPCE’s financing and securitisation expertise. It will meet the growing needs of our customers, key for competitiveness and sustainable growth.”
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle voiced satisfaction at the fact that “the EIB Group and Groupe BPCE are continuing and expanding their partnership to meet the investment needs of French companies, while promoting the energy transition and innovation, which are ever more closely linked. This collaboration is a clear example of the importance of EU efforts to aid SMEs in their green transition, and actively pursues France’s priorities around promoting innovation and sustainable growth.”
“This securitisation transaction with Groupe BPCE underscores our commitment to supporting investments by French SMEs in innovation, digitalisation and projects fostering climate action and environmental sustainability. We are very pleased to support this initiative,” said EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt.
Background information
About the EIB
The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investments that pursue EU policy goals.
About the EIF
The European Investment Fund is part of the EIB Group. Its main goal is to help SMEs access financing. The EIF designs and deploys venture capital, growth capital, guarantee and microfinance instruments specifically targeted at this market segment. Its activities pursue EU objectives promoting innovation, research and development, enterprise creation, growth, and job creation.
About Groupe BPCE
Groupe BPCE is the second-largest banking group in France. With its 100 000 staff, the group serves 35 million customers – individuals, professionals, companies, investors and local government bodies – around the world. It operates in the retail banking and insurance fields in France via its two major networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, along with Banque Palatine and Oney. It also pursues its activities worldwide with the asset and wealth management services provided by Natixis Investment Managers and the wholesale banking expertise of Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking. The group’s financial strength is recognised by four rating agencies with the following preferred senior long-term ratings: Moody’s (A1, stable outlook), Standard & Poor’s (A+, stable outlook), Fitch (A+, stable outlook) and R&I (A+, stable outlook).
France: EIB, EIF and Groupe BPCE strengthen partnership to support financing of innovation and energy transition for French small businesses and mid-caps
France: EIB, EIF and Groupe BPCE strengthen partnership to support financing of innovation and energy transition for French small businesses and mid-caps
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Download originalFrance: EIB, EIF and Groupe BPCE strengthen partnership to support financing of innovation and energy transition for French small businesses and mid-caps
France: EIB, EIF and Groupe BPCE strengthen partnership to support financing of innovation and energy transition for French small businesses and mid-caps
©EIB
Download originalFrance: EIB, EIF and Groupe BPCE strengthen partnership to support financing of innovation and energy transition for French small businesses and mid-caps
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MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Kamlager-Dove Introduce Legislation to Simplify Visa Processing
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced H.R. 9545, the Visa Processing Improvement and Paperwork Reduction Act.
Currently, our visa application and processing systems are outdated, duplicative, and waste crucial resources. This legislation will save the State Department countless hours of labor and thousands of dollars in postage and paper by keeping federal communications about visa applications online. It will also reduce requirements on families to mail physical copies of documents that have already been submitted online.
“We have an opportunity to both improve government efficiency and reduce the burden on individuals navigating our complex immigration system,” said Rep. Salazar. “The Visa Processing Improvement and Paperwork Reduction Act will save the State Department tons of time and money so they can process visa applications quicker and easier.”
The Visa Processing Improvement and Paperwork Reduction Act streamlines the visa processing system by eliminating the requirement to mail all signed communications from the applicant and from the Agency that are already sent electronically.
“Excessive visa wait times have long plagued our broken immigration system, causing unnecessary heartache for many applicants,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “Digitizing more aspects of the visa application process will eliminate redundant paperwork, speeding up visa processing times and reducing burdens on applicants. Simple reforms like this legislation can have outsized impacts on the immigration process. I am proud to partner with Representative Salazar to advance commonsense solutions in our immigration system.”
Previously, Reps. Salazar and Kamlager-Dove collaborated on the GRATEFUL Act, which was signed into law in 2023. This policy provided visas for locally employed U.S. embassy staff to immigrate to the U.S. after a career of service to the United States. These staff are critical to our diplomacy abroad, and securing this reform allows us to continue retaining and rewarding the best and brightest that serve the United States and advance our interests abroad.
To read the full text of the bill, click here. To read a short summary of the legislation, click here.
Congresswoman Salazar proudly represents Florida’s 27th congressional district in the House of Representatives, which includes Miami, its suburbs, and beaches.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Horizon Europe programme in Türkiye and its respect for EU values – E-002001/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002001/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE)Hamas, which the EU has blacklisted as a terrorist organisation since 2003, carried out a deadly attack in Israel on 7 October 2023, killing more than 1 500 people, including 68 Europeans. Despite this, it operates freely in Türkiye. Although an active member of the Horizon Europe programme and an EU candidate country, Türkiye is home to Hamas-affiliated individuals and organisations; it denies their terrorist nature and provides medical care to its members. This stands in stark contrast to the EU’s stance.
What is more, Turkish institutions, which are in receipt of Horizon Europe funds, appear to indirectly facilitate Hamas’ activities. This raises questions about the use of EU funds in Türkiye and the risk that they could be used to support activities that undermine EU values.
In the light of the above:
- 1.In view of Türkiye’s public support for Hamas, how does the Commission justify the country’s continued involvement in the Horizon Europe programme?
- 2.What specific measures have been taken to ensure that the Horizon Europe funds allocated to Türkiye are not used – not even indirectly – to support activities that go against the EU’s core values, political decisions and goals?
Submitted: 9.10.2024
Last updated: 16 October 2024 -
MIL-OSI Video: UNRWA in need for enabling environment: only 12 trucks of food made to north Gaza | United Nations
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Senior UNRWA official Scott Andersen reiterated the need for an enabling environment to bring in aid at scale for people in Gaza, “250 to 300 trucks a day in the south and 30 to 40 trucks a day in the north”, he said.
Scott Andersen, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator and Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza spoke to reporter today (16 Oct) in New York.
Anderson told reporters that there are about 470,000 people still in the north of the Strip. There are about 170,000 people in the north primarily in Jabalia. Since September 30, only 12 trucks of food have made it to the population in the north. In the south of the Strip in the declared humanitarian zone, there are about 1.4 million people in a very small space.
The UNRWA official reiterated the need to have a corresponding number of trucks that come in from the private sector.
He said, “The things the UN doesn’t do that the private sector does very well. We don’t bring in fresh fruit and vegetables, we don’t bring in eggs, we don’t bring in meat, we don’t bring in a lot of things. We bring in large staple items. That’s our value added. And the value added for the private sectors, they do everything else, and they do it. They do it very well.”
As winter is approaching Gaza, a lot are needed to be done so the families are safe and protected, Andersen said.
He explained, “It’s just simple things like road repair, picking up garbage, distributing tents. But this all hinges on our ability to bring things in at the scale that’s needed. You need tarpaulin, you need tents, you need blankets for people, and mattresses and all the things that you would very much expect, as well as clothes.”
There has not been an importation for the commercial sector, the private sector close in a year, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator said, adding that “As all of you know, young children do not remain the same size. They change quite quickly at that age, and there needs to be a way for these kinds of things to be brought to the market or brought to people, so that children can be warm.”
The Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza also said, “We have 100,000 metric tons of food between the World Food Program and UNRWA awaiting to be imported into Gaza. That’s enough for everybody for three to four months.”
“So the supplies are there, and the willingness is there, the environment, unfortunately, is not there,” he added.
The UNRWA official continued, “we are coordinating closely with the IDF to try to create an environment. I’d hope we’d have a solution by now, but we’re not quite there, but I do think we’re very much at a tipping point in Gaza in terms of our ability to continue to fight off what would be the lurking man-made famine.”
Recalling his days in Gaza, Andersen said, “We do see on the ground, big numbers are easy to say, in September, a million people didn’t get food, right? And that sounds horrible. It’s much different when you talk to the actual family that didn’t get the food and they can’t feed their child, or they can’t feed everybody, and the mother or father has to choose which of them is not going to eat today, so their child can. That’s the real-world consequence that we see of not getting aid to people.”
The Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator reiterated that “Israel has a responsibility to provide security in Gaza, because they’re the only ones that are able to at the moment, and we need to find that solution. Like I said, winter is not far away.”
Moving onto education, Andersen said, “In primary age education, there are 625,000 children in Gaza that should be in school now. They’re about to miss their second year of education, between this and COVID, that’s four of the last five years. They’re not going to be in a school building, and are very concerned about a lost generation there.”
He concluded, “The one bright spot, I guess we could say, is we do have decent primary health care. UNRWA is doing about 17,000 consultations a day. We’re in round two of the polio vaccination campaign. We’ve added vitamin A to it this time to try to bolster the immune system for children. The first two days we’ve done just over 150,000 immunizations, we need to get to 560,000, it is what we did last time, and we’re trying to make sure that within the community there’s immunity across everyone for polio.”
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MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Gaza, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (16 Oct 2024)
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
-Secretary-General
-UNIFIL
-Lebanon
-Gaza
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Syria
-Cyprus
-Ukraine
-Sudan
-South Sudan
-World food day
-Briefings today
-Briefings tomorrowSECRETARY-GENERAL
This morning, the Secretary-General spoke to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on the proposed programme budget for 2025. He said that in a context of major global shocks, the United Nations is more needed than ever — with our unmatched convening power.
He added that the 2025 programme budget proposal reflects the priorities set out in the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.
The Secretary-General also said that the Organization will continue to work to cement its reforms. Some of the proposals he highlighted include continued investment in sustainable development; human rights; boosting support for the unprecedented humanitarian challenges in Gaza; advancing peace and security; and strengthening the UN’s capacities in investigation and ethics.UNIFIL
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL reports that intense exchanges of fire along and beyond the Blue Line continued over the past 24 hours.
UNIFIL recorded 58 air violations – the highest number for a 24-hour period since 8 October 2023. UNIFIL also detected 1,279 projectiles across the Blue Line, the third highest since 8 October 2023. 1,208, originated from south of the Blue Line, 71 from the north.
The mission also reported that indirect fire and firing from close to UN positions caused material damage to UN equipment and facilities near Dayr Amis in Sector West and Shab’a in Sector East. Fortunately, no peacekeepers were wounded in these incidents.
These incidents continue to put UN peacekeepers, who are serving in southern Lebanon to support the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), at serious risk. The UN reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be ensured by all actors on the ground and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times.
Meanwhile, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, continues her intensive engagements with all actors to urge an immediate ceasefire and that space be given for a diplomatic solution in line with Security Council Resolution 1701. Following further strikes that resulted in civilian deaths today, near Nabatiyeh, the Special Coordinator emphasized in a statement that violations of international humanitarian law are utterly unacceptable. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times.
The Secretary-General again condemns the loss of civilian lives.LEBANON
Today, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that multiple airstrikes were reported in Nabatiyeh and nearby areas in southern Lebanon. So far, according to local authorities, six fatalities have been confirmed, including the mayor of Nabatiyeh, as well as members of the Disaster Risk Management Unit killed in the strike on the municipality building during a relief management meeting.
The UN’s health partners tell us that the violence continues to push an already overwhelmed health system to the brink, with devasting impacts on medical care amid huge health needs.
Since 17 September, the World Health Organization says that it has verified 23 attacks on health care.
It also flags the impact of intense bombardment and insecurity which are forcing a growing number of health facilities to shut down, particularly in the south.
Out of 207 primary health care centres and dispensaries in conflict-affected areas, 100 are now closed.
Despite the challenges, WHO and its partners continue to support Lebanese health authorities and to provide medical supplies for trauma care, cholera prevention. WHO also continues to coordinate with the Lebanese Red Cross and hospitals to equip blood banks with adequate supplies and is working with the Ministry of Public Health of Lebanon to establish trauma centres within the existing hospitals.
On education, Lebanese authorities report that 77 per cent of public schools cannot provide education services due to either being used as collective shelters or being in directly affected areas.
Meanwhile, the UN and partners continue to support the response, including by providing food, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene assistance – but they warn that they are facing operational challenges due to the volatile security situation.Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=16%20October%202024
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MIL-OSI Canada: Federal, provincial, and municipal governments invest in local sports field
Source: Government of Canada News
News release
Auburn, Nova Scotia, October 16, 2024 — The West Kings District High School David Morse Memorial Sports Field is being upgraded after a combined investment of $444,399 from the federal and provincial governments, the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education, and the Municipality of the County of Kings.
Once complete, the sports field will provide more outdoor space for students to play at and near West Kings District High School. The municipality has also invested in paved shoulders and new sidewalks at West Kings to encourage active living and greater use of upgraded facilities.
Quotes
“Communities need many different kinds of infrastructure to ensure those living there stay healthy and resilient. Investments like this one to upgrade the West Kings District High School David Morse Memorial Sports Field ensure that youth in the Auburn area will have access to a facility that promotes an active lifestyle.”
Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Investing in school sports fields isn’t just about creating outdoor space; it’s an investment in the health, well-being, and future of our students. It fosters teamwork, discipline, and resilience, essential qualities for success both on and off the field.”
Chris Palmer, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kings West, on behalf of Honourable John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“The Municipality of the County of Kings is proud to financially participate in a small way toward improvements to the David Morse Memorial Sports Field at West Kings. We know that this facility will continue to give generations of students the opportunity to be physically active. School spirit, inclusion and recreation are fundamental to education.”
Peter Muttart, Mayor of the Municipality of the County of Kings
Quick facts
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The federal government is investing $177,203 through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $223,400, and the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education is investing $11,796. The Municipality of the County of Kings is contributing $32,000.
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Under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream, the federal cost share for public infrastructure projects is 80% in the provinces, and 100% in the territories and for projects intended for Indigenous communities.
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Including today’s announcement, over 70 infrastructure projects under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream have been announced in Nova Scotia, with a total federal contribution of more than $76 million.
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Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
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The funding announced today builds on the federal government’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sofia Ouslis
Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.caMedia Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities CanadaChrissy Matheson
Director, Communications
Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
902-471-2444
chrissy.matheson@novascotia.caAshley Thompson
Communications Specialist
Municipality of the County of Kings
902-680-8574
athompson@countyofkings.ca -
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MIL-Evening Report: Why do I have hay fever? I didn’t have it as a child
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janet Davies, Respiratory Allergy Stream Co-chair, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Professor and Head, Allergy Research Group, Queensland University of Technology
Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis) is a long-term inflammatory condition that’s incredibly common. It affects about one-quarter of Australians.
Symptoms vary but can include sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny or blocked nose. Hay fever can also contribute to sinus and ear infections, snoring, poor sleep and asthma, as well as lower performance at school or work.
But many people didn’t have hay fever as a child, and only develop symptoms as a teenager or adult.
Here’s how a combination of genetics, hormones and the environment can lead to people developing hay fever later in life.
Remind me, what is hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by the nose, eyes and throat coming into contact with a substance to which a person is allergic, known as an allergen.
Common sources of outside allergens include airborne grass, weed or tree pollen, and mould spores. Pollen allergens can be carried indoors on clothes, and through open windows and doors.
Depending on where you live, you may be exposed to a range of pollen types across the pollen season, but grass pollen is the most common trigger of hay fever. In some regions the grass pollen season can extend from spring well into summer and autumn.
How does hay fever start?
Hay fever symptoms most commonly start in adolescence or young adulthood. One study found 7% of children aged six had hay fever, but that grew to 44% of adults aged 24.
Before anyone has hay fever symptoms, their immune system has already been “sensitised” to specific allergens, often allergens of grass pollen. Exposure to these allergens means their immune system has made a particular type of antibody (known as IgE) against them.
During repeated or prolonged exposure to an allergen source such as pollen, a person’s immune system may start to respond to another part of the same allergen, or another allergen within the pollen. Over time, these new allergic sensitisations can lead to development of hay fever and possibly other conditions, such as allergic asthma.
Grass pollen is the most common trigger of hay fever.
winyuu/ShutterstockWhy do some people only develop hay fever as an adult?
1. Environmental factors
Some people develop hay fever as an adult simply because they’ve had more time to become sensitised to specific allergens.
Migration or moving to a new location can also change someone’s risk of developing hay fever. This may be due to exposure to different pollens, climate and weather, green space and/or air quality factors.
A number of studies show people who have migrated from low- and middle-income countries to higher-income countries may be at a higher risk of developing hay fever. This may due to local environmental conditions influencing expression of genes that regulate the immune system.
2. Hormonal factors
Hormonal changes at puberty may also help drive the onset of hay fever. This may relate to sex hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, affecting histamine levels, immune regulation, and the response of cells in the lining of the nose and lower airways.
3. Genetic factors
Our genes underpin our risk of hay fever, and whether this and other related allergic disease persists.
For instance, babies with the skin condition eczema (known as atopic dermatitis) have a three times greater risk of developing hay fever (and asthma) later in life.
Having a food allergy in childhood is also a risk factor for developing hay fever later in life. In the case of a peanut allergy, that risk is more than 2.5 times greater.
What are the best options for treatment?
Depending on where you live, avoiding allergen exposures can be difficult. But pollen count forecasts, if available, can be useful. These can help you decide whether it’s best to stay inside to reduce your pollen exposure, or to take preventative medications.
You may also find alerts on thunderstorm asthma, where pollens combine with specific weather conditions to trigger breathing difficulties.
If you have mild, occasional hay fever symptoms, you can take non-drowsy antihistamines, which you can buy at the pharmacy.
However, for more severe or persistent symptoms, intranasal steroid sprays, or an intranasal spray containing a steroid with antihistamine, are the most effective treatments. However, it is important to use these regularly and correctly.
Allergen immunotherapy, also known as desensitisation, is an effective treatment for people with severe hay fever symptoms that can reduce the need for medication and avoiding allergens.
However, it involves a longer treatment course (about three years), usually with the supervision of an allergy or immunology specialist.
When should people see their doctor?
It is important to treat hay fever, because symptoms can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. A GP can:
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recommend treatments for hay fever and can guide you to use them correctly
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organise blood tests to confirm which allergen sensitisations (if any) are present, and whether these correlate with your symptoms
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screen for asthma, which commonly exists with hay fever, and may require other treatments
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arrange referrals to allergy or immunology specialists, if needed, for other tests, such as allergen skin prick testing, or to consider allergen immunotherapy if symptoms are severe.
More information about hay fever is available from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.
Janet Davies receives funding from the ARC, NHMRC, Department of Health and Ageing, and MRFF. She has conducted research on diagnostics in collaboration with Abionic SA, Switzerland, supported by the National Foundation for Medical Research Innovation with co-contribution from Abionic. Her research has been supported by in-kind services or materials from Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology (Queensland), Abacus Dx (Australia), Stallergenes (France), Stallergenes Greer (Australia), Swisens (Switzerland), Kenelec (Australia), and ThermoFisher (Sweden), as well as cash or in-kind contributions from Partner Organisations for the NHMRC AusPollen Partnership Project GNT1116107, Australasian Society Clinical Immunology Allergy, Asthma Australia; Stallergenes Australia; Bureau Meteorology, Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation, Federal Office of Climate and Meteorology Switzerland. QUT owns patents relevant to grass pollen allergy diagnosis (US PTO 14/311944 issued, AU2008/316301 issued) for which Janet Davies is an inventor. She is the Executive Lead, Repository and Discovery Pillar, and Co-Chair Respiratory Allergy Stream for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence.
Unrelated to this article, Joy Lee has received funding from the Centre of Research Excellence in Treatable Traits in Asthma, Sanofi, Fondazione Menarini and GSK. This funding support was solely used for presenting at educational meetings in asthma and travel grants to attend international meetings and conferences in asthma and allergic diseases. She has been on advisory boards for Tezepelumab (Astra Zeneca). She is affiliated with the National Allergy Centre of Excellence as the co-chair of the Respiratory Allergy Leadership Group.
– ref. Why do I have hay fever? I didn’t have it as a child – https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-have-hay-fever-i-didnt-have-it-as-a-child-239409
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Your Dog’s Care Is Our Business
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Natalie Thorpe and Cllr Paul Oldham pictured with four-legged friends.
Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited HOIL has recently provided Inverness Dog Daycare Ltd with loan funding towards the purchase of an existing dog care business based in the Carse Industrial Estate in Inverness.
HOIL, The Highland Council’s business loan company, supports Highland based businesses and encourages applications from all business sectors, including community organisations. Interested businesses benefit from straightforward loan conditions and a tailored offer to support their project. HOIL has financially supported more than 1,200 local start-up businesses, community organisations and growth projects within the Highland Business community since it was established in 1986.
Inverness Dog Daycare Ltd approached HOIL for a start-up loan to purchase and expand a licenced dog daycare centre in Inverness. The new owner has growth aspirations for the business and aims to double the availability of dog care provision, as well as introduce new services. A pick-up and drop-off service will be available to transport dogs from their homes to the daycare centre. The unit will also be available for use by third party dog trainers, behaviourists and various groups for rental in the evenings and weekends. The business will also hold “dog parties” at the weekend where people are invited to join and allow their dog off lead and the freedom to play with other dogs in a safe and secure area. These parties may be size, age or breed specific.
Natalie Thorpe, who currently runs her own dog walking business on a part time basis, was looking to expand her current operations. On hearing that Playful Paws Ltd was up for sale she saw this as an opportunity to achieve her business aspirations. Natalie, who is the sole director of Inverness Dog Daycare Ltd, has taken over the lease of the business premises from The Highland Council and is excited to provide a safe and secure environment for dogs to be looked after during the day, with support from existing experienced employees.
Councillor Paul Oldham, Chair of HOIL said: “Inverness Dog Daycare is a prime example of the sort of business we are keen to help, and indeed one I might use myself for Skye, our border collie. It is also a particular pleasure when we are supporting young entrepreneurs as we are keen to encourage people to stay in the Highlands rather than heading south to find opportunities.
“HOIL’s accessible and affordable business finance helps promote business across the area, both to begin and expand. It is an important part of the Council’s aim to keep business vibrant and growing in the Highlands.”
Natalie Thorpe Director of Inverness Dog Day Care Ltd said: “At Inverness Dog Daycare we provide a fun, safe and secure environment for dogs to play and rest during the day. We are a team of experienced dog handlers and always ensure the dogs’ health and wellbeing are being put first, whilst still having a great time. We have purchased a well-established dog daycare business in Inverness and could not have done this without financing from HOIL. The process of obtaining financing was straight forward and well guided by the team at HOIL.”
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MIL-Evening Report: ‘Nature markets’ may help preserve biodiversity – but they risk repeating colonial patterns of Indigenous exploitation
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hall, Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences and Public Policy, Auckland University of Technology
Renee Raroa Renee Raroa, CC BY-SA As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, finance for the conservation and restoration of nature is one of the key themes of negotiations.
Global wildlife populations have shrunk by an average of 73% in the past 50 years, according to the 2024 Living Planet report. Consequently, momentum is growing worldwide to deliver new nature markets, such as biodiversity credits, to unlock new sources of funding.
Basically, nature markets are systems of exchange that match demand for nature regeneration with a supply of nature-positive projects.
But this creates risks, as well as opportunities, for Indigenous peoples. Without due care for data sovereignty, Indigenous communities may lose out yet again.
Nature markets could enable Indigenous peoples to fulfill their duties of guardianship. But such markets could also forge a new form of colonialism, including enclosure and appropriation of habitats and species that Indigenous peoples have traditional connections to.
Efforts to prevent deforestation have at times displaced Indigenous people.
Mario Tama/Getty ImagesThis can occur overtly through formalisation of property rights over species, ecosystems and associated lands or waters. For example, efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation (REDD+) in developing countries have been troubled by instances where Indigenous communities were dispossessed from ancestral lands, alienated from place-based traditions or excluded from the commercial benefits of carbon trading.
The current surge for nature markets is attentive to these risks, with international commitments to avoid such mistakes. Yet the processes of colonialism can be less overt and more insidious.
Indigenous data
One neglected area is Indigenous data. This relates to traditional and cultural information, population data, oral histories and ancestral knowledge relating to the environment and natural resources.
If care is not taken with Indigenous data, there are serious risks of reproducing colonialist patterns of exploitation.
Data represents reality. Data helps decision makers to know whether their interventions are effective, even when they are far away from the ecosystems being protected or restored.
If data are accurate, authentic and timely, a funder does not need to set foot in a remote habitat to know whether its carbon stock or native species abundance are improving or declining.
Biodiversity credits represent one way to operationalise a nature market. They are basically a vehicle for data. The emerging methodologies are bundles of metrics and indicators that track biodiversity and ecological function.
Biodiversity credits use metrics and indicators that track ecological function.
Renee Raroa, CC BY-SAThe data enable credit holders to make credible claims of biodiversity uplift, or avoided biodiversity loss, as a consequence of credit sales.
As a representation of ecological reality, data are at least one step removed from the habitats and species they represent. This opens up the potential for nature markets to rely on the exchange of verifiable data, without the need to commodify nature itself, and therefore impinge on the ownership rights of Indigenous communities.
However, data are not free from such considerations. To divert data into a system of market exchange raises a different but related set of concerns about ownership, benefit and sovereignty.
The rise of Indigenous data sovereignty
Indigenous data sovereignty is the right of Indigenous peoples to govern the collection, ownership and application of data about Indigenous communities, peoples, lands and resources. It relates to data produced by and about Indigenous peoples and the environments they have relationships with.
Nature and people are precious, so data that represent nature and people are imbued with that preciousness. As Māori practitioner Ngapera Riley has written:
Data is a taonga (treasure). It’s something that people gift us, and that we gift to others as we go about our daily lives.
In te ao Māori, data come in many forms. This includes whakataukī (proverbs), moteatea (chants), whaikorero (oratory), maramataka (calendar), whakapapa (genealogies), pūrākau (stories) and increasingly digital forms.
Consequently, we must take great care in how data are accessed, shared, stored and used. This is especially critical in a system of market exchange. The dominant markets of today are profit-driven, creating incentives for appropriation and exploitation.
Sovereignty means power
Indigenous peoples are conscious that, while there are risks in data and knowledge sharing, there are also opportunities. Indigenous data and knowledge is a living and evolving system, which can contribute to effective responses to environmental challenges, including the protection and regeneration of biodiversity.
The principles of Indigenous data governance emerged from deliberations about how to protect Indigenous sovereignty when sharing knowledge and data for academic research. These CARE principles hold that Indigenous data should be governed for collective benefit, authority to control, responsibility and ethics.
This is critically important in ecological research, which too often neglects duties relating to data about natural ecosystems and the people who live within them.
It is troubling that the recognition of Indigenous data sovereignty is largely lacking from the discussion of nature markets so far. Unless Indigenous data sovereignty is upheld, the legitimacy of nature markets will likely be irreversibly tarnished.
This is why, in a recent Biodiversity Credits Alliance discussion paper, we included Indigenous data sovereignty as a risk to be identified, understood and managed.
But Indigenous data sovereignty is more than a risk: it is a source of power. It is a right to self-determination, to choose how data are used and their value is distributed. By ensuring this right, nature markets might deliver on their promise of inclusive, sustainable prosperity.
David Hall is Policy Director for the Toha Network.
Mike Taitoko is a shareholder of Toha Foundry Ltd and a Trustee of Toha Network Ltd.
Nathalie Whitaker works for the Toha Network in various capacities, including shareholder of Toha Foundry and trustee of Toha Network Trust.
Renee Raroa is the Establishment Director of the East Coast Exchange, a venture in the Toha Network.
Tasman Turoa Gillies is Head of Operations for Takiwā, part of the Toha Network.
– ref. ‘Nature markets’ may help preserve biodiversity – but they risk repeating colonial patterns of Indigenous exploitation – https://theconversation.com/nature-markets-may-help-preserve-biodiversity-but-they-risk-repeating-colonial-patterns-of-indigenous-exploitation-238579
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MIL-Evening Report: More than 20% of Earth’s plant species are found only on islands – and time is running out to save them
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Schrader, Lecturer in Plant Ecology, Macquarie University
Shutterstock Islands have long intrigued explorers and scientists. These isolated environments serve as natural laboratories for understanding how species evolve and adapt.
Islands are also centres of species diversity. It has long been speculated that islands support exceptionally high amounts of global biodiversity, but the true extent was unknown until now.
In world-first research published in Nature today, my colleagues and I counted and mapped the diversity of plant life on Earth’s islands. We found 21% of the world’s total plant species are endemic to islands, meaning they occur nowhere else on the planet.
These findings are important. Island plants are at higher risk of extinction than those on mainlands. Detailed knowledge of plants species, and where they grow, is essential for monitoring and conserving them.
Mapping island floras worldwide
The study involved an international team of scientists. We developed an unprecedented database of vegetation information from more than 3,400 geographical regions worldwide, including about 2,000 islands.
The definition of an island is somewhat arbitrary. Conventionally, an island is a landmass entirely surrounded by water and smaller than a continent. This means Tasmania and New Guinea are islands, but mainland Australia – a continent in itself – is not. This is the definition we used.
We found 94,052 plant species, or 31% of the world’s total, are native to islands. Of these, 63,280 plant species, or 21%, only occur on islands.
Endemic species were concentrated on large tropical islands such as Madagascar, New Guinea and Borneo. On Madagascar alone, 9,318 plant species – 83% of its total flora – grow there and nowhere else.
Fewer plant species overall were found at ocean archipelagos such as Hawaii, the Canary Islands and the Mascarenes (east of Madagascar, including La Reunion and Mauritius). But a large share of their species were still unique to these islands.
Two palms are endemic to Australia’s Lord Howe Island – Howea forsteriana and H. belmoreana. They are one of the best-researched examples of “sympatric speciation”, or in other words, species that evolve from a common ancestor at the same location.
This mode of evolution has long been hypothesised to exist. But examples are rare, and highly useful for evolutionary research.
The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is, of course, named after the tiny island where it is found. This species, while endangered in the wild, is now widely planted along Australia’s beaches where it is instantly recognisable to us.
Islands are of great conservation concern
Islands cover just 5.3% of the world’s land area, but contribute disproportionately to global biodiversity.
Island plants are at much greater risk of extinction than species found in mainland areas, for reasons such as:
- small population sizes
- unique evolutionary traits that make them vulnerable to invasive species such as herbivores
- specific habitat requirements
- habitat degradation
- threats from invasive plant and animal species
- climate change.
Some 57% of the island-endemic species we assessed are considered critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, or near-threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Alarmingly, 176 of plant species endemic to islands are already classified as extinct, accounting for 55% of all known extinct plant species globally. Among these is Hawaii’s vulcan palm (Brighamia insignis), which is now considered extinct in the wild. However, the species is popular as an ornamental plant and still survives in gardens.
Hawaii’s vulcan palm is extinct in the wild, but is popular as an ornamental plant.
ShutterstockOther species might be less lucky; extinction in the wild may mean being lost for ever.
So, assessing the conservation status of island floras is important. Under a globally agreed United Nations target, 30% of the world’s land and oceans should be protected by 2030. We calculated how much of global islands is conserved today. Disappointingly, only 6% of endemic plant species occur on islands that meet this target.
For instance, New Caledonia, Madagascar and New Guinea – known for their many endemic plant species – contain relatively low levels of protected areas.
Assessing the conservation status of island floras is important.
ShutterstockProtecting our island plants
Urgent action is needed to protect island biodiversity. This includes expanding protected areas, prioritising regions with high numbers of endemic species, and implementing habitat restoration projects.
Without such measures, the unique floral diversity of islands may continue to decline, with potentially severe consequences for global biodiversity.
Much more research is needed to determined the best conservation strategies for all these plant species. Accurate data is vital to guide future conservation strategies and safeguard against further loss.
Our study also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for targeted plant conservation efforts on islands. Many species teeter on the brink of extinction, and time is running out to preserve this irreplaceable natural heritage.
Julian Schrader 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. More than 20% of Earth’s plant species are found only on islands – and time is running out to save them – https://theconversation.com/more-than-20-of-earths-plant-species-are-found-only-on-islands-and-time-is-running-out-to-save-them-238433
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MIL-Evening Report: Ocean eddy currents funnel extreme heat and cold to the life-filled depths
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ming Feng, Senior Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO
On land, we’re familiar with heatwaves and cold snaps. But the deep sea also experiences prolonged periods of hot and cold.
Marine heatwaves and cold spells can severely damage ocean ecosystems and habitats such as coral reefs. These extremes can also force species to move or die and cause sudden losses for fisheries.
In research published today in Nature, we show almost half of the heatwaves and cold snaps reaching the ocean’s twilight zone – between 200 and 1,000 metres – are driven by large eddy currents, swirling currents which transport warm or cold water.
As the oceans heat up, heatwaves linked to eddy currents are getting more intense – and so are cold snaps. These pose potential threats to the vast amount of life in the twilight zone, home to the world’s most abundant vertebrate and the largest migration on the planet.
Monitoring the deep sea is hard
About 90% of heat trapped by greenhouse gases has gone into the oceans. As a result, marine heatwaves are arriving more frequently – especially off Australia’s east coast, Tasmania, the northeast Pacific coast in the United States and in the North Atlantic.
Researchers have long relied on satellite measurements of temperatures at the ocean surface to detect these extreme ocean temperature events. Surface temperatures are directly influenced by the atmosphere. But it’s different at depth.
Satellites can’t measure temperatures under the surface, making the deep sea much harder to monitor.
Instead, we have a handful of long-term moorings – measurement buoys suspended at depth – across the world’s oceans. These are hugely valuable, as they continuously record temperatures and make it possible to detect extremes temperature changes.
In recent decades, there have been welcome advances in the form of Argo floats – robotic divers which dive 2,000 metres deep and resurface, sampling temperature and salinity as they go.
Data from these two sources coupled with traditional measurements from vessels made our research possible.
Heatwaves inside eddy currents
The data gave us two million high quality temperature readings or “profiles” across the world’s oceans, spanning three decades. We used this rich data to uncover the role of eddy currents.
Ocean eddies are huge loops of swirling current, sometimes hundreds of kilometres across and reaching down over 1,000 metres. They’re so large you can see them on satellite images.
These powerful currents can push warm surface water down deeper or lift deep cold water up, causing rapid temperature changes. Eddies can travel a long distance before dissipating, carrying bodies of colder or warmer water with them.
We discovered their role in triggering deep heatwaves and cold snaps by examining each temperature profile and cross-matching this with eddies present at the same time and location.
This showed eddies played a major role in triggering marine heatwaves and cold spells in waters deeper than 100 metres – especially in the mid-latitude oceans north and south of the tropics.
The East Australian Current takes warm water southward down the east coast, triggering many eddies. More than 70% of deeper marine heatwaves in this area actually took place inside ocean eddies.
When eddies in this current spin anticlockwise, they tend to bring marine heatwaves, transporting warm water to the depths. But when they spin clockwise, they bring cold deep water up higher, bringing cold spells.
We found deep extreme temperature events linked to eddies are seen more often in major ocean boundary currents, such as the East Australian and Kuroshio currents in the Pacific and the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic. Deep marine heatwaves also occur in the Leeuwin Current off Western Australia. The stronger the eddy currents, the more likely they are to trigger extreme temperatures deeper down.
Eddy currents are the main driver for nearly half of all deep ocean heatwaves and cold spells. Other drivers include ocean temperature fronts from strong ocean currents and large-scale ocean waves.
When eddy currents spin one way, they can send heat to the depths. When they spin another, they can bring cold water towards the surface.
olrat/ShutterstockWhat does this mean for ocean life?
Day in, day out, heat trapped by greenhouse gases makes its way to the oceans.
You would expect marine heatwaves to increase, which they are. But cold snaps haven’t gone away. In fact, extremes of both heat and cold are getting more intense in the deeper ocean as the climate changes.
Our research suggests eddy currents are acting to magnify the warming rates of marine heatwaves and the cooling rate of the cold spells. Warmer oceans overall are leading to stronger eddy currents, which in turn are able to trigger large temperature change over a greater vertical distance.
Because we can detect ocean eddies with satellites, we can use this research to predict when deeper marine heatwaves and cold spells are likely. This will help find which ecosystems are likely to be hit by extreme heat or cold and assess what damage they do.
The ocean layer these extremes affect is called the twilight zone – between 200 and 1,000 metres deep. These depths are home to many important fish species and plankton. In fact, this zone has more fish biomass than the rest of the ocean combined. One small fish, the bristlemouth, is likely the most abundant vertebrate on earth, potentially numbering in the quadrillions – thousands of trillions.
The mesopelagic Twilight Zone is rich in life. Clockwise from top: mesopelagic jellyfish, viperfish, lanternfish, larvacean, copepod and squid.
Wikimedia/Drazen et al, CC BY-NC-NDWhen night falls, vast numbers of fish, crustaceans and other creatures migrate towards the surface to feed in the largest animal migration on Earth. During the day, many open ocean fish head to the twilight to avoid sharks, whales and other surface predators.
Heat and cold brought by eddies aren’t the only threat to the twilight zone. Marine heatwaves can lead to low oxygen levels in the water and reduced nutrients. We will need to find out what threat these combined changes pose to life in the twilight.
Ming Feng receives funding from CSIRO, the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), Western Australia State Government, and Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
– ref. Ocean eddy currents funnel extreme heat and cold to the life-filled depths – https://theconversation.com/ocean-eddy-currents-funnel-extreme-heat-and-cold-to-the-life-filled-depths-241363
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MIL-OSI USA: 2024 North Carolina Award Winners, State’s Highest Honor, Announced
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: 2024 North Carolina Award Winners, State’s Highest Honor, Announced
2024 North Carolina Award Winners, State’s Highest Honor, Announced
jejohnson6The state’s highest civilian honor, the North Carolina Award, will be presented to eight distinguished North Carolinians Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. Governor Roy Cooper will present the awards at a 7 p.m. banquet and ceremony.
All proceeds from ticket sales for the awards ceremony will go to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
The award was created by the General Assembly in 1961 to recognize significant contributions to the state and nation in the fields of fine arts, literature, public service and science. The awards have been presented annually since 1964 and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the awards ceremony.
The 2024 honorees are The Avett Brothers (Scott Avett, Seth Avett and Bob Crawford) for Fine Arts, Frank A. Bruni Jr. for Literature, William Henry Curry for Fine Arts, Thomas W. Earnhardt for Science, Christina Koch for Science, and Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr. for Public Service.
“Over the past six decades, the North Carolina Award has been given to many remarkable North Carolinians,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “This year’s awardees join an illustrious list of people who have benefitted North Carolina through their impressive accomplishments in public service, literature, science, and the arts. This year’s event will benefit our neighbors in Western North Carolina who were harmed by the devastating storm.”
Since the award’s inception, more than 300 notable men and women have been honored by the state of North Carolina. Past recipients include William Friday, James Taylor, Etta Baker, Charles Kuralt, Maya Angelou, Lee Smith, Eric Church, Selma Burke, and Branford Marsalis.
2024 Award Recipients:
Fine Arts: The Avett Brothers
Brothers Scott and Seth Avett and their longtime friend Bob Crawford lead the folk rock band The Avett Brothers. From Concord, N.C., Scott and Seth Avett have played music together since childhood. Their partnership began when the two brothers merged Seth Avett’s high school band, Margo, and Scott Avett’s college band, Nemo, and released three albums as Nemo. After the group disbanded Scott and Seth continued to write acoustic music together. In 2001 stand-up bassist Bob Crawford joined the Avetts, and the band released its first full-length album, Country Was in 2002. The band has been nominated for three Grammy awards and been nominated for and won several awards from the Americana Music Association, including Duo/Group of the Year and New/Emerging Artist of the Year awards in 2007. As cultural ambassadors for North Carolina, The Avett Brothers play a vital role in promoting the state’s rich musical heritage, inspiring future generations of artists while remaining deeply rooted in their origins.
Literature: Frank A. Bruni Jr.
Frank Bruni has been a prominent journalist for more than three decades, principally at The New York Times, where his various roles have included op-ed columnist, White House correspondent, Rome bureau chief and chief restaurant critic. As the Times’s first openly gay op-ed columnist, in 2016 Bruni was honored by the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association with the Randy Shilts Award for his lifetime contribution to LGBTQ equality. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar and wrote for the student paper, the Daily Tar Heel. Bruni is the author of five bestselling books including the most recent, “The Age of Grievance,” an examination of America’s political dysfunction and culture wars. In 2021, he became a full professor at Duke University, teaching media-oriented classes in the Sanford School of Public Policy. Now living in North Carolina, he continues to write his popular weekly newsletter for the New York Times and to produce occasional essays as a contributing opinion writer for the newspaper.
Fine Arts: William Henry Curry
William Henry Curry, a significant figure in contemporary American music, has made remarkable contributions as both a conductor and composer. His dedication to championing American composers, his trailblazing role as an African American in classical music, and his wide-ranging work in both concert and opera have established him as a pioneering force. Curry currently serves as the music director and conductor of the Durham Symphony Orchestra. From 1998 to 2016, he was the resident conductor and Summerfest artistic director of the North Carolina Symphony. During his career, he has conducted some of the world’s greatest orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the major opera companies of New York, Chicago, and Houston. Maestro Curry is also a composer, and his works have been played by many of America’s finest orchestras. He has been a mentor for young musicians at the Peabody Conservatory, the Baltimore School of Arts, and many music schools in North Carolina.
Science: Thomas W. Earnhardt
Tom Earnhardt has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting North Carolina’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Earnhardt extensive career of service includes time as an assistant attorney general at the N.C. Department of Justice, assistant secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration, and as a professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law. In 1971 Earnhardt was one of the first attorneys hired at the N.C. Department of Justice in the “new arena” of environmental law. Later, while working with Governor Jim Holshouser he played a key role in helping to preserve critical natural areas, including the New River in northwestern North Carolina and the southernmost Outer Banks, today’s Cape Lookout National Seashore. Beyond his legal work, Earnhardt has long been passionate about conservation and environmental education. He served on the boards of numerous natural resource organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden. He is best known, however, through his work as the writer, host, and co-producer of the long-running PBS series “Exploring North Carolina,” which highlights the importance of our natural heritage in the life of every North Carolinian.
Science: Christina Koch
Christina Koch has blazed a trail for women in space exploration. Selected to be a NASA astronaut in 2013, Koch has set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with 328 days in space, participated in the first all-female spacewalk, and was a flight engineer on the International Space Station for Expeditions 59 through 61. Koch is a graduate of the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics and North Carolina State University. Before becoming an astronaut, she worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as an electrical engineer, contributing to instruments for various NASA space science missions. Koch is a passionate advocate for STEM education, actively encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science and technology. Throughout her career, she has engaged in educational outreach, technical instruction, and volunteer tutoring, demonstrating her dedication to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. As part of the Artemis II mission scheduled for 2025, Koch will become the first woman to participate in a lunar mission.
Public Service: Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr.
Dr. Harold Lee Martin, Sr., has dedicated his life to higher education and public service. Serving as the 12th chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University from 2009-2024, Martin became the first alumnus to lead the institution. His extensive experience in education, spanning over 40 years, made him a key figure in N.C. A&T’s growth to become the largest of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and one of the country’s top public research institutions. Before becoming N.C. A&T’s chancellor, Martin served as senior vice president for Academic Affairs for the University of North Carolina System, where he helped shape policies benefiting institutions across North Carolina, and held leadership roles at Winston-Salem State University, where he served as the 11th chief administrator and seventh chancellor.
The 2024 North Carolina Awards will be presented Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. This event is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Martin Marietta, RTI, Wolfspeed, Lenovo, Duke Energy, ECU Health, CBC/WRAL Community Fund of the Triangle Community Foundation, Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, PBS North Carolina, NCSU College of Engineering, N.C. School of Science and Mathematics, NC Opera, Dr. Myron S. Cohen and Dr. Gail Henderson, Honorable G K Butterfield, Justice W. Earl Britt, and Michael Alan McFee.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.Oct 16, 2024 -
MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Announces First Flu Death of 2024-2025 Season, Encourages Residents to Get Annual Vaccines and Use Other Preventive Measures
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: NCDHHS Announces First Flu Death of 2024-2025 Season, Encourages Residents to Get Annual Vaccines and Use Other Preventive Measures
NCDHHS Announces First Flu Death of 2024-2025 Season, Encourages Residents to Get Annual Vaccines and Use Other Preventive Measures
hejones1The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first flu-related death of the 2024-25 flu season. An adult in the Charlotte metropolitan area died due to complications of influenza during the second week of October. To protect the privacy of the family, additional information will not be released.
“This is a sad reminder that influenza can be a very serious illness,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “Taking preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting vaccinated, regularly washing hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick are important to help protect you and your family.”
Influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to increase over the coming weeks. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from these infections. Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people aged 6 months and older receive a seasonal flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. RSV vaccinations are also recommended to protect older adults 75 years and older, adults 60-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV and pregnant women during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to protect infants. Parents should talk with their health care provider about other options to protect infants from severe RSV disease.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations are available at pharmacies, private medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers and local health departments. These vaccines can be administered at the same visit. To find a vaccine near you, visit http://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.
Early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent respiratory infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. If you begin to feel sick, contact your doctor right away to see if you need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug. Treatment is especially important for those who are hospitalized, people with severe illness and those who at high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions.
In addition to vaccines and treatment, the following precautions should be taken to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner or sanitizer to prevent the spread of viruses to others
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
- Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading infection to others in your home, including:
- Staying in a separate room from other household members, if possible
- Using a separate bathroom, if possible
- Avoiding contact with other members of the household and pets
- Not sharing personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
- Wearing a mask when around other people
For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing and treatment in your community, visit http://www.vaccines.gov/en/, flu.ncdhhs.gov or covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
A respiratory virus surveillance summary that includes information on flu, COVID-19 and RSV-related activity across North Carolina is updated weekly at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte reporta la primera muerte relacionada con la gripe (influenza) de la temporada 2024-2025. Un adulto en el área metropolitana de Charlotte murió debido a complicaciones de la gripe (influenza) durante la segunda semana de octubre. Para proteger la privacidad de la familia, no se divulgará información adicional.
“Este es un triste recordatorio de que la influenza puede ser una enfermedad muy grave”, dijo el epidemiólogo estatal Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “Tomar medidas preventivas contra la gripe (influenza) y otras enfermedades respiratorias como vacunarse, lavarse las manos regularmente, cubrirse al toser y quedarse en casa cuando está enfermo son importantes para ayudar a protegerlo a usted y a su familia”.
Se espera que la gripe (influenza), el COVID-19 y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VSR, por sus siglas en inglés) aumenten en las próximas semanas. Las vacunas son la mejor manera de prevenir enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muertes por estas infecciones. Las vacunas son especialmente importantes para las personas con mayor riesgo de enfermedad respiratoria viral grave, incluidas las personas de 65 años o más, los niños menores de 5 años, las mujeres embarazadas, las personas con un sistema inmunológico comprometido y las personas con ciertas condiciones médicas como el asma, la diabetes, las enfermedades cardíacas y la obesidad.
Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades recomiendan que todas las personas mayores de 6 meses reciban una vacuna contra la gripe estacional y la vacuna contra el COVID-19. También se recomiendan las vacunas contra el VSR para proteger a los adultos mayores de 75 años o más, a los adultos de 60 a 74 años que tienen un mayor riesgo de VSR grave y a las mujeres embarazadas durante las semanas 32 a 36 del embarazo para proteger a los bebés. Los padres deben hablar con su proveedor de atención médica sobre otras opciones para proteger a los bebés de la enfermedad grave por el VSR.
Las vacunas contra la gripe (influenza), el COVID-19 y el VSR están disponibles en farmacias, consultorios médicos privados, algunos centros de atención médica calificados a nivel federal y departamentos de salud locales. Estas vacunas se pueden administrar en la misma visita. Para encontrar una vacuna cerca de usted, visite http://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.
Las pruebas y el tratamiento tempranos con un medicamento antiviral pueden ayudar a prevenir que las infecciones respiratorias se vuelvan más graves. Los tratamientos funcionan mejor si se inician poco después de que comiencen los síntomas. Si comienza a sentirse enfermo, comuníquese con su médico de inmediato para ver si necesita tratamiento con un medicamento antiviral recetado. El tratamiento es especialmente importante para aquellos que están hospitalizados, personas con enfermedades graves y aquellos con alto riesgo de complicaciones graves en función de su edad o condiciones médicas.
Además de las vacunas y el tratamiento, se deben tomar las siguientes precauciones para proteger contra la propagación de virus respiratorios:
- Lávese las manos regularmente con agua y jabón, o use un limpiador o desinfectante a base de alcohol para evitar la propagación de virus a otras personas.
- Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca.
- Limpie y desinfecte las superficies y los objetos que podrían estar contaminados.
- Cúbrase la tos y los estornudos con un pañuelo de papel y luego deseche el pañuelo de papel rápidamente.
- Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo, excepto para buscar atención médica o pruebas, y tome medidas para evitar transmitir la infección a otras personas en su hogar, que incluyen:
- Alojarse en una habitación separada de otros miembros del hogar, si es posible.
- Usar un baño separado, si es posible.
- Evitar el contacto con otros miembros del hogar y mascotas.
- No compartir artículos personales para el hogar, como tazas, toallas y utensilios.
- Usar una mascarilla cuando esté cerca de otras personas.
Para obtener más información sobre los virus respiratorios, incluido cómo acceder a las vacunas, las pruebas y el tratamiento en su comunidad, visite http://www.vaccines.gov/es/, flu.ncdhhs.gov o covid19.ncdhhs.gov.
Un resumen de la vigilancia del virus respiratorio que incluye información sobre la gripe, el COVID-19 y la actividad relacionada con el VSR en Carolina del Norte se actualiza semanalmente en covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.
Oct 16, 2024
