NewzIntel.com

Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI China: China ramps up efforts to fight crimes related to cultural relics

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China stepped up efforts over the past year to combat crimes related to the excavation, theft, trafficking and destruction of cultural relics, solving more than 940 cases and recovering 16,000 antiques, the Ministry of Public Security said.

    Among those cases, more than 60 involved intentional or negligent destruction of cultural relics and damage to historical sites, the ministry said in a statement Monday night.

    The ministry oversaw seven major investigations into looting and trafficking of cultural relics last year, spanning provinces including Shanxi, Jilin and Anhui. The operations led to numerous arrests and the recovery of more than 4,800 antiques, according to the statement.

    The police also recovered stolen national cultural relics from abroad, including gilt bronze door knocker-holders from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and bronze Buddhist statues from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

    Last year, authorities established a long-term working mechanism with the National Cultural Heritage Administration to enhance collaboration on information sharing, case consultations and antique identification, the ministry said. Public security authorities have also contributed to discussions on amending the Cultural Relics Protection Law.

    To strengthen efforts to retrieve stolen relics, the ministry has expanded the use of its online platform for tracking lost antiques, publishing 763 related notices last year. Chinese police have also coordinated with Interpol’s database of stolen artwork, adding information on an additional 400 missing relics.

    “We will maintain a high-pressure crackdown on crimes involving cultural relics,” the ministry said, urging police to step up inspections and enhance security at cultural sites and museums to protect historical and cultural heritage.

    Public security departments conducted more than 100,000 patrols around cultural relics and museums nationwide last year. They also collaborated with relics authorities on more than 7,000 joint law enforcement inspections, identifying over 8,000 potential risks, according to the ministry.

    “Like other crimes, cultural relic offenses are increasingly high-tech, intelligent and networked,” said Liu Weijun, a professor at the People’s Public Security University of China, in an article published in Zhejiang province’s legal journal Research on Rule of Law.

    The number of cultural relics cases filed by Chinese police remains relatively small, Liu said, but “the crackdown must be severe and ongoing because antiques are irreplaceable and nonrenewable.”

    In 2024, China passed an amended Cultural Relics Protection Law, which increases penalties for damaging antiques and promotes the establishment of museums, parks and memorials to highlight the value of immovable relics. The law takes effect on March 1.

    Authorities have also tightened scrutiny over livestreaming and short-video content related to ancient tombs since last year, after some streamers and content creators were found to have broadcast or posted inappropriate or illegal material involving tomb explorations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With billions in ‘profit’ exempt from tax, changes to NZ’s charity rules are long overdue

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ranjana Gupta, Senior Lecturer, Accounting Department, Auckland University of Technology

    Jirsak/Shutterstock

    The profit made on every breakfast bowl of weet-bix is tax exempt, giving Sanitarium Health Food Company, owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, an advantage over other breakfast food companies. But this could be about to change.

    Under current rules, New Zealand’s charities are allowed to run businesses as long as the profits are not for personal gain. This means the government gives up millions in tax revenue from charities across the government.

    In December, Finance Minister Nicola Willis proposed revising the tax rules for charitable organisations. The changes are set to be announced with this year’s Budget. According to Willis, there was about NZ$2 billion of “profit” in the charitable sector that was not subject to tax.

    My new research – to be published later this year – looks at the integrity and fairness of the taxation framework that gives exemptions to charitable organisations competing directly with the for-profit sector.

    Striking the right balance between supporting legitimate charitable activities and preventing the abuse of tax concessions is crucial for ensuring a level playing field in the tax system.

    My study shows the tax exemption system in New Zealand, as it stands now, is not really fair and equitable. And it is past time for this to change.

    For the public benefit

    Under New Zealand’s charity law, a charitable organisation must operate for the public benefit and relieve the government of its burden to provide welfare services and assist disadvantaged people.

    A paper prepared by the Tax Working Group, an advisory group that looked at New Zealand’s tax system between 2017 and 2019, estimated 30% of registered charities were likely to have some sort of trading activities, such as second-hand stores.

    To be eligible for tax exemptions, any gains from businesses must be reinvested in the organisation’s charitable activities.

    The traditional justification for granting charitable organisations tax concessions is that they are dedicated to the greater good of society. The concessions are also meant to offset the disadvantages charities face in accessing capital.

    But by treating the producers of identical goods and services differently, there is a risk of compromising horizontal equity principles – basically the idea that taxpayers in similar positions should pay similar amounts of tax.

    There are concerns for the tax system’s integrity when charitable organisations shift their focus from providing a public good to providing private or unrelated goods (commercial activities).

    In these cases, it is clear that tax breaks should be limited.

    When governments offer tax breaks, they forego tax revenue. Governments end up having to raise money from other sources to meet their total tax collection targets, such as increasing tax rates on non-exempt firms, items and individuals.

    Taxing unrelated activities

    Overseas tax systems take a different view of exemptions for charities, offering examples for New Zealand to follow.

    In the United Kingdom, for example, charities cannot undertake commercial trading activities unrelated to their charitable purposes while claiming exemption from income tax. This ensures fair competition between commercial activities.

    In the United States, “unrelated business income” is subject to tax, restricting concessions to ensure the tax regime matches conventional tax policy or social welfare policy.

    In Australia, commercial trading unrelated to the charity’s core purpose is not allowed.

    Ensuring transparency

    To ensure greater transparency over who gets an exemption, the financial statements of all charities in New Zealand should also be filed on the Charities Register. These statements should be publicly available.

    Charities also need to become more responsible and equitable in their operations. There needs to be stricter regulation, and compliance measures should be implemented. These would prevent tax exemption misuse that benefits a specific group or individuals.

    The time for reviewing charitable purposes is long overdue in New Zealand, particularly given the UK and Australia have set out their concepts of charitable purposes in recent years.

    Ranjana Gupta 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. With billions in ‘profit’ exempt from tax, changes to NZ’s charity rules are long overdue – https://theconversation.com/with-billions-in-profit-exempt-from-tax-changes-to-nzs-charity-rules-are-long-overdue-249575

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Yes, Australia needs new homes – but they must be built to withstand disasters in a warmer world

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francesca Perugia, Senior Lecturer, School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University

    Australia’s housing crisis has created a push for fast-tracked construction. Federal, state and territory governments have set a target of 1.2 million new homes over five years.

    Increasing housing supply is essential. However, the homes must be thoughtfully located and designed, to avoid or withstand natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones.

    Recent severe weather, including floods in Queensland and severe storms in north-east Victoria, underscore the growing vulnerability of Australian homes. As climate change worsens, the risk becomes ever-greater.

    Our new research examined how disaster risk informs housing location and design in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. We spoke to planners, developers, insurers and housing providers, and found crucial problems that leave communities exposed.

    Getting to grips with disaster data

    Australia’s towns and cities are increasingly affected by natural disasters. The consequences extend beyond physical destruction to social, psychological and health effects. Disasters also harm the economy.

    Despite this, government housing policies and strategies often fail to adequately focus on natural disasters.

    Accurate, up-to-date information is crucial when seeking to protect new homes from natural disasters. Informed decisions typically require three types of data:

    • foundational: relating to vegetation, landscape features, weather, climate change and building characteristics such as height and materials

    • hazards: the risks of different disaster types such as historical flood data, maps of bushfire-prone areas and the recurrence of cyclones

    • vulnerability: the potential and actual impacts of natural disasters such as building damage, fatalities and injuries, displacement, psychological and health impacts and insurance losses.

    Our research, for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, examined how data could be better used and shared to plan and deliver new housing and protect Australians from disasters.

    What we did

    We started by identifying what data was available in Australia for bushfire, flood and cyclone risk.
    Then we examined who owned and managed the data and how it was, or wasn’t, shared.

    The next step was to explore how decision-makers use the data to assess disaster risks for new housing. This involves interviews, workshops and questionnaires with:

    • government planning agencies (both state and local government)

    • housing providers (public and not-for-profit/community housing)

    • housing and land developers (private and public)

    • banks and insurers.

    What we found

    Overall, we found data on disaster risk was fragmented and inconsistent across multiple agencies, and not regularly updated.

    Decision-makers in state and local planning agencies often cannot access accurate information about disaster risk. This means they lack the power to restrict housing in areas prone to bushfires, floods or other extreme events.

    Flood hazard data is particularly problematic. One planner from Queensland described it as “patchy, of variable quality and currency and not always open source” – the latter meaning it was hard to access.

    Many households only learn about their disaster risk when discovering their homes are uninsurable or premiums are prohibitively high. Others become aware of the problem when premiums rise with an existing insurer.

    A community housing provider told us:

    I think the way people are finding out about risk now is by their insurance policies going up. That’s the market reality. When they get an increase in their insurance policy next year, that will wake them up that they are actually in a high-risk area.

    Data held by emergency service agencies and insurers is mostly inaccessible to planners, developers and households due to privacy and commercial sensitivities.

    However, this information is crucial. Government agencies should establish protocols to enable data-sharing while protecting privacy and commercial interests.

    Lack of transparency for homebuyers

    A recent report suggested only 29% of Australian home buyers know the disaster risks associated with the homes they live in.

    Disclosure statements are required by the vendor (seller) when marketing their house or land for sale. These vary between states and territories and, in most cases, do not compel the owner to reveal all known risks.

    For example, in Victoria, a vendor is required to disclose whether the land is in a designated bushfire-prone area, but not whether it is exposed to flooding.

    What’s more, a vendor motivated to sell a house is probably not the best source to provide accurate, impartial information about its exposure to disaster. This is better left to an independent entity such as a local council.

    Thorough investigations into a home’s disaster risk is usually at the discretion of the buyer.

    Making this information readily available to prospective homebuyers prior to purchase would allow more informed consumer decisions. It would also pressure governments and housing suppliers to address disaster risks.

    Where to next?

    Australia urgently needs a national framework to ensure data on housing and disaster risk is comprehensive, current and embedded in housing development decisions.

    The federal government’s Digital Transformation Agency could establish and implement this system, with input from state and local governments.

    Technology known as “spatial digital twins” could also vastly improve how disaster risk is assessed and communicated. These tools enable users to pull together and arrange large amounts of data, to visualise it in the form of models.

    For example, a spatial digital twin could combine real time flood sensor data with historical flooding patterns to predict and visualise flood risks before they occur. Federal and state governments are already investing in such technology.

    Australia’s push to increase housing supply must be matched with a commitment from governments to ensure the homes are safe, resilient and sustainable in the face of our changing climate.

    Addressing the housing crisis isn’t just about numbers – it’s about making sure homes are built in the right places, with the right protections, for the long-term safety of communities.

    Francesca Perugia
    receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

    Courtney Babb receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and is a member of the Greens (WA).

    Steven Rowley receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute and the Australian Research Council. He is a member of the Housing Industry Forecasting Group in Western Australia

    – ref. Yes, Australia needs new homes – but they must be built to withstand disasters in a warmer world – https://theconversation.com/yes-australia-needs-new-homes-but-they-must-be-built-to-withstand-disasters-in-a-warmer-world-249702

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ne Zha 2: the ancient philosophies behind China’s record-breaking new animated film

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication and Media Studies, University of Adelaide

    IMDB

    On the surface, Ne Zha 2: The Sea’s Fury (2025), the sequel to the 2019 Chinese blockbuster Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child, is a high-octane, action-packed and visually stunning animated spectacle, full of hilarious moments and thrilling fight scenes.

    But beneath all that, it’s something much deeper: a bold re-imagining of Chinese traditional mythology, cultural history and philosophies.

    Unlike Hollywood’s classic hero’s journey, Ne Zha 2 is rooted in Chinese thought, weaving together ideas from Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism and more.

    Through the story of a baby-faced warrior god who battles demons, it channels centuries of Chinese tradition into something refreshing, relevant and undeniably global.

    The film’s success speaks for itself. Directed by Yang Yu (aka Jiao Zi), Ne Zha 2 has shattered multiple global box office records, pulling in more than US$1 billion in China in just one week.

    It has entered the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, and has become the highest-grossing animated film – outperforming Inside Out 2 (2024).

    But what makes Ne Zha 2 so compelling beyond its visual spectacle? At its heart, it’s an inspiring story about identity, free will, self-determination and rebellion – ideas that resonate far beyond China.

    A child hero forged in myth and philosophy

    Ne Zha is a rebellious deity in traditional Chinese folklore – a boy born with immense superpower, who defies both divine and social expectations.

    Most people who know of Ne Zha will trace his legend back to Fengshen Yanyi, or Investiture of the Gods, a Ming Dynasty novel that blends mythology with historical elements.

    Ne Zha’s true origins, however, trace back to India.

    “Ne Zha” is a shortened transliteration of the Sanskrit Nalakuvara (or Nalakūbara), an Indian mythological figure who appears in Buddhist and Hindu mythology.

    As Buddhism spread to China during the Tang Dynasty, Ne Zha evolved from an intimidating guardian deity into the rebellious, fire-wheeled warrior we know today.

    In Ne Zha 2, this “fighting spirit” against authority and hierarchy is taken even further, turning the story into a deeper philosophical exploration of morality, fate, self-worth and power.

    Good and evil – a Daoist perspective

    One of the most thought-provoking aspects of Ne Zha 2 is how it challenges the idea of good and evil.

    In Daoist philosophy, evil and good, often known as Yin and Yang, are not absolute, but are rather shifting, interconnected forces.

    Through its two protagonists: the “Demon Pill” (Ne Zha) and his noble dragon prince buddy, “Spirit Pearl” (Ao Bing), the film beautifully reflects this Daoist idea of balance and self-discovery.

    Their merging further blurs the line between hero and villain and brings to life a core concept from the 2,400-year-old text Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), written around 400 BC by Chinese philosopher Laozi (also called Lao Tzu).

    Laozi emphasises that righteousness and villainy aren’t always what they seem. “When the world knows beauty as beauty, there arises ugliness,” he says.

    Those we assume to be noble may turn out to be dark inside, while those deemed evil might be fighting for what is right.

    Ne Zha’s character in the film embodies this Daoist philosophy. Echoing the Xisheng Jing, The Scripture of Western Ascension, he declares, “My fate is up to me, not the Heaven.”

    He is the demon child who is willing to die fighting for his own destiny, proving that even the smallest, most underestimated individual can change the world.

    Beyond family bonds: rebirth of Confucianism

    In one scene, Ne Zha is struck by the “heart-piercing curse”, a brutal spell that covers his body in ten thousand thorns, causing unbearable pain and keeping him under control by targeting his heart. Ne Zha’s human mother, Lady Yin, clings to him as his thorns pierce her skin – yet she refuses to let go.

    It’s a moment of heartbreak, parental love and inner awakening. As his mother takes her final breath, in Ne Zha’s grief, his body shatters into a million pieces. And then, he is reborn.

    This is the film’s emotional climax, in which the so-called demon child awakens to “Rén” (benevolence), a core Confucian virtue.

    Confucianism teaches that true morality isn’t imposed by rules but arises naturally from within. Ne Zha doesn’t just seek revenge, he awakes to fight for those who have been oppressed, embracing his identity with unwavering resolve.

    But perhaps the most profound transformation comes from the dragon prince Ao Bing. As the last hope of his people, burdened by centuries of expectation, he finally makes a choice, not for legacy, not for his ancestors, but for himself.

    In this moment, his once-imposing father Dragon King releases his grip: “Your path is yours to forge.”

    The weight of tradition gives way to something new, reflecting a changing China where younger generations are defining their own paths.

    Wisdom of Legalism and Mohism

    Beyond Daoist and Confucian ideals, Ne Zha 2 also weaves in Legalist reform and Mohist resistance. These philosophies challenge rigid hierarchies (or in Ne Zha’s case, “divine order”) and advocate for collective justice.

    Across Ne Zha’s three major trials and the climactic celestial-demon war, a brutal truth emerges: those deemed unworthy – whether groundhogs, mystical beings, or ordinary humans – are sacrificed to uphold the elite’s rule.

    Take the small groundhogs. Dressed in patched clothes, surviving on pumpkin porridge. They’ve never harmed anyone. Yet, they are mercilessly crushed in the name of celestial balance.

    Then there’s Shiji Niangniang, or Lady Rock, a recluse who harms no one. She indulges only in her own beauty and speaks to her enchanted mirror. Yet the heavens brand her a demon, sealing her fate.

    A similar cruelty befalls the Dragon Clan and the people of Chentangguan, all caught in a war where they are mere pawns on a celestial chessboard.

    Even the last battle is not just Ne Zha’s fight, but a battlefield showing the Chinese spirit of collectivism. Dragons, shrimp soldiers, crab generals, octopus warriors, humans and millions of goblins stand side by side to rewrite destiny.

    The celestial-demon war itself plays out like a lesson in Sun Tzu’s Art of War, which states that “All warfare is based on deception.” War is about strategy, resilience and the unstoppable will to rise.

    Ne Zha carries the weight of Eastern cultural essence: Daoist balance, Confucian ethics, Mohist resistance, Legalist reform and the strategic wisdom of The Art of War. It is a truly Chinese story, igniting next year’s Oscar buzz and sparking a global awakening to Eastern culture.

    Just as Ne Zha is reborn in flames, so too does Chinese animation rise, not by breaking from its past, but by forging a bold future.

    Yanyan Hong 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. Ne Zha 2: the ancient philosophies behind China’s record-breaking new animated film – https://theconversation.com/ne-zha-2-the-ancient-philosophies-behind-chinas-record-breaking-new-animated-film-249850

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Scott, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would direct the U.S. Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus. 
    This bill ensures the Education Department has a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful or discriminatory conduct. 
    “Disturbing acts of antisemitism and violence increased on college campuses in the wake of Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel, it is more important than ever for universities to fulfill their responsibility to provide students with a safe learning environment,” said Boozman. “University leaders should move swiftly to hold individuals who take part in abhorrent, antisemitic behavior accountable and I am proud to support this commonsense legislation that gives them clear guidance and federal support.”
    “In the continued aftermath of the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas and Iran, we have seen college campuses across our nation become hotbeds of antisemitism where Jewish students’ rights are being threatened,” said Scott. “It’s critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head. There can be no equivocating when it comes to the issue of anti-Jewish violence and harassment.” 
    “Antisemitism is on the rise across the nation, particularly on college campuses, and Congress has a responsibility to do everything in its power to fight back against this hate,” said Rosen. “I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill passed and signed into law.” 
    The Antisemitism Awareness Act is also cosponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Warner (D-VA), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Gary Peters (D-MI).
    Further, the Antisemitism Awareness Act is endorsed by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Christians for United Israel Action Fund, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Federations of North America. Here’s what they are saying: 
    “Since Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, there has been a dramatic increase in antisemitism on college campuses. We continue to see university administrators show they have little understanding of how to identify antisemitism. The Conference of Presidents urges swift passage of AntisemitismAwareness Act,” said COO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Stephanie Hausner.
    “Advancing this legislation is important in making American campuses safe and welcoming for all. We must defeat the vile cancer of antisemitism and defining it under US law is a critical step in that righteous effort,” said Christians for United Israel Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.
    “As Anti-Defamation League data shows, antisemitism is at crisis levels in the United States, creating the urgent need for decisive action. The AntisemitismAwareness Act makes clear that antisemitism, including anti-Zionist harassment, has no place in our schools or society and, importantly, reinforces the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a critical tool for the U.S. Department of Education,” said Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.
     “According to American Jewish Committee’s upcoming State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, three in ten American adults are either unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term. This number jumps for young Americans (ages 18-29): 41% of young Americans are unsure of what antisemitism means or never heard the term, while, at the same time, young American Jews (ages 18-29) are more likely to have experienced antisemitismin the past year than Jews ages 30 and older. These numbers show why it is critical to have a clear understanding of what antisemitism is and why it matters for American society because to even begin to solve the problem of antisemitism, there must be clarity about what it is and what it isn’t. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a clear and concise description of antisemitism in its various forms. AJC has supported efforts by both Republican and Democratic Administrations to use this definition at the Department of Education when investigating Title VI complaints,” said CEO of American Jewish Committee Ted Deutch.
    “This bill provides a clear framework for identifying antisemitism, offering concrete examples to help distinguish between constitutionally protected speech and targeted attacks against Jewish individuals. Congress must act now to send a strong message that antisemitism has no place in our society,” said Jewish Federations of North America Vice President of Government Relations Karen Paikin Barall.
    Congressmen Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05) are leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Improving university pathways for Queensland’s Western Downs

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    Federal Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm will officially open a new Regional University Study Hub in Chinchilla today, which will be known as the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Downs.

    The new university hub provides dedicated support for students across the region to access and complete a tertiary education.

    CUC Western Downs was one of the 10 new Regional University Study Hubs announced in March 2024, and is one of 12 regional hubs across Queensland to be funded through the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs Program.

    This hub, right in the centre of Chinchilla, will bring tertiary education closer to home for students who would otherwise have to travel over 150kms each way to attend university, or move away from their hometown.

    With only 10.8 per cent of people in the Western Downs region have a bachelor’s degree or higher, the new hub will help more students pursue a tertiary education while remaining near the support network.

    The hub is also expected to provide support for local First Nations students, with 7.6 per cent of the Chinchilla population identifying as First Nations.

    Increasing the number of study hubs in regional and outer-suburban communities was a priority action of the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report, and contributes to the government’s target of helping 80 per cent of the country’s workforce attain a university degree, or TAFE qualification, by 2050.

    Further information on the program, including a list of funded hubs, can be accessed here.  

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Jason Clare:

    “Today, almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia.

    “The Universities Accord makes it clear that we need more people from the regions and outer suburbs to get a university qualification.

    “The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are established, university participation goes up, and that’s why we’re doubling them right across the country.

    “Bringing university closer to where you live will encourage more people, who otherwise might decide not to go to university at all, to give it a crack.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

    “CUC Western Downs is a great example of how these study hubs help regional, rural and remote students achieve academic success.

    “Almost half of students who have studied at one of these hubs are the first in their family to attend university and as someone who was the first in their family to attend university, this is fantastic to see.

    “Only 20.5 per cent of young people across regional Queensland have university a degree. Creating new hubs across our state makes attaining a degree easier – no matter where students live.

    “Regional University Study Hubs open up new opportunities for students from these areas, and by tailoring university offerings to the needs of regional communities, we’re engaging more students and levelling the playing field regardless of where students live.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solving the Child Care Shortage: Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis Lead Roundtable on 2025-26 Budget Proposal to Expand Child Care Workforce with Community Leaders, Parents, and Families in Allegheny County

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 18, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA

    Solving the Child Care Shortage: Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis Lead Roundtable on 2025-26 Budget Proposal to Expand Child Care Workforce with Community Leaders, Parents, and Families in Allegheny County

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Lt. Governor Austin Davis hosted a roundtable at the YMCA Child Development Center at Duquesne University to highlight the Governor’s 2025-26 proposed budget, which builds on his efforts to make child care more accessible and affordable. Over the past two years, Governor Shapiro has taken steps to lower child care costs, and this year’s budget proposal focuses on expanding the child care workforce to ensure more Pennsylvania families can access the care they need.

    Governor Shapiro, Lt. Governor Davis, Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis, and key stakeholders, including President of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Amy Kienle, CEO of Partner4Work Robert Cherry, child care workers and teachers, and parents participated in the roundtable. Leadership from the Greater Pittsburgh YMCA, Duquesne University, Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC), and the General Assembly also attended. The discussion focused on the Governor’s proposed budget investments to address workforce challenges, reduce costs, and increase access to quality child care for Pennsylvania families.

    “My budget prioritizes workforce development to tackle shortages in critical sectors like child care,” said Governor Shapiro. “With 3,000 unfilled child care jobs across Pennsylvania, too many families are struggling to find safe, affordable care – forcing parents out of the workforce and making it harder to get ahead. That’s why I’m proposing a $55 million investment to provide child care workers with at least $1,000 in recruitment and retention bonuses, strengthening our workforce and helping to solve this problem.”

    Speaker list:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Lt. Governor Austin Davis
    Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis
    Amy Kienle, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
    Robert Cherry, CEO, Partner4Work
    Tracey Spear, Child Care Center Director
    Amanda Eadie, Teacher & Duquesne Student
    Hana Naghamouchi, Teacher & Duquesne Student

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian LGBTIQ+ politicians were hit with vile online abuse at the last federal election. The coming campaign could be even worse

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director, Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, Australian National University

    Newly published research has found clear evidence that openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer+ (LGBTIQ+) Australian politicians were disproportionately targeted with personal abuse on social media at the last federal election. Given global trends, it’s unlikely to be any different this year.

    Simply logging off is not an option for candidates, who need to communicate with voters. As a result, some politicians will continue to face risky online visibility.

    Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter/X, hate speech has surged, particularly for public figures such as parliamentarians.

    So what do these trends mean for queer candidates ahead of this year’s election? And why does it matter for the next generation of politically engaged young people?

    Queer politicians targeted

    We analysed more than 100,000 tweets across the Twitter profiles of eight openly queer politicians and candidates (Penny Wong, Julian Hill, Nita Green, Tim Wilson, Janet Rice, Rachael Jacobs, Claire Garton, Stephen Bates) during the 2022 federal election campaign. We compared them with eight other politicians (Zoe Daniel, Graham Perrett, Lidia Thorpe, Anthony Chisholm, Barbara Pocock, Simon Birmingham, Deborah O’Neill, David Shoebridge) in the same period.

    We suspected that political hopefuls who publicly identified as LGBTIQ+ may have experienced greater levels of abuse and harassment. But what we found surprised us.

    The level of online intimidation was roughly the same for queer and non-queer politicians. However, the type of abuse differed significantly.

    Queer politicians endured highly personal harassment that specifically targeted their gender or physical appearance. They suffered nasty queer-specific slurs, transphobic messages and ableist language. Essentially, nothing that was related to their policies or politics.

    Meanwhile, straight, cisgender politicians received harassment that was typically political in nature. More of it focused on their party or platform. It wasn’t as personal (with the exception of Thorpe, who received high levels of racist abuse). While overtly hostile, for straight politicians in general much of the harassment received might be considered an unavoidable part of the democratic political process in the social media age.

    Our research provides a useful retrospective of some of the vitriol that proliferated during the last election.

    One such event began with YouTube commentator Jordan Shanks breaking a salacious story of repeated sexual misconduct by staffers in Canberra, purportedly in MPs offices and in the parliamentary multi-faith prayer room.

    Our data tracked the way queer male politicians were wrongly affiliated and tagged in the scandal. They were unfairly accused and ridiculed. The unfounded attacks were non-partisan, involving politicians from across the major parties. This indicated a single point of commonality – their sexuality.

    Liberal MP Tim Wilson, who had no involvement in the scandal, received over 2000 tweets explicitly mentioning the incident. Many were overtly homophobic, using terms such as “toy boy”, “rentboy”, “parasite” and “prayer room pervert”.

    How it puts off politically engaged young people

    The data indicates that queer politicians face a double bind. The personal hate they experience negatively impacts them as individuals and also distracts from genuine political debate. Trolling, hate speech, and a prohibitive online environment stymies open and constructive political dialogue.

    Furthermore, identity based harassment discourages queer people from pursuing political careers in the first place. Or staying in politics once they’ve experienced the hate. It erodes their sense of safety when engaging in public discourse and undermines the foundations upon which democracy is built.

    In a follow-up study of 98 politically engaged, young gender and sexuality diverse people, we found that online violence and a lack of workplace safety were some of the biggest barriers for them in considering a career in politics.

    The upcoming election

    We expect the personal harassment of queer politicians will continue to escalate across multiple platforms, including X, Facebook and Instagram.

    For instance, we have seen a sharp rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ hate and extremism across the United States. Online spaces are likely to become even less safe for queer politicians in 2025, than they were in 2022.

    Big tech is making it easier for abuse and harassment to flourish in the online world.

    Musk has fired 80% of engineers responsible for content regulation on X. He has also liked transphobic tweets and deemed the words “cis and “cisgender ” to be slurs, that were subsequently banned on X.

    Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg has also removed protections that prevented hate speech on Facebook.

    More users are deserting X due to the malicious content and lack of safeguards. But with a closely integrated social media environment, online violence can follow politicians across platforms, both social and legacy. There is no escaping the bile.

    Demanding better of online platforms

    Social media regulation is difficult. Tech giants have already threatened to withdraw their services from Australia over laws that would force them to pay for news content.

    Online platforms may claim to only be the “messenger”, but the reality is that design features like anonymity and business decisions like removing content moderation will cause even more harm.

    Until a critical mass of countries demand better protections, some individuals, including queer politicians, will always be at a disadvantage in this asymmetric online war.

    Elise Stephenson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Elise is part of research projects funded by the eSafety Commissioner on combating online violence. The research quoted in this article received funding from the Gender Institute at the ANU.

    Gosia Mikolajczak collaborates with Women for Election on a project funded by the Australian Government Office for Women, aiming to increase the number and diversity of women running for public office. She has previously worked on an Australian Research Council Linkage project that examined gender inequalities in local government in Victoria.

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

    – ref. Australian LGBTIQ+ politicians were hit with vile online abuse at the last federal election. The coming campaign could be even worse – https://theconversation.com/australian-lgbtiq-politicians-were-hit-with-vile-online-abuse-at-the-last-federal-election-the-coming-campaign-could-be-even-worse-250039

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: FedCare expands mental health supports to benefit local community

    Source: Federation University

    After a successful 2024, Federation University Australia’s training clinic, FedCare Psychology, is excited to announce new and extended partnerships to expand capacity and enhance essential psychological support to the greater Ballarat region.

    New schools including Daylesford Primary School, Delacombe Primary School, Our Lady Help of Christians and Ballarat Christian College will join the 12 primary and secondary schools already undertaking FedCare’s school outreach program while FedCare’s partnership with St Patrick’s College will be extended to increase assessment services.

    A partnership with the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Corporation (BADAC) will include a new clinical registrar position, and a new funded clinical placement, a huge win for the local Indigenous community while FedCare’s pilot partnership with the Grampians Health Assessment clinic has been extended for a further 12 months.

    In 2024 over 70 provisionally registered psychologists studying Federation’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) completed placement at the state-of-the-art psychology clinic at the university’s Mount Helen Campus to provide low-cost mental health support services.to the community with 6654 sessions to 940 clients.

    Federation University’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) course is now one of the largest clinical training programs in Australia, reflecting the university’s dedication to bolstering the mental health sector through education and practical training.
    For more information on Federation’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) course, please visit https://study.federation.edu.au/course/DYL9.

    Quotes attributable to Federation University Associate Professor, Head of Clinical Services and Programs, Psychology | Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Megan Jenkins 

    “FedCare Psychology remains committed to training postgraduate students to grow a sustainable mental health workforce in rural and regional Victoria. Our Master of Psychology students do an outstanding job representing the University and provide much-needed mental health services.” 

    “Traditionally, FedCare has had strong demand for psychological services for children and adolescents, including assessment services to support the development of learning plans for school-aged children, but recently we have seen increased demand for FedCare’s low-cost, high-quality services in adults. Federation is proud to support the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital Southwest Announces Leadership Changes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Michael Sarner to Succeed Bowen Diehl as President & Chief Executive Officer
    Chris Rehberger Promoted to Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary
    Tabitha Geiger Promoted to Chief Compliance Officer

    DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital Southwest Corporation (“Capital Southwest” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CSWC), an internally managed business development company focused on providing flexible financing solutions to support the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses, announced today that Chief Financial Officer Michael Sarner has been appointed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) to succeed Bowen Diehl as President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Southwest. Mr. Sarner has also been appointed to serve on the Board. Both appointments are effective February 17, 2025. Mr. Diehl will continue to serve the Company in an advisory capacity for at least another year.

    In addition, Chris Rehberger has been promoted from Executive Vice President of Finance and Treasurer to Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary of the Company, and Tabitha Geiger has been promoted from Deputy Compliance Officer to Chief Compliance Officer of the Company, effective February 17, 2025.

    “On behalf of the Board, we want to both acknowledge and celebrate Bowen’s long career at Capital Southwest,” said David Brooks, Chairman of the Board. “We greatly appreciate the leadership he has provided to Capital Southwest over the past decade and we wish him the very best. Succession planning has always been a priority for the Company, and Michael, Bowen and the Board are all in agreement that it is time to transition the leadership of Capital Southwest. Michael and Bowen have both been fully immersed in the strategy and operations of the Company, which will make this a smooth transition.”

    “I couldn’t be more optimistic about the future of Capital Southwest under Michael’s leadership. He has worked tirelessly by my side over the past decade building a best-in-class BDC and, together with the rest of our leadership team, I am confident the firm has the right team to continue executing Capital Southwest’s strategy going forward,” said Bowen Diehl. “I am very proud of what we have built here together and I am grateful for having had the opportunity over the past ten years to lead Capital Southwest’s transformation into a BDC with one of the most robust business models in the industry. While stepping down is clearly bittersweet, succession planning is an important part of a company’s evolution, and I very much look forward to supporting Capital Southwest in any way that Michael and the team find helpful, in the short term as an advisor, and in the long term as a fellow shareholder.”

    Mr. Sarner joined Capital Southwest in 2015 and brings more than thirty years of financial, treasury and BDC experience to his new role. He has been instrumental in planning and executing on both the corporate and capitalization strategy for Capital Southwest, raising over $2 billion in both debt and equity. In addition to serving as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Sarner also served as the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary. He also has served on the Investment Committee for the entirety of his time with Capital Southwest. Previously, he spent fifteen years at American Capital in a variety of financial roles, including Executive Vice President and Treasurer.   

    “I’m honored to be entrusted with Capital Southwest’s future,” said Michael Sarner, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Company is well-positioned for growth with a strong and cohesive leadership team – including Chris with whom I’ve worked closely with for the past two decades. I look forward to fostering the growth of the entire Capital Southwest team, as well as providing leadership for the Company with a renewed vision for the future.”

    Mr. Rehberger joined Capital Southwest in 2015 and has twenty years of experience in corporate finance roles within the BDC space. Mr. Rehberger additionally spent ten years in corporate finance roles at American Capital working alongside Mr. Sarner. Mr. Rehberger earned a bachelor’s in commerce with a concentration in finance from the McIntire School and a master’s from the Darden School of Business, both from the University of Virginia.

    Ms. Geiger has almost a decade of experience. Previously, she spent eight years in compliance consulting with IQ-EQ, where she was responsible for implementing and overseeing compliance programs for private equity, venture capital and hedge fund managers. Ms. Geiger earned a BS in Agricultural Communications and Journalism from Texas A&M University and her JD from South Texas College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Texas.

    About Capital Southwest
    Capital Southwest Corporation (Nasdaq: CSWC) is a Dallas, Texas-based, internally managed business development company with approximately $1.7 billion in investments at fair value as of December 31, 2024. Capital Southwest is a middle market lending firm focused on supporting the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses with $5 million to $50 million investments across the capital structure, including first lien, second lien and non-control equity co-investments. As a public company with a permanent capital base, Capital Southwest has the flexibility to be creative in its financing solutions and to invest to support the growth of its portfolio companies over long periods of time.

    Media Relations Contact:
    Lauren DiGeronimo
    laurend@trailrunnerint.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Michael Sarner
    msarner@capitalsouthwest.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Will Thompson Concludes His Service as United States Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Will Thompson announced today that he has concluded his tenure as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, effective immediately.

    “Serving as the United States Attorney has genuinely been a career highlight,” Thompson said. “Thinking that a boy who grew up in Boone County, West Virginia, would be able to serve his country in such a prestigious and vital role leaves me in awe. I am proud of the office’s work under my leadership and that my team has strengthened its relationship and reputation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as with the judiciary and general public.”

    Thompson was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on August 10, 2021. The United States Senate confirmed Thompson by voice vote on October 5, 2021. After taking his oath of office on October 13, 2021, Thompson led an office of 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley.

    Thompson appreciates the role that former Senator Joe Manchin played in securing his nomination from President Biden, and the role that Manchin and Senator Shelley Moore Capito played in getting him confirmed by the United States Senate. Thompson also appreciates the relationships he built and strengthened with state officials and the district’s state prosecutors, sheriffs, and chiefs of police.

    Thompson commends the Assistant United States Attorneys and support personnel who served with him. He appreciates the career people who there when he entered the office and the employees he hired during his tenure.

    “The people of this office are the true backbone of federal prosecution and representation in this district,” Thompson said. “They all serve with dignity and respect for the rule of law.  They are vital to the mission of the Department of Justice, which is to keep our communities safe.”

    Thompson is most proud of three accomplishments while he was in office. The first is the significant decline in overdose deaths. He attributes that to his office’s change of strategy from targeting street-level drug dealers to mid- and upper-level drug distributors. This strategy has removed hundreds of pounds of this poison from communities throughout the district. His office has disrupted supply chains of fentanyl that were coming directly into the district from China and methamphetamine that was coming directly from the cartels in Mexico. As part of his plan to lower the overdose rates, Thompson also championed prevention and treatment opportunities across the district.

    Thompson is also proud of his work in reducing violent crime and overall crime in the district. Thompson attributes this reduction to several factors. He improved communications and relationships with the office’s law enforcement partners. Thompson also worked with state and local partners to obtain federal grants to give them more resources to their jobs more. Finally, given that the majority of crimes in West Virginia are connected to the drug trade, the office’s revised strategy has helped reduce the crime rate.

    The third accomplishment that Thompson is proud of is using his skills as a former trial court judge to instigate a vigorous review process of cases to ensure there were no evidentiary issues. Thompson met with law enforcement partners throughout the district and informed them of this new review process. He had his office work more closely with the officers to address the issues, assist with writing search warrants, and help with other search and seizure issues.

    As United States Attorney, Thompson was the chief federal law enforcement officer in the southern half of West Virginia. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

    The results of the revised approach to drug cases under Thompson include Operation Smoke and Mirrors, which dismantled a high-volume drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area and yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history.

    Following the trail of methamphetamine in West Virginia back to Los Angeles, California, and the U.S. southern border, investigators seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine, 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms, and $935,000 in cash. The DTO was directly involved in price fixing in the methamphetamine trade by raising the price of methamphetamine coming into the United States from Mexico based on fluctuations in the currency conversion rate.

    Four separate indictments led to the convictions of 31 defendants, including the DTO’s in-state leaders and California-based suppliers. Over 20 defendants have been sentenced to prison, including eight to terms of more than 10 years. Three low-level defendants were referred to the Alternative Treatment Court (ATC). Thompson also supported the ATC program, which provides a blend of treatment that focuses on drug and mental health treatment, and alternative sanctions to effectively address offender behavior, rehabilitation, and education and job skills training.

    Thompson also led the prosecution of a Kanawha County man who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. The defendant set up a workshop in a rented St. Albans apartment were he made fake 30-milligram oxycodone pills. The defendant admitted that the fentanyl came from a source outside the United States and that the pill press came from China. Investigators seized over 10,000 pills and nearly $80,000 in this case.

    Thompson’s office also obtained guilty verdicts against a Logan County physician for four counts of distribution of a controlled substance. The defendant had previously pleaded guilty to using a registration number in violation of federal law and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. His medical license and office are subject to forfeit to the government as a result of the latest convictions.

    The office under Thompson also secured convictions against the majority of the defendants in prosecutions that dismantled a Huntington-area DTO responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl and a Beckley-area DTO that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base, also known as “crack.”

    While having the utmost respect for law enforcement officers, Thompson had zero tolerance for officers who break the law and violate people’s civil rights. In what Thompson considered the most critical civil rights case during his tenure, he personally participated in the investigation and prosecution of eight former West Virginia correctional officers who were charged and convicted in connection with a March 1, 2022, assault that resulted in the death of a Southern Regional Jail inmate and the subsequent cover-up. After four days of trial, the final defendant was found guilty on January 27, 2025.

    A former Fayette County law enforcement officer was sentenced to 25 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $80,000 in restitution for sex trafficking a 17-year-old minor female and obstructing the resulting investigation. Following four days of trial, a federal jury found the defendant guilty on April 28, 2023, of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor via coercion, sex trafficking of a minor via coercion, and two counts of obstruction of justice.

    A former Nicholas County deputy sheriff was convicted of the production of child pornography and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The defendant took two videos of the child victim, who was under the age of 12 and was sleeping on a couch. In the first video, he walked toward her and zoomed in on her buttocks.  In the second video, he recorded his exposed penis and him masturbating near the sleeping girl. He then used Snapchat to distribute the videos to multiple users. When Snapchat shut down his account, he created another Snapchat account to distribute child pornography.

    A former Logan police officer was sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury convicted him of using excessive force against an arrestee.  At the trial, the jury heard evidence that he assaulted the victim in a bathroom, then dragged him into another room and rammed his head against a door frame, leaving the victim unconscious and lying in a pool of his own blood.

    The office successfully prosecuted 18 individuals in connection with a scheme to traffic over 140 firearms from southern West Virginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over 50 of the firearms were recovered at crime scenes, primarily in Philadelphia, and were connected to two homicides, crimes of domestic violence, and other violent offenses. The ringleader was sentenced to 25 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    The Southern District of West Virginia became a national leader in prosecuting bankruptcy fraud under Thompson’s leadership. Among those cases, a Charleston developer was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $730,326.43 in restitution for falsifying bankruptcy records. The former chief executive officer of the entity that operated the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol was sentenced to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $205,802.49 for fraudulent receipt of property from a debtor. A Putnam County man was sentenced to 30 days in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, including five months on home detention, and ordered to pay $24,662.56 in restitution for knowingly and fraudulently making a false declaration in a bankruptcy case.

    The office successfully prosecuted other forms of white-collar crime under Thompson. A Kentucky businessman pleaded guilty on behalf of himself and two limited liability companies for their roles in the January 2018 discharge of oil into the Big Sandy River. The defendants were sentenced to terms of probation and also ordered to pay $1,856,957.92 in restitution. The LLC defendants cannot conduct or operate any business during their five-year terms of corporate probation.

    Nine defendants were convicted in connection with multiple internet-based fraud schemes operated in the Huntington area that defrauded hundreds of individuals across the country. The schemes defrauded at least 200 victims, many of whom are elderly, of at least $2.5 million. The final convicted defendant was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, ordered to pay $904,126.96 in restitution, and participated in a digital awareness campaign to alert West Virginians to online fraud scams.

    The office also secured 20 convictions related to COVID-19 benefits fraud under Thompson, with court-ordered restitution and a civil penalty in these cases exceeding $1,330,000.

    Under Thompson’s leadership, the office secured a 15-count indictment charging a Kanawha County man with wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction. The indictment alleges the defendant conceived and carried out two real estate-related investment fraud schemes that caused losses of between $395,000 and $434,501.42. The defendant’s mother pleaded guilty late last year to aiding and abetting the sale and offer of unregistered securities as a result of the investigation in this case.

    The office also secured an 18-count indictment charging the former maintenance director for Boone County Schools with mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and money laundering. The indictment alleges the defendant used his position to defraud the Boone County Board of Education out of approximately $3,400,000. To date, three other individuals have been charged as a result of this investigation.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Before taking office as United States Attorney, Thompson was a Circuit Court Judge in West Virginia’s 25th Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to that position in 2007 and re-elected in 2008 and 2016. Thompson presided over several treatment courts, including the first family treatment court in West Virginia. Before becoming a Circuit Court Judge, Thompson practiced law at the Cook and Cook law firm in Boone County.  There, he focused on litigation, which included representing several hundred indigent clients in criminal defense and other matters. Thompson also previously served as President of Madison Healthcare, Inc. and as Vice President of Danville Lumber Company.

    Thompson was born in Charleston and raised in Boone County, West Virginia.  He earned a degree in civil engineering from West Virginia University and a law degree from West Virginia University College of Law.

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

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Calls on Trump Administration to Contain Avian Flu, Protect Farmers and Consumers From Price Hikes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on President Trump to quickly develop a plan to contain the avian flu outbreak that is devastating the nation’s poultry flocks and dairy herds and driving egg costs to reach record highs. Baldwin’s letter follows the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) refusing to provide updated information to the public and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) failing to publish the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) for the first time in decades due to the pause on all public health communications.

    “In the last 30 days, 22.43 million birds, including 153 total poultry flocks, have been affected by avian flu. Last week, the average wholesale price for large, white shell eggs reached $8 a dozen, a 218 percent increase from the $2.51 average consumers were paying in December 2023. The number of avian flu detections, and increases in egg prices, are far surpassing previous records and will not slow down anytime soon unless your Administration commits to a robust response,” said Senator Baldwin.

    Senator Baldwin has long led in supporting the agriculture community and consumers from the impacts of avian flu outbreaks. In February 2023, she called on the Biden Administration to take swift action to address the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza and use the resources she helped pass in government funding bills to address the situation. In April 2024, Senator Baldwin pushed the Biden administration to quickly deploy additional resources to contain the spread of the ongoing avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle. In May 2024, she called on the United States Department of Agriculture to strengthen interagency coordination to continue to provide the public and state agencies with coordinated, up-to-date and accurate information on the spread of HPAI, particularly around the safety of the U.S. commercial milk or meat supply, and the risk to farmworker health.

    “Your Administration is responsible for ensuring that data and available resources reach stakeholders on the ground responding to the outbreak. When the CDC, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) coordinate with each other and their counterparts across the country, stakeholders working on the ground can make informed decisions. The CDC and USDA, specifically, should prioritize communicating and deploying resources to farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians to strengthen biosecurity measures that protect workers and livestock. Without these measures in place, we will not be able to contain the spread of the virus, further exacerbating the risk to our nation’s farmers and driving up food costs,” Baldwin continued.

    The full letter is available here and below.

    Dear Mr. President:

    I write regarding the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak that is devastating our nation’s poultry flocks and dairy herds. The outbreak is putting a strain on the livelihoods of American farmers and driving up prices for consumers. I ask that you task your Administration with creating and announcing a plan to contain the virus through robust agency engagement and coordination with stakeholders.

    In the last 30 days, 22.43 million birds, including 153 total poultry flocks, have been affected by avian flu. Last week, the average wholesale price for large, white shell eggs reached $8 a dozen, a 218 percent increase from the $2.51 average consumers were paying in December 2023. The number of avian flu detections, and increases in egg prices, are far surpassing previous records and will not slow down anytime soon unless your Administration commits to a robust response.

    In the first few weeks of your Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) refused to provide updated information to the public on HPAI. For the first time in decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) failed to publish the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), including data on the HPAI outbreak, due to the pause on all public health communications. While I am relieved that the CDC has now resumed releasing the reports, I am alarmed by the message your Administration is sending to the public: that avian flu is not a priority.

    The HPAI MMWR released this week suggests that the disease is capable of spreading undetected to humans, and that it is more prevalent than we previously understood. Now is not the time to delay federal guidance and funding for research, biosecurity, and testing, yet I am hearing directly from Wisconsinites concerned about their access to federal resources. Farmers, veterinarians, food processors, and local health officials are seeking federal leadership on the outbreak, and I request that your Administration execute a plan that includes these stakeholders in the avian flu response.

    Your Administration is responsible for ensuring that data and available resources reach stakeholders on the ground responding to the outbreak. When the CDC, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) coordinate with each other and their counterparts across the country, stakeholders working on the ground can make informed decisions. The CDC and USDA, specifically, should prioritize communicating and deploying resources to farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians to strengthen biosecurity measures that protect workers and livestock. Without these measures in place, we will not be able to contain the spread of the virus, further exacerbating the risk to our nation’s farmers and driving up food costs.

    The FDA must be an active partner in addressing the outbreak, including continuing research and publishing guidance on the HPAI outbreak. I hope your Administration will continue FDA funding for the Animal and Veterinary Innovation Center that is tasked with studying the virus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. FDA should also prioritize its duty to keep consumers safe by enforcing the current rigorous food safety protocols, including pasteurization of dairy and egg products. In doing so, your Administration will reduce the risk to the public’s safety and safeguard their confidence in the nation’s food supply.

    Over the last few years, I pressed the Biden Administration to address the avian flu outbreak that began in early 2022. I weighed in with Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Beccera, and I plan to do the same with Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rollins.  Again, I request that your Administration prioritize its response to the HPAI outbreak, and I look forward to working with you on this issue.

                   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot is now Acting U.S. Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS–The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announced today that First Assistant Timothy J. Racicot is now the Acting U.S. Attorney following the departure of former U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.

    As Acting U.S. Attorney, Racicot is the chief federal law enforcement official in the state of Montana.

    Racicot is a career prosecutor who became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in October 2005. He has served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney since August 2022.

    Racicot received an undergraduate degree from Carroll College and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The beauty standard is intensifying. At what cost?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jordan Foster, Sociology, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, McMaster University

    Young women are engaging in increasingly intensive and expensive beauty practices and purchases, aspiring to new beauty standards. (Kevin Laminto /Unsplash), CC BY

    The internet is abuzz with talk of beauty and the lengths we’ll go to achieve it. From Lindsay Lohan’s recent transformation to Donatella Versace’s “new look”, those of us plugged in online can’t help but gab over the rise of better, less detectable and more precise plastic surgery.

    Achieved through a combination of invasive operations like face lifts and rhinoplasty as well as non-invasive procedures — like the injection of facial filler and facial neurotoxins like Botox — the contemporary beauty standard is increasingly intensive, costly and challenging to maintain. A hundred units of Botox, or its counterpart Dysport, could run clients up to $1,500 with effects diminishing in just four to six weeks.

    Although women continue to make up the majority of clients seeking invasive and non-invasive beauty interventions, the number of men undergoing plastic surgery is on the rise. So too are the number of advertisements and beauty-focused messages targeting men.

    But while appearance pressures and beauty advertising are increasingly directed at men, the imperative to be beautiful has come at significant emotional and financial costs for women — and young women especially.

    Immersed in a celebrity-saturated and visually intensive media culture, young women today face pressures to purchase beauty products and services to manage or, better yet, perfect their appearance ad nauseam.

    Lindsay Lohan poses makeup-free with her dermatologist in Dubai.
    (Dr. Radmila Lukian/Instagram)

    Social media pressures

    I study beauty and its cultural forces, especially as they apply to young people online. My findings speak to the increasingly important role that beauty plays in shaping women’s opportunities for visibility in both online media and in the real world. Young women are engaging in increasingly intensive practices as they aspire to new beauty standards.

    I recently published an investigation with Josée Johnston, a sociologist at the University of Toronto, into the ways young people grapple with contemporary beauty standards. We looked at how their practices and purchases are compelled by current beauty standards.

    For many young women, the pressure to be — or become — beautiful is top of mind. And yet the beauty standard remains elusive and painfully out of reach for most of the women and girls we spoke with. Few can afford to keep up with costly and intensive interventions to the face and body.

    Relax, sculpt, lift: High-definition make-up

    About 20 years ago, a needle or surgical knife to the face was considered a rather extreme intervention in pursuit of beauty. These procedures were often risky, permanent and sometimes poorly done. Today, neither knife nor needle are very unusual for those seeking a more perfect face and body.

    Indeed, the injection of facial neurotoxins is among the fastest growing cosmetic procedure in Canada and the United States. The Academy of Plastic Surgeons suggests that nearly 4,715,716 procedures involving Botox were performed in 2023 alone. These numbers signal a wider shift in the production and maintenance of contemporary appearance standards, and the lengths we go to achieve them.

    Alongside these figures, an ever-greater number of bodily and facial features are scrutinized. And products and services are designed to offer “high-definition” beauty in bottles, from head and toe.

    Driven partly by our increasing preoccupation with celebrity images popularized by social media platforms, even everyday cosmetics like skin creams, bronzers and lip glosses are being marketed with promises to “relax,” “sculpt” or “lift” facial features. These purchases from the beauty counter are being marketed to consumers as if they can achieve a surgical degree of perfection.



    Read more:
    Praise for Kim Kardashian’s Skims ignores her family’s relationship with body augmentation

    Priced out, excluded or in debt

    Many young women are priced out of expensive treatements.
    (Alireza Mirzabegi/Unsplash), CC BY-SA

    Many young women we spoke with described invasive facial and bodily interventions as a central component of the contemporary beauty standard. They described these interventions as compulsory, leaving many women either priced out of the beauty market or in pursuit of beauty at great personal expense.

    Celebrity women can afford to purchase facial fillers and Botox to augment their appearance, such as relaxing fine lines and plumping their features. But the young women we spoke with said interventions such as these are “unattainable” for the average person, and unsustainable in the long term.

    Signs of resistance

    Many women we spoke with insist on the importance of appearance, especially as it relates to the likelihood of their success, and the success of other women. Few of these women made the same associations with men. In fact, many “successful” men were described by our interviewees as “plain,” “unremarkable” or “ordinary.”

    The pressure to beautify through intensive and costly procedures is part and parcel of a broader cultural and economic environment centred on appearance. One that, as University of London sociologist Rosalind Gill puts it, measures a woman’s success in terms of her looks.

    However, there are small and important signs of resistance. Young women do not approach beauty and its pressures uncritically. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Many of the young women we spoke with search for spaces to resist and challenge beauty messaging as well as the cultural imperative toward facial and bodily perfection. These spaces, though few and far between, make resistance challenging but not impossible.

    Jordan Foster 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. The beauty standard is intensifying. At what cost? – https://theconversation.com/the-beauty-standard-is-intensifying-at-what-cost-244785

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brian Dugan Named Assistant Director of the Training Division

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Brian Dugan as the assistant director of the Training Division. Most recently, Mr. Dugan served as the special agent in charge of the Norfolk Field Office in Virginia.

    Mr. Dugan joined the FBI as a special agent in 1998 and was first assigned to the San Diego Field Office, where he largely worked domestic terrorism cases. He transferred to the San Francisco Field Office in 1999 to conduct gang investigations.

    In 2006, Mr. Dugan reported to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, as an instructor and developed new law enforcement and human intelligence courses for the FBI. He left the Academy in 2009 to work on a violent gang squad in the Northern Virginia Resident Agency of the Washington Field Office.

    Mr. Dugan was promoted to supervisory special agent and transferred to the Chicago Field Office in 2013 to lead a squad investigating child pornography and human trafficking. He also established a new gang squad addressing gun and gang violence on the North Side. In 2017, he was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of a counterintelligence branch at the Washington Field Office.

    In 2019, Mr. Dugan was promoted to section chief in the Directorate of Intelligence at FBI Headquarters. He was promoted to special agent in charge of the Norfolk Field Office in 2020.

    Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Dugan served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and rose to captain and served in Japan, Korea, and Russia. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in criminal justice from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Touro University of California.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ne Zha 2: the ancient philosophies behind China’s record-breaking new animated film

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication and Media Studies, University of Adelaide

    IMDB

    On the surface, Ne Zha 2: The Sea’s Fury (2025), the sequel to the 2019 Chinese blockbuster Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child, is a high-octane, action-packed and visually stunning animated spectacle, full of hilarious moments and thrilling fight scenes.

    But beneath all that, it’s something much deeper: a bold re-imagining of Chinese traditional mythology, cultural history and philosophies.

    Unlike Hollywood’s classic hero’s journey, Ne Zha 2 is rooted in Chinese thought, weaving together ideas from Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism and more.

    Through the story of a baby-faced warrior god who battles demons, it channels centuries of Chinese tradition into something refreshing, relevant and undeniably global.

    The film’s success speaks for itself. Directed by Yang Yu (aka Jiao Zi), Ne Zha 2 has shattered multiple global box office records, pulling in more than US$1 billion in China in just one week.

    It has even entered the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, and is the second highest-grossing animated film behind Inside Out 2 (2024).

    But what makes Ne Zha 2 so compelling beyond its visual spectacle? At its heart, it’s an inspiring story about identity, free will, self-determination and rebellion – ideas that resonate far beyond China.

    A child hero forged in myth and philosophy

    Ne Zha is a rebellious deity in traditional Chinese folklore – a boy born with immense superpower, who defies both divine and social expectations.

    Most people who know of Ne Zha will trace his legend back to Fengshen Yanyi, or Investiture of the Gods, a Ming Dynasty novel that blends mythology with historical elements.

    Ne Zha’s true origins, however, trace back to India.

    “Ne Zha” is a shortened transliteration of the Sanskrit Nalakuvara (or Nalakūbara), an Indian mythological figure who appears in Buddhist and Hindu mythology.

    As Buddhism spread to China during the Tang Dynasty, Ne Zha evolved from an intimidating guardian deity into the rebellious, fire-wheeled warrior we know today.

    In Ne Zha 2, this “fighting spirit” against authority and hierarchy is taken even further, turning the story into a deeper philosophical exploration of morality, fate, self-worth and power.

    Good and evil – a Daoist perspective

    One of the most thought-provoking aspects of Ne Zha 2 is how it challenges the idea of good and evil.

    In Daoist philosophy, evil and good, often known as Yin and Yang, are not absolute, but are rather shifting, interconnected forces.

    Through its two protagonists: the “Demon Pill” (Ne Zha) and his noble dragon prince buddy, “Spirit Pearl” (Ao Bing), the film beautifully reflects this Daoist idea of balance and self-discovery.

    Their merging further blurs the line between hero and villain and brings to life a core concept from the 2,400-year-old text Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), written around 400 BC by Chinese philosopher Laozi (also called Lao Tzu).

    Laozi emphasises that righteousness and villainy aren’t always what they seem. “When the world knows beauty as beauty, there arises ugliness,” he says.

    Those we assume to be noble may turn out to be dark inside, while those deemed evil might be fighting for what is right.

    Ne Zha’s character in the film embodies this Daoist philosophy. Echoing the Xisheng Jing, The Scripture of Western Ascension, he declares, “My fate is up to me, not the Heaven.”

    He is the demon child who is willing to die fighting for his own destiny, proving that even the smallest, most underestimated individual can change the world.

    Beyond family bonds: rebirth of Confucianism

    In one scene, Ne Zha is struck by the “heart-piercing curse”, a brutal spell that covers his body in ten thousand thorns, causing unbearable pain and keeping him under control by targeting his heart. Ne Zha’s human mother, Lady Yin, clings to him as his thorns pierce her skin – yet she refuses to let go.

    It’s a moment of heartbreak, parental love and inner awakening. As his mother takes her final breath, in Ne Zha’s grief, his body shatters into a million pieces. And then, he is reborn.

    This is the film’s emotional climax, in which the so-called demon child awakens to “Rén” (benevolence), a core Confucian virtue.

    Confucianism teaches that true morality isn’t imposed by rules but arises naturally from within. Ne Zha doesn’t just seek revenge, he awakes to fight for those who have been oppressed, embracing his identity with unwavering resolve.

    But perhaps the most profound transformation comes from the dragon prince Ao Bing. As the last hope of his people, burdened by centuries of expectation, he finally makes a choice, not for legacy, not for his ancestors, but for himself.

    In this moment, his once-imposing father Dragon King releases his grip: “Your path is yours to forge.”

    The weight of tradition gives way to something new, reflecting a changing China where younger generations are defining their own paths.

    Wisdom of Legalism and Mohism

    Beyond Daoist and Confucian ideals, Ne Zha 2 also weaves in Legalist reform and Mohist resistance. These philosophies challenge rigid hierarchies (or in Ne Zha’s case, “divine order”) and advocate for collective justice.

    Across Ne Zha’s three major trials and the climactic celestial-demon war, a brutal truth emerges: those deemed unworthy – whether groundhogs, mystical beings, or ordinary humans – are sacrificed to uphold the elite’s rule.

    Take the small groundhogs. Dressed in patched clothes, surviving on pumpkin porridge. They’ve never harmed anyone. Yet, they are mercilessly crushed in the name of celestial balance.

    Then there’s Shiji Niangniang, or Lady Rock, a recluse who harms no one. She indulges only in her own beauty and speaks to her enchanted mirror. Yet the heavens brand her a demon, sealing her fate.

    A similar cruelty befalls the Dragon Clan and the people of Chentangguan, all caught in a war where they are mere pawns on a celestial chessboard.

    Even the last battle is not just Ne Zha’s fight, but a battlefield showing the Chinese spirit of collectivism. Dragons, shrimp soldiers, crab generals, octopus warriors, humans and millions of goblins stand side by side to rewrite destiny.

    The celestial-demon war itself plays out like a lesson in Sun Tzu’s Art of War, which states that “All warfare is based on deception.” War is about strategy, resilience and the unstoppable will to rise.

    Ne Zha carries the weight of Eastern cultural essence: Daoist balance, Confucian ethics, Mohist resistance, Legalist reform and the strategic wisdom of The Art of War. It is a truly Chinese story, igniting next year’s Oscar buzz and sparking a global awakening to Eastern culture.

    Just as Ne Zha is reborn in flames, so too does Chinese animation rise, not by breaking from its past, but by forging a bold future.

    Yanyan Hong 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. Ne Zha 2: the ancient philosophies behind China’s record-breaking new animated film – https://theconversation.com/ne-zha-2-the-ancient-philosophies-behind-chinas-record-breaking-new-animated-film-249850

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – Qatar Joint Statement

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani paid a State Visit to India on 17-18 February 2025. HH the Amir was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers, officials and business leaders. This was the second State Visit of HH the Amir to India.

    HH the Amir was received by Hon’ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on 18 February and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Hon’ble President also hosted a banquet reception in honour of HH the Amir and accompanying delegation.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with HH the Amir at Hyderabad House on 18 February. Both leaders recalled the historic trade linkages, deep-rooted people-to-people ties and robust bilateral relations between both countries. They expressed the desire for further expanding and deepening of the multifaceted relationship between both countries. In this context, they expressed happiness on the signing of the ‘Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership’ between the two sides.

    In light of the newly established Strategic Partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations through regular and structured cooperation in all areas, including political, trade, investment, security, energy, culture, education, technology, innovation, sustainability and people-to-people ties. In this regard, the two sides expressed happiness at the signing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and also agreed to expedite negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.

    The two sides noted with satisfaction that regular interactions at various levels have helped provide momentum to the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. They recalled the successful visit of HH the Amir to India in March 2015 and the visits of Prime Minister to Qatar in June 2016 and February 2024. The two sides agreed to continue the high-level exchanges through regular bilateral mechanisms at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

    The two sides noted that trade and commerce has been a strong pillar of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. The two sides welcomed the elevation of the existing Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce into a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce. The Joint Commission will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of economic ties between the two countries and will be headed by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry on both sides.

    The two sides laid emphasis on strengthening collaborations between their business and industry bodies. In this context, they welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the Joint Business Council on 13 February 2025.

    The two sides agreed on the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade between the two countries and address on priority market access issues related to trade in goods and services. In this regard, the two sides agreed to explore the possibility of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both sides set the target to double bilateral trade by 2030.

    Qatar and India have a strong strategic relationship and given that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing economies, the Indian side welcomed the decision of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to open an office in India. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Joint Task Force on Investments during its first meeting in June 2024, where various avenues for investments in India were discussed.

    The Qatar side commended the steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Institutional Investment and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality, and other areas of mutual interest. In this regard, the Qatar side announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The Indian side also appreciated Qatar’s efforts in enhancing its investment environment and its initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment. India also recognized Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for goods and services, leveraging its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between investment authorities, financial institutions, and businesses to explore new opportunities for investment and trade expansion.

    The parties shall expand and deepen mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in accordance with their respective legislations and the provisions of international conventions to which they are parties. They shall cooperate in order to achieve stable growth and diversification of trade, increase the volume of exchanged products, and provide mutual services on a systematic and long-term basis. Additionally, they shall implement measures to attract and encourage the establishment of joint projects between the private sectors of both countries. In this regard, both sides welcomed convening of the Joint Business Forum inaugurated by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of both countries on 18 February 2025.

    Recognizing the pivotal role of businesses in driving economic growth, both sides emphasized the importance of trade exhibitions as a strategic platform for promoting commercial partnerships, increasing and diversifying bilateral trade, and facilitating investments. In pursuit of these objectives, both sides will strengthen collaboration between their export promotion agencies to support enterprises in identifying opportunities, addressing market challenges, and increasing participation in international trade exhibitions. This initiative will enable businesses from both nations to showcase their products, explore joint ventures, and establish sustainable commercial ties.

    The two sides welcomed the operationalization of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in QNB’s Points of Sales in Qatar and looked forward to implement nation-wide roll-out of UPI acceptance in Qatar. They agreed to explore settlement of bilateral trade in respective currencies. QNB’s expansion is also welcomed in India through setting up of an office in GIFT City.

    The two sides shall work to further enhance bilateral energy cooperation, including through promotion of trade and mutual investments in energy infrastructure and regular meetings of the relevant stakeholders from both sides, including the Joint Task Force on Energy.

    The two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism and agreed to cooperate in combating this menace through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. They agreed to enhance cooperation in information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking, Cybercrime and other transnational crimes. The two leaders also discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. They emphasized the importance of holding regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Security and Law Enforcement.

    The two sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. The two sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic including through the Joint Working Group on Health. The Indian side expressed interest in enhancing exports of Indian pharmaceutical products and medical devices to Qatar. Both sides also expressed their desire to facilitate the registration of national companies and pharmaceutical products.

    The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in technology and innovation, including emerging technologies, startups, and Artificial Intelligence. They discussed avenues for furthering e-Governance and sharing best practices in the digital sector. Both sides welcomed the participation of Indian startups in Web Summits in Doha, Qatar in 2024-25.

    The importance of food security and protection of supply chains was emphasized by the two sides and they agreed to further strengthen cooperation in this field.

    The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation through exchanging participation in cultural events and supporting effective partnerships between cultural institutions in both countries. They also decided to further strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the decision to celebrate India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship and Sports in the near future.

    The two sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. They also emphasized on enhanced interactions among educational institutions, including through academic exchanges, joint research, students and scholar exchanges, and University-to-University cooperation of both countries.

    The two sides acknowledged that the centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Qatar relationship. The Qatari leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Qatar for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Qatar are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. The Indian side conveyed deep appreciation to the leadership of Qatar for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Qatar. The Qatar side welcomed extension of e-visa facility by India to Qatari nationals.

    The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. The two sides agreed to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment to address issues related to expatriates, manpower mobility, dignity, safety and welfare of workers and matters of mutual interest.

    The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the security situation in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peaceful resolution of international disputes. The two sides also appreciated the excellent coordination between the two sides in the UN and other multilateral fora.

    The Indian side thanked the Qatari side for its support to the growing India-GCC cooperation and for facilitating the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024 under Qatar’s Chairmanship. The two sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. Qatar side assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan.

    In the context of UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of a reformed and effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for UN reforms, including of the Security Council. Both sides stressed the importance of addressing shared global challenges through coordinated efforts within the framework of the United Nations, its specialized agencies, and programs, as well as through technical cooperation to advance the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both sides agreed to engage in close cooperation and support each other at the United Nations including supporting each other’s candidatures to multilateral forums.

    The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:

    · Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership

    · Revised Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and its Protocol

    · MoU between Ministry of Finance, India and Ministry of Finance, Qatar on Financial and Economic Collaboration

    · MoU on Cooperation in Field of Youth and Sports

    · MOU for Cooperation in the field of Documents and Archives

    · MoU between Invest India and Invest Qatar

    · MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatari Businessmen Association

    HH the Amir thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Qatar. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2104490) Visitor Counter : 138

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – Qatar Joint Statement (February 18, 2025)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani paid a State Visit to India on 17-18 February 2025. HH the Amir was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers, officials and business leaders. This was the second State Visit of HH the Amir to India.

    HH the Amir was received by Hon’ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on 18 February and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Hon’ble President also hosted a banquet reception in honour of HH the Amir and accompanying delegation.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with HH the Amir at Hyderabad House on 18 February. Both leaders recalled the historic trade linkages, deep-rooted people-to-people ties and robust bilateral relations between both countries. They expressed the desire for further expanding and deepening of the multifaceted relationship between both countries. In this context, they expressed happiness on the signing of the ‘Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership’ between the two sides.

    In light of the newly established Strategic Partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations through regular and structured cooperation in all areas, including political, trade, investment, security, energy, culture, education, technology, innovation, sustainability and people-to-people ties. In this regard, the two sides expressed happiness at the signing of the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and also agreed to expedite negotiations on the India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty.

    The two sides noted with satisfaction that regular interactions at various levels have helped provide momentum to the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. They recalled the successful visit of HH the Amir to India in March 2015 and the visits of Prime Minister to Qatar in June 2016 and February 2024. The two sides agreed to continue the high-level exchanges through regular bilateral mechanisms at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

    The two sides noted that trade and commerce has been a strong pillar of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. The two sides welcomed the elevation of the existing Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce into a Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce. The Joint Commission will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of economic ties between the two countries and will be headed by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry on both sides.

    The two sides laid emphasis on strengthening collaborations between their business and industry bodies. In this context, they welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the Joint Business Council on 13 February 2025.

    The two sides agreed on the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade between the two countries and address on priority market access issues related to trade in goods and services. In this regard, the two sides agreed to explore the possibility of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both sides set the target to double bilateral trade by 2030.

    Qatar and India have a strong strategic relationship and given that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing economies, the Indian side welcomed the decision of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to open an office in India. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Joint Task Force on Investments during its first meeting in June 2024, where various avenues for investments in India were discussed.

    The Qatar side commended the steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Institutional Investment and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality, and other areas of mutual interest. In this regard, the Qatar side announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India. The Indian side also appreciated Qatar’s efforts in enhancing its investment environment and its initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment. India also recognized Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for goods and services, leveraging its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between investment authorities, financial institutions, and businesses to explore new opportunities for investment and trade expansion.

    The parties shall expand and deepen mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in accordance with their respective legislations and the provisions of international conventions to which they are parties. They shall cooperate in order to achieve stable growth and diversification of trade, increase the volume of exchanged products, and provide mutual services on a systematic and long-term basis. Additionally, they shall implement measures to attract and encourage the establishment of joint projects between the private sectors of both countries. In this regard, both sides welcomed convening of the Joint Business Forum inaugurated by the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of both countries on 18 February 2025.

    Recognizing the pivotal role of businesses in driving economic growth, both sides emphasized the importance of trade exhibitions as a strategic platform for promoting commercial partnerships, increasing and diversifying bilateral trade, and facilitating investments. In pursuit of these objectives, both sides will strengthen collaboration between their export promotion agencies to support enterprises in identifying opportunities, addressing market challenges, and increasing participation in international trade exhibitions. This initiative will enable businesses from both nations to showcase their products, explore joint ventures, and establish sustainable commercial ties.

    The two sides welcomed the operationalization of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in QNB’s Points of Sales in Qatar and looked forward to implement nation-wide roll-out of UPI acceptance in Qatar. They agreed to explore settlement of bilateral trade in respective currencies. QNB’s expansion is also welcomed in India through setting up of an office in GIFT City.

    The two sides shall work to further enhance bilateral energy cooperation, including through promotion of trade and mutual investments in energy infrastructure and regular meetings of the relevant stakeholders from both sides, including the Joint Task Force on Energy.

    The two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism and agreed to cooperate in combating this menace through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. They agreed to enhance cooperation in information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking, Cybercrime and other transnational crimes. The two leaders also discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. They emphasized the importance of holding regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Security and Law Enforcement.

    The two sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. The two sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic including through the Joint Working Group on Health. The Indian side expressed interest in enhancing exports of Indian pharmaceutical products and medical devices to Qatar. Both sides also expressed their desire to facilitate the registration of national companies and pharmaceutical products.

    The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in technology and innovation, including emerging technologies, startups, and Artificial Intelligence. They discussed avenues for furthering e-Governance and sharing best practices in the digital sector. Both sides welcomed the participation of Indian startups in Web Summits in Doha, Qatar in 2024-25.

    The importance of food security and protection of supply chains was emphasized by the two sides and they agreed to further strengthen cooperation in this field.

    The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing cultural cooperation through exchanging participation in cultural events and supporting effective partnerships between cultural institutions in both countries. They also decided to further strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the decision to celebrate India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship and Sports in the near future.

    The two sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. They also emphasized on enhanced interactions among educational institutions, including through academic exchanges, joint research, students and scholar exchanges, and University-to-University cooperation of both countries.

    The two sides acknowledged that the centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Qatar relationship. The Qatari leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Qatar for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Qatar are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. The Indian side conveyed deep appreciation to the leadership of Qatar for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Qatar. The Qatar side welcomed extension of e-visa facility by India to Qatari nationals.

    The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. The two sides agreed to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment to address issues related to expatriates, manpower mobility, dignity, safety and welfare of workers and matters of mutual interest.

    The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the security situation in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peaceful resolution of international disputes. The two sides also appreciated the excellent coordination between the two sides in the UN and other multilateral fora.

    The Indian side thanked the Qatari side for its support to the growing India-GCC cooperation and for facilitating the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024 under Qatar’s Chairmanship. The two sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. Qatar side assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan.

    In the context of UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of a reformed and effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for UN reforms, including of the Security Council. Both sides stressed the importance of addressing shared global challenges through coordinated efforts within the framework of the United Nations, its specialized agencies, and programs, as well as through technical cooperation to advance the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both sides agreed to engage in close cooperation and support each other at the United Nations including supporting each other’s candidatures to multilateral forums.

    The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:

    · Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership

    · Revised Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and its Protocol

    · MoU between Ministry of Finance, India and Ministry of Finance, Qatar on Financial and Economic Collaboration

    · MoU on Cooperation in Field of Youth and Sports

    · MOU for Cooperation in the field of Documents and Archives

    · MoU between Invest India and Invest Qatar

    · MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry and Qatari Businessmen Association

    HH the Amir thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Qatar. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2104490) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Celebrating a Decade of Soil Health Cards

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Celebrating a Decade of Soil Health Cards

    Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February, 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. The scheme was launched to assist State Governments to issue soil health cards to all farmers in the country. Soil health card provides information to farmers on nutrient status of their soil along with recommendation on appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and its fertility.

    The Soil Health Card Portal (www.soilhealth.dac.gov.in) facilitates generation of Soil Health Cards for the benefit of farmers in uniform and standardized format across country in all major languages and 5 dialects.

    The Soil Health Card contains status of the soil with respect to 12 parameters, namely N,P,K, S (Macro-nutrients); Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro – nutrients) ; and pH (Acidity or Basicity), EC (Electrical Conductivity) and OC (Organic Carbon).

    Based on this, the card will also indicate fertilizer recommendations and soil amendment required for the farm. Soil Samples are taken generally two times in a year, after harvesting of Rabi and Kharif Crop respectively or when there is no standing crop in the field.

    The Guideline of Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) was issued in June 2023. VLSTLs can be set up by individual entrepreneurs i.e. rural youth and community based entrepreneurs, including Self Help Groups (SHGs), Schools, Agriculture Universities etc. The beneficiary/village level entrepreneur should be a youth whose age should not be below 18 years and should not be more than 27 years. Self Help Groups, Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) can also be enrolled as VLSTL.

    As of February 2025, 665 Village-level Soil Testing Labs have been established in 17 States.

    School Soil Health Programme

    A pilot project on School Soil Health Programme has been undertaken by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in (DA&FW) collaboration with Department of School Education & Literacy (DSE&L), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Governments in 20 schools (10 Kendriya Vidyalaya & 10 Navodaya Vidyalaya) in rural areas. The aim is to make students aware about soil health for sustainable agriculture practices. 20 soil health labs were set up in these schools. Modules for students from class VI to XII and teachers were developed and disseminated. Under the programme, soil samples were collected by School Students and soil testing were also done by students and SHCs were generated Students also educated farmers about the recommendation of Soil health card for judicious use of fertilizer and crop recommendation.

    As of 2024, 1020 schools are implementing the School Soil Health Programme, with 1000 soil testing labs set up and 125,972 students enrolled.

    Soil Health Card scheme has been merged in Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme as one of its components under the name ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ from the year 2022-23.

    Technological Advancements

    SHC Mobile App–

    To further ease the process of obtaining easy access to the Soil Health Card, the Government of India in 2023 made technological interventions in the New Soil Health Card Scheme. The Soil Health Card portal was revamped and integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) system so that all the test results are captured and seen on a map. To make the implementation/monitoring of the scheme smooth and to facilitate farmers an easy access to his soil health card, the mobile application has been made robust with the additional features such as:

    • Restrict the sample collection region for the Village Level Entrepreneur/Operator collecting the soil samples
    • Auto selection of the latitude and longitude of the location
    • Generation of a QR code to link with the sample and test results of all samples directly on the portal from the geo-mapped labs, without any manual intervention.

    This application provides the graphical information of all over the India and also shows multiple layers State Boundary, District Boundary, Taluka Boundary, Panchayat Boundary and Cadastral Boundary.

    The new system was rolled out in April 2023 and samples are now being collected through the mobile application. Soil Health Cards are now generated on this revamped portal.

    For digitizing the Soil Health Cards, Web based work flow application Soil Health Card portal has been designed and developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC).

    Conclusion

    The Soil Health Card Scheme has transformed agricultural practices in India over the past decade. Since 2015, it has empowered farmers with crucial information on soil nutrient status and optimal fertilizer use, promoting sustainable farming and improved crop productivity. Initiatives like the School Soil Health Programme have expanded soil health awareness among students and local communities. With a robust mobile app, the process of obtaining a Soil Health Card has enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and transparency. As the scheme evolves, it continues to play a vital role in fostering sustainable agricultural development and safeguarding India’s soil health for future generations.

    References:

    Kindlty find the pdf file 

    ****

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2104403) Visitor Counter : 89

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju attends Haj Walkathon 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju attends Haj Walkathon 2025

    Event highlights importance of fitness for pilgrims preparing for sacred Haj journey

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 5:04PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju attended the Haj Walkathon 2025 as the Chief Guest at Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex, Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi. The event was organized by Delhi State Haj Committee. The event highlighted the importance of fitness for pilgrims preparing for the sacred Haj journey.

     

     

    Shri Kiren Rijiju emphasized the need for well-being and physical readiness of pilgrims ahead of their spiritual journey. The Minister said that the Delhi Haj Committee Chairperson, Ms. Kausar Jahan and team are giving due importance to the fitness of the Haj Pilgrims as the heat condition in Makkah and Medinah is extremely high.

    ***

    SS

    (Release ID: 2104379) Visitor Counter : 91

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Students Gain Fieldwork Experience Studying Geohazards in Taiwan

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    This winter, 10 UConn students traveled to Taiwan for a three-week Earth science field course, learning alongside local students and experiencing the country’s unique geology, geography and culture firsthand. 

    The course Winter Geoscience and Geohazards in Taiwan, led by Tim Byrne, professor of Earth sciences, gives students across multiple disciplines the chance to conduct fieldwork—learning everything from field mapping to data collection and synthesis—while gaining a new cultural perspective. 

    Byrne, who has led the course every other year for the past decade, says Taiwan’s unique geological features, including its tectonic activity and susceptibility to geohazards, make it an ideal destination to explore the course’s concepts 

    “It’s incredibly active with erosion and climate,” Byrne says. “The Taiwanese people are all sensitive to this. It’s great to have students go from Connecticut, where there is very little risk of natural disasters, to a country that lives with them every day.” 

    Byrne describes the trip as an immersive learning experience, mixing informal lectures, field trips to active volcanos and recent earthquake sites, museum tours, conversations with experts, and visits to picturesque beaches surrounded by palm trees and uplifted coral reefs. In one activity, students measured structural and stratigraphic sections of varying types of sedimentary rocks to better understand the natural setting of oil and gas production.  

    The students went fossil hunting in Sigou Village in Hengchun Township, on Jan. 8, 2025. (Contributed by Violet Andrews).

    The UConn cohort was joined by students from National Taiwan University throughout the trip. 

    Dezani Fields ’25 (CLAS), a geographic information science major, says he learned a lot about topics he was previously curious about, including sustainable mining practices. 

    This was the first time Fields had traveled alone, and he says exchanging knowledge and perspectives with local Taiwanese students gave him new insight into topics he might pursue after graduation. 

    “It was my own experience,” Fields says. “It helps to try new things and understand that there’s a lot I don’t know and want to learn.” 

    Violet Andrews ’26 (ED), an Earth sciences education major, first learned about the education abroad opportunity in one of Byrne’s classes last year. Initially unsure due to her limited experience in Earth sciences, she says Byrne encouraged her to apply—a decision she now appreciates as she considers adding a second major in the field.

    Violet Andrews ’26 (ED) picks through rocks at Qixingtan Beach in Xincheng Township, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Contributed by Violet Andrews).

    As an aspiring teacher, she says the trip not only allowed her to learn about the way education is approached in Taiwan but also highlighted the value of cultural exchange in the learning process—a concept she hopes to incorporate into her lesson plans moving forward. 

    “Neag’s biggest thing is expanding your global perspective and bringing a global perspective into your classroom,” Andrews says. “That’s kind of hard to do if you’ve only ever been in the U.S.”

    She says while college does a good job of expanding a student’s humanity and global understanding, they could only get those experiences by going out and exploring for themselves.  

    Andrews says she found it fascinating to see what interested different students the most. She says the group’s diverse academic interests helped them learn about things they might not have typically considered. As a future educator, she found the experience especially important. 

    Both Fields and Andrews agree that fieldwork was much different than simply learning in a classroom. For Fields, it provided a clearer picture of what it might be like to work in a research role.  

    Andrews, who still plans to become a teacher, says the trip sparked a new interest in pursuing Earth science internships to gain more hands-on experience. 

    “The more knowledge I gain, the more it will benefit me and my students in the future,” she says. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With University Of Rochester And Rochester Institute Of Technology Set To Lose A Total Of $50 Million In Federal Funding, Senator Gillibrand Highlights Potential Upheaval Of Local Economy, End To Lifesaving Medical Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    National Institutes Of Health Funding Supports 30,000 Jobs and $8 Billion In Economic Activity In New York Alone;
    Funding Cuts Will Cost Jobs, Derail Critical Research, And Endanger Public Health
    University of Rochester Is Region’s Largest Employer, Employs 3,000 Biomedical Researchers; 
    Gillibrand Leading Bipartisan Call To Reverse Cuts
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology leadership at the University of Rochester to highlight the impact of President Trump’s recent attempts to cut National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding on the universities and the local economy.
    The University of Rochester receives hundreds of NIH grants to study cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, aging, mental health, children’s health, and much more. Slashed funding would force researchers to abandon this critical work and extinguish hope for patients and families looking for cures. This funding cut could also put thousands of jobs across New York State at risk; NIH funding supports roughly 30,000 jobs in New York State alone. 
    “New York is home to top notch universities that attract the world’s best scientists conducting cutting-edge research,” said Senator Gillibrand. “President Trump’s attempt to radically cut funding for the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as other research institutions, is irresponsible and short-sighted. It will imperil research that saves lives and is guaranteed to hurt our economy and the thousands of New Yorkers employed by local research institutions. These cuts are facing strong bipartisan opposition, and I am working across the aisle with my colleagues in the New York delegation, including Congressman Morelle, to call on the Trump administration to reverse them.”
    “I want to thank Senator Gillibrand for her leadership in opposing these draconian cuts and for her tremendous and unwavering support to our Rochester scientists, doctors, and patients. Arbitrarily and abruptly cutting groundbreaking biomedical research that has led to countless breakthroughs and that saves, extends, and improves human lives is no way to make government more efficient. It is detrimental to our efforts to improve health in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region and in the Southern Tier, threatens the future health of all Americans, and puts in jeopardy the nation’s position as the scientific and clinical research leader of the world,” said Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President of the University of Rochester
    “NIH-funded research forms the backbone for scientific innovation in medicine, driving discoveries that improve lives and strengthen our nation’s global leadership in healthcare and related technologies. To remain competitive, universities must have the resources necessary to support groundbreaking research, including the associated indirect costs, such as laboratory facilities and infrastructure, compliance, and administrative assistance.  Indirect costs are not optional; they are fundamental to sustaining a research environment where faculty, staff and students can focus on advancing knowledge and solving the world’s most pressing challenges,” said David C. Munson, President, Rochester Institute of Technology. “Continued investment in NIH research at higher education institutions across the nation, and the full restoration of NIH indirect cost recovery, are necessary to ensure that we continue to attract the best talent and maintain our worldwide leadership in healthcare science and innovation.“
    Last week, the Trump administration announced that it would slash billions in federal funding for research institutions nationwide by imposing a cap on “indirect costs” for research associated with NIH grants. Indirect costs are expenses that are essential for scientific research, and include the construction and maintenance of research facilities, the purchase of costly scientific tools, and support staffing for major research projects. The University of Rochester is set to lose $40 million in funding for indirect costs, and Rochester Institute of Technology is set to lost $10 million, which would cripple their ability to continue to conduct much of their research. New York institutions are expected to lose $850 million in total. While a federal judge has temporarily paused these cuts from going into effect, they have created chaos and confusion for the New York institutions that rely on a steady and stable flow of NIH funding. 
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s bipartisan letter with Senator Schumer and Representatives Morelle, Garbarino, Lawler, Clarke, Espaillat, Gillen, Goldman, Kennedy, Latimer, Mannion, Meng, Meeks, Nadler, Ocasio-Cortez, Suozzi, Tonko, Torres, Velázquez, Riley, and Ryan highlighting the impact these cuts would have on New York is available here.
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter with 46 Senate Democrats is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With University At Buffalo Set To Lose $47 Million In Federal Funding, Senator Gillibrand, Rep. Kennedy, Highlight Potential Upheaval Of Local Economy, End To Lifesaving Medical Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    National Institutes Of Health Funding Supports 30,000 Jobs and $8 Billion In Economic Activity In New York Alone;
    Funding Cuts Will Cost Jobs, Derail Critical Research, And Endanger Public Health
    Gillibrand Leading Bipartisan Call To Reverse Cuts
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Tim Kennedy visited the University at Buffalo to highlight the impact of President Trump’s recent cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding on the university and the local economy. 
    The University at Buffalo receives hundreds of NIH grants to study cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infectious disease, arthritis, allergies, mental health, and much more. Slashed funding would force researchers to abandon critical work and extinguish hope for patients and families looking for cures. This funding cut could also put thousands of jobs across New York State at risk; NIH funding supports roughly 30,000 jobs in New York State alone. 
    “New York is home to top notch universities that attract the world’s best scientists conducting cutting-edge research,” said Senator Gillibrand. “President Trump’s attempt to radically cut funding for the University at Buffalo and other research institutions is irresponsible and short-sighted. It will imperil research that saves lives and is guaranteed to hurt our economy and the thousands of New Yorkers employed by local research institutions. These cuts are facing strong bipartisan opposition, and I am working across the aisle with my colleagues in the New York delegation, including Congressman Kennedy, to call on the Trump administration to reverse them.”
    “The administration’s arbitrary cuts to NIH funding are a matter of life and death,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “This funding is the difference between a grandparent keeping cancer at bay long enough to meet their grandchild or an infant benefiting from lifesaving research—these scenarios play out every day across our region and nation. The federal government should be investing in our future, not defunding cancer research and other critical health programs. These cuts need to be rescinded immediately, and we need to let scientists and doctors get back to the business of researching lifesaving technologies.”
    “NIH has been an exceptional partner to the University at Buffalo and universities nationwide, enabling life changing and lifesaving discoveries in all aspects of health, wellness, and healthcare,” said Venu Govindaraju, PhD, vice president for research and economic at the University at Buffalo. “The proposed changes to the NIH funding structure will make vital research difficult if not impossible to undertake and impede decades of scientific advancements.”
    “The Jacobs School, along with the health science community at the University at Buffalo, is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and significantly improving health outcomes across Western New York. Through cutting-edge research funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, we aim to transform health care by developing innovative solutions, generating new knowledge, and training the next generation of health care professionals. We do research to enhance patient care and improve public health both locally and globally. However, the NIH’s recent announcement of a new policy capping the indirect cost payment rate for new and existing grants at 15% — a change that could threaten billions of dollars in funding for universities and health systems — will significantly diminish these efforts that are critical to the health of our community,” said Allison Brashear, Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
    “At SUNY, we are proud of our extraordinary researchers and the life-changing, groundbreaking medical discoveries they have dedicated their careers to advancing,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “From working to cure Alzheimer’s disease to improving cancer outcomes, from supporting 9/11 first responders to detecting brain aneurysms, their research is essential to our national security and economic leadership.”
    Last week, the Trump administration announced that it would slash billions in federal funding for research institutions nationwide by imposing a cap on “indirect costs” for research associated with NIH grants. Indirect costs are expenses that are essential for scientific research, and include the construction and maintenance of research facilities, the purchase of costly scientific tools, and support staffing for major research projects. The University at Buffalo is set to lose $47 million in funding for indirect costs, which would cripple its ability to continue to conduct much of its research. New York institutions are expected to lose $850 million in total. While a federal judge has temporarily paused these cuts from going into effect, have created chaos and confusion for the New York institutions that rely on a steady and stable flow of NIH funding. 
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s bipartisan letter with Senator Schumer, and Representatives Kennedy, Garbarino, Lawler, Morelle, Clarke, Espaillat, Gillen, Goldman,Latimer, Mannion, Meng, Meeks, Nadler, Ocasio-Cortez, Suozzi, Tonko, Torres, Velázquez, Riley and Ryan highlighting the impact these cuts would have on New York is available here.
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter with 46 Senate Democrats is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With SUNY Upstate Set To Lose Millions In Federal Funding, Senator Gillibrand, Rep. Mannion Highlights Potential Upheaval Of Local Economy, End To Lifesaving Medical Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    National Institutes Of Health Funding Supports 30,000 Jobs and $8 Billion In Economic Activity In New York Alone;
    Funding Cuts Will Cost Jobs, Derail Critical Research, And Endanger Public Health
    SUNY Research Foundation Would Lose An Estimated $79 Million 
    Gillibrand Leading Bipartisan Call To Reverse Cuts
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative John Mannion visited SUNY Upstate Medical University to highlight the impact of President Trump’s recent cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding on the university and the local economy. 
    SUNY Upstate receives dozens of NIH grants to study cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, aging, mental health, and much more. Slashed funding would force researchers to abandon this critical work and extinguish hope for patients and families looking for cures. This funding cut could also put thousands of jobs across New York State at risk; NIH funding supports roughly 30,000 jobs in New York State alone. 
    “New York is home to top notch universities that attract the world’s best scientists conducting cutting-edge research,” said Senator Gillibrand. “President Trump’s attempt to radically cut funding for SUNY Upstate and other research institutions is irresponsible and short-sighted. It will imperil research that saves lives and is guaranteed to hurt our economy and the thousands of New Yorkers employed by local research institutions. These cuts are facing strong bipartisan opposition, and I am working across the aisle with my colleagues in the New York delegation, including Congressman Mannion, to call on the Trump administration to reverse them.”
    “I join Senator Gillibrand in rejecting cuts to NIH funding and staff that would have devastating consequences for lifesaving medical research happening right here in Central New York,” said Representative John W. Mannion said. “At the CNY Biotech Accelerator, researchers rely on NIH support to develop breakthrough treatments and technologies that improve and save lives. Slashing these resources will make government less efficient, put innovation at risk, delay critical medical advancements, and threaten local jobs in our growing biotech sector. We must protect federal investments in science and health.”
    “At SUNY, we are proud of our extraordinary researchers and the life-changing, groundbreaking medical discoveries they have dedicated their careers to advancing,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “From working to cure Alzheimer’s disease to improving cancer outcomes, from supporting 9/11 first responders to detecting brain aneurysms, their research is essential to our national security and economic leadership.”
    “Upstate Medical University is fortunate to have leading researchers among its faculty finding cures and better treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, lupus and many other disorders. Biomedical research is an essential part of being an academic medical institution that adds to the vibrancy of our CNY community,” said Upstate Medical University President Mantosh Dewan, MD.
    “Cutting NIH funding would be a devastating blow to the future of medical innovation and the fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. These cuts threaten to stall groundbreaking research, delay critical treatments, and stifle the progress of startups working tirelessly to bring lifesaving therapies to patients. Right here in Central New York, the CNY Biotech Accelerator is home to incredible companies working on cutting-edge medical breakthroughs. Many of them rely on NIH support, and these cuts could mean fewer innovations, fewer jobs, and fewer solutions for the patients who need them most. We cannot afford to let innovation be the casualty of short-sighted policy decisions,” said NYS Senator Chris Ryan. 
    “The American people deserve the best medical research in the world and thanks to our historic investments in this area, scientists at universities and academic medical centers across New York State are finding cures and treatments for conditions like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and stroke,” said Win Thurlow, Executive Director, LifeSciencesNY. “This work not only saves lives, but also strengthens the local economy.  Biomedical research creates jobs and opportunities for all New Yorkers. Cutting support for this research means that cures will go undiscovered, jobs will be lost and our communities will suffer.”
    “Basic and applied medical research at NYS higher education institutions and agencies is critical to improving and saving lives. Federal funding, particularly from NIH, is imperative. Any disruption in funding may cause delays in important discoveries and upheaval in the work and lives of researchers and patients. Federal funds help drive New York’s economy for all New Yorkers. Cutting NIH funding hobbles medical research resulting in both immediate and long-term consequences for all Americans,” said Assemblyman Al Stirpe.
    Last week, the Trump administration announced that it would slash billions in federal funding for research institutions nationwide by imposing a cap on “indirect costs” for research associated with NIH grants. Indirect costs are expenses that are essential for scientific research, and include the construction and maintenance of research facilities, the purchase of costly scientific tools, and support staffing for major research projects. SUNY Upstate is set to lose $5 million in funding for indirect costs, and the SUNY Research Foundation would lose an estimated $79 million overall, which would cripple New York scientists’ ability to continue to conduct much of their research. New York institutions are expected to lose $850 million in total. While a federal judge has temporarily paused these cuts from going into effect, they have created chaos and confusion for the New York institutions that rely on a steady and stable flow of NIH funding. 
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s bipartisan letter with Senator Schumer and Representatives Mannion, Morelle, Garbarino, Lawler, Clarke, Espaillat, Gillen, Goldman, Kennedy, Latimer, Meng, Meeks, Nadler, Ocasio-Cortez, Suozzi, Tonko, Torres, Velázquez, Riley, and Ryan highlighting the impact these cuts would have on New York is available here.
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter with 46 Senate Democrats is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Congratulate Rwanda on Number of New Jobs Created, Ask Questions on Women’s Political Representation and Recognising the Cultures of Rwanda’s Different Ethnic Groups

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its review of the fifth periodic report of Rwanda, with Committee Experts commending the State on the number of new jobs created, while raising questions about women’s political representation and how Rwanda recognised the cultures of its different ethnic groups. 

    Preeti Saran, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, was impressed with some of the figures shared, including seven per cent gross domestic product growth and 1.3 million jobs created.  These were commendable and Rwanda should be congratulated.   

    Peters Sunday Omologbe Emuze, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, said Rwanda had made significant progress in gender equality, and especially women’s political representation.  What steps were being taken to increase women’s representation in local administration and the private sector? How was the gender pay gap addressed? What was being done to combat discrimination against women and stereotypes? 

    Ms. Saran said each ethnic group in Rwanda had a rich cultural heritage.  For the sake of national unity and reconciliation, if everyone was being referred to as Rwandan, how did the State propagate the cultural richness of the population?   Rwanda had been extremely welcoming to refugees from all over the world, who brought their own specific languages and cultures.  What measures had the State party taken to ensure equal cultural rights for ethnic groups that had come as aliens, refugees or asylum seekers? 

    The delegation said over the years, Rwanda had implemented measures to achieve gender equality, particularly in Parliament, where it was around 63 per cent in the Chamber of Deputies and around 53 per cent in the Senate.  Quotas were in place which mandated that a minimum of 30 per cent of leaders should be women.  When the issue of equality was dealt with properly, this had a cascading effect on other policies.  A few years ago, the State recognised that gender-based violent crimes were specific in nature and needed to be treated in a certain way. 

    The delegation said there was no significant cultural diversity within the country, as everyone shared the same language and culture.  Traditionally the ethnic groups had been defined based on occupation and turning them into an ethnicity was introduced by the colonialists.  It had been entrenched in identity cards for Tutsis, Hutus and Twas.  This negated the fact that people could have moved from one group to another.   There were no significant differences in culture between these groups.  Rwanda had received a number of people who faced difficulties in their own countries. Diversity days were organised at schools, encouraging refugees and asylum seekers to share their culture. 

    Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda and head of the delegation, said in 2023, Rwanda further refined its governance framework by aligning the schedules of presidential and parliamentary elections, enhancing efficiency and reducing electoral costs.  During the period under consideration, Rwanda successfully completed its ambitious 2020 Vision and adopted the Vision 2050.  From 2018 to 2024, Rwanda implemented its first national strategy for transformation, which laid the foundation for sustainable development, and was succeeded by the second national strategy for transformation, which ran until 2029.   Through these strategies, Rwanda maintained steady economic growth, with gross domestic product expanding at an average of 7 per cent and per capita income rising from $729 to $1,040 in 2023/2024. 

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Emuze thanked the Rwandan delegation for attending the dialogue, noting the high calibre of the delegation.  The Committee wished the delegation a safe journey home. 

    In his concluding remarks Mr. Ugirashebuja expressed appreciation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee.  The State had learnt many valuable lessons and looked forward to receiving the Committee’s recommendations.  Mr. Ugirashebuja extended an open invitation to the Committee to visit Rwanda in the future. 

    The delegation of Rwanda was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Justice; the National Institute of Statistics; the Rwanda Education Board; the Department of International Justice Judicial Cooperation; and the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee’s seventy-seventh session is being held until 28 February 2025.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 18 February to begin its consideration of the seventh periodic report of the Philippines (E/C.12/PHL/7).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fifth periodic report of Rwanda (E/C.12/RWA/5).

    Presentation of Report

    EMMANUEL UGIRASHEBUJA, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda and head of the delegation, said since the last review by the Committee over a decade ago, Rwanda had undergone significant changes in its policy, legal and institutional landscape.  In 2023, Rwanda further refined its governance framework by aligning the schedules of presidential and parliamentary elections, enhancing efficiency, and reducing electoral costs. 

    At the institutional level, Rwanda established the Rwanda Forensic Laboratory in 2016, upgrading it to the Rwanda Forensic Institute in 2023.  The Institute had enhanced forensic and advisory services, strengthening accountability in sectors critical to economic, social and cultural rights.  Its digital forensic and document services helped combat financial crimes like fraud and embezzlement.  In 2017, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau was established to enhance specialisation and professionalism in crime investigation. 

    In the judiciary, Rwanda made significant strides in strengthening its justice system.  In 2018, the Court of Appeal was established, further enhancing the country’s capacity to provide effective legal recourse.   In 2024, the establishment of an Appeal Tribunal to hear matters relating to refugee and asylum claims reinforced Rwanda’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals in vulnerable situations.  Rwanda’s legal framework strongly supported the protection of economic, social and cultural rights, as enshrined in the Constitution.  Since the last report, Rwanda had enacted several laws that aligned with the provisions of the Covenant and contributed to the progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights.  These included the education law that guaranteed access to quality education at all levels, as well as health laws. 

    During the period under consideration, Rwanda successfully completed its ambitious 2020 Vision and adopted the Vision 2050.  From 2018 to 2024, Rwanda implemented its first national strategy for transformation, which laid the foundation for sustainable development, and was succeeded by the second national strategy for transformation, which ran until 2029.   Through these strategies, Rwanda maintained steady economic growth, with gross domestic product expanding at an average of 7 per cent and per capita income rising from $729 to $1,040 in 2023/2024.  

    Infrastructure development advanced with the construction of over 1,600 kilometres of national roads and 4,137 kilometres of feeder roads.   Job creation efforts led to over 1.3 million decent and productive jobs, while financial inclusion improved from 89 per cent in 2017 to 96 per cent by 2024.  Life expectancy also increased from 66.6 in 2017 to 69.9 years in 2024. 

    Rwanda also significantly strengthened its healthcare system under the strategy. Seven new hospitals were added to the existing 52, while 23 were rehabilitated or expanded.  Community-based health insurance coverage reached 93 per cent of the population. Healthcare modernisation included advanced imaging, laboratory equipment, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and digital health systems.  

    In 2023, Rwanda, in partnership with Germany Biotechnology Company BioNTech, set-up an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility, the first of its kind on the African continent, which would have the capacity to produce between 50 and 100 million doses of mRNA vaccines annually, and conduct trials on new therapeutics for malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, cancers and other diseases.  

    Through the Girinka programme (one cow per family programme), Rwanda distributed 333,146 cows to an equivalent number of households.  Rwanda valued the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Committee.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, asked how the 2015 constitutional amendments had affected Rwanda’s commitment to international human rights standards.  Did it enable the State party to override Covenant protections in favour of domestic law? What measures were being taken to ensure that the provisions of the Covenant were invoked by domestic courts? 

    What training programmes were in place for judges, law enforcement and government officials to ensure consistent application of the Covenant?  The important work of Rwanda’s national human rights institution was noted.  Was the selection process of its members carried out by a committee appointed by the President?  Did members require clearance from the Prime Minister’s office for official travel outside Rwanda?  Had the State party accepted the recommendations of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions to strengthen the institution in line with the Paris Principles?

    What measures had been taken to guarantee that human rights defenders could continue their work without undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association?  What steps were taken to protect them from risks of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, harassment and intimidation, including judicial harassment?  Could the State party clarify the concerns regarding non-governmental organization registration requirements?  Were there any obstacles for opposition groups to promote and advocate for the promotion of human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights? 

    When would the State party finalise a national action plan for business and human rights?  What steps were being taken to put in place a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for human rights due diligence for businesses?  What measures were in place to ensure Rwanda met its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement? 

    What measures were in place to combat corruption, particularly in public procurement and State-owned enterprises?  What challenges did anti-corruption institutions face in maintaining independence and effectiveness?  What measures were being taken to address them?  The Committee noted Rwanda’s legislative efforts to combat discrimination.  However, reports indicated persistent structural inequalities, particularly affecting Batwa people, women and girls, people living in deprived urban and rural areas, persons with disabilities, people living in poverty, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.  How did Rwanda plan to address these challenges? 

    How did Rwanda plan to address the absence of disaggregated data to assess the situation of the Batwa people?  What steps were being taken to combat poverty, high infant mortality, malnutrition, and lower educational outcomes among the Batwa? What kind of barriers did the Batwa continue to face to land titling and how did Rwanda plan to secure their rights to land ownership?  What measures were in place to prevent forced displacement of the Batwa people from their ancestral lands?  How was adequate compensation provided when Batwa lands were expropriated?  How did the State party ensure consultations with Batwa people in decisions likely to affect them?

    Rwanda had made significant progress in gender equality, and especially women’s political representation.  What steps were being taken to increase women’s representation in local administration and the private sector?  How was the gender pay gap addressed?  What was being done to combat discrimination against women and stereotypes?  How had the Rwanda Gender Monitoring Office and its Gender Management Information System contributed to tracking gender equality initiatives? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said since the 2015 Constitutional amendments, no new organic laws had come into place.  There was consistent training on the use of human rights in courts.  However, the members of the bar tended not to apply international conventions in the courts. The reason for this was because the Constitution provided for a whole section of bill of rights, which was a replica of the Covenant.  However, lawyers were still trained on the use of human rights conventions.   

    Members of the human rights institution were manually selected via a presidential order.  This was a rigorous process, and many candidates were considered.  The appointment process was comparable to any other country with human rights mechanisms.  Whenever Commissioners wanted to travel, they informed the Minister’s office and a document was provided, called the travel clearance. Given that this caused significant confusion, the Government had decided to do away with the travel clearance.   

    Rwanda did all it could to strengthen the National Commission of Human Rights, and put in place any recommendations received. Rwanda was on track to reach its goals regarding carbon emissions.  The State was encouraging businesses to go green, which in turn would create “green jobs” which would contribute to more employment.  An example of this could be seen in the State employing young people to plant trees.  The Rwandan Government had heavily invested in areas key to social equality.  The community-based insurance now extended to certain diseases previously not covered, including cancer. 

    Rwanda aimed to achieve zero tolerance for corruption.  Key institutions like the Ombudsman’s office had played a key role towards achieving this goal.  Rwanda had improved its global ranking from 49th to 43rd place in 2024 in the Transparency Index Global Corruption Index.

    Rwandans and the Batwa spoke the same language and had the same culture.  The Batwa people could be found throughout the country and did not live in a designated area.  Rwanda aimed to ensure no one was left behind, regardless of their status.  Land registration helped to resolve dispute around land, and to ensure that land was adequately registered. 

    Over the years, Rwanda had implemented measures to achieve gender equality, particularly in Parliament, where it was around 63 per cent in the Chamber of Deputies and around 53 per cent in the Senate.  Quotas were in place which mandated that a minimum of 30 per cent of leaders should be women.  When the issue of equality was dealt with properly, this had a cascading effect on other policies.  A few years ago, the State recognised that gender-based violent crimes were specific in nature and needed to be treated in a certain way. 

    No discrimination against any group was tolerated in Rwanda.  Measures had been put in place to ensure that anyone who faced discrimination was able to access fast reparations.  There were many issues which were largely context-specific to Rwanda. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    PREETI SARAN, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, was impressed with some of the figures shared, including seven per cent gross domestic product growth and 1.3 million jobs created.  These were commendable and Rwanda should be congratulated.   What kind of resource constraints had the State faced in budgetary allocations for social spending?  What challenges had there been when dealing with external partners? 

    KARLA LEMUS DE VÁSQUE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said marital violence affected 46 per cent of women who were married and 18 per cent of men, with many never seeking help for the violence they had suffered.  What measures had been put in place to combat the cultural norms which perpetuated marital violence?  How were victims of violence being supported so they could report the crime?

    A Committee Expert asked what steps were being taken by the Government to ensure safe access by humanitarian organizations to the population affected by the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?  How had the State ensured its policies and actions did not obstruct humanitarian aid? What was the coordination framework that the State had with armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly the M23?  How might the State respond to the concerns regarding any potential support for these armed groups? 

    What measures had been put in place to prevent and punish any involvement by Rwandan stakeholders in conflict zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?  What measures had the State adopted to ensure that no armed group benefitted from support from the State?  What measures had been put in place to remedy any violations, including forced labour in mining areas under the control of armed groups, among others? 

    Another Expert asked about the role of civil society when drafting reports to treaty bodies?  Were all civil society organizations invited to participate in the drafting procedures?  What was the position of Rwanda on the Rome Statute?  Was there a possibility that the Government might consider acceding to it? Rwanda had extraterritorial obligations. The President had reiterated a lack of knowledge regarding the Rwandan military participating in the conflict of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  How was oversight of the military activities ensured?  How did Rwanda ensure that armed groups operating in other countries received no support?

    A Committee Expert asked what the State was doing to combat the illicit trade of minerals?  What specific measures were taken to enhance specific imports and exports? 

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Vice-Chair and Taskforce Leader for Rwanda, said there had been allegations of Government members committing unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, and intimidation and reprisals, against those defending human rights.  What had the State party done to prevent this? Despite measures taken by the State party to improve rights for indigenous peoples, challenges remained. How did the State party intend to address challenges in this regard, including the lack of disaggregated data? How would Rwanda address challenges such as poverty, infant mortality, lower school attendance, and higher drop-out rates, among others? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Rwanda had challenges in terms of budget.  The State aimed to address this through development partners.  However, resources were not always permanent.  Although Rwanda worked with development partners, the State aimed to be financially stable in terms of its own financing. 

    Rwanda had developed mechanisms to capture data regarding gender-based violence.  Initially, people were scared to report cases due to stigmatisation.  Investigators had been trained to interview victims of gender-based violence.  When cases proceeded, it was ensured that they were not held in public, so as not to endanger the lives of the victims. 

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo had its own problems as did Rwanda, and the State could not bear the burden of others’ problems.  Anything happening beyond the territory of Rwanda should be dealt with by those States. 

    Civil society played an important role in the drafting of the report and in helping Rwanda achieve its human rights obligations. Rwanda had not yet joined the Rome Statute, but if the appropriate time came and if it was necessary, the State would willingly join the Statute.  At present, the State was not considering joining the Statue in the near future. 
    Rwanda was the first country in the Great Lakes region to commit to a due diligence mechanism.  This ensured Rwanda could not be used as a route for illicit mines. There were mechanisms in place to protect against enforced disappearances.  There was zero tolerance for anyone who threatened human rights defenders. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    PREETI SARAN, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked what recent measures the State party had taken to address unemployment rates and to guarantee access to work?  What specific steps had been taken to address the problem of labour under-utilisation?  What major obstacles had Rwanda faced in addressing the employment challenge?  How was the integration of women into the labour force being promoted? 

    What specific steps had the State party taken for those facing discrimination to access the labour market.  What had Rwanda done to enforce laws dealing with discrimination at the workplace and to encourage employers to adopt anti-discrimination measures specifically related to sexual orientation at the workplace? How were systemic barriers for persons with disabilities being removed?  What measures had been taken to enable the transition of workers from the informal to the formal sector, particularly for women, the disadvantaged, and persons with disabilities?  What was the anticipated timeframe for establishing a minimum wage? 

    Many workers were reportedly exposed to frequent occupational accidents due to unsafe working conditions, leading to occupational injuries and fatalities.  Had the State party formulated an updated national policy on occupational health and safety?  How did the State party reinforce and implement the Labour Code on occupational health and safety?  Had the State party developed rights awareness programmes targeting domestic workers and employers? 

    What steps had been taken to establish a safe reporting system for domestic workers to report workplace violence?  What initiatives were in place to provide confidential and accessible health care for domestic workers?  What steps had the State party taken to remove any such legal barriers to the enjoyment of the right to form trade unions and the right to strike.

    The adoption of the updated national social protection policy (2020), which aimed to ensure that Rwandan citizens had a dignified standard of living, was commendable.  Were there any proposals to improve and expand the coverage process to ensure that it included the widest possible population, particularly the most marginalised and disadvantaged in the informal sector?  What steps had the State party taken to expand the community-based health insurance scheme to cover specialised health services, medicines, assistive devices, and commodities required by persons with disabilities? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said employment was a concern in Rwanda.  Rwanda had a young population and the State needed to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive.  It was hoped the law on startups would ensure easy financing of start-ups for the youth. A proportion of the laws provided for special consideration for women and people living with disabilities, to ensure these traditionally marginalised groups could access these resources. 

    Despite the efforts that the Government had put in place, there were still instances of gender-based discrimination.  There had been instances in the private sector where questions had been asked about women’s marital status to ascertain if they would be looking to seek maternity leave.  The State was looking at how to incentivise the private sector to ensure they did not discriminate based on gender.  No one in Rwanda was discriminated against based on their sexual orientation.  If discrimination was there, the State worked with civil society to address this.  It was important to have a synergy with civil society organizations to address persistent discriminatory issues.  There were quotas of 30 per cent for women, and the State monitored these closely to ensure gender equity was being achieved.   

    There were a lot of workers employed in the informal sector, and the State tried to formalise these areas.  Cooperatives were important in ensuring people came together, and worked like trade unions to highlight challenges faced by people in the informal sector.  There had been a growth in the number of cooperatives registered over recent years. The State had seen unfortunate incidents where people had been trapped in mines due to unsuitable mining.  The Rwanda mining board ensured that it monitored mining sites; however, people sometimes ventured into illegal mining at nighttime and ended up being trapped.  Work was being done with the local governments to ensure these unfortunate situations were avoided. 

    The minimum wage was a difficult debate.  The Government was on the right path regarding what an acceptable minimum wage was in Rwanda.  The process was long, but the Government aimed to develop a suitable minimum wage for the greater good of the country.  Laws guaranteed safety for domestic workers, including salaries and leave. Labour inspectors took steps to ensure the legal mechanisms were being utilised. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the issues of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were relevant.  What tools and mechanisms had the State created to ensure there was respect for economic, cultural and social rights?  How was it ensured that impunity was combatted abroad, particularly in the context of the armed conflict? 

    KARLA LEMUS DE VÁSQUE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, acknowledged that the State had extended fully-paid maternity leave for mothers in all sectors, but there were challenges to ensuring the legislation was enforced, particularly in the informal sector. What mechanisms were in place to ensure all working mothers could enjoy maternity leave?  Had the State considered implementing a specific measure to ensure women who gave birth to children with disabilities were given maternity leave commiserate with the situation of their child?  Were there incentives to encourage men to use paternity leave?

    What efforts were being carried out to punish employers who were in breach of child labour laws?  What results had the new national strategy on child labour yielded?  There were still high levels of poverty, especially for families.  What was the State doing in terms of the social schemes designed to eradicate extreme poverty?  What challenges did small-scale farmers meet when it came to increasing their yield and diversifying their crop?  What support programmes were in place for them?  Had the State considered expanding the food assistance programmes for vulnerable groups?

    A study of Rwanda’s development bank showed many people on low income still did not have access to affordable housing. What policies had been adopted to ensure the cost of housing was accessible?  What percentage of the national budget was set aside for the building and maintenance of social housing?  What initiatives had been launched to ensure that people who were vulnerable had access to affordable housing?  Had any laws been passed on rent control?  What measures could be implemented to ensure water rates were affordable? 

    Current adaptation measures were not enough to mitigate the impacts of climate change?  Had studies or surveys been carried out to assess the impact of climate change, and how had the State responded to findings?  What food resilience programmes could the State develop, including food storage programmes?  What measures had been implemented to ensure enough resources were set aside for the health sector, including for the most disadvantaged groups? What measures had been developed to extend the scope and coverage of mental health services?  What strategies had been developed to increase the number of qualified birth attendants in remote areas?  What measures had been implemented to strengthen investment in infrastructure?  How was equitable access to contraception guaranteed?   

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said in January 2025, the Cabinet approved the resolution on the additional package of services for the community-based health insurance, including kidney transplants, cancer care, blood transfusions, knee and hips replacements, dialysis and prosthetics, among other procedures.  These were now all covered by the community-based health insurance. 

    The one cow per family programme provided a cow to families in the most vulnerable communities.  More than 14,500 families had been provided with furnished housing and 124 model villages had been established between 2017 and 2024, with all the essential amenities. 

    Rwanda did not have effective jurisdiction over any country and could not be held accountable for human rights violations beyond its borders.  The problems of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were internal.  Rwanda would welcome refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo if the problems persisted. 

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, certain programmes had been implemented, including a voluntary saving scheme which was open to any citizen.  The International Labour Organization, in collaboration with Rwanda, had recruited a team to conduct a study on the barriers to social protection in the informal sector, and it would develop recommendations to address these. 

    Since 2023, paid maternity leave had increased from 12 to 14 weeks.  New changes in the law mandated that a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother should not be made to do any work that was too physically demanding or damaging to their overall health.  Those on maternity leave received their full salary.   Regular labour inspections were conducted, with more than 5,000 inspections carried out every year.  More than 1,500 of the enterprises where inspections took place were in the informal sector.   In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, 112 businesses were administratively sanctioned due to employment-related issues.  In the same period, 26 investigations had been conducted into cases of child labour, and 18 had been referred to the courts with five convicted. 

    The Government of Rwanda had implemented various social protection initiatives to eliminate extreme poverty.  In 2024, over 102,000 vulnerable individuals received monthly cash transfers and more than 80,000 households benefitted from flexible employment programmes.  As of May 2024, there had been an old age grant for impoverished individuals over the age of 65.  As of 2024, 315,327 households had been enrolled in the programme for sustainable graduation, where they received mentorship, financial support, and access to productive assets. 

    It was becoming more difficult for farmers to predict the weather, given the adverse impacts of climate change.  Pilot projects were launched to allow farmers to access buyers in value chains, by ensuring their quality standards were high. The Rwanda culture board helped to increase agriculture and animal resources, advising farmers on the best seeds for each area of the country to ensure the best harvest.  The Government heavily subsidised fertilizer for farmers to increase their output.  The Government subsidised up to 40 per cent of the cost of water, and access to clean water had increased substantially in the country. 

    Rwanda aimed to quadruple its workforce of healthcare service providers.  Below the age of 18, parental consent was required for any health intervention, including contraception and reproductive health services.  To enhance access to sexual reproductive health services, the age of consent should be reduced to 15 years.  To address this, a draft health service law was currently under consideration by the Parliament.  The level of teen pregnancy had decreased due to education and sensitisation, but it was also expected the draft health service law would result in a further decrease in teen pregnancy. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    KARLA LEMUS DE VÁSQUE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked if there was any recent study on the deficit in housing which would help address current challenges?  Were there any laws on rent control? 

    How was the State addressing social and economic gaps which could address the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Despite progress made in public health, communicable diseases, including malaria and HIV/AIDS, were a cause for concern. What measures had been adopted to strengthen health infrastructure in areas where access was limited?  What was being done to improve the prevention programmes? 

    A Committee Expert asked about the national health insurance; how did it function?  Did the State consider sharing revenues with areas where they obtained the resources from? 

    Another Expert said the country’s drug policy was focused on criminalisation and punitive measures.  Would the State consider decriminalising drug use and changing the approach to one that was health-based?   What measures had been taken to provide specialised training to law enforcement agents?  What was being done to mainstream mental health in primary health services? 

    A Committee Expert asked whether Rwanda had considered using human rights methodologies to design and better assess public policies? 

    An Expert asked about access to water in rural areas? What measures had the State taken to address climate change and its impact on the agricultural sector? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there had been a survey on housing deficits which had been presented in the Cabinet.  There were no laws on rent to reduce increases, but it was illegal to charge rent in foreign currencies, which helped to ensure rent was controlled.  Community health care workers were taught to deal with non-communicable diseases. There were also free community-based activities which took place to ascertain the levels of non-communicable diseases.  Community health workers had also helped sensitise people around diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.   

    Around 90 per cent of land had been registered, and everyone, including women and vulnerable groups, had access to land.  After Rwanda developed its own gold refinery, businesses from other places came with gold to the refinery.  The Government agreed that drug consumption should not be criminalised, but the distribution of drugs should be criminalised.  More than 82 per cent of households had access to improved drinking water, and in Kigali this went up to 97 percent.  Numbers were lower in the western part of the country at around 75 per cent. 

    The Government was intensely investing in areas of water availability. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    ASLAN ABASHIDZE, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said dropout rates in Rwanda had decreased to 5.5 per cent in primary schools and 7.5 per cent in secondary schools.  Could statistics be provided for the last five years, from 2019 to 2023, specifically on how many children were expected to enrol in primary school, and how many transitioned to lower secondary school, and then to upper secondary school?  According to the statistics provided, what percentage in the mentioned 40,000 students with disabilities who began their studies in schools and universities during the 2022/23 academic year represented the total number of children with disabilities who were expected to start schooling in that academic year? 

    What was the overall state of school infrastructure? Did schools meet the minimum requirements for lighting, drinking water, sanitation, and nutrition?  What steps was the Government taking in this regard? How were these initiatives funded? Why was disaggregated data on the Batwa group unavailable?   Could information on higher education enrolment and completion rates disaggregated by sex, rural and urban areas, and economic status be provided? 

    Was there a shortage of teachers in certain subjects? If there were challenges in this area, were there programmes to address them?  Could more details about the “We are all Rwandans” programmes be provided? How was the National Digital Inclusion Council funded?  Were private companies involved, and if so, on what terms?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the number of teachers had increased by around 73 per cent, from around 68,000 in 2013 to around 100,000 in 2023/2024.  A teacher management system helped to determine if there were any gaps across the country.  The school dropout rate continued to decline at all levels.  There was a programme called school feeding which provided adequate and nutritious meals in schools.  The Government had started the journey of constructing schools, with a focus on accessibility by adding ramps, widening doorways, improving ventilation and lowering blackboards, to ensure they were accessible for students using wheelchairs.  Of the 4,986 schools in Rwanda, 3,392 now met accessibility standards, a significant improvement from just 765 schools in 2017.  Rwanda was committed to promoting inclusive education for children with disabilities.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked for clarification around the official languages?  What was the language taught in primary schools?  How many universities were there in Rwanda?  Were there international students who studied in Rwanda? Did the Government provide scholarships for foreign students, particularly Africans?  Was the Swahili language widely spoken? 

    PREETI SARAN, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said each ethnic group in Rwanda had a rich cultural heritage.  For the sake of national unity and reconciliation, if everyone was being referred to as Rwandan, how did the State propagate the cultural richness of the population?  Rwanda had been extremely welcoming to refugees from all over the world, who brought their own specific languages and culture.  What measures had the State party taken to ensure equal cultural rights for ethnic groups who had come as aliens, refugees or asylum seekers? 

    An Expert asked if the State was collecting data with regards to young people aged between 15 to 24, who neither studied nor worked?  If this issue was not resolved, it could generate major issues. 

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Committee Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, asked what Rwandan troops were doing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Kinyarwanda was recognised as the official language.  Rwanda had just one language.  There was no significant cultural diversity within the country, as everyone shared the same language and culture.  Traditionally, the ethnic groups had been defined based on occupation and turning them into an ethnicity was introduced by the colonialists.  It had been entrenched in identity cards for Tutsis, Hutus and Twas.  This negated the fact that people could have moved from one group to another.   There were no significant differences in culture between these groups.  French was an official language in Rwanda, due to colonisation by Belgium.  However, the majority of instruction was in English.   

    As of 2025, there were 19 universities in Rwanda, comprised of three public universities and 16 private institutions.  Schools such as the Carnegie Melon University from the United States taught courses, and specific scholarships were offered to Africans.  Scholarships were also offered to people fleeing their countries due to dangers, such as women from Afghanistan and people from Sudan.  Education could solve a lot of issues, including criminality and unemployed youth. 

    Rwanda was doing its best to attain the highest standard of economic, social and cultural rights, and would take any opportunities to learn from other countries in this regard. 

    Swahili was now an official language, recognised in the Constitution as a Lingua Franca.  It was widely spoken and taught in schools. 

    Rwanda had received a number of people who faced difficulties in their own countries.  Diversity days were organised at schools, encouraging refugees and asylum seekers to share their culture. 

    Closing Remarks

    PETERS SUNDAY OMOLOGBE EMUZE, Vice-Chair and Country Rapporteur for Rwanda, thanked the Rwandan delegation for attending the dialogue, noting the high calibre of the delegation.  The Committee wished the delegation a safe journey home. 

    EMMANUEL UGIRASHEBUJA, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda and head of the delegation, expressed appreciation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee.  The State had learnt many valuable lessons and looked forward to receiving the Committee’s recommendations.  Rwanda’s achievements in access to health, education, and employment demonstrated the Government’s commitment to sustainable development. The country had a lot of challenges, including addressing inequalities, mitigating the effects of the global crisis, and ensuring policies translated into tangible improvements for the lives of the most vulnerable.  Rwanda was committed to resolving these challenges and to implementing the Committee’s recommendations.  Mr. Ugirashebuja extended an open invitation to the Committee to visit Rwanda in the future. 

    __________

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

     

    CESCR25.005E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: More dry lightning in Tasmania is sparking bushfires – challenging fire fighters and land managers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania

    Tasmania has been burning for more than two weeks, with no end in sight. Almost 100,000 hectares of bushland in the northwest has burned to date. This includes the Tarkine rainforest and alpine ecosystems of Cradle Mountain that may never recover.

    The situation has taken emergency services and land management agencies by surprise. The seasonal bushfire outlook for summer 2024 suggested Tasmania’s fire risk was nothing out of the ordinary. The state was also well prepared for bushfire fighting, particularly with specialised aircraft.

    But this fire season has turned out to be anything but typical. Firefighting capacity has been stretched to the limit and interstate crews have been called in.

    It all began with a massive lightning storm in the evening of Monday February 3. The incidence of such lightning fires has been increasing in Tasmania since the 1990s.

    An official inquiry into the bushfires will no doubt be held, given the substantial social, economic and environmental harm – as well as the sizeable costs associated with fighting the fires from the air in remote and rugged landscapes.

    Nonetheless, important lessons are emerging from these fires, which speak to the broader, worsening threat as the climate changes.

    Understanding the impacts of the fires

    Fortunately, direct economic losses from theses fires have been limited so far, despite significant disruption associated with evacuation and road closures. Tourism operators and honey producers have been hardest hit.

    The fires caused brief but substantial smoke pollution across the state, placing a range of people with medical conditions at risk.

    The full environmental effects and the benefits of prescribed burning are yet to be evaluated. Nonetheless, there is grave concern about damage to unique rainforests and alpine ecosystems. If sufficiently dry the organic soils, or peats, that supports forests and treeless areas in western Tasmania are also vulnerable to combustion.

    We undertook a preliminary estimate of how much highly fire-sensitive vegetation – plant communities that will take more than 50 years to recover – may have burned. This involved comparing the current bushfire boundaries or footprint, based on satellite data and field reconnaissance, to vegetation mapping used for various purposes including fire management. We put the figure at 19,716 hectares of vegetation. However, it’s possible not all of this burned and islands of unburned vegetation persist within the broad fire boundary.

    Our estimation includes 10,419 hectares of temperate rainforest (10% of the fire area) and 462 hectares of alpine vegetation (0.45% of the fire area). Neither of these vegetation types can readily tolerate fire.

    Our analysis suggests about half of fire-affected rainforest areas have been previously burned by fires since 1982 (48%) and some small areas have burned twice (5%). Recurrent fires in rainforest can result in permanent loss of this vegetation. Just how much damage has been done will require further assessment.

    Current area affected by bushfires in northwestern Tasmania, comparing data from Geoscience Australia on bushfire boundaries and Land Information Services Tasmania on vegetation. Note, not all of the shaded area has burned.
    Grant Williamson

    Emergence of new fire patterns

    The number of fires ignited by lightning have increased in Tasmania since the 1990s. When the lightning occurs in storms without much rain, or where the rain evaporates before it hits the ground, it’s known as dry lightning.

    Concerningly, in the last decade two other major dry lightning fire events have occurred,
    likely a signal of a change in fire activity. As a result, fires are burning into areas that historically are rarely affected by fire, damaging the natural values of the Tasmanian wilderness.

    This event could not be predicted

    Going into summer, experts were concerned that soils across western Tasmania were particularly dry. This increased the fire risk in the seasonal outlook.

    The recent rapid fire growth in Tasmania was caused by the unusual combination of regional drying (including dry soils), an extreme lightning storm and subsequent strong winds.

    But the sequence of events that caused this fire to take off could not have been predicted more than a week ahead. That’s because it is impossible to predict lightning and windstorms outside the seven-day window of weather forecasts.

    What’s more, our research shows it is currently not possible to reliably predict which lightning strikes will start fire.

    By February 12, more than a dozen fires had burned around 50,000 hectares in the state’s northwest.
    NASA Earth Observatory

    Rapid attack and fire suppression have practical limits

    Massive lightning storms that ignite multiple fires overwhelm the capacity of firefighters to locate and immediately extinguish all the flames.

    Unfavourable weather conditions caused the west coast fires to rapidly grow. Firefighting shifted from attempts to extinguish the fire to instead contain its spread. This involved techniques such as targeted waterbombing, back burning and building fire breaks.

    These approaches have been successful in some cases, notably the deployment of retardant drops to contain the Canning Peak fire, saving extensive stands of conifer rainforest. But suppression efforts were imperfect, as the loss of a private tourist facility hut on the Overland Track has demonstrated.

    Managing these massive fires demands triage – making difficult choices about where to direct firefighting effort. Effective triage requires a detailed understanding of the location of areas of high economic, cultural and environmental value. High-quality mapping of these sites and involvement of specialists in the broader decision-making process is essential.

    The Tasmanian government does have maps and expertise to guide triage, but there are calls for more investment to protect the region’s ecological values. This is particularly important for small, localised sites vulnerable to fire, such as groves of ancient Huon pine.

    Fires continue to burn in Tasmania’s west, putting wilderness areas at risk (7.30)

    Broader lessons for fire fighting

    Dry lightning storms are hard to predict, extraordinarily difficult to contain, and can cause substantial economic, social and environmental harms.

    Technology alone – such as that which combines satellites, artificial intelligence, drones and water bombers – is not enough to eliminate these fires. What’s needed is a diverse portfolio of approaches, involving a combination of:

    • reducing fuel loads by prescribed burning
    • firefighting that is carefully targeted using high quality data
    • expertise embedded in firefighting teams.

    Researchers and fire managers must also identify the best strategies for prescribed burning to reduce bushfire risk while protecting areas of high economic, conservation and cultural value.

    Climate change will bring more frequent monster fires – and fighting them demands a broad suite of investment.

    David Bowman is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and also receives funding from the New South Wales Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    Grant Williamson receives funding from the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. More dry lightning in Tasmania is sparking bushfires – challenging fire fighters and land managers – https://theconversation.com/more-dry-lightning-in-tasmania-is-sparking-bushfires-challenging-fire-fighters-and-land-managers-250063

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: More than half of Australia’s homes were built before fire standards came in. Here are 5 ways to retrofit them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Subha Parida, Lecturer in Property, University of South Australia

    Carl Oberg/Shutterstock

    Houses and fire do not mix. The firestorm which hit Los Angeles in January destroyed nearly 2,000 buildings and forced 130,000 people to evacuate.

    The 2019–20 Australian megafires destroyed almost 2,800 homes. This summer, houses and buildings have been lost in Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania.

    As temperatures inch upwards, bushfires will become more severe and more frequent, posing risks to more homes. But fires don’t affect homes equally. Older homes built before fire resilience standards became mandatory are at higher risk of going up in flames.

    In the aftermath of the devastating LA fires, there are signs that newer homes have fared better than older ones. Previous fires in California and Australia have shown newer homes built with fire-resilient features are more likely to survive than older homes.

    The problem is, more than half (55%) of Australia’s homes were built 30 or more years ago – before national standards for fire resilience were introduced.

    The good news: you can take action to make older homes more resilient.

    Why are new homes better able to survive bushfires?

    Location, vegetation and luck play a role in determining which houses survive fires. But there is also evidence newer homes with heat- and ember-resistant features survive better.

    Construction standards in both Australia and the United States require the use of materials and designs which reduce fire risk.

    In Australia, the national construction standards have been in place since the early 1990s. Over time, the standards have expanded to include more fire-resistant features, such as fire-resistant external walls.

    By contrast, older homes are more likely to be built of flammable materials such as wood and untreated timber. Older homes are also more likely to have mature trees and shrubs closer to the house, which can increase fire risk. But as the CSIRO Bushfire Best Practice Guide points out, “trees can also be used to shield against wind, absorb radiant heat, and to filter embers […] when located at a safe distance from the house”.

    More exacting construction standards apply for homes built in areas considered at risk of bushfire. State and territory governments have interactive maps of these areas.

    Unfortunately, climate change is expanding these areas at risk. As the LA wildfires show, warmer climates mean fire can attack suburbs and cities thought to be safe from bushfire.

    Climate change is also making home ownership more expensive, as insurance premiums rise in the wake of more expensive disasters. Analysts predict banks may begin rejecting mortgage applications for properties in areas at high risk from fire.

    Older homes are more likely to burn if a bushfire comes through.
    Ekaterina Kamenetsky/Shutterstock

    How can we make older homes more resilient?

    Older homes remain highly sought after, especially in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

    But for these homes to be brought up to modern standards of bushfire resistance, they often require significant retrofitting. These retrofits can drastically reduce the risk of ignition.

    How do houses actually ignite? Wind-blown embers are a common cause in starting house fires. If a few houses in a town start burning, the fire can spread house to house.

    Here are 5 ways to protect your older house:

    1. Upgrade external vents. Traditional external vents are designed to ventilate rooms and roofs. But they also permit embers to gain access to attics and crawl spaces and spark a fire. Upgrading to ember-resistant vents can directly improve your home’s resilience.

    2. Install ember gutter guards. Ember-resistant gutter guards are made of metal and have finer mesh than normal gutter guards. These help to prevent the build-up of dry leaves and twigs and stop small embers from landing.

    3. Upgrade windows and walls. You can cut your risk further by installing bushfire-resistant shutters for windows, using fire-resistant material for wall insulation and replacing combustible material with better alternatives such as metal roofing, fibre cement siding for walls and tempered glass windows.

    4. Check your deck and verandah. Wooden decks and verandahs are risky in high-risk areas. If they need to be rebuilt, choose fire-resistant materials.

    5. Make space around your home. In fire-prone areas, removing trees and shrubs within 20 metres of the house can reduce risk. A well-managed area of pavers and low-density plants and shrubs close to the home acts as a fire break.

    Ahead of fire season, making and updating an evacuation plan is equally vital. Homeowners should prepare emergency kits with essential documents, medications, and protective gear. If a fire starts in your area, applying fire-retardant gels to surfaces at risk can provide temporary protection.

    In high risk areas, ensuring clear space between vegetation and the house can cut fire risk. Pictured: a house in Balmoral, New South Wales, after fire passed through in 2020.
    Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

    Homeowners can use the National Emergency Management Authority’s bushfire resilience rating app to assess their home’s bushfire risk and to see which retrofits are highest priority.

    State or territory governments offer advice on making your house more resistant to fire attack: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory.

    Protecting our homes takes time – and money

    Australia’s housing crisis has been front page news for months. As we head towards the federal election, it will remain a hot-button issue. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet heard discussion of the risk posed to our housing stock from bushfires made worse by climate change.

    While planning controls and building standards can raise the standards of future homes, better support and incentives are needed to retrofit existing homes – especially for those built before fire safety standards became the norm.

    Retrofitting is crucial. But it’s not cheap. Costs can range from A$8,500 to $47,000 per property.

    These expenses can be prohibitive for many homeowners. Initiatives such as the Bushfire Resilience Rating Home Self-Assessment app can result in insurers offering premium discounts to homeowners using it to introduce recommended measures.

    In some areas, local governments offer financial assistance for retrofitting, such as the Bushfire Wise Rebate by Ku-ring-gai Council in NSW.

    Without greater financial support or government incentives, a significant portion of Australia’s housing stock will remain vulnerable, increasing risks as climate change expands fire-prone areas.

    Subha Parida receives receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

    Lyrian Daniel receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

    Michaela Lang receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

    – ref. More than half of Australia’s homes were built before fire standards came in. Here are 5 ways to retrofit them – https://theconversation.com/more-than-half-of-australias-homes-were-built-before-fire-standards-came-in-here-are-5-ways-to-retrofit-them-249490

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian women will soon be eligible for a menopause health check. Here’s what to expect

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Davis, Chair of Women’s Health, Monash University

    SpeedKingz/Shutterstock

    The federal government has recently pledged to create a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments. It’s due to be available from July 1.

    The announcement featured in the government’s response to the Senate inquiry into menopause, released last week, though was first flagged earlier this month as part of the government’s pre-election funding package for women’s health.

    So what is a menopause health assessment? And how will it improve the health care women receive during this stage in their lives?

    Why we need this

    Outside reproductive health, women’s health care has generally been modelled on the needs of men. A prime example is the government-funded midlife health check for people aged 45 to 49. This is intended to identify and manage risks to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

    The recent Senate inquiry into issues related to menopause and perimenopuase highlighted that the timing of this health check is not fit for purpose for women. This is because at menopause, which occurs on average at the age of 51 in Australia, women’s health profiles change.

    Women gain tummy fat, their cholesterol levels go up, and glucose (sugar) metabolism becomes less efficient. All these changes increase a woman’s risk of heart disease and diabetes.

    Vast numbers of women are given a clean bill of health at this midlife health check in their late 40s. But when they subsequently go through menopause, they can go on to develop heart disease and diabetes risk factors, which may go undetected.

    Some women also go through early menopause: around 12% between the ages of 40 and 45, and around 4% before 40.

    Those women who experience menopause before age 45 are known to be at significantly higher risk of heart disease than other women. But, by the time women with early menopause qualify for the midlife health check, crucial metabolic changes may have silently occurred, and the opportunity to intervene early to address them may be missed.

    Changes that happen at menopause can increase a woman’s risk of developing a chronic disease.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    What will a menopause health check involve?

    The federal government has committed A$26 million over two years to fund the new menopause health assessments, as part of a $64.5 million package designed to improve health care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

    Some $12.8 million will also be dedicated to a menopause-related community awareness campaign.

    My own research has shown women understand menopause means the loss of fertility, but often have little knowledge of the health changes that occur as part of the menopause transition. So increasing health literacy around menopause is much needed.

    Similarly, for the introduction of these menopause-specific consultations to be effective, women will need to know what these health checks are for, if they’re eligible, and how to access a menopause health check.

    The new menopause health checks will be provided by GPs. Exactly what they will involve is yet to be clarified. But I would anticipate they will include a combination of the assessment and management of perimenopause and menopause, overall health and wellbeing, and assessment of risk and prevention of future ill health, notably heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

    Upskilling health-care providers

    Equally, health-care providers will need to understand the impact of menopause on long-term health and how best to mitigate against disease risks, including the role of menopausal hormone therapy.

    My research has shown health-care providers lack confidence in delivering menopause-related care, indicating a need for more education around menopause.

    In line with this, the Senate inquiry called for the upskilling of the medical workforce in the field of menopause through medical school training, postgraduate specialist programs, and ongoing education of clinicians.

    Women in Australia will soon be able to access menopause health assessments.
    Sabrina Bracher/Shutterstock

    While the government cannot mandate what is taught in medical schools or the content of specialist training programs, its response to the inquiry encourages these institutions to incorporate menopause in their curricula.

    Further, part of the government funding will go towards expanding a professional development program on managing menopause offered by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

    A good start, but still not enough

    The government’s new funding, and the new menopause health checks in particular, recognises that women’s health is strongly dictated by major biological events, such as menopause, as opposed to age.

    This is good news. But we need to do more to equip health professionals to provide the best menopause care to women in these health assessments and beyond.

    Adding new menopause modules to medical school and specialist training programs will ensure greater awareness of the impact of menopause on women’s health and wellbeing. However, awareness alone won’t ensure high-level training for the complex care many perimenopausal and menopausal women need.

    The opportunities for medical graduates to gain hands-on clinical experience in menopausal medicine are mostly limited to the select few who get to work in a hospital specialist menopause clinic during their training.

    Notably, there’s no credentialed training program in menopause medicine in Australia. Meanwhile, the North American Menopause Society does offer a credentialed program.

    The challenge has been that menopause does not belong to one medical specialty. This is why we need an accredited training program – for both GPs and medical specialists – to ensure a truly skilled workforce able to deliver gold standard menopause care.

    But without further federal funding to set this up, it will not happen.

    Susan Davis receives funding from NHMRC, Medical Research Future Fund, the Heart Foundation, MS Australia. She has prepared and delivered educational presentations for Besins Healthcare, Bayer, and Mayne Pharma and has served on Advisory Boards for Theramex, Astellas, Abbott Laboratories, Mayne Pharma, and Besins Healthcare. She is a Member of the Executive of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

    – ref. Australian women will soon be eligible for a menopause health check. Here’s what to expect – https://theconversation.com/australian-women-will-soon-be-eligible-for-a-menopause-health-check-heres-what-to-expect-249499

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How to protect more Australian homes from the growing risks of floods, fires and other climate disasters

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Annette Kroen, Research Fellow Planning and Transport, RMIT University

    The cleanup is underway in northern Queensland following the latest flooding catastrophe to hit the state. More than 7,000 insurance claims have already been lodged, most of them for inundated homes and other structures.

    The Queensland floods are a reminder that climate-induced natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe in Australia. Recent reports have identified the high number of Australian homes that are vulnerable to the increased risks of floods, coastal erosion and bushfires.

    Despite the evidence of escalating danger to homes and communities, we are ill-prepared for severe weather events. A new report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute spells out the case for better integration, especially of urban planning processes. This is urgently needed to reduce the exposure of housing to growing disaster risks.

    Top priorities for planning authorities must include an end to building homes in the wrong locations, such as flood zones, and improving the resilience of dwellings to disaster hazards.

    Poor coordination

    At the national level, there is little integration of the three pillars of sound strategy: housing policy, settlement planning and disaster management. For example, neither housing policy nor planning frameworks incorporate disaster preparedness or mitigation.

    A focus on disaster response and recovery also hinders proper coordination in the disaster prevention area, even though avoidance in the first place is clearly more cost effective.

    However, this may be changing. Both the Issues Paper for the National Housing and Homelessness Plan and State of the Housing System report have acknowledged climate change and natural disasters are risk factors affecting housing.

    And the National Urban Policy includes “sustainable and resilient” as one of its three major goals for liveable cities.

    At the state and territory level, there is more clearly defined coordination through state emergency management planning. It also occurs via fire agencies that advise on planning proposals.

    In New South Wales, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is responsible for developing and implementing the State Disaster Mitigation Plan and for housing recovery.

    This means settlement planning and relevant housing issues are directly under the auspices of the agency responsible for disaster prevention and recovery. This is one way to improve integration, but further coordination with housing and planning agencies would be desirable.

    Greater focus on risk reduction

    Relevant Australian agencies are enhancing their approaches to disaster management in relation to housing. But housing policy still needs to accord greater priority to disaster risk reduction. This includes the location and resilience of housing relative to climate change hazards, such as fires and floods.

    In settlement planning, tensions between disaster risk reduction and economic and other development goals need to be addressed. Planning processes and policies to move communities away from risk areas via managed retreat and possibly compensation schemes must be developed.

    We can look to international experience for guidance. In Quebec, Canada the provincial government offered significant funding towards property buybacks after floods in 2017 and 2019. It also introduced a cap on disaster aid in high risk locations. Bylaw regulations banned any new developments or reconstruction.

    Households had to decide to either relocate or bear the cost of repeated disaster recovery. This strategy is an example of a successful relocation plan in an area at risk of repeated future flooding.

    The strategy received a relatively positive response from the affected municipalities and homeowners, potentially due to the generous buyout offers.

    This example illustrates the need for policies to manage disaster risk and urban development much more clearly.

    Better integration needed

    A whole of government approach that establishes clear policy and planning responsibilities would improve integration. It would also allow agencies to develop clearer strategies for the task. Improved data availability and harmonisation of risk identification would further support good decision making by housing and planning agencies.

    At the operational level, more staff exchanges between housing, planning, and emergency agencies would support capacity building.

    Detailed evaluations of housing experiences and planning outcomes from previous disasters would underpin improvements and integration. This occurs to some extent through formal statutory inquiries into disasters.

    A standardised evaluation for housing and planning agencies would provide more focused insights. One idea is to gauge temporary housing programs to build an inventory of suitable and available temporary housing types.

    In addition to coordination between government agencies, there is also a need to better communicate with the public on potential disaster risks. Local communities need to be included in planning, both for short-term disaster management and longer-term resettlement decisions.

    If we fail to better integrate housing policy with disaster preparation, we will continue to build on flood plains and other high risk areas. People, and their homes, will remain on the front line of deadly natural disasters.

    Annette Kroen receives funding from Natural Hazards Research Australia and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

    RMIT University receives finding from AHURI and NHRA to support Jago Dodson’s research which is relevant to this article, as well as a range of other funding sources.

    – ref. How to protect more Australian homes from the growing risks of floods, fires and other climate disasters – https://theconversation.com/how-to-protect-more-australian-homes-from-the-growing-risks-of-floods-fires-and-other-climate-disasters-249860

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Net-zero homes are touted as a solution for climate change, but they remain out of reach for most

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi, Visiting Senior Researcher, Smart Structures Research Group, University of British Columbia

    Net-zero homes play an important role in combating climate change. (Shutterstock)

    Net-zero homes use natural energy sources and are designed to use less energy and, as such, are considered important in the fight against climate change. But for the average Canadian, they’re still out of reach.

    Net-zero homes are important for tackling climate change. This includes both net-zero energy (NZE) homes, which produce as much energy as they use each year, and net-zero carbon (NZC) homes, which don’t release any carbon dioxide.

    Released in the summer of 2024, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy outlines a bold vision to transform the country’s building sector, aiming for net-zero emissions and enhanced resilience by 2050. This is a bold step forward, but transforming the sector will require sustained collaboration across all levels of government, industry and communities.

    CTV News covers the federal government’s Green Buildings Strategy.

    Net-zero homes use green energy sources and efficient designs to match the amount of energy they produce with the amount they use. They use strategies like thermal shells that use less energy, high-performance components and the addition of green energy systems.

    Net-zero homes also help Canada reach larger climate goals by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide it releases into the air.

    Purchasing and installing these technologies can be cost-prohibitive, but in the long run, homeowners both save money on power bills and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

    Those who are unable to make changes to their homes can still live in a net-zero way by buying green power or carbon offsets.

    The sustainable housing market

    Net-zero homes are becoming more popular in Canada. To speed up building processes and reduce costs, builders are trying out pre-fabricated and modular building techniques.

    In 2024, the Canadian federal government announced a $600 million package of loans and funding to help make it easier and cheaper to build homes. This funding will support innovative technologies like pre-fabricated and modular construction, robotics, 3D-printing and mass timber to build homes faster and cheaper.



    Read more:
    Canada’s housing crisis: Innovative tech must come with policy reform

    The Net Zero Council of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association has also been important in enhancing standards and practices and promoting novel approaches that cut costs while still being environmentally friendly. In doing so, CHBA drives the adoption of cheaper, environmentally friendly technologies and processes, enhancing industry standards and practices across Canada.

    While CHBA collaborates with government agencies, such as Natural Resources Canada to promote innovation and elevate industry standards. Government programs typically provide funding, technical support and policy guidance, whereas CHBA focuses on training, best practices and market development for its members.

    Government research programs through CanmetENERGY also work to improve technologies and give builders and planners the tools they need.

    There are several reasons that owning a net-zero home has not yet become widespread. These include: high initial costs, limited awareness and education, gaps in policy and regulation and market challenges including difficulties in scaling up and integrating net-zero technologies.

    Future directions

    To make net-zero homes accessible to all Canadians, a multi-faceted approach is required.

    Increased subsidies and incentives and expanding financial support for both builders and buyers can lower barriers to entry. The government of Canada’s 2030 Emission Reduction Plan includes $9.1 billion in new investments over the next eight years — adding to the $17 billion announced in 2021 — to support decarbonization efforts.

    Enhancing public awareness and developing educational campaigns highlighting the cost savings and environmental benefits of net-zero homes are both essential approaches to raising awareness and support.

    Policy reform can accelerate adoption of net-zero homes. Examples include harmonizing building codes and introducing mandatory energy efficiency standards to accelerate adoption.

    Supporting continued research into technical innovation and developing cost-effective materials and renewable energy systems will drive down costs. Investment in modern methods of construction should be prioritized to accelerate the transition toward sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.

    Partnerships between governments, private developers and non-profits can bring together resources and expertise to scale net-zero housing initiatives.

    The Sustainable Finance Action Council recommends steps to mobilize private capital to support decarbonization and climate resilience in the Canadian economy, including in the housing sector.

    Solar panels the roofs of apartment buildings in Munich, Germany.
    (Shutterstock)

    Successful international models

    Several countries have demonstrated how net-zero homes can become a reality through innovative policies, community-driven approaches and public-private partnerships:

    BedZED in the United Kingdom is the country’s first eco-village project. It uses community-focused design and renewables to significantly cut carbon footprints.

    The Passive House standard is a German housing policy that sets a global benchmark for ultra-low energy consumption, emphasizing airtight construction and heat recovery.

    California’s ambitious Zero Net Energy policies help reduce overall carbon footprints by driving cutting-edge home construction practices.

    The Net Zero Energy House (ZEH) Program in Japan encourages advanced insulation, efficient appliances and rooftop solar.

    The Netherlands is a leader in innovative, large-scale retrofitting for net-zero housing, most notably through the Energiesprong program.

    These international models highlight that success lies in integrating strong policy frameworks, advanced technology and collaborative practices. They demonstrate that with the right mix of government support, industry innovation and residents embracing green choices, net-zero living can become more widespread.

    Housing is an important part of how to address climate change. As Canada pushes to make net-zero homes more affordable, each step forward strengthens communities, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps homeowners save money.

    Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi has secured funding to develop innovative solutions for housing and climate crises.

    T.Y. Yang 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. Net-zero homes are touted as a solution for climate change, but they remain out of reach for most – https://theconversation.com/net-zero-homes-are-touted-as-a-solution-for-climate-change-but-they-remain-out-of-reach-for-most-247622

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –