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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-Evening Report: Supersonic jets are making a comeback – but despite the hype, don’t expect to book yet

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris James, UQ Amplify Senior Lecturer, Centre for Hypersonics, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland

    Rendering of Boom Supersonic’s proposed Overture supersonic airliner. Boom Supersonic

    Late last week, American company Boom Supersonic flew faster than the speed of sound with its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft. It’s now the first piloted non-military aircraft to break the sound barrier since the Concorde was retired from service in 2003.

    It’s the first step in Boom’s ambitious goal to have supersonic airliners carry passengers by 2029.

    But what exactly is supersonic travel? There are good reasons why it’s not more common, despite the hype.

    Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft during its 11th test flight where it became the first civilian aircraft to fly supersonically since the Concorde.
    Boom Supersonic

    What is supersonic flight?

    The Mach number is defined as a plane’s speed divided by the speed that sound waves move through the air. To “break the sound barrier” means to fly faster than the speed of sound, with Mach numbers greater than 1.

    The Mach number is an important ratio: as a plane flies, it disturbs the air in front of it. These disturbances move at the speed of sound. In supersonic flight these disturbances combine to form shock waves around the vehicle.

    When people say you can see a fighter jet before you hear it, they’re referring to supersonic flight: fighter jets can travel at around Mach 2.

    The sound from the fighter jet is trapped inside its shock wave; until the shock wave moves to your position on the ground, you won’t hear the plane.

    Illustration of how disturbances propagate in subsonic, Mach 1, and supersonic flow.
    Chabacano/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The allure of supersonic travel

    For efficiency reasons, most passenger jets cruise slightly slower than the speed of sound, at around Mach 0.8 (this is subsonic flight).

    Boom plans to build an airliner called Overture that can fly at Mach 1.7. Flying supersonically can drastically decrease flight times. The company claims a trip from New York to Rome on Overture could take just four hours and 40 minutes, instead of eight hours.

    Boom isn’t the only company working on this lofty goal. American firm Spike Aerospace is also developing a supersonic business jet, with the tagline “delivering the world in half the time”.

    This is the value proposition of supersonic passenger travel.

    In limited ways, it did already exist in the 20th century. However, due to timing, bad luck and the laws of physics, it didn’t continue.

    Remember the Concorde?

    Designs for supersonic airliners began in the mid-20th century, and by the 1970s we had supersonic passenger flight.

    There was the little-known Russian Tupolev-144 and Concorde, a Franco-British supersonic airliner operated by British Airways and Air France from 1976 to 2003.

    Concorde had a capacity of up to 128 passengers and cruised at Mach 2. It regularly travelled from London to New York in around three hours. The flights were expensive, mainly shuttling business people and the rich and famous.

    British Airways Concorde in flight.
    Wikimedia Commons/Eduard Marmet, CC BY-SA

    Why supersonic passenger flight didn’t take off

    Concorde was designed in the 1960s when it seemed like supersonic passenger transport was going to be the next big thing.

    Instead, the Boeing 747 entered commercial service in 1970. Cheap, large and efficient airliners like it blew Concorde out of the water.

    Designed to cruise efficiently at supersonic speeds, Concorde was extremely fuel inefficient when taking off and accelerating. Concorde’s expensive, “gas guzzling” nature was a complaint levelled against it for most of its lifetime.

    A catastrophic 1973 Paris air show crash of the competing Russian airliner, Tupolev Tu-144, also shifted public perception on supersonic flight safety at a time when many airlines were considering whether or not to purchase Concordes.

    Only 20 Concordes were manufactured out of the planned 100. It is still disputed today whether Concorde ever made money for the airlines who operated it.

    Illustration of a shock wave propagating from a supersonic aeroplane and hitting the ground to produce a sonic boom.
    Cmglee/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Noise is a real problem for supersonic flight

    Remember the fighter jets? When a plane travels supersonically, its shock waves propagate to the ground, causing loud disturbances called sonic booms. In extreme cases they can shatter windows and damage buildings.

    In the early 1970s, sonic boom concerns led the United States government to ban supersonic passenger flight over land in the US. This hurt the Concorde’s potential market, hence its only two regular routes were trans-Atlantic flights principally over the water.

    The Concorde was also a very loud plane at take off, since it needed a lot of thrust to leave the ground.

    Video footage of the final Concorde takeoff from New York’s JFK airport.

    The future of supersonic travel

    A future for supersonic travel relies on solving some or all of the issues Concorde faced.

    NASA and Lockheed Martin’s Quesst project aims to show sonic boom can be dissipated to manageable levels. They plan to fly their X-59 supersonic aircraft over US cities and gauge responses from citizens.

    Quesst aims to use the geometry of the X-59, with a long elongated nose, to dissipate sonic booms to a weak “thump”, hopefully allowing supersonic airliners to travel over land in the future.

    NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft.
    NASA/Steve Freeman

    Spike Aerospace’s Spike S-512 Diplomat concept also aims to be a “quiet” supersonic aircraft with a less disruptive sonic boom.

    Can Boom surpass Concorde?

    Boom Supersonic don’t plan to fly supersonically over land. Their plan is to fly over land at Mach 0.94, which they claim will allow 20% faster overland travel than standard passenger airliners, even subsonically.

    They also claim the design of their engines will ensure Overture is no louder than modern subsonic airliners when it takes off.

    Rendering of Boom Supersonic’s Overture supersonic airliner on the runway.
    Boom Supersonic

    In terms of gas guzzling, they plan to use up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel to reduce emissions and their carbon footprint.

    Concorde was made of aluminium using design tools available in the 1960s. Modern design methods and modern aerospace materials such as titanium and carbon fibre should also allow Overture and similar craft to weigh much less than Concorde, improving efficiency.

    While Boom are currently receiving a lot of interest, with orders from many airlines, Concorde did have similar commitment before it become available. Most of it didn’t eventuate.

    Additionally, Concorde was the product of an analogue era when the idea of flying to London or New York for the day for an important business meeting seemed like a necessary thing. In a world of remote work and video meetings, is there still a need for a supersonic airliner in the 2020s?

    For now, supersonic airliners like Overture are likely to remain in the realm of the rich and famous, like Concorde did. But with modern technological advances, it will be interesting to see whether supersonic passenger travel once again becomes reality – or even goes mainstream. Only time will tell.

    Chris James receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and the US Office of Naval Research.

    – ref. Supersonic jets are making a comeback – but despite the hype, don’t expect to book yet – https://theconversation.com/supersonic-jets-are-making-a-comeback-but-despite-the-hype-dont-expect-to-book-yet-248656

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Poison baits were used on 1,400 feral cats, foxes and dingoes. We studied their fate to see what works

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pat Taggart, Adjunct Fellow in Ecology, University of Adelaide

    Bee Stephens, CC BY

    Poisoned baits are the main way land managers control foxes, feral cats and dingoes. Baiting is done to reduce livestock and economic losses, or pressure on endangered wildlife.

    Millions of baits are laid annually. But we still don’t understand how effective baiting actually is. Current evidence paints a mixed picture. That’s a problem, because baiting can have unintended consequences, such as killing native animals we don’t want to target. Some research suggests baiting can actually increase attacks on livestock, or that poisoning dingoes can increase feral cat and fox numbers and worsen the damage to native wildlife.

    We need better evidence on what baiting does and doesn’t do. Our new research draws on data from 34 previous studies assessing baiting effectiveness. In total, these largely Australian studies summarised the fate of more than 1,400 cats, foxes and dingoes. We used these data sets to conduct the most comprehensive analysis of baiting effectiveness to date.

    Biosecurity officers drying meat baits for a baiting program in Broken Hill in 2019.
    NSW Government, Local Land Services, Western Region, CC BY

    Baiting is ubiquitous

    Baits can be purchased commercially or produced in-house. In some states, land managers can bring meat baits to government authorities to have poison added free of charge. They are then distributed by vehicle along tracks and roads or dropped from aircraft across vast areas of Australia, New Zealand and islands worldwide.

    Single baiting programs can sometimes cover areas larger than 9,000 square kilometres – a land area similar to Puerto Rico or Cyprus.

    So how can we best undertake these baiting programs?

    1. Baiting does work

    Across the 34 studies, baiting cut predator survival in half (51.7%) – substantially higher than the death rate in unbaited areas (16%).

    This finding was broadly consistent regardless of whether baits were placed along tracks and roads or scattered over broader areas.

    In some cases, predator numbers can recover rapidly following baiting. Under favourable conditions, feral cat and fox populations can double in a year, while dingo populations can grow 50% annually. But, under average conditions, such high rates of population increase are likely uncommon.

    Predators from outside the control area can rapidly repopulate areas after a baiting program. For example, multiple studies have found no change in fox numbers even when baiting was conducted at monthly intervals. Similar results have been found after intensive fox shooting.

    But there are also examples where prolonged, broad-scale baiting has worked well. To protect the threatened yellow footed rock wallaby, researchers baited around wallaby populations in New South Wales and South Australia and largely eliminated foxes from large areas. Wallaby numbers then increased.

    2. Feral cats take baits too

    Feral cats are opportunistic ambush predators and hunt a wide range of prey. They’re visually driven and prefer fresh meat. For these reasons, it’s long been thought they are less likely to eat poisoned bait than foxes and dingoes.

    Feral cats are silent, stealthy hunters who prefer to hunt rather than scavenge.
    Vanessa Westcott, CC BY

    But our analysis doesn’t support this – feral cats appeared to be just as susceptible to baits as foxes and dingoes. That’s good news for wildlife.

    Significant and ongoing work has been put into designing better baits for feral cats to increase consumption rates. The most widely known of these baits is Eradicat, a sausage-style bait.

    While this bait is aimed at feral cats, our analysis didn’t provide strong evidence showing Eradicat actually killed more feral cats than other poison bait recipes. This suggests any bait is more effective than no bait when it comes to cat control.

    Eradicat baits have to be sweated to bring out the oils and make them more appealing.
    Luke Bayley, CC BY

    3. Blanket coverage works better

    In land manager circles, there’s a long-running debate over how best to bait. Some advocate putting out more baits over the same area, while others suggest more frequent baiting is better.

    So which is it? Our analysis shows more baits in an area is likely to equate to better control of predators, while distributing baits more frequently may not have the same effect.

    Why is this? Like people, animals are individuals, with their own behavioural tendencies. Wary animals may never take baits. Some foxes are known to store baits to eat later, by which time the baits may be less toxic, sickening rather than killing the animal.

    This is believed to lead to bait aversion, where foxes avoid baits in the future due to previous bad experiences – just as we might avoid foods which made us sick.

    A single, more intensive application of bait is likely to work better because susceptible predators eat the bait and die, and there is limited opportunity for bait aversion to develop. In contrast, more frequent baiting in a short period of time are of limited benefit because animals learn to avoid them.

    Dingoes have been routinely baited for decades.
    Ian Mayo, CC BY

    Fresh baits have long been believed to be eaten more readily than dry baits.

    But our analysis shows this may not always be true. Overall, the type of bait had little impact on whether or not it led to reduced predator survival.

    Optimising baiting

    More efficient control of predators will mean fewer baits are needed to achieve the same result. That, in turn, means less risk of harming other native animals, as well as reducing how much work and money it costs to control feral cats, foxes and dingoes.

    Our research shows baiting does indeed cut the number of predators prowling an area. But it also shows many factors we thought were important in making a baiting program effective may only have a limited effect.

    The goal of poison baiting is to reduce the damage predators do to livestock and wildlife. Baiting is an important and effective tool in reducing predator pressure on threatened species. But its efficacy – and the risk other animals could take the bait – means we have a responsibility to continually optimise its use and ensure its application is targeted.

    Pat Taggart receives funding from the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

    Daniel Noble receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Yong Zhi Foo receives funding from the the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Poison baits were used on 1,400 feral cats, foxes and dingoes. We studied their fate to see what works – https://theconversation.com/poison-baits-were-used-on-1-400-feral-cats-foxes-and-dingoes-we-studied-their-fate-to-see-what-works-246324

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can you get sunburnt or UV skin damage through car or home windows?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong

    Zac Harris/Unsplash

    When you’re in a car, train or bus, do you choose a seat to avoid being in the sun or do you like the sunny side?

    You can definitely feel the sun’s heat through a window. But can you get sunburn or skin damage when in your car or inside with the windows closed?

    Let’s look at how much UV (ultraviolet) radiation passes through different types of glass, how tinting can help block UV, and whether we need sunscreen when driving or indoors.

    What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

    Of the total UV radiation that reaches Earth, about 95% is UVA and 5% is UVB.

    UVB only reaches the upper layers of our skin but is the major cause of sunburn, cataracts and skin cancer.

    UVA penetrates deeper into our skin and causes cell damage that leads to skin cancer.

    UVA penetrates deeper than UVB.
    Shutterstock/solar22

    Glass blocks UVA and UVB radiation differently

    All glass used in house, office and car windows completely blocks UVB from passing through.

    But only laminated glass can completely block UVA. UVA can pass through other glass used in car, house and office windows and cause skin damage, increasing the risk of cancer.

    Car windscreens block UVA, but the side and rear windows don’t

    A car’s front windscreen lets in lots of sunshine and light. Luckily it blocks 98% of UVA radiation because it is made of two layers of laminated glass.

    But the side and rear car windows are made of tempered glass, which doesn’t completely block UVA. A study of 29 cars found a range from 4% to almost 56% of UVA passed through the side and rear windows.

    The UVA protection was not related to the car’s age or cost, but to the type of glass, its colour and whether it has been tinted or coated in a protective film. Grey or bronze coloured glass, and window tinting, all increase UVA protection. Window tinting blocks around 95% of UVA radiation.

    In a separate study from Saudi Arabia, researchers fitted drivers with a wearable radiation monitor. They found drivers were exposed to UV index ratings up to 3.5. (In Australia, sun protection is generally recommended when the UV index is 3 or above – at this level it takes pale skin about 20 minutes to burn.)

    So if you have your windows tinted, you should not have to wear sunscreen in the car. But without tinted windows, you can accumulate skin damage.

    UV exposure while driving increases skin cancer risk

    Many people spend a lot of time in the car – for work, commuting, holiday travel and general transport. Repeated UVA radiation exposure through car side windows might go unnoticed, but it can affect our skin.

    Indeed, skin cancer is more common on the driver’s side of the body. A study in the United States (where drivers sit on the left side) found more skin cancers on the left than the right side for the face, scalp, arm and leg, including 20 times more for the arm.

    Another US study found this effect was higher in men. For melanoma in situ, an early form of melanoma, 74% of these cancers were on the on the left versus 26% on the right.

    Earlier Australian studies reported more skin damage and more skin cancer on the right side.

    Cataracts and other eye damage are also more common on the driver’s side of the body.

    What about UV exposure through home or office windows?

    We see UV damage from sunlight through our home windows in faded materials, furniture or plastics.

    Most glass used in residential windows lets a lot of UVA pass through, between 45 and 75%.

    Residential windows can let varied amounts of UVA through.
    Sherman Trotz/Pexels

    Single-pane glass lets through the most UVA, while thicker, tinted or coated glass blocks more UVA.

    The best options are laminated glass, or double-glazed, tinted windows that allow less than 1% of UVA through.

    Skylights are made from laminated glass, which completely stops UVA from passing through.

    Most office and commercial window glass has better UVA protection than residential windows, allowing less than 25% of UVA transmission. These windows are usually double-glazed and tinted, with reflective properties or UV-absorbent chemicals.

    Some smart windows that reduce heat using chemical treatments to darken the glass can also block UVA.

    So when should you wear sunscreen and sunglasses?

    The biggest risk with skin damage while driving is having the windows down or your arm out the window in direct sun. Even untinted windows will reduce UVA exposure to some extent, so it’s better to have the car window up.

    For home windows, window films or tint can increase UVA protection of single pane glass. UVA blocking by glass is similar to protection by sunscreen.

    When you need to use sunscreen depends on your skin type, latitude and time of the year. In a car without tinted windows, you could burn after one hour in the middle of the day in summer, and two hours in the middle of a winter’s day.

    But in the middle of the day next to a home window that allows more UVA to pass through, it could take only 30 minutes to burn in summer and one hour in winter.

    When the UV index is above three, it is recommended you wear protective sunglasses while driving or next to a sunny window to avoid eye damage.

    Theresa Larkin 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. Can you get sunburnt or UV skin damage through car or home windows? – https://theconversation.com/can-you-get-sunburnt-or-uv-skin-damage-through-car-or-home-windows-246599

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Quarterly current account deficit $6.2 billion – Stats NZ media and information release: Balance of payments and international investment position: September 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Quarterly current account deficit $6.2 billion – 18 December 2024 – New Zealand’s seasonally adjusted current account deficit narrowed by $0.9 billion to $6.2 billion in the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Fall in goods imports drives the narrowing deficit

    In the September 2024 quarter, the seasonally adjusted goods deficit narrowed by $0.7 billion to $1.9 billion, driven by a $0.8 billion fall in goods imports.

    “In the September 2024 quarter, New Zealand imported fewer cars than last quarter. Also contributing to the fall was transport equipment imports with no defence aircraft imported, which were recorded in the June 2024 quarter,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

    “There was a higher volume of petrol imports in this quarter.”

    Goods exports decreased by $0.1 billion, driven by meat and casein.

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Urges Trump to Halt Planned Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Citing Likelihood of Increasing Energy and Food Prices for Families in the Middle of Winter

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    The New Hampshire delegation is sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him not to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada, the Granite State’s largest trading partner, and Mexico. Sweeping tariffs would dramatically increase costs for families in New Hampshire and around the nation. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, and these tariffs are estimated to drive up energy prices for families in the middle of winter. It would also increase costs for essential items like groceries, housing, cars, and more. Click here to read the full letter.

    In part, the delegation wrote: “During your campaign, you promised to ‘bring down the price of everything.’ Despite that promise, sweeping tariffs would be a tax on Americans that raises the cost of everything from cars and gas to housing and groceries. Tariff costs would be passed on to our consumers and businesses through higher costs for goods and services.”

    They continued: “For the more than 350,000 households in New Hampshire who rely on heating oil, propane and wood to keep their homes warm and comfortable, adding these costs would be particularly cruel in the middle of a winter that has seen recent temperatures reach 20 below zero. Home heating oil is New Hampshire’s largest import from Canada, not because we don’t produce enough in the United States, but because it makes logistical and economic sense. The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI), which represents wholesale and retail liquid heating fuel distributors throughout the Northeast, estimates that tariffs could increase heating costs by at least $375 per winter for a home in New Hampshire.”

    They concluded: “These taxes would raise families’ grocery bills, too. The type of broad tariffs you’ve proposed could raise food costs by $200 per year for the average household. That’s because the U.S. imports 38 percent of our fresh vegetables, 60 percent of our fresh fruit, and more than 99 percent of our coffee. This is the last thing families need when they’re already struggling with record high prices for eggs or coffee […] We urge you to focus on bringing down prices and reconsider the wisdom of placing sweeping tariffs on imports that would raise prices for our constituents.”

    After the November election, a multitude of business leaders verified that, if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of a Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, Moore, McCaul, Matsui, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi Reintroduce Legislation to Bolster American Semiconductor R&D

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Blake Moore (UT-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Doris Matsui (CA-07), John Moolenaar (MI-02), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research (STAR) Act, legislation that would establish an investment tax credit for semiconductor design expenses to support and advance the United States’ semiconductor research and development initiatives.  

    Semiconductor design is a research and development activity that works to improve how chips process information and enable increasingly complex modern technologies. The STAR Act would allow for a 25% tax credit for semiconductor design research and development expenditures and extends the 48D manufacturing tax credit for the next 10 years. Semiconductors are key to maintaining America’s technological leadership, playing a vital role across industries like defense, health care, energy, agriculture, and transportation. As countries around the world continue to out-invest the United States in semiconductor research and development, the STAR Act will ensure semiconductor intellectual property is developed and secured in the United States. 

    “Semiconductors are critical to our economy, powering everything from cars to cellphones. Congress made great strides with the passage of the Chips & Science Act, but we need to continue investing in domestic chip production to ensure that America remains a global leader in this critical economic and national security technology,” said DelBene. “The bipartisan legislation we’re introducing today will support further semiconductor research and workforce development, strengthen our economic security, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, all while creating good-paying jobs in our communities.” 

    “Semiconductors are the linchpin to the technologies of the future in countless sectors, from health care to defense to energy, and they are critical to U.S. national security and global competitiveness,” said Moore. “I thank my colleagues for their partnership in reintroducing the STAR Act, and I look forward to the investment incentives this bill will bring to enhance U.S. leadership in chip design and maintain a secure value chain for these innovations.” 

    “U.S. production of semiconductor chips is an economic and national security imperative, which is why I authored the CHIPS for America Act — to decrease our reliance on other countries for these critical assets,” said McCaul. “I am proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan STAR Act to build on that success, further bolstering our national security and bringing high-paying jobs to our communities. The chip revolution is the greatest technological advancement since the Manhattan Project, and I look forward to cementing the United States as the global leader in semiconductor research and design.” 

    “As we roll out the transformative investments of the CHIPS Act, we have a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for generational leadership in semiconductor innovation and job creation,” said Matsui. “We must continue to build upon the investments that the CHIPS Act jumpstarted and continue to ensure that the U.S. leads the entire supply chain for semiconductor technologies, from design through manufacturing, for generations to come. This legislation will supercharge high-wage jobs in semiconductor design which are vital for the California economy. In tandem with CHIPS Act investments, these tools will continue to secure American’s position as the global pacesetter for innovation.” 

    “This bipartisan legislation cuts taxes, protect jobs, and levels the playing field for American chipmakers,” said Moolenaar. “The STAR Act fuels innovation, ensuring America stays ahead of the curve. We’re proud to empower US chipmakers to outpace Chinese competitors that steal American intellectual property and benefit from massive state subsidies.” 

    “At a time when semiconductors increasingly drive the future of technology, the United States must strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry, including our development and research capacity,” said Krishnamoorthi. “Our bipartisan legislation meets this need by providing incentives for investments in domestic semiconductor R&D to help ensure continued American leadership in chip design that will safeguard our national and economic security.” 

    DelBene, Moore, McCaul, Matsui, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi are also joined by Representatives Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Joe Morelle (NY-25), André Carson (IN-07), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Sewell (AL-07), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in reintroducing this bill. 

    A copy of the bill can be found here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 28, 2024 In Response to Rising Pedestrian Fatalities, Rep. Mullin Introduces Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act Washington, D.C. – In response to an increase in the rate of pedestrian fatalities across the United States, Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15), introduced federal legislation that aims to address the impacts of driver-controlled technology in vehicles. October is National Pedestrian… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    [embedded content]

    Washington, D.C. – In response to an increase in the rate of pedestrian fatalities across the United States, Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15), introduced federal legislation that aims to address the impacts of driver-controlled technology in vehicles.

    October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and Rep. Mullin announced his Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act, H.R. 10051.  

    According to the most recent data available, in just one year 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions in the United States and 67,000 pedestrians were injured. This reflects an alarming trend of increasing fatalities over the past several years. One of the biggest recent changes is the proliferation of driver-controlled technology in vehicles, such as touch screens that have replaced traditional knobs and switches, which require an increased amount of drivers’ attention. This, combined with other changes in the environment and traffic patterns, may be leading to increasingly dangerous road conditions. However, there have not been significant national studies on this topic that could inform policymakers on how to better protect pedestrians and other road users.

    “However you move around – whether you take public transit, drive a car, or ride a bike – at some point all of us are a pedestrian. Safety on our roads is everyone’s responsibility, and Congress should take a leading role in helping us understand what we can do to protect our most vulnerable populations,” said Rep. Mullin. “The Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act would help us understand how technology in vehicles, such as touch-screen displays, may be distracting drivers and contributing to America’s increasing rates of pedestrian deaths and injuries.”

    The bill would direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the effects of driver technology, including touch screen-based systems and user interface design, as they relate to pedestrian collisions. It would also evaluate the impact of time of day and changes in traffic, weather and the volume of commercial or “hired” vehicles on the road whose drivers rely heavily on screens. It would also require the DOT to provide recommendations on actions Congress or agencies can take, such as updating standards, to address the study’s findings.

    The bill is endorsed by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and Truck Safety Coalition.

    “The increase in pedestrian fatalities in the United States during the past decade is a disturbing trend that’s been well-documented by national statistics. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety believes Rep. Kevin Mullin’s legislation to examine the correlation between driver interactions with vehicle technology and pedestrian safety can help to update design recommendations to better protect vulnerable road users,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

    Watch a video of a press conference Rep. Mullin hosted with San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini to discuss the bill and provide safety tips. Learn more about the Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Bush Calls on Biden, Blinken, Garland to Investigate Israeli Attack on American Journalist

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01)

    October 24, 2024

    The attack – that has gone uninvestigated for over a year – killed a Reuters journalist and left six others from Reuters, AFP, and Al Jazeera injured, including Vermonter Dylan Collins

    Washington, D.C. (October 24, 2024) — Congresswoman Bush joins Sen. Bernie Sanders and ten other Members of Congress in writing to the Biden Administration, demanding the United States open an independent investigation into an Israeli attack on a group of journalists, including American journalist Dylan Collins.

    “It has now been more than one year since Mr. Collins was injured in a targeted Israeli strike while on assignment for AFP,” wrote the members in the letter to President Biden, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “To date, Mr. Collins has received no explanation for the attack, and there have been no steps toward accountability. Given the inaction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, the United States must open an independent investigation into this incident.”

    On October 13, 2023, American journalist Dylan Collins was injured in a targeted Israeli strike while on assignment for Agence France-Presse (AFP). Collins was part of a group of journalists covering the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The group was clearly marked as press and had selected an open and highly visible position to minimize the risk of misidentification – one that was clearly visible to several Israeli military positions. The group had been filming from that location for close to an hour when they were struck twice by Israeli tank rounds and machine gun fire. 

    Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed. Six other journalists from Reuters, AFP, and Al Jazeera were seriously wounded. Collins – the only U.S. citizen involved in the incident – sustained shrapnel wounds to his face, arms, and back. Despite Collins’s efforts to apply a tourniquet, his colleague lost her leg in the attack. 

    Six rigorous investigations – by UNIFIL, Reuters, AFP, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research – have all independently corroborated these details, based on video footage and multiple first-hand accounts, and concluded that it was an unlawful attack on civilians.  

    In response to an earlier letter sent in May by the Vermont delegation, the State Department indicated that the incident was under investigation in Israel. In fact, more than one year later, no survivors or other witnesses have been approached to provide testimony. No updates have been provided to the public, the survivors, or the media organizations that they worked for. Given the Israeli government’s failure to investigate numerous similar attacks on journalists, “there is no reason to believe the Netanyahu government will take any action,” wrote the members. “The U.S. government must therefore act to ensure accountability for attacks on its citizens.”

    In addition to criminal culpability under the War Crimes Act of 1996 (18 USC 2441), as well as other relevant U.S. and customary international law, the U.S. must also credibly establish whether the Israeli attack violated applicable laws governing the use of U.S. security assistance.  

    This is particularly important as the U.S. Congress will soon consider Joint Resolutions of Disapproval – introduced in September by Sen. Sanders, Welch, and Merkley – regarding the sale of additional arms to Israel, including 32,739 additional 120mm tank cartridges, the same rounds used against Collins and his journalist colleagues.

    Joining Congresswoman Bush (MO-o1) on the letter are Sens. Bernie Sanders (), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Reps. Becca Balint (VT-AL), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Rashida Tlaib. (D-Mich.).

    “Mr. Collins deserves better from his own government,” wrote the members.

    Read the full letter here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EPA Issues Advance Notice To Protect Salmon From Toxic Chemicals 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to gather information on the potential risks associated with the chemical 6PPD and its transformation product, 6PPD-quinone or 6PPD-Q.  

    The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Yurok Tribe, and the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe submitted a petition asking EPA to establish regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, processing, use and distribution of 6PPD in tires. EPA granted this petition in November 2023 and committed to publishing an ANPRM by Fall 2024 in order to gather more information that could be used to inform a subsequent regulatory action. 

    “Salmon are a keystone species and research shows that the 6PPD-Q chemical which runs off from vehicle tires into our waterways is lethal to their survival, and our marine ecosystem,” said Strickland. “As co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, I have secured funding to find solutions to this problem, and the U.S. EPA is taking an important step forward to help us.” 

    “Toxic stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats facing Puget Sound salmon recovery,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06). “I am grateful that the EPA has been responsive to the petition filed by Tribes from across our region who are helping to lead the effort to better understand how 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone get into our waterways, how they impact our environment and our health, and how we can get these chemicals out of local ecosystems. We have an obligation to protect salmon in the Pacific Northwest in order to honor the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribes in the region. I am excited that the EPA is moving forward with this rulemaking as an important step toward salmon recovery.” 

    “Today, we’re following through on the commitment we made to our Tribal partners to gather more information about this chemical used in rubber products to help protect coho salmon,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “We’ll use the information we get on the health and environmental risks to determine next steps to protect people and the planet.” 

    The chemical 6PPD has been used in motor vehicle tires for more than six decades to make them more durable and can also be found in other rubber products such as footwear, synthetic turf infill and playgrounds. 6PPD reacts with pollution in the air to form a transformation product called 6PPD-Q, which may be present in stormwater runoff that may be washed into streams and other bodies of water during rain events. As a result, aquatic organisms can be exposed to the chemicals. Concentrations of 6PPD-Q in stormwater in the Pacific Northwest were found to be lethal to coho salmon after only a few hours of exposure. 

    EPA is soliciting the following information regarding the chemicals:

    1. Environmental effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,
    2. Potential human health effects,  
    3. Environmental fate and transport,  
    4. Exposure pathways,  
    5. Persistence and bioaccumulation,  
    6. Additional uses of 6PPD and potential releases from consumer products such as sneakers, playgrounds, rubber-modified asphalt, reused tire or other rubber products.  

    EPA is also seeking comment and information related to alternatives to 6PPD, as well as potential chemical transformation products associated with potential alternatives. 

    For example, there are data showing that 6PPD-Q is toxic to fish, with coho salmon being the most sensitive species studied to date. However, there are still uncertainties about the potential impacts of 6PPD-Q on human health, as well as the potential for exposure from other sources of 6PPD-Q. 

    U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is whip for the Congressional Black Caucus, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sykes Votes Against Expanding Power to Strip Nonprofits of Tax-Exempt Status for Political Gain

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13)

    November 21, 2024

    Washington, D.C. – Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 9495. 

    “I have heard from countless constituents and nonprofit organizations from across the district that have expressed strong concerns that H.R. 9495 could be weaponized to strip nonprofits of tax-exempt status for political reasons. If this bill becomes law, the next presidential administration could designate any organization as ‘terrorist supporting’, since it does not include a definition of the criteria for a designation, making the current bill ripe for abuse. After many discussions with constituents, I voted against this bill to avoid unintended consequences that may arise from its passage. I do hope that the majority finds a vehicle to protect American hostages that does not also trample on the rights of organizations that dissent.” 

    Earlier this year, Rep. Sykes voted for a similar bill, H.R. 6408, which suspends tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations. This bill defines terrorist supporting organizations as any organization designated as having provided material support or resources to a terrorist organization in excess of a de minimus amount during the three-year period prior to its designation. H.R. 9495 does not provide an explanation of what a terrorist supporting organization is defined as, leaving the definition up to interpretation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Statement On Iran Attacks On Israel, Eve Of Rosh Hashanah 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C.– Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on the Iran missile attacks sent to Israel. 

    “On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, Israel is being struck with an aggressive, horrific, and direct attack from Iran. Israel has a right to defend itself against this act of terror.

    The United States must remain committed to supporting and protecting democracies in the region.”

    U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is whip for the Congressional Black Caucus, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Melanie Stansbury Visits State of the Heart Recovery Center

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    Albuquerque, N.M. — Today, Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) toured State of the Heart Recovery Center, a non-profit focused on treating substance abuse, and spoke on the importance of addressing the addiction crisis in New Mexico. 

    “Communities in New Mexico are suffering at the hands of addiction,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “It’s my duty as a Member of Congress to help address this, and that is why I am committed to working on the federal level as well as partnering with state and local agencies to ensure our communities find the help and support to beat addiction.” 

    Rep. Stansbury met and spoke with Max Juarez, Chief Operating Officer, and Katie Ortiz y Pino, Peer Support Worker, on the mission of non-profit and who it serves.  

    State of the Heart’s integrated approach addresses all aspects of a person’s emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Their programs cover traditional evidence-based treatments, as well as cutting-edge technology and self-care therapies. 

    In Congress, Rep. Stansbury has worked to address the behavioral health and addiction crisis: 

    • The Congresswoman introduced the STOPP Act – the Stop the Opioid Pill Presserand Fentanyl Act, which would: 
    • Require those who manufacture or distribute pill tableting or encapsulating machines and their critical parts to “serialize” their machinery. 
    • Keep records of all relevant transactions and report those transactions to the Attorney General. 
    • Create a national registry to track the movement of these pill tableting or 
    • She is a proud member of the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus. 
    • She has repeatedly advocated for the reauthorization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. 
    • She has secured more than $7.3 million in Community Project Funding for drug detection technology and public safety vehicles, as well as addiction treatment and prevention. 
    • She has also requested more than $4.5 million in FY25 Community Project Funding to further invest in our communities and help with this epidemic. 

     See photos and videos from the tour here. 

    

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Notice of the Settlement of Patent Infringement Lawsuit with Magna International Inc.

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Notice of the Settlement of Patent Infringement Lawsuit with Magna International Inc.

    Yokohama, Japan, February 3rd, 2025 – Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; President: Masashi Nagayasu; hereinafter referred to as “PAS”) has entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement with Magna Electronics Inc. (Headquarters: USA) and Magna International Inc. (Headquarters: Canada) regarding in-vehicle products. This agreement allows both companies to mutually utilize certain of each other’s patented technologies, aiming to enhance technological innovation and market competitiveness.
    In March 2021, Panasonic filed lawsuits in the U.S. Federal Court in Texas and the Munich District Court in Germany, claiming that products of Magna International Inc. infringed on our patents related to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for automobiles. Magna filed counterclaims asserting certain patents against Panasonic. After continued discussions, we have agreed to settle by entering into a patent cross-licensing agreement for in-vehicle products and to withdraw all pending lawsuits. The terms of the agreement remain confidential between the parties.
    We will continue to strive to enhance our corporate value through the protection and utilization of our intellectual property rights.
    Masashige MIZUYAMA, our Executive Vice President (CTO, Intellectual Property), commented, “This agreement is an important step to further strengthen our technological capabilities and intellectual property accumulated by the PAS and Panasonic Group, enhancing our competitiveness in the global market. We will continue to provide more innovative products and meet our customers’ expectations.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1 Kaiwaka to Te Hana remains closed for truck recovery

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 1 between Kaiwaka and Te Hana remains closed for clean-up and recovery, following a truck rollover this morning.

    The road is likely to remain closed for some time, with specialist machinery required for the clean-up and recovery. Motorists are encouraged to delay their journeys, where possible, or to allow extra time for the detour route.

    There is a detour in place for light vehicles only. Southbound vehicles should turn left on to Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Rd, then continue on to Moir St before turning right on to Insley St. From there they should continue on to Tomarata Rd, then Mangawhai Rd, before returning to SH1 north of Te Hana. Northbound traffic should take the same route, in reverse.

    Traffic on the detour route is currently heavy but flowing. People are asked to stick to the recommended detour as other local roads are not suitable for state highway detour traffic.

    There is no detour route for heavy vehicles and, due to a significant build-up of traffic at the closure point, heavy vehicles are asked to delay their journeys if possible.

    People are encouraged to visit the Journey Planner website for up to date information on the closure and detour route before they travel.

    Journey Planner [JPG, 721 KB]

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Second closure on SH1, Northland

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Update 3.40pm: State Highway 1 between Whakapara and Towai has now reopened to one lane, with contractors managing traffic past the site under stop/go. Please expect delays and allow additional time for travel between Whangārei and Kawakawa.

    3.17pm:

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 1 is closed between Whakapara and Towai, north of Whangārei, due to a crash blocking the road in Hūkerenui.

    Motorists are asked to delay their travel, where possible, or to consider alternate routes, such as State Highway 15.

    SH1 is also closed between Kaiwaka and Te Hana for clean up and recovery, following a truck rollover earlier today.

    Earlier traffic bulletin covering this event:

    People are encouraged to visit the Journey Planner website for up to date information on the closure and detour route before they travel.

    Journey Planner(external link)

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement? 

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic. 

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake? 

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time. 

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational? 

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community. 

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities. 

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore? 

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment. 

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place? 

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well. 

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet? 

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government. 

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues? 

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner. 

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice. 

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this. 

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people? 

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time. 

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement? 

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic. 

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake? 

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time. 

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational? 

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community. 

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities. 

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore? 

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment. 

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place? 

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well. 

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet? 

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government. 

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues? 

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner. 

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice. 

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible? 

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this. 

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people? 

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time. 

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Country Hour Queensland

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    BRANDON LONG [JOURNALIST]: First of all, let’s talk a little bit about the Regional University Study Hubs. So, ten new ones, and we’ve got a handful in Queensland. What can you tell us about this new announcement?

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: So, this is an extension of the existing hubs that have already been in operation around the country. They do an outstanding job, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of them now, and what they’re doing is providing an opportunity for those people who live in a regional or rural location to have the opportunity to study at any higher education institution across the country. We know that it’s not always easy to move away from home to study, or indeed you might move to a regional location and want to continue your studies, and that’s what these organisations are doing. So they’re community-led, and that means that the next nurse or next teacher can already be living in these places, but they’re going to get the opportunity to stay and study locally, enjoy that family support that helps you thrive and go on to achieve their degree and aims, which is fantastic.

    LONG: Okay and the two new hubs are Clermont and Moranbah, Hughenden, Hay, Tumut, Northam, Kununurra, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton, St Helens and Burnt Pine – some of my interstate colleagues will probably hate the pronunciation there – but what’s some of the data showing about the uptake?

    CHISHOLM: So, what we know is that there’s already thousands of people that are studying at these hubs across the country, and they’re doing nursing, they’re doing teaching, they’re doing social work, they’re doing all types of things. We know that in regional and rural economies there is a skills shortage. We need more nurses; we need more teachers. These study hubs are providing that opportunity for those people to study locally. We know that if you study in your local community you’re much more likely to stay there longer term and work, so it’s really helping to fix that skills gap but also making these regional and rural locations more attractive for people to live at the same time.

    LONG: And when do we expect the new hubs to be operational?

    CHISHOLM: We’d expect them to be operational this year. I know that a number of them have already started work on where they’d be located, they have been raising money within the community to ensure that they’re ready to go, and often they’re led by the local council with support of the local community. So, we know that there’s already 43 existing and a lot of those who’ve applied have good relationships with those that are already existing, so we’re confident that they can get up and running really soon and provide a service to the local community.

    LONG: Yeah and what’s the kind of cost that we’re talking about with these hubs?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So traditionally what the Federal Government do is we provide some initial support, because they might need to convert a building to make it suitable. So a lot of the councils that apply use existing council facilities and turn them into a study hub, which is great use of resources, but we also, as part of the Federal Government fund someone to run the centre, and they’ll be responsible for the mentoring, they’ll go out and talk to Year 11 and 12 students and say, you know, we operate in town so you don’t have to move away now to study, you can stay and study in your local community, and then really encourage those 11 and 12s who may be thinking moving away was a bit too far, you don’t have to move away, you can stay and study locally, and it might just increase their ambitions in 11 and 12, which would be fantastic. I’ve seen a lot of these centres in action already across the country. I’m really passionate about the opportunity they provide for people to gain their higher education degree without leaving their community. So, I’m confident that these additional ones are going to provide a fantastic service to those communities, increase the workers, and what we hope is that next nurse or teacher will benefit from these opportunities.

    LONG: Let’s move to Inland Rail now. So obviously in the news of late there’s been discussion about the Infrastructure Priority List and Inland Rail doesn’t appear on that anymore. There’s been plenty of discussion about why that is. So, should people be concerned that it isn’t on the list anymore?

    CHISHOLM: No, they shouldn’t, Brandon, and it is just a sad scare campaign that we’ve seen from the State Government and unfortunately it seems the local Member for Groom has hopped on board that. What I would remind people of is the mess we inherited when we came to government three years ago in regards to Inland Rail, where they hadn’t even determined the route that we would take in Queensland. So, we’ve had to go back to the drawing board in Queensland. That process is ongoing. We’re trying to work constructively with the State Government identifying the route, getting the approvals in place, but the work on Inland Rail continues, it is being – that work continues further south of the border, and we look to make progress on approvals in Queensland.  We understand it’s an important project, we’re the ones who started it, we want to see it get done, but it has been frustrating that when we inherited this project it was in a complete mess, that’s what the Schott Review that we initiated explained, that’s what we’re trying to fix at the moment.

    LONG: And Goondiwindi Mayor, Lawrence Springborg said in January that it looks to be very soon that we’ll see some action in Queensland. Are we waiting on some EISs for various parts? What can you tell us about when do we see more action taking place?

    CHISHOLM: We understand that it’s an important project, and there is a high expectation about what it will mean for the local community. We want to ensure that it gets done in a cost-effective way and one that ensures that there is community support for it as well. That’s the process that we’re going through at the moment. We need to get all those approvals done appropriately. We’ll work to do that with the State Government to ensure that people can have confidence that once we announce what that route will be that there will be community support for it, and the money behind it as well.

    LONG: Do we have a timeline yet?

    CHISHOLM: I wouldn’t want to put a timeline on it, but we’re committed to seeing the project through, we want to make progress on it as a government.

    LONG: All right, there’s just been some recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as they’ve been doing inspections over two weeks across multiple states on the eastern seaboard, just to check for compliance with things like fatigue. They did 4,500 inspections and found 182 fatigue-related issues that needed action. Do you think that we probably rely on trucks a bit too much, and do you think Inland Rail will relieve some of those issues?

    CHISHOLM: I certainly think that it’s an important bit of economic infrastructure, but it’s also important for the transport and logistics industry as well. Truck drivers do an outstanding job moving freight across the country, particularly in such a big state as ours. We want that to be done as safely as possible, so it is concerning the number of instances that you highlighted there. As someone who is passionate about road safety, we want to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. We know particularly over this time of year, when people are getting out and about, particularly over the holiday season that there is often high instances. So, we really encourage people to be doing what they can to be driving safely, taking rests where appropriate and ensuring that you do get to your destination in a safe manner.

    LONG: And just on to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing or Toowoomba Bypass, look, it was all finished, it was a very expensive and large project, and it’s taken trucks around the town instead of right through it. Lately, there’s been a few issues with some rocks, rock formations, you know, cracking and things on the side, a lane has been closed for some time, and some truckies in the region say that we shouldn’t be, they shouldn’t be paying the full toll at the moment because of some issues there. Do you think that this project, it was a Federal and State Government combined, do you think that what has happened after you’ve finalised the project has been disappointing, or?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, certainly it’s frustrating, and I’m not someone who drives it every day, but I do come up here regularly, and used it this morning and saw the work that is undertaken, and it is frustrating, because it was an expensive bit of infrastructure, as you’ve identified, and I’m sure the community would be hoping that it would be fully operational and it is important for the freight industry at the same time. I know that the work is going to remediate there, that is being handled by the State Government, so I don’t necessarily have an update, but I think it is a lesson for all of us involved in the use of public money, that you want it to be done as efficiently as possible, but you also want these projects to be done in a way to ensure that they do fix those problems longer term. So, I think all politicians should take heed of that advice.

    LONG: All right and just finally on to the vets, the peak body for the veterinary practice in Australia, they’ve said that vets need to do a 52-week practical placement, and they’ve missed out on some Commonwealth funding. They’re calling for a bit of extra help. Do you think that that’s possible?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it is a really important industry, and as I get around the country I do know that there has been identified a shortage of vets, particularly in rural and regional locations. When we brought in the prac placements that would apply to nursing and teaching and social work, this is the first time that the Federal Government have provided some support for students when they are doing that prac placement. It is quite costly, so it is going to cost, it’s due to start from 1 July this year, and it is going to cost upwards of $300 million for us to establish that. We’d obviously like that to be expanded, but it is something that does cost money, so we’ll work with those people in professions that are impacted and do have claims to make. We want to ensure that this can be done in a way that it continues to be supported and that it does provide that support to people to study so that it doesn’t become a barrier, and I do understand that there are other professions out there that do have a claim or a case to be made in regards to this.

    LONG: The group also said that it’s accrued some of the highest HECS-HELP debts out of any other body studying, I think they put a figure around $80,000 as the medium debt. Is there any option of giving some relief to those people?

    CHISHOLM: Obviously we announced that we have taken action on HECS debt, and that it had been too high, so that has taken place. In terms of what we’ve identified around the cost of courses, that is something that is going to be something that is looked at part of the ongoing Universities Accord process that we went through last year. When we went through the Universities Accord, we said that we wouldn’t be able to implement all of those changes from day one, it would take time, and one of the ones that was identified that we are going to look at over time is the cost of degrees. We don’t want that to be a barrier to someone studying, but it is something that we need work with the sector on and do it in a way so that we can manage the growth of the sector into the future, but ensure people have an opportunity to study at the same time.

    HOST: That was Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development and Agriculture, Anthony Chisholm there speaking with the ABC’s Brandon Long.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Alcohol Seizure – Daly River Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a quantity of alcohol intended for distribution within remote communities in the Daly River Region.

    Around 9pm on Friday 31 January, local police members  established a roadblock along Port Keats Road before stopping a vehicle attempting to enter the alcohol restricted area.

    The vehicle was discovered to be transporting:

    • 12 x Bottles of rum
    • 1 x Carton of beer
    • 4 x Cans pre-mix alcohol

    The 37-year-old female driver was issued a Notice to Appear for offences including possess and convey alcohol into a general restricted area.

    Acting Superintendent Erica Gibson said  “ This was fantastic work from local members and our message is simple; You just never know where and when police will be on the road.

    “The disruption of alcohol into restricted communities has a detrimental impact on the health, safety and finances of everyone. Police will continue to proactively target anyone who seeks to take advantage of alcohol restricted areas.

    “If you have any information regarding the distribution of drugs or alcohol into remote communities, please contact police on 131 444.

    “Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. “

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    UNION BUDGET 2025-26 PROPOSES TO REMOVE SEVEN CUSTOMS TARIFF RATES FOR INDUSTRIAL GOODS

    EXEMPTION TO 36 MORE LIFE SAVING MEDICINES FOR CANCER AND OTHER RARE DISEASES FROM BASIC CUSTOMS DUTY

    BOOST TO E-MOBILITY: 35 ADDITIONAL CAPITAL GOODS FOR EV BATTERY MANUFACTURING EXEMPTED FROM BCD

    PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING AND VALUE ADDITION WHILE PROMOTING EXPORTS, FACILITATING TRADE AND PROVIDING RELIEF TO COMMON PEOPLE

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Budget 2025-26 presented by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in parliament today, focuses its customs proposals on rationalizing tariff structure and addressing duty inversion. The Minister said that the proposals will also support domestic manufacturing and value addition while promoting exports, facilitating trade and providing relief to common people.

    Delivering on the promise to review customs rate structure announced in July 2024, the Budget proposes to remove seven customs tariff rates for industrial goods over and above the seven tariff rates removed in Budget 2023-24. This will leave only eight tariff rates, including ‘zero’ rate. The Budget also proposes to levy not more than one cess or surcharge. This will exempt Social Welfare Surcharge on 82 tariff lines that are subject to a cess.

     

    Relief on import of Drugs/Medicines

    In sector specific proposals, the Budget comes as a big relief to patients, particularly to those suffering from cancer, rare diseases and other severe chronic diseases. The Budget proposes to add 36 life saving drugs and medicines to the list of medicines fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty. The Budget also proposes to add 6 life saving medicines to the list attracting concessional customs duty of 5%. Full exemption and concessional duty will also respectively apply on the bulk drugs for manufacture of the above.

    Specified drugs and medicines under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies are fully exempt from Basic Customs Duty, provided the medicines are supplied free of cost to patients. The Budget proposes to add 37 more medicines along with 13 new patient assistance programmes to the list.

    Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Value addition

    The Budget proposes to add 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing, and 28 additional capital goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing to the list of exempted capital goods. “This will boost domestic manufacture of lithium-ion battery, both for mobile phones and electric vehicles”, FM stated in her speech.

    The Budget also proposes to fully exempt Basic Customs Duty on cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals. Finance Minister said that this will help secure their availability for manufacturing in India and promote more jobs for our youth. This is in addition to the 25 critical minerals fully exempted of BCD in July 2024 Budget.

    To promote domestic production of technical textile products such as agro-textiles, medical textiles and geo textiles at competitive prices, the Budget proposes to add two more types of shuttle-less looms to the list of fully exempted textile machinery. “I also propose to revise the BCD rate on knitted fabrics covered by nine tariff lines from “10% or 20%” to “20% or Rs.115 per kg, whichever is higher”, said Finance Minister in her speech.

    In line with the ‘Make in India’ policy, the Budget proposes to increase the BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) from 10% to 20% and reduce the BCD to 5% on Open Cell and other components. The Minister informed that it will rectify the inverted duty structure.

    Considering the long gestation period of shipbuilding, the Budget proposes to continue the exemption of BCD on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships for another ten years. The Budget also proposes the same dispensation for ship breaking to make it more competitive.

    The Budget also proposes to reduce the BCD from 20% to 10% on Carrier Grade ethernet switches to make it at par with Non-Carrier Grade ethernet switches. Finance Minister said that that this will prevent classification disputes.

    Export Promotion

    The Budget also contains certain tax proposals to promote exports. To facilitate exports of handicrafts, it proposes to extend the time period for export from six months to one year, further extendable by another three months, if required. The Budget also proposes to add nine handicraft items to the list of duty-free inputs.

    The Budget also proposes to exempt crust leather from 20% export duty to facilitate exports by small tanners, while fully exempting BCD on Wet Blue leather to facilitate imports for domestic value addition and employment.

    To enhance India’s competitiveness in the global seafood market, the Budget proposes to reduce BCD from 30% to 5% on Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi) for manufacture and export of its analogue products. It also proposes to reduce BCD from 15% to 5% on fish hydrolysate for manufacture of fish and shrimp feeds.

    To promote development of domestic MROs for aircraft and ships, the July 2024 Budget extended the time limit for export of foreign origin goods that were imported for repairs, from 6 months to one year and further extendable by one year. The Budget 2025-26 proposes to extend the same dispensation for railway goods.

    Trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business

    Presently, the Customs Act, 1962 does not provide any time limit to finalize Provisional Assessments leading to uncertainty and cost to trade. As a measure of promoting ease of doing business, the Budget proposes to fix a time-limit of two years, extendable by a year, for finalizing the provisional assessment.

    The Budget also proposes to introduce a new provision that will enable importers or exporters, after clearance of goods, to voluntarily declare material facts and pay duty with interest but without penalty. “This will incentivize voluntary compliance. However, this will not apply in cases where department has already initiated audit or investigation proceedings”, said Smt Sitharaman.

    The Budget proposes to extend the time limit for the end-use of imported inputs in the relevant rules, from six months to one year. This will not only allow industry to better plan their imports, but also provide operational flexibility in view of cost and uncertainty of supply. Further, such importers will now have to file only quarterly statements instead of a monthly statement.

    ****

    NB/VM/ST

    (Release ID: 2098364) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran unveils 3 new homegrown satellites

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Iran on Sunday unveiled three new domestically developed satellites in the Iranian capital Tehran to mark its National Space Technology Day, the official news agency IRNA reported.

    The satellites, namely Navak-1, Pars-2, and an upgraded model of Pars-1, were unveiled in a ceremony attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyyed Sattar Hashemi, as well as a number of cabinet members, officials, and military commanders, the report said.

    Developed by the Iranian Space Research Center, the Navak-1 communications satellite is designed to test the function of an improved version of the homegrown Simorgh launch vehicle in the near future. The carrier is expected to put the satellite into an elliptic orbit, according to IRNA.

    Weighing approximately 34 kg, Navak-1 is equipped with a dosimetry payload to measure cosmic rays, the report said, adding the satellite has a magnetometer sensor to measure the Earth’s electromagnetic field.

    According to IRNA, the Pars-2 remote-sensing satellite weighs 150 kg and is equipped with two imaging payloads with two different homegrown linear position sensors.

    The satellite features a propeller and is capable of carrying out diverse missions in the fields of environmental monitoring, forestry, natural disaster response, and urban management.

    The upgraded model of Pars-1 remote-sensing satellite, weighing under 150 kg, has three imaging payloads: multispectral, short-wave infrared, and thermal infrared, according to IRNA.

    The satellite is powered by energy generated from its gallium arsenide solar cells, according to the report. The first model of the satellite, weighing 134 kg, was launched on Feb. 29, 2024, aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket from the Vostochny space base.

    Speaking at another ceremony in Tehran on Sunday to mark the occasion, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said the country plans to conduct two space launches in the coming weeks, before the end of the current Iranian calendar year on March 20. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US tariff move sparks criticism, concern in Germany

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff move against Canada, Mexico and China has sparked criticism and concern in Germany.

    On Saturday, Trump ordered to impose a 25-percent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10-percent tariff on Chinese goods. He also signaled that the European Union (EU) could be next, citing the bloc’s persistent trade surplus with the U.S.

    While reaffirming Germany’s commitment to economic ties with the U.S., German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that the first priority should be “not to divide up the world with many tariff barriers.”

    “Tariffs have never been a good idea to resolve trade policy conflicts,” Chairman of the German Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz said, warning of backlash in the U.S. as rising import costs would fuel inflation and hit American consumers directly.

    Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), described the tariffs as “a clear warning to the EU and Ursula von der Leyen,” stressing that neither Germany nor the EU should remain passive.

    Trump’s move would come at a high cost for Americans, Jandura said, adding, “The losers are always end consumers, who will feel the price increase at the checkout.”

    German companies are also bracing for the impact, as many supply the U.S. market from Mexico, particularly in the automotive industry.

    According to the German newspaper Handelsblatt, Mexico has been Germany’s most important investment location in Latin America for years, with total investments exceeding 45 billion U.S. dollars since the 2000s.

    Volkswagen Group, which operates one of its largest vehicle factories in Mexico, produces nearly 80 percent of its North America vehicles in Mexico and Canada. A Volkswagen spokesman voiced concerns about the tariffs’ potential economic fallout, warning of negative effects on American consumers and the global auto industry.

    According to the credit rating agency S&P, Canada and Mexico produce around 5.3 million passenger cars annually, with approximately 70 percent destined for the U.S.

    Importers are likely to pass most, if not all, of the price increase to consumers, S&P noted, warning that the additional costs would further strain affordability in the U.S. auto market. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Redefining Women’s Empowerment in India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 2:58PM by PIB Delhi

    A Comprehensive Framework for Progress

     

    Synopsis

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development has spearheaded major initiatives to enhance women’s safety, security, and overall well-being. Key programs like Mission Shakti have supported 10.61 lakh women through One Stop Centres (OSCs), while the Women Helpline (181-WHL) has assisted lakhs of women in distress. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) has contributed to an improved Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24), and Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of girls in secondary schools has risen from 75.51% to 78% in the same period. For economic empowerment, Sakhi Niwas provides secure accommodation for working women, and Palna ensures daycare support. Nari Adalat offers grievance redressal at the Gram Panchayat level, while SANKALP serves as a resource hub for women’s welfare schemes. The total expenditure incurred under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has consistently increased over the years, rising from ₹1,478.73 crore in 2021-22 to ₹1,814.86 crore in 2023-24, reflecting the government’s continued support for micro and small enterprises. Health interventions have also yielded positive results. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has dropped from 130 per lakh live births (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20). Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 supports 9.88 crore beneficiaries, with 6.77 lakh AWCs having their own buildings, 9.93 lakh AWCs with functional toilets, and 12.31 lakh AWCs with drinking water access.

     

    The empowerment of women is a transformative process that ensures women have equal access to opportunities in all areas of life: economic, cultural, social, and political. This not only enhances their individual potential but also contributes to societal progress. India has made remarkable strides in empowering women, focusing on their safety, security, economic independence, and social inclusion. This document outlines some of the key programs driving India’s progress in women’s empowerment, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

     

    Mission Shakti

     

     

    The Ministry has formulated ‘Mission Shakti’, an Integrated Women Empowerment Programme, as Umbrella Scheme for the Safety, Security and Empowerment of Women for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. This initiative has been instrumental in improving the lives of women across the country through its two main verticals: Sambal (for safety and security) and Samarthya (for empowerment).

     

    One Stop Centres (OSCs)

     

    One Stop Centres provides integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence and those in distress, both in private and public spaces. It provides services like medical aid, legal aid and advice, temporary shelter, police assistance and psycho-social counselling to needy women. Since inception until 31 2024, 10,61,337 women have received assistance through OSCs, demonstrating a significant impact in providing protection and rehabilitation.

     

    Women Helpline (181-WHL)

    WHL is a component of Sambal vertical under Mission Shakti, aims to provide 24x7x365 emergency and non-emergency response through telephonic short-code 181 to women, both in public and private spaces by linking them with appropriate authorities such as Police, One Stop Centres, Hospitals, Legal Services Authorities etc. Additionally, it provides information about women welfare schemes and programs.

    Data till 31 December 2024

     

    Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

    BBBP scheme was launched on 22nd January 2015. The scheme aims to prevent gender biased sex selective elimination, ensure survival and protection of girl child and also to ensure education of the girl child.

    As per the latest reports of Health Management Information System (HMIS) of Ministry of Health &Family welfare (MoHFW) reveal that SRB is showing improving trends and has increased from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 (Provisional) in 2023-24 at national level. Gross enrollment ratio of girls in the schools at secondary level has increased from 75.51 percent in (2014-15) to 78 percent in (2023-24) [as per UDISE-data, MoE].

    Nari Adalat

    Nari Adalat aims for providing women with an alternate Grievance Redressal Mechanism for resolving cases of petty nature (harassment, subversion, curtailment of rights or entitlements) faced by them at Gram panchayat level by negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation with mutual consent for speedy, accessible, and affordable justice. It is also used as a platform for awareness of right, entitlements, social facilitation and hand holding of women centric organizations.

    Data till 31 December 2024

     

    Shakti Sadans

     

    Shakti Sadan Scheme is an Integrated Relief and Rehabilitation Home for women in distressful situations including trafficked women. It aims at creating a safe and enabling environment for the women in such difficult situations, to enable them to overcome the adverse circumstances.

     

    Palna

     

    The Government of India has decided to provide the day-care creche facilities through the component of Palna. Anganwadi centres are the world’s largest childcare institutions dedicated to providing essential care and support to children ensuring delivery of care facilities till the last mile. This will ensure whole day childcare support ensuring their well-being in a safe and secure environment. The objective of Palna component is to provide quality creche facility in safe and secure environment for children.

    Data till 31 December 2024

     

    Sakhi Niwas

     

    The objective of the Scheme is to provide safe, secure, conveniently located, and affordable accommodation for women who are in the workforce and/or aspire to join the workforce. The scheme also makes a provision of Day Care Centre for children of the residents of the Sakhi Niwas.

    Data till 31 December 2024

     

    Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

     

    The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides financial compensation for loss of wages due to pregnancy and childbirth. The scheme, previously limited to the first child, has now been extended to cover the second child if the child is a girl—a progressive step towards promoting gender equality.

    SANKALP

     

    The SANKALP: HEW (Hub for Empowerment of Women) will serve as a vehicle to bridge the information and knowledge gap regarding schemes and facilities available for women as well as guide them to avail the benefits and entitlements. It will also serve as a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) for all components under Mission Shakti and will work in convergence with the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.

    Data till 31 December 2024

     

    Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

     

    The Government of India approved “Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0” (also referred to as Mission Poshan 2.0) which is a strategic shift in mission mode to develop practices that nurture health, wellness, and immunity from malnutrition. With 13,99,890 Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) operating across 36 States/UTs and 781 districts, the mission aims to enhance the health, wellness, and immunity of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Supported by 13,31,622 Anganwadi Workers, it ensures nutritional benefits reach 9,88,74,477 eligible beneficiaries. Infrastructure improvements include 6,77,349 AWCs with their own buildings, 9,93,863 with functional toilets, and 12,31,201 with access to drinking water. Additionally, in December 2024, 12,93,863 AWCs operated for at least 15 days, 11,86,509 for at least 21 days, and 8,54,395 for at least 25 days.

    Beneficiaries under Poshan Abhiyaan

    Data as on 31 December 2024

     

    Decreased Maternal Mortality Ratio

     

    India’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has significantly declined from 130 per lakh live births (2014-16) to 97 per lakh live births (2018-20), reflecting improved maternal healthcare services, institutional deliveries, and strengthened healthcare interventions.

    Conclusion

     

    The ongoing efforts to promote women’s empowerment have led to tangible improvements in multiple areas, from social and economic participation to access to essential services. By addressing key challenges and ensuring a supportive ecosystem, these measures have played a crucial role in enhancing women’s autonomy and decision-making power. Continued focus on inclusive policies, awareness, and institutional strengthening will be essential in building a more equitable society where every woman can thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.

     

    References

    RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2720 Session 266

    RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2717 Session 266

    Annual Report 2023-24: https://wcd.gov.in/documents/uploaded/1732020683.pdf

    https://missionshakti.wcd.gov.in/

    LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1931 session III

    Click here to download PDF

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Debris Removal Right of Entry Forms Available for Los Angeles County Residents Impacted by Wildfires

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Debris Removal Right of Entry Forms Available for Los Angeles County Residents Impacted by Wildfires

    Debris Removal Right of Entry Forms Available for Los Angeles County Residents Impacted by Wildfires

    LOS ANGELES – Debris cleanup for the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles County started this week. FEMA assigned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps of Engineers) to survey, remove, and dispose of debris from properties burned by the wildfires.As part of this effort, Los Angeles County established a Debris Removal website for fire-impacted residents to obtain information and resources regarding debris clearance. Although most hazardous materials will be removed from private property by the EPA in Phase 1, full clearance of properties in Phase 2 by USACE will require a Right of Entry (ROE) form which is provided on the county website. Signing up for the debris removal program via the ROE will NOT impact a survivor’s ability to receive other FEMA disaster assistance programs. If a survivor opts-out of the ROE program, they become responsible for all costs, permits, inspections and other associated debris removal costs. Coverage for debris and hazardous tree removal may be provided under your insurance policy. For information about insurance reimbursement, visit pages 3 and 4 on the ROE form.Although hazardous debris will be removed by EPA without any action from the homeowner, general debris removal must be selected by the property owner by signing a ROE form. The ROE form allows property owners to give permission for USACE to access their property for cleanup activities.What is the Debris Removal Program?The Debris Removal Program has two phases: removal of household hazardous material followed by removal of other fire-related debris and trees that a certified arborist determines are dead or likely to die within five years due to the fire.Phase 1: Removing Hazardous MaterialsOn January 16, teams of experts from California’s Department of Toxic Substance Control and EPA began assessing properties in the burn areas to remove any household hazardous material that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, paint, cleaners and solvents, oils, and pesticides. These teams specialize in identifying and removing hazardous substances from properties for safe disposal. This phase is automatic and is done at no cost to residents.EPA will only remove hazardous materials. This includes lithium-ion batteries from vehicles, homes, and other products. Examples of household items with lithium-ion batteries include electric/hybrid vehicles, power tools, power banks, home alarms, drones, and tablets.For more information, please visit: 2025 California Wildfires | US EPAPhase 2: Debris RemovalOnce the EPA clears properties of hazardous materials, the Corps of Engineers, alongside FEMA, will coordinate to remove fire damaged metal, ash, and other fire debris to help foster reconstruction. The Corps of Engineers will also remove foundations when property owners opt to include foundation removal on the ROE. Phase 2 will generally occur concurrent to Phase 1 as ROEs are collected, validated by the County and FEMA, and given to the Corps of Engineers to begin Phase 2 debris removal. One of the critical components of Phase 2 will be the collection of ROEs as residents opt into the program which can be done by visiting the county website. For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856. Follow FEMA Region 9 @FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.
    barbara.murien…
    Sat, 02/01/2025 – 00:15

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom surges CHP patrols for Pacific Coast Highway reopening, places California National Guard on ready status

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 31, 2025

    California extends law enforcement resources, financial support, and mutual aid coordination to support local agencies in fire-impacted area

    What you need to know: The Governor is significantly increasing the California Highway Patrol’s presence along the Pacific Coast Highway, as it reopens to the public on Sunday morning. The CHP’s heavy presence is part of the state’s commitment to support local law enforcement, which includes financial support, mutual aid coordination, additional CHP support, and keeping the California National Guard in ready status for immediate redeployment.

    LOS ANGELES — To support local law enforcement in the re-opening of the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles, Governor Gavin Newsom has directed a heavy public safety presence on the Pacific Coast Highway to ensure the safe passage of drivers as they re-enter the community. The reopening is set for Sunday morning.

    The Governor has deployed additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers along the Pacific Coast Highway, with a marked patrol vehicle stationed every half-mile along the state-owned Right-of-Way to protect motorists, traffic flow, and public safety between Santa Monica and Malibu.

    As the Pacific Coast Highway reopens, our top priority is ensuring the safety of everyone returning to this community. That’s why we’re surging CHP patrols and keeping the California National Guard on standby, reinforcing our commitment to protecting residents, motorists, and first responders in the days and weeks ahead.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Earlier today the City of Los Angeles and local public safety officials announced their request for the California National Guard to gradually withdraw operations. With local officials gradually removing road closures and traffic control checkpoints, the Governor has directed the California National Guard to maintain a highly capable force readied for rapid deployment should conditions require it. 

    Additionally, the CHP and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) have offered resources, mutual aid coordination and financial support to Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to ensure public safety in local government jurisdictions in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and other wildfire impacted communities. 

    “The safety of our community, first responders, and road crews remains our top priority as we reopen this vital stretch of highway,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “We urge all drivers to stay alert, follow posted signs, and respect the presence of personnel still working in the area. The CHP remains committed to supporting these communities through this entire process.”  

    While the highway will again be open to the public on Sunday, drivers are urged to remain cautious. Heavy-duty vehicles and road crews will continue working in the area to clear remaining debris and assist with the rebuilding and recovery efforts of the affected communities. 

    This effort is on top of the already robust resources the state has coordinated with local and federal partners to protect public safety and help survivors recover from the recent Los Angeles firestorms. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Jan 31, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Kimberly Rutledge, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Department of Rehabilitation, where she has been Deputy Director of Legislation and Communications since 2022. She…

    Jan 31, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom issued an executive order to maximize the capture and storage of additional water from upcoming storms in Northern California. SACRAMENTO — In anticipation of a multi-day, significant atmospheric river in Northern…

    Jan 30, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Jacqueline Yannacci, of Folsom, has been appointed Executive Director of California Volunteers in the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, where she has been Chief…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Coast Guard celebrates its 49th Raising Day

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 49th Raising Day on February 01, 2025, marking nearly five decades of dedicated service to the nation. On the occasion, the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Raksha Mantri have extended their heartfelt congratulations to ICG, recognising its remarkable achievements and significant role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. To mark the day, ICG’s Director General Paramesh Sivamani laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, New Delhi and paid homage to the bravehearts who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

    From its humble beginnings in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has grown into a formidable force, now comprising 151 ships and 76 aircraft. By 2030, the ICG is poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft, solidifying  its position as one of the world’s premier Coast Guard services.

    With its motto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’ (We Protect), the ICG has consistently ensured the safety and security of India’s maritime zones. Since its inception, the service has saved over 11,730 lives, including 169 in the past year alone. This unwavering commitment highlights ICG’s vital role in safeguarding seafarers, fishermen, and vessels across the vast 4.6 million sq-km, Indian Search and Rescue Region.

    ICG maintains round-the-clock vigilance, deploying 55-60 surface platforms and 10-12 aircraft daily to monitor and protect India’s vast maritime domain. In addition to search and rescue operations, the ICG has played a pivotal role in preventing and combating illegal activities at sea. It has seized contraband worth Rs 52,560.96 crore, including a record seizure of 6,016 kgs of narcotics in a single catch in the Andaman Sea. The ICG’s disaster response capabilities are also a testament to its strength and resolve, with notable operations such as rescue during Cyclone ASNA in Gujarat, flood rescue and relief in Gujarat and Wayanad, besides coordinating complex night-time medical evacuation operations.

    The ICG’s proactive approach extends to marine environment protection as the designated authority for oil spill response in Indian waters. The ICG has also led key national exercises, including the National Pollution Response Exercise, a series of Regional and state level exercises, further enhancing its preparedness.

    The ICG’s commitment to self-reliance and modernisation is evident through its continued embrace of indigenous capabilities. Under the Make-in-India initiative, contracts have been signed for state-of-the-art air cushion vehicles, advanced communication systems, new generation patrol vessels and helicopters. Approvals have been granted for the procurement of Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Dorniers, and additional helicopters, enhancing the ICG’s ability to respond to emerging maritime threats.

    ICG has partnered with leading Indian manufacturers for indigenous shipbuilding, ensuring the use of the highest quality materials for maritime safety and security. Additionally, as part of its infrastructure development more than 1,000 meters of jetty is under construction.

    Embracing technological advancements, the ICG has launched the Automation of Service Healthcare Administration (ASHA) app to streamline medical examinations and e-health records for personnel. The foundation has also been laid for the Tier-III Data Centre as part of its Digital Coast Guard initiative, enhancing its technological infrastructure. The establishment of new facilities such as the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Chennai, and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry, further strengthens ICG’s response capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.

    In line with the Government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the ICG organised the International Coastal Clean-up Day on September 21, 2024, mobilising efforts across coastal states and Union Territories to promote cleanliness and environmental stewardship.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Budget 2025-26 represents a significant milestone for the power sector paving the way for a secure, sustainable, resilient, and affordable energy future :Shri Manohar Lal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The Budget 2025-26 represents a significant milestone for the power sector paving the way for a secure, sustainable, resilient, and affordable energy future :Shri Manohar Lal

    The focus on nuclear energy will strengthen the country’s power infrastructure and reduce dependence on conventional sources : Shri Manohar Lal

    Posted On: 01 FEB 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

    This Union Budget 2025-26 aims to initiate transformative reforms across six domains during the next five years and these will augment our growth potential and global competitiveness, said Union Minister for Power and housing and Urban Affairs  Shri Manohar Lal.  He added that out of the six domains the two are:  Power Sector and Urban Development.

    The Budget 2025-26 represents a significant milestone for the power sector, ushering in transformative reforms that will drive India’s growth and pave the way for a secure, sustainable, resilient, and affordable energy future, said Union Minister for Power Shri Manohar Lal.

    Shri Manohar Lal remarked that the government’s dedication to improving the financial and operational stability of electricity distribution companies, coupled with incentives for enhancing intra-state transmission capacity, will greatly boost the efficiency of the power sector.

    He states that the announcement of fully exemption of  scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc and 12 more critical minerals from basic custom duty is also a welcome decision. This will help secure their availability for manufacturing of batteries in India and promote more jobs for our youth.  The budget also proposed to add 35 additional capital goods in exempted list for EV battery manufacturing for electric vehicles.

    Commending the emphasis on nuclear energy, he stated that the vision to develop at least 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 underscores India’s ambitious yet essential transition towards clean energy.

    Welcoming the launch of the Nuclear Energy Mission, he highlighted that the ₹20,000 crore allocation for research and development in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) marks a significant step forward. He further emphasized that the target of operationalizing at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033 will strengthen India’s energy security and solidify its leadership in advanced nuclear technology.

    Union Minister for Power Shri Manohar Lal said that the focus on nuclear energy will strengthen the country’s power infrastructure and reduce dependence on conventional sources. This budget sets the stage for a resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy future, ensuring that India’s economic growth is powered by clean and reliable energy, he stated.

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  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia spends $714 per person on roads every year – but just 90 cents goes to walking, wheeling and cycling

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Mclaughlin, Adjunct Research Fellow, The University of Western Australia

    Nick Starichenko/Shutterstock

    What could you buy for 90 cents? Not much – perhaps a banana.

    Unfortunately, that’s how much the Australian government has invested per person annually on walking, wheeling and cycling over the past 20 years.

    How would Australians’ lives change if that figure rose?



    Read more:
    What makes a city great for running and how can we promote ‘runnability’ in urban design?

    The state of play here and overseas

    From 2008-2028, the federal government spent $384 million on the following active transport investments:

    All up, about $714 per person is spent annually on roads; 90 cents out of this $714 is just pocket change.

    Even if you don’t want to walk, wheel or ride, you should care because less driving helps everyone, including other drivers, who benefit from reduced traffic.

    As a result of this over-investment in car road-building, Australia has the smallest number of walking trips of 15 comparable countries across Western Europe and North America.

    Cycling rates are equally dismal.

    Globally, the United Nations recommends nations spend 20% of their transport budgets on walking and cycling infrastructure.

    Countries like France, Scotland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and the largest cities in China invest between 10% and 20%.

    These places were not always known for walking and cycling – it took sustained redirecting of investment from roads to walking and cycling.

    Meanwhile, many Australians are dependent on cars because they have no other choice in terms of transport options.

    Why spend more on walking and cycling?

    Road use is inherently dangerous – in Australia last year, more than 1,300 people died on our roads, which is more than 25 people a week.

    Owning a car can also be expensive, which is especially concerning for those struggling with the cost-of-living.

    The typical Australian household spends 17% of its income on transport – with car ownership making up 92.5% of that figure, compared to 7.5% on public transport.

    Many Australians feel forced to own a car to get around, so investing in paths and public transport provides people the freedom to get around how they choose.

    Congestion is getting worse in most major cities and we can’t build our way out of it with more or wider roads.

    About two-thirds of car journeys in our cities could be walked, wheeled or cycled in 15 minutes or less, but these short car trips clog up our roads with traffic.

    A major source of all emissions in Australia are from driving.

    If more people felt safe to walk, cycle or take public transport, it would reduce this major emissions source.

    There is a strong rationale and economic argument, too. The NSW government has estimated every kilometre walked benefits the national economy by $6.30, while every kilometre cycled benefits the economy by $4.10.

    This means that by simply walking 500 metres to the local shops and back, you’re saving the economy about $6, while riding five kilometres to work and back saves a whopping $41 for the economy.

    But where could we get this funding from?

    Redirecting funding from the current road budget makes the most sense, because getting more people walking, wheeling and cycling eases pressure on the transport system (think of school holiday traffic).

    This is a popular proposition. One study found two-thirds of Australians supported the redirection of funding from roads to walking and cycling infrastructure. Another found many Australians support building more walking and cycling paths where they live.

    This is not a partisan issue: all Australians in all communities would benefit, including drivers who would face less traffic and enjoy more parking availability.

    Unfortunately, false solutions to our unwalkable and un-cycleable communities continue to derail our focus on fixing the root cause of our problems. For example, telling people to ride to work, while not providing them a safe place to do so, doesn’t make sense.

    What could $15 per person get us?

    Investing $15 per Australian per year would create a better built environment to walk, wheel or ride and deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits.

    If this was matched with 50:50 funding from state and territory governments (which often happens with transport projects) over a ten-year period, this investment would deliver the four national projects already shortlisted on Infrastructure Australia’s infrastructure priority list for our largest capital cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane.

    It could also fund up to 15 regional cities to build comprehensive networks. Wagga Wagga for example, is about to finish building a 56 kilometre network of walking and cycling paths. As a result, those using the network are 3.7 times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than those who don’t.

    Such an investment could also fund supporting initiatives, such as electric bike subsidies which have proven extremely popular in both Queensland and Tasmania.

    What could $10 or $5 per person get us?

    The Australian government could invest less than $15 per person – at $5 or $10 per year, the key projects outlined in Infrastructure Australia’s infrastructure priority list could still be targeted, but those would just take proportionally longer because there is less money.

    Or, instead of investing in the four capital cities on the infrastructure priority list, it could invest in two.

    A different approach could be to spend $5 or $10 to fund infrastructure for regional towns, but this wouldn’t help the problems in our capital cities.

    When it comes to transport, the saying goes “we get what we build” – so if we build more roads, we get more people driving. If we build paths, we get more people walking and cycling short journeys and our roads are less congested.

    We need bold solutions, and $15 should be seen not as an extravagance.

    Acknowledgement: We would like to thank Sara Stace, President of Better Streets Australia, for her expertise in discussions regarding this article.

    Dr Matthew ‘Tepi’ Mclaughlin has received research funding from government research funding organisations. He is currently a Board Member of Better Streets.

    Peter McCue receives an Australian Postgraduate Research Award to study a PhD. He is a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Advocacy Committee of the Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity.

    Grant Ennis 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. Australia spends $714 per person on roads every year – but just 90 cents goes to walking, wheeling and cycling – https://theconversation.com/australia-spends-714-per-person-on-roads-every-year-but-just-90-cents-goes-to-walking-wheeling-and-cycling-247902

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating Tea Tree burglary

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police investigating Tea Tree burglary

    Monday, 3 February 2025 – 11:47 am.

    Police are calling for information in relation to a house burglary on Middle Tea Tree Road at Tea Tree about 4pm Saturday 1 February.
    A white Toyota Hilux utility vehicle with NSW registration plates was recovered by police on Grices Road shortly after the incident.
    Police are interested in any dash cam footage of the vehicle in the Tea Tree area between 3.50pm and 4.50pm Saturday.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Sudan malnutrition crisis: MSF renews call for immediate action to prevent death and starvation

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    3 February, 2025: International donors, the UN, Sudan’s warring parties and their allies must act now to prevent even more avoidable deaths from malnutrition in Sudan, as the already catastrophic situation is expected to worsen this year, according to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

    Half of Sudan’s population faces high levels of acute food insecurity (24.6 million people), among whom 8.5 million people face an emergency or famine-like situation according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. “Despite this new wake-up call, robust humanitarian and diplomatic mobilisation to act on aid deliveries has fallen far short of the needs. To provide only those in the most extreme situation with monthly food rations, 2,500 aid trucks per month would be required, whereas only about 1,150 crossed into Darfur between August and December”, says Stephane Doyon, MSF operations manager.

    MSF has released data showing horrific rates of malnutrition in multiple locations, both at the height of Sudan’s lean season last year and as recently as December 2024. The conflict-driven malnutrition crisis has been exacerbated by the continued obstruction of aid by both of Sudan’s warring parties and by the neglectful inertia of the UN and aid system in Darfur. With the seasonal hunger gap coming in May, decisive action must be taken now.

     “Parts of Sudan are difficult to work in. But it is certainly possible, and this is what humanitarian organisations and the UN are supposed to do,” says Marcella Kraay, MSF emergency coordinator, speaking from Nyala, South Darfur state.

    “In places that are easier to access, as well as in the hardest to reach areas like North Darfur, options like air routes remain unexplored. The failure to act is a choice, and it’s killing people,” Kraay continued.

    The malnutrition crisis has been acknowledged for some time, with the UN in October warning that “never in history have so many people faced starvation and famine as in Sudan today.”[1]

    Moving supplies will become an even more difficult task during the upcoming rainy and lean season, when flooded dirt roads become impossible to navigate. A wide-scale humanitarian response must be launched now, including by drastically increasing available funding and logistical capacities, securing food pipelines and prepositioning food stocks in Chad and neighbouring countries.

    MSF is calling for UN agencies, international organisations, donor countries, and governments with leverage to pursue all options, including air routes, to complement and even replace road access where necessary.

    Bureaucratic requirements from the warring parties have long been an obstacle to international organisations’ ability to reach and provide services to people. Rather than reacting to critical needs in a timely manner, permissions to respond are either delayed or denied altogether by the warring parties. This is impeding MSF ‘s work in South Darfur with aid trucks stuck in Chad waiting for permissions to move from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their offices. A food distribution in South Darfur was also recently postponed as MSF was refused the necessary travel permits.

    Warring parties must grant unhindered access for humanitarian organisations. Access must be defined by lifesaving aid reaching people who need it, not by announcements celebrating piecemeal measures that fall far short. MSF calls for the warring parties, their allies, and influential states to use their leverage to ease the obstacles that are causing deaths and suffering.

    MSF has provided data from different locations to demonstrate the depth of the malnutrition crisis. In North Darfur, where an RSF siege on its capital El Fasher is starving people and depriving them from lifesaving assistance, MSF teams screened over 9,500 children under five years old while conducting a therapeutic food distribution in Tawila locality in December 2024. They found a staggering global acute malnutrition estimate of 35.5 %, with 7% of the screened children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Last September, 34% of the 29,300 children screened by MSF during a vaccination campaign in Zamzam camp were found to be suffering from acute malnutrition. Since the beginning of December, repeated shelling has made it impossible for our team to carry out further assessments in the camp and has most likely exacerbated the levels of malnutrition.

    MSF teams also see concerning rates of malnutrition outside of Darfur, in areas where displaced people have sought shelter, or in areas closer to the conflict. In Omdurman, Khartoum state, a conflict zone under control of the SAF, MSF carried out a nutritional screening while assisting with a vaccination campaign for children in October 2024, finding 7.1% of children screened were severely acutely malnourished.

    MSF data also reveals that malnutrition is not only an issue for people close to frontlines, but also in more stable cities like Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. In October 2024, 23% of children under five screened at MSF-supported facilities in Nyala, South Darfur’s capital, and nearby locations were suffering from severe acute malnutrition. In two MSF-supported facilities, 26% of the pregnant and breastfeeding women seeking care were acutely malnourished. With WFP food distributions lacking, MSF launched a targeted food distribution in South Darfur in December 2024, providing two months’ food to about 30,000 people.

     

    Zahra Abdullah, 25 years old, received food for her and her son, they live together in the Al Salam displacement camp outside of Nyala city.

    “This is not the first war I have experienced, but it is definitely the most devastating to my life. The living conditions here are harsh, and everything is a daily struggle. The aid we receive has somewhat improved our situation. At least now, we finally have a meal in the morning,” says Zahra.

    “But even so, the suffering never ends. It starts with finding clean water to drink, continues with trying to provide enough food, and ends with finding a place to sleep. Sometimes I sit alone and think: is this the life I will live forever?” she says.

    For millions of people like Zahra, the time is now to act to prevent the situation from becoming ever more dire. MSF will continue to do what it can, but the scale is well beyond the organisation’s capacity to respond. We need to see a massive response now to prevent more death and starvation; timeliness is a matter of survival, not political expediency.

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    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –