Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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The Ministry is aware that a fabricated email dated 11 February 2025 is being circulated on Facebook supposedly from the Honourable Prime Minister and addressed to FAST Party Members.

The Prime Minister and her Office have no connection to the fabricated email and disavow the views and sentiments expressed in it. All official statements from the Office of the Prime Minister are circulated through the Government Press Secretariat. And no such statement was issued.

The Ministry advises that the Facebook post is misleading and misrepresents the Office of the Prime Minister and the Government of Samoa. Further, the views expressed in the fabricated email can be considered defamatory and harmful to the Members of Parliament from FAST Party.

We urge the public to be responsible and respectful with the views they share on the various social media platforms. We respectfully ask the public to refrain from sharing or posting misleading information for the safety of those who are/will be affected.

The Ministry also cautions the general public that it is an offence to dishonestly impersonate another person with the intent to cause disadvantage to the person affected and to publish false information about a person to cause harm to that person’s reputation.

It is also an offence to incite hostility by publishing anything with the intention of undermining the authority of the Government in circumstances where there is a present risk of lawlessness, violence or disorder.

February 26, 2025

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[GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT]- The Government of Samoa has requested official information from the Solomon Islands Attorney General’s Office on the circumstances surrounding the stop order preventing Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt from departing Honiara.

Through the Prime Minister’s Office, support is arranged to ensure legal representation for Leiataualesa is available while awaiting official details from Honiara.

Leiataualesa was returning home after the Miss Pacific Pageant where he served as one of the five judges.

He was stopped at the airport.

We will keep you posted as more details are available.

February 22, 2025

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[PRESS RELEASE]- The Government of the Independent State of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its joint commitment and partnership to strengthen relations and cooperation between both countries and to facilitate exchange of visits between citizens of both countries including promotion of people to people linkages and sub-national cooperation.

An Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was signed today (23rd January 2025) between the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Agafili Shem Leo and the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa His Excellency Mr Fei Mingxing during the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival. On conclusion of the signing, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa delivered a few remarks followed by an Address by His Excellency Ambassador Fei . Both the Hon Prime Minister and Ambassador acknowledged that the visa exemption arrangement would benefit both countries substantially through ease of international travel. It was further recognized that this important development would also align with this year’s 50th Anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1975.

The Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was one of the discussion issues at the bilateral meeting between the Honorable Prime Minister of Samoa and the President of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Xi Jinping during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China from 20-28 November last year.

Aside from the Mutual Visa Exemption, the culmination of the Bilateral Meetings between the Hon Prime Minister and the Chinese Leaders included the signing of the:

• Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement

• MOU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development

• MOU on Establishing a Working Group on Promoting Unimpeded Trade

• MOU on the Global Development Initiative

• MOU on Education Collaboration and Exchanges

• Handover Certificate for the Fingerprint Testing Laboratory

The collaborative efforts and cooperation between the Governments of Samoa and China illustrate a shared commitment and mutual trust to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Government of Samoa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China will continue to pursue greater collaboration that will deliver on joint interests and agreed commitments to address key national development priorities that are in line with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, and for the benefit of our two Peoples.

CAPTION- An Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption was signed today (23rd January 2025) between the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Agafili Shem Leo and the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa His Excellency Mr Fei Mingxing during the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Government of Samoa.

January 28, 2025

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Rev Siaosi Salesulu

Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo

Members of the Council of Deputies

Cabinet Ministers

Chief Justice and the Judiciary

Speaker of the House

Leader of the Opposition

Members of Parliament

High Commissioner of Australia, Your Excellency William Carter Robinson,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Ladies & Gentlemen

Talofa and a pleasant good evening,

I am delighted to join your company at the reception this evening to commemorate Australia Day. On behalf of the Government and the People of Samoa, I convey through you, Excellency Robinson, High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of Australia on the celebration of the anniversary of Australia Day.

Once again we are here to celebrate when Australia became its own

nation and to reflect on its journey throughout the years, We have seen the growth of its diverse population against a tapestry of history rich in various cultures and traditions; its international relations and global partner standing as well as its role as a development partner to its Pacific neighbourhood.

This year marks fifty-five years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Australia in 1971. It is a seasoned partnership, underpinned by respect for each other’s sovereignty, shared values and goals for development as well as our shared stewardship of our Blue Pacific continent as members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Our Bilateral Partnership Arrangement signed in 2003 “Ole Fala

Folasia i lo ta Va” (The Map that guides Us) is the blueprint for our

engagement throughout the vast scope of our cooperation. Our focused priority areas for cooperation include climate and disaster resilience, security cooperation, economic growth and partnerships, human and social development and our people-to-people links; in support of Samoa’s aspirations and priorities as outlined in the “Pathway for the Development of Samoa.”

The TAUTAI and TAUTUA flagship partnerships continue to deliver

economic and human development competencies tailored to our emerging needs. Agreed operational processes are aligned to country systems that emphasize sustainability, contextually tailored capabilities and nationally led ownership. Labour mobility schemes have been proven mutually beneficial to both countries; however, some disadvantages have emerged which have called for a review of such schemes thus ensuring a robust policy framework that is responsive to the constraints.

I would like to acknowledge the prominence we place on the Samoa Australia Police Partnership as reflected in the significant support in capacity building and security arrangements leading up to and during Samoa’s hosting of a successful CHOGM last year with the cooperation of all its development partners including Australia.

Our shared commitment in ensuring the development and prosperity of our Blue Pacific region strengthens our regional engagement despite the growing geopolitical tensions that can undermine the unity and solidarity of the region. The security context has grown to incorporate the existential threat of climate change, transnational crime, human security threat, food security, geopolitical tensions and more recently cybersecurity to mention a few. We thank Australia for its assistance through the crucial capacity building programmes in the region on cybersecurity so that we are not continuously marginalised in such areas.

Notwithstanding the different outlooks and discourses on politics and security, we would like to reiterate our stance of being part of a Blue Pacific continent that is free from military competition and presence and one that is characterised by peace as our contribution to world order

I thank the Government of Australia for the multifaceted support and assistance delivered through the Samoa Australia partnership including budget support that provides a boost in progressing our sustainable development. We also acknowledge the trust and understanding of the Government of Australia and our other development partners in the use of country systems reflected in the extension of budget support under the Joint Policy Action Matrix.

We look forward to further strengthening our partnership as we do with all our development partners and close engagement in initiatives that will further support regional unity, growth and stability.

To conclude, Ladies and Gentlemen, I respectfully invite you all to raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast:

“To the enduring and meaningful Samoa-Australia relations.

Happy Australia Day.”

Ia manuia!

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)

February 26, 2025

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(Friday, 7 February 2025 at 6.30 – 9.00pm,Taumeasina Island Resort)

Reverend Siaosi Salesulu

Lau Afioga, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo

Members of the Council of Deputies

Ministers of Cabinet,

Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Leader of the Opposition

Members of Parliament,

High Commissioner of New Zealand, Your Excellency, Si’alei Van Toor

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests gathered here tonight,

Talofa lava and Good evening to you all.

It is a pleasure for me to join you all at the reception this evening to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, “Te Tiriti o Waitangi” the “Treaty of Waitangi”. On behalf of the Government and People of Samoa I convey through you, Excellency Si’alei Van Toor our warm congratulations and felicitations to the Government and the People of Aotearoa New Zealand on the celebration of your national day.

This evening, we join in the celebration of the commemoration of Waitangi Day around New Zealand and other parts of the world in remembrance of the signing of the treaty. The occasion is an important marker in your country’s history and I understand that numerous events are held around the world and nationally to reflect the significance of the Treaty to national unity and the richness of New Zealand’s history and culture. I am told that the Kapa Haka Performers from Tauranga, the “Te Paringa Tai” are here and will perform for us this evening. Earlier on in the day, Te Paringa Tai had treated the Samoan public to another spectacular performance of songs and dances at the Matagialalua Friendship Park showcasing a bit of Aotearoa’s rich heritage and culture.

This occasion is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in our partnerships towards the achievement of common goals, for people, peace and prosperity. Have they remained relevant and mutually beneficial?

Samoa and New Zealand continue to enjoy a warm and close friendship underpinned by the foundation of our shared history and a unique “Treaty of Friendship”. There have been exchanges of high-level visits of Heads of State and Government, ministers and parliamentarians reflecting the prominence both countries accord to strengthening people-to-people links. The exchange of high-level visits signifies the maturity of our relations and the mutual respect we hold in high regard for each other. It is not unusual for us to ask ourselves how far the uniqueness of our Treaty of Friendship can go; particularly as we crave for facilitative short-term travel to visit families or explore business opportunities.

Last October, we hosted leaders of the Commonwealth including New Zealand’s Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. We take this opportunity to again express the sincere appreciation of the Government of Samoa and its people to the Government of New Zealand and its people and Samoa’s other key partners, for the generous support and assistance provided, ensuring that Samoa and the Pacific successfully hosted the first meeting of Commonwealth leaders in our Blue Pacific region. A mammoth undertaking it was, but made possible through the generosity and magnanimity of our development partners including New Zealand and the commitment and dedication of many people. What we did not have the resources for, was provided, the capacity gaps were filled even if temporarily and the readiness to support was assured. The high standard and quality of the services provided left a legacy of Samoa’s enhanced ranking and capability to deliver high-quality logistical support for future international meetings.

The close relations between our two countries is reaffirmed by the 2024 Statement of Partnership – O le Fogavaa e Tasi which identifies the priority areas of cooperation including partnerships, security, empowering communities, building climate resilience and inspiring growth which are in alignment with Samoa’s aspirations and priorities as outlined in the “Pathway for the Development of Samoa.” We also acknowledge with gratitude the confidence of the Government of New Zealand in the use of country systems reflected in the extension of budget support under the Joint Policy Action Matrix involving our other development partners as well.

Samoa appreciates the continued commitment of the Government of New Zealand to diligently carry out the Operation Resolution for the HMNZS Manawanui working in tandem with the Samoan authorities and other development partners for the removal of fuel and pollutants from the site. Like our Pacific neighbours, the coastal and marine environment are significant for the sustenance of our local communities and we will continue to work in partnership with the Government of New Zealand and our other development partners to ensure the success of this Operation.

Excellency,

We look forward to the continuation of the excellent bilateral relations and partnership between Samoa and New Zealand for the benefit of our two countries and our peoples.

To conclude, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I respectfully invite you all to join me in proposing a toast:

“To the unity and prosperity of the Government and the People of New Zealand. Happy Waitangi Day!”

SOIFUA

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

February 21, 2025

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Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 8:47PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has invited inputs from citizens for Mann Ki Baat programme that will take place on 30th March 2025.

Shri Modi also expressed his happiness on getting wide range of inputs for this month’s Mann Ki Baat.

In a X post, the Prime Minister said;

“Happy to be getting a wide range of inputs for this month’s #MannKiBaat, which will take place on the 30th. These inputs highlight the power of collective efforts for social good. I invite more people to share their ideas for the episode.

https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/inviting-ideas-mann-ki-baat-prime-minister-narendra-modi-30th-march-2025/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=357950”

 

 

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MJPS/ST

(Release ID: 2114614) Visitor Counter : 406

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Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:55PM by PIB Delhi

Today, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 206 (‘Poor’ category), as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In wake of the average/ overall air quality of Delhi recording ‘Poor’ air quality category ranging between 201-300, the Sub-Committee for invoking actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the current air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR. While comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario in the region as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi, it was observed as under:

• AQI of Delhi has shown increasing trend due to variable surface wind and unfavorable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 206 for 24.03.2025 (in ‘Poor’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM predicts AQI to remain in this range.

As per the unanimous decision of the Sub-Committee on GRAP, all 27 actions as envisaged under Stage-I of GRAP – ‘POOR’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI ranging between 201-300), to be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR, with immediate effect. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP including Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been addressed to ensure strict implementation of actions of Stage-I under GRAP during this period.

Further, the Sub-Committee also urges the citizens of NCR to cooperate in implementing GRAP and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage I of GRAP as under:

• Keep engines of your vehicles properly tuned.
• Maintain proper tyre pressure in vehicles.
• Keep PUC certificates of your vehicles up to date.
• Do not idle your vehicle, also turn off the engine at red lights.
• Prefer hybrid vehicles or EVs to control vehicular pollution.
• Do not litter / dispose wastes, garbage in open spaces.
• Report air polluting activities through 311 App, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App etc.
• Plant more trees.
• Celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner – avoid firecrackers.
• Do not drive/ ply end of life/ 10/15 years old Diesel/ Petrol vehicles.

A 27-point action plan as per Stage-I of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This 27-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by various agencies including Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and DPCC. These steps are:

1. Ensure proper implementation of Directions/ Rules/ guidelines on dust mitigation measures in Construction and Demolition (C&D) activities and sound environmental management of C&D waste.
2. Ensure strict compliance of Direction Nos. 11-18 dated 11.06.2021 and do not permit C&D activities in respect of such projects with plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm which are not registered on the ‘web portal’ of the respective state / GNCTD and / or which do not fulfil the other requirements as per the above noted statutory directions, for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures.
3. Ensure regular lifting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, and Hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites and ensure that no waste is dumped illegally in open land areas.
4. Carry out periodic mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads and ensure scientific disposal of the dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
5. Ensure that C&D materials & waste are properly stored/ contained, duly covered in the premises.  Ensure transportation of C&D materials and C&D waste only through covered vehicles.
6. Strictly enforce the Statutory directions and yardsticks for use of anti-smog guns at C&D sites, in proportion to the total built-up area of the project under construction.
7. Intensify use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures in road construction / widening / repair projects and maintenance activities.
8. Stringently enforce prohibition on open burning of bio-mass and municipal solid waste. Impose maximum EC upon violations in accordance with Hon’ble NGT’s orders dated 04.12.2014 and 28.04.2015 in OA 21/2014.
9. Strict vigil to ensure that there are no burning incidents in the landfill sites/ dumpsites.
10. Deploy traffic police for smooth traffic flow at all identified corridors with heavy traffic and congestion prone intersections.
11. Strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms for vehicles.
12. No tolerance for visible emissions – Stop visibly polluting vehicles by impounding and/ or levying maximum penalty.
13. Strictly enforce the Hon’ble Supreme Court order on diversion of non- destined truck traffic for Delhi, through Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
14. Strictly enforce NGT / Hon’ble SC’s order on overaged diesel / petrol vehicles and as per extant statutes.
15. Ensure strict penal/ legal action against non‑compliant and illegal industrial units.
16. Stringently enforce all pollution control regulations in Industries, brick kilns and hot mix plants etc. – strict compliance of the prescribed standards of emissions.
17. Ensure that only approved fuels are used by the industries in NCR including in brick kilns and hot mix plants and enforce closure in case of violations, if any.
18. Stringently enforce emission norms in thermal power plants and strict actions be taken against non-compliance.
19. Strictly enforce Hon’ble Courts / Tribunal orders regarding ban on firecrackers.
20. Ensure regular lifting and proper disposal of industrial waste from industrial and non-development areas.
21. DISCOMS to minimise power supply interruptions in NCR.
22. Ensure that diesel generator sets are not used as regular source of power supply.
23. Strictly enforce the extant ban on coal / firewood as fuel in Tandoors in Hotels, Restaurants and open eateries.
24. Ensure hotels, restaurants and open eateries use only electricity / gas-based / clean fuel – based appliances.
25. Information dissemination including through social media and bulk SMS etc. Mobile Apps to be used to inform people about the pollution levels, contact details of control room, enable them to report polluting activities / sources to the concerned authorities and inform them about actions that would be taken by Government.
26. Ensure quick actions for redressal of complaints on 311 APP, Green Delhi App, SAMEER App and other such social media platforms to curb polluting activities.
27. Encourage offices to start unified commute for employees to reduce traffic on road.

 

All the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities & Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

The Commission shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.

The comprehensive schedule of GRAP is available on the Commission’s official website and may be accessed on https://caqm.nic.in

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VM/GS

(Release ID: 2114566) Visitor Counter : 315

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PLI 1.1 Scheme Boosts India’s Specialty Steel Sector

Government Expands PLI Scheme to Strengthen Domestic Steel Manufacturing

PLI 1.1 Sees ₹17,000 Crore Investment Commitment in Second Round

42 MoUs Signed Under PLI Scheme 1.1, Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance in Steel

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi

New Delhi:The Ministry of Steel marked a key milestone today with the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 1.1 for specialty steel. Addressing the gathering, Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy emphasized that the scheme is a significant step toward achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision. 

“The PLI scheme is a major step towards realizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of self-reliance. India is the second-largest producer and consumer of steel, yet we still import certain high-grade varieties. This scheme aims to bridge that gap by promoting domestic production,” he said. 

Launched in July 2021, the PLI scheme for specialty steel covers five broad categories and 19 sub-categories. The initiative ensures that only companies registered in India and engaged in end-to-end steel production are eligible for incentives. The scheme has generated strong industry participation, prompting the government to introduce Round 2, allowing more companies to benefit. 

To encourage investment and boost output, the government is offering incentives ranging from 3-4% based on investment and production targets. In the first round, 44 applications were submitted by 23 companies, with incentives already disbursed for one project. The second round has seen even greater enthusiasm, with 25 companies submitting 42 applications, committing investments worth ₹17,000 crore. 

Lauding the efforts of officials in the Ministry of Steel and the MECON team for fast-tracking the implementation of PLI 1.1, Kumaraswamy said, “The dedication and efficiency shown by the ministry officials and the MECON team have been instrumental in accelerating this scheme. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative.” 

The minister also made a strong appeal to domestic steelmakers, urging them to focus on specialty steel production. “Domestically, we are not manufacturing specialty steel, but I personally request our steelmakers to invest in specialty steel plants. If you succeed in producing specialty steel domestically, it will boost capacity and production in the country. I urge all stakeholders to take up this challenge and contribute to our self-reliance,” he stated. 

Highlighting the scheme’s impact, Kumaraswamy reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the steel industry. “The Government of India remains firmly committed to supporting the steel sector. The PLI Scheme has created strong momentum and brings us closer to self-reliance,” he noted. 

The expansion of the scheme is expected to further enhance India’s global competitiveness in specialty steel production. The minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in driving this transformative initiative and congratulated all the companies that signed MoUs under PLI 1.1. 

As the PLI scheme continues to gain momentum, industry leaders see it as a catalyst for reducing dependency on imports and positioning India as a global hub for high-quality steel production.  Secretary for steel Shri Sandeep Poundrik,Shri Abhijit Narendra, Joint Secretary, Shri Ministry of Steel, Mr SK Verma, MD, MECON and other officials from the ministry of steel were present at event.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2114558) Visitor Counter : 612