Latest news with #MEPS
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pentagon Weighs Bigger Army as Service Sees Early Recruiting Success
The Army is on the cusp of hitting its annual recruiting target months ahead of schedule, a development that's prompting Pentagon planners to consider a rare move: increasing the active-duty force without Congress. As of Monday, the Army had brought in 59,875 new active-duty enlisted soldiers with a total goal of 61,000 for fiscal 2025, which ends Sept. 30, according to data reviewed by That tally includes about 14,000 recruits who signed up last year but delayed shipping to basic training due to school obligations or training capacity issues. Such recruits are counted in the year they begin service. With the Army expected to hit its target in the next week or two, the Pentagon is weighing whether to invoke a little-used and relatively obscure authority that allows the defense secretary to increase a service's end strength by up to 3% without congressional action, four defense officials told That would boost the Army's size from 450,000 soldiers to 463,500. The other option, a 4% increase, would require approval from Capitol Hill. The Army secretary also has authority to make some marginal increases. Read Next: Pentagon Diverts $1 Billion from Army Barracks to Fund Border Mission "We probably wouldn't want to turn off the recruiting spigot," one Pentagon official with direct knowledge of the situation told on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press. "We're winning and want to keep playing." Some Army recruiting officials noted that shutting down or scaling back recruiting would be dead on arrival, given the service's recruiting arm has finally gotten into a groove since the disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some plans of scaling back next year to compensate for this year's surge of new recruits are being mulled, particularly as the Army is downsizing units. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have linked recruiting momentum with their leadership, there's no evidence recruiting is affected by the personalities of any given administration. The recruiting rebound follows several years of shortfalls across the military services, with the Army missing its targets in both 2022 and 2023. The current momentum is the result of reforms launched during the previous administration, most notably the Future Soldier Preparatory Courses and streamlining the enlistment process at Military Entrance Processing Stations, or MEPS, where applicants were getting held up in bureaucratic gridlocks, mostly over routine medical waivers. One in four Army recruits last year came through the Future Soldier Preparatory Courses, a basic training before basic training that's become the backbone of the service's recruiting recovery. The Pentagon estimates only a quarter of young Americans are eligible for military service. The programs, split into academic and fitness tracks, are designed for applicants who flunk the SAT-style entrance exam or don't meet weight standards. Once they get up to snuff, they ship off to basic training like any other recruit. The prep courses graduated enough recruits to counter the entire recruiting shortfall. The service plans to expand the program even further next year. "The success we're seeing now is built on initiatives that began more than two years ago," one senior Army recruiting official said. "It's the result of hard work, not politics." Also, a consistent factor in military recruiting gains is a weakening economy. The U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, the worst performance in three years after Trump's chaotic trade war spurred uncertainty in global markets. Meanwhile, the Army's recruiting ranks are quickly getting more diverse. Service data shows a sharp drop in white enlistments, with just 37.5% of new soldiers identifying as white so far this year, down from more than 52% in 2021. Meanwhile, Hispanic and Black Americans are filling the gap: Hispanic recruits now make up nearly 27% of recruits so far this year, up from less than 20% four years ago, while Black recruits climbed to 28.3%, a nearly seven-point jump from 2021. Women make up nearly 20% of new enlistments so far this year, up from 16% at the start of the decade, a modest but meaningful increase. The increase in female recruits comes even as Hegseth has a history of questioning the role of women in the military, calling them "life-givers" in a book he wrote, adding that "we need moms, but not in the military." Hegseth and Trump have also fired women serving in top military roles, including Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy's first female chief, without explanation. While overall recruiting has been rocky, women have signed up at relatively steady rates, even as the number of men willing, or eligible, to serve has declined sharply. Since 2013, male enlistments have dropped by about 22%, from 58,000 to just 45,000 last year. Women applicants often enter the process with a built-in edge: They're far less likely to have criminal records and are increasingly outperforming their male peers in education, part of a broader problem with boys and young men falling behind in the larger economy and education. It's a key factor, given that academic disqualifications remain one of the top barriers to service. Related: 'Last Stop USA': How the Army Is Trying to Fill in for a Broken Education System
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Targeted power subsidies under BISP: Roadmap submitted to IMF, World Bank
ISLAMABAD: The government has reportedly submitted a roadmap to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to extend targeted power subsidies to beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), well-informed sources told Business Recorder. The move is part of a broader energy sector reform aimed at reducing inefficient consumption, curbing losses, and supporting Pakistan's climate mitigation goals. The current subsidy structure—characterized by blanket tariff differentials and cross-subsidies—has led to overconsumption and has often benefited wealthier consumers, undermining the sector's financial viability. The design has jointly been prepared by a Committee headed by PASS Division and issues and bottlenecks removed. Direct subsidy reform is also part of the RSF program of the IMF as a major reform measure. IMF assured: Power, gas subsidies will be aligned with BISP Accordingly, after a series of meetings between Power, BISP and the Finance Division and with the support of World Bank, a draft road map was prepared and shared with the IMF during recent meetings. As per the new timelines agreed with IMF identification and verification of eligible consumers to be completed by December 31, and June 2026, the government has to finalize the criteria and from FY 2027 budget there shall be no Tariff Differential Subsidy (TDS) but the allocation will be for direct subsidy to only eligible consumers and final timeline to shift on this roadmap is January 2027. The sources said Minister for Power has taken the first review of roadmap and has directed Power Planning and Management Company (PPMC) to evaluate impact on consumers which is expected by mid-May 2025 followed by the plan to be presented to the Prime Minister after which Cabinet approval shall be initiated, expected by mid-June 2025. The sources further stated that the government has assured the IMF that electricity and gas subsidies will be aligned with the BISP to ensure that only low-income households benefit from the relief, sources in the Finance Ministry revealed. A similar approach is under consideration for gas subsidies, with an assessment due by June 2026 to determine feasibility. Additionally, to boost energy efficiency, Pakistan will enforce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for appliances such as fans, LEDs, refrigerators, ACs, and motors by June 2027. New procurement regulations mandating MEPS compliance at federal and provincial levels will be introduced by December 2025. The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) will begin quarterly reporting on MEPS adoption starting December 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Targeted power subsidies under BISP: Roadmap submitted to IMF and World Bank
ISLAMABAD: The government has reportedly submitted a roadmap to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to extend targeted power subsidies to beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), well-informed sources told Business Recorder. The move is part of a broader energy sector reform aimed at reducing inefficient consumption, curbing losses, and supporting Pakistan's climate mitigation goals. The current subsidy structure—characterized by blanket tariff differentials and cross-subsidies—has led to overconsumption and has often benefited wealthier consumers, undermining the sector's financial viability. The design has jointly been prepared by a Committee headed by PASS Division and issues and bottlenecks removed. Direct subsidy reform is also part of the RSF program of the IMF as a major reform measure. IMF assured: Power, gas subsidies will be aligned with BISP Accordingly, after a series of meetings between Power, BISP and the Finance Division and with the support of World Bank, a draft road map was prepared and shared with the IMF during recent meetings. As per the new timelines agreed with IMF identification and verification of eligible consumers to be completed by December 31, and June 2026, the government has to finalize the criteria and from FY 2027 budget there shall be no Tariff Differential Subsidy (TDS) but the allocation will be for direct subsidy to only eligible consumers and final timeline to shift on this roadmap is January 2027. The sources said Minister for Power has taken the first review of roadmap and has directed Power Planning and Management Company (PPMC) to evaluate impact on consumers which is expected by mid-May 2025 followed by the plan to be presented to the Prime Minister after which Cabinet approval shall be initiated, expected by mid-June 2025. The sources further stated that the government has assured the IMF that electricity and gas subsidies will be aligned with the BISP to ensure that only low-income households benefit from the relief, sources in the Finance Ministry revealed. A similar approach is under consideration for gas subsidies, with an assessment due by June 2026 to determine feasibility. Additionally, to boost energy efficiency, Pakistan will enforce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for appliances such as fans, LEDs, refrigerators, ACs, and motors by June 2027. New procurement regulations mandating MEPS compliance at federal and provincial levels will be introduced by December 2025. The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) will begin quarterly reporting on MEPS adoption starting December 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Repayments via power bills: DC fans to replace AC ones thru govt initiative
ISLAMABAD: The government is poised to launch a nationwide initiative to replace alternating current (AC) fans with more energy-efficient direct current (DC) fans. This programme will be funded by commercial banks, with repayment to be made in small installments through electricity bills. Dr. Fakhray Alam Irfan, Secretary of Power, disclosed this information during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power, chaired by Muhammad Idrees. He explained that key fan manufacturers have been in regular discussions with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA). As a result, many large manufacturers have already shifted from producing AC fans to DC fans. In addition, Dr. Irfan highlighted a new program introduced by the Prime Minister, which will be rolled out within the current financial year. The program, which is almost finalized, allows consumers who opt to participate to receive loans from banks to replace their old, inefficient AC fans with energy-efficient DC fans. These loans will be repaid through adjustments in their electricity bills. The committee was informed that the replacement of AC fans with DC fans could save up to 5,000 MW of electricity, eliminating the need for additional generation capacity. Currently, AC fans consume 388 million units of electricity annually, costing $25 million. Air conditioners account for 135 million units with a financial impact of $7 million, while refrigerators consume 1,073 million units at a cost of $53 million. Beating the heat, cutting the cost: How inverter fans have taken over the market The committee was also briefed on steps being taken to ensure energy conservation across public sector organizations. The Power Minister has written to all public sector departments to comply with energy-saving building codes, and provincial governments have been urged to implement these codes as well. The committee plans to send its recommendations to the provincial governments for further action. The government's target is to save $6.4 billion annually starting from 2030 through the implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). During the meeting, MNA Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Absas revealed that some guest houses in Islamabad are involved in electricity theft, allegedly in collusion with officials from the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). He added that one IESCO official owns a guest house that is directly supplied with electricity. Absas further claimed that consumers who have installed solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are being sent inflated bills. Additionally, meters in several government buildings and water pumps are reported to be faulty or burnt, yet these consumers are still being overbilled, with the costs of stolen electricity added to their charges. The issue of recovery and losses at Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) also came under discussion. It was revealed that the figures provided by the Power Division and both distribution companies differed, leading to a disagreement between the Power Minister, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, and the CEO of HESCO. Imtiaz Gilani, Additional Secretary of the Power Division, noted that the performance of both HESCO and SEPCO had deteriorated compared to the previous year. In his briefing on the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) for 2025-35, the Power Minister stated that when the current government took office, there were plans for power projects totaling 90,014 megawatts. By eliminating expensive projects, the government has reduced the financial burden by Rs 1,953 billion. He further explained that by adjusting the timelines of these projects, the government has saved Rs 2,790 billion, ultimately saving consumers Rs 4,700 billion. The Minister emphasized that with this revised planning, the government will no longer need to purchase additional electricity, and the expected rise in electricity prices will no longer occur. 'Had we not made these adjustments, the additional costs would have inevitably been passed on to the consumers,' he added. During the meeting, MNA Ameen-ul-Haq from Karachi inquired about safety measures in place for electricity distribution in the city. Sadia Dada, Chief Distribution Officer at K-Electric (KE), responded that strict safety measures are enforced during both the summer and monsoon seasons. She explained that water accumulation caused by rainfall and illegal power connections (known as 'kundas') create further challenges. To mitigate these issues, KE temporarily shuts off grids during rainy seasons to protect lives, and power is restored once the water levels recede. Dada also noted that KE operates 2,100 feeders, with 70% of them free from load-shedding. Industrial areas are fully exempt from load-shedding. KE plans to invest around $2 billion in upgrading its system, with the investment plan awaiting approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). Secretary of the Power Division, Dr. Fakhray Alam Irfan, informed the committee that KE currently receives 900 MW of electricity from the national grid, and this supply will increase to 1,600 MW in the near future. He further stated that the provision of additional electricity from the national grid would reduce the financial burden of subsidies on the government. On the issue related to restoration of electricity supply in those areas of KP where losses are 80- 100 per cent also came under discussion. Power Minister stated that a policy be framed with the support of public representatives but in case of loss, no electricity will be supplied. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
S'porean ex-presidential candidate praises M'sia's interbank ATM system—locals say, 'we've had it for decades'
FORMER Singapore presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian was recently surprised with Malaysia's banking infrastructure, offering praise during a visit to Johor. While rushing to get cash at Senai Airport, Tan saw an ATM from an unfamiliar bank—but was still able to make a withdrawal from his Maybank account. ALSO READ: 'Not used to inefficiencies in other countries' - Singaporean tries to set up bank account in M'sia, says its giving her a 'headache' 'It was the first ATM that I saw at Senai airport. I was able to withdraw cash from this ATM from my Maybank account as it is linked to the MEPS clearing system. 'I had to pay RM 1 as a service charge. I do not mind paying this service charge as it saves me from looking for the ATM of my bank. 'This is more efficient than asking individual banks to set up their own ATMs. 'Many petrol stations and convenience stores in Malaysia also offer ATM service that allows their customers to withdraw money by paying a RM 1 service fee. 'Singapore does not have this arrangement. It leads to high operating costs in Singapore,' he wrote on Facebook. His post shed light on how Malaysia's cross-bank ATM system simplifies cash access nationwide—including at petrol stations and convenience stores—offering flexibility to both locals and travellers. The post sparked discussion among netizens, many of whom were surprised to realise the everyday convenience they often took for granted. One user, presumably a Singaporean named Wong Sunny, commented: ' Yes, such ATM facilities offer convenience and wide choices of Malaysian banks cards are accessible. I like it.' 'This system has been available in Malaysia for decades,' Aloha Snackbar wrote.
