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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on the future of Grenfell Tower

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Deputy Prime Minister has met bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and written to both them and residents in the immediate community, to share her decision that Grenfell Tower will be carefully taken down to the ground.

    The Deputy Prime Minister has met bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and written to both them and residents in the immediate community, to share her decision that Grenfell Tower will be carefully taken down to the ground. 

    This is a deeply personal matter for the people affected and the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to keeping their voice at the heart of this process. She recognises how difficult it is for them and her priority has been to let them know her decision first.    

    Listening to the community 

    The Deputy Prime Minister has prioritised engagement with the community since her appointment in July and has met bereaved families, survivors and residents in the immediate community. 

    In November last year, the Deputy Prime Minister explained to families that she would listen to their views and consider expert information before making a decision on the future of the Tower in February. From November she offered bereaved and survivors the opportunity to meet in-person in North Kensington and Whitehall, or online, at different times and individually when families felt more comfortable with this. She has also spent time with representative groups, residents’ associations, schools and faith leaders. She is grateful to everyone who shared their view – whether directly with her, with the Minister or officials – and especially to the bereaved and survivors.   

    The Tower was the home of the 72 innocent people who lost their lives, and of survivors whose lives were forever changed. It is clear from conversations it remains a sacred site. It is also clear that there is not a consensus about what should happen to it. 

    For some, Grenfell Tower is a symbol of all that they lost. The presence of the Tower helps to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten and can act as a reminder of the need for justice and accountability. Being able to see the Tower every day helps some people continue to feel close to those they lost. For others it is a painful reminder of what happened and is having a daily impact on some members of the community. Some have suggested that some floors of the Tower should be retained for the memorial, others have said that this would be too painful.  

    Expert advice 

    The Deputy Prime Minister has considered independent expert advice. Engineering advice says that the Tower is significantly damaged. It remains stable because of the measures put in place to protect it but even with installation of additional props, the condition of the building will continue to worsen over time. Engineers also advise it is not practicable to retain many of the floors of the building in place as part of a memorial that must last in perpetuity.

    Taking the engineering advice into account the Deputy Prime Minister concluded that it would not be fair to keep some floors of the building that are significant to some families, whilst not being able to do so for others and knowing that, for some, this would be deeply upsetting. 

    How the Tower will be taken down 

    The government is committed to taking the next steps respectfully and carefully. There will be continued support for, and engagement with, the community throughout the process. There will be no changes to the Tower before the eighth anniversary.   

    In the coming months, the government will confirm the specialist contractor that will develop a detailed plan for taking the Tower down. The work will be led by technical experts with specific health and safety responsibilities and will include a methodology that includes environmental, health and safety measures and a detailed programme of work. It will likely take around two years to sensitively take down the Tower through a process of careful and sensitive progressive deconstruction that happens behind the wrapping. 

    We continue to support the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission as the community choose a design team to work with them on designing a memorial. The Deputy Prime Minister will ensure that materials from the site, communal areas of the Tower, or parts of the Tower can be carefully removed and returned for inclusion as part of the memorial, if the community wishes. 

    Continued commitment for the community  

    The department has regularly consulted the Metropolitan Police, HM Coroner and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry to ensure decisions about the site do not interfere with their important work in pursuit of justice and accountability. The Police and HM Coroner have again recently confirmed they have everything they need.  

    The Deputy Prime Minister’s commitment to the community continues. She will ensure bereaved families, survivors and residents continue to have opportunities to speak with her and the Building Safety Minister on issues that matter to them most.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating apprentices in Portsmouth!

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    National Apprenticeship Week runs from Monday 10 February – Sunday 16 February, and is an opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make.

    The council has a long-established apprenticeship offer, working with local businesses to create a positive impact on local and regional communities and businesses.

    This includes the council’s partnership with Solent Business & Skills Solutions on the Transfer to Transform scheme, which they have been partnering on since 2021. The initiative allows large organisations, like the council, to make a direct impact on apprenticeship opportunities across the city and Solent area by transferring levy funds to local employers.

    As part of the week, the council’s Stronger Futures team will be highlighting the different pathways into children’s social care, including a social work degree apprenticeship and careers in fostering or residential care.

    Cllr Chris Attwell, Cabinet Member for Central Services said:

    “National Apprenticeship Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate apprentices and promote the benefits of apprenticeships to residents, parents, carers and employers.

    “Over the last couple of weeks, I have been fortunate to visit a wide and diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities across our community.  I have spent time visiting council apprentices in schools, finance, children’s social care and housing and have enjoyed seeing the positive impact they are having on their teams.

    “I also had opportunity to meet with partner companies and local employers who said that their businesses benefit from increased productivity, filling skills gaps within their industries and developing ongoing opportunities.

    “We are committed to developing and supporting apprenticeships throughout the city and would like to congratulate all the apprentices!”

    There are lots of different activities and events happening across the city, where students, parents, guardians and employers can explore apprenticeships.

    As well as events, we are sharing case studies from employers and their apprentices across the city on our website and social media.

    Anyone of any age can complete an apprenticeship, you can look for opportunities on the council’s careers portal  or through the Government’s website. There is also an online event to support parents and carers if their child is thinking about an Apprenticeship as their next step after school or college.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/07/2025, 11:54 (Moscow time) the values of the upper and lower boundaries of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A10A828 (RF ZO 27 E) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    07.02.2025

    11:54

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 07.02.2025, 11-54 (Moscow time), the values of the upper (up to 87.05), lower (up to 74.62) boundaries of the price corridor and the upper (up to RUB 9,377,131.87, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%), as well as the lower (up to RUB 6,930,923.55, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%) boundaries of the range for assessing market risks of security RU000A10A828 (RF ZO 27 E) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/07/2025, 12:26 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A101780 (RSEKSMB2R1) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    07.02.2025

    12:26

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 07.02.2025, 12-26 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 94.88) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1023.42 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%) of the security RU000A101780 (RSEKSMB2R1) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Karur Vysya Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 04, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹8.30 lakh (Rupees Eight Lakh Thirty Thousand only) on Karur Vysya Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loan System for Delivery of Bank Credit’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank failed to ensure that the outstanding ‘loan component’ was at least the specified percentage of the sanctioned fund based working capital limit for certain borrowers.

    The action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transactions or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2108

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Federal Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 04, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹27.30 lakh (Rupees Twenty Seven Lakh Thirty Thousand only) on Federal Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Interest Rate on Deposits’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on the supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had opened certain savings deposit accounts in the name of ineligible entities.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2107

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI approves the voluntary amalgamation of Pune Commercial Co-operative Bank Ltd., Satara, Maharashtra with Pimpri Chinchwad Sahakari Bank Maryadit, Pune, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of Pune Commercial Co-operative Bank Ltd., Satara (Maharashtra) with Pimpri Chinchwad Sahakari Bank Maryadit, Pune (Maharashtra). The Scheme has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers conferred under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Scheme will come into force with effect from February 10, 2025 (Monday). The branches of Pune Commercial Co-operative Bank Ltd., Satara (Maharashtra) will function as branches of Pimpri Chinchwad Sahakari Bank Maryadit, Pune (Maharashtra) with effect from February 10, 2025.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2110

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI approves the voluntary amalgamation of The Citizen Cooperative Bank Limited, Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa with TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of The Citizen Cooperative Bank Limited, Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa with TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd. The Scheme has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Scheme will come into force with effect from February 10, 2025 (Monday). The branches of The Citizen Cooperative Bank Limited, Vasco-Da-Gama, Goa will function as branches of TJSB Sahakari Bank Ltd. with effect from February 10, 2025.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2111

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Big money in major sporting events

    Source: Mayor of London

    London has a rich history of hosting major sporting events, including regular Premier League football matches, the final of the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2022, rugby, tennis and cricket.  More recently, Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Football League (NFL) games have also become regular fixtures in the capital’s sporting calendar.

    Analysis from 2021 by London & Partners found that the total economic value generated by the 305 major sporting events held in London between 2017 and 2020 was £1.03 billion.1

    This breaks down into £858 million spent by visitors and £169 million spent by organisers,2 with the data suggesting that 45 per cent of event organiser spending (including both cultural and sports events) was spent on suppliers based in London.3

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet to discuss the economic impact of major sporting events in London, looking at the role of the Mayor in bringing more sporting events to the city.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 2:00pm-3:30pm:

    • Nick Bitel, Chief Executive, London Marathon Group
    • Mark Camley, Executive Director of Park and Venues, London Legacy Development Corporation
    • Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs, UK Sport
    • Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader, London Borough of Brent

    Panel 2: 3:35pm-5:00pm:

    • Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth
    • Katie Morrison, Interim Assistant Director, External Relations, Greater London Authority (GLA)
    • James Fitzgerald, Host City Programmes Director, GLA
    • Rose Wangen-Jones, Managing Director, Marketing, Destination & Commercial, London & Partners

    The meeting will take place on Monday 10 February 2025 from 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Delimobil IPO on Moscow Exchange turns one year old

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    February 7, 2025 marks one year since the IPO of PJSC Carsharing Russia (DELHI) on the Moscow Exchange, the first IPO of 2024. The company operates in the carsharing market under the Delimobil brand.

    The issuer used the funds raised for business development and general corporate purposes.

    Delimobil’s market capitalization currently exceeds 35 billion rubles, with a free float of 9%. The shareholder base has doubled since the start of exchange trading and currently numbers about 95,000 private and institutional investors. Delimobil shares are included in the second-level quotation list of the Moscow Exchange and are included in the settlement bases Moscow Exchange Broad Market Index, Moscow Exchange IPO Index, Moscow Exchange Consumer Sector Index and others.

    Delimobil is the largest car sharing service in Russia by fleet size and number of trips. The company started operating in 2015. By the end of 2024, the demand for the service had increased by 20%, the number of cities of presence had grown to 13, the company’s fleet had reached 31.7 thousand cars, the number of registered users in the service had exceeded 11 million, and the company had also scaled its network of its own service stations to 15 facilities.

    Moscow Exchange is the largest Russian exchange, the only multifunctional platform in Russia for trading shares, bonds, derivatives, currencies, money market instruments and commodities. The Moscow Exchange Group includes a central depository, as well as a clearing center that performs the functions of a central counterparty in the markets, which allows Moscow Exchange to provide clients with a full cycle of trading and post-trading services.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/07/2025, 10:07 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A0JWHU2 security (RZhD BO-17) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    07.02.2025

    10:07

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 07.02.2025, 10-07 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 80.21) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 891.15 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 22.5%) of the RU000A0JWHU2 security (RZhD BO-17) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/07/2025, 10-18 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A105898 (IADOM 1P21) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    07.02.2025

    10:18

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 07.02.2025, 10-18 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 78.47) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 598.26 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the security RU000A105898 (IADOM 1P21) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/07/2025, 10-18 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A105NP4 (IADOM 1P30) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    07.02.2025

    10:18

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 07.02.2025, 10-18 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 84.0) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 621.77 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 22.5%) of the RU000A105NP4 security (IADOM 1P30) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N77463

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/07/2025, 11-19 (Moscow time) the values of the lower limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A1009L8 (RZhD 1P-15R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    07.02.2025

    11:19

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 07.02.2025, 11-19 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 86.15) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 811.61 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%) of the security RU000A1009L8 (RZhD 1P-15R) were changed.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: SPS Commerce Completes Acquisition of Carbon6 Technologies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSC), a leader in retail cloud services, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Carbon6 Technologies, Inc. (Carbon6), a provider of software tools to Amazon sellers, including specialized offerings for revenue recovery for both first-party (1P) and third-party (3P) suppliers.

    “We are very excited to welcome Carbon6 employees and customers to SPS Commerce,” said Chad Collins, CEO of SPS Commerce. “Together, we believe we will deliver unmatched solutions for first-party and third-party sellers and establish SPS as a leading provider in the emerging category of revenue recovery.”

    About SPS Commerce

    SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service, and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. Over 45,000 recurring revenue customers in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics are using SPS as their retail network. SPS has achieved 95 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, contact SPS at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com.

    SPS COMMERCE, SPS, SPS logo and INFINITE RETAIL POWER are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with other SPS marks. Such marks may also be registered or otherwise protected in other countries.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including information about management’s view of SPS Commerce’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including our views regarding financial performance expectations, future execution within our business, and the opportunity we see in the retail supply chain world within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of SPS Commerce to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. Certain of these risk factors and others are included in documents SPS Commerce files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, SPS Commerce’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on SPS Commerce’s future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. SPS Commerce cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, SPS Commerce expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Investor Relations
    The Blueshirt Group
    Irmina Blaszczyk
    Lisa Laukkanen
    SPSC@blueshirtgroup.com
    415-217-4962

    SPS-F

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Technologies to be used for Hospital Weapons Detection Screening in Manitoba

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) today announced its Xtract One Gateway (“Gateway”) has been selected to protect key hospital locations in Manitoba, including at the province’s Health Sciences Centre and Crisis Response Centre locations operated by Shared Health.

    The system will redefine the security experience by not only balancing powerful threat detection with seamless flow for individuals, but also enhancing safety standards and optimizing operational efficiency.

    “Healthcare environments today face two security challenges: providing top-tier security while ensuring that both patients and caregivers feel safe and comfortable,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “This is a trend we’re seeing across the healthcare sector, where providers are actively looking for solutions to these growing challenges, and we welcome the opportunity to play a role in securing health facility environments.”

    Xtract One’s portfolio of screening solutions are designed specifically for scanning individuals and their belongings, allowing seamless passage through checkpoints and reducing the need for separate bag searches, thereby improving screening times dramatically. Gateway unobtrusively scans individuals, their pockets, their bags and backpacks for potential mass casualty weapons while distinguishing harmless personal items like laptops, tablets, three-ring binders, notebooks, eyeglass cases, keys, and phones, streamlining access into and out of facilities without disrupting the flow of movement.

    To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

    About Xtract One
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that enable facility operators to prioritize and deliver improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while providing unprecedented safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, cwitty@darrowir.com, 646-438-9385
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, kristen@jmgpr.com, 212-206-1645

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £15 million food surplus fund now open for applications

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Food redistribution charities can submit applications for grants starting at £20,000

    Food redistribution charities can now submit applications for a new £15 million Government scheme, which is helping to ensure surplus food is delivered to those who need it.  

    Every year, an estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food is either wasted or repurposed as animal feed before leaving farm gates. This food should be going onto the nation’s plates, but charities often lack the resources to salvage it and provide it to the most vulnerable. 

    The new Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme will strengthen links between farms and charities to help solve the problem of food surplus on farms, with grants starting from £20,000 to help organisations fight hunger in communities.  

    From today (Friday 7 February), applicants can submit bids outlining how they intend to form relationships with farmers to access any surplus food, and how they would seek to increase their capacity to redistribute this food to communities.  

    The funding can go towards purchasing new packaging and labelling equipment and vehicles to move goods from farms to a redistribution organisation, as well as new equipment, like fridges or freezers, to safely store food and ensure it lasts longer.  

    The fund is open to food redistribution charities and any groups with an interest are encouraged to apply. 

    Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Nobody wants to see good food go to waste – especially farmers who work hard to put food on our nation’s tables. This fund will help charities work more closely with farmers to create new ways to get fresh produce to the people who need it most. 

    I encourage our brilliant, dedicated redistribution charities and non-profits to apply for this funding to ensure more British fruit and veg gets to those who need it most.

    In a joint statement, the CEOs of The Bread and Butter Thing, City Harvest, FareShare, The Felix Project and Co-Chairs of The Xcess Group said:

    As leaders of the surplus food redistribution sector and following years of campaigning, we are delighted to welcome the launch of this fund ahead of British growing season. 

    It presents an opportunity to make a profound impact by empowering local charities and community organisations. These groups are the backbone of British society, and we are proud to support them. 

    By working across the charitable redistribution sector, we can help ensure that this scheme is implemented efficiently through our joint capacity, delivers tangible value to taxpayers, and helps millions of meals reach as many people as possible at a time of considerable need. 

    Applications can be submitted online until 11:55am on 13 March 2025.  

    There is more to come as the Government moves to ensure the throwaway society is ended for good.  

    A new Circular Economy Taskforce, comprising members from industry, academia, and civil society across the UK, has been set up. They will lead on the development of a Circular Economy Strategy for England, which will outline how individual sectors can contribute to ambitions in this area.   

    This is alongside continued support for the Courtauld Commitment 2030, managed by environmental NGO WRAP, which looks to deliver a more sustainable supply chain and reduce food waste in the home – tackling food waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Return of 35 Malaysian Chevening scholars concludes year-long Chevening 40th anniversary celebrations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    35 Malaysians have returned home after completing their post-graduate studies in the UK under the Chevening Awards Programme.

    Acting Deputy British High Commissioner Tom Shepherd with the 35 returning Malaysian Chevening scholars

    This cohort saw 34 scholars completing their Master’s degree and one scholar completing an Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies fellowship programme. They are the 40th batch of Malaysian Chevening alumni since the establishment of the scholarship programme in 1983, and their return also marks the conclusion of the year-long 40th anniversary of the Chevening Awards

    Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd, hosted a reception today to welcome home the 2023/24 cohort of scholars. In congratulating the returning scholars, Sheperd said:

    The UK’s commitment to education and fostering global talent remains steadfast and the Chevening Programme is a great example of this. Strengthening the bond between the UK and Malaysia, these alumni have returned not only equipped with invaluable knowledge and skills but empowered to make a real difference in Malaysia, contributing to its continued growth and prosperity.

    The Chevening Award is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded and administered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This is complemented by generous sponsorships by Malaysian corporate partners including Yayasan Khazanah, CIMB Foundation and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. British universities are also providing additional funding in support of the Chevening programme. 

    Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, KGB, AO, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation said:

    The Chevening Scholarships Scheme has recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary and has, over the years, nurtured key talent in many countries in the world. The Scholarships have become a byword for excellence, prestige, loyalty and satisfaction. It has been JCF’s pleasure to support a Chevening Scholarship since 2018, and we look forward to doing so for many years in the future. This is a flagship programme in our links with the United Kingdom, which have seen us partner with Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster, and the Royal College of Physicians.

    Norhidayah Aslah, Head of Scholarship, Yayasan Hasanah, said:

    Yayasan Khazanah is proud to support and celebrate the return of our Chevening scholars, who have gained invaluable global perspectives and expertise. Their experiences and insights will contribute significantly to Malaysia’s growth and development. We look forward to seeing them apply their knowledge, drive positive change, and make a lasting impact in their respective fields.

    Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation said:

    CIMB Foundation is deeply committed to uplifting communities and driving positive societal impact through education, a core impact area that aligns with Chevening Scholarship. By investing in learning and development, we empower outstanding individuals with the expertise and leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change.

    The returning batch of Malaysian Chevening scholars from the 2023/24 academic year have graduated from disciplines such as Medical Ultrasound, Film Aesthetics, and Conservation and International Wildlife Trade. They attended prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford, King’s College London and London School of Economics.

    Scholar Mandeep Singh who got a Masters in Anthropology and Development from London School of Economics and Political Science said:

    I am glad I made my voice count during my year in the LSE. While I got to contribute to various intellectual debates concerning the Global South, I did not lose sight of the everyday challenges which left economic growth precarious for the many. Through my postgraduate studies, I have urged anthropologists to play an active role in making development policies fair and just. I hope to work with public and social sectors to make this a case in Malaysia.

    Scholar Nur Ezzah, who attended SOAS, University of London and obtained a Master’s in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice, said:

    My Masters provided me with an in-depth understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues and equipped me with the tools to critically analyse policies and legislation through a human rights lens. My current role allows me to advocate for marginalised communities, ensuring that human rights principles are integrated into policies and legislation, fostering social justice and equality. My most memorable experience during my Chevening year was attending the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts in Hay-On-Wye, where I met some of my favourite authors and camped under the stars in that charming book town.

    Malaysia is the second largest recipient of Chevening awards in ASEAN and the 35 returning scholars are now part of the 2,000-strong Chevening Alumni in Malaysia.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s railway passenger trips exceed 300M during ongoing Spring Festival travel rush

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s railways have handled over 300 million passenger trips during the ongoing 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) said on Friday.
    As of Thursday, the country’s railway passenger trips during this period had reached 310 million, according to China Railway.
    Railway passenger trips on Thursday alone totaled 15.14 million, data revealed.
    Railway departments across the country have allocated transportation capacity scientifically, strengthened travel services, and ensured that passengers have safe, orderly and comfortable journeys.
    Chinese authorities expect an unprecedented 9 billion inter-regional trips during this year’s Spring Festival travel rush.
    This travel surge, the world’s largest annual human migration, kicked off on Jan. 14 and will continue through Feb. 22 this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi meets ROK National Assembly speaker

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with National Assembly Speaker of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Woo Won-shik in Harbin, capital city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province.

    Woo is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Harbin to host Asian Winter Games for second time after 29 years

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HARBIN, Feb. 7 — With the opening ceremony of the ninth Asian Winter Games to be staged on Friday night, Harbin is embracing the event for a second time after having hosted the third edition of the Games 29 years ago.

    The opening ceremony will be held at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center, as well as a branch venue at the Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park.

    In February 1996, the third Asian Winter Games took place in Harbin with a participation of over 450 athletes. Hosts China topped the medal tally with 15 gold, seven silver, and 15 bronze medals.

    The upcoming Asian Winter Games has been long-awaited since Harbin won the bid for the Games in July 2023. Over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia will compete, making this edition the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.

    “Harbin did a great job after taking the Games two years ago. The organizers prepared the facilities here and all the Games’ requirements in a very short time and in a very professional way,” said Husain Al Musallam, director general of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

    54-year-old Wang Lehui, who worked as an ice maintenance staff member at both the 3rd and 9th Asian Winter Games, was impressed with the city’s development in the intervening years. “In the past 29 years, infrastructure and facilities have improved significantly, and the development of winter sports has reached new heights. Harbin has become a renowned modern city with a growing global reputation,” he said.

    At Harbin 2025, teams including Cambodia and Saudi Arabia will make history by making their Asian Winter Games debuts. In 2029, Saudi Arabia’s Trojena will host the next edition of the Games, marking the first Asian Winter Games to be held in west Asia.

    Yu Zaiqing, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, noted, “I am delighted to see more athletes competing in the Asian Winter Games. Southeast Asian and west Asian countries and regions tried their best to cultivate winter sports athletes despite unfavorable climate factors, showing their passion for winter sports.”

    The 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games represents the latest international comprehensive winter sports event held in China since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and also serves as a valuable training opportunity for athletes ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

    Since Beijing 2022, China has continued to expand on the achievement of engaging 300 million people in winter sports, and boosting the country’s ice-snow economy.

    “Beijing 2022 leaves lasting legacies for the development of winter sports, and the Asian Winter Games will also shine on the international stage in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, a cradle of China’s winter sports champions with a profound history,” said Zou Xinxian, a professor at Beijing Sport University.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full text: Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at welcoming banquet of opening ceremony of 9th Asian Winter Games

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Full text: Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at welcoming banquet of opening ceremony of 9th Asian Winter Games

    HARBIN, Feb. 7 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Friday hosted a banquet in China’s northeastern city of Harbin to welcome international dignitaries who are here to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games.

    The following is the full text of Xi’s remarks at the banquet:

    Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

    President of the People’s Republic of China

    At the Welcoming Banquet of the Opening Ceremony

    Of the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin

    Harbin, February 7, 2025

    Distinguished Colleagues,

    Your Excellency IOC President Thomas Bach,

    Your Excellency OCA Vice President Timothy Tsun Ting Fok,

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Friends,

    As the Chinese people celebrate the Spring Festival, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and also in the name of my wife and myself, a warm welcome and festive greetings to all the distinguished guests!

    The cauldron of the Ninth Asian Winter Games will be lit tonight. From the Olympic Winter Games Beijing to the Asian Winter Games Harbin, the passion in China for ice and snow has swept across the nation. It has also invigorated winter sports around the world. The current Asian Winter Games sets a new record in its history in the numbers of participating countries, regions and athletes. I believe that with the joint efforts of the Olympic Council of Asia and delegations from all participating countries and regions, Harbin will present to the world a great sports event that is distinctly Chinese, uniquely Asian and spectacular, thus writing a new, magnificent chapter of ice and snow sports.

    The theme of the Ninth Asian Winter Games — “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia” — embodies the shared aspiration and desire of the Asian people for peace, development and friendship.

    We should uphold our shared dream for tranquility and harmony. Peace is as pure as ice and snow. No matter how the international landscape evolves, we should join hands together to meet all kinds of security challenges and contribute Asian strength to building an equal and orderly multipolar world.

    We should pursue our shared aspiration for prosperity and development. Winter sports are fascinating because they require passion and collaboration. We should work together to promote progress and development, and provide sustained drive for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

    We should fulfill our shared desire for friendship and affinity. Every snowflake is unique, and every civilization is distinctive. Asia is a convergence of the world’s diverse civilizations. We should promote inclusiveness, coexistence and mutual learning, and contribute more to the development and progress of human civilization.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Friends,

    Harbin, the renowned “Ice City,” is the birthplace of China’s modern winter sports. We feel truly in here that ice and snow are as valuable as gold and silver. The ice and snow culture and economy are becoming a new driving force for the high-quality development of Harbin and a new bond linking the city and the world. We welcome you to explore this hospitable, open and inclusive land of black soil, and to trace the path of Chinese modernization.

    China has just entered the Year of the Snake. Among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents wisdom and agility. The Year of the Snake will surely brim with vigor and vitality. I wish all athletes excellent performance with the agility of the snake. May you all have beautiful and unforgettable memories of ice and snow in Harbin.

    Now, I would like to propose a toast:

    To the great success of the Ninth Asian Winter Games;

    To the dynamic development of the Olympic Movement;

    To the solidarity and friendship of the Asian people; and

    To the health of all the distinguished guests and your families.

    Cheers!

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Commemorative stamp issued by China Post for Asian Winter Games

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Commemorative stamp issued by China Post for Asian Winter Games

    Updated: February 7, 2025 19:55 Xinhua
    The image showcases the commemorative stamp issued by China Post on Feb. 7, 2025 for the 9th Asian Winter Games. The stamp set consists of a single stamp with a face value of 1.2 yuan (about 0.16 U.S. dollars). [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “M” Mark status awarded to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025 and Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “M” Mark status awarded to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025 and Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show
    “M” Mark status awarded to Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025 and Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:      The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025 (February 9) and the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show (February 14 to 16).           The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (February 7), “The Hong Kong Marathon is the largest annual long-distance running event in Hong Kong. It has been well-received by the public over the years, attracting up to 74 000 participants this year, including internationally renowned elite runners. As for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, it is a 5-star international jumping competition sanctioned by the Federation Equestrian Internationale. It will be held in Hong Kong for the first time and will feature a world-class horse show, entertainment and a performance. The above two major sports events will stimulate the local economy and enhance Hong Kong’s international image, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an events capital.”           The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local “national sports associations” and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events.           For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 12:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline system set up; gives sector-wise analysis of grievances

    Source: Government of India

    AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline system set up; gives sector-wise analysis of grievances

    National Consumer Helpline available as toll-free number “1915” or through web portal

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 11:36AM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move towards enhancing consumer grievance redressal mechanisms, the Department of Consumer Affairs, under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, has adopted an AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline (NCH) system that offers sector-wise analysis of grievances.

    This new technology-driven approach is aimed at improving the speed and efficiency of resolving consumer issues, particularly in the education sector.

    As a result of these technological advancements, the number of calls received by NCH has grown more than tenfold, from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024. This exponential growth reflects the rising confidence of consumers in the helpline. Similarly, the average number of complaints registered per month has surged from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,12,468 in 2024. The monthly average number of grievances registered digitally has increased from 54,893 in the FY 2023-24 to 68,831 in FY 2024-25 (as of December 2024).

    The Department therefore, urges all consumers to utilize the National Consumer Helpline accessible via a toll-free number 1915 or web portal https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/signup.php for any grievances related to products or services, ensuring that their voices are heard and that their issues are resolved promptly and effectively.

    The NCH has seen a remarkable reduction in the grievance disposal time. In 2024, the disposal rate of consumer grievances decreased to 48 days, down from 66.26 days in 2023. This reflects a substantial improvement in the resolution time; ensuring consumer’s concerns are addressed promptly.

    A key component of this strategy involves proactively identifying and transitioning companies with the highest number of grievances to ‘convergence partners.’ Once onboarding as a ‘convergence partner’ with NCH, these companies, which have the highest number of unresolved consumer complaints, are required to prioritize swift and effective grievance redressal in collaboration with the NCH. Under its initiative aimed at enhancing consumer welfare and promoting fair trade practices, NCH has successfully surpassed the significant milestone of 1,038 convergence companies to date, up from 263 in 2017.

    This initiative has already yielded promising results, especially in sectors such as education, where faster resolution of consumer complaints has become a priority. With NCH’s AI-driven, sector-specific analysis, these convergence partners can now act more effectively and efficiently in resolving consumer issues, thereby enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction. It is a Win-Win situation for both consumers & companies.

    As a result of this ongoing initiative, many large companies identified with the highest number of consumer grievances have now become official convergence partners of the National Consumer Helpline. Their inclusion is expected to lead to quicker resolutions and a higher disposal rate of consumer grievances, ultimately benefiting millions of consumers across the country.

    The NCH, a vital initiative of Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has proven to be a cornerstone in the effective and timely redressal of consumer grievances. Operating at the pre-litigation stage, the helpline has made significant strides in resolving consumer complaints across a wide range of sectors, including Broadband & Internet, E-commerce, Consumer Durables, Digital Payment Modes, Petroleum, Banking, healthcare, consumer durables, real estate, and automobiles, etc. without requiring consumers to resort to formal legal proceedings.

    Below are key highlights that demonstrate the significant impact of the NCH in promoting consumer rights and enhancing the grievance redressal mechanism:

    Some of the key success stories includes:

    Broadband & Internet: A consumer from West Bengal encountered difficulties in obtaining a refund from an Internet service provider for services that were not availed. After reaching out to the National Consumer Helpline, the issue was resolved promptly. The provider issued a full refund and rectified the consumer’s account. Additionally, other satisfied consumers shared their positive feedback with the department, commending the efficient and effective resolution of their issues.

    E-Commerce Sector: A consumer from Karnataka raised an issue regarding the refund and return of a defective product received from an online retailer. Following the intervention of the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), the product was replaced, and a refund was promptly facilitated, enhancing the consumer’s trust in e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, the consumer shared their positive feedback, reflecting their increased trust in NCH 2.0. The review emphasized the effectiveness and reliability of the helpline in resolving issues swiftly and efficiently, further bolstering consumer confidence in the platform’s services.

    Consumer Durables: A citizen from Rajasthan reported a major malfunction in a product he had purchased. Despite his continuous requests, the company had failed to address the issue. With the assistance of the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), the product was promptly replaced, and the company issued a formal apology. Furthermore, consumers from different states shared their valuable feedback about the NCH team, praising their professionalism and efficiency in resolving grievances.

    Digital Payment Mode: A complaint was raised by a consumer from Delhi who was unable to use his online transaction service, and an amount of Rs. 45,000/- was frozen in his account. After engaging the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), the issue was resolved swiftly, with the bank unfreezing the amount and restoring the consumer’s access to their account. Furthermore, other satisfied consumers shared their positive reviews with the department, praising the efficient and timely intervention by NCH in resolving their grievances.

     

    Petroleum: A buyer in Telangana encountered extra charges that exceeded the MRP when receiving a cylinder he had booked. With the intervention of the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), the issue was swiftly resolved, and the consumer was compensated, safeguarding his rights.  Additionally, consumers from various corners of the nation shared their views regarding the operation of NCH 2.0.

    ****

    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2100545) Visitor Counter : 15

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice gazetted
    Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice gazetted
    ****************************************************************************

         The Government published in the Gazette today (February 7) the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice (Commencement Notice). The new “no case to answer” appeal mechanism under the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Amendment Ordinance) will come into operation on April 14, 2025.      The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) on July 12, 2023. Sections 4, 7 and 9 of, and Part 2 of the Schedule to, the Amendment Ordinance provide for a “no case to answer” appeal mechanism, which allows the prosecution to appeal against rulings of no case to answer made by the Court of First Instance of the High Court in criminal trials with a jury. The new appeal mechanism has since awaited enactment of the Criminal Procedure (Appeal against Ruling of No Case to Answer) Rules (Rules) before it commences.       The Rules, which set out the relevant procedural matters for the new appeal mechanism to facilitate its smooth operation in practice, were made by the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee under section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap. 221) on November 14, 2024. The Rules were approved by the LegCo on January 8, 2025.       With a view to bringing the new appeal mechanism into operation as soon as practicable, the Secretary for Justice, under section 1(3) of the Amendment Ordinance, has appointed April 14, 2025, as the day on which the relevant provisions come into operation. The Rules will come into operation on the same day.      A spokesman for the Department of Justice said, “The new ‘no case to answer’ appeal mechanism addresses the lacuna in the criminal appeal system due to the prosecution’s inability to appeal against erroneous rulings of no case to answer made by judges of the Court of First Instance in jury trials and prevents possible miscarriage of justice.”      The Commencement Notice will be tabled at the LegCo on February 12 for negative vetting.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 11:35

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4445–4446: Cloudy Days are Here

    Source: NASA

    Earth planning date: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025
    Overnight before planning today, Mars reached a solar longitude of 40 degrees. The solar longitude is how we like to measure where we are in a Mars year. Each year starts at 0 degrees and advances to 360 degrees at the end of the year. For those of us on the Environmental Science (ENV) team, 40 degrees is a special time as it marks the beginning of our annual Aphelion Cloud Belt (ACB) observation campaign. During this time of year, the northern polar ice cap is emerging into the sunlight, causing it to sublimate away and release water vapor into the atmosphere. At the same time, the atmosphere is generally colder, since Mars is near aphelion (its furthest distance from the Sun). 
    Together, these two factors mean that Mars’ atmosphere is a big fan of forming clouds during this part of the year. Gale is right near the southern edge of the ACB, so we’re starting to take more cloud movies to study how the ACB changes during the cloudy season. (Jezero Crater, home to Perseverance, is much closer to the heart of the ACB, so keep an eye on their Raw Images page over the next several months as well.
    The drive from Monday’s plan ended early, after just about 4 meters instead of the 38 meters that had been planned (about 13 feet vs. 125 feet). We initially thought this might have been because our left-front wheel ran into the side of a large rock (see the image above), but after we got our hands on the drive data, it turned out that the steering motor on the right front wheel indicated that a rock was in the way on that side too, so Curiosity stopped the drive to await further instruction from Earth. This is a well-understood issue, so we should be back on the road headed west today.
    The cold weather is still creating power challenges, so we had to carefully prioritize our activities today. Despite the drive fault, we received the good news that it was safe to unstow the arm, so we were able to pack in a full set of MAHLI, APXS, and DRT activities. Before that, though, we start as usual with some remote sensing activities, including ChemCam LIBS and Mastcam observations of “Beacon Hill” (some layered bedrock near the rover) and a ChemCam RMI mosaic of the upper portion of Texoli butte.
    After taking a 3½-hour nap to recharge our batteries, we get into the arm activities. These start off with some MAHLI images of the MAHLI and APXS calibration targets, then continue with MAHLI and APXS observations of “Zuma Canyon.” This is followed by DRT, APXS, and MAHLI activities of some bedrock in our workspace, “Bear Canyon.” Although we then take another short nap, we don’t yet stow the arm as we have a pair of lengthy post-sunset APXS integrations. The arm is finally stowed about an hour and a half before midnight.
    The second sol of this plan begins with some more remote sensing activities, starting with ChemCam LIBS on “Mission Point”. This is followed by a series of Mastcam images of “Crystal Lake” (polygonal fractures in the bedrock), “Stockton Flat” (fine lamination in the bedrock), “Mount Waterman,” and Mission Point. We then finish with some ENV activities, including a Mastcam tau and Navcam line-of-sight to measure dust in the atmosphere and a Navcam cloud movie. This plan ends with a (hopefully!) lengthy drive west and many hours asleep to recharge our batteries as much as possible before planning starts again on Friday. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that REMS, RAD, and DAN continue to diligently monitor the environment throughout this plan.
    Written by Conor Hayes, Graduate Student at York University

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs Team Up with County of Los Angeles, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration to Support Communities & Businesses Impacted by Wildfires

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs Team Up with County of Los Angeles, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration to Support Communities & Businesses Impacted by Wildfires

    Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs Team Up with County of Los Angeles, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration to Support Communities & Businesses Impacted by Wildfires

    Los Angeles, CA – Food 4 Less/Foods Co. and Ralphs Grocery Company are continuing their support for local communities impacted by wildfires through a new partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and County of Los Angeles. The partnership was developed to provide critical recovery resources for businesses, employees, and residents impacted by the recent wildfires. Resource stations will be set up at Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores in Malibu, Venice, and Pasadena—including the Food 4 Less location closest to the heavily impacted Altadena area, where an estimated 9,400 residential and business structures have been affected.As part of this effort, FEMA and SBA representatives will be stationed at the following store locations to offer direct support between 9AM to 5PM PST until Saturday, February 8, 2025:Food 4 Less: 1329 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104Ralphs: 910 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291Ralphs: 23841 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90265At these locations, FEMA will provide essential information and resources for individuals and families impacted by the fires, while the SBA will assist affected businesses, homeowners and renters with financial guidance and recovery support.​​“We know how overwhelming recovery can be after a disaster, and we want people to know they’re not alone,” said Curtis Brown, Federal Coordinating Officer. “By working with Ralphs and Food 4 Less, we’re bringing support directly to the communities that need it most—making it easier for families and businesses to get the help they need to rebuild and move forward.”This initiative is part of Ralphs and Food 4 Less/Foods Co.’s’ broader commitment to disaster recovery efforts, offering impacted associates and community members a direct link to federal assistance. Our primary role is to serve as a key access point for those seeking support.In addition, Bracken’s Kitchen will be on-site at the Pasadena Food 4 Less throughout the week, continuing their mission to provide free, hot meals to those affected by the fires, offering much-needed nourishment and support to the community*.“As a community-driven organization, we are dedicated to helping our associates, customers, and local businesses recover in the wake of these devastating wildfires,” said Salvador Ramirez, corporate affairs manager at Food 4 Less/ Foods Co. and Ralphs Grocery Company. “By teaming up with FEMA and the SBA, we’re ensuring our stores serve as accessible resource hubs for those in need during this challenging time.”In response to the fires, Food 4 Less/Foods Co., Ralphs Grocery Company, and The Kroger Family of Companies (NYSE:KR) have been working to provide essential support, delivering food, water, and supplies to evacuees, firefighters, and first responders. The Kroger Family of Companies is also raising $1 million for disaster relief and recovery, including $500,000 in company matching funds for customer donations to the American Red Cross and Feeding America’s local food banks.*While supplies last.# # #About Food 4 Less/Foods Co.:We are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. Food 4 Less/Foods Co is more than 9,000 associates serving customers in 121 price-impact, warehouse-format supermarkets under the banners Food 4 Less in Southern California, Illinois and Indiana, and Foods Co in Central and Northern California. From the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles County, Food 4 Less is a recognized leader in community service and giving. The company supports Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative aimed at ending hunger in our communities and eliminating waste within our company by the year 2025. Food 4 Less is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the world’s largest retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information about Food 4 Less/Foods Co, please visit our websites at www.food4less.com and www.foodsco.com.About Ralphs Grocery Company:Ralphs Grocery Company is dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are more than 18,000 associates serving customers in 184 supermarkets across Southern California. From the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles County, Ralphs is a recognized leader in community service and giving. The company supports Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative aimed at ending hunger in our communities and eliminating waste within our company by the year 2025. Ralphs is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the world’s largest retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more about Ralphs, please visit our website at www.ralphs.com.
    brandi.richard…
    Fri, 02/07/2025 – 00:00

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Releases 2024 Annual Report

    Source: NASA

    The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP), an advisory committee that reports to NASA and Congress, issued its 2024 annual report Thursday examining the agency’s safety performance, accomplishments, and challenges during the past year.
    The report highlights 2024 activities and observations on NASA’s work, including:

    strategic vision and agency governance
    Moon to Mars management
    future of U.S. presence in low Earth orbit
    health and medical risks in human space exploration

    “Over the past year, NASA has continued to make meaningful progress toward meeting the intent of the broad-ranging recommendations the panel has made over the last several years,” said retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Susan J. Helms, chair of ASAP. “We believe that the agency’s careful attention to vision, strategy, governance, and program management is vital to the safe execution of NASA’s complex and critical national mission.”
    This year’s report reflects the panel’s continued focus on NASA’s strategies for risk management and safety culture in an environment of growing space commercialization. Specifically, the panel cites its 2021 recommendations for NASA on preparing for future challenges in a changing landscape, including the need to evaluate NASA’s approach to safety and technical risk and to evolve its role, responsibilities, and relationships with private sector and international partners.
    Overall, the panel finds NASA is continuing to make progress with respect to the agency’s strategic vision, approach to governance, and integrated program management. The NASA 2040 new agencywide initiative is working to operationalize the agency’s vision and strategic objectives across headquarters and centers. With the establishment of NASA’s Moon to Mars Program Office in 2023, it finds NASA has implemented safety and risk management as a key focus for NASA’s Artemis campaign.
    The 2024 report provides details on the concrete actions the agency should take to fulfill its previous recommendations and spotlights its recommendations for the agency moving ahead. It addresses safety assessments for Moon to Mars and current International Space Station operations, as well as risk-related issues surrounding NASA’s planned transition to commercial low Earth orbit destinations.
    It covers relevant areas of human health and medicine in space and the impact of budget constraints and uncertainty on safety.
    The annual report is based on the panel’s 2024 fact-finding and quarterly public meetings; direct observations of NASA operations and decision-making; discussions with NASA management, employees, and contractors; and the panel members’ experiences.
    Congress established the panel in 1968 to provide advice and make recommendations to the NASA administrator on safety matters after the 1967 Apollo 1 fire claimed the lives of three American astronauts.
    To learn more about the ASAP, and view annual reports, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/asap
    -end-
    Jennifer Dooren / Elizabeth ShawHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600jennifer.m.dooren@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.shaw@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What You Need To Know About the March 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse

    Source: NASA

    The Moon will pass into Earth’s shadow and appear to turn red on the night of March 13 or early in the morning of March 14, depending on time zone. Here’s what you need to know about the total lunar eclipse.

    [embedded content]
    The March 2025 total lunar eclipse will take place between late night on March 13 and early morning on March 14 across several time zones. In this data visualization, the Moon moves from right to left, passing through Earth’s shadow and leaving in its wake an eclipse diagram with the times (in UTC) at various stages of the eclipse. Credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

    What is a lunar eclipse?
    A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra. When the Moon is within the umbra, it turns red-orange. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons” because of this phenomenon.

    How can I observe the eclipse?
    You don’t need any special equipment to observe a lunar eclipse, although binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view. A dark environment away from bright lights makes for the best viewing conditions.
    This eclipse will be visible from Earth’s Western Hemisphere.

    What can I expect to observe?

    Milestone:
    What’s happening:

    Penumbral eclipse begins (8:57pm PDT, 11:57pm EDT, 03:57 UTC)
    The Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow. The Moon begins to dim, but the effect is quite subtle.

    Partial eclipse begins (10:09pm PDT, 1:09am EDT, 05:09 UTC)
    The Moon begins to enter Earth’s umbra and the partial eclipse begins. To the naked eye, as the Moon moves into the umbra, it looks like a bite is being taken out of the lunar disk. The part of the Moon inside the umbra will appear very dark.

    Totality begins (11:26pm PDT, 2:26am EDT, 06:26 UTC)
    The entire Moon is now in the Earth’s umbra. The Moon will turn a coppery-red. Try binoculars or a telescope for a better view. If you want to take a photo, use a camera on a tripod with exposures of at least several seconds.

    Totality ends (12:31am PDT, 3:31am EDT, 07:31 UTC)
    As the Moon exits Earth’s umbra, the red color fades. It will look as if a bite is being taken out of the opposite side of the lunar disk as before.

    Partial eclipse ends (1:47am PDT, 4:47am EDT, 08:47 UTC)
    The whole Moon is in Earth’s penumbra, but again, the dimming is subtle.

    Penumbral eclipse ends (3:00am PDT, 6:00am EDT, 10:00 UTC)
    The eclipse is over.

    [embedded content]
    Data visualization showing a telescopic view of the Moon as the March 2025 total lunar eclipse unfolds. Credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

    Why does the Moon turn red during a lunar eclipse?
    The same phenomenon that makes our sky blue and our sunsets red causes the Moon to turn reddish-orange during a lunar eclipse. Sunlight appears white, but it actually contains a rainbow of components—and different colors of light have different physical properties. Blue light scatters relatively easily as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere. Reddish light, on the other hand, travels more directly through the air.
    When the Sun is high on a clear day, we see blue light scattered throughout the sky overhead. At sunrise and sunset, when the Sun is near the horizon, incoming sunlight travels a longer, low-angle path through Earth’s atmosphere to observers on the ground. The bluer part of the sunlight scatters away in the distance (where it’s still daytime), and only the yellow-to-red part of the spectrum reaches our eyes.
    During a lunar eclipse, the Moon appears red or orange because any sunlight that’s not blocked by our planet is filtered through a thick slice of Earth’s atmosphere on its way to the lunar surface. It’s as if all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon.

    Look to the western sky on the night of the eclipse for a glimpse of planets Jupiter and Mars. The Moon will be in the constellation Leo, under the lion’s hind paw, at the beginning of the eclipse; soon afterward, it will cross into the constellation Virgo. As Earth’s shadow dims the Moon’s glow, constellations may be easier to spot than usual.
    Visit our What’s Up guide for monthly skywatching tips, and find lunar observing recommendations for each day of the year in our Daily Moon Guide.

    Writers: Caela Barry, Ernie Wright, and Molly Wasser

    MIL OSI USA News –