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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation open on Littlemore neighbourhood plan

    Source: City of Oxford

    Thursday, 31 October 2024

    Oxford City Council has opened consultation on proposals for a neighbourhood plan submitted by Littlemore Neighbourhood Forum. 

    The proposed plan sets out policies to shape development and use of land in the Littlemore parish area for the benefit of residents. When made and approved by a local referendum, a neighbourhood plan must be considered in reaching planning decisions. 

    Consultation is a legal requirement under the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012. 

    Take part 

    A six-week consultation is now open on the Council’s website and will close at 23:59 on Monday 9 December. 

    Next steps 

    An independent examiner will inspect the plan, supporting documents and consultation responses to ensure it meets legal requirements and local and national planning policies. 

    The examiner will then recommend whether to hold a referendum on the plan. If approved, this could take place in late spring or early summer next year. 

    Comment 

    Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “Neighbourhood plans give people a say in the future development of their area. This consultation is the next step on the road to the adoption of a neighbourhood plan for Littlemore and local residents have put a lot of time and effort into making this happen. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in Littlemore to take part in the consultation.” 

    Development of the neighbourhood plan 

    Littlemore Parish Council ran an initial issues and options survey in the summer of 2023, receiving 515 responses. Five policy groups then drew up policies to inform the development of the draft plan, which was approved for public consultation in February. 

    The presubmission consultation ran from 7 May to 18 June, leading to minor changes. Littlemore Parish Council approved the revised draft plan on 10 September before sending it to the Council to publicise. 

    The city council has a duty to support the neighbourhood plan and provided advice during the development process, including making detailed comments for consideration on the presubmission consultation. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bank working hours on pre-holiday days and holidays

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Bank “ROSSIA” Russia Bank –

    Press Releases and Events

    10/31/2024

    Bank working hours on pre-holiday days and holidays

    We present to your attention information about the work of Bank “ROSSIYA” offices from November 1 to 4, 2024.

    On November 1, the Bank’s offices will work as on Friday. November 2 is a working day as on Monday, but service hours are shortened by one hour. November 3 and 4 are days off in all offices. From November 5, the Bank will work as usual.

    Exception:

    Remote service point “Zhigulina Roshcha”Republic of Crimea, Simferopol municipal district, Mirnovskoye rural settlement, Mirnoye village, Krymskoy Vesny st., 5, bldg. 1, room 330

    November 2 from 9:00 to 15:00

    No service November 3-5

    Back to list

    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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://abr.ru/about/nevs/13780/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Overchuk discussed bilateral cooperation with the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    During a visit to Turkmenistan (Ashgabat), Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexey Overchuk was received by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov, with whom he discussed issues of bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan in the trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, taking into account modern geo-economic trends.

    Both sides highly assessed the level of Russian-Turkmen cooperation achieved through active contacts at the highest level. In October alone, the heads of Russia and Turkmenistan met three times – within the framework of the CIS and BRICS summits in Moscow and Kazan, respectively, as well as the international forum “Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development” in Ashgabat.

    It was noted that there is significant potential both in terms of increasing the volume of bilateral trade and in terms of joint implementation of infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring sustainable development of national economies and increasing connectivity in the region.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese coastal province raises emergency response as Typhoon Kong-rey nears

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

    FUZHOU, Oct. 31 — East China’s Fujian Province on Thursday issued the second highest-level emergency response to Typhoon Kong-rey, the 21st typhoon of this year.

    In anticipation of the storm’s impact, railway and maritime authorities have suspended several train services and halted 71 coastal passenger ferry routes affecting 190 vessels. Meanwhile, 115 coastal construction projects have been stopped until further notice.

    Specialized rescue forces, including rescue ships, helicopters, and patrol boats, have been deployed on standby to respond to potential emergencies, according to the Fujian maritime authorities.

    There remains a possibility that Kong-rey could make landfall along the coasts of Fujian or Zhejiang provinces on its northeastward path, according to the National Meteorological Center.

    The center issued an orange alert for Kong-rey on Thursday morning, warning that the storm will bring torrential rains to eastern areas, including Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu provinces, and Shanghai, from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon.

    China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response, and a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Protection must be guaranteed for MSF doctor and medical staff detained by Israeli forces

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has received confirmation that Dr Mohammed Obeid, an MSF orthopaedic surgeon, has been detained by Israeli forces, along with several other medical staff from Kamal Adwan hospital in north Gaza, during a military operation at the hospital on 26 October. We are extremely alarmed by the detention of our colleague.

    Dr Obeid has been working tirelessly since the beginning of the war, offering his support as a doctor to multiple hospitals in Gaza. His work has saved countless lives. 

    Our last contact with Dr Obeid was on the afternoon of 25 October. He had been sheltering and offering his support as a surgeon at Kamal Adwan hospital when it was besieged by Israeli forces.

    We have officially requested information from the Israeli authorities on Dr Obeid’s detention status, his current location, and any information regarding his physical and mental wellbeing. We call for the safety and the protection of our colleague, and for all medical staff in Gaza who work under impossible conditions and are facing horrific violence as they try to provide care.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Mozambique: Authorities must end post-election assault on protests now  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to attacks on protesters and journalists during nationwide demonstrations following Mozambique’s disputed election, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, said:   

    “Mozambique’s authorities must immediately halt their escalating assault on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Across the country, police have cracked down on opposition protests with live bullets, tear gas and arbitrary arrests. Medical groups report at least ten people killed and dozens wounded. Hundreds have been arbitrarily arrested. 

    “With more protests planned from 31 October, the government and security forces must respect and uphold everyone’s right to protest, express themselves and access information in Mozambique. Attempts to crush peaceful dissent with force risk exacerbating an already dire human rights situation. 

    Mozambique’s authorities must immediately halt their escalating assault on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

    Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

    “No one should be detained, injured or killed simply for peacefully protesting. Authorities must immediately release all those detained simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. Authorities must credibly and effectively investigate allegations of killings, bring perpetrators to justice and ensure effective remedies for victims’ families. 

    “Authorities have directly targeted journalists covering protests and cut off internet access in clear attacks on free expression and access to information. It is crucial that people can speak freely online and offline. The authorities must let journalists do their work and keep the internet on.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI China: The MND: US Willful Deployment of Typhon Mid-range Missile System only Stirs up Troubles 2024-10-31 The Philippine government needs to listen to the voices of its people, fully recognize the high sensitivity and grave consequences of this issue, and stop such dangerous behavior which will hurt others as well as herself. It should not tie herself to the US war chariot and end up being cannon fodders.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

      Question: It is reported that the Chairman of the Philippine Senate Foreign Relations Committee openly opposed US deployment of Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines during her attendance at a recent media forum. May I have your comment?

      Zhang Xiaogang: China has repeatedly expressed our firm opposition to US deployment of mid-range missile system in the Philippines. The US has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, developed Typhon mid-range missile system, and used it as a tool to maintain its hegemony. It has made willful deployment and stirred up troubles, which increased the risk of war in the region. It has been proven time and again that the US is a real saboteur to peace and a troublemaker.

      In fact, many people in the Philippines oppose US deployment of Typhon mid-range missile system. The Philippine government needs to listen to the voices of its people, fully recognize the high sensitivity and grave consequences of this issue, and stop such dangerous behavior which will hurt others as well as herself. It should not tie herself to the US war chariot and end up being cannon fodders.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ministry of National Defense Sternly Warns the DPP Authorities: Soliciting Foreign Support is a Dead End 2024-10-31 We sternly warn the DPP authorities not to stick to the wrong path and come back to the right course as soon as possible. Soliciting foreign support is a dead end.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

      Question: Taiwan’s “defense minister” claims that Taiwan serves as a pivot of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, and her neighboring waters are an important international trade route. If the PLA were to block Taiwan, all aircraft and vessles would be prohibted from entering. Doing so is not different from an act of war. The international community will not turn a blind eye toward it. May I have your comment?

      Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is a province of China and there is no such a thing as Taiwan’s “defense minister”. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people which brooks no foreign interference. The PLA’s relevant military exercises are targeted at the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. The purpose is to safeguard the fundemental interests of the Chinese nation and the well-bing of the Taiwan compatriots. We sternly warn the DPP authorities not to stick to the wrong path and come back to the right course as soon as possible. Soliciting foreign support is a dead end.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ministry of National Defense will host the Fourth Conference on Military Medicine of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum 2024-10-31 China’s Ministry of National Defense will host the Fourth Conference on Military Medicine of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum from November 5 to 10 in Guangzhou.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

      China’s Ministry of National Defense will host the Fourth Conference on Military Medicine of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum from November 5 to 10 in Guangzhou. Leaders of health departments and medical experts from over 20 African militaries will attend the event. Under the theme of “Enhance China-Africa Military Medical Exchanges and Cooperation in the New Era”, this year’s conference covers topics including medical service management and innovation, war wounds and trauma treatment and regional infectious diseases prevention and control. Chinese and African delegates will exchange views on strenthening practical cooperation on military medicine and jointly addressing challenges in medical health, share experience and practices on Chinese military health system, and contribute to jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission reports on progress and priorities for candidate countries to join EU

    Source: European Union 2

    The Commission has adopted the 2024 enlargement reports, which offer a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the countries seeking to join the European Union. The reports also provide guidance on key reform priorities for each country.

    The reports cover:

    • Georgia
    • Moldova
    • Türkiye
    • Ukraine
    • Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

    The enlargement process gained new momentum throughout 2023 and 2024 with several enlargement countries making progress on their respective paths towards EU accession. However, countries must focus on accelerating structural reforms to enable sustainable growth and make progress in meeting the economic criteria for EU membership. This involves ensuring functioning market economies and demonstrating they can withstand the competitive pressures of the EU market. Additionally, their economic policies should align with the green and digital transition goals.

    The enlargement process is merit-based and depends on the progress made by each of the partners. They must implement irreversible reforms in all areas of EU law, with special emphasis on the fundamentals of the enlargement process. The EU supports the enlargement countries through financing instruments and tools. In addition to the Economic and Investment Plan, the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans and the €50 billion Ukraine Facility aim to bring forward some of the benefits of single market access to these countries before they join the EU. Similarly, the recent €1.8 billion Growth Plan for Moldova will support its socio-economic reforms and boost investment.

    For more information

    Press release: Commission adopts 2024 Enlargement Package

    2024 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy

    How enlargement works

    Factsheet on the EU accession process

    Economic and Investment Plan for Western Balkans

    New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

    Ukraine Facility

    Growth Plan for Moldova

    Albania: Report; Country factsheet

    Bosnia and Herzegovina:  Report; Country factsheet

    Kosovo:  Report; Country factsheet

    Montenegro:  Report; Country factsheet

    North Macedonia: Report; Country factsheet

    Serbia: Report; Country factsheet

    Georgia: Report; Country factsheet

    Moldova: Report; Country factsheet

    Ukraine:  Report; Country factsheet

    Türkiye:  Report; Country factsheet

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” allows audiences to bid for artworks in creative ways other than money (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” allows audiences to bid for artworks in creative ways other than money (with photos)
    Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” allows audiences to bid for artworks in creative ways other than money (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will stage a participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” on November 16 and 17. In this unconventional yet authentic auction created by Mainland artist Jingyi Wang and local curator Kyle Chung, audiences can bid for their favourite artworks in new ways other than money, before taking the art pieces home. The auction comes with a pre-auction showcase and fringe activities, offering audiences multiple perspectives to contemplate the value of art.      This auction is unique in that it gives endless room for imagination: Audiences can place bids not only with money but alternative “currencies” they can think of, such as barter (in either tangible or intangible terms), a career opportunity for the artist, a deep understanding of the artwork, and more. A total of eight artworks (see Annex) will be put up for bidding in two rounds of auction. Audiences will place bids online and the process will be projected onto a big screen in real time. Eight groups of artists from France, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong, China will attend in person to choose the winning bid, guided by professional advice from an expert panel.      In “Post Capitalistic Auction”, creator Wang questions if money is the only means to determine something’s value. This experiment is an attempt to explore whether changing the rules of the game can change the way people think. Curator Chung, who describes his project as an experimental performance, advises potential bidders to attend the pre-auction showcase and guided tour to learn more about the eight groups of artists and their works in advance, which may raise their chances of winning the auction.      Ever since its 2018 premiere in Bergen, “Post Capitalistic Auction” has toured Toronto and Yokohama. Previous editions have attracted many interesting bids and inspired reflections on the ecology of the art market. The upcoming Hong Kong debut is set to make waves in this city widely known as Asia’s art trading hub. Audience members who have no intention of bidding are welcome to buy tickets and join the event nonetheless.      Two rounds of auction will each feature four groups of artists, namely (November 16): Carla Chan (Hong Kong, China), Maurice Benayoun (France), Navin Rawanchaikul and daughter Mari Rawanchaikul (Thailand), and Wu Jiaru (Hong Kong, China); (November 17): Chan Wai-lap (Hong Kong, China), Leung Mee-ping (Hong Kong, China), Maryanto (Indonesia) and William Lim (Hong Kong, China).      The auction will be conducted in Cantonese, Putonghua and English, with Cantonese and English simultaneous interpretation. Each auction will be followed by a discussion session. Bidders, who must be over 18 years of age, will be asked to place bids using a smartphone or a tablet with Internet connection. During the process, bidders’ interaction with performers may be photographed, recorded or live-streamed. A vernissage will be held at 6pm on November 13 at the Hong Kong City Hall Exhibition Hall, while guided tours and an auction showcase will be held from November 14 to 18. Other fringe activities include art student roundtables and a panel discussion. For details, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/post-capitalistic-auction.      Participatory theatre production “Post Capitalistic Auction” will be held at 8pm on November 16 and 3pm on November 17 at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. Free seating tickets priced at $420 and guided tour tickets at $60 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). Admission to other activities is free. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”.      The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and cultures of nearly 30 Asian and Belt and Road countries or regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 17:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Oct 31, 2024 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Oct 31, 2024

    Updated: Thu Oct 31 08:56:02 UTC 2024

     .

    D4
    Sun, Nov 03, 2024 – Mon, Nov 04, 2024
    D7
    Wed, Nov 06, 2024 – Thu, Nov 07, 2024

    D5
    Mon, Nov 04, 2024 – Tue, Nov 05, 2024
    D8
    Thu, Nov 07, 2024 – Fri, Nov 08, 2024

    D6
    Tue, Nov 05, 2024 – Wed, Nov 06, 2024
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

    Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

    PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

    POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 310854
    SPC AC 310854

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0354 AM CDT Thu Oct 31 2024

    Valid 031200Z – 081200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    …Sunday/Day 4 and Monday/Day 5…
    An upper-level trough is forecast to move across the Desert
    Southwest on Sunday, as the exit region of a broad mid-level jet
    overspreads the southern and central Plains. Ahead of the system, a
    moist airmass will likely be in place. Scattered thunderstorms are
    expected to develop within this moist airmass Sunday afternoon as
    instability increases during the day. Surface dewpoints in the 60s
    F, low-end moderate instability and moderate to strong deep-layer
    shear should support severe thunderstorm development Sunday
    afternoon and evening. The greatest severe potential is expected
    from north Texas northward into south-central Nebraska, where large
    hail, severe wind gusts and an isolated tornado threat will be
    possible.

    On Monday, the trough is forecast to move into the southern High
    Plains, as a 80 to 90 knot mid-level jet translates through the
    eastern part of the system. Ahead of the trough, pockets of moderate
    instability are forecast to develop across a moist airmass during
    the day. Thunderstorms that form in the afternoon across the western
    part of the moist sector are expected to have potential for large
    hail and wind damage.

    …Tuesday/Day 6 to Thursday/Day 8…
    From Tuesday to Thursday, an upper-level trough is forecast to move
    quickly eastward across the northern U.S., as a cold front advances
    southeastward across the eastern third of the U.S. Warming surface
    temperatures ahead of the front should result in scattered
    thunderstorm development each afternoon and evening. The greatest
    severe threat could be on Tuesday in the lower to mid Mississippi
    Valley near the entrance region of the mid-level jet. The severe
    threat could re-develop ahead of the front on Wednesday and
    Thursday. However, instability is forecast to be weak suggesting
    that any severe threat should be marginal.

    ..Broyles.. 10/31/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Oct 31, 2024 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 310725

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0225 AM CDT Thu Oct 31 2024

    Valid 021200Z – 031200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    FAR EASTERN NEW MEXICO AND WEST TEXAS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Thunderstorms, associated with large hail and wind damage, are
    expected to develop across parts of the southern High Plains on
    Saturday. A marginal severe threat will also be possible outside of
    the Slight Risk area in parts of the southern and central Plains.

    …Southern and Central Plains…
    An upper-level trough will move eastward across the western U.S. on
    Saturday, as southwest mid-level flow remains from the Intermountain
    West eastward into the Great Plains. A moist airmass will be in
    place across the southern and central Plains, where scattered
    thunderstorms will likely develop during the day. The strongest
    instability is forecast across parts of eastern New Mexico and west
    Texas by mid to late afternoon. Thunderstorms that develop in this
    area during the late afternoon and evening could be associated with
    a severe threat. NAM forecast soundings across west Texas by
    00Z/Sunday suggest that MLCAPE will peak in the 1500 to 2000 J/kg
    range. 0-6 km shear is forecast to increase into the 40 to 50 knot
    range as a mid-level jet of around 50 knots moves into the southern
    High Plains. In addition, 700-500 mb lapse rates in West Texas are
    forecast to be from 7 to 7.5 C/km by early Saturday evening. This
    should be favorable for supercells associated with large hail and
    severe wind gusts. The models currently suggest that a severe threat
    could be of rather long duration, with one round of storms
    developing across west Texas early in the day, and a second round of
    storms developing in the evening or overnight period. As these
    clusters move eastward into the Low Rolling Plains of west-central
    Texas and into western and central Oklahoma, the threat should
    become more isolated.

    Further north, from the Oklahoma Panhandle northward into western
    Kansas, moisture and instability are gradually forecast to increase
    Saturday night. Weak instability and moderate deep-layer shear,
    evident on forecast soundings, could support a marginal threat for
    hail and severe wind gusts with the greatest threat toward the end
    of the period.

    ..Broyles.. 10/31/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1930Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Oct 31, 2024 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Oct 31, 2024 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Thu Oct 31 05:44:45 UTC 2024 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 310544

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1244 AM CDT Thu Oct 31 2024

    Valid 011200Z – 021200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Thunderstorms, associated with isolated large hail and marginally
    severe wind gusts, will be possible across parts of the southern
    High Plains Friday evening into the overnight.

    …Southern High Plains…
    An upper-level trough will dig southeastward across the Pacific
    Coastal states on Friday, as flow remains southwesterly at
    mid-levels across much of the western and central U.S. Moisture
    advection will take place across the southern Plains on Friday, with
    surface dewpoints increasing into the 60s F over much of Texas. By
    late Friday afternoon, a pocket of moderate instability is expected
    over parts of West Texas and southeast New Mexico. Scattered
    thunderstorms appear likely to develop during the early evening near
    this pocket of instability. As moisture and low-level flow gradually
    increase across the southern Plains from the evening into the
    overnight, convective coverage is expected to expand north and
    northeastward across much of eastern New Mexico and west Texas.

    A consensus of model forecasts suggests that MLCAPE will peak around
    1500 J/kg in parts of west Texas Friday evening. 0-6 km shear is
    forecast to be in the 30 to 40 knot range. The moderate deep-layer
    shear, combined with 700-500 mb lapse rates near 7 C/km, should
    support the development of a severe threat. Most of the cells are
    expected to remain multicellular. However, areas where the
    environment is locally more favored could support supercells with
    isolated large hail and a few severe wind gusts. The late initiation
    and lack of large-scale ascent is expected to be a limiting factor,
    and should keep any severe threat marginal.

    ..Broyles.. 10/31/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Oct 31, 2024 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 310450

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1150 PM CDT Wed Oct 30 2024

    Valid 311200Z – 011200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF
    THE OHIO VALLEY SOUTHWESTWARD TOWARD THE ARKLATEX…

    …SUMMARY…
    A few strong storms producing marginally severe gusts will be
    possible today, from parts of the Ohio Valley southwestward into
    northeast Texas.

    …Synopsis…
    A moderate cyclonic flow regime aloft will extend from the Great
    Basin into the Plains, and across the Great Lakes and into the
    Northeast. The most prominent feature within this regime will be a
    shortwave trough over the upper MS Valley early in the day, which
    will move into the upper Great Lakes through 00Z. To the west, a
    lower-amplitude feature will nose into northern Great Basin during
    the day and into the northern High Plains by Friday morning.

    At the surface, low pressure will move across WI and northern Lower
    MI during the day, with a cold front roughly from the OH Valley into
    central TX by late afternoon. A midlevel dry slot will develop
    across MO, IL, and Lower MI, with veering 850 mb winds resulting in
    low-level drying. Ahead of the front, low-level moisture will be
    most robust over TX, with a narrow plume of mid 60s F dewpoints
    perhaps as far north as the OH River.

    …OH Valley southwestward into northeast TX…
    Lingering rain and a few thunderstorms may exist at 12Z from
    southern IL across southeast MO and into northern TX near the cold
    front. Much of this activity, especially over northern areas, is
    expected to wane. Daytime heating may result in destabilization from
    southwest OH across parts of KY, TN, and into the lower MS Valley,
    with new cells developing along the front. While deep layer shear
    and mean wind speeds in general will remain conducive for wind
    gusts, instability will be weak over northern areas. Stronger
    instability will exist into TX/Lower MS Valley where dewpoints will
    be near 70 F, but a midlevel subsidence inversion will exist, with
    weakening low-level wind fields. As such, only isolated marginally
    severe gusts are expected in any one area.

    ..Jewell/Lyons.. 10/31/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Thu Oct 31 09:02:01 UTC 2024

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Thu Oct 31 09:17:03 UTC 2024 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Thu Oct 31 09:02:01 UTC 2024

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Thu Oct 31 09:17:08 UTC 2024 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile to Report Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on November 14, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 before the open of U.S. markets on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

    Aurora Mobile’s management will host an earnings conference call on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:30 p.m. Beijing time on the same day).

    All participants must register in advance to join the conference using the link provided below. Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. Conference access information will be provided upon registration.

    Participant Online Registration: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIbffdeba3d6fd4cb59da31309ca6efd3f

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Aurora Mobile’s website at https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/

    For more information, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited
    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China
    Ms. Xiaoyan Su
    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com  

    In US
    Ms. Linda Bergkamp
    Phone: +1-480-614-3004
    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lars Moesgaard is leaving Nykredit Bank’s Executive Board – Nykredit Bank A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen

    Lars Moesgaard is leaving Nykredit Bank’s Executive Board

    Lars Moesgaard is leaving his position as Head of Banking Retail and member of the Executive Board of Nykredit Bank as a result of reorganisation.

    Tonny Thierry Andersen, Group Managing Director, says:

    “In recent years, Nykredit Bank has welcomed many new customers who opt for the attractive value propositions a customer-owned bank can offer. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Lars Moesgaard for his contribution to the Bank’s development, and I wish Lars all the best in the future.”

    Nykredit Bank’s Executive Board will subsequently consist of Dan Sørensen and Søren Kviesgaard.

    Contact:

    Questions may be addressed to Press Relations, tel +45 31 21 06 39.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Julie Oates ACA

    Source: Isle of Man

    Notice is hereby given that Julie Oates ACA, which was registered under the Designated Businesses (Registration & Oversight) Act 2015, has been de-registered in accordance with 12(1)(a) of this Act with effect from 31/10/2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: This summer, Samsung Announces Blockbuster Black Friday Deals for Shoppers

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated 2024 Black Friday campaign, bringing shoppers a season filled with Blockbuster Deals on premium products. This year, the tech giant is rolling out the red carpet for South Africans, and redefining the Black Friday narrative as an opportunity for every shopper to become the leading character in their own shopping story.
     
    It is going to be “ifilim”, as South Africans would say, as everyone gears up for this iconic annual shopping bonanza. Samsung will play its role and stick to the script by bringing its A-game with premium products at low prices, ensuring that every deal is a plot twist that leaves shoppers cheering for more. With incredible markdowns on a wide range of products, shoppers can access these deals from 1 November – 2 December, both online and at participating retailers nationwide. Read on to get a preview of what’s coming up.
     
    Unmissable Electronics and Home Appliance Deals
    Be prepared to get more this summer as Samsung has an impressive line-up of blockbuster deals for electronics and home appliances too. Elevate your kitchen with the RS64 Side by Side fridge, Non-plumbed Water & Ice dispenser, Gentle Black, 617L, now just R24,999*, offering a remarkable R6,000 saving, or the RB30 Bottom Freezer with Water Dispenser and Cool Pack, Metal Graphite, 303L, which is available for R9,999*, saving you R3,500.
     

     
    You can do your laundry like the main character with the WW11CGP44DSB AI 11kg Front Loader with Eco bubble washing machine, which is a steal at R12,999*, saving you R500 plus you score Buy & Get rewards worth R4,000, or you could opt for the WD70TA046BX 7/5kg Front Load Washer / Dryer Combo with Eco Bubble Technology, yours for only R10,999*, saving you R1,000.
     
    Work, watch and play with the 32″ Smart Monitor M7, available for R7,999*, saving you R3,000. For film aficionados who enjoy feeling like part of the action, the 98” Q80C 4K TV is available for R99,999* plus get R32 000 worth of gifts and enjoy hassle free signature service. While the 85” Crystal UHD DU8000 4K TV can find a new home in your lounge for only R22,999*, saving you a joy-inducing R10,000. To complement the viewing experience with great audio, you could get the Q600C Q-Series soundbar at R5,499*, giving you a saving of R2,500.
     
    “Get more this summer with Samsung, our range of electronics and home appliances are designed to elevate your lifestyle and transform your home into a connected smart home. Through our SmartThings ecosystem, we empower families to not just get more from their devices, but to truly live more. Imagine seamlessly controlling your home environment—from optimising AI energy savings, to automating daily tasks—making life easier and more enjoyable. Our products work together to enhance your everyday experiences, creating a network of products that adapt to your needs. We believe in helping you create your dream home while providing exceptional value for your spend. Embrace the summer season with technology that simplifies your life and enriches your moments, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—making memories with loved ones,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President: Consumer Experience at Samsung Electronics.
     
    For more Blockbuster Deals, visit www.samsung.com/za and https://samsungair.co.za/shop/[1]
     
    [1]Recommended retail price
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fujian raises emergency response as Typhoon Kong-rey nears

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    East China’s Fujian Province on Thursday issued the second highest-level emergency response to Typhoon Kong-rey, the 21st typhoon of this year.
    In anticipation of the storm’s impact, railway and maritime authorities have suspended several train services and halted 71 coastal passenger ferry routes affecting 190 vessels. Meanwhile, 115 coastal construction projects have been stopped until further notice.
    Specialized rescue forces, including rescue ships, helicopters, and patrol boats, have been deployed on standby to respond to potential emergencies, according to the Fujian maritime authorities.
    There remains a possibility that Kong-rey could make landfall along the coasts of Fujian or Zhejiang provinces on its northeastward path, according to the National Meteorological Center.
    The center issued an orange alert for Kong-rey on Thursday morning, warning that the storm will bring torrential rains to eastern areas, including Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu provinces, and Shanghai, from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon.
    China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response, and a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fire in Sichuan leaves over 20 hospitalized

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    More than 20 people have been hospitalized following a fire in southwest China’s Chengdu City on Thursday, local authorities said.
    The district fire department said it received the fire alert at 11:02 a.m., and they were able to quickly put out the fire in the city’s Wuhou District at 11:15 a.m., adding that those affected by the incident have been hospitalized but are not in any critical condition.
    Witnesses at the scene said open flames were pouring out from the shop on the ground floor, but a number of fire trucks and ambulances quickly participated in the rescue mission.
    The cause of the fire is under investigation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: WSTDF 2024: Highlighting AI innovation, global governance

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) hosted a thematic session in Beijing on Oct. 23 focused on “AI Governance Innovation: Building an International Trust Foundation for Cultivating the Ecology of Science and Technology Governance”. The session brought together global experts and scholars, representatives of international organizations, and industry leaders to explore the innovative breakthroughs of artificial intelligence (AI), its applications across various industries, and the necessary frameworks for managing associated risks. 

    Attendees take part in the “AI Governance Innovation: Building an International Trust Foundation for Cultivating the Ecology of Science and Technology Governance” thematic session at WSTDF 2024, Beijing, Oct. 23, 2024. [Photo courtesy of WSTDF]
    AI as a catalyst for sci-tech advancement
    Wan Gang, chairman of WSTDF 2024 and president of the China Association for Science and Technology, emphasized the critical role of AI in advancing scientific research. “We hope to establish a new paradigm for cutting-edge scientific research that is fundamentally supported by artificial intelligence, accelerating the development of new industries and building new engines for growth,” Wan stated. He further called for joint efforts to promote the alignment and coordination of laws, regulations and standards, and establishing evaluation, education, warning and control mechanisms for AI applications to enhance the credibility, reliability and controllability of AI.
    At the conference, experts and industry leaders engaged in in-depth discussions on AI’s technological breakthroughs and its industrial applications. Qiao Hong, president of the World Robot Cooperation Organization and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted that AI has become a driving force of the technological revolution, finding extensive applications in intelligent manufacturing, smart cities, health care and financial services. She presented the “2024 Outlook for the Top 10 Frontier Technology Trends in AI,” covering advancements in general AI technologies, large-scale pre-trained models, embodied intelligence and generative AI, showcasing the boundless potential and possibilities of AI.
    Qiao said, “These cutting-edge technologies hold immense potential. The advancements will not only make daily life more convenient and efficient, but also spur innovation and drive progress across a wide range of industries.”
    As a cutting-edge field within AI, embodied intelligence is transitioning from concept to reality, drawing significant attention at the conference. Chang Lin, founder and CEO of Leju Robotics, noted that embodied intelligence and humanoid robots have shifted from niche concepts to mainstream relevance. “The rapid development of AI, especially large models, has greatly enhanced the adaptability of humanoid robots, significantly improving their general capabilities,” said Chang. “This progress paves the way for robots to take on flexible, intelligent tasks in household settings, potentially transforming everyday life.”
    Han Fengtao, founder and CEO of Spirit AI, emphasized that while embodied intelligence is not a new term, recent technological breakthroughs have brought it into the mainstream. In the robotics industry, for example, “the core advancement has reduced the need for human intervention at every stage,” Han explained. With technologies like text-to-image and text-to-action generation, robots are now capable of performing tasks with greater autonomy, he said. 
    Ethical challenges and the need for responsible AI governance
    As artificial intelligence rapidly advances, ethical concerns and social challenges have emerged.
    Zhang Ping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, pointed out that while breakthroughs in generative AI bring convenience, they also pose security and ethical challenges. “Issues like identity fraud through AI-generated content, and inappropriate messaging are rising,” he said. 
    Zhang shared research progress from a Beijing AI safety governance lab, which focuses on building a theoretical framework for general AI to ensure safe, controllable development. The lab is also pioneering super-alignment technologies to better align AI outputs with human values and decisions. Additionally, they are enhancing interpretability and automating assessments to confirm that general AI aligns with societal good.
    Huang Tiejun, a professor at Peking University, echoed these concerns, warning of the risks in commercial AI applications. He urged companies to prioritize human welfare, even when faced with lucrative business opportunities, emphasizing that global regulation is essential to prevent AI-dominant corporations from monopolizing benefits, concentrating wealth and worsening social inequality.
    Chang Lin stressed the importance of adopting a responsible approach to AI, highlighting the need for companies to continuously address and resolve emerging risks. Meanwhile, founder and CEO of Accelerated Evolution, Cheng Hao, added that ensuring AI safety is a complex matter, which involves physical and algorithmic domains. He explained that robot malfunctions or algorithmic errors could harm humans, underscoring the need for safety mechanisms that allow systems to stop in hazardous situations. 
    Global cooperation to shape AI for humanity
    Experts at the session emphasized the critical need for international collaboration and effective global governance to address associated risks and challenges.
    Huang Tiejun, also director of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, highlighted that AI’s immense power must be managed on a global scale to prevent its misuse by a few companies. “International cooperation on AI governance is essential,” he stated. “This is a shared challenge for humanity, and we must use technical safeguards to ensure AI’s benefits aren’t abused.”
    Huang said that scientists worldwide share more consensus than division regarding AI’s development. He noted that scientific collaboration is often more open than political cooperation. “Platforms like the WSTDF play a vital role in advancing the AI industry. Despite current global complexities, in-person exchanges ease tensions and increase collaborative opportunities,” he added.
    Framing it within the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Huang emphasized that AI development must advance the common welfare of all. “Guiding AI to benefit humanity is the direction we must follow.”
    Chang Lin noted that, despite geopolitical challenges, grassroots international exchanges remain robust and active. “We must overcome obstacles and keep advancing global partnerships,” Chang said.
    Gong Ke, former president of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, highlighted the importance of supporting developing regions, noting that many international conflicts stem from unequal development. He stressed the role of advanced technology in helping developing nations achieve sustainable growth. “Enhanced productivity can be a driving force for peace,” Gong said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: WSTDF 2024: Collaboration boosts intelligent manufacturing

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) held a thematic session in Beijing on Oct. 24 focused on “Cross-Industry Resource Collaboration and Integration to Provide Innovative Application Scenarios for Enhancing the Intelligent Manufacturing Industry.” Leaders, scholars and business representatives from around the globe took part in the event, with the aim of sharing global insights to promote collaboration across industries and drive innovation in intelligent manufacturing. 
    The session was hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology, organized by the International Coalition of Intelligent Manufacturing, supported by the Beijing International Science and Technology Exchange Center and co-organized by the ASEAN Federation of Smart Industry. 

    Attendees take part in the “Cross-Industry Resource Collaboration and Integration to Provide Innovative Application Scenarios for Enhancing the Intelligent Manufacturing Industry” thematic session at WSTDF 2024, Beijing, Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of WSTDF]
    Participants in the event agreed that intelligent manufacturing is crucial to the global technological revolution and industrial transformation. They emphasized the importance of intelligent, green and integrated industrial manufacturing for sustainable global progress.
    Lu Daming, vice president of the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (CMES), said: “Efficiently integrating cross-sector resources and innovating in intelligent manufacturing applications are crucial for enhancing manufacturing competitiveness and facilitating a transformation toward smarter, greener and service-oriented operations.” Lu also highlighted the CMES’s ongoing efforts to foster an open, collaborative and mutually beneficial innovation ecosystem to address the challenges within the intelligent manufacturing sector.
    Chee Fai Tan, president of the ASEAN Federation of Smart Industry, stressed the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in today’s globalized world. China, a global leader in resources, has made substantial strides in intelligent manufacturing, offering valuable insights to ASEAN countries, he said. Tan urged increased cooperation among nations to drive innovation in the intelligent manufacturing industry by exploring new application scenarios.
    Several business leaders shared their experiences on how they are transforming manufacturing to be smarter, greener and more sustainable.
    Zhan Jingtao, vice president of Siemens (China), illustrated the immense potential of intelligent manufacturing in achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable development. “Our CNC factory in Nanjing has significantly boosted production efficiency and product quality by blending virtual design with real-world application, increasing factory efficiency by 20%, flexibility by 30%, and reducing time-to-market by 20%, while cutting CO2 emissions by 3,300 tons annually,” he said.
    Ni Yueyong, director of environmental affairs at Mitsubishi Electric (China) Co. Ltd., shared the company’s successful journey toward efficient carbon neutrality. By integrating production, energy and environmental management systems, Mitsubishi Electric has optimized its operations and reduced its carbon footprint. The company has transformed seven of its Chinese factories into national-level green factories, with one achieving zero carbon emissions in 2021. Ni emphasized the significance of efficient carbon neutrality, which combines environmental sustainability with economic benefits, and encouraged wider adoption of the approach.
    Zhu Shiming, chief engineer at Phoenix Contact Asia-Pacific Nanjing Co. Ltd., discussed how the company is helping businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, reap the benefits of digital transformation. By improving digital infrastructure and data quality, the company is enabling businesses to overcome obstacles in industrial and factory applications.
    The session also highlighted the critical roles of international cooperation and talent development in advancing the industry. Henry Adamson, an academician of the European Academy of Sciences and chief scientist at the Guangdong Greater Bay Area Institute of Integrated Circuit and System, emphasized the need for greater international collaboration, particularly through talent exchange programs, to propel technological advancements. “China must create more innovation platforms to attract and cultivate top scientific and technical professionals,” he stated.
    “Technological exchange transcends borders,” said Lee Chean Chung, chairman of the Malaysia-China Technology Promotion Association, noting that international forums on technological development are vital for fostering cooperation. 
    He emphasized the importance of establishing mechanisms for mutual benefit and moving beyond zero-sum thinking: “Only by elevating the living standards of all humanity can we truly achieve maximum benefits.”
    Lee said that the Belt and Road Initiative has strategically supported technological collaboration between China and Malaysia. He also noted that China’s three global initiatives — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative — provide an extensive framework for technological cooperation. 
    Goi Bok Min, vice president for internationalisation and academic development at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, stressed the importance of integrating both hard and soft skills in education to meet the demands of the 21st century. He highlighted the university’s role in designing industry-aligned courses and promoting hands-on learning to enhance student skills, further supported by joint research initiatives with prominent academic institutions to foster innovation.

    Yang Huayong, chairman of the International Coalition of Intelligent Manufacturing, presents the forum’s consensus statement at WSTDF 2024, Beijing, Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of WSTDF]
    At the conclusion of the session, Yang Huayong, chairman of the International Coalition of Intelligent Manufacturing, presented the forum’s consensus statement. It stressed the pivotal role of intelligent manufacturing in driving the new global scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. “We must expand the application scenarios for intelligent manufacturing, embrace sustainable development principles, and foster cross-sector resource integration to collaboratively enhance the new quality productive forces,” the statement declared.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Report: Beijing leads China’s modernization efforts

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing has led China’s modernization efforts for four consecutive years, according to the “2024 Chinese Modernization Index Report” released Wednesday by the School of Statistics of Renmin University of China. 
    The report evaluates the progress of Chinese modernization across five key areas: economy, politics, culture, society, and ecology. 
    The assessment framework comprises 24 indicators, including innovation, economic security, political participation, government efficiency, law-based governance, cultural engagement, social security, and pollution control. 
    The report highlights steady progress in China’s modernization journey over the past four years, with the most notable improvement seen in ecological conservation, demonstrating China’s commitment to green development. Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhejiang province topped the rankings in this respect, each scoring over 80.
    Beijing is also ranked first in social modernization, driven by expanded coverage in areas like education, eldercare, and healthcare.
    The report recommends further economic development, strengthening government performance, promoting green development principles, and increasing people’s cultural participation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: VI Russian Sociogender Forum: GUU at the Center of International Dialogue on Social Security of the Family

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management, together with the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, co-organized the VI Russian Sociogender Forum with international participation “Social, demographic and spiritual security of the family institution in the context of the formation of a new social world order.”

    As part of the Forum, on October 25, 2024, a meeting of the scientific section “Trust as a socio-gender basis for the formation of a family, stable development of family relations and successful solution of strategic tasks of the demographic policy of Russian society and the state” was held at the Institute of Public Administration and Law of the State University of Management.

    In the reports that covered modern challenges and trends in this area, of particular interest were cases and studies of the problems of gender socialization of women, trust and mistrust between the sexes, socio-psychological mechanisms and strategies for successfully resolving family conflicts, including divorces, the share of which in 2022 increased to 68%, while 70 years ago this figure was 4%. In Russia, according to the results of 2023, the total fertility rate, reflecting the average number of children born to one woman during the reproductive period (from 15 to 50 years), turned out to be “terribly low” and amounted to 1.41.

    The moderator of the section “Trust as a socio-gender basis for the formation of a family, stable development of family relations and successful solution of strategic tasks of the demographic policy of Russian society and the state” was the head of the relevant scientific school, professor of the department of sociology, psychology and history of our university Viktor Krivopuskov.

    The scientific discussion was also attended by professors of sociology T.E. Petrova, I.V. Mkrtumova, V.V. Krivopuskov, professors of psychological sciences N.A. Tsvetkova, N.A., O.A. Ovsyanik, M.V. Iontseva, I.E. Sokolovskaya, candidate of historical sciences K.A. Aramyan, candidate of psychological sciences L.Yu. Shuraeva, candidate of economic sciences, head of the Center for Mediation and Social and Legal Assistance, branch of the State Budgetary Institution “Resource Center for Guardianship and Trusteeship “Assistance” of the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow O.E. Gracheva, as well as graduate students, master’s students and bachelors of the university.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/31/2024

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Euro area bank interest rate statistics: September 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    31 October 2024

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    Chart 1

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area corporations

    (percentages per annum)

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rates for corporations (Chart 1)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to corporations, decreased in September 2024. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months decreased by 31 basis points to 4.72%, driven by the interest rate effect. The rate on new loans of the same size with an initial rate fixation period of over three months and up to one year fell by 31 basis points to 4.47%, driven by the interest rate effect. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years decreased by 22 basis points to 3.58%. In the case of new loans of up to €250,000 with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months, the average rate charged fell by 12 basis points to 5.02%.
    As regards new deposit agreements, the interest rate on deposits from corporations with an agreed maturity of up to one year fell by 14 basis points to 3.28% in September 2024. The interest rate on overnight deposits from corporations stayed almost constant at 0.88%.
    The interest rate on new loans to sole proprietors and unincorporated partnerships with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 22 basis points to 5.19%, driven by the interest rate effect.

    Table 1

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for corporations (Table 1)

    Bank interest rates for households

    Chart 2

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area households

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rate for households (Chart 2)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to households for house purchase, decreased in September 2024. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 11 basis points to 4.59%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over one and up to five years fell by 6 basis points to 3.82%. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with an initial rate fixation period of over five and up to ten years decreased by 10 basis points to 3.52%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years fell by 10 basis points to 3.27%, mainly driven by the interest rate effect. In the same period the interest rate on new loans to households for consumption decreased by 7 basis points to 7.75%.
    As regards new deposits from households, the interest rate on deposits with an agreed maturity of up to one year remained broadly unchanged at 2.97%. The rate on deposits redeemable at three months’ notice stayed constant at 1.75%. The interest rate on overnight deposits from households remained broadly unchanged at 0.37%.

    Table 2

    Bank interest rates for households

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories; deposits placed by households and corporations are allocated to the household sector. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.
    ** For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for households (Table 2)

    Further information

    The data in Tables 1 and 2 can be visualised for individual euro area countries on the bank interest rate statistics dashboard. Additionally, tables containing further breakdowns of bank interest rate statistics, including the composite cost-of-borrowing indicators for all euro area countries, are available from the ECB Data Portal. The full set of bank interest rate statistics for both the euro area and individual countries can be downloaded from ECB Data Portal. More information, including the release calendar, is available under “Bank interest rates” in the statistics section of the ECB’s website.

    For media queries, please contact Nicos Keranis, tel.: +49 69 1344 7806

    Notes:

    • In this press release “corporations” refers to non-financial corporations (sector S.11 in the European System of Accounts 2010, or ESA 2010), “households” refers to households and non-profit institutions serving households (ESA 2010 sectors S.14 and S.15) and “banks” refers to monetary financial institutions except central banks and money market funds (ESA 2010 sector S.122).
    • The composite cost-of-borrowing indicators are described in the article entitled “Assessing the retail bank interest rate pass-through in the euro area at times of financial fragmentation” in the August 2013 issue of the ECB’s Monthly Bulletin (see Box 1). For these indicators, a weighting scheme based on the 24-month moving averages of new business volumes has been applied, in order to filter out excessive monthly volatility. For this reason the developments in the composite cost of borrowing indicators in both tables cannot be explained by the month-on-month changes in the displayed subcomponents. Furthermore, the table on bank interest rates for corporations presents a subset of the series used in the calculation of the cost of borrowing indicator.
    • Interest rates on new business are weighted by the size of the individual agreements. This is done both by the reporting agents and when the national and euro area averages are computed. Thus changes in average euro area interest rates for new business reflect, in addition to changes in interest rates, changes in the weights of individual countries’ new business for the instrument categories concerned. The “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” presented in this press release are derived from the Bennet index, which allows month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates resulting from changes in individual country rates (the “interest rate effect”) to be disentangled from those caused by changes in the weights of individual countries’ contributions (the “weight effect”). Owing to rounding, the combined “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” may not add up to the month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates.
    • In addition to monthly euro area bank interest rate statistics for September 2024, this press release incorporates revisions to data for previous periods. Hyperlinks in the main body of the press release lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Unless otherwise indicated, these euro area statistics cover the EU Member States that had adopted the euro at the time to which the data relate.
    • As of reference period December 2014, the sector classification applied to bank interest rates statistics is based on the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA 2010). In accordance with the ESA 2010 classification and as opposed to ESA 95, the non-financial corporations sector (S.11) now excludes holding companies not engaged in management and similar captive financial institutions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU became one of the organizers of the week “Design without Borders” in Yerevan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – At the Faculty of Design of NUACA

    The international week “Design without Borders” was held in Yerevan on October 21-26 at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA). The event was held jointly with the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and the Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design and was intended to unite specialists and students in the field of design.

    In his welcoming speech at the opening of the week, Dean of the Faculty of Design at NUASA Artashes Melikyan noted that he was glad to welcome everyone to the university and expressed hope for successful cooperation.

    NUASA Vice-Rector for International Relations Vardges Yedoyan also gave a welcoming speech. He noted that an interesting working week was ahead: lectures, discussions, excursions, and wished all participants success.

    The delegation of SPbGASU included representatives of the Faculty of Architecture: Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design Elena Voitsekhovskaya, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design Zoya Aksenova, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Environment Design Pavel Loshakov, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Drawing Konstantin Tarasov, Associate Professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture Ksenia Yakovleva and students Anna Kotova, Laura Nanieva, Ekaterina Kondratovich, Bogdan Lobanov and Daniil Sinyakov.

    The week included lectures and workshops on current design trends, technological innovations, the effects of artificial intelligence, creating experiences, and more. 20 leading industry experts presented their experience and shared their knowledge, and students had the opportunity to improve their skills in practice. In addition, the program included study visits to historical and cultural sites and museums in Armenia.

    Representatives of SPbGASU spoke about current trends and achievements in the academic and extracurricular work of the architectural faculty. The reports aroused genuine interest, became a reason for questions from colleagues and led to serious discussions.

    The participants confirmed the high level of SPbGASU and, in a broader sense, the prestige of St. Petersburg as a world cultural center.

    Our participants got acquainted with the organization of the educational process at the NUASA Design Faculty, the content, methodology and material base of training, saw samples of coursework and graduation works in various areas of training, visited classrooms, fine art studios, model and geodetic workshops, discussed key topics today, in particular, the use of artificial intelligence methods in design and training. The parties considered the prospects for further cooperation: summer schools, conferences, internships, scientific work and the possibility of joint publications.

    Students of the Faculty of Architecture of SPbGASU performed well as speakers: NUASA teachers noted their high motivation, cultural level and professional outlook.

    Ksenia Yakovleva shared her impressions of the trip: “The exchange of professional experience in educational, work and cultural aspects was useful for students and teaching staff. Many topics related to trends in education were discussed at the round tables. In addition, the topics of preserving cultural heritage, opportunities and the degree of involvement of architects in the improvement of the urban environment were touched upon.

    Our students actively participated in master classes and gave presentations, where they confidently demonstrated not only their projects, but also demonstrated motivational and professional qualities, once again confirming the high level of training at SPbGASU.

    Official and informal meetings, acquaintance with culture and history, excellent organization made this trip rich and unforgettable. The contacts established during the working trip to Yerevan will be used for further exchange of experience and expansion of international relations.”

    Third-year student of the Department of Landscape Architecture Bogdan Lobanov noted: “Thanks to this trip, I realized how important it is to communicate and be part of a large student architectural community. I would like to maintain and deepen such connections.”

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at SAB Invest Hang Seng Hong Kong ETF Listing Ceremony (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the SAB Invest Hang Seng Hong Kong ETF Listing Ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (October 31, Riyadh time):
     
    Diana (Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Ms Diana Ferreira Cesar), Rosita (Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hang Seng Investment Management Limited, Ms Rosita Lee), Mr Al-Hussan (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Exchange, Mr Khalid Abdullah Al-Hussan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you today in celebrating the fast-growing financial collaboration between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
     
         I am delighted to congratulate SAB, Hang Seng Investment Management and the Saudi Tadawul for this cheering listing.
          
         Following last November’s listing, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, of the first Asian ETF (exchange-traded fund) investing in Saudi Arabia, the SAB Invest Hang Seng Hong Kong ETF is just another remarkable product that encourages mutual access of our two markets.
          
         Today’s ETF invests into the Tracker Fund of Hong Kong, which tracks more than 80 of the largest, most liquid stocks on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It creates another channel for Saudi investors to participate in Hong Kong’s equity market on a diversified basis, covering such key sectors as finance, technology and property, in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
          
         And the Tracker Fund itself is an eligible ETF for Southbound trading under our Stock Connect Scheme with the Mainland, meaning that it will enjoy the liquidity of the investment from the Mainland, too.
     
         The Hong Kong Stock market is, of course, a global market, boasting capitalisation of more than US$4.5 trillion. That’s 12 times our GDP.
          
         It counts more than 2 600 listed companies, including some 1 460 from the Mainland. And they represent nearly 80 per cent of our market capitalisation. In other words, HK is the global fund raising platform for Mainland companies.
          
         Investing in our market, by extension, is investing in the Mainland economy, which will prove to be a rewarding endeavour as our country, China, is forecast to grow on a relatively faster pace on a sustainable basis for the long term.
     
         But the benefits are much more. Last year, we reached an MOU with the Saudi Tadawul, enhancing co-operation in such areas as cross-listings.  We also encourage Saudi issuers to secondary list on our Stock Exchange.  We believe these will be important steps to drive more mutual flow of capital, and widening the accessibility to both markets and enhancing their liquidity.
     
         Hong Kong is connecting issuers, investors and capital around the world and are forging more two-way capital flows with the Middle East, China, Asia and beyond.
     
         I’m glad that the ETF listed today is helping to deepen our efforts in connecting emerging markets with global capital. It is more than a financial product; it signifies our determination to create innovative ways to co-operate, to realise mutually rewarding opportunities with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
     
         I would like to thank all the parties for your hard work.  And for that, I look forward to more mutually beneficial cross-border financial innovation to emerge to benefit our markets and our people.
     
         I wish you all the best of business, and investing, long down this 21st century of opportunity. Thank you.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –