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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Critical new research examines homicide of First Nations women

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Indigenous women are up to seven times more likely to be homicide victims compared with the national average, with almost three quarters killed by their current or former intimate partner.

    The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) report Homicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women has found that between 1 July 1989 and 30 June 2023, a total of 476 Indigenous women were victims of homicide with seventy-two percent killed by their current or former intimate partner.

    These statistics represent the terrible and tragic loss of mothers, sisters, daughters and other deeply loved relatives.

    It is not acceptable for losses of this scale to continue.

    Ending violence against women and children is a priority for the Albanese Government. We have already invested over $3.4 billion in initiatives to support the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32.

    Last month the Albanese Government committed $4.4 billion in new funding to address the scourge of gender-based violence, provide support for legal service and respond to the Rapid Review into Prevention Approaches, including through investing in frontline services and initiatives to prevent violence.

    This includes $800 million in new funding over five years from 2025-26 to the legal assistance sector, with a focus on legal services responding to gender-based violence, including First Nations-specific services.

    In August the final report of the Senate Inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women was published, highlighting the need for accurate data.

    The AIC’s report addresses key findings of the Inquiry’s final report. This includes publication of comprehensive and validated data drawn from police and coronial data on Indigenous women victims of homicide (murder and manslaughter). It builds on National Homicide Monitoring Program data provided to the Inquiry and published in the annual Homicide in Australia series.

    This data will also be used to track progress of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–32 to reduce the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by at least 50% by 2031.

    The Albanese Government is giving serious consideration to the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry, including through the development of the standalone First Nations National Plan for Family Safety.

    The full report is available on the AIC website.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au

    Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    The Australian Institute of Criminology

    The AIC is Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.

    On 26 June 2024, the AIC released a new online dashboard to monitor intimate partner homicides involving female victims. The dashboard will be updated on a quarterly basis.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tropo Farms secures $10m from AgDevCo to expand tilapia fish production in Ghana

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ACCRA, Ghana and LONDON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Specialist agriculture investor AgDevCo has signed a long-term investment with Tropo Farms, the leading tilapia fish producer in West Africa and among the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tropo Farms employs 917 people and supplies fish to the local market through about 3,000 market traders, the majority of whom are women.

    Ghana has one of the highest fish consumption rates in Africa, consuming over 800,000 tonnes per year. This investment will boost the country’s aquaculture industry to satisfy the growing local demand for high quality, affordable fish as a sustainable alternative to wild catch and imports.

    Tropo Farms is a pioneer in African aquaculture. Established by founder Mark Amechi in 1997, Tropo has developed sophisticated aquaculture practices tailored for local conditions.

    AgDevCo’s investment of $10m will finance the construction of a modern processing facility and other production equipment. This will increase the company’s capacity to 30,000 tonnes within five years, contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Ghana.

    Tropo sees opportunities for further aquaculture projects in West Africa, which it plans to pursue with AgDevCo and other strategic co-investors.

    “Investing in Tropo Farms supports production of an important protein source in Ghana, contributes to import substitution and promotes economic growth. Our investment will enhance operational efficiency and sustainable aquaculture practices,” said Kweku Koranteng, AgDevCo’s Investment Director for West Africa.

    “This loan is a major milestone for Tropo Farms. It will expand our logistics and distribution network while bringing more benefits to the communities where we operate. We are pleased to partner with AgDevCo, who brings flexible long-term capital to support our growth, as well as agribusiness expertise,” said Francisco Murillo, Tropo Farms CEO.

    Mark Amechi, founder of Tropo Farms, added: “This agreement will not only enable us to scale our production volume and market share within Ghana but also represents a critical step toward realising our long-held ambitions of expanding further into the underdeveloped West African aquaculture sector.”

    AgDevCo is a specialist investor in African agriculture, growing sustainable and impactful agribusiness, with $280m under management. Their vision is a thriving commercial agriculture sector, which benefits both people and planet by investing in and supporting agribusinesses to grow, create jobs, produce, and process food and link farmers to markets. They support their partners to work towards climate sustainability, and where possible, regenerative solutions. AgDevCo has made more than 65 investments to date.

    Contact details for media:

    Kweku Koranteng, info@agdevco.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d3424eb-7995-475e-9db9-9c4d9e33964c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Euro area economic and financial developments by institutional sector: second quarter of 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    29 October 2024

    • As of October 2024, ECB quarterly financial accounts provide more details on loans by counterpart sector granted by other financial institutions (OFIs) and information on debt securities issuance of non-financial corporations (NFCs) via financing conduits. OFIs are creditors of 23% of loans granted to NFCs by financial sector
    • Euro area net saving increased to €795 billion in four quarters to second quarter of 2024, compared with €787 billion one quarter earlier
    • Household debt-to-income ratio decreased to 83.4% in second quarter of 2024 from 87.8% one year earlier
    • NFCs’ debt-to-GDP ratio (consolidated measure) decreased to 69.3% in second quarter of 2024 from 71.8% one year earlier

    New details on other financial institutions and the financing of other sectors

    As of October 2024, the quarterly sector accounts published by the ECB provide more detailed financial accounts data on OFIs, which constitute the second largest financial sector in the euro area after monetary financial institutions (MFIs).[1] OFIs mainly provide financing to NFCs and to a lesser extent to households and other sectors. They also channel funds to and from the rest of the world.

    This new release provides counterpart sector data, such as loans granted by the OFI subsectors to NFCs (Chart 1). The release also includes new data on euro area NFC financing conduits which are captive financial institutions that raise funds by issuing debt securities to be used by their parent corporation.[2]

    Chart 1

    Loans to NFCs by financial subsector

    (outstanding amounts at the of end of the second quarter of 2024, as percentages of financial sector loans to NFCs)

    Source: ECB.

    * Loans from NFC financing conduits to NFCs are estimated based on the financing conduits’ issuance of debt securities.

    Total euro area economy

    Euro area net saving increased to €795 billion (6.7% of euro area net disposable income) in the four quarters to the second quarter of 2024, compared with €787 billion in the four quarters to the previous quarter. Euro area net non-financial investment decreased to €440 billion (3.7% of net disposable income), mainly due to decreased investment by NFCs (Chart 2 and Table 1 in the Annex).

    Euro area net lending to the rest of the world increased to €388 billion (from €336 billion previously) reflecting the increased net saving and decreased net non-financial investment. Household net lending increased to €549 billion (4.6% of net disposable income) from €501 billion. Net lending of NFCs (€233 billion, 2.0% of net disposable income) and that of financial corporations (€124 billion, 1.0% of net disposable income) were broadly unchanged. Government net borrowing stood broadly unchanged at €517 billion, contributing negatively (-4.3% of net disposable income) to euro area net lending.

    Chart 2

    Euro area saving, investment and net lending to the rest of the world

    (EUR billions, four-quarter sums)

    Sources: ECB and Eurostat.

    * Net saving minus net capital transfers to the rest of the world (equals change in net worth due to transactions).

    Data for euro area saving, investment and net lending to the rest of the world (Chart 2)

    Households

    Household financial investment increased at a higher annual rate of 2.3% in the second quarter of 2024 (after 2.0% in the previous quarter). Among its components, investment in currency and deposits (2.3%, after 1.6%) and investment in shares and other equity (0.8%, after 0.4%) grew at higher rates due to investment fund shares, while investment in debt securities increased at a lower rate (27.9%, after 38.5%).

    Households continued to directly buy, in net terms, mainly debt securities issued by general government and MFIs. Households were overall net sellers of listed shares, selling predominantly listed shares of non-financial corporations, while buying listed shares issued by the rest of the world (i.e. shares issued by non-euro area residents) and MFIs (Table 1 below and Table 2.2 in the Annex).

    The household debt-to-income ratio[3] decreased to 83.4% in the second quarter of 2024 from 87.8% in the second quarter of 2023. The household debt-to-GDP ratio declined, to 52.2% in the second quarter of 2024 from 54.4% in the second quarter of 2023 (Chart 3).

    Table 1

    Financial investment and financing of households, main items

    (annual growth rates)

    Financial transactions

    2023 Q2

    2023 Q3

    2023 Q4

    2024 Q1

    2024 Q2

    Financial investment*

    2.0

    1.8

    1.9

    2.0

    2.3

    Currency and deposits

    1.3

    0.3

    0.8

    1.6

    2.3

    Debt securities

    48.6

    56.9

    54.3

    38.5

    27.9

    Shares and other equity**

    1.3

    1.1

    0.4

    0.4

    0.8

    Life insurance

    -0.2

    -0.7

    -0.6

    -0.2

    0.0

    Pension schemes

    2.4

    2.4

    2.2

    2.3

    2.3

    Financing***

    2.4

    1.6

    0.9

    1.1

    1.4

    Loans

    1.8

    1.0

    0.5

    0.6

    0.6

    Source: ECB.

    * Items not shown include: loans granted, prepayments of insurance premiums and reserves for outstanding claims and other accounts receivable.

    ** Includes investment fund shares.

    *** Items not shown include: financial derivatives’ net liabilities, pension schemes and other accounts payable.

    Data for financial investment and financing of households (Table 1)

    Chart 3

    Debt ratios of households and NFCs

    (percentages of GDP)

    Sources: ECB and Eurostat.

    * Outstanding amount of loans, debt securities, trade credits and pension scheme liabilities.
    ** Outstanding amount of loans and debt securities, excluding debt positions between NFCs
    *** Outstanding amount of loan liabilities.

    Data for debt ratios of households and NFCs (Chart 3)

    Non-financial corporations

    Financing of NFCs increased at a higher annual rate of 1.0% in the second quarter of 2024 (after 0.8% in the previous quarter), as financing via debt securities (2.9% after 1.9%), shares and other equity (0.8% after 0.4%) and trade credits (1.8% after 0.6%) all grew at higher rates, while loan financing increased at a broadly unchanged rate (1.3%). Loans granted by other NFCs increased at a broadly unchanged rate (3.7%), while loans granted by MFIs grew at a higher rate (1.3% after 1.1%). Loans granted by the OFI subsector captive financial institutions (-2.9% after 0.5%) and the rest of the world (-2.2% after -2.7) decreased (Table 2 below and Table 3.2 in the Annex).

    NFCs’ debt-to-GDP ratio (consolidated measure) decreased to 69.3% in the second quarter of 2024, from 71.8% in the second quarter of 2023; the non-consolidated, wider debt measure decreased to 134.4% from 137.6% (Chart 3).

    Table 2

    Financing and financial investment of NFCs, main items

    (annual growth rates)

    Financial transactions

    2023 Q2

    2023 Q3

    2023 Q4

    2024 Q1

    2024 Q2

    Financing*

    1.7

    1.2

    0.8

    0.8

    1.0

    Debt securities

    0.7

    1.5

    1.3

    1.9

    2.9

    Loans

    3.8

    1.9

    1.7

    1.4

    1.3

    Shares and other equity

    -0.0

    0.4

    0.3

    0.4

    0.8

    Trade credits and advances

    5.2

    2.2

    1.2

    0.6

    1.8

    Financial investment**

    2.9

    2.4

    1.8

    1.9

    2.1

    Currency and deposits

    -0.6

    -1.2

    -1.2

    0.5

    2.9

    Debt securities

    23.3

    27.9

    23.0

    10.6

    7.8

    Loans

    5.9

    5.2

    5.1

    4.4

    4.5

    Shares and other equity

    1.2

    1.2

    1.0

    1.4

    1.3

    Source: ECB.

    * Items not shown include: pension schemes, other accounts payable, financial derivatives’ net liabilities and deposits.

    ** Items not shown include: other accounts receivable and prepayments of insurance premiums and reserves for outstanding claims.

    Data for financing and financial investment of NFCs (Table 2)

    For queries, please use the statistical information request form.

    Notes

    • These data come from a second release of quarterly euro area sector accounts for the second quarter of 2024 from the ECB and Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. This release incorporates revisions and completed data for all sectors compared with the first release on “Euro area households and non-financial corporations” of 4 October 2024. The non-financial accounts are revised from the first quarter of 1999, and the financial accounts from the first quarter of 2013, reflecting in both cases also the impact of the benchmark revision 2024 implemented in the EU. For further information see the related Eurostat webpage.
    • The euro area and national financial accounts data of NFCs and households are available in an interactive dashboard.
    • The debt-to-GDP (or debt-to-income) ratios are calculated as the outstanding amount of debt in the reference quarter divided by the sum of GDP (or income) in the four quarters to the reference quarter. The ratio of non-financial transactions (e.g. savings) as a percentage of income or GDP is calculated as the sum of the four quarters to the reference quarter for both numerator and denominator.
    • The annual growth rate of non-financial transactions and of outstanding assets and liabilities (stocks) is calculated as the percentage change between the value for a given quarter and that value recorded four quarters earlier. The annual growth rates used for financial transactions refer to the total value of transactions during the year in relation to the outstanding stock a year before.
    • Hyperlinks in the main body of the statistical release lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data as at the time of the current release.
    • The ECB publishes experimental Distributional Wealth Accounts (DWA) for the household sector. The release of results for the second quarter of 2024 is planned for 29 November 2024 (tentative date).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Czech President Petr Pavel to pay state visit to Switzerland

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Council in English

    Next week the Federal Council, led by President Viola Amherd, will receive the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, for a state visit. The Federal Council’s invitation to President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová reflects the excellent relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic. In addition to shared values and vibrant political, economic and cultural exchanges, the two countries share close personal and historical ties.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Medal success for Derby Arena track cyclists

    Source: City of Derby

    Track cyclists who train at Derby Arena velodrome have secured stunning success at two national and international championships.

    Derby track cyclists recently competed in both the 2024 National Masters Track Championship in Newport, Wales and the 2024 UCI Masters Track World Championships, held in Roubaix, France. To be a Masters rider in the track cycling world, you must be aged 35 or above.

    At the National competition, Derby’s track cyclists were the most successful in the velodrome. Our riders took home 27 gold medals and National Jerseys, 27 silver medals and 22 bronze medals. They also secured a couple of national records for good measure!

    A tougher test would await a few weeks later in France, with the best Masters track riders in the world competing. Once again, Derby’s riders were up to the test. They won 33 gold medals, along with the coveted rainbow jerseys that that come with World Champion status. With seven silver and four bronze medals, plus two world records and a national record set, it was a truly amazing championships for Derby.

    Derby Arena’s state-of-the-art velodrome has been integral to the success of several Team GB cyclists, including some of this year’s Olympic medallists. It has become a beacon for both aspiring and elite cyclists aiming to reach the pinnacle of the sport, and now boasts four World Champions among its coaches.

    Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:

    Derby Arena is a landmark venue that inspires participation in cycling, whilst encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take part in a diverse range of leisure activities and events.

    I’d like to congratulate the Arena’s Masters cyclists on their staggering success at the National and World Championships. To have national and world champions working and training in our velodrome is amazing and a true example for young cyclists of what can be achieved.

    Whether you’re beginner or accomplished cyclist, we offer you the unique opportunity to train in the same environment as these world-class champions. Everyone is welcome, so why not give it a try?

    Derby Arena has recreational, training and racing opportunities for everyone, with specialist sessions for novices, children, juniors, women-only, seniors and veterans. Visit the Derby Arena website or call 01332 640011 to find out more or book your session.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor convenes emergency rough sleeping summit, as he warns rough sleeping in the capital will get worse before it gets better

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq convenes emergency roundtable with the Minister for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, boroughs, leaders and experts in the sector to find long-term solutions to the capital’s rough sleeping crisis
    • Sadiq announces new ‘Homes off the Streets’ initiative, with £4.8m investment providing support for people previously sleeping rough in 3,500 long-term homes
    • The Mayor reiterates his mission to end rough sleeping by 2030 but warns the scale of the challenge and legacy of previous Government underinvestment means things could get worse before they get better 
    • City Hall’s rough sleeping budget has quadrupled since Sadiq has been Mayor
    • Around 17,600 people have been helped off the capital’s streets since Sadiq was first elected through the Mayor’s services alone, with 75 per cent staying off the streets for good

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today renewed his ambition to work closely with the new Government, London’s homelessness sector and experts to tackle the rising numbers of people ending up on the streets as he warned ‘the situation will get worse before it gets better.’

    Sadiq is convening an emergency roundtable with the Minister for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, Rushanara Ali MP, boroughs and leaders from the NHS, local government, homelessness charities and former rough sleepers to officially launch a call for evidence that will inform his plan of action on rough sleeping in London. 

    The Mayor’s plan of action, due to be launched next year, will establish a shared mission for ending rough sleeping, including the scale of funding required and the best mechanisms for achieving this ambition by 2030.  

    Whilst Sadiq is optimistic that rough sleeping can be ended with strong leadership, sufficient resources and the right strategy, he is warning that the scale of the challenge and the legacy of years of underinvestment from the previous Government in housing and support means that things could get worse this winter before they get better.   

    Sadiq is also today announcing a new ‘Homes off the Streets’ initiative, which builds on the Mayor’s Clearing House scheme and is being delivered by City Hall, with funding for support to help more Londoners in their recovery from homelessness.

    The £4.8m funding will ensure that former rough sleepers at 3,500 properties across the capital can support themselves and stay off the streets for good. It will provide advice and support in areas such as accessing financial advice, applying for benefits and using public services.

    The Mayor also intends to work with social landlords to increase the number of properties available in the future through his ‘Homes off the Streets’ initiative to ensure as many rough sleepers as possible can stay off the streets for good.

    London has long been at the forefront of delivering innovative long-term solutions to homelessness and rough sleeping and was one of the early adopters of a housing-led approach to tackling rough sleeping. Sadiq’s Homes off the Streets scheme builds on this legacy and is a pillar of his wider ambition to end rough sleeping for good by 2030.  

    Rough sleeping has been rising in London and across the country, with London hit hard by previous Government cuts to key services and a national slowdown in housebuilding. Latest figures collated by City Hall for 2023/23 show the total number of people sleeping rough in London has continued to rise, with a 20 per cent increase in the number of new rough sleepers compared to the same period last year. [1] 

    In response to the capital’s worsening crisis in rough sleeping, the Mayor has delivered record funding to homelessness charities and service providers and significantly increased City Hall’s rough sleeping budget. At £36.3 million, the budget in 2023/24 is now more than four times the £8.45 million a year it was when Sadiq took office in 2016. Around 17,600 people have been helped off the capital’s streets since 2016 through the Mayor’s services alone, with 75 per cent staying off the streets for good.   

    Sadiq is clear that ending rough sleeping in London for good will require every sector to step up and play their part – from health to housing, and social care to wider society – backed by greater investment.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We know we can bring down rough sleeping – it’s exactly what was done during the pandemic, and also two decades ago.

    “However, with rough sleeping in London and across the country on the rise, the reality is that the situation will get worse before it gets better.

    “Today I am bringing together Ministers, boroughs and leaders from the NHS, local government, homelessness charities and former rough sleepers, so we can work hand-in-hand to tackle this growing emergency. Providing funding to get vulnerable people off the streets and helping them to start rebuilding their lives is at the centre of our plan. 

    “There’s so much more we need to do at all levels of Government and wider society – as we work together to build a better, fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.” 

    The Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said: “To end homelessness for good we must tackle its root causes, not just its symptoms. We can only do this by working together across government, with councils, charities, experts, and front-line services. 

    “This is why the summit is so important because not only will it bring all these stakeholders together, but we will also hear from those with first-hand experience of homelessness to help inform the Government’s long-term strategy to get us back on track to ending homelessness for good.”

    Filmmaker Lorna Tucker-McGarvey, who slept on the streets of London for 18 months as a teenager said: “I strongly believe that we can end rough sleeping with the right support, so I’m really pleased that the Mayor of London has convened today’s emergency rough sleeping summit.

    “It is powerful to have a seat at the table alongside others with lived experience of homelessness, and I hope our stories will drive forward the goal of ending rough sleeping in London by 2030.”

    Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “Rough sleeping is the most visible form of London’s homelessness emergency.

    “Tackling rough sleeping requires a range of policy measures, as well as close partnerships between different agencies and investment in the frontline services keeping people off the streets.

    “London boroughs play a pivotal role. We are proud to be working alongside the Mayor, the voluntary sector, and other partners in tackling this crisis. Together we can make faster progress towards ending rough sleeping for good.

    Charlie Culshaw, Director of L&Q Living, said: “We’ve been a key partner in the Clearing House initiative since its inception and, with significant funding from the Mayor’s Office, we have seen it go from strength to strength. Adopting a housing-led approach to homelessness has the benefit of ensuring access to expert advice from those with unrivalled experience of helping people transition from rough sleeping to having a roof over their heads.

    “As one of the UK’s leading housing associations we’re proud to support the Homes off the Street initiative to build on this success. We’re committed to continuing our support for the Mayor’s mission of bringing an end to rough sleeping by 2030 and ensuring that more people have a home to call their own.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic Day at Engineering and Technology School No. 777

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On the eve of the autumn holidays, Engineering and Technology School No. 777 held a University Day with representatives of the Polytechnic University.

    The event began with a “Dialogue Without Ties” — a meeting of representatives of leading enterprises, universities and other organizations. Together with Natalia Mokhova, an assistant at the Higher School of Automation and Robotics, the schoolchildren discussed modern engineering competencies, the development plan for mechanical engineering, and robotics and safety issues.

    Throughout the day, students of all ages attended a variety of workshops and lectures from university students and teachers.

    For students in grades 1-2, active breaks were organized to create a team spirit. Children from grades 3-4 learned about coding at the “Mathematical ABC” master class, created an embroidery logo of the Polytechnic University, depicted the Hydrotower, created a paint-by-numbers project, and learned about the historical buildings of the Polytechnic University.

    The fifth-graders took quizzes on “Science and Technology”. They also solved logical problems and participated in the training game “Team Power: Together to Success”. The sixth-graders competed in an intellectual game and learned the basics of science.

    Seventh-graders learned about the sociotechnical boundaries of progress from associate professor of the Humanitarian Institute Ivan Kolomeitsev. Teachers of the Higher School of Technosphere Safety held a lesson for eighth-graders with situational tasks on life safety. There were also master classes on financial literacy and intellectual quizzes “Own Game”. Ninth-graders were told about the features of the profession “Cybersecurity Specialist” and how light and heat appear in homes.

    Associate Professor of the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies Ivan Sukhov presented high school students with the work of specialists in the field of bioengineering, bioinformatics and biophysics. Students in grades 10 and 11 launched the process of managing a “smart home” at a master class from senior lecturer of the Higher School of Engineering and Physics Vadim Panevin and observed the behavior of liquid nitrogen. An interactive lecture by Associate Professor of the Higher School of Software Engineering Alexander Shchukin was devoted to a current review of professions in the field of information technology.

    In addition, the schoolchildren learned about the areas of training in the programs of secondary vocational education, bachelor’s, master’s and postgraduate studies, about the conditions of admission and study at the Polytechnic. During the breaks, the children visited an exhibition dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the university.

    The event ended with a concert in which the students performed vocal numbers.

    Such events allow schoolchildren to get to know the educational institution and its specialties better, which will help them decide on their future profession. This is an important step in attracting talented young people to the Polytechnic University and providing it with qualified personnel in the future, – noted Elizaveta Lapshina, manager of the Center for Work with Educational Organizations of SPbPU.

    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 Russia: The Power of the Platform. Polytech at the Largest Engineering Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The All-Russian forum “Power of the Platform” was held in Moscow — the main engineering event of the year from Nanosoft, the Russian developer of the nanoCAD CAD platform and a partner of SPbPU. Polytechnic was represented at the conference by the Civil Engineering Institute and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport.

    The event was attended by the ISI Director Marina Petrochenko and Senior Lecturer of the Higher School of Psychology and Social Sciences Liliya Talipova. Marina Vyacheslavovna gave a report on the “Role of the University in the Transition to Import-Substituting Software, Training and Independent Assessment of the Qualifications of Specialists”.

    It is worth noting that among the forum participants representing design institutes, construction, development and engineering companies, there were a large number of graduates and students of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Institute of Civil Engineering.

    Nanosoft is the largest Russian developer of engineering software: computer-aided design (CAD), information modeling (BIM) and support for industrial and civil construction projects (ICC) at all stages of the life cycle, as well as end-to-end digitalization of all production processes.

    Therefore, representatives of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU also took an active part in the conference. At the session “Education and retraining of personnel. Cases of import substitution of CAD/TIM in the educational sphere” Pavel Andrienko, Deputy Director of IMMiT for educational and methodological work, and Pavel Kovalev, Deputy Director of IMMiT for educational activities, spoke about the experience of the Polytechnic University.

    Pavel Andrienko gave a presentation on “NanoCAD Mechanics PRO: experience of implementation in educational processes at SPbPU”, in which he presented the achieved results in import substitution of CAD in the educational process and retraining of IMMiT faculty.

    Also at the conference, Oleg Egorychev, Director of Programs for Development of Interaction with Educational and Scientific Organizations at Nanosoft, announced the launch of the development of a multimedia book. Work on it was carried out under the supervision of Anatoly Popovich, Director of IMMiT. The book is dedicated to solving applied problems in the field of mechanical engineering using NanoCAD Mechanics PRO.

    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 Australia: Introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government is today taking a critical step to strengthen Australia’s protections against money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and tackling a key resource stream for organised crime.

    Each year billions of dollars are generated from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, tax evasion, cybercrime, human trafficking and arms trafficking. The proceeds from these crimes are used to fund further serious crimes such as terrorism and child abuse.

    In 2015, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global financial watchdog, found that Australia had failed to comply with a number of critical standards. In particular, Australia had failed to extend our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime to ‘tranche-two’ entities including lawyers, accountants and real estate agents.

    Despite these clear warnings that our economy was at risk of being exploited by criminal gangs and terrorists, the former government failed to do anything of substance for nearly a decade, leaving Australia dangerously vulnerable.

    The Albanese Government’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 introduces significant, long overdue reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime.

    The Bill will close a significant regulatory gap in Australia by expanding the regime to address vulnerabilities within ‘tranche-two’ entities, including lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals and dealers in precious stones and metals. AUSTRAC’s recent Money Laundering National Risk Assessment noted criminals are increasingly exploiting these sectors to conceal illicit wealth and launder money.

    The Bill will also help bring Australia into line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Australia is now one of only five jurisdictions out of more than 200 that do not regulate these tranche-two entities or ‘gatekeeper’ professions. It means Australia is at serious risk of being ‘grey-listed’ by the FATF, which would not only be damaging to our international reputation but could result in significant economic harm to Australians and businesses.

    The Government is taking the opportunity to simplify, clarify and streamline the AML/CTF regime. This will reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and make it easier to understand and implement effective measures to combat financial crime. The reforms will allow businesses to take a risk-based approach, allowing industry to prioritise their resources. The reforms will also lead to better quality financial data and make it easier for businesses to protect themselves from misuse by criminals.

    The Government thanks the representatives of ‘tranche two’ entities who engaged constructively in consultations on this Bill.

    The Bill will modernise Australia’s AML/CTF system to ensure it keeps pace with our global financial system – closing the gaps that increasingly sophisticated and professional criminal organisations can exploit. This includes extending the current regulation of virtual asset service providers, that are exploited by serious and organised crime groups to launder the profits of their crimes and hide the origin of funds.

    The Albanese Government is taking up the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing in Australia. The Government looks forward to all members of the Australian Parliament joining us in supporting the passage of this Bill.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New resources for young people to tackle coercive control

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

    Media Release

    The Albanese Government is today releasing resources to help young people recognise and combat coercive control.

    Young people have unique experiences of coercive control and these resources are designed to assist them and their loved ones to identify coercive control and seek help.

    The resources include videos and fact sheets for young people entering relationships for the first time, as well as adults in their lives, to boost understanding of what coercive control looks like.

    Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviour designed to create power and dominance over another person or persons. It can involve physical and non-physical abuse and, over time, creates fear and takes away the person’s freedom and independence.

    Coercive control almost always underpins family and domestic violence. Understanding and identifying these dynamics is fundamental to an effective response to family and domestic violence.

    These new resources build upon an existing suite of materials including fact sheets and videos, tailored resources for First Nations people, language translations and guides for healthcare practitioners to recognise and respond to coercive control.

    The resources build upon the landmark agreement by the Standing Council of Attorneys-General in September 2023 to endorse National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence which, for the first time, create a shared national understanding of coercive control.

    The resources also deliver on one of the preventative actions in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. The National Plan is the overarching national policy framework that guides actions towards ending gender-based violence in a generation.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT, or text 0458 737 732.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New methods of domestic and family violence perpetration

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    New research has highlighted the need for further improvement in justice and support services to protect victim‑survivors from coercive control.

    Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviour designed to exert power and dominance over another person or persons. It can involve physical and non-physical abuse and, over time, creates fear and takes away the person’s freedom and independence.

    Coercive control almost always underpins family and domestic violence. Understanding and identifying these dynamics is fundamental to an effective response to family and domestic violence.

    A landmark agreement by the Standing Council of Attorneys-General in September 2023 endorsed National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence which, for the first time, create a shared national understanding of coercive control.

    The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) study Technology-facilitated coercive control investigates the use of technology to facilitate controlling, monitoring, stalking, and emotionally abusive behaviours by intimate partners in domestic and family violence contexts.

    Victim‑survivors and domestic and family violence frontline workers interviewed by the AIC reported significant gaps and the need for improvement in justice and support services.

    One considerable gap is a lack of understanding of technology-facilitated coercive control among frontline workers, including police, and the community more broadly. This meant that victim‑survivors did not always recognise that what was happening to them was a form of violence.

    Often, police were found to view reports by victim-survivors as isolated incidents, rather than as patterns of behaviour. Within domestic and family violence services there was found to be a lack of funding for specialist suppliers to conduct technology safety scans, leaving services to rely on local telecommunications stores or students to check devices.

    In an additional paper, the AIC found an increase in reports of technology-facilitated coercive control during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated difficulties for victim-survivors in accessing support. Increased workload and working condition pressures on domestic and family violence workers and other support workers was also reported.

    The Attorney-General’s Department is undertaking work to strengthen responses to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence including a suite of resources to help people recognise coercive control and encourage victim-survivors to seek help.

    In addition, the Government has invested in a $4.1 million training and education package to enhance the effectiveness of police responses to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence and training and education to increase awareness of coercive control and recognition of technology facilitated abuse.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.

    Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    The Australian Institute of Criminology

    The AIC is Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.

    On 26 June 2024, the AIC released a new online dashboard to monitor intimate partner homicides involving female victims. The dashboard will be updated on a quarterly basis.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Further action on Robodebt scandal

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

    Media Release

    Legislation introduced today will help protect Australia against any repeat of the former Liberal Government’s illegal and immoral Robodebt scheme by ensuring Commonwealth agencies are subject to stronger and more rigorous scrutiny.

    The Report of the Robodebt Royal Commission made it clear that strong and effective oversight is necessary to safeguard the community in their dealings with government. Trust in government depends on this.

    The Albanese Government’s response to the Royal Commission committed to improving public trust in government. It recognised the important role that impartial, independent and robust oversight plays in delivering on this commitment.

    The Oversight Legislation Amendment (Robodebt Royal Commission Response and Other Measures) Bill 2024 implements the Australian Government’s response to Royal Commission recommendations 21.1 and 21.2 to ensure Commonwealth agencies are subject to stronger and more rigorous scrutiny.

    The Royal Commission found that some officials and agencies engaged in behaviour designed to mislead the Ombudsman and impede their investigation into the Robodebt Scheme.

    The Bill will ensure this can never happen again by:

    • imposing a statutory duty on the public service to assist the Ombudsman in the performance of their functions, and
    • ensuring the Ombudsman has strong powers to obtain full and direct access to records, including by establishing a new offence for withholding reasonable facilities and assistance from the Ombudsman.

    The Bill also enhances the Ombudsman’s ability to undertake full, independent and transparent investigations. This includes modernising the Ombudsman’s information-gathering powers to enable remote access to agency records.

    The Bill will also introduce equivalent enhanced duties and powers for the Inspector‑General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO), in recognition of the IGTO’s role in providing community assurance that taxation laws are being administered with integrity.

    These amendments are supported by a commitment of $2.3 million over four years from 2023-2024 and $700,000 ongoing. This will provide additional capacity for the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to handle complaints and undertake investigations of systemic issues, as part of the Government’s response to the Robodebt Royal Commission.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Law reform in the age of AI

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    *Check against delivery*

    Acknowledgments omitted

    Welcome to my hometown.

    I grew up right here in Fremantle. My primary school is around the corner on Henry Street. My childhood home on the same road as Fremantle Prison, a building now on the World Heritage List. Back then, home to 337 of Western Australia’s prisoners.

    I enjoyed the freedom of a social media free childhood. The only technology that terrified me was the Swan Blimp, roaring in the skies above Esplanade Park, while Fremantle boomed with the America’s Cup. So technology can scare us, but also enable us to achieve greatness.

    I now live in North Perth. The Australia II still lives in Fremantle at the Maritime Museum. It was first launched in 1982, a year away from its history-making America’s Cup win. With a winged keel and the 1980s best 3D design.

    As the TELEX message that was sent amongst the designers said:

    “ABOUT TO TAKE YACHT DESIGN INTO THE SPACE AGE. 
    DARTH VADER LOOKS GOOD IN COMPUTER IN 3 DIMENSION WILL TEST ON WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE, BEN SKYWALKER”

    That was designer Ben Lexcen’s cryptic Telex message of May 1981. The Australia II team did enter the yacht race space age. And far away down in Hobart, an eccentric politician made a bold prediction.

    Barry Jones had just published a book, called ‘Sleepers, Wake!’ exploring the potential impacts of the ICT Revolution on society. The book suggested that technological innovation would be a major component of economic growth, that the increased accessibility of information would transform our lives in almost every conceivable way. The book was ridiculed by some and its claims were regarded by many as wildly exaggerated.

    Barry Jones delivered his famous prediction in a speech to a public meeting in Hobart. He predicted that by the year 2000 there would be more computers in Tasmania than cars. This prediction was considered laughable. The Mercury newspaper suggested he had lost his grip on reality. But he was right.

    Many of us start our days by turning off the alarm blaring out of our small handheld smartphone computers. We get up and dressed and put on our smart watches. We get into our car and use our GPS systems to get to work, where we log on to our work computers for a long day ahead before we can watch some TV on our smart TVs at home.

    Few in 1982 would have had the foresight to make this prediction, and few had the foresight to take it seriously.

    So, what technological advancements are we in danger of overlooking in 2024? The obvious answer is of course Artificial Intelligence.

    The age of AI

    The age of AI is now here. AI is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it is here and it is already embedding itself into our daily lives. The names are cute. Inoffensive. Co-pilot. Chat GPT. Gemini. Cyber Dynamics Model 101.

    Well, that last one is the official name of The Terminator, but I am sure the others are harmless. Australians are already using AI in the workplace. Teachers are now providing students with personalised AI chatbots to help provide additional tutoring to students needing support. AI is assisting medical doctors to scan vast data sets and gather medical insights that were previously not possible. In the public sector, the Australian Government recently conducted a six-month trial of Co-pilot for Microsoft 365. And of course, AI is also impacting the legal sector.

    Recent surveys suggest that a majority of lawyers are already using AI in their work. They are also optimistic for the potential for AI to bring significant innovation to the sector. AI tools are being developed to assist lawyers with document review, legal research and more. Most of us wish we had time to be an incredible professional, as well as an accomplished artist, writer and musician.

    Generative AI is that best version of our imagined selves. Producing music, art and video that has already won artistic competitions when submitted anonymously alongside the work of human artists.

    AI Regulation

    This is where wonder and risk collide. There are serious risks associated with the development and deployment of AI. AI has implications in copyright law, where vast amounts of data and creative work have been scraped for the training of AI models from web sources. AI generative content can also be created to mimic the works of existing Australian artists and creatives. This raises serious concerns for Australian artists and creatives, about the future of their work and livelihoods.

    As Australian Artist Ben Lee said on AI:

    “I don’t think art has ever succeeded in trying to fight technology…
    [but] we have to consider what we will lose if we put all our eggs in that basket.”

    And even if we aren’t recording artists – every Australian has eggs in this basket. We know the risks of having our sensitive data harvested and used. Your information could be training AI without your knowledge or consent.

    AI creates potential challenges in the areas of law enforcement and criminal behaviour, notably in relation to cybercrime. So we must consider the role of regulation and legislative frameworks for the development of AI.

    I am aware I am in a room of legal experts. I expect many of you may have an interest in AI. Equally, the current opportunities for law reform in the age of AI.

    It is worth noting that Barry Jones, when he made his famous prediction, was no great scientist. He studied arts and law. He had been a schoolteacher. It was deep thinking about Australian society and the road ahead of us. He couldn’t avoid the impacts of emerging technologies.

    Similarly, you all witness the iterative way in which law and society steadily adapt to each other, every day in the course of your work. Like Barry, you are in a position to see and understand the transformative impacts of new technology on how a society and its legal framework function. I hope you engage with and contribute to the current conversation about the safe and effective development and implementation of AI in Australia.

    Law reform in the age of AI

    Things are changing. Fast.

    Our regulatory approach is engaged with those changes. It is the role of law makers to balance risk with opportunity. To shield the Australian public from the dangers of AI, while not restricting the potential for AI to deliver positive and profound improvements in living standards.

    Later this month the Susan McKinnon Foundation will release new research on AI. Its report, ‘Partisanship, polarisation and social cohesion in Australia’ surveyed 3,000 Australians. It found familiar divides across many issues amongst progressives and conservatives.

    Surprisingly in one area they found agreement from left and progressive, centre and moderate, right and conservative. They all had similar results on the increased use of AI in daily life, and they all opposed the AI intrusion. Negative 15 per cent support from the left and progressives. Negative 20 per cent support from the right and conservatives.

    So Australians are looking for leadership on how best to protect themselves from potential harms. When conducting law reform we must keep front of mind the rights and needs of those who are most subject to vulnerability. To make sure those who are most disadvantaged are not put to further disadvantage.

    Some legislation is developed for specific technologies, like gene technologies or nuclear technologies. Other legislation is crafted to be technology neutral.

    The Australian Government is continually working to ensure that our robust system of existing legislative frameworks is fit-for-purpose. Capable of responding to harms, including harms enabled by AI.

    Australians know that the regulation of AI is a challenging issue. They recognise the potential dangers and benefits and the importance of getting it right. Where the community has expectations, law reform must respond to and uphold those community expectations. The laws of Australia, are ultimately, a mirror held up to our society. Our laws must reflect those expectations and beliefs of the collection of diverse individuals that make up this country.

    International developments

    The questions Australia faces are not ours alone. The United Nations has alerted the world to the growing energy demands of AI.

    Noting:

    “A request made through ChatGPT, an AI-based virtual assistant, consumes 10 times the electricity of a Google Search, reported the International Energy Agency.

    While global data is sparse, the agency estimates that in the tech hub of Ireland, the rise of AI could see data centres account for nearly 35 per cent of the country’s energy use by 2026.”

    Then there is the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act – designed to specifically address unique high-risk considerations associated with AI.

    By assigning AI systems and applications to three risk categories:

    1. unacceptable risk
    2. high-risk, and
    3. minimal risk.

    In this framework, unacceptable risk systems and applications are prohibited.

    Last year in the UK, an AI white paper was released which argues for a risk-based approach to AI regulation. The paper classifies AI systems based on the level of risk they pose. It emphasises the development of AI systems that are human-centric and trustworthy, whilst also promoting innovation through the development of AI innovation hubs to support research and development.

    In the United States, the first state-based AI legislation has been passed. Known as the Colorado AI Act, it will come into effect from February 2026. The Act requires developers of high-risk artificial intelligence systems to use reasonable care to protect consumers from foreseeable risks of algorithmic discrimination.

    Canada has proposed legislation, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, which is broadly aligned with the EU AI Act. The Bill established initial classes of high-impact AI systems and parameters for government to deem further classes of systems as high-impact systems. It would also require developers and deployers of general-purpose high-risk AI systems to establish accountability frameworks. It also provides new enforcement powers for the AI and Data Commissioner.

    These are all developments that the Australian Public Service is monitoring closely.

    AI regulation in Australia

    I began this speech talking about the 1980s here in Fremantle. The 1980s in Canberra saw computers occupy the desk real estate of the public service. Forty years ago, the Attorney-General’s Department assisted with the Copyright Amendment Act 1984, clarifying copyright protection for computer programs.

    The same year the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General “agreed on the desirability of uniform legislation to penalise the appropriation or use of computer data without lawful authority or excuse”.

    Forty years on the technology changed, but the work continues. The Minister for Industry and Science recently held consultations on proposals for introducing mandatory guardrails for AI in high-risk settings. This process is informing the Government’s consideration of how we can most effectively regulate the development and deployment of AI.

    The Senate Select Committee on Adopting AI is currently investigating opportunities and impacts for Australia arising out of the uptake of AI technologies. The Committee is scheduled to present its final report on the 26th of November.

    The Australian Public Service is also working to ensure that government serves as an exemplar for the responsible use of AI. On the 1st of September 2024, the Digital Transformation Agency introduced a policy for responsible use of AI in government, providing a framework for the safe and responsible use of AI by public servants.

    Attorney-General’s Department – AI law reform

    I would like to also talk specifically about some of the law reform being led by the Commonwealth Attorney-General relevant to AI regulation. This reform crosses a number of policy areas, including privacy, copyright, automated decision making, cybercrime, and technology facilitated abuse.

    Privacy reforms

    In the privacy space, Australians are becoming increasingly aware that the advent of AI technologies has introduced the potential for new privacy risks. While AI has the potential to provide major economic benefits, we know Australians are also cautious about the use of AI to make decisions which may affect them.

    In a survey by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, respondents made clear they want conditions in place before AI is used in this way. 
    In particular – they want to be told when this is the case. Our Government believes that entities have a responsibility to protect Australians’ personal information and ensure individuals have control and transparency over how it is used.

    On 12 September 2024, the Attorney-General introduced legislation to Parliament to reform the Privacy Act. The Bill implements a first tranche of reforms, agreed by Government in its response to the Privacy Act Review, ahead of consultation on a second tranche of reforms. The Bill will amend the Privacy Act to enhance its effectiveness, strengthening the enforcement tools available to the privacy regulator, while better facilitating safe overseas data flows.

    The Bill will also introduce a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, and criminal offences for the malicious release of an individual’s personal data online, otherwise known as ‘doxxing.’ Importantly, the Bill will provide individuals with transparency about the use of their personal information in automated decisions which significantly affect their interests. Entities will need to specify the kinds of personal information used in these sorts of decisions in their privacy policies.

    The Government is approaching this important reform work carefully. Ensuring increased privacy protections are balanced alongside other impacts, so that we deliver the fairest outcome for all Australians.

    Copyright and AI

    AI and copyright issues are another complex global challenge needing to be worked through in an Australian context. The Attorney-General’s Department is considering complex and contested AI and copyright issues in a careful and consultative way. This approach is consistent with advice from industry stakeholders that participated in a series of Copyright Roundtables in 2023.

    The Government is conscious of the need for balance. Between – on the one hand – the urgency with which the rapid development and adoption of AI demands a policy response.And on the other – the importance of taking the time necessary to get that response right, avoiding harmful repercussions.

    In December 2023, the Attorney-General established the Copyright and AI Reference Group as a standing mechanism for engagement with stakeholders. These stakeholders represent a wide range of sectors, including the creative, media and technology sectors. The Reference Group’s role is to consider copyright and AI issues. The Attorney-General’s Department’s ongoing consultation with the Reference Group is informing the development of policy for Government’s consideration.

    This work on copyright is part of the Government’s broader engagement on AI-related matters. It complements the work being led by the Minister for Industry and Science on the safe and responsible use of AI.

    Automated decision-making

    Automated decision making (or ‘ADM’) has long been part of administrative processes, inside and outside of government. When implemented thoughtfully and responsibly – which is the majority of cases – we can all benefit from faster, more efficient, and more accurate service delivery. From e-Gates at airports through to faster processing of claims, these benefits can meaningfully improve the services individuals receive from Government.

    However, where ADM is used to make decisions that adversely affect people’s rights or wellbeing, the community is understandably concerned. In particular, concerns centre on how these automation and artificial intelligence technologies are governed. When assurance processes fail, there can be life-altering impacts on individuals. As many of you would recall, this was this was vividly and painfully illustrated in the ‘Robodebt’ scandal and resulting Royal Commission.

    The Royal Commission made several recommendations to improve governance and safeguards around the use of ADM in administrative decision-making. The Government has fully accepted those recommendations and work is well underway in the Attorney-General’s Department to develop stronger safeguards.

    Australia learnt many lessons from the Robodebt scandal. We heard that individuals were able to successfully challenge particular decisions. However, most individuals did not feel they were in a position to challenge the assessments they received.

    Considerable harm across a large number of individuals was done before the system was brought to an end. The legal system was able to compensate individuals for what had happened.

    A key focus for better governing ADM, including systems that use AI, is therefore to ensure that systems and processes are sufficiently robust. To ensure that flaws in ADM design and implementation are identified and addressed before decisions are made that affect individuals. This could include ensuring that any use of ADM systems in administrative processes is consistent with the principles of administrative law.

    Cybercrime and technology-facilitated abuse

    Generative AI is being rapidly adopted by criminal actors in a range of contexts. For example, artificial intelligence is already being used to generate hyper realistic deepfakes. These can be used as a tool for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment online.

    It is essential that the Australian Government keeps our laws under constant review. To ensure they remain fit-for-purpose in responses to rapid changes in technology – such as the emergence of AI.

    Earlier this year, the Attorney-General led legislative reform through the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Act 2024. The Act introduces new offences and strengthens the current criminal law framework. Ensuring the non-consensual transmission of sexual material developed or altered by such technologies is criminalised and subject to significant penalties. This came into force in September 2024.

    Partnership with the states and territories is also important, to ensure a cohesive national approach. In September, the Police Ministers Council agreed to a review of Commonwealth, state and territory frameworks. The review seeks to ensure they adequately address the issue of technology-facilitated abuse, including deepfakes.

    In March 2024, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters commenced an inquiry into civics education, engagement and participation in Australia. This came from a referral from Government. The inquiry is considering how governments and the community can prevent or limit inaccurate or false information influencing electoral outcomes. Particularly with regard to AI, foreign interference, social media, and mis- and disinformation.

    As AI technologies continue to evolve and transform, it is critical that Australia harnesses the opportunities arising from the uptake of AI technologies. To bolster Australia’s economic and social prosperity, as well as ensuring our legal frameworks remain fit for purpose. Making sure we combat the misuse and abuse of AI for criminal purposes.

    Conclusion

    I started this speech talking about the excitement of the America’s Cup. What it did to my hometown of Fremantle. The joy that win gave the nation.

    I see that excitement again in the possibility of Artificial Intelligence. To unlock the potential of our people, wherever they live. Powered by a publicly owned National Broadband Network.

    In 2024 we stand on the doorstep of the AI age and that door is opening.

    The age of AI is now here. This is a time of great excitement, where the bounds of human creativity and imagination are currently being pushed. But it is also, a time to stop, and to carefully consider the potential hazards and pitfalls, as we move forward.

    The Australian Government is working hard to ensure our legislative framework shields Australians from the potential harms of AI technologies.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Foreign digital interference – Adoption by the United Kingdom of sanctions against three Russian companies (28 Oct. 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    France welcomes today’s adoption by the United Kingdom of a series of sanctions against three Russian companies and their leaders, implicated in Russian digital interference in Europe.

    France had reported these actors in June 2023 via the publication of the VIGINUM report on the RRN/Doppelgänger network, and in July 2023 it ensured European sanctions were imposed on these entities.

    France welcomes the excellent coordination between the EU and NATO Member States to broaden collective efforts to combat Russian interference in Europe and around the world. France condemns this interference and emphasizes, as did the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, that these campaigns have so far failed to significantly disrupt the European public debate or European public support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

    France pays tribute to the tireless work of the fact-checkers and journalists working on a daily basis to put out reliable, high-quality information and combat the manipulation of information.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global Receives First Order for BeamSpot™ Curbside EV Chargers from Fortune 500 Utility Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has received the first order for its BeamSpot™ curbside chargers from a Fortune 500 company in the utility and energy solutions sector. Multiple corporate offices will each install three BeamSpot™ systems for EV charging and street lighting. This announcement comes shortly after last month’s launch of the product, which is part of Beam Global’s line up of renewably energized, grid independent, electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. The patented BeamSpot™ sustainable curbside charging system is a streetlight replacement that combines solar, wind and utility-generated electricity stored in Beam Global’s proprietary integrated batteries, to provide resiliency, lighting and curbside EV charging.

    “This first order demonstrates the marketability of the BeamSpot product,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “This product solves one of the toughest challenges facing the industry today – the need for ubiquitous, sustainable charging at the curb that can be deployed quickly and without major easements, construction or electrical work. We are excited to deliver these initial units to a long-term customer of Beam Global and are confident that our technology will provide significant value, making it an easy choice for them to place additional orders.”

    The BeamSpot™ curbside EV charging system integrates with existing streetlight electrical infrastructure and combines solar, wind and utility-generated electricity for EV charging. This off-grid-capable system, designed to operate without complex construction or utility upgrades, targets high-demand urban areas such as city centers, residential neighborhoods, parking lots, multi-unit housing and public venues. BeamSpot™ chargers aim to address the challenges of deploying EV infrastructure in dense areas, offering a scalable solution that reduces installation costs and increases resiliency. While there are existing streetlight EV charging solutions on the market, those rely entirely on the streetlight’s electrical circuit which is typically only equipped with enough capacity to power a light. The BeamSpot™ solution combines three sources of electricity in its on-board batteries allowing for a higher capacity EV charge which is largely provided by renewable energy, and which will continue to operate during blackouts and other grid failures. The BeamSpot™ product will also continue to light streets during grid failures, providing an essential disaster preparedness asset to the locations where it is deployed.

    To learn more about Beam Global’s sustainable charging solutions visit beamforall.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Chicago, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward Looking Statements
    This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. These statements relate to future events or future results of operations. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Beam Global’s actual results to be materially different from these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, Beam Global expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Acquire Profire Energy for $125 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Expands CECO’s leadership position in niche energy and industrial markets with expanded environmental solutions for mission critical applications
    • Provides cost synergies and enhances Profire’s strategic growth by utilizing CECO’s established international operations and customer relationships
    • CECO to host its Quarterly Earnings call today at 8:30 a.m. ET including further commentary regarding the transaction

    DALLAS and LINDON, Utah, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (“CECO”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, and Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE) (“Profire”), a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances, today announced a definitive agreement where CECO will acquire Profire, in an all-cash transaction.

    Profire is a leader in burner management technology and combustion control systems that provide mission-critical combustion automation and control solutions and services to improve environmental efficiency, safety and reliability for industrial thermal applications globally. Profire estimates its 2024 sales to be greater than $60 million with adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 20 percent.​

    “I am excited to announce the acquisition of Profire and we look forward to welcoming their tremendous organization to our portfolio of leading solution companies,” said Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer. “With an installed base approaching 100,000 burner management systems and a growing industrial market product offering, we look forward to accelerating their global market expansion and introducing their high-efficiency solutions to more customers in industrial air and water. We are also confident that the increased scale and combined corporate organizations will generate meaningful efficiencies and synergies. The addition of Profire is another important step in our ongoing execution of programmatic M&A and we expect it will further advance our position as the leading environmental solutions provider in industrial markets.”

    “We are extremely pleased to announce this transaction with CECO which is a testament to the value that has been created for Profire employees, customers and shareholders,” said Cameron Tidball and Ryan Oviatt, co-CEOs of Profire. “The combination of our well-established leadership in niche energy and industrial mission critical applications with CECO’s proven track record of acquiring and investing in companies to enhance their growth and create scale will unlock even more value for all constituents.”

    Transaction Details and Timing

    Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of CECO (“Merger Sub”) will commence a tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Profire common stock at a price of $2.55 per share, in cash, without interest and subject to applicable withholding tax.  The tender offer will initially remain open for 20 business days from the date of commencement of the tender offer, subject to extension under certain circumstances. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by Profire’s Board of Directors, implies an equity value of approximately $125 million and a total enterprise value for Profire of approximately $108 million.

    The tender offer is subject to customary closing conditions, including that at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Profire’s common stock are tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

    The price represents a 46.5% premium over Profire’s closing share price of $1.74 on October 25, 2024 and a premium of 60.3% to Profire’s 30-day volume weighted average share price on October 25, 2024. 
    Following a successful completion of the tender offer, including the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, CECO will acquire all remaining untendered shares of Profire common stock at the same price of $2.55 per share in cash through a merger of Merger Sub with Profire, with Profire continuing as the surviving corporation.

    Upon completion of the transaction, Profire will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CECO and shares of Profire’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. The parties anticipate that the combination will be completed in the first quarter of 2025.  

    Advisors

    Stephens Inc. is serving as financial advisor and Mayer Brown LLP is serving as legal counsel to Profire.
    CECO Environmental Corp. is being advised by Foley & Lardner LLP (Legal), and KPMG (tax).

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets across the globe through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications including power generation, petrochemical processing, general industrial, refining, midstream oil and gas, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, battery recycling, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    ABOUT PROFIRE ENERGY, INC.
    Profire Energy is a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances while mitigating potential environmental impacts related to the operation of these devices. It is primarily focused in the upstream, midstream, and downstream transmission segments of the oil and gas industry. However, in recent years, Profire has completed many installations of burner-management solutions in other industries that will be applicable to expand the addressable market over time. Profire specializes in the engineering and design of burner and combustion management systems and solutions used on a variety of natural and forced draft applications. Its products and services are sold primarily throughout North America. It has an experienced team of sales and service professionals that are strategically positioned across the United States and Canada. Profire has offices in Lindon, Utah; Victoria, Texas; Midland-Odessa, Texas; Homer, Pennsylvania; Greeley, Colorado; Millersburg, Ohio; and Acheson, Alberta, Canada. For additional information, visit www.profireenergy.com.

    SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
    Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding CECO’s full year 2024 outlook, statements about CECO’s expectations regarding the integration of Profire Energy, Inc., into CECO; the benefits of the acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc., and the expectations regarding the transaction’s impact on CECO’s strategic growth plan. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks regarding the parties’ ability to complete the proposed transactions in the anticipated timeframe or at all, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement between the parties, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed transaction, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted related to the proposed transaction, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the proposed transaction, the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the ability of Profire to achieve its 2024 earnings guidance, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, as well as a number of factors related to our business, including the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in our service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases, if any; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from strategic transactions; the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and our ability to remediate our material weakness, or any other material weakness that we may identify in the future that could result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of CECO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

    The tender offer has not yet commenced. This communication is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Profire Energy, Inc., nor is it a recommendation by Profire Energy, Inc., its management or board of directors that any investors sell or otherwise tender any securities of Profire Energy, Inc. in connection with the transactions described elsewhere in this communication. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares of Profire Energy, Inc.’s common stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related materials that a subsidiary of CECO Environmental Corp. intends to file with the SEC. In addition, Profire Energy, Inc. will file with the SEC a Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase, the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials filed with the SEC with respect to the tender offer and the merger, free of charge at the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors are advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares in the tender offer because such documents contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.

    CECO Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670

    PFIE Company Contact:
    Ryan Oviatt
    Co-CEO & CFO
    (801) 796-5127

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser
    Three Part Advisors
    214-872-2710
    Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UP Fintech Announces Full Exercise of Over-Allotment Option in Follow-on Public Offering of American Depositary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UP Fintech Holding Limited (Nasdaq: TIGR) (“UP Fintech” or the “Company”), a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors, today announced that the underwriters of the Company’s follow-on public offering have fully exercised their option to purchase an aggregate of 2,250,000 additional American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing 15 Class A ordinary shares of the Company, from the Company at the public offering price of US$6.25 per ADS.

    Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and US Tiger Securities, Inc. acted as the joint bookrunners for the ADS offering.

    The ADS offering has been made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The ADS offering has been made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus included in the Form F-3. The Form F-3 and the prospectus supplement are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  The final prospectus supplement has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained by contacting Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, Level 60, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong; China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited 29/F, One International Finance Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong; or, US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10022, United States of America.

    This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About UP Fintech Holding Limited

    UP Fintech Holding Limited is a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors. The Company’s proprietary mobile and online trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world. The Company offers innovative products and services as well as a superior user experience to customers through its “mobile first” strategy, which enables it to better serve and retain current customers as well as attract new ones. The Company offers customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, IPO subscription, ESOP management, investor education, community discussion and customer support. The Company’s proprietary infrastructure and advanced technology are able to support trades across multiple currencies, multiple markets, multiple products, multiple execution venues and multiple clearinghouses.

    For more information on the Company, please visit: https://ir.itigerup.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “aim,” “likely to,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements or expressions. Among other statements, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, the Company’s strategic and operational plans and expectations regarding growth and expansion of its business lines, and the Company’s plans for future financing of its business contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties, including the earnings conference call. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s ability to effectively implement its growth strategies; trends and competition in global financial markets; changes in the Company’s revenues and certain cost or expense accounting policies; and governmental policies and regulations affecting the Company’s industry and general economic conditions in China, Singapore and other countries. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 22, 2024. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Investor Relations Contact
    UP Fintech Holding Limited
    Email: ir@itiger.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Blockchain Reaction Unveils FiatGate, A Non-Custodial White-Label Web3 Wallet and Exchange Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockchain Reaction, a company at the forefront of Web3, announced the launch of FiatGate, a user-friendly white-label non-custodial wallet & exchange platform designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional finance and the world of cryptocurrencies.

    FiatGate is the result of a strategic collaboration between Blockchain Reaction and its sister company EBANQ, renowned for its successful track record in delivering user-friendly white-label online banking software for over a decade. This partnership ensures that FiatGate is not only innovative but also built on a solid foundation of expertise and track record when it comes to performance and security.

    FiatGate enables end-users to buy, sell and swap cryptocurrencies through pre-integrated regulated onramp and offramp providers and without the need for the company operating the platform to obtain a crypto license, since wallets are non-custodial and the integrated and regulated providers handle all KYC and AML compliance.

    Key features of FiatGate include:

    • White label: Go live with your Web3 White-Label Non-Custodial Wallet & Exchange Platform under your own branding in under 72 hours.
    • Ironclad Security: Built on industry leading technologies and ISO 27001 certified cloud infrastructure powered by Magic and Vercel.
    • Out-of-the-box payment rails: Access to integrated onramp and offramp providers facilitating deposits and withdrawals using traditional payment rails such as SWIFT, SEPA, FPS, ACH, Fedwire, Apple Pay, Google Pay, VISA and Mastercard*.
    • Comprehensive Support: backed by the experienced EBANQ team, ensuring top-notch customer support and technical assistance.

    “FiatGate represents a significant step forward in our mission to make DeFi and Web3 accessible and practical for everyday use. Our white-label self-custody platform brings ownership and asset control back to the end-users, without compromising user-friendliness” said Mikael Magnusson, CEO of Blockchain Reaction.

    About Blockchain Reaction
    Blockchain Reaction is a leading innovator in White-Label Non-Custodial Wallet & Exchange Platforms, dedicated to creating solutions that drive the adoption of decentralized systems. With a focus on security, scalability, and user experience, Blockchain Reaction is at the forefront of the Web3 and DeFi revolution.

    About EBANQ
    EBANQ has been a trusted provider of white label online banking software for over a decade. Their solutions are used by financial institutions worldwide and known for their reliability, scalability, security and ease of use.

    Press Contact:
    Anastasia Andrea
    press@blockchainreaction.io

    *All trademarks and brand names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Their use does not imply or constitute any affiliation, partnership or endorsement of any kind.

    Social Media Links:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/FiatGate/61560833716057/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiatgate/

    https://x.com/FiatGate_crypto

    https://www.instagram.com/fiatgate_crypto/

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Blockchain Reaction. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/674fcfbc-4723-4740-86a1-1236271914df

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Check Point Software Reports 2024 Third Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    Third Quarter 2024:

    • Total Revenues: $635 million, a 7 percent increase year over year
    • Security Subscriptions Revenues: $277 million, a 12 percent increase year over year
    • GAAP Operating Income: $218 million, representing 34 percent of revenues
    • Non-GAAP Operating Income: $274 million, representing 43 percent of revenues
    • GAAP EPS: $1.83, a 4 percent increase year over year
    • Non-GAAP EPS: $2.25, a 9 percent increase year over year

    “Check Point delivered great third quarter financial results that were bolstered by double-digit Infinity Platform growth. This success is underscored by double-digit revenue growth in Harmony Email and Infinity Global Services,” said Gil Shwed, Check Point founder and CEO. “We expanded our offerings into the Security Operation Center (SOC) market with the Cyberint acquisition that delivers proactive, AI powered threat intelligence and exposure management. We’re looking forward to continued success with our Infinity Platform and the broader adoption of our technologies as we close out the year.”

    Financial Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2024:

    • Total Revenues: $635 million compared to $596 million in the third quarter of 2023, a 7 percent increase year over year.
    • GAAP Operating Income: $218 million compared to $226 million in the third quarter of 2023, representing 34 percent and 38 percent of total revenues in the third quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    • Non-GAAP Operating Income: $274 million compared to $269 million in the third quarter of 2023, representing 43 percent and 45 percent of total revenues in the third quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively
    • GAAP Taxes on Income: $37 million compared to $39 million in the third quarter of 2023.
    • GAAP Net Income: $207 million compared to $205 million in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Non-GAAP Net Income: $255 million compared to $242 million in the third quarter of 2023.
    • GAAP Earnings per Diluted share: $1.83 compared to $1.75 in the third quarter of 2023, a 4 percent increase year over year.
    • Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted share: $2.25 compared to $2.07 in the third quarter of 2023, a 9 percent increase year over year.
    • Deferred Revenues: As of September 30, 2024, deferred revenues were $1,745 million compared to $1,709 million as of September 30, 2023, a 2 percent increase year over year.
    • Cash Balances, Marketable Securities and Short-Term Deposits: $2,873 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $2,989 million as of September 30, 2023.
    • Cash Flow: During the quarter we acquired Cyberint Ltd, a pioneering provider of External Risk Management solutions, for $186 million net cash consideration. Cash flow from operations was $249 million, and acquisition-related costs for the current quarter were insignificant. This compares to $222 million in the third quarter of 2023, which included $22 million in costs related to acquisitions.
    • Share Repurchase Program: During the third quarter of 2024, we repurchased approximately 1.79 million shares at a total cost of approximately $325 million.

    For information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this release, as well as a reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

    Video Conference Information
    Check Point will host a video conference with the investment community on October 29, 2024, at 8:30 AM ET/5:30 AM PT. To listen to the live video cast or replay, please visit the website: www.checkpoint.com/ir.

    Fourth Quarter Investor Conference Participation Schedule:    

    • Morgan Stanley 23rdAnnual Asia Pacific Summit
      November 20-21, 2024, Singapore
    • 2024 UBS Global Technology Conference
      December 2-3, 2024, Scottsdale, AZ – 1×1’s
    • Wells Fargo TMT Summit
      December 4, 2024, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA – 1×1’s
    • FBN Virtual Silicon Valley Tech Tour
      December 6, 2024, Virtual
    • Nasdaq 50thInvestor Conference
      December 10, 2024, London, UK

    Members of Check Point’s management team anticipate attending these conferences and events to discuss the latest company strategies and initiatives. Check Point’s conference presentations, if applicable, will be available via webcast on the company’s web site. To hear these presentations and access the most updated information please visit the company’s web site at www.checkpoint.com/ir. The schedule is subject to change.

    To follow this and other Check Point news visit:

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding our products and solutions, and our participation in investor conferences and events during the fourth quarter of 2024. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks include our ability to continue to develop platform capabilities and solutions; customer acceptance and purchase of our existing solutions and new solutions; the market for IT security continuing to develop; competition from other products and services; the appointment of our new CEO, the transition of our CEO into the role of Executive Chairman; and general market, political, economic, and business conditions, including acts of terrorism or war. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
    In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, Check Point uses non-GAAP measures of operating income, net income, and earnings per diluted share, which are adjustments from results based on GAAP to exclude, as applicable, stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses and the related tax affects. Check Point’s management believes the non-GAAP financial information provided in this release is useful to investors’ understanding and assessment of Check Point’s ongoing core operations and prospects for the future. Historically, Check Point has also publicly presented these supplemental non-GAAP financial measures to assist the investment community in visualizing the Company “through the eyes of management,” and thereby enhance understanding of its operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this press release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included with the financial statements contained in this press release. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP information in evaluating and operating the business internally and has determined that it is important to provide this information to investors.

    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024     2023     2024     2023
    Revenues:                              
    Products and licenses $ 118.9   $ 114.2   $ 337.3   $ 339.1
    Security subscriptions   276.9     248.3     812.0     715.4
    Total revenues from products and security subscriptions   395.8     362.5     1,149.3     1,054.5
    Software updates and maintenance   239.3     233.8     712.0     696.7
    Total revenues   635.1     596.3     1,861.3     1,751.2
                   
    Operating expenses:              
    Cost of products and licenses   24.3     22.5     68.2     71.3
    Cost of security subscriptions   19.6     13.9     52.9     39.8
    Total cost of products and security subscriptions   43.9     36.4     121.1     111.1
    Cost of Software updates and
    Maintenance    		   30.2     27.7     90.5     81.8
    Amortization of technology   5.8     3.0     17.4     8.2
    Total cost of revenues   79.9     67.1     229.0     201.1
                    
    Research and development   97.5     90.0     293.8     268.9
    Selling and marketing   208.9     183.3     630.8     546.6
    General and administrative   30.3     29.8     86.0     87.3
    Total operating expenses   416.6     370.2     1,239.6     1,103.9
                   
    Operating income   218.5     226.1     621.7     647.3
    Financial income, net   25.3     17.7     71.6     58.1
    Income before taxes on income   243.8     243.8     693.3     705.4
    Taxes on income   36.9     38.8     105.1     114.3
    Net income $ 206.9   $ 205.0   $ 588.2   $ 591.1
     

    Basic earnings per share

    		  

    $

    		  

    1.87

    		    

    $

    		  

    1.77

    		    

    $

    		  

    5.28

    		    

    $

    		  

    5.01
    Number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share   110.5     116.0     111.4     117.9
    Diluted earnings per share $ 1.83   $ 1.75   $ 5.16   $  4.96
    Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share    113.4     117.3     114.1     119.2
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL METRICS
    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024     2023     2024     2023
                   
    Revenues $ 635.1   $ 596.3   $ 1,861.3   $ 1,751.2
    Non-GAAP operating income   274.0     269.0     791.1     770.5
    Non-GAAP net income   255.4     242.4     735.9     698.6
    Diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share $ 2.25   $ 2.07   $ 6.45   $ 5.86
    Number of shares used in computing diluted Non-GAAP earnings per share   113.4     117.3     114.1     119.2
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
    GAAP operating income $ 218.5     $ 226.1     $ 621.7     $ 647.3  
    Stock-based compensation (1)   39.0                 36.5       119.9       105.4  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)   16.5       6.4       49.5       17.8  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 274.0     $ 269.0     $ 791.1     $ 770.5  
                   
    GAAP net income $ 206.9     $ 205.0     $ 588.2     $ 591.1  
    Stock-based compensation (1)   39.0                       36.5       119.9                105.4  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)   16.5       6.4       49.5                   17.8  
    Taxes on the above items (3)   (7.0 )     (5.5 )     (21.7 )     (15.7 )
    Non-GAAP net income $ 255.4     $ 242.4     $ 735.9     $ 698.6  
                   
    Diluted GAAP Earnings per share $ 1.83     $ 1.75     $ 5.16     $ 4.96  
    Stock-based compensation (1)   0.34       0.31       1.04       0.88  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)   0.14       0.06       0.44       0.15  
    Taxes on the above items (3)   (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.19 )     (0.13 )
    Diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share $ 2.25     $ 2.07     $ 6.45     $ 5.86  
                   
    Number of shares used in computing diluted
    Non-GAAP earnings per share    		   113.4       117.3       114.1       119.2  
                   
    (1) Stock-based compensation:              
    Cost of products and licenses $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.3     $ 0.3  
    Cost of software updates and maintenance   1.8       1.9       6.2       4.9  
    Research and development   14.0       12.1       42.3                   34.5  
    Selling and marketing   15.4       15.0       46.2                41.1  
    General and administrative   7.7       7.4       24.9                24.6  
        39.0       36.5       119.9       105.4  
                   
    (2) Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses:              
    Amortization of technology-cost of revenues   5.8       3.0       17.4                      8.2  
    Research and development   1.6       1.1       4.8       5.0  
    Selling and marketing   9.1       2.3       27.3       4.6  
        16.5       6.4       49.5       17.8  
    (3) Taxes on the above items   (7.0 )     (5.5 )                  (21.7 )                  (15.7 )
     Total, net $ 48.5     $ 37.4     $ 147.7     $ 107.5  
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
    (In millions)
    ASSETS
      September 30,   December 31,
      2024
    (Unaudited)    		   2023
    (Audited)
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 543.8   $ 537.7
    Marketable securities and short-term deposits   925.6     992.3
    Trade receivables, net   391.9     657.7
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   90.9     70.0
    Total current assets   1,952.2     2,257.7
           
    Long-term assets:      
    Marketable securities   1,403.4     1,429.7
    Property and equipment, net   80.6     80.4
    Deferred tax asset, net   76.5     81.8
    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net   1,900.4     1,748.5
    Other assets   99.5     97.4
    Total long-term assets   3,560.4     3,437.8
           
    Total assets $            5,512.6   $ 5,695.5
    LIABILITIES AND
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Current liabilities:      
    Deferred revenues $ 1,270.2     $ 1,413.8  
    Trade payables and other accrued liabilities   446.0       502.3  
    Total current liabilities   1,716.2       1,916.1  
           
    Long-term liabilities:      
    Long-term deferred revenues   474.8       493.9  
    Income tax accrual   457.8       436.1  
    Other long-term liabilities   35.2       28.4  
        967.8       958.4  
           
    Total liabilities   2,684.0       2,874.5  
           
    Shareholders’ equity:      
    Share capital   0.8       0.8  
    Additional paid-in capital   3,019.4       2,732.5  
    Treasury shares at cost   (13,946.7 )     (13,041.2 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1.2 )     (39.2 )
    Retained earnings   13,756.3       13,168.1  
    Total shareholders’ equity   2,828.6       2,821.0  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 5,512.6     $ 5,695.5  
    Total cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and short-term deposits $ 2,872.8     $ 2,959.7  
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW DATA

     (Unaudited, in millions)
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash flow from operating activities:              
    Net income $ 206.9     $ 205.0     $ 588.2     $ 591.1  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation of property and equipment   5.2       5.2       17.7       17.4  
    Amortization of intangible assets   13.4       4.6       40.4       10.8  
    Stock-based compensation   39.0       36.5       119.9       105.4  
    Realized loss on marketable securities   *)       6.0       *)       6.7  
    Decrease in trade and other receivables, net   67.8       38.1       258.2       263.3  
    Decrease in deferred revenues, trade payables and other accrued liabilities   (91.6 )     (75.8 )     (213.3 )     (205.1 )
    Deferred income taxes, net   8.2       2.7       (1.3 )     9.3  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   248.9       222.3       809.8       798.9  
                   
    Cash flow from investing activities:              
    Payment in conjunction with acquisitions, net of acquired cash   (185.8 )     (455.0 )     (185.8 )     (455.0 )
    Investment in property and equipment   (4.8 )     (6.1 )     (17.7 )     (13.9 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (190.6 )     (461.1 )     (203.5 )     (468.9 )
                   
    Cash flow from financing activities:              
    Proceeds from issuance of shares upon exercise of options   45.4       32.6       249.6       117.7  
    Purchase of treasury shares   (325.0 )     (324.6 )     (975.0 )     (974.4 )
    Payments related to shares withheld for taxes   (3.9 )     (2.1 )     (17.1 )     (9.8 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (283.5 )     (294.1 )     (742.5 )     (866.5 )
                   
    Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net   40.1       6.1       49.3       22.0  
                   
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and short term deposits   (185.1 )     (526.8 )      (86.9 )      (514.5 )
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and short term deposits at the beginning of the period    3,057.9        3,515.5       2,959.7       3,503.2  
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and short term deposits at the end of the period $ 2,872.8     $ 2,988.7     $ 2,872.8     $ 2,988.7  

    *) represents an amount lower than 0.1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Friday afternoons in December are the most dangerous time to drive, Allstate Canada data shows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARKHAM, Ontario, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Winter weather in Canada can present drivers with unique and challenging conditions. In fact, recent collision claims data from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada (“Allstate”) reveals December, January, and November are respectively the top three highest volume months for insurance claims due to a collision. Friday afternoons in December are particularly problematic when the company analyzed its data from the last two years.

    It’s possible the increase in collisions is the result of drivers navigating multiple factors. These can include stress from work near the end of the year, excitement to start the weekend, holiday preparations, fewer daylight hours, slippery roads, reduced visibility, or a combination of factors can create a challenging time for many Canadian drivers.

    “Anyone can get a little rusty from one year to another, and even forget to apply some basic adjustments while at the wheel as the weather becomes colder,” said Odel Laing, Agency Manager at Allstate. “Combine that with a packed holiday schedule and the risk of a collision can rise. We’re releasing this data to help drivers be aware of the increased risks on the road as we approach the end of 2024. The holiday season is busy enough without the added task of dealing with a collision.”

    While not all provinces mandate winter tires, Allstate recommends them. The performance of all-season tires can begin to drop when the temperature is below 7 degrees Celsius, which can affect stopping distances and vehicle control.

    Car Collision Data
    Allstate claims data shows that colder weather conditions contribute to a significant increase in road accidents, for instance:

    • Fridays, followed by Thursdays, are the days of the week with the highest number of incidents that result in customers submitting a claim.
    • December is the worst month for car collisions, followed by January and then November.
    • Half of all incidents (50%) occur in the afternoon, between noon and 6 pm.
    • The three most common reasons for making a collision-related claim are due to rear-end crashes, hit to a parked car, and changing lanes.

    An ‘Annual Learning Curve’ for Canadian Winter Drivers
    Regardless of skill level or how much experience one has on the road, Canadian winters require an adjustment to driving routines year after year. Here are five reminders to put into practice this winter:

    • Keep an eye on weather reports and have winter tires installed before the temperature drops to below 7 degrees Celsius.
    • Slow down and keep a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front of you.
    • Always signal turns and lane changes early so other vehicles know your intentions.
    • Understand your car’s safety systems, but avoid relying on them by practicing defensive driving.
    • Review your car insurance policy and roadside assistance coverage.

    Allstate automotive claims information referenced above is based on internal analysis of data collected from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2024.

    For more information on collision claims data, visit the Allstate blog.

    About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
    Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is a leading home and auto insurer focused on providing its customers prevention and protection products and services for every stage of life. Serving Canadians since 1953, Allstate strives to reassure both customers and employees with its “You’re in Good Hands®” promise. Allstate is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates through partnerships with charitable organizations, employee giving and volunteerism. To learn more, visit www.allstate.ca. For safety tips and advice, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca.

    For more information, please contact:
    Jessica Hoffeldt
    Agnostic on behalf of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
    (647) 269-7438
    jhoffeldt@thinkagnostic.com

    Maude Gauthier (Quebec only)
    Capital-Image on behalf of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
    (514) 915-9469
    mgauthier@capital-image.com

    Chad Heard
    Manager of Public Relations
    (905) 475-4536
    cheard@allstate.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lumma/Amadey: fake CAPTCHAs want to know if you’re human

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Lumma/Amadey: fake CAPTCHAs want to know if you’re human

    Attackers are increasingly distributing malware through a rather unusual method: a fake CAPTCHA as the initial infection vector. Researchers from various companies reported this campaign in August and September. The attackers, primarily targeting gamers, initially delivered the Lumma stealer to victims through websites hosting cracked games.

    Our recent research into the adware landscape revealed that this malicious CAPTCHA is spreading through a variety of online resources that have nothing to do with games: adult sites, file-sharing services, betting platforms, anime resources, and web apps monetizing through traffic. This indicates an expansion of the distribution network to reach a broader victim pool. Moreover, we discovered that the CAPTCHA delivers not only Lumma but also the Amadey Trojan.

    Malicious CAPTCHA in ad networks

    To avoid falling for the attackers’ tricks, it’s important to understand how they and their distribution network operate. The ad network pushing pages with the malicious CAPTCHA also includes legitimate, non-malicious offers. It functions as follows: clicking anywhere on a page using the ad module redirects the user to other resources. Most redirects lead to websites promoting security software, ad blockers, and the like – standard practice for adware. However, in some cases, the victim lands on a page with the malicious CAPTCHA.

    Examples of sites redirecting the user to a CAPTCHA

    Unlike genuine CAPTCHAs designed to protect websites from bots, this imitation serves to promote shady resources. As with the previous stage, the victim doesn’t always encounter malware. For example, the CAPTCHA on one of the pages prompts the visitor to scan a QR code leading to a betting site:

    CAPTCHA with QR code

    The Trojans are distributed through CAPTCHAs with instructions. Clicking the “I’m not a robot” button copies the line powershell.exe -eC bQBzAGgAdABhAMAIgA= to the clipboard and displays so-called “verification steps”:

    • Press Win + R (this opens the Run dialog box);
    • Press CTRL + V (this pastes the line from the clipboard into the text field);
    • Press Enter (this executes the code).

    CAPTCHA with instructions

    We’ve also come across similar instructions in formats other than CAPTCHAs. For instance, the screenshot below shows an error message for a failed page load, styled like a Chrome message. The attackers attribute the problem to a “browser update error” and instruct the user to click the “Copy fix” button. Although the page design is different, the infection scenario is identical to the CAPTCHA scheme.

    Fake update error message

    The line from the clipboard contains a Base64-encoded PowerShell command that accesses the URL specified there and executes the page’s content. Inside this content is an obfuscated PowerShell script that ultimately downloads the malicious payload.

    Payload: Lumma stealer

    Initially, the malicious PowerShell script downloaded and executed an archive with the Lumma stealer. In the screenshot below, the stealer file is named 0Setup.exe:

    Contents of the malicious archive

    After launching, 0Setup.exe runs the legitimate BitLockerToGo.exe utility, normally responsible for encrypting and viewing the contents of removable drives using BitLocker. This utility allows viewing, copying, and writing files, as well as modifying registry branches – functionality that the stealer exploits.

    Armed with BitLocker To Go, the attackers manipulate the registry, primarily to create the branches and keys that the Trojan needs to operate:

    That done, Lumma, again using the utility, searches the victim’s device for files associated with various cryptocurrency wallets and steals them:

    Then, the attackers view browser extensions related to wallets and cryptocurrencies and steal data from them:

    Following this, the Trojan attempts to steal cookies and other credentials stored in various browsers:

    Finally, the malware searches for password manager archives to steal their contents as well:

    Throughout the data collection process, the Trojan tries to use the same BitLocker To Go to send the stolen data to the attackers’ server:

    Once the malware has found and exfiltrated all valuable data, it starts visiting the pages of various online stores. The purpose here is likely to generate further revenue for its operators by boosting views of these websites, similar to adware:

    Payload: Amadey Trojan

    We recently discovered that the same campaign is now spreading the Amadey Trojan as well. Known since 2018, Amadey has been the subject of numerous security reports. In brief, the Trojan downloads several modules for stealing credentials from popular browsers and various Virtual Network Computing (VNC) systems. It also detects crypto wallet addresses in the clipboard and substitutes them with those controlled by the attackers. One of the modules can also take screenshots. In some scenarios, Amadey downloads the Remcos remote access tool to the victim’s device, giving the attackers full access to it.

    Snippet of Amadey code used in this campaign

    Statistics

    From September 22 to October 14, 2024, over 140,000 users encountered ad scripts. Kaspersky’s telemetry data shows that out of these 140,000, over 20,000 users were redirected to infected sites, where some of them saw a fake update notification or a fake CAPTCHA. Users in Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Russia were most frequently affected.

    Conclusion

    Cybercriminals often infiltrate ad networks that are open to all comers. They purchase advertising slots that redirect users to malicious resources, employing various tricks to achieve infections. The above campaign is of interest because (a) it leverages trust in CAPTCHA to get users to perform unsafe actions, and (b) one of the stealers makes use of the legitimate BitLocker To Go utility. The malware works to enrich its operators both by stealing victims’ credentials and crypto wallets, and by exploiting online stores that pay money for traffic to their websites.

    Indicators of compromise

    e3274bc41f121b918ebb66e2f0cbfe29
    525abe8da7ca32f163d93268c509a4c5
    ee2ff2c8f49ca29fe18e8d18b76d4108
    824581f9f267165b7561388925f69d3av

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Look Back at September 2024 with Vice President Harris

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-9TbL50dtQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford Christmas Light Festival – partnership opportunities for local businesses

    Source: City of Oxford

    Tuesday, 29 October 2024

    The 2024 Oxford Christmas Light Festival returns this year from 15 to 17th November, with opportunities for local businesses to get involved.

    Each year, over 20 organisations in Oxford work with local communities to create an array of events, installations and activities across the city and its surrounding neighbourhoods.

    More than 20,000 people participate in or watch the festivities during the launch weekend.

    Much-loved community event

    Details of the Light Festival programme are published in advance on the Festival website, attracting over 13,000 online visitors, while more than 60,000 people view social posts about the activities. 

    As preparations begin to launch the festival programme, it’s now the ideal time for Oxford’s businesses to join the celebration, reaching thousands of Oxford’s residents while supporting a cherished cultural celebration that brings the city together and marks the start of the festive season. 

    Boost your brand

    Partnering with the festival offers a great opportunity to boost your brand’s visibility and enhance community engagement, all while helping to create an unforgettable festival experience for the city.

    The Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival is an important part of Oxford City Council’s commitment to ensure the arts, culture and events are accessible to all.

    To learn more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit the Oxford Christmas Lights Festival website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University held the first regional student Olympiad in management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Polytechnic University hosted a regional student Olympiad in management. It became the twentieth in the list of subject Olympiads that have been held in St. Petersburg since 2008. The Polytechnic University applied to the city’s Science and Higher Education Committee for the right to hold such an Olympiad and received approval. The Higher School of Industrial Management of the IPMEiT SPbPU took on the organization of the event.

    The Olympiad involved 17 universities of St. Petersburg, conducting specialized training in the discipline “Management”. 134 students competed for winning and prize places in team and individual championships.

    Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova spoke at the opening ceremony of the Olympiad.

    The Polytechnic University is pleased to welcome such a large number of participants who have shown interest in the Management Olympiad. Such city events provide an incentive for the development of students’ scientific activities and contribute to improving the quality of training of university graduates, and provide teachers and student mentors with the opportunity to identify talented young people, those “stars” with whom one can and should work in the future in the senior years of a bachelor’s, specialist or master’s degree, said Lyudmila Vladimirovna.

    Vladimir Glukhov, Advisor to the Rector’s Office, wished the Olympiad participants fruitful work and success.

    Management must be studied always and everywhere: in the classroom, studying the experience of the best managers and companies, from your own experience of organizing events, at various competitions and contests, Vladimir Viktorovich is sure.

    Director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin noted the importance of holding such events: At our institute, we regularly organize open lectures by practicing teachers, business representatives, hold master classes and practical seminars from industrial partners, as well as events of the IPMEiT scientific student society, which undoubtedly strengthens student educational and scientific activities. Holding a specialized Olympiad is a new format of working with talented students. I wish all participants a successful performance and self-confidence!

    The Olympiad was held with the support of the Directorate of Basic Educational Programs, the Department of Youth Policy and the Priority 2030 program. Subject assignments consisted of three blocks: tests, calculations and cases. The works were assessed by a commission, which included representatives of the participating universities.

    A little less than a year ago, we applied to the Committee for Science and Higher Education of St. Petersburg for the opportunity to hold the Olympiad. It was important for us to hold a city-wide event in a high-quality, professional and interesting way for students. I would like to thank my colleagues from the Higher School of Industrial Management, with whom we prepared assignments for the Olympiad, dealt with organizational issues, promotion, design and methodological support. We worked as a single team, and that is why everything worked out for us! — shared her impressions the director of the Higher School of Industrial Management Olga Kalinina.

    The results of the Olympiad will be officially announced on November 7 at a meeting of the scientific council for approving the winners of subject Olympiads under the Committee on Science and Higher Education of St. Petersburg.

    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 United Nations: Displacement in Sudan Crosses 11 Million as Devastating Crisis Reaches New Heights: IOM Chief 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Port Sudan, 29 October – Good morning, I am glad to be able to speak with you this morning live from Port Sudan.  

    I arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit, into a deteriorating security situation with alarming reports of new atrocities. I have heard distressing detail from our teams on the ground of the conditions faced by ordinary Sudanese people whose lives have been thrown into turmoil by this conflict. 

    The situation here in Sudan is catastrophic. There is simply no other way to put it. Hunger, disease and sexual violence are rampant. For the people of Sudan, this is a living nightmare.  

    This is an underreported conflict situation, and we must pay it more attention. Millions are suffering, and there is now the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

    Yesterday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shone the spotlight on this suffering, calling it an ‘utter humanitarian catastrophe’. 

    Eighteen months have passed since fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Outside forces are now ‘fueling the fire’ which is intensifying the conflict. 

    The suffering is growing by the day, with the Secretary-General reporting yesterday that almost 25 million people are now requiring assistance. 

    In recent days, we have heard utterly shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Al Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

    Throughout this year, Sudan has been world’s largest displacement crisis.  

    Today I can share that we will release new figures this week showing the displacement number has hit 11 million. That’s up 200,000 just since September.  

    Another 3.1 million people have traveled across borders to flee the fighting. In total, nearly 30 per cent of Sudan’s population has been displaced.  

    More than half of those displaced are women, and more than a quarter of them are children under the age of five. Think about that for a moment, that is a huge number of extremely vulnerable women and children on the move. 

    Many have been forced to flee repeatedly, with little to no access to shelter, much less to their livelihoods and the ability to get basic necessities.   

    The scale of this displacement – and the corresponding humanitarian needs – grows every day. Half the country’s population needs help. They don’t have access to shelter, to clean drinking water, to health care. Disease is spreading fast. 

    One in every two Sudanese is struggling to get even the minimal amount of food to survive. Famine conditions have taken hold in North Darfur, and millions struggle to feed themselves every day. 

    I saw some of that suffering yesterday, in a visit to the Arbaat dam area about 40 kilometers from Port Sudan.  

    After heavy rains in August, a spillway collapsed. The resulting flood killed at least 148 people and devastated homes, livestock, and infrastructure.  

    This devastation would be bad enough if it weren’t coming on top of a conflict that continues to rage and is becoming worse by the day – and one that has dramatically impacted the delivery of humanitarian assistance.  

    The safety of aid workers is often threatened. Access restrictions and bureaucratic impediments continue to be imposed.  

    People are dying because of this.  

    The parties to this conflict must do what they have pledged to do – and what international humanitarian law requires – protect civilians, and ensure safe, swift and unimpeded access to life-saving assistance.    

    What we also need, most desperately, is the help of the international community.  

    Sudan is easily the most neglected crisis in the world today. The collective failure to act means the devastation risks spilling over into neighboring countries.  

    At a conference in Paris this past April, the international community made generous pledges. But that appeal is only 52 per cent funded. And though IOM has been able to help nearly 3 million people since the war started, our part of the response plan is only 20% funded.  

    With the proper amount of funding, there is much we can do to alleviate the suffering, to help people get shelter and proper sanitation, to feed them and protect them.  

    But our progress will always be limited as long as war continues to be waged.  

    All wars are brutal, but the toll of this one is particularly horrifying, and the recent killings and appalling human rights violations in Aj Jazirah state were yet another example. Since last year, reports of rape, torture and ethnically motivated violence have been far too common. Indiscriminate attacks are killing civilians, including young children.    

    Some of the areas of most severe need remain cut off entirely, with no access to humanitarian aid. 

    The potential long-term impact of this catastrophic crisis is simply staggering. Education will be set back decades. The health and well-being of children will be stunted. Livelihoods will be permanently ruined. A generation will live in the shadow of trauma. 

    And the immense tragedy about it all is that a peaceful Sudan has the capacity to take care of itself. Its people are resilient, and their natural resources are immense.  

    So while I’m here today to raise awareness of the needs and to highlight the cost of this displacement crisis, what IOM really wants – what every person in the world should want – is for the guns in Sudan to fall silent.  

    The humanitarian response must be scaled up, and we call on the donor community to support this effort. 

    I echo the Secretary General in calling for: 

    An end to hostilities; 

    Protection for civilians; 

    and access for humanitarian agencies so that aid can flow.  

    We will not allow Sudan to be forgotten. But its people need peace, now.  

    ***

    For more information please contact: 

    In Port Sudan: Lisa George, lgeorge@iom.int       
    In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int  
    In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to visit Gujarat on 30-31 October

    Source: Government of India

    PM to visit Gujarat on 30-31 October

    PM to participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations

    PM to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various infrastructural and development projects worth over Rs 280 crore in Ekta Nagar

    PM to address the Officer Trainees of the 99th Common Foundation Course in Aarambh 6.0

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:35PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on 30-31 October. On 30th October, he will travel to Ekta Nagar, Kevadia and at around 5:30 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various infrastructural and development projects worth over Rs 280 crore in Ekta Nagar. Thereafter, at around 6 PM, he will address the Officer Trainees of the 99th Common Foundation Course in Aarambh 6.0. On 31st October, at around 7:15 AM, Prime Minister will offer floral tribute at the Statue of Unity, which will be followed by Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.

    Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various infrastructural and development projects in Ekta Nagar. These projects aim to enhance the tourist experience, improve accessibility and support sustainability initiatives in the area.

    Prime Minister will address the Officer Trainees of the 99th Common Foundation Course on the eve of the Rastriya Ekta Diwas in Aarambh 6.0. The theme for this year’s programme is “Roadmap for Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.” The 99th Common Foundation Course – Aarambh 6.0 – includes 653 Officer Trainees from across 16 civil services of India and 3 civil services of Bhutan.

    On 31st October, Prime Minister will participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations and offer floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He will administer the Ekta Diwas pledge and witness Ekta Diwas Parade which will comprise of 16 marching contingents from 9 States and 1 UT Police, 4 Central Armed Police Forces, NCC and a marching band. Special attractions include Hell March contingent of NSG, daredevil show by BSF and CRPF women and men bikers, a show on combination of Indian Martial Arts by BSF, piped band show by school children, ‘Surya Kiran’ flypast by Indian Air Force, among others.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rajasthan village marches towards zero-waste through green technology interventions

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:11PM by PIB Delhi

    Aandhi, a tiny village in the district of Jaipur, and about 43 Km from Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur is transforming itself to a zero-waste model with the help of green technology interventions.

    Food waste, agro waste, waste water, hospital waste coming from various village sources including institutions like schools, agricultural fields, community health centres could now be converted to resources with the help of a package of technology interventions that have been recently installed in the village.

    The package of technology interventions consisting of Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, Constructed Wetlands, resource recovery centre, stands as a unique and socially relevant initiative, creating a zero-waste model through the integration of innovative technologies.  

    Recently, the demonstration plants were inaugurated at three identified locations—a government school, a community health centre, and the constructed wetland at the main pond. It was graced by Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, along with Dr. G.V Raghunath Reddy, the Programme Officer.

    The Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant at Government School (100 Kg Capacity) converts organic waste, such as food scraps and agricultural residues, into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Equipped with a 5 KW solar energy system. It provides clean energy for cooking and electricity generation, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and promoting renewable energy, cleaner air, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

    Utilizing earthworms to filter and treat wastewater, the Vermifiltration Technology at the Community Health Center (10 KLD Capacity) makes it suitable for purifying greywater and sewage. The treated water can be reused for agricultural irrigation or landscape watering. Solar energy integration in this patented technology ensures an eco-friendly and energy-efficient wastewater management process, contributing to sustainable water reuse and environmental conservation.

    The Constructed Wetlands at the Main Pond in Aandhi Village (20 KLD Capacity) replicate natural wetland processes to treat wastewater and restore ecosystems. This system will help manage village wastewater while enhancing biodiversity, supporting local flora and fauna, and improving the overall health of the pond ecosystem.

    Partnerships have been established with recycling agencies for the collection and segregation of recyclable waste from the Resource Recovery Center (RRC), ensuring its proper disposal and recycling. Vermicomposting units have also been developed, and the techniques have been disseminated among the villagers for their utilization.

    These initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of green technology in rural communities, showcasing DST’s commitment to promoting innovation and environmental stewardship. The project aligns closely with India’s broader goals of achieving environmental sustainability, mitigating climate change, and promoting waste-to-wealth models that uplift local communities.

    By leveraging advanced green technologies, the project aims to create a self-sustaining model of zero-waste management that can be replicated in other rural areas across the country, contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all.

    Such interventions could potentially offer a good prospect to be replicated across various villages creating a new pathway for India to march towards a development led inclusive and sustainable net Zero nation.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple projects related to health sector worth over Rs 12,850 crore

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple projects related to health sector worth over Rs 12,850 crore

    Augmenting the healthcare infrastructure is our priority, Initiatives relating to the sector launched today will make top-quality and affordable facilities available to the citizens:PM

    It is a matter of happiness for all of us that today Ayurveda Day is being celebrated in more than 150 countries: PM

    Government has set five pillars of health policy:PM

    Now every senior citizen of the country above the age of 70 years will get free treatment in the hospital,Such elderly people will be given Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:PM

    Government is running Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent deadly diseases: PM

    Our government is saving the money of the countrymen by making maximum use of technology in the health sector: PM

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:09PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today launched, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects related to the health sector worth around Rs 12,850 crore at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Dhanteras and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. He conveyed his wishes to all business owners of the country as most people tend to buy something new for their homes, and also extended advanced greetings for Diwali.

    The Prime Minister underlined that this Diwali is a historic one as Lord Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya will be lit up with thousands of diyas, making the celebrations unprecedented. “Lord Ram has once again returned to his abode in this year’s Diwali”, the Prime Minister remarked, adding that this wait is finally over not after 14 but 500 years. 

    Shri Modi said that it is no coincidence that this year’s festival of Dhanteras is an amalgamation of prosperity and health but a symbol of India’s culture and philosophy of life. Quoting sages and saints, the Prime Minister explained that health is considered supreme wealth and this ancient notion is finding acceptance across the world in the form of Yoga. Shri Modi expressed happiness that Ayurveda Diwas is being celebrated in more than 150 countries today and said that it is proof of the growing attraction towards Ayurveda, and India’s contribution to the world from its ancient past. 

    The Prime Minister underscored that in the past decade, the country had witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the health sector with the amalgamation of knowledge of  Ayurveda with Modern medicine. He added that All India Institute of Ayurveda had been a focal point of this chapter. Shri Modi remarked that seven years ago on Ayurveda day, he was fortunate to dedicate the first phase of the institute to the country and today with the blessings of Lord Dhanvantri, he was inaugurating the second phase of the institute. He noted that it would be possible to see the  ancient techniques like Panchakarma infused with modern technology in this institute along with advanced research studies in the fields of Ayurveda and medical science. Shri Modi congratulated the citizens of India for this advancement. 

    Noting that the progress of a nation is directly proportional to the health of its citizens, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s priority to the health of its citizens and outlined the five pillars of health policy. He listed the five pillars as preventive healthcare, early detection of ailments, free and low-cost treatment and medicines, availability of doctors in small towns and lastly expansion of technology in health services. “India is looking at the health sector as holistic health”, Shri Modi said, adding that the projects of today provide a glimpse of these five pillars. Touching upon the inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore, the Prime Minister mentioned creation of 4 centers of excellence under Ayush Health scheme, expansion of health services with the use of drones, helicopter service in AIIMS, Rishikesh, new infrastructure in AIIMS, New Delhi and AIIMS, Bilaspur, expansion of services in five other AIIMS in the country, establishment of medical colleges, bhoomi pujan of nursing colleges and other projects related to the health sector.The Prime Minister expressed happiness with several hospitals being established for the treatment of shramiks and said that it would become a center of treatment for shramiks. He also touched upon the inauguration of pharma units that would play a key role in manufacturing of advanced medicine and high quality stents and implants and further India’s growth. 

    The Prime Minister noted that most of us come from a background where illness meant a lightning strike on the entire family and especially in a poor household if a person is down with serious ailment, every member of the family was deeply affected. He added that there was a time when people would sell their houses, lands, jewelry, everything for treatment and be unable to bear the huge out-of-pocket expenditure while poor people had to make a choice between healthcare and other priorities of family. Shri Modi underlined that to overcome the despair of the poor, our Government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, where the government would bear the cost of hospitalization of the poor up to Rs. 5 lakh. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that about 4 crore poor people in the country have benefited from the Ayushman Yojana by getting treated without having to pay a single rupee. Shri Modi remarked that when he meets the beneficiaries of Ayushman Yojana in different states of the country, he feels satisfied that the scheme was a blessing for every person associated with it, be it a doctor or a paramedical staff. 

    Expressing satisfaction on the expansion of Ayushman Yojana, Shri Modi said that every elderly person was looking forward to it and the poll guarantee, if elected for the third term, of bringing all the elderly above 70 years of age under the ambit of Ayushman Yojana was being fulfilled. He added that every elderly person above 70 years of age in the country will get free treatment in the hospital by a Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Shri Modi highlighted that the card was universal and there was no restriction on income, be it poor or middle class or upper class. Informing that the scheme would prove to be a milestone for its universal applicability, Shri Modi remarked that with a Ayushman Vaya Vandana card for an elderly in the house, the Out-of-Pocket expenditure will be reduced to a great extent. He congratulated all the countrymen for this scheme and also informed that the scheme was not implemented in Delhi and West Bengal.

    Reiterating the government’s priority to reduce the cost of treatment, be it the poor or middle class, the Prime Minister mentioned the launch of more than 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country where medicines are available at 80 percent discount. He informed that the poor and middle class have managed to save Rs 30,000 crore due to availability of cheap medicines. He further added that prices of devices like stents and knee implants have been reduced, therefore, preventing a loss of more than Rs 80,000 crores rupees by the common citizens. He also mentioned the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent fatal diseases and saving the lives of pregnant women and newborn babies. The Prime Minister assured that he will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment. 

    The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis in reducing the risks and inconveniences associated with illnesses. He highlighted that over two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. He said that these Arogya Mandirs enable crores of citizens to easily check for diseases like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. He said that timely diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, ultimately saving costs for patients. The Prime Minister explained that the government is leveraging technology to enhance healthcare and save citizens’ money under the e-Sanjeevani scheme where over 30 crore people have consulted doctors online. “Free and accurate consultations from doctors have significantly reduced healthcare expenses”, he added. Shri Modi announced the launch of the U-win platform which will provide India with a technologically advanced interface in the health sector. “The world witnessed the success of our Co-win platform during the pandemic, and the success of the UPI payment system has become a global story,” he said, adding that India aims to replicate this success in the healthcare sector through Digital Public Infrastructure. 

    The Prime Minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades and said, “In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established”. Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. “Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore”, he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that the increasing number of hospitals reflects a proportional rise in medical seats. He affirmed that no poor child’s dream of becoming a doctor would be shattered, and no middle-class student would be forced to study abroad due to lack of options in India. Shri Modi informed that nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats have been added over the past 10 years and reiterated the commitment to announcing another 75,000 seats in the next five years. 

    The Prime Minister informed that 7.5 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners are already contributing to the nation’s healthcare. He stressed on increasing this number further and highlighted the growing demand for medical and wellness tourism in India. He stressed the need for the youth and AYUSH practitioners to prepare for expanding fields such as preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopedics, and Ayurvedic rehabilitation centers, both in India and abroad. “Immense opportunities are being created for AYUSH practitioners. Our youth will not only progress themselves through these opportunities but will also render a great service to humanity”, he added. 

    PM Modi noted the rapid progress in medicine during the 21st century, with breakthroughs in treatments for previously incurable diseases. He said, “As the world places importance on wellness along with treatment, India has thousands of years of knowledge in this area.” The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan aimed at designing ideal lifestyles and risk analysis for individuals using Ayurveda principles. He emphasized that this initiative can redefine the healthcare sector globally and provide a new perspective for the entire world. 

    Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper through high-impact scientific studies. “Lab validation of our traditional healthcare systems will not only increase the value of these herbs but also create a significant market”, he remarked, pointing to the rising demand for Ashwagandha, which is projected to reach $2.5 billion by the end of this decade. 

    Underlining that the success of AYUSH is transforming not only the health sector but also the economy, the Prime Minister informed that the AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown from $3 billion in 2014 to nearly $24 billion today, an 8-fold increase in just 10 years. He added that over 900 AYUSH start-ups are now operational in India, creating new opportunities for the youth. The Prime Minister highlighted the global export of AYUSH products to 150 countries, benefiting Indian farmers by turning local herbs and superfoods into global commodities. He also pointed out initiatives like the Namami Gange project, which promotes natural farming and herb cultivation along the Ganga river.

    Reflecting on India’s commitment to health and well-being, Shri Modi said that it is the soul of India’s national character and social fabric. He emphasized that the government in the last 10 years has aligned the nation’s policies with the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ “In the next 25 years, these efforts will lay a strong foundation for a developed and healthy India”, Shri Modi concluded. 

    Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J P Nadda, and Minister of Labour and Employment & Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya were present on the occasion among others.

    Background

    As a major addition to the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Prime Minister launched expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This will help provide health coverage to all senior citizens regardless of their income.

    It has been the constant endeavor of the Prime Minister to provide quality healthcare services all across the country. In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple healthcare institutions.

    The Prime Minister inaugurated Phase II of India’s First All India Institute of Ayurveda. It includes a Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy for drug manufacturing, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-ups incubation center and a 500-seat auditorium among others. He also inaugurated three medical colleges at Mandsaur, Neemuch and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh. Further, he inaugurated facility and service extensions at various AIIMS in Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, Kalyani in West Bengal, Patna in Bihar, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Guwahati in Assam and in New Delhi, which will also include a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The Prime Minister also inaugurated a Super Speciality Block in Government Medical College at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha.

    The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of five Nursing Colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh and Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh; 21 Critical Care Blocks at Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan under Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and several facilities and service extensions at AIIMS in New Delhi and in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.

    The Prime Minister also inaugurated an ESIC Hospital at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, and lay the foundation stone for ESIC hospitals at Faridabad in Haryana, Bommasandra and Narasapur in Karnataka, Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, and Atchutapuram in Andhra Pradesh. These projects will bring healthcare benefits to around 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.

    The Prime Minister has been a strong proponent of expanding the usage of technology to enhance service delivery across sectors. In an innovative usage of drone technology to enhance service delivery to make healthcare more accessible, the Prime Minister launched drone services at 11 Tertiary Healthcare Institutions. These are AIIMS Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, AIIMS Guwahati in Assam, AIIMS Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, AIIMS Jodhpur in Rajasthan, AIIMS Patna in Bihar, AIIMS Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, AIIMS Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, AIIMS Raipur in Chhattisgarh, AIIMS Mangalagiri in Andhra Pradesh and RIMS Imphal in Manipur. He will also launch Helicopter Emergency Medical Services from AIIMS Rishikesh, which will help deliver speedy medical care.

    The Prime Minister launched the U-WIN portal. It will benefit pregnant women and infants by fully digitalizing the vaccination process. It will ensure timely administration of life-saving vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Further, the Prime Minister also launched a portal for allied and healthcare professionals and institutes. It will act as a centralized database of existing healthcare professionals and institutes.

    The Prime Minister launched several initiatives to strengthen the R&D and testing infrastructure to improve the healthcare ecosystem in the country. The Prime Minister inaugurated a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

    He laid the foundation stone of two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy at Khordha in Odisha, Raipur in Chhattisgarh. He also laid the foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at NIPER Ahmedabad in Gujarat for medical devices, NIPER Hyderabad in Telangana for bulk drugs, NIPER Guwahati in Assam for phytopharmaceuticals, and NIPER Mohali in Punjab for anti-bacterial anti-viral drug discovery and development.

    The Prime Minister launched four Ayush Centres of Excellence, namely Centre of Excellence for diabetes and metabolic disorders at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Centre of Excellence in sustainable Ayush for advanced technological solutions, start-up support and net zero sustainable solutions for Rasaushadhies at IIT Delhi; Centre of Excellence for fundamental and translational research in Ayurveda at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow; and Centre of Excellence on Ayurveda and Systems Medicine at JNU, New Delhi.

    In a major boost to Make in India initiative in the healthcare sector, Prime Minister inaugurated five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi in Gujarat, Hyderabad in Telangana, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs.

    The Prime Minister also launched a nationwide campaign, “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” that aims to raise health awareness among the citizens. He also launched the State specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health for each state and UT which will lay out adaptation strategies towards developing climate resilient healthcare services.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Magic recipes to create hydrogels from viral protein fragments can improve drug delivery

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:03PM by PIB Delhi

    A new way discovered to create hydrogels using tiny protein fragments of just five amino acids from the SARS-CoV-1 virus, could help improve targeted drug delivery & reduce side effects

    Due to the increase in chronic and infectious diseases, researchers are for ever on the lookout for new methods of drug delivery to improve the effectivity of treatments. Hydrogels are known to be suitable for drug delivery because of their swelling behaviour, mechanical strength and biocompatibility.

    Short peptide-based hydrogels hold enormous potential for a wide range of applications. However, researchers have found the gelation of these systems very challenging to control. Minor changes in the peptide sequence can significantly influence the self-assembly mechanism and thereby the gelation propensity.

    Following the involvement of SARS CoV E protein in the assembly and release of the virus suggested to researchers from Bose Institute an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in Kolkata that it may have inherent self-assembling properties that can contribute to the development of hydrogels.

    Professor Anirban Bhunia and his team at the Department of Chemical Sciences in Bose Institute, explored this possibility and discovered a new way to create useful gel materials.

    In a paper recently published in the prestigious journal Small (Wiley), Prof. Bhunia and his collaborators from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA and Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata showed that by rearranging just five amino acids of the SARS-CoV-1 virus, one can make gels made up of pentapeptides with unique properties. Some of them gel when heated, others at room temperature.

    This unique discovery could lead to significant medical advancements like customizable hydrogels that can improve targeted drug delivery enhancing treatment efficacy while reducing side effects.

    These materials could revolutionize tissue engineering, potentially aiding in organ regeneration. These gels might also advance wound healing treatments and enable more accurate disease modelling for research.          

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indigenous Transponders Become Lifeline for Fishermen During Cyclone DANA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 2:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D) with the help of the Vessel Communication and Support System under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has been able to enhance the safety and security of fishermen at sea. Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, from Palghar, Maharashtra on 30th August, 2024 this project has an outlay of ₹364 crores. These transponders are being given to the fishermen free of cost. This initiative of MoFAH&D for Vessel Communication and Support System, featuring indigenous transponder technology, has demonstrated its capability in safeguarding fishermen during Cyclone DANA. This system aims to ensure safety and security of the fishermen while at sea for fishing by enabling them for two-way communication which was not possible before induction of this technology beyond mobile coverage range. Government of India has planned to install indigenously developed transponders on One Lakh fishing vessels in all 13 coastal states and UTs.  This technology was developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is  being implemented through NewSpace India Ltd(NSIL) which is the commercial arm of ISRO under Department of Space (DoS). 

    Recently, Odisha was proactive in  installation of these transponders and more than 1000 transponders have been installed in the state. This technology has proved as a  lifeline for the fishermen of Odisha by providing support to them during the recent cyclone that impacted the Odisha coast and adjoining areas of the Bay of Bengal. As Cyclone DANA approached the state of Odisha recently, the Odisha State Relief Commissioner issued a warning on 20th October 2024, based on the India Meteorological Department’s midday bulletin. The warnings and advisories were issued on real-time basis to the fishermen using Vessel Communication and Support System. This has not only helped in saving life of the fishermen out at sea but also helped in preventing damage to their resources.  

    Through these transponders, advisories were issued to the fishermen out at sea through Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad to avoid venturing into the sea from 21st October to 26th October 2024.  It was also advised to the fishermen out at sea to return to the shore immediately. The timing of this warning was significant, allowing fishermen to take necessary precautions before the cyclone made landfall. The messages sent to fishermen included, “Fishermen out at sea are advised to return to the coast immediately,” and “Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off Odisha Coast and adjoining North Bay of Bengal during 21st to 26th October 2024.” These broadcast messages were communicated in both English and Odia, ensuring that all fishermen could understand the severity of the situation.

    Traditionally, authorities relied on Very High Frequency radio and phone calls to contact vessels, depending on boat owners to provide their exact locations. This method posed significant challenges, as locating mechanized trawlers in distant waters was often difficult. Moreover, some owners were unable to provide precise information on their vessel numbers and locations. This lack of accurate data hindered effective communication and posed serious risks to the safety of the fishermen at sea. With the Vessel Communication and Support System in place, officials could send a mass broadcast message on the evening of 20th October 2024 to all vessels at sea, utilizing satellites from the Indian Space Research Organisation. This timely broadcast was a game changer, prompting a swift response and enabling the vessels to return to shore by the morning of 21st October 2024. The mass message was not just a notification; it was a lifeline that significantly improved the chances of safety for those at sea.

    The use of transponders and the Nabhmitra Application played a pivotal role in enhancing safety during Cyclone DANA by enabling effective tracking of vessel positions and monitoring their speeds. This application allowed officials to estimate the time of arrival for each vessel at shore, which was paramount in ensuring that fishermen could return safely before the cyclone made landfall. The Nabhmitra Application offers comprehensive tracking features that include essential boat information, such as boat numbers and transponder IDs. By providing real-time updates on location, course and speed, the application helped authorities maintain an accurate understanding of each vessel’s movements.

    Moreover, the application served as a valuable source of cyclone information, detailing the cyclone’s name, category, and specific location through precise latitude and longitude coordinates. This data was complemented by the cyclone’s date and time, maximum surface wind speeds, and the date when this information was acquired. By having this significant information readily accessible, fishermen were better equipped to respond to the unfolding situation. In addition to cyclone-related data, the Nabhmitra Application also provided important weather updates, including sea conditions, wind speed and direction, and visibility. This holistic view of the maritime environment was instrumental for fishermen, allowing them to make informed decisions about their safety. With these tools at their disposal, authorities were able to coordinate the return of fishermen effectively, ensuring they received timely alerts and could navigate the dangers posed by the approaching cyclone.

    The ability to track vessels in real time represented a significant leap forward in crisis management. Officials could monitor approximately 126 boats from Paradeep that were further out at sea, ensuring the safe return of all boats by 22nd October 2024, well before Cyclone DANA made landfall. This enhanced tracking capability helped authorities stay informed about the vessels’ conditions, allowing them to respond effectively to any emergencies. Furthermore, the communication capabilities of the Vessel Communication and Support System were instrumental in disseminating emergency messages in local languages. This feature ensured clarity and urgency, allowing fishermen to comprehend the importance of returning to safety without delay. The multilingual support enhanced the system’s effectiveness, as many fishermen may not be fluent in English or Hindi. By using local dialects, the authorities could convey essential information more effectively, further reducing response times.

    The level of coordination achieved during this crisis was only possible through the Vessel Communication and Support System. The system not only enabled a proactive response but also facilitated collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Department of Fisheries, the Coast Guard, and local authorities. This level of inter-agency cooperation is important during emergencies, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively, and that the response is as swift as possible. The successful deployment of the Vessel Communication and Support System during Cyclone DANA represents a remarkable milestone in crisis management and disaster preparedness. It showcases how technology can be leveraged to protect livelihoods while enhancing the resilience of coastal communities against natural disasters. The system has marked an impressive improvement in crisis management and has showcased the transformative potential of the Vessel Communication and Support System.

    The response to Cyclone DANA has underscored the capabilities of transponder technology in protecting the lives of fishermen and enhancing India’s preparedness for future maritime challenges. By enabling real-time communication and monitoring, the Vessel Communication and Support System sets a new standard in maritime safety. The effectiveness of the system during this crisis serves as a template for future implementations, suggesting that similar technologies can be used in other regions and situations to enhance safety and preparedness.

    The lessons learned from the response to Cyclone DANA are invaluable. It is imperative that the adoption of advanced technologies for disaster management is a key step. The Vessel Communication and Support System highlights the importance of investment in maritime safety infrastructure. The Vessel Communication and Support System has  proved to be a significant asset during Cyclone DANA, ensuring the safety and security of fishermen at sea. By facilitating real-time tracking, effective communication, and coordinated emergency responses, the system exemplifies how technology can enhance maritime safety in the face of natural disasters. The successful outcomes achieved during this crisis serve as a testament to the effectiveness of integrating advanced technologies in safeguarding livelihoods and enhancing preparedness for future challenges. As India continues to strengthen its maritime safety framework, the lessons learned from Cyclone DANA will guide future initiatives, ultimately fostering a safer environment for the fishing community. The path to safety has been significantly illuminated through the effective use of indigenously designed and developed Vessel Communication and Support System, ensuring that fishermen are well-informed and can navigate the challenges posed by nature with greater confidence.

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