Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway put into operation
Blog
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MIL-OSI China: Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway put into operation
A crew member helps a senior passenger get on the train G9227, the first train of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway, at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. The Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway was put into operation on Monday, increasing the total operational length of high-speed railway in Shandong to 3,047 kilometers. [Photo/Xinhua] Passengers holding tickets pose for a group photo with the train G9227, the first train of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway, at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] This photo taken on Oct. 21, 2024 shows a bullet train running past the Changping grand bridge of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua] Staff members taking part in the inauguration ceremony of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway pose for a group photo on the train G9227 in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Staff members of the culture and tourism department of Yantai present a gift to a constructor of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway on the train G9227 in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 21, 2024 shows bullet train G9227 arriving at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua] Liu Wei, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, displays a calabash on the train G9227, the first train of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 21, 2024 shows bullet train G9227 arriving at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua] -
MIL-OSI: CSW Industrials Announces Date for Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Conference Call
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DALLAS, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CSW Industrials, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSWI) announced that it will release its earnings results for the fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2024 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, before the market opens. The Company will host a conference call the same day at 10:00 am Eastern Time to discuss the results.
Participants may access the call at 1-877-407-0784, international callers may use 1-201-689-8560, and request to join the CSW Industrials earnings call. A live webcast will also be available at https://cswindustrials.gcs-web.com.
A telephone replay will be made available shortly following the conclusion of the call and until November 13, 2024. Participants may access the replay at 1-844-512-2921, international callers may use 1-412-317-6671, and enter access code 13749338. An archived replay of the call will also be available on the Investors portion of the CSWI website at http://www.cswindustrials.com.
About CSW Industrials
CSW Industrials is a diversified industrial growth company with industry-leading operations in three segments: Contractor Solutions, Specialized Reliability Solutions, and Engineered Building Solutions. CSWI provides niche, value-added products with two essential commonalities: performance and reliability. The primary end markets we serve with our well-known brands include: HVAC/R, plumbing, electrical, general industrial, architecturally-specified building products, energy, mining, and rail transportation. For more information, please visit http://www.cswindustrials.com.Investor Relations
Alexa Huerta
Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer
214-489-7113
alexa.huerta@cswindustrials.com -
MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Unveils Foundational White Paper on the Future of Gesture Control and Neural Interfaces
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Yokneam Ilit, Israel, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-based wearable gesture control technology, announced the release of a landmark white paper titled, “Elevating AR Glasses User Experience with Gesture Control and Neural Wristband.” The white paper provides an in-depth and definitive analysis of emerging trends in gesture control technology, comparing camera-based solutions with wearable neural interfaces that present a clear case for the future of seamless, wrist-worn input control.
This sweeping industry and technology analysis draws on Wearable Devices’ decade of experience developing pioneering human-computer interaction (HCI) solutions, including the Company’s award-winning Mudra Band, the world’s first neural interface wristband. Wearable Devices’ thought leadership highlights not only the current landscape of gesture control for face-worn devices but also identifies critical challenges and opportunities for improving usability, comfort and interaction quality.
“Our far-reaching history in developing neural gesture-control technology uniquely positions Wearable Devices to provide this rigorous level of analysis,” said Wearable Devices Chief Executive Officer Asher Dahan. “Our Mudra technology represents a step forward in creating fluid and precise interactions with augmented reality (“AR”) glasses, eliminating the limitations of conventional input systems. This white paper offers key insights that help businesses and developers envision new ways to create user experiences where technology becomes an extension of natural human movement.”
Key Findings from the White Paper
Shift to Wearable Gesture Control for Comfort and Precision
Traditional camera-based gesture systems often require users to maintain awkward postures or suffer from fatigue (the “gorilla arm” problem). Wearable Devices’ white paper concludes that shifting input functions to wrist-worn devices like the Company’s Mudra Band (iOS) and Mudra Link (Android) creates more natural, comfortable and sustainable user experiences.
Extended Functionality with Sensor Fusion
Both the Mudra Band and Mudra Link use AI, inertial measurement units (IMU) and surface nerve conductance (SNC) sensors to deliver accurate navigation and input control through wrist movements and subtle finger gestures. The white paper emphasizes that this combination enhances precision and extends functionality beyond what camera-based systems can achieve by capturing delicate movements like pinches and fingertip pressure.
Overcoming the Limitations of Field-of-View Boundaries
Face-worn devices equipped with cameras are inherently limited by their field of view (FOV) which restricts gesture detection. Mudra Band and Mudra Link eliminate this constraint by placing sensors on the wrist, enabling gesture control even when the hands are outside the camera’s view. The white paper concludes that this ability significantly improves user interaction by allowing more fluid, uninterrupted workflows.
Bridging the Gap Between Device Types
The analysis highlights how wearable input technologies can unify different face-worn devices—such as smart glasses, monocular heads-up displays and mixed reality headsets—by offering a common, adaptable interface. Mudra Band and Mudra Link both provide discrete gestures (e.g., tap, flick, pinch) suitable for minimal displays as well as point and drag gestures optimized for immersive AR and mixed reality systems.
Reducing Device Weight and Complexity for Mass Adoption
Wearable Devices’ study concludes that placing input-related hardware on the wrist rather than the face will drive widespread adoption of AR glasses. By offloading sensors and processors to a neural wristband, manufacturers can design lighter, more comfortable glasses with extended battery life, addressing major consumer pain points identified in competing products like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Orion.
Toward a New Standard in Human-Computer Interaction
Wearable Devices asserts in the white paper that the neural interface is not only a technical upgrade but also a philosophical shift—moving technology away from intrusive control schemes and toward seamless, intuitive interactions. This evolution supports the development of technology that responds naturally to human movement, setting a new standard in human-computer interaction.
Additional Insights and Market Context
The white paper also provides detailed comparisons between major products including Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Orion glasses, exploring the trade-offs between camera-based and wearable neural gesture control wristband. The document concludes that while camera-based systems offer initial convenience, neural wearable interfaces will prevail as the gold standard as users seek more practical and comfortable input methods for all-day wear.
By publicly releasing this white paper to the AR industry, Wearable Devices reaffirms its role as a pioneer in neural gesture control and as a leader in shaping the future of wearable technology. Businesses, developers and innovators are invited to download the full white paper to explore in-depth analyses, research findings and actionable insights.
The white paper is now available for download on the Wearable Devices website https://www.wearabledevices.co.il/whitepaper
About Wearable Devices Ltd.
Wearable Devices Ltd. is a growth company developing AI-based neural input interface technology for the B2C and B2B markets. The Company’s flagship product, the Mudra Band for Apple Watch, integrates innovative AI-based technology and algorithms into a functional, stylish wristband that utilizes proprietary sensors to identify subtle finger and wrist movements allowing the user to “touchlessly” interact with connected devices. The Company also markets a B2B product, which utilizes the same technology and functions as the Mudra Band and is available to businesses on a licensing basis. Wearable Devices Is committed to creating disruptive, industry leading technology that leverages AI and proprietary algorithms, software, and hardware to set the input standard for the Extended Reality, one of the most rapidly expanding landscapes in the tech industry. The Company’s ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq market under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW”, respectively.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the benefits and advantages of our devices and technology; our position as a pioneer in neural gesture control and as a leader in shaping the future of wearable technology; our ability to identify critical challenges and opportunities in the human-computer interaction (HCI) solutions; and the potential of the white paper to help businesses and developers envision new ways to create AR user experiences. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 15, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Investor Relations Contact
Walter Frank
IMS Investor Relations
203.972.9200
wearabledevices@imsinvestorrelations.comMedia Contact:
Steve Schuster
Rainier Communications
steve@rainierco.com
+1-508-868-5892 -
MIL-OSI: Small businesses scale back loan commitments ahead of Budget
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Key Findings:
- The average personal guarantee backed loan to a start-up (under 2 years old) fell in value by 38% year on year to £94,265
- Overall, the average personal guarantee (PG) backed small business loan fell by 17.5% in value to £204,635 in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023
- 38% of personal guarantee backed loans are for working capital – this remains the number one reason for applying for a PG backed loan
- In September 2024, the number of applications for Personal Guarantee Insurance exceeded any time previously, bar March 2024
LONDON, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The latest data on loans to small businesses suggests firms are being more cautious about their financial commitments after higher levels of confidence in Q2 2024. With Budget day looming along with energy price rises, The Q3 2024 Personal Guarantee Insurance Monitor from Purbeck Insurance Services shows that small businesses have cut back the amount they are borrowing from lenders, despite promises by the Government not to raise business taxes.
While the number of applications for personal guarantee backed loans is up 43% on 2023, The Q3 2024 Personal Guarantee Insurance Monitor shows the average loan to small businesses of all ages fell 17.5% to £204k, compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, there was a big fall in the value of loans to start-ups (under 2 years old) year on year to the lowest level recorded to date of just £94k.
Working capital to support cashflow and to keep the business ticking along remains the number one reason for applying for a PG backed small business loan with 38% of applications for this reason. A further concern for the health of the UK economy is that the number of applications for loans to support investment in growth initiatives fell. Just 13% in Q3 2024 were for this reason from 19% in Q2 2024. Again, this suggests a deepening level of caution and wariness amongst small businesses.
Most applications (41%) were for unsecured loans (still requiring a personal guarantee) while 19% of loans were secured/asset-backed lending. Reflecting the lower value of loans for which smaller businesses have applied, commercial mortgages were at their lowest level in a year along with asset finance.
Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Insurance Services said: “Once again, small businesses are facing big uncertainties as we head into Winter 24/25. This is undoubtedly influencing their willingness to take on debt at a level they may not be able to service. This is a sensible approach but we must not lose sight of the fact that even so, compared to 2023, the appetite for new finance is still very much in evidence as is the demand for personal guarantee insurance to make the risk of a loan less risky for the business owner who has been asked to supply that guarantee. On average business owners are seeking £170,608 of Personal Guarantee Insurance protection from £152,039 in Q3 2023. Ultimately, small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and they need access to the funding they need to invest and grow. Right now, it appears many are simply ‘treading water’, as they await the outcome of the Budget.”
About PGI: Personal guarantee insurance (PGI) is a product used by small business owners to protect against the risk of a personal guarantee being called in for a business loan. Lenders will ask for a personal guarantee when there are not enough assets in the business to repay the loan if the business fails. The Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance Monitor is the only source of data on the number and size of personal guarantee backed loans being secured by small business owners where insurance has been taken to protect against the risk of the loan being called in.
Notes to Editors
About Purbeck Insurance Services
Purbeck Insurance Services is a Personal Guarantee Insurance specialist supporting Small and Medium sized Enterprises (“SMEs”) and promoting business confidence
Insurance policies backed by Markel International Insurance Company Limited (“Markel”), an A-Rated insurer, as rated by A.M. Best (A), Fitch (A+) and S&P (A). Markel is a shareholder in Purbeck Insurance Services.
Purbeck Insurance Services is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Insurance is underwritten by Purbeck Insurance Services, an authorised Managing General Agent (“MGA”) of Markel
Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance is annual insurance policy that provides Director(s) with insurance cover in the event their business lender calls in the Personal Guarantee (provided by the Director(s) as part of raising business finance)
Key features of Personal Guarantee Insurance:- Premiums are competitively priced and based on individual circumstances
- Cover is available for Personal Guarantees signed to support a wide range of business finance facilities
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MIL-OSI: Sophos to Acquire Secureworks to Accelerate Cybersecurity Services and Technology for Organizations Worldwide
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
News Summary
- Secureworks shareholders to receive $8.50 per share in cash
- Sophos intends to integrate solutions from both companies into a broader and stronger security portfolio for all small, mid- and enterprise customers
- By combining complementary AI-driven security platforms powered by automated prevention, detection and response, the two organizations can deliver advanced solutions for defeating modern, persistent adversaries even faster
- The deal is expected to strengthen the security community by bringing together two industry leaders with shared mission-driven cultures
OXFORD, United Kingdom and ATLANTA, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sophos and Secureworks® (NASDAQ:SCWX), two global leaders of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, today announced a definitive agreement for Sophos to acquire Secureworks. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $859 million. Sophos is backed by Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm.
Sophos’ experience and reputation as a leading provider of managed security services and end-to-end security products, combined with Secureworks’ security operations expertise transformed into the Taegis™ platform, is expected to further deliver complementary advanced MDR and XDR solutions for the benefit of their global customer bases. Together, they will help strengthen the resilience and security posture of global organizations of any size with a combination of security controls, AI, world-class threat intelligence, and two teams with decades of cybersecurity expertise.
Sophos expects to integrate solutions from both companies into a broader and stronger security portfolio benefiting small, mid- and enterprise customers. This includes Sophos expanding its current portfolio with other new offerings like identity detection and response (ITDR), next-gen SIEM capabilities, operational technology (OT) security, and enhanced vulnerability risk prioritization. As two partner-centric organizations, the combination of Sophos and Secureworks will enable the combined company to expand its market presence to create greater value within the channel and strengthen the overall security community.
“Secureworks offers an innovative, market-leading solution with their Taegis XDR platform. Combined with our security solutions and industry leadership in MDR, we will strengthen our collective position in the market and provide better outcomes for organizations of all sizes globally,” said Joe Levy, CEO of Sophos. “Secureworks’ renowned expertise in cybersecurity perfectly aligns with our mission to protect businesses from cybercrime by delivering powerful and intuitive products and services. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building a safer digital future for all.”
Cyber risk continues to escalate, driven by a rampant cybercriminal ecosystem and global geopolitical pressures. Combined, Sophos and Secureworks share a long history of having exceptional threat intelligence, security operations, incident response, and innovative security product capabilities that help organizations defeat these adversaries.
“Our mission at Secureworks has always been to secure human progress. Sophos’ portfolio of leading endpoint, cloud, and network security solutions – in combination with our XDR-powered managed detection and response – is exactly what organizations are looking for to strengthen their security posture and collectively turn the tide against the adversary,” said Wendy Thomas, CEO, Secureworks. “As Joe and I both believe, this transaction will strengthen our go-to-market offering with Sophos’ global scale, expertise and reputation.”
Transaction Details
Under the terms of the agreement, Sophos intends to acquire Secureworks in an all-cash transaction valued at $859 million. Secureworks shareholders, including Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL), will receive $8.50 per share in cash. This represents a 28% premium to the unaffected 90-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP). The transaction is expected to close in early 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Additional information regarding this announcement can be found in the Form 8-K filed by Secureworks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Oct. 21, 2024.Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to Sophos and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC., Barclays, BofA Securities, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and UBS Investment Bank are acting as financial advisors and providing debt financing for the transaction. Piper Sandler & Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as financial advisors to Secureworks and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as legal counsel.
About Sophos
Sophos is a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and incident response services and a broad portfolio of endpoint, network, email, and cloud security technologies. As one of the largest pure-play cybersecurity providers, Sophos defends more than 600,000 organizations and more than 100 million users worldwide from active adversaries, ransomware, phishing, malware, and more. Sophos’ services and products connect through the Sophos Central management console and are powered by Sophos X-Ops, the company’s cross-domain threat intelligence unit. Sophos X-Ops intelligence optimizes the entire Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem, which includes a centralized data lake that leverages a rich set of open APIs available to customers, partners, developers, and other cybersecurity and information technology vendors. Sophos provides cybersecurity-as-a-service to organizations needing fully managed security solutions. Customers can also manage their cybersecurity directly with Sophos’ security operations platform or use a hybrid approach by supplementing their in-house teams with Sophos’ services, including threat hunting and remediation. Sophos sells through reseller partners and managed service providers (MSPs) worldwide. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at http://www.sophos.com.About Secureworks
Secureworks (NASDAQ: SCWX) is a global cybersecurity leader that secures human progress with Secureworks® Taegis™, a SaaS-based, open XDR platform built on 20+ years of real-world detection data, security operations expertise, and threat intelligence and research. Taegis is embedded in the security operations of thousands of organizations around the world who use its advanced, AI-driven capabilities to detect advanced threats, streamline and collaborate on investigations, and automate the right actions.Connect with Secureworks via LinkedIn and Facebook or Read the Secureworks Blog
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes certain disclosures which contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to those statements related to the merger of the wholly-owned subsidiary of Sophos, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (“Parent”) with and into SecureWorks Corp. (the “Company”), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”), including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the Merger, including the delisting from NASDAQ and deregistration under the Exchange Act the timing of the foregoing. In most cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “confidence,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “outlook,” “should,” and “would,” or similar words or expressions that refer to future events or outcomes. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Merger, are based largely on information currently available to our management and our management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance. There is no assurance that our expectations will occur or that our estimates or assumptions will be correct, and we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include but are not limited to: (i) the completion of the Merger on the anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the Merger; (ii) potential litigation relating to the Merger that could be instituted against the Company or its directors, managers or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (iii) the risk that disruptions from the Merger (including the ability of certain customers to terminate or amend contracts upon a change of control) will harm the Company’s business, including current plans and operations, including during the pendency of the Merger; (iv) the ability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel, including those with extensive information security expertise; (v) the diversion of management’s time and attention from ordinary course business operations to completion of the proposed transaction and integration matters; (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Merger; (vii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (viii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the Merger that could affect the Company’s financial performance; (ix) certain restrictions during the pendency of the Merger that may impact the Company’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; (x) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including but not limited to acts of terrorism, outbreaks of war or hostilities or the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health issues, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xi) the impact of inflation, rising interest rates, and global conflicts, including disruptions in European economies as a result of the Ukrainian/Russian conflict and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the relationship between China and Taiwan and ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China; (xii) the possibility that the Merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (xiii) the ability to obtain the necessary financing arrangements set forth in the commitment letter received in connection with the Merger; (xiv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger, including in circumstances requiring the Company to pay a termination fee; (xv) the risk that the Company’s stock price may decline significantly if the Merger is not consummated; (xvi) there may be liabilities that are not known, probable or estimable at this time or unexpected costs, charges or expenses; (xvii) those risks and uncertainties set forth under the headings “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time, which are available via the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; and (xviii) those risks that will be described in the information statement that will be filed with the SEC and available from the sources indicated below.
These risks, as well as other risks associated with the Merger, will be more fully discussed in the information statement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the Merger. There can be no assurance that the Merger will be completed, or if it is completed, that it will close within the anticipated time period. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company does not undertake to update, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update, any of its forward-looking statements, whether resulting from circumstances or events that arise after the date the statements are made, new information, or otherwise. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from what we may have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution that you should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this communication that could cause actual results to differ. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict those events or how they may affect the Company.
Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication is being made in connection with the pending Merger. The Company plans to file an information statement on Schedule 14C for its stockholders with respect to the Merger. The information statement will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE INFORMATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of such documents filed by the Company when filed with the SEC in connection with the Merger at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, the Company’s stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of such documents filed by the Company at the Company’s website (investors.secureworks.com) or by e-mailing the Company’s Investor Relations department at investorrelations@secureworks.com. Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from the Company upon written request by mail to SecureWorks Corp., Investor Relations, One Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30328.
Press Contacts
Susie Evershed
press@secureworks.comKelly Kane
Kelly.Kane@sophos.com -
MIL-OSI Economics: With Copilot agents, Pets at Home unleashes an AI revolution
Source: Microsoft
Headline: With Copilot agents, Pets at Home unleashes an AI revolution
After creating a platform in Azure that unites the data from its various operations, the company is focusing on the potential of AI, he said. Pets at Home is an early adopter of Microsoft Copilot Studio, where a business can create AI agents to act in support of different areas of the business. It coincides with Microsoft’s announcement October 21 of the ability to create autonomous agents to help build capacity for every sales, service, finance and supply chain team.
With early access to agent-building features in Copilot Studio, Pets at Home created an agent to help its retail fraud detection team investigate suspicious transactions. The company is planning on creating other agents to assist its colleagues in other areas.
It’s part of the company’s embrace of a range of AI services across departments. For veterinary colleagues, that means saving time on administrative tasks to be able to spend more time focused on patients. For the business as a whole, that means unifying the data from its different operations to create a better customer experience.
“We have some fantastic data – there are 8 million customers in our Pets Club, with 10 million pets,” he said. “We’re using machine learning and AI algorithms to produce recommendations for next best actions.”
“We can give information to our colleagues in our pet care centers about our customers’ pets, and what they would typically buy or need at their life stage. We can bring that same data to life across our organization so that we’re really relevant to customers, and we’re helping them make the best decisions for their pet, whether they are in a store, online or at the veterinary practice.”
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inauguration of Special Khadi Exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat under ‘Khadi Mahotsav’
Source: Government of India (2)
Inauguration of Special Khadi Exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat under ‘Khadi Mahotsav’
The special Khadi exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat was inaugurated by the chief guest, Union Minister of MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, alongside KVIC Chairman, Shri Manoj Kumar.The exhibition has been organized to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiatives during the festive season.
The exhibition will run until October 31, featuring 157 stalls from Khadi institutions and village industries from various states nationwide.
Union Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi appealed to the people of Delhi to visit the exhibition and purchase Khadi products.
Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 9:14AM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of MSME, Government of India, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the special Khadi exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat on Friday in the presence of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman, Shri Manoj Kumar. The exhibition is being held during the festive season as part of the nationwide ‘Khadi Mahotsav’ to promote Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns and to enhance the income of Khadi artisans. The special Khadi exhibition, organized by the State Office of KVIC, New Delhi, will run until October 31.
The exhibition features 157 stalls from 55 Khadi institutions and 102 village industries units representing various states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Haryana, and Jammu. A wide range of Khadi and village industry products are on display, including sarees, readymade garments, handicrafts, herbal and Ayurvedic products, leather goods, handmade paper products, pickles, spices, soaps, shampoos, honey, and more, all available for purchase at different stalls. Artisans and craftsmen participating in the exhibition will also give live demonstrations of their diverse Khadi and village industry product range.
While addressing the media at the inauguration event, the chief guest, Union Minister of MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, appealed to all citizens to purchase more Khadi and local products. On this occasion, he made a special request to the people of Delhi to visit the Khadi exhibition for their festive shopping and to buy indigenous Khadi products, thus supporting the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) campaigns in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. He further stated that the broad objective of this exhibition is to strengthen the economic condition of rural artisans and traditional craftsmen, empowering them and preserving India’s vibrant heritage of indigenous craftsmanship. This exhibition has provided the country’s artisans with an excellent platform to showcase their art.
While speaking to the media, KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar said, _”Following the visionary approach of Mahatma Gandhi and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the proponent of “New Khadi for a New India,” the Khadi and Village Industries sector surpassed a business turnover of ₹1.55 lakh crore in the last financial year, directly benefiting Khadi artisans across the country. Recently, on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, the wages of spinners working on the charkha (spinning wheel) were increased by 25%, and those of weavers working on the loom were raised by 7%, which is a testament to this. The KVIC Chairman further added that in his popular program ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had urged citizens to buy ‘Made in India’ products, and soon after this appeal, on Gandhi Jayanti, Delhi residents set a new record by purchasing Khadi products worth ₹2 crore 1 lakh and 37 thousand in a single day at the ‘Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan’ in New Delhi. This achievement reflects the people’s commitment to the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.”
To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition will also feature live demonstrations showcasing India’s rich traditional arts and craftsmanship and captivating cultural programs. This is not just an exhibition but a platform that contributes to preserving India’s indigenous craftsmanship by empowering rural artisans economically and providing them with an opportunity to display their craftsmanship.
The event was also attended by all the officers and employees of the Ministry of MSME and KVIC.
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SK
(Release ID: 2066264) Visitor Counter : 50
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ITU-WTSA 24 Robotics for good youth challenge India was held on Oct 17, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Source: Government of India (2)
ITU-WTSA 24 Robotics for good youth challenge India was held on Oct 17, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Student from across 11 states participatedin ITU-WTSA Robotics Challenge to vie forreliable innovative technology solutions for addressing DisastersThe event aims toShowcase of practical solutions in robotics to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 9:02AM by PIB Delhi
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA-2024) being held in New Delhi, hosted a Robotics for Good Youth Challenge as a side event.It is a prestigious National Event that is being held, as part of AI for Good Impact India, and is a qualifying tournament for the Grand Finale in Geneva during the AI for Good Global Summit 2025. Young innovators demonstrated their skills in robotics and coding in this event.
A total of 120 teams had applied, out of which 51 were selected to present their robotics solutions here at the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge. The theme for the competition was disaster management and the winners of the junior and senior categories will go to Geneva in July 2025 to compete internationally. The competition objectives are as follows
- Foster inclusivity in learning robotics and coding for all students.
- Design, build, and program robots to complete missions aligned with sustainable goals.
- Encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and sustainable practices.
The first challenge for the participants was to build a robotics system that saves the lives of earthquake victims. A simulation was run to mimic a real earthquake where the robots were programmed to save lives and deliver the victims to shelters and hospitals.
The event witnessed Key note speeches from Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas- Deputy Secretary General ITU, Dr. Neeraj Mittal: Secretary, Department of Telecommunications. Seizo Onoe, Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), ITU Mr. Manish Sinha,Member (Finance) of Digital Communications Commission, DoT. Other special guests includes Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin Secretary General, ITU, Prof. S. K. Saha, Project Director, I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC).
The challenge concluded with an awards ceremony, where the winners in the Senior category were Team “AI Pioneers” from “Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi” & the Junior category award went to Team “Rescue Rangers” from “Sant Atulanand Convent School, Koirajpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP)”.
ITU-WTSA 2024: Shaping the Future of Global Telecommunications
Today’s events underscored the commitment of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly to advance technology for social good and public health. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, WTSA 2024 continues to pave the way for innovation that addresses critical global issues.
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SB/DP/ARJ
(Release ID: 2066263) Visitor Counter : 12
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo to consider Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (October 23) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receive its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.
The Second Reading debate on the Shipping Legislation (Use of Fuels and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024 will also resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receive its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.
On Government motion, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will move a proposed resolution under the Hotel Accommodation Tax Ordinance to resolve that, with effect from January 1, 2025, the Hotel Accommodation Tax Ordinance be amended. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 1.
On Members’ motions, Mr Tony Tse will move a motion on actively developing land and optimizing land use to promote the development of the economy and industries. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Louis Loong, Mr Stanley Ng, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Lau Kwok-fan, Ms Carmen Kan and Mr Andrew Lam will move separate amendments to Mr Tse’s motion.
Mr Shang Hailong will move a motion on following up on measures for new migrant talents to integrate into Hong Kong. The motion is set out in Appendix 3. Dr Johnny Ng and Mr Yim Kong will move separate amendments to Mr Shang’s motion.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary for Administration will present “The Government Minute in response to the Report of the Public Accounts Committee No.82 of July 2024” and address the Council.
Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia+ Festival’s multimedia dance performance “+1+1+1+” to explore new forms of artistic expression (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Asia+ Festival’s multimedia dance performance “+1+1+1+” to explore new forms of artistic expression (with photos)
Asia+ Festival’s multimedia dance performance “+1+1+1+” to explore new forms of artistic expression (with photos)
******************************************************************************************Presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, this year’s Asia+ Festival is offering “+1+1+1+”, a multimedia dance performance featuring a mesmerising mix of music, dance and technology. Japanese media art pioneer Daito Manabe, the production’s director, composer and video designer, will be joined by J-pop dance artist, stage and choreography director MIKIKO with her all-female dance troupe ELEVENPLAY. Together, they are set to join forces to broaden the artistic horizons of audiences. Manabe has worked with such artistic luminaries as Björk and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Rather than forging a sense of realism in such a way that the audience would experience really being there in his works, he is keen on highlighting interesting things about the human physique, data and programming per se, in his contemplation of the relationships and boundaries between the analogue and the digital, the real and the virtual. MIKIKO’s long list of collaborators includes rock diva Ringo Sheena and Olympic figure-skating gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu, while her choreography is seen in celebrated performances of electro-pop group Perfume and heavy metal group BABYMETAL. She is also extensively involved in media art, and is particularly noted for her ability to fuse advanced technology with mass culture, breaking down barriers between pop and the experimental. In “+1+1+1+”, a multimedia dance performance themed around time and structure, dancers and the richly layered performance space become an organic whole, made possible by the masterful use of motion capture and holographic projection technology. The latter creates a hyperreal realm, where the stage, lighting and music are constantly evolving to evoke a dream-like quality. Not only does “+1+1+1+” unravel the endless possibilities between humanity and technology but it brings together the structure and rhythm of traditional and contemporary arts, venturing into the uncharted territory of music, dance and technology to offer new ways of expression. “+1+1+1+” will be staged at 7.30pm on November 8 and 9 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. A meet-the-artist session will be held after the November 8 performance. Tickets priced at $240, $360, $480 and $580 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288; or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”. For more details about the show, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/+1+1+1+. The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and cultures of nearly 30 countries from Asia, the Middle East and Belt and Road regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.
Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 18:40NNNN
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Light housing operation pact signed
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Housing Bureau today awarded the second operation and management contract of the Light Public Housing (LPH) projects to Easy Living Consultant Limited & Yan Chai Hospital Joint Venture at a tender sum of about $168 million.
The contract includes the operation and management of two LPH projects at Choi Hing Road and Choi Shek Lane in Ngau Tau Kok. Both venues will provide about 2,290 and 148 LPH units respectively, with intakes expected in the second quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.
Under the bureau’s steer and supervision, the operating organisation will need to carry out pre-management works effectively to ensure the smooth handling of LPH application and intake matters, and provide various services and ancillary facilities for the residents and local community immediately upon intake.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho pointed out that having one organisation handle the operation and management of two LPH projects in proximity could enhance flexibility and utilisation of resources, thereby increasing efficiency and expanding the service scope.
She said: “I aspire to work closely with various operating organisations in the coming years to ensure effective operation and management, hence allowing the residents and nearby community to benefit from the projects’ ancillary facilities and community services.
“I would also like to appeal to other organisations that are interested in operating LPH to actively participate in the tenders of other projects, thereby working together with the Government to improve the living environment of grassroots people and help them in their pursuit towards happiness.”
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get ready for fun with Leeds’s first ever Festival of Play
Source: City of Leeds
A fun-filled week-long celebration of the magic of play is set to sweep Leeds later this month with the launch of the city’s first ever Festival of Play and Creativity.
People of all ages are encouraged to join the city-wide celebration and let loose their playful side with an activity-packed array of events taking place this upcoming half term, from October 25 to November 3.
From performances and interactive experiences to games and workshops, the inaugural Festival of Play and Creativity aims to showcase Leeds as a great place to play and encourage people to make more time to have fun.
The festival has been organised by Leeds Community of Play – a network of over 100 people and organisations, including Leeds City Council and its Child Friendly Leeds initiative, committed to inspiring playfulness in neighbourhoods.
Over 60 events are already planned for the week, which aims to highlight the city’s rich cultural landscape as well as promoting grassroots community activities, with organisers hoping it will spark ideas and enthusiasm and inspire more people to embrace the power of play.
Highlights so far include the six-day pop-up Playful Information Centre, featuring four refurbished shipping containers at Victoria Gardens, outside Leeds Art Gallery in the city centre, where a daily line-up of different artists will host activities including a ‘Conquer the Conker’ challenge, a ‘Wheel of crisps’ game, Halloween costume-making and a hot dog race.
The information centre will also showcase all the other playful happenings across the city, which include pumpkin carving at Kirkstall Valley Farm, Lego play with digital consultancy firm Hippo Digital, a mini gig at Brudenell Social Club and story time with Hold Fast, a bookshop on a boat.
Elsewhere across the city, community groups including Better Leeds Communities and LS14 Trust are getting involved with activities for all, resident-led playstreets will hold activities on people’s doorsteps and Leeds Libraries are providing colourful mini playboxes at various libraries, with each box boasting six drawers full of open-ended play activities.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Play is vital for both adults and children but we know it can often be overlooked in life’s priorities so it’s really great to see an event like this which showcases the power of play to people of all ages.
“Last year we became the first city in England to commit to delivering an action plan optimising play opportunities for children and young people – a key element in helping everyone in Leeds to get the best start in life.
“We have an incredible community of playmakers, artists and organisations in Leeds who all work hard to lead the way for play and this festival is a fantastic way to showcase and celebrate this on the city-wide stage and hopefully inspire people to embrace play in their day-to-day lives.”
Rachel Ingle-Teare, senior librarian at Leeds Libraries, said: “Leeds Libraries are thrilled to be a key partner in the festival – a celebration that encourages the joy of play into the heart of our communities – and are proud to offer a variety of playful experiences.
“The festival’s rich tapestry of events and activities are designed to ignite curiosity and encourage playful discovery for all ages. Join us in embracing the power of play and creativity across the city.”
Festival co-organiser Joanne Michael, founder of Leeds business HappyAsABean Creative and a member of Community of Play, added: “Leeds is a city that knows how to play.
“The Festival of Play and Creativity has been a real community effort fuelled by over 100 members of Community of Play over the last nine months – all keen to encourage people of all ages to value time spent playing and make more time for joy.”
The Festival of Play and Creativity has a dedicated page on the Leeds Inspired website where all events are being listed; visit https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/collection/FOP24. Many of the festival’s activities are free to attend, with some requiring pre-registration.
The Playful Information Centre has been sponsored by Northern Bloc Ice Cream.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Leeds City Council communications and marketing,
Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk
Tel: 0113 378 6007
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Silver Bond allocations announced
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The subscription and allocation results for the latest batch of Silver Bonds were released today.
A total of 300,413 valid applications, seeking a total of $69.9 billion in bond principals, were received.
More than half of the applications, 166,177, were for 23 units or fewer. These applicants will be allocated the full number of units applied for.
The other 134,236 applications were for more than 23 units. These applicants will be allocated 23 units each, with 23,737 of them being allocated one additional unit after a ballot.
The bonds will be issued on Wednesday. The final issuance amount will be $55 billion.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan said this was the first batch of Silver Bonds issued under the Government’s Infrastructure Bond Programme, which will support infrastructure projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihoods, and aims to give citizens a sense of participation in Hong Kong’s long-term development projects.
He highlighted that the positive response to the bond issuance shows that the Silver Bond scheme continues to be well-received by senior residents.
“We will keep the effectiveness of the scheme and future arrangements under review, taking account of investor response, market conditions and other relevant considerations,” he added.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)
SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)
**************************************************************************The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, attended the 17th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) today (October 21). SIEW is organised by the Energy Market Authority under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) of Singapore. The theme this year is “A Connected and Sustainable Energy World”. Mr Tse attended the SIEW Summit to speak on the topic of Asia’s Collaborative Journey to a Sustainable Energy Future, and engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges with other participants. Speaking at the Summit, Mr Tse said that Hong Kong strives to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The carbon emissions in Hong Kong peaked in 2014. Compared to the peak, the carbon emissions of Hong Kong have reduced by about a quarter and the target is to reduce them by half before 2035. Hydrogen energy is a low-carbon energy with development potential. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is advancing with prudence to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy, which includes improving legislation, setting up infrastructure and funding trial projects. He said, “Our country places great emphasis on developing hydrogen technology, and has a number of high-quality products and advanced technology. Hong Kong can grab the opportunity to become a hub for the country to promote different products and technologies, helping Hong Kong and other countries to promote a green transition.” Mr Tse also pointed out that there are three key elements to promote regional collaboration, namely political will to set policy targets, active participation from industries and the establishment of an exchange platform for sharing experiences and seeking co-operation. He expressed his gratitude to SIEW for providing an excellent platform that brings together various parties to explore new opportunities and collaboration. In the afternoon, Mr Tse met with the Senior Minister of State for the MTI, Ms Low Yen Ling, to exchange views on hydrogen development. He later met with officials of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to learn more about the latest developments of green maritime fuel in Singapore. Mr Tse also visited a local shipping company today and received a briefing on the supply chain and bunkering operations of green marine fuels, particularly the application of green methanol. Tomorrow (October 22), Mr Tse will visit a local enterprise to understand better the developments and applications of sustainable aviation fuel. He will return to Hong Kong the same evening.
Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 19:10NNNN
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited
Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited
*****************************************************************************The Government announced today (October 21) that the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, has reappointed the following persons as Council members of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited for a period of two years, until the conclusion of the company’s Annual General Meeting in 2026. Mr Andrew Fan Chun-wahMrs Nina Lam Lee Yuen-bingMr Clarence Ling Chun-kitMs Wong Shu-ming
Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 19:30NNNN
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST reviews preparatory work for test event to be held at Kai Tak Sports Park (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, visited the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) today (October 21) to inspect the construction progress of the KTSP and review the preparatory work for the test event to be held there on October 27 (Sunday).
The first test event of the KTSP will take place at the Public Sports Ground on October 27, with around 1 000 invited spectators attending a local football match. With its proximity to the Sung Wong Toi Station of the MTR, it is expected that the majority of the spectators will make use of railway services to access the Public Sports Ground. The MTR Corporation Limited has made preparation for the operation arrangements of the Sung Wong Toi Station and Kai Tak Station earlier.
At the visit today, Mr Yeung also asked the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) to ensure smooth arrangements for the test event and enhancement measures of the pedestrian facilities and the environment to provide a good experience for visitors.
“The first test event at the Public Sports Ground on October 27 marks a milestone for progressing to the official commissioning of the KTSP. The Government and KTSPL will organise multiple test events and drills. With the concerted efforts of different bureaux and departments, we are confident that the test events and drills will enable us to accumulate invaluable experience for better preparation of the full commissioning of the KTSP,” Mr Yeung said.
As mentioned in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, the major facilities of the KTSP will be completed by the end of this year. The KTSP, being the largest sports infrastructure project ever commissioned in Hong Kong, will be open in the first quarter of 2025. It will boost sports development and inject impetus into related industries such as recreation, entertainment and tourism, and also mega-event economy.
To ensure smooth operations after its official commissioning, the KTSP will organise a series of test events and drills from end-October to the first quarter of next year. The schedule of test events will dovetail with the construction progress of the facilities in respective venues of the KTSP as well as the readiness of the operator. The test events and drills will begin from the periphery of the KTSP, followed by the testing of facilities within the precinct gradually. The number of participants at the test events and drills will also increase incrementally, from 1 000 as a start to around 50 000 participants eventually. It is expected that a total of around 150 000 to 200 000 participants will take part in the test events and drills before the official commissioning of the KTSP. -
MIL-OSI Russia: Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
From the transcript:
M. Mishustin: Dear Akylbek Usenbekovich! Dear colleagues!
Mikhail Mishustin with the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Head of the Administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov
Mikhail Mishustin with the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Head of the Administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Head of the Administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov
Mikhail Mishustin at Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations
Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations
Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations
Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations
Signing of documents following Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations
Signing of documents following Russian-Kyrgyz negotiations
Previous news Next news
Mikhail Mishustin with the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan – Head of the Administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov
I am pleased to welcome you all to the Government of the Russian Federation. Your official visit is timed to coincide with the celebration of the centenary of the formation of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region and the opening of the Days of Kyrgyz Culture in Russia.
We, as you know, highly value our relations with Kyrgyzstan – our ally and strategic partner.
The presidents of our countries are in constant contact. There is an intensive dialogue at all levels. This year, the respected Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov has already visited the Russian Federation three times. And we, of course, are waiting for him at the BRICS summit events in Kazan this week.
You and I, dear Akylbek Usenbekovich, also maintain regular communication. We work along the lines of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States. Just last week we participated together in the SCO summit in Pakistan, in Islamabad.
Our Intergovernmental Russian-Kyrgyz Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Humanitarian Cooperation, headed by Alexey Logvinovich Overchuk on the Russian side, is also working successfully. It is very pleasant that you are personally involved in all issues. Its latest meeting was held in July, simultaneously with the Russian-Kyrgyz Interregional Conference.
Russia and Kyrgyzstan have great potential for increasing cooperation. First of all – we also discussed this with you – in the financial sector, industry, agriculture, energy, transport, and also in the field of digital technologies. And we just talked about this in detail today, dear Akylbek Usenbekovich.
Our trade cooperation is developing at a good pace. In the first eight months of this year, trade turnover has grown by 16%. The share of the ruble in mutual settlements has reached almost 90%. And we, of course, would like to maintain this trend in order to ensure stable and predictable conditions for doing business.
Our country makes a significant contribution to strengthening the energy security of your republic. At the St. Petersburg Economic Forum in June, long-term contracts were signed for the supply of Russian natural gas to the northern and southern regions of your country.
The creation of a low-power nuclear power plant based on a Russian project and the construction of solar power plants are also being discussed. An industrial cluster for the production of components necessary for such modules is also being formed.
Of course, our cooperation is not limited to the economic agenda.
We pay special attention to humanitarian ties. This is the foundation for strengthening friendly, good-neighborly and truly fraternal relations between our peoples.
At the end of August, the Kyrgyz-Russian Fair of Innovative Solutions in Education was held. More than 150 representatives of leading Russian institutions in this area took part in it. It was possible to discuss in detail the mechanisms for developing scientific and technical creativity of schoolchildren, the specifics of working with talented children.
Kyrgyz youth are interested, which pleases us, in studying in Russia. About 16 thousand Kyrgyz students study in our country. Other popular projects are also being implemented.
We have an extensive bilateral agenda. I am ready to discuss all the issues that exist today.
It is with pleasure that I give you the floor, dear Akylbek Usenbekovich.
Please.
A. Zhaparov: Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich! Dear colleagues and friends!
To be continued…
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ambassador Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu and Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Visited Charles Sturt University, Bathurst Campus
Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2
Ambassador Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu and Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu visited Charles Sturt University, Bathurst Campus where they were warmly welcomed by Associate Dean (Academic), Associate Professor Julia Lynch, and Associate Dean (Research), Professor Zahid Islam, from the Faculty of Business, Justice & Behavioural Sciences at Charles Sturt University.
The university also arranged a tour of the campus facilities and teaching environments, hoping to attract more outstanding Taiwanese students and strengthen academic exchange and cooperation between Taiwan and Australia. -
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Vicki Wu Attended the Flag-raising Ceremony in Celebration of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) National Day
Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Vicki Wu Attended the Flag-raising Ceremony in Celebration of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) National Day. Attendees were all moved by the sight of the national flag rising confidently.
At the reception afterwards, DG Wu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Branch for hosting the ceremony and to the Taiwanese communities, including the Branch, for their contributions to the full-page congratulatory messages for ROC National Day published in the four most influential Chinese newspapers in OZ.
DG Wu mentioned that President Lai Ching-Te’s first National Day speech, titled “Taiwan Together for Our Shared Dream,” calls for unity among fellow citizens. The President emphasized that his top priorities are building economic resilience, deepening partnerships with fellow democracies, and responsibly maintaining the peaceful status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
The unwavering support of overseas Taiwanese communities has always been and will continue to be essential for Taiwan. We look forward to collaborating with our communities and moving forward together in solidarity. -
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Vicki Wu Attended the Inauguration of the 27th Committee of the Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association(ATFA)
Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2
Congratulations to the inauguration of the 27th Committee of the Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association (ATFA). Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Vicki Wu attended the ceremony, along with MPs including Hon. Paul Fletcher, Dr. Hugh McDermott, Tim James, Matt Cross, and Clr. Barbara Ward.
The guest speakers acknowledged the active participation and contributions of the overseas Taiwanese community to Australia’s multiculturalism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between TW and AU in upholding shared democratic values. They look forward to continued bilateral cooperation across various sectors and to further strengthening our enduring friendship.
DG Wu offered sincere congratulations to President-elect Kathy Sieh and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Aileen and her team for promoting the Taiwanese community’s civic engagement and media literacy. He especially thanked Aileen to change her flight to attend TECO Sydney’s forum on TW’s participation in the WHO at the NSW Parliament in May, spoke out in her capacity as a surgeon.
DG Wu praised ATFA for not only continuing to represent the unity of our community but also embodying the shared values of TW and AU. TECO Sydney will work hand in hand with ATFA to ensure the unity and harmony of the Taiwanese community and to make greater contributions to Australian society. -
MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, Tatyana Navka’s ice show toured India with success
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
With the support of Rosneft, Tatyana Navka’s ice show “The Love Story of Scheherazade” toured in the Indian city of Ahmedabad (Gujarat) from December 18 to 20. Ice shows were held in India for the first time.
Musical performances based on Arabian tales and the novels “A Thousand and One Nights” took place at the sports stadium EKA ARENA. An ice rink was installed at the stadium especially for the show, for the creation of which more than 100 tons of real ice were used.
The audience had a unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of several Eastern cultures at once: India, Egypt, Ancient Babylon and Persia, and also to see unique special effects and costumes, to appreciate the skills of famous Russian figure skaters. The show was attended by stars of world figure skating, multiple champions of Russia, Europe and the world, Olympic champions. Among them were the author of the idea, director and general producer of the project Tatyana Navka, as well as Victoria Sinitsina, Nikita Katsalapov, Povilas Vanagas, Ivan Righini, Egor Murashov and many others.
The show aroused great interest among the people of India. Spectators travelled from New Delhi, Mumbai and other cities of the country to see the ice show in Ahmedabad. The show was also attended by Indian politicians and representatives of the business community.
All five performances of the ice show were sold out. Most of the viewers saw ice for the first time. And the highest skill of the skaters and unique special effects caused thunderous applause throughout the show. At the same time, after the performance, the viewers were in no hurry to leave and thanked the artists for the unique performance.
Rosneft actively supports significant cultural projects and contributes to the development of cultural ties between Russia and other countries. Thanks to the Company, large-scale projects aimed at reviving spiritual and national values are being implemented. Among such projects are support for the Sretensky Monastery Choir, the State Hermitage Museum, the White Steamship project, and much more. Earlier, with the participation of Rosneft, Tatyana Navka’s ice show Evenings on a Farm based on the works of N.V. Gogol was shown in Moscow.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 21, 2024
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI USA: “Wholly Irreplaceable”—Endangered Species in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the CITES Convention
Source: US Global Legal Monitor
The following is a guest post by Jai-Len Williams, a foreign law intern in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.
On July 1, 2024, category four Hurricane Beryl devastated the multi-island state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The livelihood of the Vincentian people, especially in the Southern Grenadines islands of Union Island, Mayreau, and Canouan, was severely impacted. Today, families are still displaced and recovery efforts are ongoing.
Union Island Gecko, photo by the Union Island Environment Alliance (UIEA) photographer Jeremy Holden. Used with UIEA permission The impact on the ecosystem is also of concern. On the Grenadine island of Union Island, there lives a rare, bejeweled, and beautiful lizard called the Union Island Gecko (Gonatodes daudini), also known as the Grenadines clawed gecko. It was described as “wholly irreplaceable” by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute in their report titled “The Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.” From its discovery in 2005, the Union Island Gecko was so named because it is only known to live in about 123 acres (50 hectares) of the Chatham Bay Forest area of Union Island. It is not only unique but also tiny, as it is considered to be about the size of a paperclip. It is listed as “Critically Endangered” by the IUN Red List. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1987 protects wildlife from being removed from St Vincent and the Grenadines. However, there was no protection on the gecko under international law. In 2019, at the 18 Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Geneva Switzerland, a decision was taken for the endemic lizard to be added to Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to protect its survival, prevent over-harvesting for the international pet trade, and destruction of its habitat.
Over the years, with assistance from residents and local, regional and international organizations, including the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Environmental Fund, the Union Island Environment Alliance, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Fauna & Floral, Virginia Zoo, Re:Wild, the BBC, National Geographic, Disney Conservation Fund, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the conservatory efforts reaped the reward of an increase in the gecko population. According to a 2022 survey, there was an 80% increase in the population of the Union Island Gecko.
However, due to the devastating impacts of the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl on Union Island, as of July 2024, according to the Director of Forestry, Fitzgerald Providence, the Chatham Bay Forest area was seen to have total defoliation and the status of the Union Island gecko population is unknown. After the recent assessment carried out by the forestry department, Wildlife supervisor Glenroy Gaymes stated that with the forest destruction, the gecko is impacted, as it has shown signs of distress and habitat disruption. As a result, the forestry department is looking at the way forward, which is to mitigate the impact by restoring the gecko’s habitat, community engagement and monitoring programs.
Another endemic specie, the Amazona Guildingii—the national bird of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has also had its fate tested by natural disasters affecting its habitat on mainland Saint Vincent. Most recently, it has suffered from the April 2021 series of explosive eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. The Amazona Guildingii is an exotic multicolored parrot whose habitat includes the northern forest of the island, near the slopes of the volcano.
The Amazona Guildingii is also listed in Appendix 1 of CITES. According to the Director of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, their assessment showed that while in 2021, there was an Amazona Guildingiiparrot that suffered and later died due to ash inhalation, many of the parrots managed to survive by migrating from the Red Zones to the safer zones.
Long live the Union Island Gecko and the Amazona Guildingii!
For more information on CITES and endangered species protection on a national and international level, please consult the following selected In Custodia Legis resources:
- Elin Hofverberg, Can you Legally Import a Toucan? No, you Probably Cannot (guest post by Elizabeth Boomer, September 20, 2021)
- Jenny Gesley, Grizzly Bears and the Endangered Species Act ( July 28, 2021)
- Hanibal Goitom, Law Library of Congress Report on Regulations Concerning the Private Possession of Big Cats (guest post by Laney Zhang, October 21, 2013)
- Hanibal Goitom, Law Library Report on Wildlife Trafficking and Poaching (April 9, 2013)
- Laney Zhang, Baby Pandas and the Law: In Memory of Mei Xiang’s Cub (September 27, 2012)
Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.
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MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on an Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with São Tomé and Príncipe
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, October 21, 2024/APO Group/ —
- IMF staff and the São Toméan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to be supported by a new 40-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), updating the agreement reached last year. This renewed staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and IMF Executive Board consideration, contingent on the implementation of the agreed prior actions and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners.
- The authorities’ ambitious reform program aims at restoring macroeconomic stability while laying the foundations for faster and more inclusive growth. This includes a sizable and front-loaded fiscal adjustment while protecting the vulnerable. The program includes decisive near-term reforms in the electricity sector and medium-term structural reforms to facilitate the green energy transition and unleash the country’s growth potential.
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Slavi Slavov, Mission Chief for São Tomé and Príncipe, visited São Tomé during May 23 – June 5, 2024, and held virtual discussions in the recent months, to discuss with the São Toméan authorities IMF support for their policies and reform plans.
At the end of the mission, Mr. Slavov issued the following statement:
“The São Toméan authorities and the IMF team have reached a renewed staff-level agreement to support the authorities’ economic adjustment and reform policies with a new 40-month program supported by an arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The agreement is subject to approval by IMF’s Management and Executive Board in the period ahead, and is contingent on the implementation of prior actions by the authorities and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners to cover the external financing gap.
“São Tomé and Príncipe faced a very challenging 2023 and continues to struggle with high fuel import needs and depleted international reserves. Over the past few years, the country has been hit by multiple shocks, whose impact on the economy continues to reverberate. This includes the massive external shock in early 2023 when a major fuel exporter stopped supplying fuel on credit, opening a large external financing gap.
“These factors, along with energy shortages, contributed to a slowdown of real GDP growth to 0.2 percent in 2022 and 0.4 percent in 2023. Inflation accelerated to 19.2 percent in April 2024 before declining to 12 percent in August, year-on-year. International reserves fell sharply.
“The authorities’ program aims to restore macroeconomic stability, improve the living conditions of the population, foster the economic recovery, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. The necessarily ambitious and front-loaded fiscal adjustment is crucial to lowering the high public debt and rebalancing the economy under a pegged exchange rate, but is designed with care to protect the vulnerable.
“The authorities have already implemented significant reforms. They launched the Value-Added Tax in June 2023 and implemented a large fiscal adjustment in 2023. Fuel prices were adjusted, and explicit fuel subsidies have been eliminated in the aggregate. The central bank (Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe or BCSTP) ended monetary financing of the budget and implemented tightening measures.
“The authorities will make further efforts to strengthen tax and customs administration and to rationalize budgetary expenditures. These efforts will create the fiscal space for implementing growth-enhancing development programs that will help put public debt on a downward trajectory. In addition, the authorities will strengthen social safety nets and reinforce the existing targeted cash-transfer program for vulnerable households. Given the country’s high public debt, ensuring that new financing takes the form of highly concessional loans or ideally grants will be vital to ensure sustainability and also meet vital spending needs.
“Moreover, the program will urgently implement near-term reforms to address the crisis in the electricity sector. This would alleviate pressures on public debt and foreign exchange reserves. To prevent implicit fuel subsidies and contain fiscal risks, the authorities will apply the fuel price adjustment mechanism in a truly automatic way on a monthly basis. The government will strengthen transparency and address governance weaknesses to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption. Finally, the authorities will strengthen the BCSTP, ensuring its autonomy and appropriate governance arrangements.
“Over the medium term, structural reforms will unleash the country’s growth potential. These include the reform strategy for the energy sector with a focus on shifting towards renewable sources, encouraging domestic food production, fostering the tourism sector, adapting to climate change, and empowering women.
“During the visit and subsequent virtual discussions, the mission met with President Carlos Vila Nova; Prime Minister Patrice Émery Trovoada; Minister of Planning and Finance Ginésio Valentim Afonso da Mata; Minister of Economy Disney Leite Ramos; Governor of the Central Bank Américo D’Oliveira dos Ramos; President of the Court of Auditors Ricardino Costa Alegre; other government officials; representatives of the private sector including banks; and development partners. The mission expresses its deep appreciation to the authorities for their cooperation and constructive policy dialogue.”
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MIL-OSI USA: This Week in NJ – October 18th, 2024
Source: US State of New Jersey
Governor Murphy Signs Bipartisan Legislation Increasing Penalties for Home Invasions
Governor Phil Murphy visited Edison to sign S3006/A4299 into law, establishing the crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary. The two new burglary classifications will raise penalties for crimes of burglary, reinforcing legal protections for New Jersey communities and ensuring that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.“The safety and well-being of New Jerseyans is our Administration’s highest priority,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s bipartisan legislation ensures that the penalties for burglary and home invasion reflect the severity of these crimes and deter individuals from entering a home illegally. We are grateful to the Legislature, our law enforcement community, local mayors, and community members for supporting our shared goal of keeping New Jersey residents safe.”
“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their continued support in helping us build a cleaner and healthier Garden State through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Governor Murphy. “This newly announced funding will help New Jersey communities with the vital task of replacing all lead pipes within the next ten years as we work to ensure that everyone in New Jersey has access to clean, safe drinking water. These critical investments in our drinking water infrastructure will help protect our children from lead exposure, create good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans, and ensure a stronger drinking water system for generations to come.”
Home invasion burglary refers to a person who enters a home to commit an offense and ultimately inflicts bodily injury or is armed with a deadly weapon, whether or not that weapon is used. Under the new law, home invasion burglary is a crime in the first degree. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.Residential burglary refers to a person who enters a home to commit an offense. Under the new law, residential burglary is a crime in the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.
Both classifications of burglary are subject to the “No Early Release Act,” which requires the convicted person to serve at least 85% of their incarceration term before becoming eligible for parole. Any person convicted of home invasion burglary or residential burglary may be denied a professional license from the Division of Consumer Affairs within the Department of Law and Public Safety.
This legislation, which takes effect immediately, builds upon the Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and bolstering public safety. Over the past seven years, the Murphy Administration has taken a holistic approach to crime reduction, including tightening gun laws, investing in mental health resources, deploying new data collection technology, and increasing penalties for violators.
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Governor Murphy Announces Second Round of Medical Debt Elimination, Totaling $120 Million in Debt Abolished for 77,000 New Jerseyans
Nearly two months after effectuating the first round of medical debt abolishment through the State’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt, Governor Phil Murphy announced that 77,000 eligible individuals and families across New Jersey are set to benefit from the elimination of an additional $120 million in medical debt. Governor Murphy sat down with Andrew Rose Gregory, who was a special guest at the 2024 State of the State Address, to discuss the announcement. Andrew and his wife, Casey, partnered with Undue and raised $1.1 million following her passing to help eliminate medical debt for others. The video is available here.By leveraging approximately $900,000 in American Rescue Plan funds, Undue has worked with the Atlantic Health System to identify and purchase qualifying, unpayable medical debts. Impacted residents may have all or some of their debts abolished as part of the Governor’s mission to make health care more affordable and accessible. Through the State’s partnership with Undue, $220 million in medical debt has been eliminated for 127,000 New Jersey residents so far.
“Investing in affordable and accessible health care allows residents to prioritize their well-being without having to take on the significant burdens of medical debt, which has long served as a debilitating barrier to receiving the life-saving care and services they deserve,” said Governor Murphy. “That is why our Administration has taken action to both protect residents from accumulating debt and eliminate existing debt so that New Jerseyans can focus on what matters most: their health. This announcement marks a monumental step forward and builds upon our efforts to create a health care system that relieves financial constraints and ensures quality, comprehensive care is within reach of every New Jerseyan.”
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AG Platkin, Division of Consumer Affairs Announce New Rules Aimed at Promoting Greater Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing, Including How and Why Prices Are Increased
Advancing the Murphy Administration’s efforts to rein in the high cost of prescription drugs in New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs (“Division”) announced specially adopted new rules promoting greater transparency in prescription drug pricing.
The new rules, which became effective upon acceptance for filing by the Office of Administrative Law yesterday, implement P.L. 2023, c. 106, signed into law by Governor Murphy in July 2023 as part of a legislative package to combat the rising costs of prescription drugs in the state.
“The high cost of prescription drugs is a financial burden that disproportionately impacts the health and well-being of the most vulnerable among us: low-income families, the elderly, the uninsured, and people with disabilities,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Until now, we’ve been kept in the dark about the main drivers of high prescription drug costs. The new rules allow us to gain greater insight into prescription drug pricing and a better understanding of how we can help advance the goal of prescription drug affordability and accessibility.”
The new rules establish registration, reporting, and compliance requirements for five entities across the prescription drug supply chain—manufacturers, insurance carriers, pharmacy benefits managers, wholesalers and pharmacy services administrative organizations. The entities will be required to provide the Division with information and data pertaining to drugs with significant price increases or high launch prices and other drugs of interest. The Division will then use this information to produce an annual report on emerging trends in prescription drug prices. The report, which will be posted on the Division’s newly created prescription drug pricing webpage, will also be used to help the newly created Drug Affordability Council formulate legislative and regulatory policy recommendations focused on prescription drug affordability.
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Governor Murphy and Acting Commissioner Dehmer Award $20 Million to Expand High-Quality Preschool in 18 School Districts
Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Education Acting Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced that 18 school districts have received Fiscal Year 2025 preschool expansion funds to establish or expand access to high-quality preschool programs in the 2024-2025 school year.
The nearly $20 million, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, is estimated to provide more than 1,200 additional children the opportunity to attend a high-quality preschool program. State-funded, high-quality preschool programs now exist in 293 New Jersey school districts – 229 of which have been established during the Murphy Administration.
“Our investment in early childhood provides the youngest learners with a solid foundation for success,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Today’s announcement builds on my ongoing commitment to expand early childhood education to more communities, with the long-term goal of ensuring every 3- and 4-year-old in the State has access to a high-quality preschool program.”
“The rapid expansion of preschool programs throughout New Jersey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “Governor Murphy’s continued support means that, with the addition of the programs that are being announced today, we are now providing nearly 77,000 children in New Jersey with a state funded high-quality preschool program, each and every year. That’s a huge number of young lives whose futures will be broadened by our state’s efforts.”
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New Jersey Added 19,200 Jobs in September
Preliminary labor market estimates for September, produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, show that the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point from August to 4.7 percent. Total nonfarm employment increased by 19,200 jobs to reach a seasonally-adjusted level of 4,393,100 jobs in the state.
Revised estimates of total nonfarm employment from July to August saw an increase of 4,500 jobs (preliminary estimates indicated a loss of 4,400), for a net gain of 100 jobs. The state’s unemployment rate for August remained unchanged at 4.8 percent.
In September, seven out of nine private industries recorded employment gains compared to August. Sectors that recorded employment gains include education and health services (+10,100), trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,800), construction (+1,700), leisure and hospitality (+1,500), manufacturing (+1,300), professional and business services (+1,300), and other services (+200). Sectors that recorded job losses include financial activities (-600), and information (-300). Public sector jobs increased by 200 for September.
Over the past twelve months, New Jersey has added 51,600 nonfarm jobs. About eighty-eight percent of those gains were in the private sector, with four out of nine private sector industries recording a gain between September 2023 and September 2024. These include private education and health services (+45,500), trade, transportation, and utilities (+11,200), construction (+2,000), and other services (+1,300). Losses were recorded year-over-year in information (-4,700), financial activities (-3,300), manufacturing (-2,400), professional and business services (-2,200), and leisure and hospitality (-2,200). The public sector has recorded a gain of 6,400 over the past twelve months.
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MIL-OSI Canada: The Procurement Ombud’s 2023-24 annual report stresses the need for immediate action
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
Federal Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic releases his Annual Report for 2023-24, which was tabled in Parliament by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos on October 7, 2024.
Ottawa, Ontario – October 21, 2024 – Federal Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic released his Annual Report for 2023-24, which was tabled in Parliament by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos on October 7, 2024.
The report, which summarizes the Office of the Procurement Ombud’s activities from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, highlighted long-standing procurement issues including favouritism towards specific bidders, the complexity of federal procurement, overly restrictive evaluation criteria, the lack of documentation and gaping holes in the quality of contract information made public by departments.
Furthermore, the report details two suggestions intended to address these issues directly. The first is the creation of a Government Wide Vendor Performance Management Program to track and share information on supplier performance across federal departments and regions, and take past performance into account in the award of future contracts. The second is the creation of a Federal Chief Procurement Officer position to lead the creation, interpretation and implementation of procurement policies, and to lead a capacity building and professionalization initiative.
The Procurement Ombud has requested three key regulatory changes to enhance his ability to perform his duties more effectively. These proposed changes include the authority to recommend compensation to suppliers exceeding 10% of a contract’s value, the ability to review complaints related to contracts awarded under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Businesses (PSIB) set-asides program, and the power to compel (rather than request) federal departments to provide the documentation necessary to conduct reviews and investigations. The latter request was supported in the Standing Committee on National Defence’s recent report on defence procurement.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by President Meloni on the fight against human trafficking and money laundering
Source: Government of Italy (English)
Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina
21 Ottobre 2024
I wish to thank the Guardia di Finanza [Italian Finance Police] in Crotone, the SCICO [Central Organised Crime Investigation Service] and the DDA [District Anti-Mafia Directorate] of Catanzaro for their outstanding operation which has led to the dismantling of an international criminal organisation engaged in human trafficking and money laundering.
It is a top priority to combat those who exploit people’s legitimate desire to find better living conditions in order to make huge profits for themselves. The Government is determined to take down these criminal networks and to stamp out the illegal trafficking of human beings, which feeds the interests of the slave traders of the third millennium.
Our commitment continues. We will keep working tirelessly to defend our borders and to reassert a fundamental principle: you can only enter Italy legally, by following the established rules and procedures.
[Courtesy translation]
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MIL-OSI Canada: CRTC releases strategic plan to connect Canadians through technology and culture
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
The plan details the CRTC’s priorities with a focus on delivering tangible results for Canadians.
21 October, 2024—Ottawa—Gatineau—Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Today, the CRTC is publishing its Strategic Plan: Connecting Canadians through technology and culture. The plan details the CRTC’s priorities with a focus on delivering tangible results for Canadians.
Last year, the CRTC released its areas of focus. It has made progress in those priority areas by, among other things:
- Implementing a renewed approach to competition and investment in Internet and cellphone services, which has helped lead to new offers at more affordable prices for Canadians;
- Helping improve connectivity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, including by bringing high-speed Internet access to some Canadians for the first time;
- Advancing the implementation of the amended Broadcasting Act by launching nine public consultations and issuing four decisions, including one that requires online streaming services to contribute an estimated $200 million per year to the Canadian broadcasting system; and
- Launching four public consultations to implement the Online News Act.
The Strategic Plan builds on this progress by continuing to prioritize work that will have the greatest impact on Canadians by:
- Promoting competition and investment to deliver reliable, affordable, and high-quality Internet and cellphone services;
- Modernizing Canada’s broadcasting framework and creating the bargaining framework for the Online News Act; and
- Investing in the CRTC to better serve Canadians.
More details about what the CRTC will do to advance these priority areas are outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Quick facts
- The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.
Associated links
General Inquiries
Telephone: 819-997-0313
Toll free: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
TTY: 819-994-0423 -
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Expensive Consultations and Conditional Discounts: A Review of Unscrupulous Practices in Auto Loans
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
Banks and car dealerships often impose additional paid services on the client, and at inflated prices. At the same time, contracts are drawn up in such a way that it is impossible to refuse the services and return the money. This violates the rights and interests of consumers.
For example, clients are offered expensive insurance consulting services, although such consultations are usually free, or a discount on a car, but only if it is purchased on credit or additional paid services are purchased. In addition, there are cases where borrowers are deliberately poorly informed about the terms of the transaction. As a result, clients incur additional costs by purchasing unnecessary goods or services and cannot be fully protected by current regulations.
The Bank of Russia recommended that creditors refrain from using the funds specified inreview of practices. Explanations have also been prepared for consumers on how to avoid falling for the tricks of unscrupulous creditors or sellers and where to go if they become their victims.
Preview photo: Take Photo / Shutterstock / Fotodom
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: One for all: regulator’s proposals for using a universal QR code for payment
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
The Bank of Russia has sent proposals to the Russian Ministry of Finance to change legislation concerning the use of QR codes when paying for purchases and services. According to them, banks will have to use only a universal QR code based on the solution of the National Payment Card System (NSPK).
The universal QR code of the NSPK will allow accepting all types of payments, including payment solutions of banks (pay services), SBP, and in the future — the digital ruble. It will also provide support for bank loyalty programs and cashbacks. The implementation of this solution will minimize the costs of banks and trading companies for connecting various payment instruments.
Such a step will also promote the development of competition in this area and will provide all banks, both large and small, with equal conditions for connecting to the NSPK infrastructure and interacting with it.
The document assumes that all IT systems of banks and technical devices (trading terminals and others) that are associated with accepting payments must support payment using the universal NSPK QR code.
Preview photo: Mr Aesthetics / Shutterstock / Fotodom
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Washington (SSN 787) Awarded Presidential Unit Citation
Source: United States Navy
Capt. Timothy Poe presented the award to Washington’s crew on behalf of the President during the submarine’s change of command ceremony July 19 at Naval Station Norfolk.
“The award of the Presidential Unit Citation to the USS Washington is a profound honor, signifying the crew’s exceptional dedication and strategic impact,” said Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, commander, Submarine Forces. “Their work in challenging, high risk environments completing vital national level missions demonstrates the key role our submarines play in ensuring maritime security and global stability.”
The PUC is awarded to any U.S. military unit that has distinguished itself by outstanding performance and heroism in action against enemy forces and is the highest unit award in the Department of the Defense.
During Washington’s deployment, the submarine, also known as the Blackfish, completed three demanding missions vital to national security that resulted in obtaining sensitive and unique intelligence information, where it executed the Chief of Naval Operations’ maritime strategy by supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.
“The men and women onboard BLACKFISH are justifiably proud of this award and of joining the distinguished list of previous recipients,” said Cmdr. Keith Turnbull, Washington’s commanding officer. “It goes without saying that the crew could not have accomplished what they did without the immense efforts of our support staffs ashore, including the training staff in Norfolk and several other organizations.”
The crew’s superb planning, discipline, and material management ensured the submarine remained on task through long periods without readily accessible support.
“The crew spent countless hours on training, maintenance, and certification to ensure BLACKFISH was ready to execute all tasking,” said Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) Austin Gilbert, Washington’s chief of the boat. “While deployed, their resiliency was crucial to their success and the shipmates fully embody the meaning of true undersea warriors. Fear the BLACKFISH!”
Additionally, Washington garnered more days on station than any east coast deployment on record, had the first chief Intelligence Specialist to earn the submarine warfare qualification, known as ‘dolphins’, and had the most women ever deployed on a fast-attack submarine, including one chief petty officer.
Washington steamed more than 37,000 nautical miles with the crew supporting diplomatic relationships by conducting port visits in Faslane, Scotland, and Grotsund, Norway. In recognition of the Blackfish’s exceptional service and dedication during operations in the strategic Arctic region, the Washington was awarded the newly announced Arctic Service Medal.
Forty-four enlisted Sailors and five officers earned their submarine warfare qualification, and 10 officers promoted to their next rank.
Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.
The Virginia-class submarine is 377 feet long and 34 feet wide, and weighs about 7,900 tons when submerged. Underwater, it can reach speeds in excess of 25 knots.
For more information about USS Washington (SSN 787), visit http://www.navy.mil or http://www.facebook.com/SUBLANT