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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves additional instalment of three percent of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to Pensioners

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 3:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.07.2024 representing an increase of three percent (3%) over the existing rate of 50% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate against price rise.

    This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.  The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs.9,448.35 crore per annum.

    This will benefit about 49.18 lakh central government employees and 64.89 lakh pensioners.

     

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    MJPS/BM/SKS 

    (Release ID: 2065314) Visitor Counter : 7

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA’s Banking Stakeholder Group elects its new Chair and Vice-Chairs

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The Banking Stakeholder Group (BSG) of the European Banking Authority (EBA) elected Christian Stiefmueller as new Chair during its meeting on 15 October 2024. Mr Stiefmueller, who represents consumers, will be supported by two Vice-Chairs, Julia Strau, and Edgar Loew, representing the financial institutions, and the independent top-ranking academics, respectively. Their mandates run for two years.

    Legal basis and background

    The BSG is set up according to Article 37 of the EBA Founding Regulation, to help facilitate dialogue and consultation with stakeholders on the work of the EBA.

    The BSG is composed of 30 members who serve for a period of four years with the possibility to be renewed for an additional term.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for Member States after extreme weather events (including rebuilding road and bridge infrastructure) – P-002024/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    11.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002024/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dariusz Joński (PPE)

    In response to the recent extreme weather events, including the floods that impacted many EU countries, particularly Poland, I would like to know what measures the Commission will take to help Member States rebuild their road and bridge infrastructure.

    The flooding caused severe damage in many regions, which is substantially impacting the safety and mobility of people living there and the functioning of the local economy. Rebuilding the damaged infrastructure will require action to be taken swiftly and promptly as well as substantial financial investment.

    In view of the above, could the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.What financial support instruments will the Commission mobilise to help countries hit by the calamity (including Poland) rebuild their road and bridge infrastructure?
    • 2.Does the Commission envisage additional funds or the possibility of more flexibility in using existing mechanisms, such as the EU Solidarity Fund, to quickly repair the damage and rebuild?
    • 3.In view of the increasing threat, will action be taken to effectively prepare and safeguard transportation infrastructure from the effects of natural disasters?

    Submitted: 11.10.2024

    Last updated: 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mid Campaign Review of Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 4.0 of Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Mid Campaign Review of Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 4.0 of Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare

    Special focus on “Ease of Rules” for enhanced Ease of Living for Pensioners

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 3:20PM by PIB Delhi

    As part of the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 4.0 (SCDPM 4.0), the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare have taken various steps to minimize pendency, institutionalize Swachhta, strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms and improve records management.

    Mid Campaign progress as of 16th October 2024, is as shown below:

    • PG receipts and disposal: 44.50% of Public Grievances have been disposed of (3676 out of 8260 receipts).
    • Reference from MPs: 100% of references received from MPs have been disposed of.
    • Total files weeded out: 100% of Physical files have been weeded out which were identified for weeding.
    • Under “Ease of Rule” category, Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare issued 16 OMs for Ease of Living of pensioners.
    • Cleanliness campaign was conducted at 66 sites during the period.

    The Department is committed to ensure Ease of Living through “Ease of Rule” and ensuring Swachhta in its premises on a continuous basis.

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    NKR/DK/AG

    (Release ID: 2065313) Visitor Counter : 13

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – ECON voting – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Voting.jpg © European Union (2024) – European Parliament

    The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) will hold votes on decisions to start interinstitutional negotiations on files on which Parliament concluded its first reading (unagreed) in the 9th term on Monday, 21 October 2024 in Strasbourg.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for funding the maintenance of memorial sites of former Nazi-German concentration camps, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, establishing during World War II – P-002018/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002018/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR)

    Nazi Germany established its largest extermination camps in occupied Poland. For decades, the responsibility for preserving and maintaining these camps fell on the Polish people. To date, the cost of maintaining these sites has far exceeded the total compensation Germany paid to Polish victims of the Nazi-German occupation.

    Memorial sites of former Nazi-German concentration camps and forced labour camps are currently funded by the budgets of the countries in which they are located, e.g. Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek, Treblinka, Sobibór, Gross-Rosen, Stutthof, Płaszów and many others. The victim states of World War II have the financial responsibility for preserving and maintaining these sites, despite them having been established by Nazi Germany.

    It seems unjust for the victim states to bear the entire cost of preserving these sites.

    In reference to Parliament’s resolution of 19 September 2019 on the importance of European remembrance for the future of Europe[1], specifically point 12, I would like to ask:

    • 1.Will the Commission support Poland and other World War II victim states in seeking funding to maintain the memorial sites of former Nazi-German concentration camps from the states that established them?
    • 2.Can the Commission clarify its stance on this issue?

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    • [1] OJ C 171, 6.5.2021, p. 25.
    Last updated: 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Make quality a centrestage of industry, a default setting in product manufacturing: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Make quality a centrestage of industry, a default setting in product manufacturing: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Shri Goyal urges industry captains to unite in adopting good quality standards

    Government supporting innovation and quality together for Viksit Bharat: Shri Goyal

    174 QCOs covering 732 products introduced in last decade to boost quality in manufacturing: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 3:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his valedictory speech at the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) Symposium today in New Delhi urged the industry captains and stakeholders in attendance to make quality the centrestage of the industry. He further urged the participants to make quality a default setting in product manufacturing and not an option for the customers.

    Shri Goyal praised IFQM for taking the industry-led initiative on quality and said that changing mindset is the largest impediment to India’s adoption of quality. Shri Goyal noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always put quality at the core of the Government’s efforts in building the nation. He added that the PM’s vision of ‘Zero Defect and Zero Effect’ has been at the forefront of his governance for the past two terms to make India a developed nation. He stressed that the sustainable manufacturing practices moving towards a green economy will be the defining catalyst towards the journey of becoming a Viksit Bharat. On the Rs 1 lakh crore Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), he said that through this fund the Government will be supporting innovation for the industry to make it a prerequisite alongside quality for a Viksit Bharat. 

    Shri Goyal mentioned that till 2014 there were only 14 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 106 products, while in the last decade the Government has expanded to 174 QCOs covering 732 products. Emphasising on the effect quality can have on toy manufacturing, the Minister stated that introducing quality control has led to an increase in exports. He also said that for India to be recognised as a brand at the world stage, quality has to be given foremost importance. If it is coming from India it has to have an imprint of quality, that should be our aspirational goal, Shri Goyal said.

    The Union Minister invited industry leaders to partner with the Government and take quality to the MSME sector through the QCO ecosystem. He further urged the industry captains to share their best practices and persuade companies with technical manpower for aiding the Government’s technical standards committees to align quality with global standards. He also called for a government, industry and academia partnership with the quality control regulators working to solve difficulties manufacturers have in adopting good quality standards.

    Shri Goyal also asked the participants to develop a sense of duty towards Viksit Bharat and said that the country’s export competitiveness will not come from subsidies rather an Atmanirbhar Bharat will come from a self-reliant India. Quality is not our job, it is our duty, he said.

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    AD/VN/AM

    (Release ID: 2065319) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Exchange of views with Margrethe Vestager – 17-10-2024 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    On 17 October 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30, the FISC Subcommittee will hold an exchange of views with Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Europe Fit for the Digital Age, and Commissioner for Competition, responsible for fair digital taxation.

    The discussion will focus on the recent Court of Justice (CJEU) ruling on the Apple tax State aid case in Ireland and its implications on the fight against aggressive tax planning and tax avoidance, as well as how to ensure that all companies pay their fair share of tax.

    The CJEU ruling of 10 September 2024 confirmed the decision by the European Commission from 2016, that Ireland granted Apple illegal State aid in form of tax breaks amounting to €13 billion, which Ireland now has to recover.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The CE marking and China Export marking – E-001996/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001996/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jorge Martín Frías (PfE)

    To be sold in the EU, it is mandatory for many products to bear the CE marking, which shows that the manufacturer has assessed the product and that it is considered to comply with a number of EU requirements. Moreover, it is obligatory for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are to be placed on the EU market.

    In 2006, China created a logo for its exports, China Export, whose font and size are similar to its European counterpart. It was designed to compete fraudulently with the legitimate CE marking and circumvent controls. In this way, the Chinese logo prevents China’s products from getting assessed to find out whether they meet the requirements set by the European Economic Area, which in turn leads to confusion among EU consumers.

    Furthermore, there is the problem that the CE marking is not registered as an EU logo, and for that reason China cannot be required to cease using the Asian imitation.

    In light of this situation:

    Is the European Commission going to confront this problem and study measures, such as modifying the current CE logo, to resolve this issue that has been ongoing for 18 years, and take the necessary action to put an end to this fraud?

    Submitted: 9.10.2024

    Last updated: 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – DROI debates with ICC and civil society on international justice – Subcommittee on Human Rights

    Source: European Parliament

    International_Criminal_Court_logo © International Criminal Court

    On 17 October, the DROI Subcommittee will exchange with Antônia Pereira De Sousa, Chief of Office to the Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC). ICC will debate with Members on challenges of the work of the Court. The EEAS and the European Commission will brief Members on EU policies on accountability and justice. Civil society will explain their views and messages on the current state of the international criminal justice architecture with a focus on victims of international crimes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Targeted help set for the needy

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee said in his 2024 Policy Address that he attaches great importance to building a caring and inclusive society, providing targeted assistance to the underprivileged and families in need, in addition to strengthening labour support.

    To direct resources to those most in need to alleviate poverty, the Government will expand the Strive & Rise Programme by recruiting 4,000 mentees this year and set up three additional community living rooms in areas clustered with sub-divided units.

    Mr Lee also outlined various measures to strengthen elderly services, such as increasing the total number of vouchers under the Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly by 20% to 6,000, allowing more frail seniors to be admitted to residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) of their choice and receive subsidised care services without waiting.

    Additionally, the Government plans to enhance the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong by increasing the number of participating RCHEs from the existing four to 11 in November of this year, sharing part of the elderly participants’ medical expenses and engaging organisations to provide care services to help the elderly adapt to living in Guangdong.

    Furthermore, Mr Lee noted that the Government will launch a three‑year pilot scheme next year to subsidise elderly recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance retiring in Guangdong to reside in designated RCHEs in Guangdong Province, with each eligible elderly person receiving a monthly subsidy of $5,000, subject to a quota of 1,000.

    To strengthen support for persons with disabilities, the Government will establish 14 Integrated Community Rehabilitation Centres across the city. Apart from providing 1,280 additional service places to support such individuals, an additional district support centre in New Territories East will be set up.

    For ethnic minorities, the Government will engage one more support service centre to provide interpretation and translation services next year, on top of the two additional centres which will begin operation by the end of this year. 

    The Education Bureau plans to strengthen Chinese learning support and parental assistance for non‑Chinese speaking students, Mr Lee added.

    He also announced the setting up of one more child care centre to support working parents. Service places under the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project will be increased by 25%, to 2,500, with the estimated number of beneficiaries reaching 25,000.

    As for the District Services & Community Care Teams, the Chief Executive revealed that the Government will regularise the funding provision and increase funding by 50% in the next term of service in support of their work.

    It will also expand the Pilot Scheme on Supporting Elderly & Carers to cover all 18 districts in the next year, identifying and reaching out to households in need.

    Regarding measures to strengthen labour support, Mr Lee emphasised that the Employees Retraining Board will be reformed, from providing employment‑related training targeted at low‑skilled workers to devising skills‑based training programmes and strategies for the entire workforce.

    Other measures to protect employees include enhancing the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund, implementing the new annual review mechanism of the statutory minimum wage and amending the continuous contract requirement under the Employment Ordinance.

    Mr Lee explained what the Government is doing to encourage employment among middle-aged and elderly people.

    “The three‑year Re‑employment Allowance Pilot Scheme was launched in July, with more than 20,000 participants to date. The Labour Department will continue the scheme and, through the Good Employer Charter 2024, encourage employers to adopt family‑friendly employment practices such as flexible work arrangements.”

    He stressed that promoting occupational safety and health is of key importance to his administration.

    “The Government has been encouraging the industry to provide a safer working environment.  Among other things, it mandated, in July, the adoption of the Smart Site Safety System (4S) for mobile plants in designated private‑building works, and issued the first batch of 4S labelling. 

    “We will strengthen the protection of workers’ safety under a three‑pronged approach, formulating safety guidelines, promoting optimal use of robotic technology and enhancing industry training.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine – A10-0006/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    (COM(2024)0426 – C10‑0106/2024 – 2024/0234(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2024)0426),

    – having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10‑0106/2024),

    – having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

    – having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 9 October 2024 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the letter from the Committee on Foreign Affairs,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0006/2024),

    1. Adopts its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal;

    2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

    3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

     

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    The ongoing war of aggression by Russia has significantly increased Ukraine’s financial needs. To address these challenges, both the European Union (EU) and the international community are being called upon to provide additional funding.

     

    In response, the European Commission has put forward a legislative proposal aligned with a G7 initiative. This proposal aims to utilize the extraordinary revenues from immobilized Russian assets to cover Ukraine’s urgent financial needs. Specifically, the proposal seeks to establish the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism (ULCM), which will enable Ukraine to service and repay loans of up to €45 billion. These loans will be repaid using the windfall profits generated from frozen Russian assets. The EU’s proposed macro-financial assistance (MFA) includes an amount of up to €35 billion, intended to support Ukraine’s immediate financing needs. This assistance will be delivered in a predictable, long-term, and timely manner.

     

    A key feature of this MFA is that Ukraine will not be required to repay the loan directly. Instead, repayments will be covered by windfall profits generated from interest accrued on immobilized Russian assets. Additionally, the terms of this loan will align with the conditions under the Ukraine Facility.

     

    The rapporteur emphasizes the importance of a swift procedure in order for the EU to adopt this proposal by the end of October 2024 to ensure that the MFA loan can be released by the end of 2024.

     

     

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she has received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

    Entity and/or person

    Bálint Ódor, Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, Council of the European Union

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that she has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

     

     

    BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT (11.10.2024)

    for the Committee on International Trade

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    (COM(2024)0426 – C10‑0106/2024 – 2024/0234(COD))

    Rapporteur for budgetary assessment: Janusz Lewandowski 

     

    The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

    – having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2022/2496 of 15 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[1],

    – having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/765 of 29 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[2],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/792 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 February 2024 establishing the Ukraine Facility[3],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2022/2463 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing an instrument for providing support to Ukraine for 2023 (macro-financial assistance +)[4],

    – having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/335 of 28 February 2022 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine[5],

    – having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/577 of 12 February 2024 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine[6],

    – having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1470 of 21 May 2024 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine[7],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union[8],

    – having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[9],

    A. whereas the Commission proposed a draft amendment to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2022/2496 that made it possible to allow contingent liabilities stemming from financial assistance to Ukraine for 2023 and 2024 only to be treated in the same manner as financial assistance for Member States;

    B. whereas there is a need for greater sustained budgetary support to Ukraine;

    C. whereas Ukraine’s financing needs are expected to significantly outstrip current IMF projections and total at least USD 38 billion for 2025, making the amounts available under previous rounds of macro-financial assistance (MFA), the Ukraine Facility and the current round of MFA insufficient to ensure the required level of support, particularly for 2026 and 2027;

    D. whereas Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/577 provides rules for allocating extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian state assets to the Ukraine Peace Facility and the Ukraine Facility, considering that EUR 210 billion of Russian Central Bank assets are currently held by financial institutions in the EU;

    E. whereas the G7 leaders announced the launch of Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine, which would make USD 50 billion available to Ukraine and would be secured through immobilised Russian state assets;

    F. whereas the next tranche of the IMF’s loan to Ukraine is also linked to the entry into force of the proposed regulation;

    1. Takes note of the proposal for the creation of the new Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, which will provide non-repayable financial support with a view to assisting Ukraine to repay loans provided for its support and will be endowed mainly by the amounts transferred in accordance with Annex XLI to Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014[10], as well as by any potential amounts stemming from voluntary contributions from Member States, third countries or other sources, for up to EUR 45 billion;

    2. Takes note of the conditions and obligations that Ukraine must fulfil in order to receive and use the non-repayable financial support provided by the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, particularly the obligation for the repayment of the principal, interest and any other costs of the MFA loan or eligible bilateral loans;

    3. Takes note of the proposal for the creation of a new MFA instrument for the benefit of Ukraine, providing support of up to EUR 35 billion, pending other contributions under the G7 agreement on Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine, over a duration of 45 years; takes note of the fact that the Commission’s proposal seems to be based on the assumption that the Russian state assets will remain immobilised for 45 years and on various assumptions regarding the future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilisation of Russian sovereign assets held in the EU;

    4. Takes note of the fact that there is no grace period for the repayment of the principal or interest for the MFA instrument;

    5. Takes note of the fact that the MFA instrument, unlike previous instruments, does not give Ukraine the option to request interest rate subsidies covered by Member States;

    6. Takes note of the preconditions for support, such as effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi-party parliamentary system and the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including for those of minorities, and takes note of the consequences of not meeting, or no longer meeting, these preconditions;

    7. Takes note of the future negotiation between the Commission and Ukraine on the Memorandum of Understanding containing the guidelines that will underpin all future disbursements to Ukraine and must be consistent with the qualitative and quantitative steps contained in the Annex to Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1447 of 14 May 2024 on the approval of the assessment of the Ukraine Plan[11] and any amendments thereto; takes note of the fact that the assessment criteria for the funds allocated through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism are aligned with the assessment criteria established in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 in order to guarantee effective support and optimal use of resources for Ukraine’s recovery and development; calls on the Commission to pay particular attention to consulting the Verkhovna Rada and involving relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations;

    8. Takes note of the derogation from Article 31(3), second sentence, of Regulation (EU) 2021/947[12], which implies that the External Action Guarantee will not be used to guarantee the borrowing of the amounts to be lent in the framework of this MFA and that, therefore, the guarantees for this MFA will be provisioned by the headroom; calls for caution in extending borrowing without a clear guarantee mechanism, with a view to ensuring that any additional borrowing does not jeopardise the Union’s financial stability;

    9. Takes note of the derogation from Article 214(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2509, preventing the establishment of a provisioning rate, because of the use of the headroom for the provisioning of guarantees;

    10. Recalls all the mandatory provisions to be included in the MFA Loan Agreement, particularly those related to the early repayment of the amounts borrowed should it be recognised that Ukraine has engaged in any act of fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity detrimental to the financial interests of the Union;

    11. Takes note of the repayment arrangements, and particularly of the waterfall structure to be established in the MFA Loan Agreement and the potential implications for the EU budget;

    12. Takes note of the provisions on the transmission of information to Parliament and the Council, as laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on good interinstitutional cooperation and governance and specifically within the framework of the annual budgetary procedure, ensuring full accountability and oversight of how funds are managed and disbursed; acknowledges the urgent need to implement the proposed regulation and calls for the relevant draft amending budget to include only the changes arising from the entry into force of the proposed regulation; expects the proposal to provide an update on the borrowing plan as per Article 52(1)(d)(iii), third indent, of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509; expects to be informed, in a timely manner, of the implementation of borrowing as per Article 223(4)(b) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, including of any potential early repayments and the construction of a buffer, if applicable;

    13. Takes note of the fact that, according to the financial legislative statement, the implementation of the proposal does not require any additional human resources or administrative expenditure; reiterates its understanding that new policy priorities or tasks must be accompanied by adequate resources and staff to properly implement them;

    14. Regrets the proposal’s lack of clarity about whether the Union budget has final liability, particularly in the framework of a loan guaranteed solely by the headroom, independently of the support from the Ukraine Loan Mechanism, for example in the event of significant changes to the sanctions regime underwriting the mechanism;

    15. Requests that the Commission clarify the potential interplay and complementarity in the funding provided by the Ukraine Facility, in particular under Pillar I for 2025, and by the MFA, and explain how the latter will be linked to relevant political and reform-related conditions that are consistent with and support the conditionality under the Ukraine Facility, in particular the Ukraine Plan;

    16. Requests that the Commission provide the budgetary authority with details of the aggregation of liabilities to the headroom, contingent on borrowing and lending operations;

    17. Recalls that a further amendment to the MFF, adopted by unanimity in the Council, would be required in order to extend the ability of the Union to treat the financial assistance to Ukraine in the same manner as financial assistance to Member States until the end of the current MFF;

    18. Regrets the urgency of this proposal, stemming partly from the lack of flexibility granted by the Commission proposal on the amendment of the MFF, and the subsequent Council decision pressuring Parliament to co-legislate in a very limited time frame;

    19. Calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to recommend the approval of the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.

     

     

    LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS (2.10.2024)

    Mr Bernd Lange

    Chair

    Committee on International Trade

    BRUSSELS

     

     

    Subject:  Opinion on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine (COM/2024/426 final) (2024/0234(COD))

     

     

     

    Dear Mr Lange,

     

    Under the procedure referred to above, the Committee on Foreign Affairs has been asked to submit an opinion to your committee. By way of a written procedure, the committee Coordinators decided to send the opinion in the form of a letter. Due to the extreme urgency of the procedure, the committee Coordinators adopted the opinion at their meeting on 30 September 2024.

     

    Yours sincerely,

     

     

     

     

     

    David McAllister

     

     

      

    SUGGESTIONS

     

    The Committee on Foreign Affairs:

     

    1. Expresses its complete solidarity with the people of Ukraine, along with its full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders;

    2. Welcomes the commitments of the EU and its Member States to provide humanitarian assistance, military support, economic and financial aid and political support in every possible way until Ukraine’s victory;

    3. Commends the Commission’s proposal to establish the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, which contributes to answering Parliament’s call on the EU and its Member States to achieve the broadest possible international support for Ukraine, and builds upon the decision of the Council to direct extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian state assets to the Ukraine Assistance Fund and the Ukraine Facility as well as upon the G7’s decision to offer Ukraine a USD 50 billion loan secured through immobilised Russian state assets;

    4. Expresses its conviction that the new Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism is a substantive step towards making Russia financially compensate for the massive damage it continues to cause in Ukraine; insists that this should not preclude the establishment of a sound legal regime for the confiscation of Russian state assets frozen by the EU, to be used for the benefit of Ukraine; urges the Commission and the EEAS to step-up their work in that direction;

    5. Acknowledges that the Commission’s proposal is based on the assumption that Russian assets will remain immobilised until Russia definitively and irreversibly ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine.  Therefore urges the Council to adopt swiftly a decision to that effect;

    6. Invites the Commission, when evaluating whether Ukraine has met the precondition set out in Article 11 of the proposal, to apply the same standards it applies when it evaluates whether Ukraine has met the precondition set out in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 on the establishment of the Ukraine Facility; in particular, in its assessment, the Commission shall also take into account the context in Ukraine and the consequences of the application of martial law in Ukraine; invites the Commission to transmit its assessment simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council;

    7. Calls on the Commission to ensure that, when it agrees with Ukraine the policy conditions to be set out in the MoU pursuant to Article 12 of the proposal, it is satisfied that Ukraine has complied with (i) the provisions set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 and provided all the relevant explanations, as appropriate; and (ii) the qualitative and quantitative steps provided for in Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1447 and its annex. At the same time, calls on the Commission to make sure, when deciding on the release of funds pursuant to Article 13 of the proposal, that its assessment complies with Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/792 and, in particular, takes into account the criteria listed in paragraph 3 thereof, where relevant; urges the Commission, in that context, to make sure that all decisions adopted by Ukraine on the use of the funds allocated to it in the framework of the proposed regulation respect democratic procedures and are supported by meaningful consultations with all relevant institutions and stakeholders, including the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, anti-corruption institutions and representatives of the civil society;

    8. Calls on the Commission to transmit the MFA Loan Agreement to the European Parliament as soon as it will be signed;

    9. Requests that the Commission include by default in its yearly report on the implementation of the proposed Regulation a review of the adequacy of the arrangements contained in the Regulation itself.

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Title

    Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    References

    COM(2024)0426 – C10-0106/2024 – 2024/0234(COD)

    Date submitted to Parliament

    20.9.2024

     

     

     

    Committee(s) responsible

    INTA

     

     

     

    Committees asked for opinions

     Date announced in plenary

    AFET

    10.10.2024

     

     

     

    Not delivering opinions

     Date of decision

    AFET

    27.9.2024

     

     

     

    Rapporteurs

     Date appointed

    Karin Karlsbro

    30.9.2024

     

     

     

    Simplified procedure – date of decision

    30.9.2024

    Discussed in committee

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

     

    BUDG

    7.10.2024

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    31

    4

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Brando Benifei, Lynn Boylan, Udo Bullmann, Raphaël Glucksmann, Bart Groothuis, Céline Imart, Karin Karlsbro, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Kruis, Bernd Lange, Ilia Lazarov, Thierry Mariani, Gabriel Mato, Ştefan Muşoiu, Daniele Polato, Majdouline Sbai, Francesco Torselli, Catarina Vieira, Jörgen Warborn, Iuliu Winkler, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Mika Aaltola, Dan Barna, Nina Carberry, Anna Cavazzini, Hana Jalloul Muro, Ľubica Karvašová, Marina Mesure, Branislav Ondruš, Pierre Pimpie, Jessika Van Leeuwen

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Peter Agius, Marie Dauchy, Elio Di Rupo, Virginie Joron

    Date tabled

    15.10.2024

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 611th Meeting of Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The 611th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of Reserve Bank of India was held today in Bhubaneswar under the Chairmanship of Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor. The Board passed a condolence resolution in memory of Shri Ratan N. Tata, a former Director of the Central Board. The Central Board Members also took the Integrity pledge in observance of the ensuing Vigilance Awareness week 2024.

    The Board reviewed the current economic and financial situation, including challenges posed by evolving geopolitical conflicts. The Board also discussed the functioning of various Sub-Committees of the Central Board, the Ombudsman Scheme and activities of select Central Office Departments.

    Deputy Governors Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Shri Swaminathan J. and other Directors of the Central Board – Shri Satish K. Marathe, Smt. Revathy Iyer, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi and Dr. Ravindra H. Dholakia – attended the meeting. Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Shri Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, also attended the meeting.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1308

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NAMRU San Antonio highlights Olivia Cruz during National Hispanic Heritage Month

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Oct. 15, 2024) – National Hispanic Heritage Month marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the nation.

    Possessing a diverse workforce is important to NAMRU San Antonio as it acknowledges individual strengths of each Sailor, Soldier, civilian and contractor, and the potential they bring to accomplishing the command’s mission.

    Olivia Cruz, a budget analyst lead assigned to the command’s Resource Management and Acquisitions Directorate (DRMA), is a representation of the highly professional and diverse civilian workforce within Navy Medicine.

    A 2014 graduate of Texas A&M University at San Antonio, Cruz directly supports the allocation and execution of all Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funding received by NAMRU San Antonio. This includes performing or advising on work in any of the phases or systems of budget administration of funds required for command programs. Additionally, she serves as the command’s Time and Attendance clerk.

    A San Antonio native, Cruz began her Navy civilian career in 2021 with Naval Medical Forces Development Command serving as the regional labor and budget analyst.

    “At my previous command, I was the only person on board who was born and raised in San Antonio,” said Cruz. “Most of the times, the comptroller would refer newly arriving personnel to me for places in the city to visit and eat. Eventually, I joked with telling people that I was the unofficial San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.”

    According to Cruz, who has been maintaining and executing government budgets for 15 years, there are countless opportunities to serve locally, out of state and even overseas within Navy Medicine.

    “Working for NAMRU San Antonio has provide me with insight on the numerous opportunities available for my son in science research as he begins his journey in biology,” said Cruz, whose goal is to complete her career at the federal level. “When I initially came on board with the command, I didn’t realize that I would be working directly with some of the Navy’s smartest research scientists.”

    “As analysts, we don’t see the type of research that is being conducted. Usually, all we see is the money side,” added Cruz. “Is there funding? Are the funds committed? The list goes on, but we never see the scientists at work.”

    Cruz feels that being able to observe some of the work being done at NAMRU San Antonio enables her to understand how important her role is in the command.

    “Being able to know how my job directly supports research has motivated me to be a more knowledgeable analyst which allows our scientists to efficiently research projects that will essentially save countless lives,” said Cruz. “Our DRMA team doesn’t allow setbacks and limited staff to stop us from hindering our scientists from their research mission.”

    Perseverance is one of Cruz’s strengths.

    “I have always persevered; however, working for the Navy has instilled in me the motivations to keep going even if I feel that I am not performing to my personal standards,” said Cruz. “However, I have the great opportunity of working with so many diverse personalities and professionals from whom I continue to learn from. They have shown me that there is more for me to learn and how to overcome challenges.”

    Continuing to listen, learn, and apply shared knowledge from others has enhanced Cruz’s importance of her role as an analyst with NAMRU San Antonio. In the future, she wants to share her knowledge with others to guide and help make them better in their profession.

    NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of DoD personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

    NAMRU San Antonio is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Google.org announces $15 million in AI training grants for the government workforce

    Source: Google

    The public sector is already transforming government services using AI, from improving cancer detection systems for service members, to advancing water conservation, to identifying disaster relief areas. That’s why today at Google Public Sector Summit in Washington, D.C., we’re announcing $15 million in total new Google.org funding to two leading public sector organizations — the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS — to further upskill the U.S. government workforce in responsible AI.

    The Partnership for Public Service: leading the charge in federal AI training

    A $10 million grant to the nonpartisan nonprofit the Partnership for Public Service will help establish the Center for Federal AI, a hub launching in Spring 2025 that is dedicated to cultivating AI leadership and talent within the federal government. At the Center, everyone from interns to executives can learn how to use AI responsibly in their government agencies. As part of this, the Center will offer a federal AI leadership program, federal AI internship program, and initiatives to foster a vibrant learning community for federal AI leaders.

    The Partnership for Public Service has been instrumental in promoting AI adoption within the federal government. With the support of Google.org and other partners, the organization has been working since 2019 to train 550 of the most senior career government leaders — representing more than 50 agencies across 35 states and overseeing hundreds of thousands of federal employees — in AI skills.

    “AI is today’s electricity — it’s a transformative technology that is fundamental to the public sector and to our society,” says Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. “Google.org’s generous investment will enable the Partnership to expand our current programming and research, and offer innovative new programming to empower agencies to capitalize on AI and better serve the public. We appreciate Google.org’s commitment to effective government, and we are excited to partner with them to launch the Partnership’s new Center for Federal AI this spring.”

    InnovateUS: addressing skills gaps across state and local governments

    An additional $5 million of funding will go to InnovateUS, supported by a consortium of federal, state, and local government partners. This organization has been at the forefront of providing no-cost AI training to public sector workers through at-your-own-pace courses, live workshops, and training programs. InnovateUS has trained more than 40,000 learners and has more than 100 agency partners.

    With Google.org’s support, InnovateUS will expand its reach, providing AI courses, workshops and coaching programs tailored to state and local government to more than 100,000 public sector workers across more than 30 states. Curriculum will include custom AI training for government workers developed by InnovateUS, as well as access to the Google Career Certificates program which includes AI training. New Jersey, a founding member of InnovateUS, has already seen the benefits of AI training, with thousands of state employees embracing AI to improve service delivery.

    “For government to work better and be more accessible to the people it serves, our workers must have the opportunity to take advantage of the latest tools and technologies,” said Beth Simone Noveck, Founder of InnovateUS and Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey. “By continuing to invest in upskilling programs for public sector professionals offered through InnovateUS, we can improve the effectiveness of how we solve problems while restoring much-needed trust in our government.”

    The future of AI in government

    The funding announced today is a part of Google.org’s $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, which aims to help Americans learn essential AI skills. This funding, along with the efforts of organizations like the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS, are paving the way for AI to play a central role in improving government services and addressing societal challenges. By investing in AI training and upskilling, we can help ensure the public sector harnesses the full potential of AI to support critical needs such as healthcare access, infrastructure management and public safety, which benefit us all.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Well-respected and high-performing’: Local Government Association gives positive review of city council

    Source: City of Winchester

    A recent peer review of Winchester City Council by the Local Government Association found the local authority to be a well-respected and high-performing organisation with a record of strong service delivery.

    All councils across the country are encouraged to take part in a Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) to provide robust and credible challenge to support councils.

    In July this year, the city council invited a peer team to provide external feedback on how it was performing and how it could improve. For two and a half days the peer team, made up of councillors and officers from other councils, spent time with the city council taking a deep dive into how it’s run.

    The review examined five key areas, including the council’s local priorities and outcomes, its governance and culture, and its financial planning and management, with the peer team conducting a review of evidence that included analysing data, interviewing staff and councillors and speaking to key partners.

    In its feedback report, the CPC stated that the city council was a “well-respected and high-performing council, delivering for residents and partners”. The report continued: “The peer team heard positive feedback regarding the council’s performance and was satisfied that the city council is well-managed and benefits from a Leader and Chief Executive who are respected by staff, members and external stakeholders”.

    The report also highlighted a number of other areas of positive action from the city council, including its prudent financial management, the work it is doing to address climate change and its efforts to consult and engage with residents on important decisions.

    Speaking about the review, City Council Leader Cllr Martin Tod said:

    “It’s been very helpful to have people from other Councils and from the Local Government Association come in and review what we’re doing. It’s a really positive and helpful process and a very encouraging report. We are always looking for ways to improve how we serve our area’s residents and communities, so the recommendations are welcome. We’ll be acting on them and look forward to welcoming the team back next year to review our progress”.

    Nine recommendations were included in the report to help the council address future challenges, realise efficiencies and improve services, each of which have been addressed in a high-level action plan subsequently produced by the city council.

    The full feedback report, and Winchester City Council’s action plan, can be read on our website: https://www.winchester.gov.uk/about/corporate-peer-challenge

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: JCS Solutions CEO Selected as a Cyber50 Executive for the First Time

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JCS Solutions LLC, a premier provider of cybersecurity and technology services, today announced that its Founder and CEO, Raji Bezwada, has been named a Cyber50 Executive by the Northern Virginia Technology Council. The Cyber50 Awards are highly coveted in the cybersecurity landscape, honoring the forward-thinking leaders and innovators who are breaking the mold and pushing the envelope of what’s possible in the industry.

    “Federal agencies are on a noble mission when it comes to cybersecurity, as they’re wholly committed to protecting our nation’s people, critical infrastructure, data and beyond. We match the determination of our federal customers and support them every step of the way,” said Raji Bezwada, CEO of JCS. “I attribute my success and that of the company to the wonderful team we’ve built here at JCS. Their dedication and hard work never cease to amaze me, and I thank them for that every day.”

    Bezwada founded JCS in 2014, and in doing so, created an approachable, inclusive and encouraging workplace culture where she ensures employees feel engaged and valued. Her leadership extends beyond the office walls to the broader community, serving as a mentor, volunteer, and a Board of Director of TiE DC, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

    To view the full list of Cyber50 Award winners, please visit NVTC.

    About JCS Solutions
    JCS is a premier federal technology services firm specializing in innovative digital transformation, cybersecurity operations, and threat mitigation solutions that elevate and secure customer missions. The company is recognized for its deep expertise, top workplace, and mature operations. It is rated Level 3 for CMMI-DEV and CMMI-SVC and holds ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 20000-1 and ISO/IEC 27000-1 certifications. The 8(a) WOSB is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. jcssolutions.com

    Contact:
    Josette Oder-Moynihan
    josette@boscobel.com
    703-869-4403

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: POET Wins “Best in Artificial Intelligence” Honors at 2024 Global Tech Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company”) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), the designer and developer of the POET Optical Interposer™, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and light sources for the data center, tele-communication and artificial intelligence markets, has been named the winner of the “Best in Artificial Intelligence” category at the prestigious 2024 Global Tech Awards, announced on October 14. The honor is the third top prize the Company has received in 2024, following recognition by the AI Breakthrough Awards for “Best Optical AI Solution” and the Gold Prize for “AI Innovator of the Year” from the Merit Awards.

    POET Technologies was chosen as the Best in the Artificial Intelligence category due to “its innovative approach to powering AI networks and hyperscale data centers.” “POET’s commitment to improving the performance and scalability of AI infrastructure sets it apart as a leader in the industry,” commented Sirisha Lanka, Managing Director of the Global Tech Awards. Founded in 2022, the awards’ mandate is to “recognize and celebrate excellence in technology.” Among the judges were executives from enterprises such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle. 

    “We’re thrilled to be recognized by industry experts who acknowledge the groundbreaking nature and positive commercial impacts of the POET Optical Interposer™ platform technology and the growing suite of products we are building from it,” said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, POET Chairman & CEO. “Winning the Best in Artificial Intelligence honor from the Global Tech Awards is another stellar indication of why an increasing number of the leading companies in our industry are turning to POET for solutions that will help them grow their market share and assist them in developing new products that address the demand for AI networking and data center connectivity.”

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers.  POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems.  POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.  POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore.  More information about POET is available on our website at http://www.poet-technologies.com.

    About Global Tech Awards
    The Global Tech Awards is a prestigious platform that recognizes and celebrates the very best in technology. With a focus on innovation creativity and excellence, the Global Tech Awards aims to identify and reward the most exceptional technology solutions and services from around the world. The awards are open to businesses, organizations and individuals who are creating and delivering innovative technologies that are driving progress and shaping the future. If you are developing cutting-edge technology and want to showcase your achievements to the world, consider entering the Global Tech Awards today. http://www.globaltechaward.com


    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Company’s expectations with respect to the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, the expected results of its operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations regarding its successful penetration of the Artificial Intelligence hardware markets.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the size, future growth and needs of Artificial Intelligence network suppliers, management’s expectations regarding the success and timing for completion of its development efforts, the introduction of new products, financing activities, future growth, recruitment of personnel, reorganization efforts, plans for and completion of projects by the Company’s consultants, contractors and partners, availability of capital, and the necessity to incur capital and other expenditures. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure of Artificial Intelligence networks to continue to grow as expected, the failure of the Company’s products to meet performance requirements for AI and datacom networks, lack of sales in its products, lack of sales by its customers to end-users, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s projects, risks affecting the Company’s ability to complete its products, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, the ability of its customers to generate sales for products that incorporate the Company’s products, the ability to attract key personnel, the failure of its reorganization efforts and the ability to raise additional capital when needed. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96c01282-3fb8-4e31-b9b1-b8c12e73564d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary statement on aid to Gaza

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Foreign Secretary has issued statement on the US letter relating to humanitarian aid entering into Gaza.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    The humanitarian situation in Northern Gaza is dire, with access to basic services worsening and the UN reporting that barely any food has entered in the last two weeks.

    Israel must ensure civilians are protected and ensure routes are open to allow life-saving aid through. Along with our French and Algerian counterparts, we have called an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council today to address this.

    While the conflict continues, all parties are bound by international humanitarian law. Reflecting our concerns – the UK made the difficult decision last month to suspend export licences to Israel that could be used in military operations in Gaza. This does not change our steadfast support for Israel’s security.

    Along with our international partners, we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, to allow more humanitarian aid to get in and get the remaining hostages out.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari lauds the efforts of brave soldiers towards service and commitment, on the “40th Raising Day of National Security Guard”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 11:37AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari has lauded the efforts of brave soldiers towards their service and commitment, on the 40th Raising Day of National Security Guard, today.

    In a post on ‘X’, Shri Gadkari wrote:

    “On the 40th Raising Day of National Security Guard, we salute the valor, dedication, and unwavering spirit of our brave soldiers. Their relentless efforts ensure the safety and security of our nation. We honor their service and commitment in defending India from all threats. Jai Hind!”

    *****

    NKK/GS/AK

    (Release ID: 2065219) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago: Jon Dean

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Jon Dean has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in succession to Harriet Cross.

    Mr Jon Dean

    Mr Jon Dean has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in succession to Ms Harriet Cross, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Mr Dean will take up his appointment during December 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Jon Mark Dean

    2022 to 2024 N’Djamena, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2020 to 2022 New York, Counsellor Internal
    2018 to 2020 United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Secondment, New York
    2015 to 2018 FCO, Head of Iraq Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2015  Juba, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul
    2013 Yaoundé, Deputy High Commissioner and Consul (3 months)
    2012 New York, UK Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Second Secretary Political (3 months)
    2009 to 2012 Brasília, Second Secretary Political
    2007 to 2008 FCO, Desk Officer, Kosovo
    2005 to 2007 FCO, Desk Officer, EU Environment Policy
    2005 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with carrying knives

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man will appear in court charged with possession of offensive weapons and class A and B drugs.

    Jordan Watson Best, 23, (22.02.2001) of Princes Avenue, Tolworth was charged on Tuesday, 15 October with:

    • Possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
    • Possessing a sharply pointed article in a public place.
    • Possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

    Best was remanded to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 16 October.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kaspersky identifies SideWinder Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) expanding attacks with new espionage tool

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 16, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) has detected that the SideWinder APT group is expanding its attack operations into the Middle East and Africa, utilising a previously unknown espionage toolkit called ‘StealerBot’. As part of its ongoing monitoring of APT activities, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) discovered that recent campaigns by the SideWinder APT group were targeting high-profile entities and strategic infrastructures in various countries in the Middle East, Turkiye, as well as in Morocco and Djibouti in Africa. The campaign in general remains active and may target other victims.

    SideWinder, also known as T-APT-04 or RattleSnake, is one of the most prolific APT groups that started operations in 2012. Over the years, it has primarily targeted military and government entities in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, and Nepal, as well as other sectors and countries in South and Southeast Asia. Recently, Kaspersky observed new waves of attacks, which have expanded to impact high-profile entities and strategic infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa.

    Besides the geographical expansion, Kaspersky discovered that SideWinder is using a previously unknown post-exploitation toolkit called ‘StealerBot’. This is an advanced modular implant designed specifically for espionage activities, and currently used by the group as the main post-exploitation tool.

    “In essence, StealerBot is a stealthy espionage tool that allows threat actors to spy on systems while avoiding easy detection. It operates through a modular structure, with each component designed to perform a specific function. Notably, these modules never appear as files on the system’s hard drive, making them difficult to trace. Instead, they are loaded directly into the memory. At the core of StealerBot is the ‘Orchestrator’, which oversees the entire operation, communicating with the threat actor’s command-and-control server, and coordinating the execution of its various modules”, says Giampaolo Dedola, lead security researcher at Kaspersky’s GReAT.

    During its latest investigation, Kaspersky observed that StealerBot is performing a range of malicious activities, such as installing additional malware, capturing screenshots, logging keystrokes, stealing passwords from browsers, intercepting RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) credentials, exfiltrating files, and more.

    Kaspersky first reported on the group’s activities in 2018. This actor is known to rely on spear-phishing emails as its main infection method, containing malicious documents exploiting Office vulnerabilities and occasionally making use of LNK, HTML and HTA files that are contained in archives. The documents often contain information obtained from public websites, which is used to lure the victim into opening the file and believing it to be legitimate. Kaspersky observed several malware families being used within parallel campaigns, including both custom-made and modified, publicly available RATs.

    To mitigate threats related to APT activities, Kaspersky experts recommend equipping your organisation’s information security experts with the latest insights and technical details, such as from Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4h4twjX); use robust solutions for endpoints and to detect advanced threats on the network, such as Kaspersky Next and Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack Platform; educate employees to recognise cybersecurity threats such as phishing letters.

    Read more on Securelist (https://apo-opa.co/4h5gQJA).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL 2024: Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution unveiled to the world on “AI Super Tuesday”

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 16, 2024/APO Group/ —

    • International exhibitors presented the most groundbreaking innovations helping shape the future of society and industry
    • “Cybersecurity Day” next up as world’s largest and best-rated tech event reaches halfway stage on Wednesday

    Hot on the heels of a memorable first day where GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4hlR7gj) opened the doors for its biggest-ever international edition, the entire global tech ecosystem experienced another action-packed agenda on Tuesday at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

    Taking place from 14-18 October, GITEX GLOBAL presents a record-breaking edition in its 44th year – welcoming over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors alongside governments from more than 180 countries.

    With five themed days locked in across the 2024 event programme, a technology taking the world by storm was the focal point as “AI Super Tuesday” presented the most groundbreaking innovations helping shape the future of society and industry.

    A technology with vast transformative potential

    As AI takes centre stage in drug discovery, the world could soon witness the most significant shift in medicine since the advent of modern pharmaceuticals. But with such rapid advancements, a mesmerising Tuesday session – ‘The Next Leap in Medicine: Are we on the Edge of a Breakthrough?’ – saw experts discuss whether AI transformation is fast approaching or further away than some anticipate.

    Dr. Shameer Khader, Global Head and Executive Director – Computational Biology Cluster, Precision Medicine and Computational Biology at global pharmaceutical company Sanofi, gave AI an emphatic endorsement. He said: “Drug discovery on average takes 10-15 years and one project around $1.5-2 billion in cost. Is that something sustainable? The model must change, and we should harness AI capabilities and value across the ecosystem. We should optimise every single process to reduce development costs, streamline the drug discovery lifestyle, and build data disease models and infrastructure.”

    In a special case study, audiences became acquainted with ‘BabyX’ – an interactive simulation of a lifelike infant through AI. This virtual animated baby learns and reacts like a human infant with a built-in virtual brain with detailed likeness to that of a human. Functioning through biological AI and an operating system called Brain Language, stimulated neurochemical reactions help BabyX decide how she will react – something that could prove revolutionary in the future AI economy.

    Elaborating on the significance of BabyX, Dr. Mark Sagar, its creator who co-founded New Zealand-based Soul Machines, pointed out the defining difference between human and AI intelligence, adding: “As humans, we learn from a young age though exploring the world and experimenting. Play is such a key part of making intelligence open-ended and inventive, but it’s one thing what’s missing from current AI. If we’re ever going to regulate general AI intelligence, we need to build cognitive architecture that yields intelligent behaviour through a comprehensive approach.”

    A catalyst for forward-facing collaboration

    Alongside the profound transformative potential of AI, GITEX GLOBAL’s status as a catalyst for collaboration and forward-facing projects was on full display. A number of exciting high-profile partnerships were officially unveiled at the world’s largest and best-rated tech event, with one involved KAOUN – the world-leading organiser of business events and trade fairs, leading all GITEX events outside the UAE.

    Tuesday saw KAOUN sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Digital Dubai Authority to grow the GITEX ecosystem, support Dubai’s internationalisation strategy, and explore new partnership opportunities. Additionally, AWS and e& entered into a $1 billion-plus agreement as part of new strategic alliance to deliver cloud solutions and supporting AI deployment and digital transformation across the region. 

    Tuesday casts spotlight on AI’s cross-sector impact and demands

    Elsewhere on the Super AI Tuesday agenda, another applauded show illustrated how high-performance computing is steering humanity’s quest for the next generation of aircraft. During ‘Quantum Maturation: Introducing The “Quantum Mobility Quest”’, companies were urged to move beyond the physical limits of present-day computing today and scale up future-focused solutions to unlock aviation’s vast potential.

    Isabell Gradert, Vice President of Central Research & Technology, Airbus, Germany, said: “Aviation is embedded in the tapestry of our global-leading industries and is one with the highest computation needs. Quantum computing is seen as the next big gamechanger in the aviation industry and has the potential to solve the most complex aerospace challenges and create a paradigm shift in the way aircrafts are built and flown. This is a very exciting time.”

    Additionally, audiences familiarised themselves with a wide of services and solutions being showcased by GITEX GLOBAL exhibitors. UAE-based Presight, the region’s leading big data analytics company powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), unveiled its Intelli Platform, an AI-powered management and operations platform that lets cities, transport, energy, and infrastructure organisations immediately use Generative AI.

    AWS also cast a spotlight on AWS Bedrock, a fully managed service that enables enterprises to easily build, customise, and deploy generative AI applications using foundation models from top AI providers, all through the AWS platform.

    GITEX GLOBAL 2024 continues Wednesday as “Cybersecurity Day” welcomes an ensemble cast of thought leaders and experts to explore the emerging threats landscape, counter-infringement strategies, and tools organisations require in an increasingly digital world.

    GITEX Editions (https://apo-opa.co/4h8xBn9) also presents Intelligent Connectivity (https://apo-opa.co/4hayjAy) with visitors set to explore how industry leaders can bridge digital divides and harness emerging technology to drive innovation and economic growth. The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit (https://apo-opa.co/4hlR8kn) also continues with another star-studded cast of world-renowned experts and innovative minds.  

    GITEX GLOBAL is seamlessly connecting with the world’s largest network of tech events, including GITEX EUROPE Berlin, GITEX ASIA Singapore, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, and GITEX NIGERIA. These events are fostering collaboration and driving innovation to shape the tech landscape of tomorrow.

    More information on GITEX GLOBAL, please visit http://www.GITEX.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: German balance of payments in August 2024

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Current account surplus down
    Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €14.4 billion in August 2024, down €3.3 billion on the previous month’s level. This was chiefly attributable to a smaller goods account surplus.
    In August, the surplus in the goods account fell by €3.5 billion to €17.6 billion because receipts recorded a sharper decline than expenditure. The deficit in invisible current transactions decreased slightly by €0.2 billion to €3.2 billion. Small changes were also recorded in the sub-account balances. Net receipts in primary income rose by €0.5 billion to €12.9 billion. In the secondary income account, the deficit narrowed somewhat to €5.2 billion. In both sub-accounts, the individual sub-items changed only slightly, with declines predominating and expenditure falling somewhat more sharply than receipts on balance. The deficit in the services account widened by €0.5 billion to stand at €10.9 billion. Here, too, receipts were down overall, with receipts from other business services and charges for the use of intellectual property decreasing above all. Although declines in these areas in particular as well as lower expenditure on computer services also depressed the expenditure side, the increase in travel expenditure – typical for this time of year – contributed substantially to expenditure narrowing less strongly than receipts on balance.
    Portfolio investment sees net capital imports
    Germany’s cross-border portfolio investment recorded net capital imports of €28.6 billion in August, after net capital exports of €8.7 billion in July. Foreign investors acquired German securities worth €48.4 billion net, purchasing bonds in particular (€39.7 billion), which were roughly split evenly between instruments issued by the public and private sectors. In addition, they bought money market paper (€7.8 billion) and, to a lesser extent, mutual fund shares (€0.6 billion) and shares (€0.3 billion). Domestic investors acquired foreign securities to the tune of €19.8 billion net, adding foreign bonds (€10.8 billion), mutual fund shares (€9.8 billion) and shares (€0.7 billion) to their portfolios, but disposing of money market paper (€1.5 billion).
    In August, transactions in financial derivatives resulted in net outflows of €7.5 billion (€5.9 billion in July).
    Direct investment generated net capital imports of €5.7 billion in August, up from €1.0 billion in July. German enterprises decreased their direct investment funds abroad by €10.3 billion. Although they increased their equity capital abroad by €1.2 billion, redemptions predominated in intra-group credit transactions (€11.5 billion). Non-resident enterprises, meanwhile, withdrew €4.6 billion in direct investment from Germany. This was chiefly attributable to redemptions in intra-group credit transactions (€5.9 billion), which more than offset inflows in the form of equity capital (€1.3 billion).
    Other statistically recorded investment – which comprises loans and trade credits (where these do not constitute direct investment), bank deposits and other investments – registered net outflows of capital amounting to €12.3 billion in August (following €28.8 billion in July). The higher net claims of monetary financial institutions amounting to €16.4 billion made a particularly large contribution to this figure. The Bundesbank’s net external claims also rose (€8.3 billion), due to TARGET claims on the ECB rising by €26.8 billion. However, the Bundesbank’s external liabilities in the form of currency and deposits also increased at the same time. Enterprises and households (€11.4 billion) and general government (€1.0 billion) recorded net capital imports in August.
    The Bundesbank’s reserve assets declined – at transaction values – by €0.6 billion in August.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26.

    Government has increased the MSP of Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce. The absolute highest increase in MSP has been announced for Rapeseed & Mustard at Rs.300 per quintal followed by Lentil (Masur) at Rs.275 per quintal. For gram, wheat, safflower and barley, there is an increase of Rs.210 per quintal, Rs.150 per quintal, Rs.140 per quintal and Rs.130 per quintal respectively.

    Minimum Support Prices for all Rabi crops for Marketing Season 2025-26

    (Rs. per quintal)

    S. No.

    Crops

    MSP RMS 2025-26

    Cost*of Production RMS 2025-26

    Margin over cost

    (in percent)

    MSP RMS 2024-25

    Increase in MSP

    (Absolute)

    1

    Wheat

    2425

    1182

    105

    2275

    150

    2

    Barley

    1980

    1239

    60

    1850

    130

    3

    Gram

    5650

    3527

    60

    5440

    210

    4

    Lentil (Masur)

    6700

    3537

    89

    6425

    275

    5

    Rapeseed & Mustard

    5950

    3011

    98

    5650

    300

    6

    Safflower

    5940

    3960

    50

    5800

    140

     

    *Refers to cost which includes all paid out costs such as those incurred on account of hired human labour, bullock labour/machine labour, rent paid for leased in land, expenses incurred on use of material inputs like seeds, fertilizers, manures, irrigation charges, depreciation on implements and farm buildings, interest on working capital, diesel/electricity for operation of pump sets etc., miscellaneous expenses and imputed value of family labour.

            

    The increase in MSP for mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26 is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average Cost of Production. The expected margin over All-India weighted average cost of production is 105 percent for wheat, followed by 98 percent for rapeseed & mustard; 89 per cent for lentil; 60 per cent for gram; 60 percent for barley; and 50 percent for safflower. This increased MSP of rabi crops will ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and incentivise crop diversification.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mines Ministry Achieves Significant Milestones in Special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Mines, under ongoing Special Campaign 4.0 launched on 1st October 2024, has made significant progress in first 15 days of the campaign with its theme “Sustainability”.  The campaign has achieved following key milestones over the past two weeks:

    1. Inauguration of Rooftop Solar Power Plant at GSITI, Hyderabad: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated a Rooftop Solar Power Plant at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI), Hyderabad on 12.10.2024. This initiative is aligned with Ministry’s efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce dependency on non-renewable sources, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable development and energy independence.

    Further, Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy took tour of various sections and Departmental Canteen under this campaign.

    2. Visit by Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Shri V. Srinivas:
    Secretary (DARPG) Shri V. Srinivas visited the Ministry of Mines at Shastri Bhawan, on 10.10.2024. During the visit Ministry’s initiatives in optimizing office space, enhancing workplace efficiency, Record management and contributing to public welfare through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) were showcased. The efforts underscore the Ministry’s goal of achieving efficient governance and community-focused growth.

    3. JNARDDC’s Waste-to-Art Sculpture:
    JNARDDC, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Mines, unveiled a stunning Waste-to-Art sculpture crafted from 1.6 tons of aluminum scrap. This innovative artwork, now installed at Ranilaxmibai Udyan Public Park along NH-6, symbolizes the Ministry’s focus on creativity, sustainability, and recycling. It serves as a visual representation of transforming waste into beauty, aligning with the broader objectives of Special Campaign 4.0.

    4. Deputation of Ministry officials to different Geoheritage and Geotourism sites :- Senior officers of the Ministry are being deputed to different Geoheritage and Geotourism sites to promote the spirit of Cleanliness among the Tourist and local people.

    In terms of pendency the Ministry has achieved 100% of its targets in IMC references and disposed off approx 80% of the public grievances in first 15 days of the campaign.Ministry of Mines is steadfast in its pursuit of sustainability and is committed to achieving 100% of its targets. The achievements of Special Campaign 4.0 so far reflect the Ministry’s dedication of creating a positive impact through renewable energy initiatives, waste to art, and community-centered activities.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Launches Special Campaign 4.0 for Swachhta and Pendency Reduction

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Launches Special Campaign 4.0 for Swachhta and Pendency Reduction

    Over 45,000 Physical Files Reviewed and Rs. 42.83 Lakhs Generated from Scrap Disposal So Far

    Campaign to Continue Until 31st October 2024

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

    In line with the Government of India’s commitment to institutionalizing Swachhta (cleanliness) and reducing pendency, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, along with its organizations, has launched Special Campaign 4.0, running from 2nd October to 31st October 2024. During the preparatory phase from 16th to 30th September 2024, a comprehensive review of pending records and references was undertaken. Since 2nd October, the Ministry has been working intensively to meet targets related to the disposal of pending references and the review of physical and electronic records.

    So far, more than 45,000 physical files and 1,500 e-files have been reviewed, over 4,000 files closed and weeded out, and approximately 7,000 square feet of office space freed up. The campaign has also generated Rs. 42.83 lakhs from scrap disposal. These efforts are part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving efficiency and ensuring a cleaner and more organized work environment.

    The previous edition, Special Campaign 3.0, resulted in the review of over 2,12,000 files, with 28,000 files weeded out and 1,18,000 e-files closed. Additionally, revenue of Rs. 21.25 crores was generated through scrap disposal, and around 72,000 square feet of office space was cleared.

    The Ministry continues to regularly review the progress of Special Campaign 4.0 to ensure successful implementation by the campaign’s end date.

    ******

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESS RELEASE – NZDF and Government of Samoa Joint Press Statement – HMNZS MANAWANUI Grounding

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

    Share this:

    Experts from Maritime New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and various Samoan agencies are assisting with understanding the environmental impacts following the sinking of HMNZS MANAWANUI and preparing for clean-up actions.

    As part of this marine scientists are conducting sample testing of the nearby waters and beaches for any traces of oil. New Zealand Navy divers were on the water at first light today to assess the wreckage of the ship and have confirmed the stability of the ship. The ship is in water about 30m deep.

    A range of equipment was sent to Samoa with NZDF personnel to assist with the initial response and help address environmental impacts to the area. This equipment includes remotely operated vehicles used to establish the debris field, and also Maritime NZ spill response equipment, which can be used both in the water and on the land.

    NZDF personnel have begun clearing flotsam from the beach area and have retrieved some equipment from the Ship as well as debris from the water.

    A light oil sheen from the ship’s initial capsizing is being dispersed by wind and waves. So far no oil has been detected on the nearby beach or reefs.

    Work on the site will continue this week and information will be communicated with the public as the operation progresses.

    Share this:

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Record Number of delegates attend the ITU WTSA-24

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Record Number of delegates attend the ITU WTSA-24

    R.R. Mittar from India unanimously electedas Chair Designate for WTSA-24

    Union MinisterJyotiraditya M. Scindia launches multiple cutting-edge Make in India telecom products

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:49AM by PIB Delhi

    The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24)yesterday, alongside the India Mobile Congress (IMC), Asia’s largest technology expo. Detailed press releases are available at:

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2064957

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2064942

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2064936

    This year’s WTSA-24 witnesses3300 delegates, including 36 ministers, from over 160 countries, the highest ever for any WTSA assembly. The forum will focus on next-generation technologies, including 6G, satellite communications, quantum technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), all essential for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

    The inaugural session of WTSA was followed by opening plenary meetings where various committees were formed for carrying out different functions during the assembly. The delegates of WTSA-24unanimously elected Shri R.R Mittar from India as the Chair for WTSA-24. He is an eminent telecom expert and former Advisor at Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. He was spearheading the standardisation work at Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC).

    At the side-lines of WTSA and India Mobile Congress(IMC) 2024, many events have been scheduled. Yesterday a roundtable conference of Chief Ministers, State Government IT Ministers and IT Secretaries was heldat IMC 2024 by Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region along withSh Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, Sh Conrad Kongkal Sangma, Chief Minister Meghalaya, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communication and Rural Development,Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Ministers from Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, Assam, Sikkim, Odisa, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Bihar, Goa, Punjab and Andaman & Nicobar.

     

    Minister Scindia apprised the respective state ministers and dignitaries about the advancement that countryis making in the area of telecommunications along with new initiatives that the Ministry is undertaking to take the telecom sector to a new high. He urged states for 100% scalable execution andassured them that the central government stands with the states not only shoulder to shoulder but also before them to help them achieve their goals.

    Minister of State Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar exhorted states to create environment for Digital Innovation to provide best of the services to every citizen of the country.

    The States were also sensitized about the issues of Cyber Security of State IT infrastructure and IoT security, requirement of the States support for implementation of Bharatnet and 4G saturation project including Right of Way, space/land allotment, power and utilization of the network. 

    The ways to promote State startups and the role of States and UTs in the rollout of 4G/5G use cases, promotion of State Startup for next level of investment by DoT, business opportunities, were also discussed. 

    Later in the day Minister Sh Jyotiraditya M. Scindia visited various stalls at India Mobile Congress(IMC) 2024and inaugurated multiple cutting-edge Make in India telecom products. He launched indigenously developed highly complex 6G wireless link in Sub THz with 10 GBPS data over the air at Bharat Pavillion of SAMEER (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research). Other Make in India products launched included AI-DC Optical Solution by STL,which will connect GPUs in AI-led data centres and 2 Gbps Point to Multipoint UBR Radio by HFCL which offers affordable last mile connectivity. Additionally, global launch of an affordable Snapdragon 5G chipset by Qualcomm was done by the Minister.

    ITU- Expo at WTSA24 and India Mobile Congress are showcasing innovative solutions, services and state-of-the-art use cases for industry, government, academics, startups and other key stakeholders in the technology and telecom ecosystem. These are open for public to experience.

     

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –