NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene

    Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene
    mseets

    North Carolina’s unprecedented response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina remains in full force as responders at the state, federal and local levels continue efforts to surge resources and bring assistance into affected areas. This morning, Governor Cooper was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and other state officials for a press briefing regarding storm recovery efforts. This afternoon, Governor Cooper traveled to Buncombe County to survey storm damage, see relief efforts, thank volunteers and speak with people impacted by the storm.

    Law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of responders amid reports of threats and misinformation. FEMA officials remain in communities and have resumed door-to-door operations to help people impacted by these storms recover as quickly as possible following reports of threats on the ground. Governor Roy Cooper has directed the Department of Public Safety to work with local law enforcement to identify specific threats and rumors and coordinate with FEMA and other partners to ensure the safety and security of all involved as this recovery effort continues.

    “Today I traveled to Asheville, Fairview and Swannanoa to see the critical work being done to get people federal assistance, hot meals and other resources they need as they deal with the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Cooper. “I’m thankful for our law enforcement officers, first responders, volunteers and many others who are helping people in need.”

    The Governor visited a Disaster Recovery Center operating at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville where those affected by the storm can get assistance from FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The Governor also visited the Fairview Fire Department, which sustained major flooding and damage from the storm. Lastly, the Governor visited a Community Care Station in Swannanoa providing resources and hot meals to community members and emergency responders.

    Governor Cooper also issued an executive order today focused on addressing urgent needs related to drinking water and wastewater treatment in those counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Council of State concurred in a provision of the Order which allows the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to accelerate the timelines for repair to numerous facilities and other infrastructure damaged by Helene to ensure that impacted North Carolinians are able to obtain access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment as soon as possible.

    The Order also directs NCDEQ to address the impacts of Helene on utility systems in the impacted areas. Specifically, the Order directs NCDEQ to assess the impacts of Helene across the impacted region, provide technical and financial support for drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and other infrastructure sites, and also to help expedite clean-up processes.

    In the immediate aftermath of this storm, because of massive communication outages in Western North Carolina, many people called 2-1-1 to report friends or family they couldn’t get in touch with. When phone service began to return, many people located their loved ones but that information doesn’t usually make it back to 2-1-1.

    The Department of Public Safety formed a task force to find who is still unaccounted for and focus efforts where needed. This is not a definitive count because the task force is continuing its work. This number will continue to fluctuate as more reports come in and others are resolved. As of today, the task force number of unaccounted for people is 92.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    Approximately 3,400 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

    National Guard and military personnel are operating 11 aviation assets and approximately 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

    FEMA Assistance

    More than $99 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and more than 174,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 1,900 households are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.

    1,200+ FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 140 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, approximately 12,500 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

    NCDOT currently has approximately 2,100 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on approximately 6,700 damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Ninety-five storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

    Volunteers and Donations

    If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

    For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    ###

    Oct 15, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Chicago and Homewood

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Chicago and Homewood

    Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Chicago and Homewood

    SPRINGFIELD – Two FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center will open on Wednesday, October 16 to help residents kickstart their recovery after the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.

    Specialists from FEMA, the state of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, get their questions answered in person, access other types of help that may be available and learn ways to make their property more disaster resistant.

    The centers will be open at the following location, days and hours:

    Chicago Lawn Branch Library
    6120 S. Kedzie Ave
    Chicago, IL 60629
    Hours: Mon. and Wed. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sun. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    Village of Homewood Auditorium
    2010 Chestnut Road
    Homewood, IL 60430
    Hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    Additional recovery centers will be opening in other impacted counties soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.

    Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers. 

    Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

    For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.  

    kimberly.keblish

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Liqueous LP Finalizes $100 Million Equity Line of Credit With Crown Electrokinetics Corp, Building on Strategic Recapitalization Efforts and separately provides NUBURU Financing Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DOVER, Del., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liqueous LP, a premier multi-strategy fund specializing in liquidity solutions, is pleased to announce the finalization of a $100 million Equity Line of Credit (ELOC) with Crown Electrokinetics Corp (NASDAQ: CRKN) (the “Company”). This significant financing arrangement is part of Liqueous’s strategic expansion, focused on delivering tech-driven financial structures to micro, small, and mid-market issuers, aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

    In May 2024, Liqueous played a key role in helping CRKN fully pay off and retire all outstanding classes of convertible preferred stock, totaling over $11 million, as part of its comprehensive recapitalization strategy. The Company successfully settled its obligations with preferred stockholders, marking the completion of its restructuring efforts. This new ELOC represents the next phase of CRKN’s financing structure, with a strengthened balance sheet and capital foundation designed to support growth.

    “Retiring all of the Company’s preferred stock in May was a pivotal moment for us, allowing us to streamline our capital structure with no remaining convertible debt or preferred stock. This has set the stage for us to focus on developing our business segments and pursuing acquisitions on more favorable terms for the Company and its shareholders,” said Doug Croxall, CEO of Crown Electrokinetics. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Liqueous as our finance partner.”

    This $100 million ELOC will allow Liqueous to further expand its portfolio of liquidity solutions while providing much-needed capital for micro, small, and mid-market issuers. The ELOC will also help support other strategic partnerships and investments in innovative financial technologies and emerging markets.

    “This new ELOC provides Liqueous with the tools needed to continue their mission of providing strategic capital solutions to CRKN,” said Jacob Fernane, Managing Partner of Liqueous LP. “The flexibility and scale of this financing are precisely what emerging companies need to thrive. Our recent financial programs with Nuburu and CRKN underscores our commitment to providing flexible, strategic capital with minimal dilution, enabling companies to achieve their growth goals.”

    Liqueous Nuburu Update
    Additionally, Liqueous recently announced a $65 million financing program for Nuburu Inc. (NYSE American: BURU), a leading provider of high-power industrial blue laser technology. This program included a $15 million direct capital injection and a $50 million equity line of credit, highlighting Liqueous’s ability to offer comprehensive, financing solutions. Similarly, Liqueous assisted BURU in retiring nearly $6 million in junior and senior debt during the second and third quarters of 2024.

    Liqueous was pleased that BURU canceled its special shareholder meeting scheduled for October 15, 2024. This move was part of a strategic decision to pursue a cash repayment and retire a convertible note, which would have required shareholder approval for a stock issuance that could have exceeded 19.99% of BURU’s outstanding shares and involved a potential conversion discount of more than 20% to the market price. Unlike this structure, most of Liqueous’ financing terms are priced at current market values without any discount.

    This strategic shift follows the recent cancellation of Lincoln Park’s equity line of credit and represents a major evolution in BURU’s capital strategy. The new financing terms with Liqueous LP more accurately reflect the value of BURU’s technology, positioning the Company to achieve its commercialization goals while helping to protect shareholder interests.

    About Liqueous LP
    Liqueous LP is an innovative multi-strategy fund that delivers bespoke liquidity solutions to micro, small, and mid-market issuers. By leveraging emerging technologies and proprietary financial structures, Liqueous provides long-term, low-cost capital to optimize value for its portfolio companies. The firm specializes in strategic financing, shareholder liquidity solutions, and asset-backed instruments. To learn more, visit http://www.liqueous.com

    About Crown Electrokinetics
    Crown Electrokinetics Corp. (NASDAQ: CRKN) is a smart glass technology company and the creator of DynamicTint™—a technology originally invented by Hewlett-Packard (HP, Inc.) that allows any glass surface to transition between clear and dark in seconds. This technology can be applied to a variety of windows, including those in commercial buildings, automotive sunroofs, and residential skylights. DynamicTint™ is a more sustainable alternative to traditional window treatments and offers benefits such as reducing carbon emissions. The company’s product is designed to be retrofitted to existing glass, making it an eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution. Crown is also supported by a robust patent portfolio and collaborates with leading manufacturers for mass production and distribution. To learn more, visit http://www.crownek.com

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Liqueous LP’s and Crown Electrokinetics’ current expectations regarding future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ due to various factors. Neither company undertakes any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

    Contact:
    info@liqueous.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges developing system of modern military theory

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 15 — President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to comprehensively strengthen work related to military theory on the new journey in the new era, and develop a system of modern military theory with Chinese characteristics.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction to a meeting on work related to military theory, which was held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NHC vice-minister meets with president of Swedish Karolinska Institutet

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    Cao Xuetao, vice-minister of China’s National Health Commission (NHC), met with Annika Östman Wernerson, president of the Karolinska Institutet of Sweden, in Beijing on Oct 11. The two sides exchanged views on promoting China-Sweden cooperation in healthcare.

    Cao said he appreciated the exchanges and cooperation between Karolinska Institutet and Chinese universities, research institutes and hospitals. He added that China encourages medical schools and health institutions from both countries to deepen cooperation in medical research and clinical practice, and supports Chinese institutions including the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences to continue practical cooperation with Karolinska Institutet in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, medical personnel training and academic exchanges.

    He also briefed the Swedish guests about the goals and measures of health reform highlighted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

    Wernerson presented the progress made in collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and relevant Chinese institutions. She said her institute attaches great importance to cooperation with the related Chinese institutions, and is ready to further strengthen exchanges with the Chinese side to jointly contribute to global health development.

    Officials from relevant NHC departments and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College attended the meeting.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NHC vice-minister attends 14th Meeting of BRICS Health Ministers

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    Liu Jinfeng, vice-minister of China’s National Health Commission (NHC), led a delegation to the 14th Meeting of BRICS Health Ministers, which was held in Moscow, capital of Russia, from Oct 10 to 11.

    In his speech at the meeting, Liu gave an overview of the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the actions taken as part of the Healthy China Initiative, as well as the measures and progress of deepening medical reform.

    He called for unity and cooperation among BRICS countries, deepening collaboration and exchanges through policy dialogues and sharing experience and results in the development of the health sector, so as to contribute “BRICS strength” to the building of a global community of health for all.

    Heads of health departments of BRICS countries discussed topics including early warning network for infectious diseases, BRICS Medical Association, BRICS medical journal, research network of tuberculosis prevention and control, vaccine research and development center, nuclear medicine, antimicrobial resistance, public health cooperation and pharmaceutical regulatory systems. They also expressed a willingness to enhance experience sharing and strengthen exchanges.

    The meeting, which was attended by more than 60 people including health ministers of BRICS countries and representatives from the World Health Organization, adopted a declaration.

    During his stay in Russia, Liu visited the Russian National Telemedicine Center and the Russian Cancer Research Center, and delivered a speech at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New total defence resolution for a stronger Sweden

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Government has now presented a Total Defence Bill for the period 2025–2030. It includes substantial reinforcements of the total defence. Additional funding totalling SEK 170 billion will be allocated to the military defence and SEK 35.7 to the civil defence through 2030. These are historically large investments. Defence expenditures will therefore already reach 2.6 per cent of GDP in 2028.

    Substantial reinforcement of capabilities within the total defence 

    Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine illustrates the destruction and strains that Sweden and its Allies could face. Russia is levelling cities, attacking civilian infrastructure and treating the civilian population like  legitimate targets. The Swedish Government is now building up total defence capabilities to meet these threats. 

    The Government also intends to increase funding to the military defence and the civil defence to increase total defence capabilities so that Sweden can meet various threats such as cyberattacks and hybrid attacks. This involves working systematically to break down barriers to growth within the total defence. The Government’s aim and approach is to accelerate the pace of rearmament. Where the defence resolutions of 2015 and 2020 provided a skeletal framework, the Government’s aim with the 2024 Defence Resolution is to lend the total defence some muscles. 

    Military defence

    “This is a powerful Defence Resolution that will give the total defence more strength and better balance. Now the efforts to step up the pace of the defence’s growth continue,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. 

    The Government’s strategic approach for the military defence is to rapidly build up military capability and establish military units with the necessary materiel, personnel and coordinated training to meet the demands of the current geopolitical situation. This is in line with Sweden’s ambition of being a credible, reliable and loyal Ally. Four new brigades will be in place by 2030. The number of conscripts will increase to 10 000 by 2030, and then reach approximately 12 000 between 2032 and 2035. The number of refresher training sessions will be increased to maintain skills.  

    The war organisation’s capability will be enhanced during this defence resolution period. Greater resources will be invested in renovating, modifying and extending the service life of existing materiel and filling stockpiles of ammunition, anti-aircraft munitions and supplies. New capabilities are also being introduced, including long-range capability in the form of cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and rocket artillery.

    NATO Capability Targets

    Fighting units are the basis of Sweden’s contribution to NATO deterrence and collective defence. The NATO Capability Targets already apportioned and those expected in 2025 serve as an important starting point for shaping the Swedish war organisation. The war organisation under this Defence Resolution is line with the requirements that we are expected to meet. 

    Reinforcements for the Army

    • Supplementary purchases (updates) of combat vehicles and tanks are being made.
    • An increase of anti-aircraft capability is in progress.
    • Development of rocket artillery capability will begin. 
    • More drones are being procured.
    • Continued additions of the previously ordered 72 Archer artillery systems.

    Reinforcements for the Navy

    • An investment in the Navy is taking place in the form of increased funding to increase personnel volume. Visby-class corvettes are undergoing a mid-term modification during this defence resolution period and, in conjunction with this modification, the five surface combat vessels will be armed with anti-aircraft missile systems. 
    • In addition, the coastal missile capability will be expanded and organised into two units to increase both availability and durability. The units armed with anti-ship missiles are an important complement for protection of the Baltic Sea.
    • Procurement of new Luleå-class surface combat vessels will begin in the period 2025–2030. Once delivered, those vessels will give the Navy increased capability and capacity, and make a significant contribution to anti-aircraft capabilities.

    Reinforcements for the Air Force

    • Three qualified S106 Globaleye reconnaissance planes will be procured for the Air Force during this defence resolution period.
    • Introduction of JAS Gripen 39E fighter aircraft begins in late 2024 and continues to be introduced in the armed forces during the period 2025-2030. 
    • Additional Black Hawk HK16 utility helicopters will be procured.
    • Additional SK 50 (Grob) basic trainer aircraft will be procured.
    • The Defence Resolution accelerates Sweden’s incorporation into NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), which consists of necessary measures for deterrence or to nullify or reduce threats from the air domain. This will be achieved in part by incorporating Sweden into a system of integrated NATO and national sensor, command and control assets.

    Reinforcement of digitalisation, innovation and research

    The Government’s proposals also include a specific focus on materiel, defence innovation and research and development aimed at producing new capabilities and ensuring self-supply. 

    • By 2027, the appropriation for technological development, research innovation and defence research (appropriation 1:4) will increase by more than 50 per cent to just over SEK 1.6 billion.
    • NATO membership also entails requirements of greater interoperability with Allies within NATO. The Government therefore proposes that the war organisation be expanded in certain parts of command and logistics and that a new category of units designated for territorial duties be introduced.
    • The Government is also enhancing Sweden’s role as a credible space actor. This will be made possible through participation in various initiatives such as space-based reconnaissance and surveillance, responsive launching and satellite communications in the Arctic region.
    • Digitalisation will be carried out within command and intelligence functions and a reinforcement of defensive and offensive cyberoperations capabilities. 

    Civil defence

    Enhanced capabilities and an accelerated pace are priorities for developing the civil defence. The Total Defence Bill outlines a historically large investment in the civil defence through an allocation of SEK 37.5 billion through 2030. 

    “With the Defence Resolution in place, the course has now been set for a to build a powerful total defence. The civil defence will be built up based on the demands of war, and we aim to swiftly build up capabilities that strengthen Sweden and make our country more secure,” says Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin. 

    The introduction of the economic planning framework will serve as an important foundation for funding of the civil defence. The aim is to bring predictability, endurance and transparency to the strategic approach of the civil defence, and an ability to better prioritise and follow up results of the measures taken.

    Priority preparedness sectors

    All preparedness sectors in the civil defence will receive additional funding during the period 2025–2030. Society’s functionality is vital for the Swedish Armed Forces to be able to carry out its duties. Some preparedness sectors have therefore been given special priority. These include electronic communications and postal services, food supply and drinking water, health and social care, transport, energy supply, rescue services and protection of the civilian population. 

    Coordination and command of the civil defence  

    The Total Defence Bill highlights the need to strengthen command and coordination of the civil defence.

    The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency currently has far-ranging tasks and responsibilities, which is why the Government sees a need to enable it to better provide support for the coordination of the civil defence at national level. The Government therefore intends to review responsibilities for rescue services and protection of the civilian population. The name of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency will also be reviewed.

    Command of the civil defence during heightened alert and ultimately war should be exercised by actors with geographical areas of responsibility. This requires a clear allocation of responsibilities and mandates at the relevant levels. The Bill stresses that the county administrative boards with responsibility for civil areas and government agencies with responsibility for sectors need clearer roles and stronger mandates. 

    Economic defence and cooperation with the business sector

    Sweden’s economic defence needs to be strengthened and central government needs to be clear about what requirements will be placed on the business sector and what its role is in the total defence. In war or under threat of war, it is critical that production and supply chains are durable, the business sector has the capacity to adapt its production, and stockpiles of essential goods – including input goods – are available. The Government intends to clarify government agencies’ responsibilities concerning the supply of critical goods and services for the needs of the total defence and for foreign trade.

    Psychological defence and will to defend

    Psychological defence is an important component of a strong total defence. Strengthening and maintaining the population’s will to defend itself is a core task of the psychological defence. Proactive and continuous work is needed throughout the defence resolution period to preserve and reinforce the population’s will to defend itself, resilience and personal preparedness. As an Ally, Sweden will also contribute to NATO’s capability to defend against cognitive warfare. 

    Cybersecurity 

    Cybersecurity is another important pillar of the modern civil defence. Essential public services need to have the capacity to withstand cyberattacks, and information security and cybersecurity must therefore be prioritised. With a new national cybersecurity centre and extensive investments, the Government is enhancing protection against increasingly pervasive cyberthreats.

    Sweden’s resilience as part of NATO deterrence 

    The resilience being built up by reinforcing the civil defence is vital not only to Sweden’s security, but also to that of our Allies in NATO. Society’s resilience thus becomes part of NATO’s collective deterrence and defence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government backs veterans by approving Veteran Card as voter ID for first time  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections, while a wider review of the Voter ID policy takes place to understand its impact on citizens.

    The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections, while a wider review of the Voter ID policy takes place to understand its impact on citizens.

    The government has laid a statutory instrument in Parliament to put the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card on the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as voter ID, in addition to the already accepted MOD 90 ID card.

    A thorough review of the Voter ID rules is currently underway with firm proposals on the policy set to be brought forward in due course. However, while this takes place the government has taken immediate steps to address gaps in the current provision by including the Veteran Card on the list of acceptable IDs.

    The Veteran Card is a tangible symbol of veterans’ service and its addition to the list will help around two million veterans to engage in the elections process and exercise their democratic rights, with these changes set to be made in time for the 2025 local elections in May.

    Alex Norris, minister for elections, said: 

    No veteran should be turned away from the polling station while trying to use their Veteran Card as voter ID.  They are an incredible community who have dedicated their lives to this country, and it is wrong that the exclusion of this Card has been a barrier to their ability to vote.

    That’s why we’re supporting our incredible veterans by expanding the list of voter identifications to include it so they can participate in democracy without the fear of being turned away on election day.

    We stand behind our veterans and today’s announcement demonstrates that we will meet our manifesto commitment to strengthen support for our armed forces communities. 

    This government is committed to helping veterans to thrive in civilian society, and we are continuing to support our armed forces:

    • Within the last month, the government announced that all UK Armed Forces veterans will be exempt from rules which require a connection to a local area before accessing social housing in England.
    • In 2021, NHS England launched Op COURAGE – a dedicated mental health service for veterans, and over 35,000 veterans have used this service to date.
    • Op FORTITUDE, a housing hotline for veterans, has supported hundreds of veterans into supported housing with wraparound care.

    Veterans are represented by the Secretary of State for Defence in Cabinet, and cross-government support is coordinated by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the MOD.

    Minister for People and Veterans, Alistair Carns, OBE MC MP said:

    Veterans Cards are a tangible symbol of the extraordinary sacrifices our veterans have made to defend our nation and it is only right that the Government gives these cards the recognition they deserve. 

    We are committed to renewing the nation’s contract with all those who serve and have served, and this is an important step to making this important community feel supported when voting.

    Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

    This is good news. Veterans have found it frustrating that they were unable to use their Armed Forces Veteran Card as voter identification.

    It is vital that the voice of the Armed Forces community is heard at every election, now that voter ID is required to vote in elections in the UK, this change will make it easier for those who have served to cast their vote.

    This change follows a veteran of the armed forces being turned away from the local elections earlier this year because they attempted to use this card at their polling station and were turned away.  This government committed to making sure that this important community is better supported to participate in our vibrant democracy.

    This government is also making our democracy stronger than it has ever been and the addition of the Veteran Card is only the first step in delivering on our commitments to encourage participation in our elections, and we are taking further action:

    • Work has begun to extend the franchise for all UK elections to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote so that we can empower young people to take part in our democracy. 
    • We know there remains a significant number of people missing from our registers, so we will tackle this unacceptable participation gap by taking action to improve rates of electoral registration.    
    • We will act to protect our democracy from malign actors by strengthening the rules around donations to political parties.

    Today marks a significant step forward on our progress towards reforming our elections, and we will set out details on these further measures to widen participation in due course. 

    Notes to editors:

    • The Veteran Card provides recognition of service and ensures that when needed, public and charitable sector services and support can be provided to veterans as efficiently as possible.
    • The government has also published ‘Using a veteran card as a service leaver’ guidance page on GOV.UK, detailing how veterans can use the card to access specialist support and services: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-a-veteran-card-as-a-service-leaver 
    • We will continue to explore additional uses and benefits of the card.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: TACTiC: Test avoid cure TB in children

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    This new report details how children with tuberculosis continue to be left behind in the global effort to end the disease. The report, TACTIC: Test, Avoid, Cure Tuberculosis in Children, surveyed tuberculosis policy guidelines in 14 countries* with a high burden of tuberculosis, revealing that many countries lag behind in aligning their national tuberculosis policies with the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    We urge all countries to update their national guidelines to be in line with the WHO recommendations for the care of children with tuberculosis, and to allocate the needed resources—along with developing clear plans with timelines to implement the policies and increase access to tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the children with tuberculosis in the country. International donors and technical support agencies must provide sufficient funding to countries to support paediatric tuberculosis policy reforms and implementation.

    TACTiC: Test, avoid, cure TB in children pdf — 4.65 MB Download

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Shaping a better future with AI Literacy during Europe Code Week

    Source: Google

    AI is quickly transforming our world, introducing new opportunities and challenges across almost every industry. To ensure a future where everyone benefits from this powerful technology, we must work collectively to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate it.

    Empowering young people through Europe Code Week

    Europe Code Week has been promoting digital literacy and sparking interest in technology among young people since 2014. In 2021 alone, over 4 million people from 80+ countries participated and nearly half of them were young women, highlighting the importance of fostering an inclusive environment within the tech industry.

    2024’s upcoming Europe Code Week will continue this very important work, encouraging creativity and problem-solving through coding and computer science. Taking place from 14th to 27th October, this fun and engaging introduction to the digital world aims to help young people make sense of the rapidly changing world and explore new ideas.

    Leading the change with Women Techmakers in 2024

    Google has proudly participated in Europe Code Week since 2015, actively supporting initiatives that cultivate digital literacy and promote diversity in tech. This year is no different and we are delighted to collaborate with Women Techmakers, a program championing female talent in the tech sector.

    In alignment with our broader commitment to supporting organizations that empower future generations, Google.org recently supported the Raspberry Pi Foundation with $10 million in funding to expand access to Experience AI to educators and young people across Europe, Middle East and Africa. This innovative program, co-developed with Google DeepMind, provides teachers with the training and resources needed to both educate and inspire young people aged 11-14 about AI and the role it could play in their lives.

    Women Techmakers, through its dedicated network of volunteer ambassadors, aims to significantly amplify program awareness and expand reach across Europe, Middle East and Africa. These passionate advocates for diversity and inclusion will spearhead Experience AI workshops and training sessions, inspiring young girls and fostering a love for technology.

    Participate in Europe Code Week

    Through collaborations like Europe Code Week and Women Techmakers, we can inspire future generations of tech leaders and build a more inclusive industry for all.

    We invite you to explore upcoming Experience AI Events organized by our Women Techmakers ambassadors for Europe Code Week 2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Secures Approximately $15 Million in Orders from Leading Satellite Operators for GEO, MEO and LEO Constellations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced today that it has been awarded approximately $15 million in orders from several major satellite operators for its advanced satellite communications solutions for GEO, MEO and LEO constellations. The orders are expected to be delivered in several deliveries over the upcoming 18 months.

    These new orders underscore the strong, ongoing partnerships Gilat has developed with key industry players, reinforcing the company’s position as a trusted provider of cutting-edge satellite technology. Gilat’s solutions are critical in enabling a broad range of connectivity and enterprise services across the globe.

    “We are witnessing continuous demand for our innovative satellite communications solutions, as operators continue to expand their networks to meet the increasing needs of users worldwide,” said Hagay Katz Chief Product and Marketing Officer. “Our portfolio ensures future-ready connectivity, serving diverse markets and applications with unparalleled reliability and reach.”

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we create and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity and provide comprehensive, secure end-to-end solutions and services for mission-critical operations, powered by our innovative technology. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Our portfolio includes a diverse offering to deliver high-value solutions for multiple orbit constellations with very high throughput satellites (VHTS) and software-defined satellites (SDS). Our offering is comprised of a cloud-based platform and high-performance satellite terminals; high-performance Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s comprehensive offering supports multiple applications with a full portfolio of products and tailored solutions to address key applications including broadband access, mobility, cellular backhaul, enterprise, defense, aerospace, broadcast, government, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the current terrorist attacks by Hamas, and the war and hostilities between Israel and Hamas, and Israel and Hezbollah and Iran; and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Gilat’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Gilat undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks

    Hagay Katz, Chief Products and Marketing Officer

    HagayK@gilat.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Release Third Quarter Earnings and Host Conference Call on October 29

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced that it will report its third quarter 2024 financial results on October 29, 2024, premarket. The Company will also host its earnings call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. CT). The Company’s financial results and presentation will be posted on its website at http://www.cecoenviro.com.

    The details for the webcast are:

    When: Tuesday, October 29 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

    Where: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4ui844vi

    How: Live over the internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above

    Register to receive the dial-in info and a unique pin:
    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI76b0c5bac3f448b6b1a734e15bff87ec

    A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the live webcast has concluded.

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA; OTCQX: MDNAF), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “MDNAF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on http://www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors.

    “We are thrilled to be moving up to the OTCQX Best Market,” said Fahar Merchant, Ph.D., President and CEO of Medicenna. “This step strengthens our capital markets strategy by highlighting our dedication to transparency, improving liquidity, and broadening access to our stock for both U.S. and international investors.”

    About Medicenna Therapeutics Corp.
    Medicenna is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing novel, highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 Superkines and first-in-class Empowered Superkines. Medicenna’s long-acting IL-2 Superkine, MDNA11, is a next-generation IL-2 with superior affinity toward CD122 (IL-2 receptor beta) and no CD25 (IL-2 receptor alpha) binding, thereby preferentially stimulating cancer-killing effector T cells and NK cells. Medicenna’s IL-4 Empowered Superkine, bizaxofusp (formerly MDNA55), has been studied in 5 clinical trials enrolling over 130 patients, including a Phase 2b trial for recurrent GBM, the most common and uniformly fatal form of brain cancer. Bizaxofusp has obtained FastTrack and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and FDA/EMA, respectively. Medicenna’s early-stage high-affinity IL-2β biased IL-2/IL-15 Super-antagonists, from its MDNA209 platform, are being evaluated as potential therapies for autoimmune and graft-versus host diseases. Medicenna’s early-stage BiSKITs™ (Bifunctional SuperKine ImmunoTherapies) and the T-MASK™ (Targeted Metalloprotease Activated SuperKine) programs are designed to enhance the ability of Superkines to treat immunologically “cold” tumors.

    For more information, please visit http://www.medicenna.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit http://www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Announces Fiscal 2024 Fourth Quarter Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies Inc. (TSX: XTRA) (OTCQX: XTRAF) (FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”), a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution that prioritizes the patron access experience by leveraging AI, today announced that it will release fiscal 2024 fourth quarter results after the close of trading on October 24, 2024. Peter Evans, Xtract One CEO and Director, and Karen Hersh, CFO and Corporate Secretary, will host a webcast and conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time the following day, October 25, 2024, to review the three months and twelve months ended July 31, 2024.

    The webcast and presentation will be accessible on the company’s website, and the telephone number for the conference call is 844-481-3016 (412-317-1881 for international callers). Management will provide an overview of the interim financial results along with management’s outlook for the business, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    About Xtract One Technologies
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution leveraging AI to provide seamless and secure patron access control experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive threat detection systems that enable venue building operators to prioritize and deliver improved patron experiences while providing unprecedented safety. Xtract One’s innovative AI-powered Gateway product enables companies to covertly screen for weapons at points of entry without disrupting the flow of traffic. Its AI-based Xtract One Vision allows venue and building operators to identify weapons and other threats inside and outside of facilities, and Xtract One Insights provides valuable intelligence for optimizing operations. For more information, visit http://www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: High Efficiency Electrolyser Cells Complete Key Durability Test

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (the “Company” or “Next Hydrogen“) (TSXV:NXH, OTC:NXHSF), a designer and manufacturer of electrolyzers, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed an extended durability test of its GEN2 electrolysis cells used in the efficient production of green hydrogen. The GEN2 cells will now be deployed in Next Hydrogen electrolysers at customer sites for commercial operation.

    Next Hydrogen previously reported that it has achieved leading efficiency of its GEN2 cells in October of 2023(1). The GEN2 cell performance of lower than 1.9 V per cell at 1 amp/cm2 and at 70oC exceeds reported US Department of Energy (DOE) technical targets status for energy efficiency, while maintaining a 2 times higher peak operating point(2). Further, a turn-down of 10% demonstrated best-in-class performance and an optimal solution for direct connection to renewables to produce green hydrogen.

    Equally important is the cell performance durability, and widely accepted testing protocols have been applied to confirm minimal degradation under intermittent operation as required for renewable energy supplied systems. Furthermore, 3,000 hours of cyclic testing have recently been successfully surpassed, providing the confidence to commercially deploy.

    The GEN2 cells will be applied to Next Hydrogen’s modular product line in sizes of 0.75MW, 1.5MW and 2.25MW and offer the best commercially available performance features.

    Raveel Afzaal, President and CEO of Next Hydrogen, stated, “This represents a significant milestone for us as we move into product commercialization. We are also upsizing our products and plan to demonstrate an even larger and more efficient GEN3 product version in 2025 based on leveraging our GEN2 success.”

    About Next Hydrogen
    Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen is a designer and manufacturer of electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as an energy source. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors.

    Contact Information

    Cautionary Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the hydrogen industry in general; delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure development or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to costs and expenses; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; health, safety and environmental risks; uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure developments or capital expenditures; currency exchange rate fluctuations; as well as general economic conditions, stock market volatility; and the ability to access sufficient capital. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, there will be no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Beamr and Bridge Digital Inc. to Deliver “Forever Video” to Broadcasters and Video Streamers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bridge Digital Inc. to Distribute Beamr’s GPU-Based, High-Performance and Future-Proofed Video Service to News, Sports, and Entertainment Broadcasters and Streamers, along with Other Companies With Large Video Repositories

    Herzliya, Israel, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization and modernization technology and solutions, today announced a collaboration with Bridge Digital Inc., a proven video technology integrator.

    Beamr’s patented, GPU-based and award-winning technology – available through scalable cloud services – significantly reduces video files sizes and live streams by up to 50%, while maintaining the same quality as the original.

    Combined with Bridge Digital Inc.’s extensive expertise, Beamr and Bridge Digital Inc. will offer a specialized service for companies and organizations with large-scale video repositories, including news, sports, entertainment and user-generated content for delivery and distribution. Beamr and Bridge Digital Inc. will enable companies that rely on video for their daily operations or manage vast video libraries to achieve “Forever Video” – future-proofing their content to ensure long-term compatibility through efficient, automatic, and scalable processes, all while significantly reducing costs.

    Beamr’s high-efficiency, high-quality video service also enables upgrades to AV1 format (AOMedia Video 1) – ensuring long-term compatibility of the videos.

    “The collaboration with Bridge Digital Inc. leveraging their extensive expertise in media storage and video management, provides Beamr customers with a streamlined approach to fully benefit from our video pipelines”, said Beamr CEO, Sharon Carmel. He added: “In the expanding video world, companies face rising costs and complexity. Beamr GPU-based services process videos 10X faster at 1/10 the cost of software-based workflows, providing critical value to the broadcasting, streaming, IoT, and edge computing industries.”

    “Beamr adds significant value to the process we coined ‘Forever Video’”, said Bridge Digital Inc. CEO, Richie Murray. He elaborated that “Video modernization to AV1 or HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Codec) formats provides remarkable value to companies with large video repositories, ensuring they can be played in the decades to come, secured with high-quality, or transferred to new storage systems if needed”.

    Beamr Cloud optimization and modernization service is easily accessible to AWS (Amazon Web Services) and OCI (Oracle Cloud Infrastructure) customers, offering automatic, scalable and cost-efficient video pipelines that are AI ready.

    Bridge Digital Inc. is a US-based integrator of video technologies, specializing in improving video workflows. Over more than two decades, they have served dozens of video creators and owners in managing, monetizing, distributing and archiving video repositories effectively and efficiently.

    About Beamr

    Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video optimization and modernization. The company serves top media companies like Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s inventive perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and won the Emmy® award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file size by up to 50% while guaranteeing quality.

    Beamr Cloud is a high-performance, GPU-based video optimization and modernization service designed for businesses and video professionals across diverse industries. It is conveniently available to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers. Beamr Cloud enables video modernization to advanced formats such as AV1 and HEVC, and is ready for video AI workflows. For more details, please visit http://www.beamr.com    

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024, and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.                                               

    Investor Contact:

    investorrelations@beamr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bank of Åland Plc to decrease prime rate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bank of Åland Plc
    Stock exchange release
    October 15, 2024, 14.00 EET

    Bank of Åland Plc to decrease prime rate

    The Bank of Åland Plc (Ålandsbanken Abp) has decided to decrease its prime rate by 0.35 percentage points, from 3.25 per cent to 2.90 per cent. The basis for this decision is decreasing market interest rates. The change goes into effect on October 29, 2024.

    Bank of Åland Plc

    For further information, please contact:
    Peter Wiklöf, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Bank of Åland Plc, tel +358 40 512 7505

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 14/10/2024 Undersecretary of State Marek Prawda participated in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Undersecretary of State Marek Prawda participated in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 14/10/2024. The main topics of today’s meeting in Luxembourg were Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

    The ministers also held an informal discussion with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The Council also adopted further sanctions against Iran in connection with its military support for Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. In the discussion on Russia’s aggression against the Minister of Ukraine, Marek Prawda stressed the need to provide further support for the attacked country, including military and energy support. He spoke in favour of lifting restrictions on the use of weapons transferred to Ukraine by the West and appealed for the urgent unblocking of financing for military support for Ukraine from the European Peace Facility. He also supported the proposal to establish an EU and G7 loan mechanism, guaranteed by income from the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia. He also pointed to the need to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia and effectively combat the circumvention of sanctions, including by using the so-called “shadow fleet”. Minister Pravda also stressed the need to combat the Kremlin’s false propaganda. He noted that all peace initiatives must be in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principle of inviolability of borders and prepared in close consultation with Ukraine and accepted by it. In relation to the situation in the Middle East, Deputy Minister Marek Prawda emphasized that de-escalation remains the overriding goal. The Deputy Head of Polish Diplomacy also drew attention to the need to protect civilians, aid workers, UN personnel and members of the UNIFIL mission. The Undersecretary of State recalled that it was at Poland’s initiative that 40 countries participating in the peacekeeping forces in Lebanon signed a statement condemning the recent attacks on the mission’s force base. In an informal discussion with British Minister David Lammy, Deputy Minister Prawda declared Poland’s support for strengthening cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in the area of foreign policy and WA. As part of current affairs, the Deputy Minister referred to Poland’s support for Moldova on the eve of the presidential elections and the referendum on EU integration, and also pointed to the key importance of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia for its geopolitical future.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 14/10/2024 The government adopted a draft act amending the Act on Agricultural Tax, the Act on Local Taxes and Fees and the Act on Stamp Duty

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The government has adopted a draft act amending the Act on Agricultural Tax, the Act on Local Taxes and Fees and the Act on Stamp Duty14/10/2024

    The Council of Ministers has adopted the draft act submitted by the Minister of Finance amending the Act on Agricultural Tax, the Act on Local Taxes and Fees and the Act on Stamp Duty. The aim of the draft is primarily to ensure uniform principles for taxing garages in residential buildings and to introduce a comprehensive definition of a building and structure into the Act on Local Taxes and Fees. Key solutions Unification of the principles for taxing garages in residential buildings with property tax. All rooms intended for storing vehicles in residential buildings (not occupied for business activities) will be taxed as apartments. Clarified definitions of “building” and “structure” for the purposes of property tax. The lack of reference in the definitions of “building” and “structure” to construction law will ensure increased certainty of tax law, which will no longer be directly affected by changes in construction law. The draft contains a closed list of structures subject to taxation. At the same time, the catalogue of construction equipment subject to taxation has been narrowed down to only those that are directly related to a building or structure and necessary for their use in accordance with the e-designation. So-called small architectural objects will remain outside taxation. Extension until 31 March 2025 of the possibility of submitting a property tax return by entrepreneurs, to give them time to adapt to the proposed changes. Abolition of the application procedure for granting subject exemptions in the agricultural tax (e.g. for research institutes), which will be applied by operation of law – in order to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. Tightening the collection of the spa fee. Municipal councils have been granted the right to impose on collectors of the spa fee the obligation to keep records of persons who will be required to pay this fee, which will enable control over the reliable fulfillment of the obligation to collect this fee. Determination of the jurisdiction of the tax authority in the matter of the stamp duty on a power of attorney submitted in electronic form (for example in the e-Tax Office). The proposed regulations are to enter into force on 1 January 2025.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Minister for the Caribbean underlines UK support for violence prevention and climate resilience on first visit to Jamaica

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Minister set to formally launch a joint programme for violence prevention, and visit UK-supported health centre that withstood Hurricane Beryl

    The UK Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Baroness Chapman, arrives in Jamaica today for a visit focused on violence prevention and climate resilience – her first trip to the Western Caribbean since being appointed.  

    During her two-day trip, Baroness Chapman will visit Edward Seaga Primary School, an early beneficiary of the UK-Jamaica Violence Prevention Programme (VPP) – one of the UK’s largest aid projects in the region. Her visit marks the start of the programme’s implementation, with plans for interventions across further Jamaican schools. 

    The VPP, which will provide £15m over six years, will support the Government of Jamaica to develop more effective responses to the underlying causes of violent crime, with the aim of eradicating violence through grassroots community activities and engagement with educational institutions. 

    UK Caribbean Minister, Baroness Chapman said: 

    Jamaica is a highly valued Commonwealth partner. My visit is an important opportunity to build on our two countries close collaboration.

    I am excited to see first-hand how our joint work on key challenges – from violent crime to climate resilience – is making a difference to Jamaicans.

    The Minister will also visit an upgraded healthcare centre in Mandeville, funded by the UK through the ‘SMART’ Hospital Programme and implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation. She will tour the facility, which was able to largely withstand the impacts of Hurricane Beryl, remaining in operation to provide critical care to residents.  

    The UK continues to invest in building climate resilient infrastructure, having provided £8m towards the ‘SMART’ hospital initiative in Jamaica, which has helped provide improvement to the facilities and a dedicated toolkit to staff. In July 2024, the UK also provided up to £500,000 to support Caribbean nations severely affected by Hurricane Beryl.  

    While in Jamaica, the Minister will meet Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Kamina Johnson Smith, where they will discuss the importance of the UK-Jamaica bilateral relationship and areas of cooperation. She will also meet with influential business figures and Chevening scholars.

    To conclude her visit, the Minister will unveil a UK-Jamaica mural in downtown Kingston, painted by local artist Michael Elliot. The mural reflects  the significant contribution of the Windrush Generation.

    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 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stay safe this fireworks season

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Follow OPSS guidance to purchase, use and dispose of fireworks safely and responsibly.

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has produced safety tips for this fireworks season on how to use fireworks responsibly and considerately to help protect both people and animals.

    You must only buy from licensed sellers

    Make sure you buy fireworks from licensed or registered in-store and online retailers. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks.

    Choose traditional dates and keep to the curfew

    People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates. The firework curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year. Firework timings may differ in Scotland. Search ‘fireworks’ on gov.scot for more advice.

    Follow the instructions carefully

    Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight. Then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.

    Check what fireworks you can use at home

    Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public depending on the safety distance required. Check the labelling to ensure you have enough space to safely use a firework before you buy it.

    Always follow the Firework Code. Search ‘fireworks’ on GOV.UK for more advice.

    Think of local animals before setting off fireworks

    If you plan to let off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.

    If you live close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that you are letting fireworks off. Site your fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners as they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.

    Notify nearby farms and stables if you are planning to use fireworks. Do not let off fireworks if they will disturb wildlife habitats, or roosting bats and birds.

    Keep your pet safe

    On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.

    Download content from our fireworks campaign page, including a video, poster, leaflet and social media materials.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Report on Aggregate Financing to the Real Economy (Flow) (Q1-Q3 2024)

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    According to preliminary statistics, the aggregate financing to the real economy (AFRE) (flow) was RMB25.66 trillion in Q1-Q3 2024, down RMB3.68 trillion from the same period of 2023. Specifically, RMB loans to the real economy registered an increase of RMB15.39 trillion, RMB4.13 trillion smaller than the increase in the same period of 2023; foreign currency-denominated loans to the real economy (RMB equivalent) recorded a decrease of RMB206.3 billion, RMB69.8 billion larger than the decrease in the same period of 2023; entrusted loans registered a decrease of RMB15.5 billion, RMB121.2 billion larger than the decrease in the same period of 2023; trust loans recorded an increase of RMB356.2 billion, RMB292.3 billion larger than the increase in the same period of 2023; undiscounted bankers’ acceptances recorded a decrease of RMB147.6 billion, RMB389.3 billion larger than the decrease in the same period of 2023; net financing of corporate bonds was RMB1.59 trillion, down RMB54.5 billion year on year (y-o-y); net financing of government bonds was RMB7.18 trillion, up RMB1.22 trillion y-o-y; domestic equity financing by non-financial enterprises was RMB170.5 billion, down RMB503.9 billion y-o-y.

    Note 1: AFRE (flow) refers to the volume of financing provided by the financial system to the real economy within a certain period. In the calculations of AFRE (flow), data are from the PBOC, NFRA, CSRC, CCDC, NAFMII, etc.

    Note 2: Starting from January 2023, the PBOC added three types of non-depository banking financial institutions, namely consumer finance companies, wealth management companies, and financial asset investment companies, into financial statistics, hence adjustments to “RMB loans to the real economy” and “loan write-offs” in AFRE. At end-January 2023, the balance of RMB loans issued to the real economy by the above-mentioned institutions registered RMB841.0 billion, up RMB5.7 billion month on month; the balance of loan write-offs registered RMB170.6 billion, up RMB3.0 billion month on month. The statistics in this report are on a comparable basis.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月14日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Report on Aggregate Financing to the Real Economy (Stock) (September 2024)

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    According to preliminary statistics, outstanding aggregate financing to the real economy (AFRE) reached RMB402.19 trillion at end-September 2024, increasing 8.0 percent year on year. Specifically, outstanding RMB loans to the real economy posted RMB250.87 trillion, increasing 7.8 percent year on year; outstanding foreign currency-denominated loans to the real economy (RMB equivalent) recorded RMB1.43 trillion, decreasing 18.6 percent year on year; outstanding entrusted loans registered RMB11.25 trillion, decreasing 0.9 percent year on year; outstanding trust loans registered RMB4.26 trillion, increasing 11.8 percent year on year; outstanding undiscounted bankers’ acceptances recorded RMB2.34 trillion, declining 19.6 percent year on year; outstanding corporate bonds registered RMB32.07 trillion, increasing 2.2 percent year on year; outstanding government bonds reached RMB76.97 trillion, increasing 16.4 percent year on year; and outstanding domestic equity of non-financial firms amounted to RMB11.6 trillion, increasing 2.6 percent year on year.

    By structure, outstanding RMB loans to the real economy accounted for 62.4 percent of the total AFRE at end-September, decreasing 0.1 percentage points year on year; outstanding foreign currency-denominated loans to the real economy (RMB equivalent) accounted for 0.4 percent, decreasing 0.1 percentage points year on year; outstanding entrusted loans accounted for 2.8 percent, decreasing 0.2 percentage points year on year; outstanding trust loans accounted for 1.1 percent, increasing 0.1 percentage points year on year; outstanding undiscounted bankers’ acceptances accounted for 0.6 percent, decreasing 0.2 percentage points year on year; outstanding corporate bonds accounted for 8 percent, decreasing 0.4 percentage points year on year; outstanding government bonds accounted for 19.1 percent, increasing 1.3 percentage points year on year; and outstanding domestic equity of non-financial firms constituted 2.9 percent, decreasing 0.1 percentage points year on year.

    Note 1: AFRE (Stock) refers to the outstanding financing provided by the financial system to the real economy at the end of a period (end of a month, end of a quarter or end of a year). In the calculation of AFRE, data are from PBOC, NFRA, CSRC, CCDC, NAFMII, etc.

    Note 2: Starting from January 2023, the PBOC added three types of non-depository banking financial institutions into financial statistics, namely consumer finance companies, wealth management companies, and financial asset investment companies, hence adjustments to “RMB loans to the real economy” and “loan written-offs” in AFRE. At end-January 2023, outstanding RMB loans to the real economy issued by the above-mentioned three institutions posted RMB841 billion, increasing RMB5.7 billion month on month; the outstanding loan written-offs posted RMB170.6 billion, increasing RMB3 billion month on month. The statistics in this report are on a comparable basis.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Financial Statistics Report (Q1-Q3 2024)

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    1. Broad money rose by 6.8 percent

    At end-September, broad money supply (M2) stood at RMB309.48 trillion, increasing by 6.8 percent year on year. Narrow money supply (M1), at RMB62.82 trillion, decreased by 7.4 percent year on year. The amount of currency in circulation (M0) was RMB12.18 trillion, an increase of 11.5 percent year on year. The first three quarters of the year saw a net money injection of RMB838.6 billion.

    2. RMB loans grew by RMB16.02 trillion in the first three quarters

    At end-September, outstanding RMB and foreign currency loans totaled RMB257.71 trillion, up 7.6 percent year on year. Outstanding RMB loans stood at RMB253.61 trillion, registering a year-on-year growth of 8.1 percent.

    In the first three quarters, new RMB loans amounted to RMB16.02 trillion. By sector, household loans increased by RMB1.94 trillion, with short-term loans and medium and long-term (MLT) loans rising by RMB402.4 billion and RMB1.54 trillion, respectively; loans to enterprises and public institutions grew by RMB13.46 trillion, with short-term loans, MLT loans and bill financing rising by RMB2.83 trillion, RMB9.66 trillion and RMB828.3 billion, respectively; and loans to non-banking financial institutions grew by RMB188.7 billion.

    At end-September, outstanding foreign currency loans stood at USD585.5 billion, down 14.6 percent year on year. In the first three quarters, foreign currency loans dropped by USD70.9 billion.

    3. RMB deposits increased by RMB16.62 trillion in the first three quarters

    At end-September, the outstanding amount of RMB and foreign currency deposits was RMB306.83 trillion, up 7.1 percent year on year. RMB deposits recorded an outstanding amount of RMB300.88 trillion, rising by 7.1 percent year on year.

    In the first three quarters, RMB deposits increased by RMB16.62 trillion. Specifically, household deposits, fiscal deposits and deposits of non-banking financial institutions rose by RMB11.85 trillion, RMB724.8 billion and RMB4.5 trillion, respectively, while deposits of non-financial enterprises fell by RMB2.11 trillion.

    At end-September, the outstanding amount of foreign currency deposits was USD849.1 billion, up 9 percent year on year. In the first three quarters, foreign currency deposits rose by USD51.2 billion.

    4. The monthly weighted average interest rates for interbank RMB lending and bond pledged repos in September stood at 1.78 percent and 1.83 percent respectively

    Lending, cash bond and repo transactions in the interbank RMB market totaled RMB1583.16 trillion for the first three quarters, with the daily average declining by 2.8 percent year on year to RMB8.38 trillion. Specifically, the average daily turnovers of interbank lending and pledged repo trading fell by 31.4 percent and 5.6 percent year on year, respectively, while that of cash bond trading increased by 25.7 percent year on year.

    The monthly weighted average interest rate for interbank lending in September stood at 1.78 percent, up 0.01 percentage points month on month but down 0.09 percentage points year on year. The monthly weighted average interest rate for pledged repos was 1.83 percent, up 0.04 percentage points month on month but down 0.13 percentage points year on year.

    5. Official foreign exchange reserves stood at USD3.32 trillion

    At end-September, China’s foreign exchange reserves stood at USD3.32 trillion, and the USD/CNY exchange rate was 7.0074.

    6. RMB cross-border settlement under the current account reached RMB11.76 trillion and RMB cross-border settlement of direct investment posted RMB6.04 trillion for the first three quarters

    RMB cross-border settlement under the current account reached RMB11.76 trillion for the first three quarters, including RMB8.88 trillion in settlement of trade in goods and RMB2.88 trillion in settlement of trade in services and other current account items. RMB cross-border settlement of direct investment amounted to RMB6.04 trillion, of which ODI and FDI posted RMB2.11 trillion and RMB3.93 trillion, respectively.

    Notes:

    1. Data for the current period are preliminary.

    2. Starting from 2015, deposits of non-banking financial institutions have been included in RMB deposits, foreign currency deposits and deposits in RMB and foreign currencies, while lending to non-banking financial institutions has been included in RMB loans, foreign currency loans and loans in RMB and foreign currencies.

    3. “Loans to enterprises and public institutions” in this report refers to loans to non-financial enterprises, government agencies and organizations.

    4. Starting from December 2022, e-CNY in circulation has been included in the amount of currency in circulation (M0). At end-December, e-CNY in circulation stood at RMB13.61 billion. The revision has not caused notable changes to month-end M1 or M2 growth rates of 2022. Shown below are the revised M0 growth rates.

    Jan. 2022

    Feb. 2022

    Mar. 2022

    Apr. 2022

    May 2022

    Jun. 2022

    Currency in circulation (M0)

    18.5%

    5.8%

    10.0%

    11.5%

    13.5%

    13.9%

    Jul. 2022

    Aug. 2022

    Sept. 2022

    Oct. 2022

    Nov. 2022

    Dec. 2022

    Currency in circulation (M0)

    13.9%

    14.3%

    13.6%

    14.4%

    14.1%

    15.3%

    5. Starting from January 2023, the People’s Bank of China has incorporated into the coverage of financial statistics three types of non-depository banking financial institutions, i.e., consumer finance companies, wealth management companies and financial asset investment companies. At end-January 2023, loans issued by the three types of institutions recorded an outstanding balance of RMB841 billion, posting an increase of RMB5.7 billion for the month, while their deposits registered an outstanding amount of RMB22.2 billion, rising by RMB2.7 billion over the month. All the statistics in this report are provided on a comparable basis.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.203 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.203 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 15, 2024)

    In order to keep liquidity adequate at a reasonable level in the banking system, the People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB68.3 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on October 15, 2024.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Volume

    Rate

    7 days

    RMB68.3 billion

    1.50%

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月15日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Initiates First Practical Steps of Additional Measures at Sea Near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    International experts participated in the marine sampling, which included hands-on activities to take samples for subsequent analysis in their own laboratories. (Photo: IAEA)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) initiated today the first practical steps of additional measures at sea near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). The IAEA carried out marine sampling as an initial step, leveraging the presence of experts from various countries who were in Japan for a mission to collect samples for the latest IAEA interlaboratory comparison (ILC) related to the ALPS treated water discharge.

    This follows last month’s announcements by China and Japan that indicated their mutual agreement to implement additional measures, which will facilitate wider participation of other stakeholders under the framework of the IAEA. The Agency confirms that this agreement is built on its existing sampling and monitoring activities in compliance with the IAEA statutory functions.

    International experts from China’s Third Institute of Oceanography, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety and Switzerland’s Spiez Laboratory — members of the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network — participated in the marine sampling near FDNPS, which included hands-on activities to take samples for subsequent analysis in their own laboratories.

    Experts from China, the Republic of Korea and Switzerland participated in the marine sampling near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. (Photo: IAEA)

    “The Agency will continue to coordinate with Japan and other stakeholders, including China, to ensure that the additional measures are implemented appropriately under the framework of the IAEA, maintaining the integrity of the process with full transparency to ensure that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. 

    The IAEA views this mission as a timely opportunity to initiate the first practical steps towards full implementation of the additional measures. The Agency will continue its impartial, independent and objective safety review during the discharge phase, by having a continuous onsite presence, corroborating monitoring data through ILCs and providing live online monitoring. The IAEA will continue liaising at the technical level to ensure smooth implementation of the additional measures.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Month of Discovery: Nadine Noaman ‘26, Uncovering UConn Muslim History

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The contributions of the Muslim community at UConn — from the Arabic language program, to partnerships with international universities, to the Muslim Student Association and the Islamic Center at UConn (ICUC) — are now so integral to the University that a newly arrived first-year student might not think twice about how they all came to be, says Nadine Noaman ’26 (CLAS).

    But Noaman knows exactly how much work went into creating today’s community.

    “The impact of these generations should not go unnoticed. We are part of UConn history,” she says.

    Noaman is currently producing a docuseries entitled “Tracing the Trailblazers: UConn’s Muslim Community, Accommodations, and Activism Journey,” funded by the UConn IDEA grant and UConn BOLD Women’s Leadership Network.

    The impact of these generations should not go unnoticed. We are part of UConn history.

    For the project, Noaman is collecting oral histories from alumni and students who span the last half-century of Muslim life at UConn. The earliest interviewees were doctoral students at UConn in the 1970s; the most recent are current undergraduates, Noaman’s peers.

    The series has three major aims, says Noaman: to preserve this rich community history, to highlight strides made by Muslims at UConn, and to track the impact of Muslim student activism on the university.

    For Noaman, this history is personal. She herself is a third-generation leader in UConn’s Muslim community: both her maternal grandparents received their PhDs from UConn in the 1980s, and her mother received a Pharm.D. from the school. (Her aunt and uncle are also alumni.)

    The UConn International House in the 1950s. (Jerauld A. Manter/Department of Archives & Special Collections/UConn Library)

    From the Ashes

    In late 2023, a fire destroyed the Whitney House on the edge of the UConn Storrs campus – an iconic white building near Mirror Lake that had variously served as UConn’s International House and the home of the Rainbow Center over the past 50 years. The house was dismantled after the University deemed it beyond repair.

    “One of the earliest memories that I have that sparked the idea [for ‘Tracing the Trailblazers’] was when my mom and I were passing by the International House when they were about to take it down,” Noaman remembers. “And she started to recall how impactful that building was on campus. She shared how there were communal prayers and Eid celebrations – so many initiatives and events took place there that brought communities together.”

    “It’s unfortunate that the building is no longer physically there,” she continues. “In that moment, I realized I want to honor and preserve the legacy and experiences of these past generations at UConn.”

    UConn’s Muslim students tabling at the International Fair in the 1980s. (Courtesy of Nadine Noaman)

    Though the International House is no longer standing, UConn’s Muslim community has found other venues for sharing space and strengthening community ties. The Islamic Center at UConn (ICUC) hosts daily prayers, holiday festivities, and weekly halaqas, or lecture circles, to discuss Islam-related topics. It also accommodates the Muslim Student Association (MSA), of which Noaman is the Islamic Education Chair.

    “I love when I have the opportunity to do tabling; I get to talk to other amazing Huskies on campus and clear up misconceptions about Islam or provide accurate knowledge,” she says.

    In addition, Noaman also currently works as a coordinator for UConn Salaam, a program within the Asian American Cultural Center. Salaam develops programming that increases accurate knowledge of Islam, strives to dismantle Islamophobia, and builds coalitions amongst various student organizations.

    Muslim community members participate in a weekly halaqa, 2024. (Photo by Nadine Noaman)

    What Changes, What Stays the Same

    MSA table set up for an event informing the student community about Muslim life (Photo by Nadine Noaman)

    As a prominent player in these spaces, Noaman was curious about how Muslim life at UConn had evolved from the experiences of her grandparents to her own. While working on “Tracing the Trailblazers,” she learned that the reasons for this evolution were twofold.

    There were societal issues: the early interviewees recalled hostile jokes about Muslims all living in the desert, while current students report having to counter misconceptions that Islam promotes violence. Though the trends changed over time, they all fall “under the same iceberg: lack of knowledge,” notes Noaman.

    Second, there was the dynamic way the UConn Muslim community advocated for their needs, encouraging the University to be a more positive and inclusive place. Community organizing and solidarity established more accommodations for Islamic worship and holidays for generations to come.

    Celebrating the Diversity of Islam

    By engaging with the stories in “Tracing the Trailblazers,” Noaman says, viewers will be able to appreciate a rich array of perspectives and backgrounds.

    “There is such diversity in our Muslim community – in one Friday prayer, we realized that we had over 40 different nationalities represented,” she says.

    Muslim Huskies go on to make a difference for the University and the world, contributing in diverse ways, too.

    “We are a religion of peace,” says Noaman. “There’s a strong emphasis on being active in our community and helping others. So, many of my friends are in fields like healthcare and engineering because they want to embody those specific Islamic values.”

    Editing “Tracing the Trailblazers.” (Courtesy of Nadine Noaman)

    Noaman herself (who is double-majoring in Psychological Sciences and Spanish) wants to go into education – a field for which her coursework, student leadership, and independent research have well prepared her.

    Once complete, “Tracing the Trailblazers” will be available to stream online, and Noaman hopes to be able to host an on-campus premiere as well. She extends her gratitude to God, as well as her family, peers, and the BOLD network and IDEA grant team who supported this independent project.

    Having the funding was “affirming and motivating, and it gave me the resources to be detailed in the research aspect,” Noaman says. “I’ve done traditional research before, but embarking on this project has expanded my understanding of what I see as research, and so I’m grateful for this experience – times a gazillion-fold.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Study Surveys CT’s Forest Owners Ahead of Funding for Sustainable Initiatives

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A new study updates a gap in data about Connecticut’s private forest owners.

    A vast majority, 71%, of Connecticut’s 1.75 million acres of forest are owned by private individuals.

    This means understanding private woodland owners’ priorities and interests is critical for state and federal outreach and funding programs.

    Ava Smith ’22 (CAHNR), now a social science research specialist at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, realized there were limited efforts in the last decade to update information about forest owners in Connecticut.

    “It’s important to continuously update our understanding and knowledge of private forest owners so that we can keep up and inform conservation targets,” Smith says.

    This survey sought to assess woodland owners’ interest in participating in forest management plans. These are individualized plans that help the owners engage in management practices to support whatever their intentions for their lands are.

    “It’s an effort on the part of the woodland owner to give some thought to the future,” says Thomas Worthley, associate extension professor of forest stewardship. “We know what the land is like now and we know how people use it now, but what is their intent five, ten, fifteen years from now with respect for their land? And the plan is a document that spells out how to accomplish whatever that vision is.”

    While they were not able to reach all forest owners, the researchers found some important differences within the group.

    This research, by Smith, Worthley, and Chadwick Rittenhouse, associate professor in residence in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, was published in Trees, Forests and People.

    For example, they found male landowners were more likely to have a management plan in place than female landowners.

    Smith says this may be because women have not historically been private landowners, or, it may just be a matter of women having different priorities for their lands as those interested in timber production or hunting.

    “Historically private landowners have been predominantly male,” Smith says. “It has been changing though. It could be that female landowners don’t know what avenues to pursue. They don’t necessarily have the same knowledge base or networks that landowners who have had the land for generations and generations do.”

    Ava Smith (Contributed photo)

    Woodland owners in Connecticut are generally more likely to be interested in the non-commercial benefits that forests provide such as privacy, connecting with nature, protecting wildlife habitat, or preserving a family legacy.

    “While the value of wood products is not to be ignored, that’s generally not their highest priority,” Worthley says.

    Those with plans were also more likely to be aware of resources available to them and be enrolled in a state program that incentivizes people to keep their land as woodlands, agricultural land, or open space.

    The survey showed that those who did not have a plan were generally neutral about developing one, rather than actively against them.

    The researchers also found that landowners had priorities beyond what they originally included as options such as pollinator protection.

    “To us, it means that there needs to be a level of effort or thought put into future educational programming and represent those varied interests,” Smith says. “If programs are not tailoring to the interests of the landowners, that’s potentially why participating in certain programming is low or landowners are not reaching out to their local service forester to learn more about what they can do to better their lands.”

    One of the biggest motivators for conducting this survey now is that within the next decade, the federal and state governments are going to provide funding to private woodland owners to enact climate sustainable practices, but only if they have a management plan in place.

    These practices will aim to improve forest resiliency to changes in temperatures and severe weather events or increase carbon sequestration.

    “As the public, we are depending on the forest to sequester carbon from the atmosphere,” Worthley says. “The only practical way we have of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is to grow green things as fast as we can.”

    This means forest owners can concentrate on which kinds of trees can grow fastest and sequester the most carbon, as one example of a sustainable management practice.

    As an extension forester, Worthley will be working diligently over the next few years to connect woodland owners with resources at UConn and beyond to help them get these plans in place.

    Private woodland owners can contact UConn Extension, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Forestry Division, or the National Resources Conservation Service to begin the process of creating a management plan.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Advancing Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Global refinery margins fall to multiyear seasonal lows in September

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    October 15, 2024

    Data source: Bloomberg L.P.
    Note: The 3:2:1 crack spread is an indicator of refining margins, the short-term profit margin for oil refineries, which generally produce about 2 barrels of gasoline for every 1 barrel of distillate fuel oil. To estimate the refinery crack spreads, regional crude oil benchmarks were used (Brent for New York, Los Angeles, and ARA; Light Louisiana Sweet for the U.S. Gulf Coast; West Texas Intermediate for Chicago; and Dubai for Singapore). ARA=Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp

    Refinery margins for petroleum refiners across the world are shrinking, indicating reduced profitability from refining crude oil and selling petroleum products. Declining margins are the result of relatively weak demand for petroleum products even as global refining capacity increases.

    Global refinery margins, measured by the 3:2:1 crack spread, have been less than their five-year (2019–23) averages since the spring and dropped even more in the late summer and early fall. The 3:2:1 crack spread is calculated by subtracting the price of 3 barrels of crude oil from the price of 2 barrels of gasoline and 1 barrel of distillate. This year, the September monthly average refinery margin fell to its lowest for the month since 2020, when there was significantly less transportation fuel demand because of pandemic-related reductions in travel.

    The recent drop in refinery margins is a departure from the past two years. Following the lows in 2020, decreases in U.S. refinery capacity and recovering petroleum product demand supported stronger U.S. refinery margins. This trend was particularly true on the West Coast, where several refineries closed or converted operations to renewable diesel in response to its increasing use in the region.

    Refinery margins have fallen in part because of relatively weak demand for petroleum products, particularly distillate fuel oil. In 2024, U.S. product supplied of distillate fuel oil (the proxy we use for consumption) averaged 6% less than in 2023 and 8% than in 2019 from June through September, mostly due to declining manufacturing activity and the increasing use of biofuels in place of conventional, petroleum-based diesel fuels on the West Coast. Gasoline and jet fuel consumption were slightly below 2023 levels for the same months, and they both remain 6% below 2019 levels.

    Outside of the United States, petroleum product demand has been weak due to slowing economic activity in China and Europe. In addition, increasing adoption of electric vehicles, biofuels, and liquefied natural gas use in trucking is steadily reducing petroleum fuel consumption across much of Asia and Europe. Refinery margins have also been under pressure due to new refining capacity abroad. Kuwait’s 615,000-barrel-per-day (b/d) Al-Zour refinery reached full refining capacity early in 2024, Oman’s 230,000-b/d Duqm refinery has begun operations, and Nigeria’s 650,000-b/d Dangote refinery has been ramping up refining activity. In response to low refinery margins, some global refiners have reduced refinery runs, and some in Europe have announced plans to close or reduce capacity. Although planned before the recent decline in refinery margins, LyondellBasell plans to close its 264,000-b/d refinery in Houston, Texas, by the first quarter of 2025.

    Principal contributor: Jimmy Troderman

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Samotlorneftegaz held an ethnic culture festival in Yugra

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Samotlorneftegaz (part of the Rosneft oil production complex) held the Festival of Ethnic Culture of Indigenous Peoples of Yugra in the Nizhnevartovsk District of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The large-scale event was attended by more than 500 representatives of different peoples living and working in the Khanty-Mansiysk Okrug.

    Preservation of national culture and traditional way of life of indigenous peoples of the North is one of the significant areas of Rosneft’s social policy. The company annually implements large-scale projects to support indigenous peoples in the regions of its operations.

    During the folklore festival, many interactive events were held aimed at intercultural communication with the Khanty and Mansi peoples. The festival was timed to coincide with the beginning of the “little winter” according to the natural calendar of the Ob Ugrians, who, according to centuries-old traditions, strive to live in harmony with the environment. Representatives of the indigenous people of Yugra, through rituals, told about the philosophy of their peoples, living in harmony with the environment and maintaining the natural balance.

    Folk craftsmen held various master classes on national decorative and applied arts. Festival guests learned how to make amulets from natural materials, the traditional Khanty doll akan, and jewelry using ornamental patterns.

    A separate area hosted ethnosports events of indigenous peoples, which originate from the traditional way of life of reindeer herders and are an integral part of the unique culture of the Khanty and Mansi. Guests took part in northern all-round competitions, which included jumping over sleds, archery, and pulling a stick on a reindeer skin.

    Artistic numbers were performed on the concert stage, and in the guest tent visitors were treated to national cuisine. The ethnofestival ended with a large-scale round dance of friendship of peoples.

    Reference:

    Samotlorneftegaz is one of the key production enterprises of Rosneft, leading the development of the largest Samotlor field in Russia, which is located in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.

    Samotlorneftegaz systematically implements the principles of supporting the national communities of the Khanty and Mansi. With the assistance of the enterprise, a unique digital project is being implemented in the district to provide ancestral lands with cellular communications and the Internet. At the moment, it has covered 3,650 people living in 177 territories of traditional nature management.

    The regional digital educational platform “Camp School-Garden” is being developed on the basis of the IT project. Currently, there are six camp schools-gardens operating in Yugra.

    Also, with the support of Samotlorneftegaz, scientific and practical conferences are held with the participation of representatives of the indigenous peoples of the North, competitions of professional skills among reindeer herders, and competitions in national sports.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 15, 2024

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220917/

    MIL OSI Russia News –