NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, the premiere of Tatyana Navka’s ice show “The Love Story of Scheherazade” will take place in India

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    With the support of Rosneft, the international premiere of Tatyana Navka’s ice show “The Love Story of Scheherazade” will take place in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) on Friday, October 18. The ice show will be held in India for the first time.

    Musical performances based on the Arabian Nights collection of tales and short stories will be held at the EKA ARENA sports stadium for three days, until Sunday, October 20. An ice rink has been installed at the stadium especially for the show, using more than 100 tons of real ice.

    The plot of the ice show “The Love Story of Scheherazade” is written based on the famous Arabian fairy tales and the novels “A Thousand and One Nights” and represents several Eastern cultures at once: India, Egypt, Ancient Babylon and Persia. The history and traditions of each region are intertwined in the production with modern technical solutions and unique special effects.

    The performance will feature stars of world figure skating, multiple champions of Russia, Europe and the world, Olympic champions, including the author of the idea, director and general producer of the project Tatyana Navka, as well as Victoria Sinitsina, Nikita Katsalapov, Povilas Vanagas, Ivan Righini, Egor Murashov and other famous figure skaters.

    Rosneft actively supports significant cultural projects and contributes to the development of cultural ties between Russia and other countries. Thanks to the Company, large-scale projects aimed at reviving spiritual and national values are being implemented. Among such projects are support for the Sretensky Monastery Choir, the State Hermitage Museum, the White Steamship project, and much more. Earlier, with the participation of Rosneft, Tatyana Navka’s ice show Evenings on a Farm based on the works of N.V. Gogol was shown in Moscow.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 18, 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/220928/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Who is Tundu Lissu? Tanzania’s opposition leader is fighting for change in the face of fresh attacks on political freedoms

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nicodemus Minde, Researcher, United States International University

    Tundu Lissu has become the face of opposition in Tanzania following his defiant and unrelenting criticism of the government. Since he came into the national limelight in 1995 when running for a parliamentary seat, Lissu has been a champion of democracy and human rights. He has taken on the ruling elite, exposing corruption and demanding accountability. This almost cost him his life in 2017.

    In September 2024, new evidence presented at a London tribunal revealed that the telecommunications company Tigo had shared Lissu’s mobile phone data – including his location – with the Tanzanian government. The implication was that the company was assisting the government in its harassment of the politician. Tigo’s owners have distanced themselves from these reports.

    The revelations coincided with a resurgence in government crackdowns on opposition figures.

    In the most recent developments, leaders of the country’s main opposition party Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo) – including Lissu, who is the party’s vice-chairperson, and chairman Freeman Mbowe – were arrested in September 2024. This followed their attempt to organise mass protests, which were foiled by the police. The protests had been organised to demand government accountability after the killing of a senior Chadema official and the disappearance of other party members believed to have been abducted by state operatives.

    I have studied Tanzania’s political party dynamics for a decade and interviewed Lissu as part of my PhD research on the country’s democracy. Lissu’s persistence in tackling democratic backsliding in Tanzania has made him a formidable force, challenging the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.

    Lissu spent about three years in exile in Belgium after the 2017 shooting. He staged a comeback as a presidential candidate in the 2020 elections. He lost to John Magufuli in a poll marred by violence and allegations of rigging.

    There have been changes in the country since Magufuli’s death in March 2021 and a string of political reforms under President Samia Suluhu. This has created the space for Lissu and his party Chadema to establish an opposition that now threatens the ruling party’s six-decade hold on power. Presidential elections are due to be held in 2025.

    So who is Lissu? What’s his history and how did he became involved in politics?

    Early years

    Lissu’s political activism began during his university years in the early 1990s. This marked the start of a career that would later shape Tanzania’s political landscape. Lissu studied law at the University of Dar es Salaam before going to the UK for a master’s degree in law.

    His first foray into national politics came in 1995, when he vied for a parliamentary seat. He was 27. The election was Tanzania’s first under a multiparty system. It introduced Lissu to the arena of opposition politics following his defeat.

    A year later, Lissu was one of the lead investigative lawyers for a public interest environmental law organisation investigating abuses and irregularities at a World Bank-backed gold mine in northern Tanzania. His early work focused on environmental and human rights.

    Lissu and his colleague Rugemeleza Nshala were investigating the killing of 62 small-scale miners and the evictions of thousands at the mine in 1996. They were charged with sedition over these investigations. The government eventually stopped following up on the case.

    Lissu thereafter worked on community land rights at the World Resources Institute, a global organisation focusing on policy research.

    Parliamentary years

    In 2010, Lissu won the parliamentary seat for Singida East under the opposition party Chadema. As a first-term member of parliament, he gained prominence by exposing significant state corruption scandals, particularly in the energy sector.

    Lissu and other Chadema opposition figures became a formidable force, openly naming corrupt government officials and exposing grand theft.

    They also began making calls for constitutional reform. These were aimed at addressing excessive presidential powers and the power imbalances of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. This push culminated in then president Jakaya Kikwete initiating a constitutional review process in 2010.

    Lissu’s legal acumen played out in the constituent assembly, the body convened to deliberate on constitutional reforms. However, the assembly, dominated by members of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi, rejected many of the key provisions of the draft constitution. It had been widely regarded as the “people’s draft” because it included citizen participation. Its key provisions included reduced presidential powers and the establishment of independent state institutions.

    The process was to culminate in a referendum in 2014. This prematurely aborted and Tanzania went into the 2015 election without a new constitution.

    In these elections, Lissu successfully defended his parliamentary seat. As a second-term legislator, he focused on strengthening Chadema’s presence. This included door-to-door conversations with the public and grassroots mobilisation to build the party.

    The party’s momentum, however, was halted by a repressive regime under Magufuli, who became president in 2015. He cracked down on critics and instituted a partial ban on political rallies.

    Lissu became very critical of Magufuli’s economic policies. In a public address in 2017, Magufuli admitted to the government’s tapping of Lissu’s phone and described those who opposed his own economic reforms as traitors. Soon after this, Lissu was shot 16 times after leaving parliament buildings in the capital, Dodoma.

    Exile

    Lissu officially went into exile in Belgium after the shooting. In 2020, he published Remaining in the Shadows: Parliament and Accountability in East Africa, a critical examination of the presidentialist systems in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, which he argued had undermined democratic consolidation in the region.

    Through this publication, Lissu continued his activism, challenging political structures.

    His brief return to Tanzania to contest the presidency in 2020 was marked by repeated arrests and intimidation during the electoral campaign. After his loss to Magufuli, Lissu went back to Belgium.

    He announced his return home in 2023.

    Tanzania today

    It’s important to understand why Lissu and Chadema are viewed as a current threat in Tanzania.

    The country is entering an election period. Local government elections are scheduled for November 2024 ahead of general elections in 2025.

    The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, has in the recent past relied on state violence to secure electoral victories. The last general election in 2020 was marred by violence, as well as intimidation of the opposition and censorship.

    It looks likely that Chadema will once again nominate Lissu to contest the presidency in the 2025 general election against president Samia. Lissu’s fearlessness and defiance make him the best candidate to take on the ruling party. Samia has already described Lissu as a troublesome character.

    With the ongoing opposition clampdown, it looks clear that the ruling party is once again willing to do whatever it will take to hold on to power. Even if Tanzania’s democracy suffers.

    – Who is Tundu Lissu? Tanzania’s opposition leader is fighting for change in the face of fresh attacks on political freedoms
    – https://theconversation.com/who-is-tundu-lissu-tanzanias-opposition-leader-is-fighting-for-change-in-the-face-of-fresh-attacks-on-political-freedoms-240821

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Investing in nature

    Source: European Investment Bank

    To scale up nature-positive investment, we need to do four things. First, build more effective public-private partnerships. Between countries and public development banks, as well as with nature organisations, companies and private-sector financial institutions. This would help de-risk investments, prepare projects, and deliver impact at scale for climate, nature, and inclusive economic development. Second, revive and mainstream regenerative practices and stewardship of biodiversity, particularly in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors. Third, common principles, standards and disclosure mechanisms to track nature-positive finance and its impact, and to disclose more information on the nature-related impact, dependencies and risk exposure of companies and financial institutions. Finally, to take nature into consideration in all policies and investment decisions, to reorientate and decrease the flow of financing to activities harmful to nature.

    Multilateral development banks will play a key role in scaling up green investments. Institutions like the European Investment Bank are already stepping up support for the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of nature with the launch of common principles for tracking nature-positive finance. Such information is essential for measuring and incorporating nature into multilateral lenders’ operations, as well as informing other investors about what constitutes a nature-positive investment. Partnerships and joint efforts to put these principles into practice are ongoing.

    At the European level, the EIB is working closely with the European Commission to support the implementation of the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy worldwide. We strive to ensure that all the projects we finance cause “no loss” of biodiversity, and we are factoring biodiversity and ecosystem considerations into all our activities.

    Moreover, because one of the biggest challenges in scaling up nature-positive investments lies in structuring projects, we are providing advisory services to help nature-restoration and biodiversity initiatives get off the ground. In Morocco, the EIB advised and lent €100 million ($109 million) to preserve and restore more than 600,000 hectares of forest. In Ivory Coast, we are gearing up to support sustainable cocoa farming in which forests are preserved, rather than cut down. And to support marine conservation, we are working with partner institutions on the very successful Clean Oceans Initiative, which is ahead of schedule in providing €4 billion for projects to limit plastic waste.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ITUWTSA 2024 Champions Gender Equality in Telecommunication Standards with Historic Milestone in Women’s Leadership Participation

    Source: Government of India

    ITUWTSA 2024 Champions Gender Equality in Telecommunication Standards with Historic Milestone in Women’s Leadership Participation

    Witnessed highest ever female participation in the history of ITUWTSA events, marking a significant step toward gender-balanced delegations and leadership roles

    Boosting women’s participation in standards development is not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that women’s voices are heard, empowering future leaders, and fostering inclusion: Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the ITU

    Posted On: 18 OCT 2024 11:44AM by PIB Delhi

    The ITU-WTSA 24 which is being held in Delhi in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, saw a landmark event yesterday, focused on promoting gender diversity in the field of telecommunication standardization. The special event, The Network of Womenin Standards (NoW), led by the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T), underscored the commitment to advancing women’s leadership roles in STEM and standardisation.This topic is particularly significant for India as the government is implementing various measures to create an inclusive technology sector and empower women through technology platforms, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who advocates for women-led development. India is making progress in this area, with an increasing number of women co-founders in startups and over 40% of participants in STEM education being women. Initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi, Bank Sakhi, and Mahila E-Haat are empowering women to take on leadership roles in technology.

     

    The Network of Women (NoW) in ITU-T, aligned with WTSA Resolution 55 (Rev. Geneva, 2022), is dedicated to fostering active female participation in standardization activities and ensuring a gender-inclusive approach across all ITU-T processes. This initiative is critical as the global push for digital inclusion accelerates, with women playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.

     

    In her opening remarks, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the ITU, emphasized the importance of addressing gender imbalances in the field. She stated, “We can, and we must, increase the number of women in leadership roles, especially in our standards study groups. It’s crucial for women to step up, take the floor, and make their voices heard. This is what the Network of Women stands for—creating an environment where women feel empowered and supported. Mentorship plays a vital role in this transformation. It’s through mentoring, creating opportunities, and sharing our knowledge that we can truly progress. If there is no seat at the table, we must bring our own chair—and bring one more for those who will follow. Let’s continue pushing forward, lifting each other up, and ensuring that the digital future is shaped by all of humanity. Together, we can and will make real progress toward digital inclusion.”

    Dr. Rim Belhassine-Cherif, Chair of NoW, ITU-T, and Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer responsible for Digital Transformation at Tunisie Télécom, highlighted the progress made in achieving gender balance at ITU-WTSA 2024. She noted, “One of the key objectives of ITU-WTSA 2024 was to promote gender-balanced delegations and increase the number of women in leadership roles, particularly as heads of delegations. Through various initiatives such as panel discussions, training sessions, tutorials, and the support of regional preparatory groups, we have achieved the highest-ever participation rate of women in ITU-WTSAhistory.”

    The increasing involvement of women in ICT standardization is crucial as disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerge. Women’s contributions can help ensure the development of inclusive, equitable, and sustainable standards that will drive technological progress for the benefit of all humanity.

    The event featured a dynamic fireside chat, moderated by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, with Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, Minister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, Burkina Faso, and Neha Satak, Founder & CEO of Astrome. The discussion focused on closing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and in standardization. Panelists stressed the importance of a supportive environment and early capacity building to encourage more girls to pursue careers in tech.

    Expert panelists examined and discussed the challenges surrounding gender equality in AI and shed light on incentives and opportunities for technical standards to support inclusive AI during panel discussion on “Standards for inclusive AI”.  Also discussed were the ways to explore how standards could help address gender bias and ensure an equitable future. The session was  moderated by Ms Susan Ferguson, UN Women India Representative and panelists were Prof Sandra Maximiano, Chair of the Board, Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (Portugal’s national regulatory authority for the communications sector), Mr Vishnu Ram, AI expert, Vice Chair of ITU Focus Group on Autonomous Networks, Dr Alessandra Sala, Sr. Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Shutterstock, Global President of Women in AI, Dr Ebtesam Almazrouei, Founder and CEO of AIE3, Expert AI Executive and Tech Visionary Leader and MsPico Velazquez, founder & CEO at VIIRA, Computational Architect & Multiverse Thought Leader.

    The session also recognised the leading women in ITU Standardisation. Mr. Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau and Ms. Madhu Arora, Member, Technology/Digital Communication Commission, Department of Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications, Government of India felicitated Dr. Rim Belhassine-Cherif, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, TunisieTélécom, Tunisia; Dr. Hyoung Jun Kim, Vice Chair, NoW, Chair of ITU-T;Ms. Rebecca MukiteNoW in ITU-T Regional Representatives, Africa; Ms. Tania Villa, Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT), Mexico; Ms Basma Tawfik, International Organizations Manager National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Egypt​; Ms Miho Naganuma, TSAG Vice Chair, Senior Executive professional, NEC Corporation, Japan; Ms Maria Bolshakova, Acting Deputy Director General, Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications (RCC), Russia; Ms Izabela Iglewska, Minister Advisor, Ministry of Digital Affairs, Poland; Additionally, member states from Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Ghana and Europe were also felicitated for their high female participation rates in delegations.

     

    ITU-WTSA 2024 continues to drive pivotal conversations on gender equality in telecommunications, addressing both statistical and stereotypical biases, mitigating biases, and promoting active participation of women in the telecom and tech sector.

    WTSA 2024, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serves as a platform for the development and implementation of global telecommunications standards, uniting regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to shape the future of communications worldwide.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Mozambique: Stop shooting at peaceful political rallies amid disputed election results 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to reports that police in Mozambique’s Nampula city fired at and detained supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane at a rally following disputed national elections, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farise, said: 

    “Regardless of who wins the election, Mozambican police must respect people’s right to peaceful assembly. Shooting live bullets at a peaceful political rally and arbitrarily detaining opposition supporters is a gross violation of both Mozambican and international human rights law. 

    Shooting live bullets at a peaceful political rally and arbitrarily detaining opposition supporters is a gross violation of both Mozambican and international human rights law.

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

    “If people of any political views continue to hold peaceful rallies during and after the vote counting, police must uphold their obligation to ensure the safety of all those present.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at the BRICS University Rectors Forum

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The BRICS University Rectors’ Forum has started at Moscow State University. It is attended by 250 heads and representatives of universities from 20 countries – all BRICS countries (Russia, Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and South Africa), as well as Belarus, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Palestine and Sudan.

    It is important for us to work together to prepare new generations of personnel who are capable of not only achieving outstanding scientific results, but also increasingly feeling their responsibility for the future of science and humanity. The modern university community, as we see it, is open to equal, mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation, to mutual enrichment with the experience of developing universities in different countries, – the President of the Russian Union of Rectors, Rector of Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichy greeted the participants.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky emphasized: Education and science are becoming the most important tools for finding joint answers to global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and global pandemics. It is thanks to the unification of the BRICS countries that we can implement practical initiatives of mutual interest.

    In his welcoming speech, the Vice Minister of Education of Brazil, Alexandre Brasil Carvalho da Fonseca, noted: The internationalization of education is a global perspective, and we aim to involve all BRICS countries in this process. We understand that the experience of all participants is a valuable resource for creating structures aimed at the internationalization of our activities. Our goal is to ensure access to higher education for Brazilians of different social classes, regardless of their status. We are confident that this cooperation will contribute to the improvement of research activities in universities and the improvement of the quality of life of the population within the BRICS.

    Welcoming speeches on the importance of inter-university cooperation were delivered by the Rector of Ain Shams University Saleh Hasem Mustafa Abdelrazek from Egypt, the Rector of the University of Sharjah Hamid Midwil Al-Naimi from the UAE and the President of the Association of Arab Universities Amr Ezzat Salama.

    Special Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy noted that the mechanism of regular dialogue at the level of ministers of education and enlightenment, ministers of science, technology and innovation, heads of academies of sciences of the BRICS countries is currently functioning effectively. Interaction is ongoing through the alliance of cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training.

    We are confident that this event, unprecedented in its scale and nature, will open a new chapter in the development of scientific and educational cooperation in BRICS, which will be supplemented by creative innovative solutions and joint achievements, he added.

    Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladislav Panchenko emphasized the importance of the BRICS association: Cooperation between the academies of sciences and universities of the BRICS countries opens up enormous prospects for us. The exchange of young scientists and students allows us not only to solve modern scientific and social problems, but also to achieve significant success within the framework of our association. We pay great attention to this process, discussing the importance of the inextricable link between science and education, which was emphasized at the recent meeting of the heads of the academies of sciences of the BRICS countries in Moscow, timed to coincide with the three hundredth anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    The Polytechnic delegation at the forum was headed by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev. The busy program between business sessions included negotiations with partner universities and national associations. Following the forum, agreements were signed with leading universities of the BRICS countries – Indore Institute of Technology (India), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, State University of Campinas, State University of Sao Paulo “Julio de Mesquita Filho” (Brazil), Isfahan University of Technology (Iran), Gomel State Technical University named after P. O. Sukhoi (Belarus).

    We see significant interest from Brazil, India, and the Arab world in establishing strong long-term relations with Russia. It is gratifying that the Polytechnic University is known in these countries. This means that we are pursuing the right policy of forming our international reputation and promoting the university on the world stage. The agreements reached today create space for opportunities and development potential for us in the BRICS countries, – commented Dmitry Arsenyev.

    Print version

    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.

    https://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/international_activize/polytech-at-the-forum-of-university-rectors-of-Brix-countries/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Successful event gives Derby pensioners crucial information

    Source: City of Derby

    Our recent Pensioner Advice Event saw a fantastic turnout from pensioners and their families. Held on Friday 4 October, the event was part of the council’s broader initiative to help pensioners manage the challenges of rising living costs this winter.

    Pensioners that attended received expert advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including Pension Credit applications, Winter Fuel Payment information, public transportation resources and much more.

    Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities, and Communities, said:

    We know pensioners across Derby are feeling the strain from rising costs, and it was wonderful to meet so many residents of Derby, taking advantage of this event. This is just one of the many initiatives we’ve introduced to ensure that our older residents receive the support they need. Whether it’s help with pension credit or energy savings, we are committed to helping them navigate these challenging times.”

    For those who were unable to attend, further information is available on our website or Community Action Derby’s cost of living webpage. 

    There will be further cost of living support events happening over the coming weeks across the city.

    These include:

    • Mackworth – Thursday 24 October, 10am-12 noon, St Francis Church, Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, DE22 4FN
    • New Zealand – Friday 25 October, 10am-12 noon, Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre, Stepping Lane, Derby DE1 1GL
    • Chaddesden – Friday 1st November, 10am-12 noon, Age UK Building, Chaddesden Park, Chaddesden, DE21 6LN (There is free parking in the main car park off Maine Drive, Chaddesden)
    • Sinfin – Monday 4 November, 10am-12 noon, Sinfin Moor Church, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 3DH
    • Osmaston – Monday 10 December, 10am-12 noon, Moorways Sports Village, Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HY

    Earlier this month, we also confirmed that the Council would be receiving a £2.225m grant from the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) following the Governments recent announcement that the Household Support Funding would be extended for a further six months, running from 1st October 2024 to 31st March 2025.

    A recent audit by the DWP identified how the Council has previously implemented the fund, stating:

    Derby City Council exemplifies how a well-coordinated and empathetic approach can make a different in a community.  Their strategic use of the Household Support Fund, focussing on both immediate and long-term solutions, services as a model for addressing poverty and deprivation.  Through collaboration with community partners and unwavering commitment to improvement, the team are making a positive and lasting impact on the community.”

    To learn more and stay up to date with the Household Support Fund, visit our website.

    We have recently had a reports of a scam SMS text message received by residents in Derby. The message advised that the resident was eligible for £900 from HSF if they clicked on a link and paid £1 for their bank details for monies to be paid. This is a scam. If you have received this text or have a similar message you are worried is part of a scam, please visit our scam webpage to learn more about how to report it.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – Rigathi Gachagua removed from office: Minister of the Interior appointed new Deputy President

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – The Kenyan Minister of the Interior, Kithure Kindiki, was appointed Deputy President of Kenya today, October 18, replacing Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed from office yesterday, October 17, by the Senate after a vote to impeach him (see Fides, 8/10/2024). The appointment was announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Moses Wetang’ula. Gachagua was accused of 11 counts, including the illicit accumulation of wealth of around 36 million. Last night, the required two-thirds majority of the 67 senators confirmed five charges, including inciting ethnic division and violating the oath of office. This is more than enough to remove him from office and bar him from holding public office for life. The former vice president had promised to defend himself to the end and prove his innocence, but was unable to do so, as he was hospitalized with suspected heart attack and severe chest pains. President Ruto and his deputy Gachagua were elected together two years ago. Gachagua brought Ruto support in Mount Kenya, the bastion of the Kikuyu population, which forms the largest electoral bloc in Kenya. It is no coincidence that the successor chosen by President Ruto, Kithure Kindiki, also comes from the Mount Kenya region. It was against such ethnic motivations to consolidate political power that the young people who have taken to the streets in recent months had protested. They demand the overcoming of outdated structures and solutions to the real problems of Kenyans: the lack of jobs, the economic crisis and the high cost of living (see Fides, 26/6/2024). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 18/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGER – Cereals and pulses export ban: exceptions apply to Mali and Burkina Faso

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Niamey (Agenzia Fides) – The military junta in Niger has banned the export of pulses and cereals, except for those to countries belonging to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which brings together Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso).This was announced on October 16 by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the military junta National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland (CNSP), who explained that the export of rice, millet, sorghum, niébé (“cowpea”) and corn will be banned. The measure was taken to “protect the supply of the domestic market” and “make these agricultural products accessible on the markets”. The statement specifies that “the ban does not apply to exports to the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), namely Burkina Faso and Mali”.The government also says it is considering appropriate support measures so that producers receive fair remuneration for their production. Niger is struggling with the consequences of the severe floods that have devastated several areas of the country since June, claiming at least 330 lives. In an attempt to promote the reconstruction of the country, the government has also reduced the cost of cement. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 18/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: During the American Revolution, Brits weren’t just facing off against white Protestant Christians − US patriots are diverse and have been since Day 1

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Adam Jortner, Goodwin Philpott Eminent Professor of Religion, Auburn University

    A detail from the Washington Monument in Philadelphia, sculpted by Rudolf Siemering. PHAS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    In 1770, Barnard Gratz of Philadelphia wrote to a friend complaining about a recent speech by King George III. Gratz, an American patriot, wrote that the speech “was such narishkeit” that it was “not worth the postage.”

    Narishkeit is Yiddish for “nonsense.”

    Gratz was one of hundreds of Jews who joined the American Revolution as soldiers and leaders: Gershom Seixas led his synagogue out of New York when the British invaded and led what was probably the first Jewish prayer group in Connecticut. Solomon Bush earned the rank of lieutenant colonel in the American army; at the time, no Jew in Europe could serve as a military officer. At the battle of Beaufort, one of the patriot militias was nicknamed “the Jew Company” because 28 of its 40 members were Jewish.

    Yet belief persists that the American Revolution was somehow a Christian event – and that the country it created is therefore a Christian nation. This is a position usually defended with vague statements about what the Founding Fathers wanted. The general idea is that back in the day, everyone was Christian and so, of course, the founding was Christian. Yet neither the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution refer to a “Christian nation” or a church. They don’t even mention Jesus Christ.

    Gershom Mendes Seixas, painted around 1784.
    Secret Egypt/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    But as a historian, I didn’t want to get caught up in these kinds of arguments. I wanted to know something about the people who actually did the fighting in the war.

    What I discovered is that when it came to fighting Britain, there were plenty of Jewish patriots signing up. America’s revolutionaries were not a uniform bunch of Christian white guys. The Revolution was a religiously diverse place, from Jews and religious skeptics to Catholics and Christian dissenters. And that matters for how the U.S. defines itself and its freedom today.

    Jews join the cause

    When the war started in 1775, the roughly 2,500 Jews in the Colonies did not have religious freedom. British law allowed them to practice, but they were classified as “residents” rather than subjects. They could live there, but they had no say in the laws under which they lived. For the most part, only property-owning Protestant men could elect or be elected to their legislature. Jews were simply not considered people the way Protestant Christians were.

    So when the break with Britain arrived, American Jews flocked to the standard of liberty. Here at last was a chance to become citizens.

    Under British rule, anyone who exercised political authority had to take an oath affirming their Christian faith. The pro-independence groups and militias that sprung up amid the war had no such rules. Mordecai Sheftall, who lived in Georgia, was one of the few people there who had pledged to resist the Coercive Acts: Britain’s efforts to blockade Boston and place Massachusetts under military rule after the Boston Tea Party. When the war broke out, Sheftall became chairman of Georgia’s de facto government, in defiance of British rule.

    Jewish residents took up arms for independence, too. A South Carolina writer praised American Jews fighting for liberty, saying they were “as staunch as any other citizens of this state.” One signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Rush, believed “the Jews in all the states” were patriots. So did royalist Gov. James Wright of Georgia. When the British seized Savannah, Wright banned Jews from the province, calling them “violent rebels and persecutors of the King’s loyal subjects.”

    When the war ended, Philadelphia hosted a parade and all the clergy of the city were invited, including Jewish leaders. There was even a kosher table set out for them after the celebration.

    ‘Second-status’ Christians

    Nor were Jews the only marginalized group to join the cause. Roman Catholics also signed up. Like Jews, Catholics were barred under the British from serving in public office. As a Catholic, Charles Carroll could not have served in the royal government of Maryland, but he went on to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

    Charles Carroll, painted in the 1760s by Joshua Reynolds.
    Yale Center for British Art via Wikimedia Commons

    The Baptists of Virginia were also held in second-class status. The Colony’s state church did not recognize the Baptists, and they had to pay fines for preaching and even for holding Baptist weddings without state sanction. Virginia Baptists promised their support to the Revolution only if Virginia would offer them religious freedom. The Virginia Legislature complained but suspended its state church to build whatever support it could find. Virginia Baptists joined the fight in droves.

    Baptists, Catholics and Jews were not put off by any of the Revolution’s radical deists: a mostly unorganized group of religious thinkers who believed in God and reason, but not revelation or miracles. Their ranks included military officer Ethan Allen of Vermont, who later wrote a book denying the divinity of the Bible. The Revolution did not ask its members how they prayed.

    The urge for liberty spread beyond questions of religious differences. Although George Washington did not originally want to enlist Black men in the army, he realized the Revolution was doomed without them, and thousands of Black Americans joined the cause in the hope that liberty would mean the end of slavery. Women such as Deborah Sampson wore men’s clothing to take up arms against the British. The revolutionaries even had a Muslim ally in the form of Hyder Ali and his armies. The Muslim ruler of the kingdom of Mysore, in southern India, Ali fought with France against Britain in the 1780s, and American revolutionaries named a ship after him.

    Retired Marine Corps Col. Jonathan de Sola Mendes commemorates members of Shearith Israel, the congregation led by Gershom Seixas, who served in the American Revolution.
    Akiva123/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Here from the start

    In recent years, violence and anger have risen against minority groups, including Jewish and Muslim Americans. Part of the false rhetoric about these groups has been that they are “new”: that they appeared after America was created and are not really part of the American experiment. In fact, they were here from the beginning. They also fought for the Revolution. Their patriotism is as old as anyone else’s.

    Not only were the people who founded the nation not all Christian, but after independence was secured, religious freedom actually increased.

    States with synagogues all lost the Christian requirement for public office by 1792. Virginia created full religious freedom in 1786. And Washington wrote, “It is our boast, that a man’s religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining and holding the highest offices that are known in the United States.”

    Calls for a Christian nation are historically false. They are not a reversion to something old; they are something new. Religious diversity in America, and the freedom of different religions to be full Americans? That’s old. As old as the Revolution.

    Adam Jortner does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. During the American Revolution, Brits weren’t just facing off against white Protestant Christians − US patriots are diverse and have been since Day 1 – https://theconversation.com/during-the-american-revolution-brits-werent-just-facing-off-against-white-protestant-christians-us-patriots-are-diverse-and-have-been-since-day-1-238482

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What the history of blasphemy laws in the US and the fight for religious freedom can teach us today

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kristina M. Lee, Assistant Professor, University of South Dakota

    U.S. blasphemy laws reflect a complex fight for the freedom of religion and speech Getty Images

    Some 79 countries around the world continue to enforce blasphemy laws. And in places such as Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, violation of these measures can result in a death penalty.

    While the U.S. is not among those countries, it also has a long history of blasphemy laws. Many of the U.S. colonies established blasphemy laws, which became state laws. The U.S. Supreme Court did not rule that blasphemy was a form of protected speech until 1952. Even then, it has not always been protected.

    As a scholar of religious and political rhetoric, I believe the history of U.S. blasphemy laws reflects a complex fight for the freedom of religion and speech.

    Early US blasphemy laws

    U.S. colonies often developed legal protections for Christians to practice their religion. These safeguards often did not extend to non-Christians.

    Maryland’s Toleration Act of 1649, for example, was the first Colonial act to refer to the “free exercise” of religion and was designed to protect Christians from religious persecution from state officials. It did not, however, extend that “free exercise” of religion to non-Christians, instead declaring that anyone who blasphemes against God by cursing him or denying the existence of Jesus can be punished by death or the forfeiture of their lands to the state.

    In 1811, the U.S. witnessed one of its most infamous blasphemy trials, People v. Ruggles, at the New York Supreme Court. New York resident John Ruggles received a three-month prison sentence and a US$500 fine — about $12,000 in today’s money — for stating in public that “Jesus Christ was a bastard, and his mother must be a whore.”

    Chief Justice James Kent argued that people have freedom of religious opinion, but opinions that were malicious toward the majority stance of Christianity were an abuse of that right. He claimed similar attacks on other religions, such as Islam and Buddhism, would not be punishable by law, because “we are a Christian people” whose country does not draw on the doctrines of “those imposters.”

    Several years later, in 1824, a member of a debating society was convicted of blasphemy by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court after saying during a debate: “The Holy Scriptures were a mere fable, that they were a contradiction, and that although they contained a number of good things, yet they contained a great many lies.” In this case — Updegraph v. Commonwealth — the court argued that it was a “vulgarly shocking and insulting” statement that reflected “the highest offence” against public morals and was a disturbance to “public peace.”

    By the end of the 19th century, a prominent free thought movement that rejected religion as a guide for reason had begun to emerge. Movement leaders embraced the public critiquing of Christianity and challenged laws that favored Christians, such as blasphemy laws and mandatory Bible readings in public schools.

    Unsurprisingly, as historian Leigh Eric Schmidt has noted, speakers and writers in the movement regularly faced threats of blasphemy charges.

    By this time, however, even in cases where freethinkers were convicted of blasphemy, judges appeared to offer leniency.

    In 1887, C.B. Reynolds, an ex-preacher who became a prominent free thought speaker, was convicted of blasphemy in New Jersey after he publicly doubted the existence of God. He faced a $200 fine and up to a year in prison. The judge, however, only fined Reynolds $25, plus court costs.

    While it is unclear why Reynolds was offered leniency, historian Leonard Levy suggests that it may have been to avoid making Reynolds a martyr of the free thought movement by imprisoning him.

    Protecting blaspheme as free speech

    Growing calls for religious equality and freedom of speech increasingly swayed blasphemy cases in the 1900s.

    In 1917, for example, Michael X. Mockus, who had previously been convicted of blasphemy in Connecticut for his free thought lectures, was acquitted in a similar case in Illinois.

    While expressing dislike for blasphemy, Judge Perry L. Persons argued that the court’s job is not to determine which religion is right. He said “the Protestant, Catholic, Mormon, Mahammedan, the Jew, the Freethinker, the Atheist” must “all stand equal before the law.”

    Then, in 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court heard the case of Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson after New York rescinded the license for the film “The Miracle.” The film was deemed sacrilegious because of its supposed mockery of the Catholic faith.

    The high court ruled that states could not ban sacrilegious films. That would be a violation of the separation of church and state, it ruled, and an unconstitutional restriction on freedom of religion and speech.

    Even after the Supreme Court decision, Americans continued to occasionally face blasphemy charges. But courts shot the charges down.

    In 1968, when Irving West, a 20-year-old veteran, told a policeman to “Get your goddam hands off me” after getting in a fight, he was charged with disorderly conduct and violating Maryland’s blasphemy law. When West appealed, a circuit court judge ruled the law was an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment.

    Despite these rulings, in 1977, Pennsylvania enacted a blasphemy statute banning businesses from having blasphemous names after a local businessman tried to name his gun store “The God Damn Gun Shop.” It was not until 2010 that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court deemed this statute unconstitutional.

    The decision followed a case in which the owner of a film production company sued the state after his request to register his company under the name “I Choose Hell Productions, LLC” was denied on the grounds that it was blasphemous. Citing the 1952 Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson case, the judge ruled that the statute was a violation of First Amendment rights.

    A sign of democratic freedom

    As historian David Sehat highlights in his book “The Myth of American Religious Freedom”, since America was founded there have been strong disagreements over what religious freedom should look like. Blasphemy laws have been a key part of this clash.

    Historically, many Americans have viewed the laws as justifiable. Some believed Christianity deserved special protection and reverence. Others, including some Founding Fathers such as John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, have viewed the same laws as unconstitutional restrictions of free speech and religious expression.

    There has recently been growing attention to the rise of Christian nationalism, the belief that the United States is or should be a Christian nation. Amid this rise, there have been attacks on free speech, such as the increase in book bans and restrictions on public protests. I believe it’s important that we, as Americans, learn from this history of the fight for the freedom of religion and speech.

    Kristina M. Lee is a board member for the Secular Student Alliance

    – ref. What the history of blasphemy laws in the US and the fight for religious freedom can teach us today – https://theconversation.com/what-the-history-of-blasphemy-laws-in-the-us-and-the-fight-for-religious-freedom-can-teach-us-today-238173

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Four challenges to reaching remote communities in Nigeria

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Come rain or shine, Patrick A. Njok, has been ensuring patients in need of essential medical care get to the hospital in time for two years as a driver with Médecins Sans Frontières. Patrick manoeuvres across remote and rural terrain in the Cross River region of southern Nigeria, an area where many communities, including an estimated 15,000 refugees from Cameroon, do not have clean water or phone service.

    “I’m a driver by profession and I love the job. The primary aspect of my job is to drive emergency patients from the MSF facility to the referral hospital.”

    While people can receive basic healthcare at MSF’s facilities in the area, more serious cases need to be referred to hospitals in the area. That is where Patrick comes in, bringing patients to hospital no matter the obstacles on the road. He shares four challenges he often overcomes on his journeys.

    1. Fallen trees

    When rainy season comes, there are windstorms, and these knock down the trees. It can happen suddenly, even when you are already out on the road. The rain can come at any time.

    If you don’t take a machete, a cutlass, or a chainsaw with you, you can end up getting blocked by the fallen trees until the villagers can help you remove them. This can seriously delay patients getting to hospitals, which can have potentially life-threatening consequences.

    An MSF truck drives through mud carrying staff to the healthcare facility we are supporting at Old Ndebeji and Akor communities in Akamkpa local government areas of Cross River. Nigeria, April 2024.

    2. Muddy roads

    From May to October, when it is raining very heavily, the soil texture is very difficult to drive on. Hilly, muddy and slippery. I know some of my colleagues who have spent almost half of the day trying to dig out the car when we get stuck.

    Even the off-road vehicles we use sometimes struggle in the mud and you become stuck, wheels spinning but not moving anywhere! We have to make sure all cars come with all-terrain tires and an electrical winch so that the driver can get himself out.

    A side view of a broken bridge at Oban community in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River state. People from the community are using bags of sand and wood to temporarily fix the road so that motorists can pass. Nigeria, April 2024.

    3. Broken bridges

    Just today, two bridges have collapsed. These bridges were constructed in 1973, when I was still in primary school. To this date, those bridges are still the same ones we are driving over now.

    These are simple wooden bridges, and you have vehicles that are crossing with a load of more than 30 tonnes. Sometimes when we drive over these delicate bridges, all the passengers have to get out and walk across to reduce weight.”

    An MSF truck crosses a wooden bridge without passengers inside to reduce weight. Nigeria, April 2024.

    4. High cost of transportation

    In the rainy season, the price of taxis and transportation goes up. It can be around four times more. If people don’t come to the clinic, then we cannot refer them, and I cannot drive them to other hospitals.

    Drivers are often the number one advertiser for MSF, the vehicle is the first thing people see. I would encourage people to go to the MSF clinic. If you are sick, you come to the facility and MSF will treat you.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: On Mogadishu visit, top official reaffirms UN support for Somalia

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Wrapping up a two-day visit to Somalia, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, today reaffirmed the world body’s support for the country’s peace- and state-building.

    “The UN has been a longstanding partner to Somalia and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Somali government and its people,” Ms. DiCarlo said.

    “Together, we aim to build on the commendable achievements and priorities agreed upon to address key development challenges facing the country – we stand ready to work alongside the Federal Government of Somalia to accomplish this,” she added.

    While in the Somali capital, Ms. DiCarlo met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior members of his team for wide-ranging discussions, in addition to meeting with representatives of civil society.

    In her meeting with the President, Ms. DiCarlo noted Somalia’s many achievements in the past year, including debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, the accession to the East African Community, and the lifting of the arms embargo.

    Looking forward, she offered her congratulations on Somalia taking up a seat on the UN Security Council in 2025-26. She also underscored the commitment of the UN to continue to support Somalia in the period ahead and to work closely on the proposed transition of UNSOM.

    While in Mogadishu, the Under-Secretary-General met with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ambassador Mohammed El-Amine Souef. They discussed ATMIS’s upcoming transition to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on 1 January 2025. She also met with international partners/the diplomatic community in Mogadishu for wide-ranging discussions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Cyprus: Michael Tatham

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Mr Michael Tatham CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus in succession to Mr Irfan Siddiq OBE

    Mr Michael Tatham CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus in succession to Mr Irfan Siddiq OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Tatham will take up his appointment during November 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Michael Harry Tatham

      2023 to 2024 FCDO, Delivery Director European Political Community Summit
      2018 to 2022 Washington DC, Deputy Head of Mission (Chargé d’Affaires, 2019-20)
      2015 to 2017 FCO, Director Eastern Europe and Central Asia
      2011 to 2015 UK Mission to the United Nations, New York, Political Counsellor
      2008 to 2011 Sarajevo, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
      2006 to 2008 FCO, Head of Western Balkans Department
      2002 to 2005 Prague, Deputy Head of Mission
      1999 to 2002 10 Downing Street, Private Secretary (Foreign Affairs) to the Prime Minister
      1997 to 1999 Sofia, Deputy Head of Mission
      1995 to 1996 FCO, Private Secretary to Minister for Europe
      1995 FCO, Head of East Mediterranean Section, Southern European Department
      1993 to 1995 FCO, European Union Department (Internal)
      1989 to 1993 Prague, Third later Second Secretary (Political/Press)
      1987 to 1988 FCO, Namibia Desk Officer, Southern African Department
      1987 Joined FCO

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Zambia: Authorities must immediately release arrested journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the arrest of Zambian journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo in Lusaka, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda, said: 

    “Zambian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo and stop targeting him simply for doing his job.  

    Journalism is not a crime. In fact, Zambia’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression and media freedom.

    Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

    “Journalism is not a crime. In fact, Zambia’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression and media freedom. Authorities must uphold their constitutional and international human rights obligations and allow journalists to freely carry out their work.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Local Tech and Lifestyle Journalists Praise Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6

    Source: Samsung

    In recent weeks, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 have garnered enthusiastic praise from South African tech and lifestyle journalists, who are lauding these innovative devices for their cutting-edge features and transformative potential in the mobile industry.
     
    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has been described as a remarkable advancement in foldable technology, with some pointing out its versatility, enhanced performance, impressive build quality and seamless user experience. The improved hinge design and more durable screen of the Z Fold6 have been particularly well-received.
     
    Another key highlight from local reviews is the device’s multitasking capabilities from its expansive display which allows users to effortlessly juggle multiple tasks, making it an ideal tool for professionals.
     
    On the flip side, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 has also captured the imagination of South African journalists and mobile tech enthusiasts with its stylish design and innovative features. The compact form factor and customisation options of the Z Flip6 have been particularly praised. Its ability to fold into a compact, pocket-sized form makes it incredibly convenient, while the customisable cover screen allows users to personalise their experience.
     
    Here’s a look at some of the glowing reviews;
     
    Cody Nery – Tech Journalist, New Age Gaming
    As much as the sub-display (Galaxy Z Fold6’s cover screen) exists for quick and easy tasks, if I‘m really going to spend a good hour editing a reel for Instagram or even more time improving my KDA while gaming, I’m going to open the fold up, revealing its true nature. For one, the larger display allows me to have multiple apps open, which I find makes editing much simpler than having to switch between apps if I need to find a cool song from another app or quickly move files around. It‘s not surprising at all that it’s also amazing to game on the much larger screen.
     

     
    Wesley Diphoko – Editor-in-Chief: Fast Company SA
    In 2024, Apple and Samsung entered the Al hardware race. So far, it seems Samsung is leading the race. Earlier this year, Samsung launched their AI phone, now the South Korean tech-giant has launched a suite of AI-powered products. Last week, Samsung launched its first AI-powered foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. The AI functionality which stands out about the devices is the interpreter mode, which can be used when translating a conversation. The translating functionality has conversation mode and listening mode. The functionality lets the user run the microphone as someone talks in another language, and the user is able to see their speech translated as text on the screen.
     

     
    Thobeka Phanyeko – Lifestyle Editor: Glamour
    Samsung has truly positioned itself as a digital disruptor and innovator, bringing cutting-edge technology that keeps up with the fast-paced demands of modern journalism. Having a trusted companion by my side as the media landscape continues to evolve, is a game-changer! I can’t wait to see what’s next!
     

     
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2024 Article IV Mission to Madagascar

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 18, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Madagascar’s growth is expected to remain stable at 4.2 percent in 2024, before accelerating to 4.6 percent in 2025.
    • Ambitious policy reforms are needed to raise more fiscal revenue and make space for higher public investment and social expenditures, while preserving macroeconomic stability and limiting fiscal risks.
    • Strengthening governance and accelerating reforms to bolster resilience to climate shocks and attract climate finance are key to deliver higher and more inclusive growth in the medium term.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Frederic Lambert conducted discussions for the 2024 Article IV consultation and first reviews of the arrangements supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) during September 30-October 11 in Antananarivo.

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Lambert issued the following statement:

    “Madagascar’s economy is stabilizing but facing persistent inflation. After 4.2 percent growth in 2023, economic activity remained steady in early 2024 despite a good rice harvest and a rebound in graphite mining. Inflation rose to 7.8 percent in August 2024, driven by energy and food prices. Poor road infrastructure and unreliable electricity continue to increase transport and production costs.

    “Growth is projected to remain at 4.2 percent in 2024, and to accelerate to 4.6 percent in 2025. Average annual inflation is expected to decline to 7.2 percent in 2025, before gradually converging to 6 percent over the medium term. The current account deficit would stabilize under 5 percent of GDP.

    “The primary fiscal deficit is expected to reach 2.7 percent of GDP in 2024, assuming no oil customs tax arrears. Despite the conclusion of two agreements in 2022 and 2023, some fuel distributors are withholding the payment of oil customs duties to force a settlement of their claims vis-à-vis the government, part of which are related to JIRAMA’s fuel purchases. The absence of settlement with fuel distributors would require expenditure cuts to prevent an increase in the fiscal deficit.

    “The outlook faces downside risks from regional conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Israel, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which could disrupt trade, finance, and commodity prices. Domestically, Madagascar’s water and electricity shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and governance issues could fuel popular discontent. Climate shocks also threaten food price stability and security. In contrast, implementing the General State Policy (PGE) reforms could enhance productivity and growth.

    “Increasing tax revenues to finance investment and social spending would help boost private sector-led and inclusive growth. The 2025 budget should include a combination of tax policy and administrative measures, including a reduction in tax expenditures by MGA 280 billion, to support the government’s revenue objectives. Over the medium-term, a gradual removal of costly import tax and VAT exemptions should be considered as well as other reforms to expand the tax base. A comprehensive excise tax reform and a revision of personal income taxation towards more progressivity should be accompanied by reforms of the tax and customs administrations, including to improve tax audit transparency and the appeal process and expedite VAT credit refunds.

    “Structural reforms are key to limiting fiscal risks. Transfers to JIRAMA should be budgeted and gradually reduced. The company’s recovery plan, developed with World Bank’s technical assistance, needs to be swiftly implemented with strong backing from the executive branch. Implementing an automatic fuel price adjustment mechanism is crucial to manage fiscal risks by adjusting pump prices monthly to reflect changes in market prices within a band of +/-200 ariary per liter. Negotiations with fuel distributors should resume to settle cross-liabilities within the 2024 budget, ensuring compliance with fiscal and para-fiscal obligations and settling government liabilities.

    “While improving the selection, prioritization, and management of public investment projects is critical to enhance spending efficiency, reinforcing public financial management processes should improve budget execution and traceability. The approval of the budget law by Parliament should be sufficient to start the execution of spending or investment projects, without further authorization by the Council of Ministers or the Commitment Monitoring Bureau (BSE).

    “Improving governance is key to delivering higher and more inclusive growth. The lack of transparency and predictability, and the suspicion of state capture by private interests are undermining private sector confidence and public trust in institutions, discouraging investment and development initiatives. Priorities include notably ensuring legal stability, avoiding retroactive regulations, enforcing existing laws, providing effective protection of property rights and enforcement of contracts, ensuring a level-playing field, and creating effective grievance redress mechanisms. The preparation of a new anticorruption strategy that will cover 2025-2030 is an opportunity to accelerate momentum in this field and the IMF will support the authorities’ efforts with a Governance Diagnostic Assessment to be finalized in 2025.

    “The central bank should stand ready to raise its policy rates to keep inflation on a downward path. It should continue to manage liquidity through open market operations and communicate more predictably and transparently about monetary policy and liquidity management to enhance credibility and accountability. Foreign exchange interventions should be limited to smoothing excess volatility and building external buffers, without resisting underlying market forces. Further development of the interbank market and strengthening of the interest rate channel of monetary policy will support the functioning of the new monetary policy operational framework. Safeguarding financial stability is crucial for the development of private credit markets.

    “To support resilience, stronger social safety nets are essential. Establishing food banks can reduce food insecurity and support local food production. Expanding the single social registry with clear eligibility criteria will improve social assistance targeting. More resources are needed for education and health, with transparent and merit-based recruitment. Digitalization can boost financial inclusion and cash transfer programs.

    “Building climate resilience should be a government priority. With support from the Resilience and Sustainability Facility and the World Bank Group-IMF Enhanced Cooperation Framework for Climate Action, Madagascar should develop a national climate finance strategy to attract climate related investments.

    “The IMF team thanks the Malagasy authorities and other counterparts for candid and productive discussions. The discussions on the first reviews of the ECF and RSF arrangements will continue virtually in the coming weeks.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/18/pr-24380-madagascar-imf-staff-completes-2024-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Defense Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Recent Media Queries Concerning the Military 2024-10-18 On the afternoon of October 15th, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense Senior Colonel Wu Qian answered recent media queries concerning the military.

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

    On the afternoon of October 15th, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense Senior Colonel Wu Qian answered recent media queries concerning the military.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of October 15, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by He Youwen)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    I have four pieces of information at the top.

    The first one.

    At the invitation of China’s Ministry of National Defense, defense attachés from more than 60 countries including Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, Canada and Argentina went to the PLA Eastern Theater Command area on October 14th for a five-day visit. This visit will help them better understand the Chinese path to modernization, especially the great achievements made by the people’s military in the new era, and will advance the friendly cooperation between the PLA and their militaries.

    The second one.

    According to the annual plan and the consensus reached between China and Thailand, the Commando 2024 joint army training will be held in Yunnan Province from mid- to- late October. The training focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations, including manned/unmanned coordination, special blasting, helicopter fast-roping, and joint search and clearing. It aims to improve interoperability between the Chinese and Thai armies and bolster regional stability.

    The third one.

    The PLA Army Engineering University will host the 11th International Army Cadets Week (IACW) in Nanjing from October 28th to November 3rd. Officer cadets from military academies of countries including Argentina, Egypt, Italy, Pakistan, and Singapore will participate in the event. Under the theme of “Enhancing the Capability of Junior Officers for Future Warfare”, this year’s IACW will have themed discussions, leadership challenges, live-fire shooting training, cultural exchange and other activities. The IACW is a platform for officer cadets to communicate and learn from each other.

    The fourth one.

    The PLA Army Command College will host the Zhongshan International Forum in Nanjing from October 21st to 25th. Army representatives from over ten countries including Laos, Cambodia, Iran, Tanzania and Kazakhstan will participate in the event. Under the theme of “Future-oriented and New Type Modern Army”, the forum will have themed discussions on such topics as “objectives and trends in army development”, “theoretical innovation for army combat and training”, “army deployment in MOOTW”, and “cultivation of army commanders and staff officers”. The forum will facilitate exchanges and mutual learning among the participants, and promote theoretical innovation for army development.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of October 15, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by He Youwen)

    Question: It is reported that the recruitment of naval pilot cadets for 2025 has started. Please tell us more about it.

    Wu Qian: The PLA Navy recently launched the naval pilot cadet recruitment for 2025. As usual, eligible high school graduates and fresh graduates from universities either with a bachelor’s or master’s degree could apply. In reference to the recruitment standards in major naval powers, the PLA Navy has loosened the criteria on eye sight, widening the scope of applicants to include those who have received vision correction surgery. To meet takeoff/landing requirements for carrier-borne aircraft in complex sea conditions, the Navy has added such testing items as stereoscopic vision, visual contrast sensitivity, magnetic resonance imaging and chest CT scanning, as well as a 15-hour airborne ability screening, to make the recruitment more science-based and precise.

    Pursue your dream to fly in the Navy, and serve the country with dedication and loyalty. The recruitment of naval pilot cadets for 2025 started on October 15th. We welcome young people to join this cause for the brave and become dancers on the blade. For more details, please log on to http://www.hjzf.mil.cn.

    Question: Naval forces from the United States, Japan, India and Australia conducted Exercise Malabar in the Indian Ocean on October 8th. Some reports say this exercise is directed at China and can enhance the Quad mechanism among the four countries in security areas. What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: China believes that security cooperation among relevant countries should not harm the interests of any third party or undermine regional peace and stability. The so-called Quad mechanism has become a sheer political tool for the United States to contain China and maintain its hegemony. We firmly oppose relevant parties to use China as an excuse to stir up confrontation and escalate regional tensions. A small circle bloc will not make any big difference. The Asia-Pacific should be a grand stage where countries join hands to cooperate, rather than an arena for geopolitical competition. We require relevant countries to give up their obsession with zero-sum mindset and put more efforts on protecting regional security, instead of doing the opposite.

    Question: It is reported that the Japanese Defense Ministry recently released reports and photos about the movements of the PLA Navy’s Liaoning aircraft carrier task group, which sailed around the Philippines, and was then joined by the aircraft carrier Shandong in Hainan. Please comment on that.

    Wu Qian: We have noticed the media hype by the Japanese side. The Japanese photographer is trying to catch headlines, and is showing off his or her techniques again. Recently, the PLA Navy sent the Liaoning aircraft carrier task group to conduct training in waters of the South China Sea. This is a routine arrangement within the annual plan that is aimed to enhance the task group’s combat capability. The PLA will routinely organize similar training activities in the future.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on the afternoon of October 15, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by He Youwen)

    Question: According to media reports, the US Government Accountability Office recently accused Raytheon of fraud in selling expensive weapons to Taiwan, which procured the Patriot missile system in 2013 and radar systems in 2017 from that company. A public opinion representative from the Kuomintang criticized US arms dealers as fraud dens. Do you have any comment?

    Wu Qian: We firmly oppose US provision of weapons to China’s Taiwan region. I believe what the reports revealed is only a tip of the iceberg. The Democratic Progressive Party Authorities have been doing everything to court their masters in the US to buy weapons, which only wasted the hard-earned money of people in Taiwan. It is evident that what they bought are pieces of junk that only benefited corrupted officials and arms dealers. There are growing opposition and dissatisfaction from the local people.

    Sky-high price and obsolete functions are two hallmarks of US arms sales to Taiwan. From mouldy bulletproof vest to expired ammunition to expensive missiles and radars, we can see that the Americans only care about American interests. “Taiwan Independence” is a dead end and outsiders are never reliable. Those who try to rely on US support for independence will only court their own destruction.

    Question: Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba once suggested establishing an “Asian version of NATO” and working with Western countries in containing China. Officials from the Japanese Defense Ministry said China and Russia’s infringement upon Japan’s airspace is a regional and international concern. Please comment on that.

    Wu Qian: In disregard of fact on the ground, the Japanese side often hypes-up the non-existent “China threat” to divert the international community’s attention from its military expansion. China is strongly opposed to this approach. It is known to all that Japan has broken away from its pacifist constitution and “exclusively defense-oriented” policy in recent years, and largely enhanced its military preparedness, such behavior has put its Asian neighbors and the international community on high alert.

    We urge the Japanese side to stop forming exclusive military alliances and “cliques”, be very cautious with its words and deeds regarding military security, and do more for regional peace and stability.

    Question: The Israel Defense Force recently attacked the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL). What’s your comment? Are Chinese peacekeepers safe?

    Wu Qian: China is seriously concerned about and strongly condemns the Israeli military’s attack on the UNIFIL. China firmly opposes any attack on UN peacekeepers. We require a thorough investigation on the incident and hold those responsible accountable. We urge relevant parties to take real actions to prevent such an incident from happening again. The parties involved in the conflict must ensure the safety of the personnel and assets of the UNIFIL.

    The Chinese peacekeeping units in Lebanon are safe now. China is closely monitoring the security situation in Lebanon, and will take additional measures to strengthen security protection of our troops.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BLOG: Kinship Carers Week Goes Global – A Liverpool Success Story!

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    At Liverpool City Council, we truly value the incredible work of kinship carers and are proud of our ongoing partnership with Liverpool Kinship Carers.

    Based in Norris Green, this dedicated charity provides vital resources, support and advocacy for kinship families. Kinship carers are relatives or friends who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to do so. Their unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on countless lives, and this week, we’ve been celebrating with our kinship families. As part of Kinship Carers Week, they’ve enjoyed a variety of parties and events, culminating in a special afternoon tea.

    Please read this amazing update from Pauline Thornley, the Project Co-ordinator of the Kinship Care Project:

    I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news! Kinship Carers Week, which began right here in Liverpool, has now gone global!

    What started as a local initiative to raise awareness and celebrate the often-overlooked role of kinship carers has been adopted by 15 other countries this year. Yes, 15 countries!

    I was fortunate enough to attend a recent webinar featuring keynote speakers from Zimbabwe and Nepal, and hearing their stories was truly inspiring. It’s amazing to see how the challenges and triumphs of kinship carers are so similar, no matter where they are based in the world.

    When we first launched Kinship Carers Week in 2016, there was nothing like it. Our aim was to raise both local and national awareness of the vital work kinship carers do, looking after children who might otherwise enter the care system.

    We wanted to spark conversations, particularly with local authorities, about how to better support these families. We never imagined the movement would grow into what it is today!

    In those early days we ran some brilliant campaigns. Our promotional T-shirt made its way around the world, from Westminster to New Zealand, spreading the word about kinship care. We even launched a cake smash challenge, which went viral, with families, organisations and even MPs getting involved and sharing the fun on social media. It wasn’t just a bit of fun, it got people talking and raising awareness of kinship carers.

    The benefit of raising awareness is profound. This year, as we celebrate Kinship Carers Week globally, hundreds more kinship carers across the UK are being recognised and receiving the support they deserve. The increased visibility of their challenges and contributions helps ensure that these families are not only acknowledged, but are also provided with the resources and assistance they need to thrive.

    Now, seeing other countries adopt what started here in Liverpool feels truly special. It’s a testament to the power of community and collective voices. It’s also a clear sign that kinship carers everywhere need and deserve recognition and support.

    So, let’s take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement. What began in Liverpool has sparked a global movement. This is a tribute to the strength and determination of our kinship families, and it’s something we should all be immensely proud of. Let’s keep this momentum going and continue to raise our voices for kinship carers everywhere!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Analysis Finds Fraud Costing Businesses Equivalent of Nearly 7% of Revenues

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A global TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) analysis found that fraud continues to significantly impact businesses and their bottom lines. The newly released H2 2024 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report, which explores fraud trends in the first half (H1/January 1-June 30, 2024) of this year, also found that the lender risk exposure to synthetic identities for U.S. auto loans, bank credit cards, retail credit cards and unsecured personal loans reached their highest point ever.

    Among the key findings in the report were the results of a TransUnion survey of more than 800 business leaders in Canada, India, the U.K. and the U.S. which revealed total fraud losses of 6.5% equivalent of their companies’ revenue. This totaled approximately $359 billion among these business leaders’ organizations, a number which projects out exponentially greater when considering these represent only a small percentage of business leaders. Among those surveyed in the U.S., they said their company lost the equivalent of 6.7% of their revenue due to fraud over the past year, totaling $112 billion.

    In addition, 75% of the global survey respondents said that every type of fraud they measured stayed the same or increased year-over-year (YoY). Nearly half of respondents indicated that scam/authorized fraud, wherein a person is tricked into giving up something of value, saw the greatest YoY increase. It was also the most common cause of fraud loss according to global respondents at 31% and US respondents at 35%. In fact, in the U.S., this was more than double the next most common cause of fraud losses – synthetic identity fraud at 17%.

    “Protecting customers and their businesses from fraud is essential to enabling safe and tailored consumer experiences. These findings reveal that despite the good-faith efforts that are being undertaken by global organizations to identify and prevent fraud to date, fraudsters continue to evolve and it’s vital that fraud prevention methods keep up with the changing times,” said Steve Yin, global head of fraud at TransUnion. “Business that aren’t already doing so should ensure that they are taking advantage of fraud prevention technologies such as identity verification, IP intelligence, device reputation and synthetic identity detection as critical components of their fraud prevention programs.”

    According to proprietary insights from TransUnion’s global intelligence network, the global rate of suspected Digital Fraud remained stubbornly high in H1 2024 at 5.2% of all transactions. For transactions where the consumer was located in the U.S., 4.6% of digital transactions were suspected to be fraudulent over the period. Breaking it down by the industry, the highest rate of suspected Digital Fraud for transactions where the consumers were in the U.S. was the gaming sector, for which 13.3% of all transactions in that industry were suspected to be fraudulent in H1 2024.

    Synthetic Identity Lending Exposure Reaches New Record High

    Potentially driven in part by the wealth of stolen identities acquired via data breaches, accounts opened using synthetic identities continue to put lenders at risk. In fact, the increases among overall lender exposure to synthetic identities for US auto loans, bank credit cards, retail credit cards and unsecured personal loans continued in H1 2024. TransUnion documented such exposure rising from $3.0 billion in H1 2023 to $3.2 billion in H1 2024, an all-time high and growth of 7% YoY. The share of accounts opened for the four tradelines by synthetic identities rose 18% YoY, also reaching an all-time high.

    The auto loan industry continued to be the most impacted by lender exposure to synthetic identities among the four tradelines, accounting for $2.0 billion of the total in H1 2024, the fourth consecutive first half of the year in which auto has seen the greatest exposure. In fact, since surpassing bankcards in H1 2021, auto loan exposure is now double that of bankcard, which is currently at $1.0 billion.

    “Fraudsters are increasingly using synthetic identities to accumulate balances, particularly targeting the auto industry,” said Yin. “Unfortunately, this warrants attention to as the market is now facing a rising threat of charge-offs.”

    Lender Exposure to Synthetic Identities Continues to Trend Upward, Led by Auto

      End of H1 2020 End of H1 2021 End of H1 2022 End of H1 2023 End of H1 2024
    Auto Loans $871M $869M $1.3B $1.8B $2.0B
    Bankcards $966M $783M $951M $1.1B $1.0B
    Retail Credit Cards $250M $183M $157M $145M $121M
    Unsecured Personal Loans $48M $36M $57M $57M $52M
    Totals $2.1B $1.9B $2.4B $3.0B $3.2B

    Source: TransUnion TruValidate™ data

    The percentage of newly-opened accounts connected to synthetic identities has also seen a steady rise since 2020, and in H1 2024 stood at 0.20% of all accounts associated with the four tradelines in the table above. The tradeline with the highest percentage in H1 2024 was bank card, which was at 0.33% for the period, followed closely by auto loans at 0.27%.

    Industry Perspective: Online Forums and Dating Sites Most Impacted by Digital Fraud in H1 2024

    In H1 2024, the communities industry – which includes web properties like online forums and dating sites – experienced the largest percentage (11.5%) of suspected Digital Fraud globally. This represents a 23% increase over H1 2023. TransUnion’s communities customers reported profile misrepresentation as the most frequent type of fraud they witnessed in H1 2024. Not surprisingly, the communities industry had the highest suspected Digital Fraud rate in seven of the 19 countries and regions analyzed in H1 2024.

    In terms of global volume, synthetic identity fraud was the fastest-growing Digital Fraud type across industries from H2 2023 to H1 2024, increasing by 153%. Electronic fund transfers fraud saw the highest YoY growth, up 113% from H1 2023 to H1 2024. However, promotion abuse, which is defined as consumers or fraudsters taking advantage of marketing offers to receive unintended financial incentives, was the most common Digital Fraud type globally in H1 2024, with 3.6% of Digital Fraud reported to TransUnion by its customers.

    TransUnion came to its conclusions about Digital Fraud based on intelligence from its identity and fraud product suite that helps secure trust across channels and delivers efficient consumer experiences – TransUnion TruValidate. The rate or percentage of suspected Digital Fraud attempts reflect those that TransUnion customers determined met one of the following conditions: 1) denial in real time due to fraudulent indicators, 2) denial in real time for corporate policy violations, 3) determined to be fraudulent upon customer investigation, or 4) determined to be a corporate policy violation upon customer investigation —compared to all transactions it assessed for fraud. 

    Download the TransUnion H2 2024 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report to learn more. Specific country and regional data in the report include the United States, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and Zambia.

    For more information and insights about the global fraud trends, please download the report. Consumers who believe they may be a victim of fraud can find resources and information here.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.
    http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
      TransUnion
       
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
       
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Dubai showcases the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven innovations

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

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

    • Innovators and leaders from the most influential medical labs, hospitals, healthcare institutions, research centres and academia gathered in Dubai to discuss AI opportunities
    • Neurology and remote patient monitoring were among the key topics on the agenda for discussion
    • Tech enterprises and providers showcased the most impactful digital solutions to accelerate connectivity and drive transformation

    Transformative health tech solutions were at the heart of conversations at GITEX GLOBAL’s GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Dubai (www.GITEX.com), where thousands of tech enthusiasts and healthcare pioneers converged at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for a day of future health discussions.

    The world’s largest tech event provided a platform to showcase the latest AI-driven digital health and health tech solutions, spotlighting innovations that are reshaping patient care on a global scale.

    The event aligns with the UAE government’s pioneering efforts to advance the digital health ecosystem, with the UAE’s digital health market projected to reach USD $487.30 million by the end of this year. The show also supports Dubai’s commitment to adopting digital practices that benefit medical professionals and patients alike.

    With AI-powered healthcare investments projected to make up 20% of global healthcare spending by year’s end, GITEX GLOBAL set the stage for industry leaders to explore how AI is revolutionising delivery and enhancing outcomes for millions of patients.

    GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Dubai brought together global professionals and leaders to build on that figure and discuss the impact the innovative tool is having on the day-to-day operations while also providing an outlook of what the future would hold. It attracted some of the biggest names in the global landscape including labs such as Biogen, Roche and Sanofi as well as tech giants Microsoft, M42, Lenovo. Also present were established medical institutions including Samsung Medical Centre, Harvard Medical School, Roche and many more.

    Pioneering Robotic and AI in Digital Health

    The evolving role of robotics in health tech was a major focus of the showcase and conference programme. Denis Ledenkof, Founder of Robosculptor, showcased how AI-powered robotics is transforming patient care via an autonomous platform for body treatments developed by health industry experts, emphasising robotic technology is providing plenty of benefits.

    He said: “AI is a powerful tool and is leading to better patient preferences. When it comes to robotic treatments, they help improve the experience of patients by just giving them access to a wider range of therapies as well as enhancing accessibility.

    “One example that we’re using is an application that functions similarly to a taxi or delivery app where people can scan for treatments and displays the information that users would be looking for.”

    Alex Aliper, Co-Founder and President of Insilico Medicine, a Hong Kong digital health unicorn – was part of another panel that delved into genomics. He discussed how precision medicine, powered by AI, is revolutionising genetic profiles – an approach set to transform treatments for diseases previously deemed incurable.

    The future of AI in neurology

    Meanwhile, following a study which showed that AI can reduce the risk of new vascular events by 25.6% in stroke patients, Aneesh Singhal, M.D, Director, Comprehensive Stroke Center & Vice-Chair of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, gave an overview of what to expect in the field of neurology.

    In his presentation, he discussed the Golden Bridge II trial, which showed that the use of an AI-based clinical decision support system had a significantly greater impact on the number of vascular events and stroke care quality than standard care in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

    Elsewhere, Jong-Soo Choi, Chief Technology Officer at Samsung Medical Centre, one of Korea’s most renowned hospitals, shared insights into cutting-edge technologies such as Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and gene therapy and how they are setting the stage for the next wave of change.

    Smart lens among innovations unveiled

    Dubai’s own deep tech company Xpanceo made waves with the unveiling of smart contact lens for 3D imaging, and another for data reading, demonstrating wireless data transmission capabilities integrated directly into the lens. These innovations are set to redefine the boundaries of how data in real time is perceived, pushing the digital health landscape into a new era of smart diagnostics.

    Oracle Health also displayed its innovative Clinical Digital Assistant. Leveraging AI-powered driven voice recognition, the assistant autonomously documents physician-patient encounters, interprets the information, and accurately inputs a draft note into the Oracle Health EHR, allowing the physician to quickly review and approve the clinical documentation.

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

    GITEX GLOBAL this year announced the launch of GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Expo-Summit in Thailand, from 10-12 September 2025, in a destination touted with one of the highest potentials to leapfrog the digital health industry, putting the spotlight on digital solutions to address the rising demands across Asia.

    More information on GITEX GLOBAL and to purchase passes, please visit http://www.GITEX.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank appoints Dr Kennedy Mbekeani as Director General for East Africa

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 16, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has appointed Dr Kennedy K. Mbekeani as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, and Country Manager for Kenya, effective from 16 October 2024.

    Mbekeani, a citizen of Malawi has over 25 years of senior experience in development finance, project management, policy advisory services, and knowledge generation at national and regional levels.

    Prior to this appointment, he served as deputy director general for the Bank’s Southern Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office. In this  role  he led the Bank’s business development and delivery for sovereign and non-sovereign investments, and provided advisory services to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia and Mauritius. His efforts contributed to the Bank’s reputation as a trusted partner for high impact development projects in the region. He also managed relationships with governments and the private sector.

    Mbekeani joined the Bank in 2009 as Chief Trade and Regional Integration Officer. Subsequently he has held various roles including lead regional economist, officer in charge and acting regional director respectively of the Bank’s South African Resource Centre. While serving as country manager for Uganda, he successfully expanded the Bank’s portfolio to over $2 billion.

    Before joining the Bank, Mbekeani worked for  the United Nations Development Programme as a trade, debt and globalisation advisor for East and Southern Africa. He also served as senior research fellow at the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, and senior economist at the National Institute for Economic Policy in South Africa.

    He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Economics and Statistics) degree from the University of Malawi, an MPhil in Monetary Economics from the University of Glasgow, and both an MA and PhD in International Economics from the University of California. He has authored numerous publications focusing on trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development in Africa.

    Commenting on his appointment, Mbekeani said: “I am grateful and feel honoured by the confidence President Adesina placed in me through this appointment, as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office and country manager for Kenya. I look forward to working with the president, the Board of Directors, senior management, our teams and stakeholders to enhance the Bank’s operational efficiency, effectiveness and drive impactful developmental outcomes across the region.”

    President of the African Development Bank Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr Akinwumi Adesina said: “I am delighted to appoint Dr. Kennedy Mbekeani as Director General for the East Africa Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Office, and Country manager for Kenya. Kennedy brings extensive experience in managing operations, policy dialogue, coupled with astute diplomacy and well-tested ability to work effectively with countries and development partners. His knowledge of the Eastern Africa region and well-proven experience in delivering robust operations for the public and private sectors will strongly benefit the work and operations of the African Development Bank Group in East Africa and all countries in the region.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/CAMEROON – Interreligious prayer for the health of the President

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Yaoundé (Agenzia Fides) – The mystery surrounding the health of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who has not appeared in public since the beginning of September, is growing. The Cameroonian Head of State did not attend the UN General Assembly or the Summit of French-speaking countries in Paris. His last appearance at an international gathering was the Summit of Heads of State as part of the China-Africa Forum in Beijing in early September. To counter the spread of news about the President’s alleged state of health, the Cameroonian government has banned the dissemination of such news since October 9. Officially, it is said that the President is in “very good health” and that he is “working and devoting himself to his duties in Geneva”. “He is doing well and will return to Cameroon in the next few days,” says the government spokesman. Meanwhile, an interreligious prayer for the health of the president and for peace in Cameroon was organized on the initiative of the Collective of Former Students of the Catholic Seminaries of Cameroon (CASEMCA) in collaboration with the Catholic Men’s Association (CHA), the “Union Catholique des Hommes Fils de Saint Joseph” and other Christian and Muslim communities and their religious associations. “The ecumenical ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 2 p.m. at the ‘Palais Polyvalent des Sports’ in Yaounde. It will be attended by religious dignitaries, high-ranking public and private figures, and citizens of all faiths,” the press release said. Paul Biya himself attended the minor seminary in Akono. The 91-year-old Cameroonian president is considered the dean of African Heads of State. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 16/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Almost 100 dead in tanker explosion

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 16 October 2024

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – More than 90 people have died in the explosion of a tanker in Nigeria. The tragedy occurred around midnight on October 15 in the town of Majia, in Jigawa state, in north-central Nigeria. In addition to the 94 victims, at least 50 people were injured, according to the police. The driver of the tanker tried to avoid another truck, swerved and lost control of his vehicle. The tanker detached from the tractor and a fuel leak occurred. Several residents rushed to the scene with buckets and canisters, overwhelming the security forces who tried to control the area and prevent an accidental explosion. However, this did not succeed and a fierce fire broke out that lasted at least two hours. The events in Majia show how high fuel prices are driving people to despair, which in turn leads to such tragedies. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 16/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/EGYPT – A missionary from Cairo: “The days in the mission pass quickly”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 16 October 2024

    AF

    Cairo (Agenzia Fides) – “I have started learning Arabic and two days a week, early in the morning, we go from our neighborhood to the Comboni school with Patrick and Florindo,” says Anselmo Fabiano, an Italian missionary from Cairo. “I must say that it is quite an adventure.”The young missionary from the Society of African Missions describes the emotions and feelings that accompany daily life. “Just being able to shop at the market, chat with the children or share with the small Christian community that comes to mass is already a great success,” he says. “On the days when I don’t go to school, learning Arabic takes up a lot of my free time, which is actually always very limited. But I do it with pleasure and passion because I know how important it is to be able to communicate, to listen and to understand in order to build relationships with the people I meet.” “Nevertheless, I am always fascinated by the power of a smile, an attentive look, these simple gestures of kindness that go beyond words,” says Father Anselmo. “Like on Wednesdays, when I spend the morning with the disabled children in our school. No big words are needed, just a simple presence, a look and a few signs, and an incredible harmony is established. Or when I offer my service to the poor in the community of the Sisters of Mother Teresa, it is wonderful how we are welcomed, with a smile, a hug and a handshake that overcomes all language barriers and makes us feel part of their lives!” “The first days of school were precious opportunities to make new acquaintances and, thanks to the organized excursions, we also had the pleasure of delving into the discovery of the roots of the Christian faith in Egypt,” the missionary continues. “We went into the desert to learn about the life of the monks, men of prayer, work and fraternal community. Even the desert is now fertile ground where, thanks to the patient care of the monks, trees of all kinds flourish, along with the fruits of the seeds of the Word of God that have sprouted in people’s lives,” he reports. “We also had the opportunity to enter one of the most fundamental places for Islam, the Al-Azhar Mosque: one of the oldest universities in the world and the most prestigious seat of Sunni Islam. Entering this place of worship and walking barefoot on the white floor, I enjoyed a moment of silence surrounded by hundreds of people praying: a small foretaste of fraternity,” concluded Father Anselmo. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 16/10/2024)
    AF

    AF

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  • MIL-OSI Global: What is Temporary Protected Status? A global migration expert why the US offers some foreign nationals temporary protection

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Karen Jacobsen, Henry J. Leir Chair in Global Migration, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University

    Haitian students use mobile phones to record an exercise during an English class in Springfield, Ohio, on Sept. 13, 2024. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

    Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance, have criticized the Biden administration’s decision to allow Haitian nationals who are in the U.S. to apply for permission to stay under a legal classification called Temporary Protected Status. Here is what this designation means and how it’s made:

    TPS permits foreign nationals who are already in the United States – even if they did not enter the country through an official or legal means – to remain for six, 12 or 18 months at a time if the situation in their home country is deemed too dangerous for them to return. Threats that prompt TPS designations include ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, epidemics and other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

    The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designates a foreign country for TPS when conditions there meet requirements spelled out in federal law. Once the secretary determines that the foreign country is safe for its nationals to return, their protected status expires and people who have been granted it are expected to return to their home country.

    Congress created TPS as part of the Immigration Act of 1990. Since then, administrations have used it to protect thousands of people from dozens of countries. The first nations to be designated, in March 1991, were Kuwait, Lebanon and Liberia.

    As of March 2024, there were 863,880 people from 16 countries under Temporary Protected Status in the U.S. Another 486,418 people had initial or renewal applications pending. An estimated 316,000 people may also be eligible under two new extensions since that date.

    TPS beneficiaries may not be detained by federal officials over their immigration status or deported from the United States. They can obtain work permits and apply for authorization to travel outside the U.S. and return to it.

    People who receive TPS don’t automatically become legal permanent residents. But they can petition for an adjustment of their immigration status, such as applying for permanent residency, a student visa or asylum. Applying for a change of immigration status does not necessarily mean their application will be approved.

    Humanitarian measures

    TPS is not the only tool administrations can use to protect people from countries facing disaster or conflict.

    For example, a Haitian person currently living in the U.S. is eligible for TPS under a designation that lasts through Feb. 3, 2026. In contrast, a Haitian who travels through Mexico and applies for entry to the U.S. at the border is not likely to be admitted.

    However, there is a third possibility for Haitians, known as parole. The federal government can give certain groups permission to enter or remain in the U.S. if it finds “urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons” for doing so.

    People who enter through parole programs must have an approved financial supporter in the U.S., undergo a robust security vetting and meet other eligibility criteria. They typically can stay for one to two years, and may apply for authorization to work.

    One current parole program is for people from Latin American countries that are TPS designates. The U.S. government can grant advance permission to enter the U.S. to up to 30,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans each month. People fleeing these countries – all of which have been designated for Temporary Protected Status – can seek authorization to travel from their homes to the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons, and then stay for a temporary period of parole for up to two years.

    Immigrant rights groups rally at the U.S. Capitol following a federal court ruling that threatened the legal standing of thousands with Temporary Protected Status, Sept. 15, 2020.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    I’ve studied global migration and asylum policy for 25 years. I see both TPS and parole as legal and carefully considered ways to support people from countries experiencing wrenching conflict, disorder and disaster who are seeking safety in the U.S. Doing away with these programs, as Trump sought to do during his term in office, would make it extremely difficult for people in great danger to escape.

    Neither TPS nor parole programs are automatic roads to citizenship or permanent residence. They are ways to provide humanitarian assistance to people in appalling circumstances, such as rampant gang violence in Haiti and economic hardship and political repression in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

    Certainly, cities need more resources to support large numbers of immigrants. But offering temporary protection to people whose home countries are not safe places to live is a long-standing – and, in my view, crucial – element of U.S. immigration policy.

    Karen Jacobsen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What is Temporary Protected Status? A global migration expert why the US offers some foreign nationals temporary protection – https://theconversation.com/what-is-temporary-protected-status-a-global-migration-expert-why-the-us-offers-some-foreign-nationals-temporary-protection-240525

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Partners with Contiki Travel for Exclusive Summer Offer

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is excited to announce a new partnership with Contiki Travel, aimed at travel enthusiasts looking to enhance their journeys with cutting-edge technology. This collaboration showcases how the Galaxy S24 FE’s state-of-the-art camera and Galaxy AI features come to life during travel, offering a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories this summer.
     
    From October 11 to November 30, 2024, customers who purchase a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE will receive up to 40% off a Contiki trip to destinations around the globe[1]. This exclusive offer caters to young travellers who embody the spirit of adventure, living by the Contiki motto Travel Together. Contiki Travel was created for 18 to 35 year-olds who want to travel the world and experience as much as possible. With dream itineraries designed for those eager to explore the world, Contiki offers great experiences that maximise travel.
     
    To enjoy this special offer, you need to:
    Purchase a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE at Samsung Online or participating retailers and operators.
    Claim your voucher code via the Samsung Members App.
    Call Contiki to book your next dream holiday.
     
    Note: The redemption period for this offer is 11 October to 15 December 2024.
     

     
    “At Samsung, we aim to create opportunities for our beloved customers to enjoy the best that life has to offer and this partnership is one example of that. We believe in empowering our users to experience the world around them through the lens of innovation,” said Kgomotso Mosiane, Head of Marketing for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy S24 FE is designed to enhance every moment, ensuring that every adventure is captured beautifully, and we’re thrilled to partner with Contiki to offer this exciting travel opportunity.”
     
    The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a powerful triple camera setup led by a 50 MP sensor, the most advanced in the Galaxy FE series. With features like Super HDR for vibrant colours, low-light enhancements, and Optical Quality Zoom, users can capture stunning images of your travels from every angle. The ProVisual Engine and AI-powered tools offer an unparalleled photography experience, while the Instant Slow-mo feature adds a creative touch to video memories.
     
    In addition, the Galaxy AI suite includes Circle to Search with Google for effortless information retrieval on your journeys and real-time voice translation with Live Translator, making international communication seamless. With the Interpreter feature, users have a personal assistant to help navigate foreign environments.
     
    This partnership between Samsung and Contiki is set to redefine how young travellers document their journeys, blending advanced technology with extraordinary experiences. Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer—capture your adventures and travel without regrets.
     

    @kukwami_la Exam in Progress, The Travel Math is mathing with @Samsung South Africa & @Contiki | Travel Together Save up to 40% on a Contiki trip when you buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. This is how I plan to travel this summer. #TravelMath #GalaxyS24FE #GalaxyAI #Contiki ♬ original sound – Nokwanda Gumede

     

    @ash_sewlal You buy a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, you get up to 40% off on a Contiki trip, which means you’re saving money, which means you’re basically making money – seems like a no brainer to me @Samsung South Africa @Contiki | Travel Together #TravelMaths #GalaxyS24FE #GalaxyAI #Contiki ♬ original sound – Ash Sewlal

     

    @minojaa And gurla you actually can’t stop me bc I already have the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE but it makes sense right?? Up to 40% off my next Contiki trip just for getting a phone? I basically got the phone and pocket money for free! @Samsung @Contiki | Travel Together #GalaxyS24FE #GalaxyAI #TravelMath #Contiki ♬ original sound – Nintendo

     
    [1]Terms and Conditions Apply. Redemption through Samsung Members app. Contiki voucher Ts & Cs apply. Participating operators and retailers Ts &Cs apply.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Suspected Digital Fraud Coming from Canada Up Nearly 11% Since H1 2023, Reveals New TransUnion Analysis

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    In H1 2024, 5.7% of all attempted digital transactions originating from Canada were suspected to be Digital Fraud; more than half (54%) of Canadians said they were recently targeted by fraud attempts.

    Canadian business leaders said their companies lost approximately 6% of their equivalent revenue – representing $78 billion – over the past year due to fraud.

    TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the first half (H1) of 2024, Canada saw a significant increase in suspected Digital Fraud attempts, with nearly 5.74% of all attempted digital transactions where the consumer was located in Canada involving suspected Digital Fraud, revealed a new TransUnion® (NYSE: TRU) analysis. This is nearly an 11% year-over-year (YoY) rate increase from H1 2023, and TransUnion also documented an 11% increase in the volume of suspected Digital Fraud from Canada during this period, despite a less than a one percent (0.7%) YoY increase in the volume of transactions.

    According to a recent TransUnion survey,1 more than half (54%) of Canadians said they were recently targeted by email, phone call or text message fraud attempts. Phishing was the most common scheme type (45%), followed by smishing (42%) and vishing (39%).

    The increasing use of digital transactions, combined with rising suspected Digital Fraud attempts are also impacting businesses as they potentially face revenue losses and increased operational costs due to fraud. According to a TransUnion business survey for the H2 2024 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud report, 200 Canadian business leaders said their companies lost approximately 6% of equivalent revenue – representing $78 billion – over the past year due to fraud. The most prominent causes of fraud loss cited by them were:

    • Scam/Authorized fraud (31%): Dishonest scheme intended to trick a person into giving up something of value (e.g., account access, money, information)
    • Account takeover (19%): Unauthorized individuals taking over someone’s online account (e.g., bank, social media, email) without their permission
    • Synthetic identity fraud (18%): Use of a combination of personal information to fabricate a person or entity to commit a dishonest act for financial or personal gain

    TransUnion also found that suspected Digital Fraud attempts – where the consumer was transacting in Canada and targeted businesses globally – increased on average by 10.5% YoY in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023 and impacted all industries.

    Top Three Industries Globally with Highest Rate of Suspected Digital Fraud Attempts Coming from Canada in H1 2024

    1. Gambling (online sports betting, poker, etc.) – 9.6%
    2. Retail – 9.2%
    3. Government – 7.7%

    Top Three Industries Globally with Highest YoY Increase (H1 2024 vs H1 2023) in the Rate of Suspected Digital Fraud Attempts Coming from Canada

    1. Logistics – 172.9%
    2. Gambling – 79.3%
    3. Video gaming – 67.8%

    “Protecting customers and their businesses from fraud is essential to enabling safe and tailored consumer experiences. These findings reveal that despite the good-faith efforts that are being undertaken by companies to identify and prevent fraud to date, fraudsters continue to evolve and it’s vital that fraud prevention methods keep up with the changing times,” said Patrick Boudreau, head of identity management and fraud solutions at TransUnion Canada.

    “Businesses that aren’t already doing so should ensure that they are taking advantage of fraud prevention technologies such as identity verification, IP intelligence, device reputation and synthetic identity detection as critical components of their fraud prevention programs,” he added.

    For more insights, read the H2 2024 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud report.

    About the Analysis
    TransUnion came to its conclusions about Digital Fraud based on intelligence from its identity and fraud product suite that helps secure trust across channels and delivers efficient consumer experiences – TransUnion TruValidate® The rate or percentage of suspected Digital Fraud attempts reflect those that TransUnion customers determined met one of the following conditions: 1) denial in real time due to fraudulent indicators, 2) denial in real time for corporate policy violations, 3) determined to be fraudulent upon customer investigation, or 4) determined to be a corporate policy violation upon customer investigation —compared to all transactions it assessed for fraud. 

    Specific country and regional data in the report include the United States, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and Zambia.

    Consumers who believe they may be a victim of fraud can find resources and information here.

    About TransUnion®(NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries, including Canada, where we’re the credit bureau of choice for the financial services ecosystem and most of Canada’s largest banks. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this by providing an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care.

    Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.
    For more information visit: http://www.transunion.ca

    ____________________
    1 TransUnion Q3 2024 Consumer Pulse survey of 1,000 consumers – conducted between July 16–23, 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Training course on market access for governments acceding to WTO concludes in Geneva

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Training course on market access for governments acceding to WTO concludes in Geneva

    The governments represented were Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Participants were given guidance on how to prepare initial goods offers, consolidate bilateral market access agreements and verify schedules of concessions and commitments on goods.
    Speaking at the opening session, the Director of the WTO Accessions Division Maika Oshikawa emphasised the importance of the training programme in strengthening acceding governments’ negotiation capacities. “Managing market access negotiations on goods alone can be a challenging task, even for the biggest economies with capacities,” she told participants. “This training is designed not only to equip you to start negotiations but, more importantly, to successfully conclude them.”
    The curriculum included lectures and interactive exercises organized by WTO experts. A roundtable took place with representatives of selected WTO members active in accessions and another with negotiators from recently acceded governments. The objective was to gain insights on market access negotiations with specific WTO members, known as “bilateral negotiations”. Participants also simulated the negotiation of bilateral market access agreements on goods.
    Participating in the course was Bokhodirjon Bobokulov, Chief Inspector at Uzbekistan’s State Customs Committee, who said: “I gained practical knowledge on negotiating market access, analysing non-tariff barriers and aligning trade policies with WTO principles. This training has equipped me with essential tools to engage more effectively in international trade discussions.”
    Another course participant, Sharmarke Abdi Jama, Senior Trade Advisor in the Office of the President of Somalia, underlined the importance of preparation and strategy in market access negotiations: “The course significantly enhanced my understanding of tariff schedules and taught me how to find a balance when it comes to stakeholders’ interests in the negotiations, while also aligning with global trade rules. The combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises will be particularly beneficial to my work.”
    Also taking part in the course was Diveen Abduraheem, Head of the Trade in Goods Division at Iraq’s Ministry of Trade. Underscoring the comprehensive nature of the training programme, she stressed: “Through this course, I improved my understanding of WTO rules and trade agreements. It enhanced my negotiation skills and taught me how to analyse trade data effectively. Overall, the course has prepared me for real-world trade negotiations.”
    A training course on navigating WTO rules in accession negotiations took place in December 2023.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

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

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

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

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

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

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

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –