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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New grants boost community inclusion and accessible travel in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    New funding opportunities are available for organisations across Portsmouth looking to make a positive impact on the community.

    Portsmouth City Council has announced two new schemes, both offering four-figure sums to promote inclusion within the city.   

    The Easy Travel Access Fund is offering grants of up to £5,000 for projects that help people and groups overcome any difficulties they may have using buses. It aims to connect people to important services, encourage greener travel and make public transport more accessible across the city.  

    Alongside this new Community Inclusion Grants are available to support projects challenging inequality and celebrating diversity and inclusion in Portsmouth. Voluntary and community groups can apply for up to £1,000 to fund work that helps create a more inclusive city where everyone feels welcome and has equal opportunities. 

    These latest rounds of funding build on the previous successes of both schemes with more than £140,000 awarded to good causes in the last three years. 

    HIVE Portsmouth is offering support with applications for any voluntary and community groups who would like guidance on the process in applying for a Community Inclusion Grant. 

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “For many organisations in Portsmouth a little bit of funding can make a huge difference and it is fantastic news that we’ve been able to bring both of these grant schemes back to support communities across our city. We’ve already helped a lot of people through these grants and I’d encourage anyone with a suitable project to get in touch.” 

    1. Easy Travel Access Fund – grants of up to £5,000 
      The Easy Travel Access Fund is back for its second round of funding, offering grants of up to £5,000 for projects that help underserved communities access bus travel. The fund aims to connect people to important services, encourage greener travel, and make public transport more accessible across the city. 

    This funding can be used to:  

    • Purchase bus tickets  
    • Offer travel training  
    • Run projects that encourage the use of public transport  

    The Easy Travel Access Fund is part of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), a £48 million initiative to improve bus services and make them more affordable and sustainable.  

    Businesses, charities, schools, and community groups are invited to apply for this funding.   

    Learn more and apply at: travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bsip-schemes/easy-travel-access-fund

    1. Community Inclusion Grant – grants of up to £1000 
      The Community Inclusion Grant scheme is offering £30,000 to support projects that advance equity, challenge inequality, and celebrate diversity in Portsmouth. Voluntary and community groups can apply for up to £1,000 to fund initiatives that create a more inclusive city where everyone feels welcome and has equal opportunities. 

    Eligible projects could focus on:  

    • Making facilities more accessible  
    • Attracting a wider and more diverse audience  
    • Supporting disadvantaged or underrepresented groups  

    For more information, please contact: 
    • Email e.d.i@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 02392 688419
    • Apply with support from HIVE Portsmouth grants@hiveportsmouth.org.uk  
    • Learn more at: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/CIG  

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems Major Becomes Plant Science in 2025

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The sustainable plant and soil systems major offered by the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) will be renamed “plant science” beginning in the summer 2025 semester.

    This change comes after an in-depth market analysis of employment opportunities, benchmarking against other universities and programs across the nation, and a survey of students, faculty, and staff in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. These activities indicated a desire for a major name that was more aligned with industry needs and for better understanding by prospective students.

    “There are a variety of career options when graduating with a degree in plant science,” says Sydney Everhart, department head. “Both the name and program were thoughtfully redesigned to enhance recognition of the degree by employers, prospective students, and those who might consider national rankings. This is an exciting time to be considering coming to UConn for plant science.”

    A cornerstone of the plant science program is the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience through courses with labs, field studies, and internships. The degree prepares students to tackle real world challenges in plant systems, from topics like bioremediation, environmental restoration, and sustainable agricultural plant production practices in the greenhouse, field, and across landscapes.

    The core focus of the degree will remain learning about plant science, plant production, biotechnology, and cultivation. Graduates will have a foundational understanding of plant biology and soil management, learning how to optimize plant growth and health in a variety of environments. The program emphasizes hands-on skills, teaching students how to identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds, and apply sustainable practices to improve agricultural and horticultural systems.

    Students in the renamed plant science major will continue to be able to take courses towards a concentration in environmental horticulture, sustainable agriculture, or turfgrass science.

    Students with a plant science degree may also have an easier time navigating the post-graduation employment landscape, as this is a broad degree name that provides flexible alignment with a variety of plant science affiliated careers and fields.

    “The move away from SPSS is going to be good for the department. Most students, including myself, find it hard to explain what SPSS is to people outside of the major,” says Robert Eselby ’25 (CAHNR). “This name change will help realign the identity of the major with the focuses of the students within it.”

    This name change will also allow UConn’s program to be recognized in national rankings of plant science programs. This was not possible in the past as the unique major name did not allow UConn’s graduates to be included in elements necessary for the rankings.

    Students currently enrolled in the sustainable plant and soil systems major will have the name of their degree updated for degrees awarded in fall 2025 and moving forward.

    “After over 100 years with ‘plant science’ in the name of our department, it is exciting to have everything align – including the bachelor’s degree name, graduate program, and associate’s degree program,” says Everhart. “With many new faculty in our department, we have bold plans to offer new concentrations and courses in the next couple of years that will continue to provide graduates of our program with a strong foundation and cutting-edge skills to equip them to succeed in their careers.”

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with the Presidents of the Episcopal Communication Commissions and Directors of the Communication Offices of the Episcopal Conferences

    Source: The Holy See

    Audience with the Presidents of the Episcopal Communication Commissions and Directors of the Communication Offices of the Episcopal Conferences, 27.01.2025
    This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the Presidents of the Episcopal Communication Commissions and the Directors of the Communication Offices of the Episcopal Conferences.
    The following is the Pope’s address to those present during the meeting:

    Address of the Holy Father
    I am pleased to welcome you who carry out a service of leadership in the field of communications in your local Churches. It is good to see bishops, priests, men and women religious, lay men and women gathered here, called to communicate the life of the Church and a Christian worldview. Communicating this Christian worldview is beautiful.
    We meet today, after celebrating the Jubilee of the World of Communications, to do an assessment together and also an examination of conscience. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (cf. 11:1). Motivated by this faith, let us take a moment to reflect on the concrete way we communicate.
    Let us ask ourselves: what do we do to sow hope in the midst of all the despair that surrounds and challenges us? What do we do to overcome the virus of division that undermines our communities? Is our communication inspired by prayer? Or do we limit ourselves to communicating about the Church by merely following the rules laid down by corporate marketing? We should ask ourselves all of these questions.
    Are we witnessing to the fact that human history is not tied to an inexorable destiny? What are we doing to encourage others to look forward to a future that is not predetermined? I like the expression “writing the future”. It is up to us to write the future. Are we capable of communicating that hope is not an illusion? Hope never disappoints. But are we communicating that? Are we capable of communicating that it is possible to improve the lives of those around us, and that we can play a part? Can I, for my part, bring beauty to the lives of others? Are we able to communicate and convince others that it is possible to forgive? This is very hard to do!
    Christian communication is about showing that the kingdom of God is near. It is present here and now, like a miracle that can be experienced by every person and by every culture. A miracle that must be narrated by offering the hermeneutic necessary to look beyond the mundane, beyond evil, beyond prejudices, beyond stereotypes, beyond oneself. The kingdom of God is beyond us. The kingdom of God even comes through our imperfections and this is beautiful. The kingdom of God comes when we show attention to others and carefully analyse the world around us. It comes in the ability to recognize and spread the hope that goodness exists, overcoming a desperate fanaticism.
    This may be an institutional service for you, but it is also the vocation of every Christian, of every baptised person. Every Christian is called to recognize and pass on the stories of good that bad journalism tries to erase by only focusing on evil. Evil exists. It must not be hidden, but it should stir us and lead us to produce questions and answers. This is why your task is so important: it demands that you step out of yourself, to dedicate yourself to a “symphonic” work that involves everyone, that values old and young, women and men and takes into account every language, through the use of words, art, music, painting and images. We are all asked to examine how and what we are communicating. Communicate, we must always communicate.
    Sisters, brothers, this task is challenging. I therefore encourage you to increase your efforts to cooperate on both a continental and universal level so that we can build a different model of communication. The difference lies in the unlimited spirit, creativity and poetic power that flow from the Gospel. Communication is always original. When we communicate, we create languages and bridges. We become creators. It must be a model of communication that conveys harmony and proposes a concrete alternative to today’s towers of Babel. Think about this: the new towers of Babel. They all spoke but did not understand one other. Reflect on this image.
    I leave you with two words: together and network.
    Together. Only together can we communicate the beauty we have encountered: not because of our talents or because we have more resources, but because we love one another.
    This is where we draw the strength to love even our enemies, to embrace those who have done wrong, to unite what is divided and to resist despair. And to sow hope as well. Do not forget about this: sowing hope. It is not the same as sowing optimism. Not at all. We must sow hope.
    Communicating, for us, is not a tactic. It is not a technique. It is not the repetition of catchphrases or slogans, nor is it merely writing press releases. Communicating is an act of love. Only an act of selfless love can produce networks of goodness. These networks of goodness should be regenerated and restored every day, with patience and faith. 
    Network is the second word I invite you to reflect on. Today, we have forgotten the older meaning of this word, as if it were only linked to the digital world. In fact, it is an ancient word. Before making us think about social networks, it ought to remind us of the fishermen’s nets and of Jesus’ invitation to Peter to become a fisher of men. Doing this means putting skills, knowledge and resources into a network capable of providing adequate information and thus escaping the sea of despair and disinformation. This in itself is already a message, a lesson we can learn.
    Let us think of how much we could accomplish together – thanks to the new tools of the digital era and to artificial intelligence – if instead of turning technology into an idol, we were more committed to networking. I have to admit something: what worries me, more than artificial intelligence, is natural intelligence, the intelligence that we must develop.
    When we feel as if we have fallen into an abyss, we must look up, beyond ourselves. Nothing is lost. We can always start again by trusting in each other and, together, trusting in God. This is the secret of our power to communicate. Networking! Be a network! Instead of being seduced by the sterile sirens of self-promotion and the celebration of our own initiatives, let us consider how we can build together a tale of hope.
    This is your task. It is rooted in antiquity. The greatest miracle Jesus wrought for Simon and the other disappointed and weary fishermen was not so much a net full of fish, but having kept them from falling prey to disappointment and discouragement in the face of defeat. Please, do not give in to that type of interior sadness. Do not lose your sense of humour, which is wisdom, everyday wisdom.
    Sisters, brothers, our network is for everyone. For everyone! Catholic communication is not something isolated; it is not just for Catholics. It is not a fenced-in area where we can keep to ourselves, a sect where we can talk to each other. No! It is the open space of a living witness that knows how to listen to and interpret the signs of the kingdom. It is the welcoming place of true relationships. Let us ask ourselves: are our offices and our relationships like this? Our network is the voice of a Church that only finds itself and the reason for its hope by stepping out of herself. The Church must step out of herself. I like to think of that passage in the Book of Revelation when the Lord says, “I am standing at the door, knocking” (3:20). He says this because he wants to come in. But today the Lord often knocks from the inside because he wants us, as Christians, to let him out! Too often we keep the Lord to ourselves. We must let the Lord out – he is knocking at the door to be let out – and not keep him somewhat “enslaved” for own purposes. Do our offices, our relationships and our networks really resemble a missionary Church?
    Thank you, thank you for your work! Go forward with courage and the joy that comes from evangelising. I bless you all from my heart. And please do not forget to pray for me. Thank you!

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI announces measures to manage liquidity conditions

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of current liquidity and financial conditions, the Reserve Bank has decided to conduct the following operations to inject liquidity into the banking system:

    1. OMO purchase auctions of Government of India securities for an aggregate amount of ₹60,000 crore in three tranches of ₹20,000 crore each to be held on January 30, 2025, February 13, 2025, and February 20, 2025

    2. 56-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction for a notified amount of ₹50,000 crore to be held on February 7, 2025

    3. USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap auction of USD 5 billion for a tenor of six months to be held on January 31, 2025

    2. Detailed instructions for each operation shall be issued separately.

    3. The Reserve Bank will continue to monitor evolving liquidity and market conditions and take measures as appropriate to ensure orderly liquidity conditions.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2013

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ Gaza idea dismissed by analysts – rejected by Jordan, Egypt on ‘Day of Return’

    Asia Pacific Report

    UN President Donald Trump’s idea of mass expulsion of Palestinians in Gaza to Jordan and Egypt has been dismissed by analysts as unaccepable “ethnic cleansing” and rejected by the governments of both neigbouring countries.

    Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani, a nonresident research fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs and commentator specialising in Palestinian affairs and the Arab-Israeli conflict, said the US and Israel would “fail” over such a plan.

    President Trump’s suggestion had been to “clean out” Gaza and move 1.5 million Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt.

    “Even if [President Trump] applies pressure on Jordan and Egypt, I think their leaderships will recognise the price of going along with Trump is going to be much greater than the price of resisting him — in terms of the survival of their leaderships for participating in something like this,” Rabbani told Al Jazeera, referring to Trump’s plan as “ethnic cleansing”.

    The rebuttals to the Trump idea came as Gaza experienced an historic day with jubilant scenes as tens of thousands of Palestinians crossed the so-called Netzarim Corridor to return home in the north showing their determination to survive under the 15-month onslaught by Israel’s military.

    Al Jazeera journalist Tamer al-Misshal said it was a “significant and historic moment” for the Palestinians.

    “It’s the first time since 1948 those who have been forced out of their homes and land managed to get back — despite the destruction and despite the genocide,” he said.

    He quoted one Palestinian man who returned as saying he would erect a tent on his destroyed home, “which is much better than being forcibly displaced from Gaza”.

    Al-Misshal noted Hamas recently said 18 more Israeli captives were alive and would be returned each Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners over the next few weeks.

    He said the next main step was to get the Rafah land crossing opened so aid could flow and thousands of badly wounded Palestinians could get medical treatment abroad.

    ‘Blanket refusal’

    Analyst Mouin Rabbani . . . “Israel is not going to succeed in ethnically cleansing the Gaza Strip after a war.” Image: Middle East Council on Global Affairs

    Analyst Mouin Rabbani told Al Jazeera about the Trump displacement idea: “This isn’t going to happen because Israel is not going to succeed in ethnically cleansing the Gaza Strip after a war, after having failed to do so during a war.”

    When former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken went on a tour of Arab states to promote this idea late last year, he had been met with a “blanket refusal”, Rabbani added.

    Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was feeling the heat from his coalition partners over the ceasefire deal who view the Israeli leader as succumbing to US demands, the analyst said.

    “I think there’s a kind of a mix of personal, political and ideological factors at play,” Rabbani said.

    “Day of victory” . . . How Al Jazeera reported the return of Palestinians to north Gaza today. Image: AJ screenshot APR

    “But ultimately, I think the key relationship to look at here is not that between Netanyahu and his coalition partners, or between Israelis and Palestinians, but between Washington and Israel — because Washington is the one calling the shots, and Israel has no choice but to comply.”

    A senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, has described the “return” day as “the most important day in the current history of this conflict”.

    He said that Israel was “for the first time” obliged to allow Palestinians to return to their houses after being forced “by the resistance”, in a similar way that it was “forced to release” Palestinian prisoners.

    Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reporting on the “Day of Return” for Palestinians going back to north Gaza. Image: AJ screenshot APR

    ‘Very symbolic day’ in conflict
    “This is, I think, a very symbolic day,” he said. “This is a very important day in how to approach this conflict with the Israelis, which language they understand.”

    Naim also reaffirmed Hamas’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement and said the group was “ready to do the maximum to give this deal a chance to succeed”.

    He also accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of playing “dirty games” in a bid to “sabotage the deal”.

    Jordanian officials have rejected President Trump’s “clean out” Gaza suggestion with
    Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi saying that all talk about an alternative homeland for the Palestinians was rejected and “we will not accept it”.

    Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reports from Salah al-Din Road, Gaza. Image: AJ screenshot APR

    He said any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land would not bring security to the region.

    The Jordanian House of Representatives said: “The absurdity and denial of Palestinian rights will keep the region on a simmering and boiling plate.”

    Jordan would not be an alternative homeland for displacement attempts against “the patient Palestinian people”.

    In Cairo, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed in a statement Egypt’s “continued support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land.”

    It “rejected any infringement on those inalienable rights, whether by settlement or annexation of land, or by the depopulation of that land of its people through displacement, encouraged transfer or the uprooting of Palestinians from their land, whether temporarily or long-term.”

    The 1948 Nakba . . . more than 750,000 Palestinians were forced to leave their homeland and become exiles in neighbouring states and in Gaza. Many dream of their UN-recognised right to return. Image: Wikipedia

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sha Tin residential site sold

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The tender for a residential site in Sha Tin has been awarded on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $606 million, the Lands Department announced today.

    Sha Tin Town Lot No. 651 at Mei Tin Road in Tai Wai was awarded to Forum Pacific, a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties.

    It has a site area of about 3,600 sq m and is designated for private residential purposes.

    The site’s minimum and maximum gross floor area are 10,800 sq m and 18,000 sq m.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Traffic measures to be implemented

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    To facilitate festive events occurring on the first two days of the Lunar New Year, the Government will roll out special traffic and transport arrangements at various locations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon.

    In connection with the International Chinese New Year Night Parade due to be held in Tsim Sha Tsui at 8pm on January 29, the first day of the Lunar New Year, special traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases starting from 3.30pm that day. They will remain in place until the crowd has dispersed and the roads are safe for re-opening.

    During this period, the Star Ferry Bus Terminus and the China Ferry Terminal Bus Terminus will not be operational. On-street parking will be suspended, and pick-up/drop-off areas and carparks will be closed.

    With regard to the Lunar New Year fireworks display, which will be staged at 8pm on January 30, Police will enforce crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements on both sides of Victoria Harbour starting from 5pm.

    In addition, the Marine Department will implement marine traffic control measures and strengthen inspections of spectator vessels to ensure that safety requirements are met.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department Review 2024 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Director of Immigration, Mr Kwok Joon-fung, held a press conference today (January 27) to review the work of the Immigration Department (ImmD) over the past year and look ahead to the future. The following is a summary of the department’s major activities in 2024 and its outlook:      Staying committed to its mission and safeguarding national security      The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect upon gazettal in 2024. Together with the Hong Kong National Security Law, a comprehensive legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security have been established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). With a crucial role to play in safeguarding national security, the department has been guarding the country’s southern gateway rigorously with patriotism, and acts in accordance with all applicable laws and prevailing immigration policies to protect Hong Kong’s national sovereignty, security and development interests. Staying principled and innovative, the Government actively seeks reforms so that Hong Kong can advance from stability to prosperity and better integrate into the national development. It also strives to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. The ImmD continues to render full support to the HKSAR Government in its policy directions and measures, with a view to contributing to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.      Enhancing efficiency and facilitating connections and integration (A) Passenger traffic at control points      In 2024, a total of around 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points, representing an increase of about 41 per cent over 2023 and a return to the 300 million level in 2019. The total number of visitor arrivals was around 44.5 million, representing an increase of about 31 per cent as compared with that of 2023, of which Mainland visitor arrivals were around 34.04 million, representing an increase of about 27 per cent when compared with that of 2023. Meanwhile, the number of arrivals of other visitors in 2024 was around 10.46 million, representing an increase of about 44 per cent over 2023. Among the visitor arrivals in 2024, around 9.86 million visitors travelled through the Airport Control Point, while around 32.81 million visitors and around 1.84 million visitors passed through land control points and sea control points respectively. (B) Enabling people movement (1) Enhancing handling capacity of control points      The ImmD has been taking various measures, including flexible deployment of manpower, optimisation of workflow and effective use of information technology, etc, to continuously enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of control points. Among them, the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point has seen a continuous increase in users since its passenger clearance services commenced operation in February 2023. To further enhance the clearance capacity, the ImmD set up 10 additional mobile counters in the arrival hall of the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point and completed the enhancement works in early June 2024 to replace some of the conventional counters with e-Channels, thereby increasing the number of e-Channels in the arrival hall from the existing 14 to 18. Furthermore, to enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point, in addition to the existing 22 e-Channels, 19 extra e-Channels were installed in phases in the arrival hall, which were then put into service progressively starting from June 26, 2024. (2) Extension of e-Channel service            The ImmD launched the Contactless e-Channel service in 2021 to allow registered Hong Kong residents to undergo self-service immigration clearance using an encrypted QR code generated by the “Contactless e-Channel” mobile application and facial recognition technology. As at the end of 2024, around 5 million Hong Kong residents had registered for the service and the number of passengers who used the service reached around 150 million, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the daily number of Hong Kong residents using the e-Channels. On July 19, 2024, the ImmD launched the Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service in collaboration with the relevant authorities of Macao. Eligible Hong Kong residents who have registered for using the Macao Automated Passenger Clearance Service may use the encrypted QR code generated by the “Contactless e-Channel” mobile application for self-service immigration clearance in Macao. Similarily, eligible Macao permanent residents may also use the encrypted QR code generated by the “Macao One Account” mobile application for self-service immigration clearance through the e-Channels in Hong Kong. As at the end of 2024, the numbers of Hong Kong residents and Macao residents who used the service were around 400 000 and 210 000 respectively. (3) Cancelling the requirement for visitors to furnish arrival or departure cards      To further streamline immigration procedures, the ImmD has cancelled the requirement for visitors to furnish an arrival or departure card with effect from October 16, 2024. All passengers are no longer required to complete and furnish an arrival or departure card, thereby facilitating a faster and more convenient immigration clearance process.      Attracting talent by building Hong Kong into an international hub for talent      In support of the Government’s initiatives to attract and retain talent, as well as building Hong Kong into an international hub for talent, the ImmD continued to implement the various enhanced talent admission schemes and deployed additional manpower and streamlined the system to speed up the processing of relevant applications. Meanwhile, technology was also utilised to enhance electronic services, making the submission of visa applications more convenient and efficient. (For details of the numbers of applications for visas/entry permits/extensions of stay received and approved under various admission schemes/policies, please refer to the Annex.) (A) Enhancing talent admission schemes (1) Enhancing the assessment criteria and arrangements for the General Points Test under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme      With effect from November 1, 2024, the General Points Test (GPT) under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) has been enhanced by adopting clearer and more objective scoring criteria, as well as streamlining the application and selection process. The enhanced GPT replaced the original item-by-item scoring system with an assessment questionnaire comprising 12 assessment criteria across six major aspects, namely age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, income and business ownership. Applicants may submit applications if they meet a minimum of six assessment criteria. The ImmD will pass the eligible applications to an assessment panel chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare. The assessment panel will then provide advice to the Director of Immigration according to the selection results. There is no annual quota under the enhanced GPT. (2) Expanding the list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme and extending the validity period of the first visa for Category A applications      To further expand the network for attracting talent, starting from November 1, 2024, 13 top Mainland and overseas universities/institutions have been added to the list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). The aggregate list currently covers a total of 199 eligible institutions after the annual update. In addition, with effect from October 16, 2024, the validity period of the first visa of applicants approved under Category A of the TTPS has also been extended from two years to three years to facilitate their advance planning for relocation to Hong Kong with their families. The new measure also applies to Category A applicants whose applications were approved before the aforementioned date. (3) Extending the immigration arrangements for graduates from the Greater Bay Area campuses of Hong Kong universities      In late 2022, the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates was expanded to include graduates from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) campuses of Hong Kong universities on a pilot basis for two years. The HKSAR Government announced in October 2024 that the arrangements would be extended for two years to the end of 2026. (B) Temporarily exempting full-time non-local undergraduate students from restrictions on taking up part-time jobs      Starting from November 1, 2024, full-time non-local undergraduate students have been temporarily exempted from the restrictions on taking up part-time jobs to enhance their personal experience of working in Hong Kong, thereby increasing their incentive to stay in Hong Kong for development after graduation. Eligible full-time non-local undergraduate students are allowed to take up part-time employment within the duration of their studies, with no restrictions on the number of working hours and location. (C) Implementation of New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme      The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was launched on March 1, 2024, with the aim to further enrich the talent pool and attract more new capital to Hong Kong. An eligible applicant must invest a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets. Invest Hong Kong is responsible for assessing whether the applications fulfil the financial requirements, and the ImmD is responsible for assessing the applications for visa and entry permits and extensions of stay, etc. (D) Relaxation of visa arrangements for nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam      To foster closer ties with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), following the relaxation of criteria for Vietnamese nationals applying for multiple-entry visas for travel or business in 2023, the relaxation measure has been extended to include nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar starting from October 16, 2024. Meanwhile, the validity period of multiple-entry visas for nationals of these four ASEAN countries has also been extended from two years to three years. The ImmD has put in place a fast-track arrangement for group visitors from ASEAN countries who submit their visa applications via local travel agents, so that the processing time of the visa applications can be significantly shortened.      Be people-oriented and improve their livelihood in pursuit of happiness (A) Commissioning of the new Immigration Headquarters      Located at the Tseung Kwan O town centre, the new Immigration Headquarters officially commenced operation on June 11, 2024, marking a new milestone in the development of the department. Not only is the new headquarters equipped with better facilities and infrastructure, it also houses the Tseung Kwan O Marriage Registry and Tseung Kwan O Births Registry, delivering quality public services to citizens. The marriage hall of the Tseung Kwan O Marriage Registry features an innovative design with special wall panels, a lighting system that can be set to different colours, as well as various photo-taking spots. Since its opening on June 26, the hall has been popular among the public. As at the end of 2024, more than 1 300 weddings were held there. (B) New submission and collection kiosks for personal documentation      The Registration of Persons (Amendment) Regulation 2024 came into effect on December 13, 2024. On the same day, the ImmD introduced self-application services for identity cards (ICs), expanding the service scope of the Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks to cover IC applications, in addition to HKSAR passport applications. The new services cover three types of replacement applications of IC holders who are aged 18 or above holding a locally issued smart IC, i.e. (i) replacement for an adult IC for persons reaching the age of 18; (ii) replacement for a permanent IC for persons having their eligibility for a permanent IC verified; and (iii) replacement for a new smart identity card for persons holding a valid old form of smart identity IC. Eligible applicants may apply for an IC replacement in a self-service manner and submit their HKSAR passport applications in one go. For collection of documents, members of the public may also collect their ICs and HKSAR passports in a self-service manner through the Personal Documentation Collection Kiosks. A total of 54 new personal documentation kiosks are provided in the new headquarters. The service hours of some of the kiosks have been further extended until 10pm to enable eligible applicants’ access to the services beyond office hours. In addition, starting from December 13, 2024, the processing time for new smart ICs has been shortened from the current seven working days to five working days. Members of the public may collect their new ICs on the next working day upon completion of application processing by the ImmD. (C) Conclusion of Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise      Following the conclusion of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise on March 3, 2023, the Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres ceased operation. Residents who have yet to replace their smart identity cards can visit the four designated Registration of Persons (ROP) Offices during the extended service hours or the ROP – Kwun Tong (Temporary) Office for identity card replacement. As at the end of 2024, a total of some 7.32 million identity card holders had replaced their smart identity cards, representing a replacement rate of about 91 per cent. The Secretary for Security has made the Registration of Persons (Invalidation of Identity Cards) Order 2024 under section 7C of the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177), declaring that the old form of smart identity cards issued before November 26, 2018, will be invalidated in two phases in 2025. Moreover, the On-site Identity Card Replacement Service (On-site Service), which had been temporarily suspended for over two years due to the pandemic, resumed in November 2022 to provide on-site identity card replacement service to eligible residents of residential care homes (RCHs). As at the end of 2024, the outreach teams had visited around 1 100 RCHs to complete the replacement procedures for over 45 200 residents. It is anticipated that the On-site Service will conclude in the first quarter of 2025. (D) Granting of visa-free access for HKSAR passport holders      In 2024, the ImmD issued a total of more than 900 000 HKSAR passports. Since July 2024, the period of visa-free entry for HKSAR passport holders to Thailand has been extended from up to 30 days to 60 days. As at the end of 2024, 171 countries or territories had granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival for HKSAR passport holders. The ImmD will continue to lobby more countries or territories to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival for HKSAR passport holders to provide travel convenience. (E) Services and support for Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong (1) Assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong      The ImmD’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) has been making every effort to provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong. The AHU maintains close ties with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR (OCMFA), Chinese diplomatic and consular missions overseas and other relevant HKSAR government departments to provide all practicable help and support to assistance seekers. To step up its services and support for Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong, the ImmD introduced the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline and 1868 Chatbot on March 18, 2024. Along with the existing options, Hong Kong residents may contact the AHU through a total of six different channels for assistance. In 2024, the AHU handled 3 302 requests for assistance in total, most of which involved loss of travel documents, hospitalisation, casualties, etc outside Hong Kong. Among the requests received, there were cases of Hong Kong residents suspected of having been lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work. The ImmD has provided appropriate advice and practicable assistance to the persons concerned or their families according to their wishes. In the light of the situation in Lebanon and Israel, the ImmD has also maintained close contact with the OCMFA and relevant Chinese Embassies to follow up as appropriate. With the assistance of the Embassy, three Hong Kong residents were safely evacuated from Lebanon by vessel and flight under the national arrangements. (2) Publicity on consular protection and outbound travel safety     In June 2024, the ImmD and the OCMFA co-organised the Consular Protection Month to widely disseminate information on consular protection and outbound travel safety through a series of activities, including holding the launching ceremony of the Consular Protection Month at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), organising roving exhibitions on consular protection across the territory, setting up booths at the International Travel Expo and conducting joint seminars with the OCMFA. Meanwhile, the “Consular Protection and Outbound Travel Safety” online exhibition was launched to enable members of the public to learn more about consular protection and outbound travel safety through various activities. (F) Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens)      The Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China started to issue Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens) (Permits) from July 10, 2024, onwards. To apply for the Permit, applicants are required to apply for a Notice of Application for Access to Information (Notice) from the ImmD. The Notice will normally be made available within 10 days upon receipt of the request. As at the end of 2024, a total of about 87 000 applications in relation to the Notice had been received, among which 99 per cent had been processed.      Stringent law enforcement and securing social stability (A) Law enforcement           The ImmD is dedicated to combating immigration-related crimes. Its Cybercrime and Forensics Investigation Group has been actively conducting targeted cyber patrols and taking enforcement actions against those who organise, arrange or incite the public to commit serious crimes such as employing illegal workers through social media or instant messaging software, with a view to tackling illegal employment and protecting the job opportunities of local workers. (1) Combating illegal employment      In 2024, the ImmD conducted a total of 17 906 operations against illegal employment and arrested 4 172 illegal workers and 513 local employers altogether. In particular, a total of 444 non-ethnic Chinese illegal workers and 146 local employers who employed them were arrested during the enforcement operations against non-ethnic Chinese illegal workers. Employing illegal workers is a serious offence. A dishwashing service company licensee was convicted for employing illegal workers and sentenced to 19 months’ imprisonment in February 2024. In July and August 2024, under the co-ordination of the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the ImmD mounted a cross-boundary joint operation with the Exit and Entry Administration Offices of the public security authorities of Guangxi and Guangdong and the Shenzhen Frontier Inspection Station, cracking down on a cross-boundary forgery syndicate that specialised in soliciting Mainlanders to take up illegal employment in Hong Kong, resulting in the arrest of a total of 201 persons and the seizure of a large quantity of forgery equipment and forged documents. In regards to the Hong Kong side, the ImmD mounted an operation codenamed “Vanguard” and arrested a total of 97 persons, including a syndicate mastermind and serveral core members, as well as a number of suspected illegal workers and employers suspected of employing them. (2) Strengthening counter-terrorism preparedness, combating illegal transnational migration and document fraud      Officers of the ImmD intercepted suspicious persons at immigration control points in light of terrorist threat assessments and actual circumstances, and kept visitors in suspected association with terrorist activities under surveillance to prevent such persons from attempting to enter Hong Kong. In 2024, the ImmD conducted a total of 13 664 related inspection operations at various immigration control points, and intercepted 32 551 passengers in total for enquiries. To enhance its preparedness and response capability for emergencies and terrorist attacks, the ImmD participated in a large-scale interdepartmental counter-terrorism exercise codenamed “Wisdomlight” at the Kai Tak Sports Park in December 2024. During the exercise, the ImmD showcased its recently commissioned mobile identification tactical unit, while the Emergency Response Team of the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre (CIC) demonstrated how to quell a disturbance. Moreover, the ImmD has been working with different law enforcement agencies to combat illegal transnational migration, with the focus on investigation into document fraud, in order to prevent anyone from entering Hong Kong or travelling to other countries or territories via Hong Kong with forged travel documents. The ImmD’s Anti-Illegal Migration Agency conducted a total of 30 438 operations against forgery activities, including joint operations with overseas and local law enforcement agencies against illegal transnational migration. A total of 23 693 passengers were intercepted for enquiries. (B) Handling non-refoulement claims (1) Combating illegal entry of non-ethnic Chinese      The ImmD has commenced dedicated operations with Mainland and local law enforcement agencies since 2016 in order to take sustained enforcement action against illegal immigration activities of non-ethnic Chinese. While a sharp increase in the number of non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants intercepted in the second half of 2023 was once noted, the situation has improved significantly following the strengthened enforcement actions through concerted efforts of enforcement agencies. The number of interceptions plummeted by 84 per cent from the peak of 364 in October 2023 to a monthly average of 57 in 2024. The ImmD will continue to step up intelligence exchanges with enforcement agencies on the Mainland and in Macao to further combat illegal immigration precisely. (2) Advance Passenger Information System      To meet the aviation security requirements of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and to align Hong Kong with other aviation hubs worldwide, as well as to enable the ImmD to further enhance its clearance and enforcement capabilities to prevent undesirables, including potential non-refoulement claimants, from boarding flights heading to Hong Kong, the ImmD implemented the Advance Passenger Information (API) System on September 3, 2024, requiring airlines to transmit advance information to the ImmD about flights and passengers heading to Hong Kong through the API System when checking in travellers, and act upon the direction given through the system to allow or not allow specific travellers to board the aircraft heading to Hong Kong. To allow sufficient time for over 100 airlines to connect to the API System and to ensure that the system will run in a smooth and orderly manner, the rollout will be carried out in phases. A transitional period of around 12 months will also be provided. The offences and defences, and the miscellaneous provisions relating to the API System under Cap. 115Q, Laws of Hong Kong will come into effect after the transitional period, namely starting from September 1, 2025. (3) Stepping up the screening process      The ImmD continued to speed up the screening of non-refoulement claims with flexible staff deployment and optimised workflow. In 2024, the ImmD determined over 2 700 non-refoulement claims. As at the end of last year, there were about 850 claims pending screening by the ImmD. Under the unified screening mechanism, over 95 per cent of the claimants rejected by the ImmD lodged appeals against the decisions. As at the end of 2024, there were about 750 claimants who had lodged appeals pending decision by the Torture Claims Appeal Board/Non-refoulement Claims Petition Office. (4) Better management of detainees      To enhance security and management efficiency, the CIC is pressing ahead with a number of enhancement projects, including overhauling the CCTV surveillance system; launching an RFID (radio frequency Identification) Equipment Management System; and installing a Contactless Vital Sign Monitoring System to remotely monitor the vital signs of detainees. The CIC has also deployed small unmanned aircraft to carry out patrol duties from time to time to eliminate potential security threats. In addition to the CIC, the HKSAR Government included the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution and the Nei Kwu Correctional Institution (NKCI) as places of detention of the ImmD in 2021 and 2023 respectively, thereby increasing the number of detention places for detaining non-refoulement claimants to three. When the in-situ expansion of the NKCI is completed in 2025, the overall detention capacity of the three detention places will increase to 940. (5) Enhancing efficiency of removing unsubstantiated claimants      The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong. In 2024, the ImmD removed 2 219 unsubstantiated claimants from Hong Kong, representing a rise of 24 per cent when compared with that in 2023. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of an unsubstantiated claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants. Since the implementation of the policy till the end of 2024, the ImmD removed a total of 4 070 unsubstantiated claimants from Hong Kong, including 314 claimants who were removed under the updated removal policy.      Nurturing young people and strengthening patriotic teams (A) Hong Kong will prosper when its young people thrive (1) Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps      The ImmD formed the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) to provide systematic and regular disciplinary and leadership training for members by sending dedicated training officers to secondary schools with the aim of nurturing them to become pillars of society who love the country and Hong Kong. There is also a post-secondary student team, IDYL Plus, members of which have already been admitted to post-secondary institutes. They will be the experienced leaders to pass the values of the IDYL and their personal experiences to younger members. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the IDYL organised a Shanghai summer exchange tour in July for 75 members to learn about the history of the motherland and have an in-depth exchange of ideas with local young people. As at the end of 2024, a total of over 950 students participated in the IDYL. (2) Immigration Department Youth Ambassador Programme      The ImmD launched the Immigration Department Youth Ambassador Programme in November 2023 and used the Immigration Divisions of the Mainland Offices of the HKSAR Government (Mainland Offices) as bases to recruit young people from Hong Kong who are studying and living in various provinces on the Mainland as Youth Ambassadors. Since the launch of the Programme, the ImmD has appointed 32 Youth Ambassadors in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan. The appointed Youth Ambassadors will have diverse learning opportunities provided by the ImmD during the one-year term and collaborate with the Mainland Offices in disseminating the latest information and in briefing the public on the business scope of the department. The ImmD expects that the Programme will broaden the Youth Ambassadors’ horizons and lay solid groundwork for their different future positions in society. (B) Staff training and continuous development (1) Recruitment of service members      The ImmD launched a new round of in-service appointments and open recruitment of Immigration Officers in May 2024, while the open recruitment of Immigration Assistants continued to be all year round. During the recruitment exercises in 2024, the department recruited about 100 Immigration Officers and 210 Immigration Assistants. (2) National studies     In 2024, a total of 366 members of the Immigration Service were arranged to attend training courses in various Mainland institutes, including the National Academy of Governance, the First Standing Force of the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the China Foreign Affairs University, and the China People’s Police University. Moreover, in order to reinforce the concept of national security among newly recruited Immigration Officers, deepen their understanding of the history and development of the motherland as well as enhance their knowledge of the country’s immigration regime, with the staunch support of the Ministry of Public Security and the China People’s Police University, the ImmD has arranged 200 Immigration Officer trainees to participate in the National Affairs and Immigration Control Training Course for Immigration Officer Trainees at the China People’s Police University (Guangzhou) since October 2023. The ImmD will actively co-ordinate with relevant Mainland authorities so that newly recruited Immigration Assistants can also receive training in the Mainland.      Vision for 2025      Utilising technologies to enhance service standards (A) New milestone of e-Channel service      Since the launch of the first e-Channel at the Lo Wu Control Point in December 2004, the total number of users of e-Channels has exceeded 2 billion. Over the past two decades, the ImmD has been striving for innovation in enhancing the clearance efficiency of e-Channels and expanding the service target group in order to provide immigration services of the highest quality to members of the public and visitors. To further enhance service quality, the ImmD has set two key directions for the future development of e-Channels, namely “simplicity” and “efficiency”. While ensuring information security, the ImmD will introduce more innovative technologies for e-Channel users to perform immigration clearance in a more convenient and faster manner. (1) Extension of applicable age of e-Channel service      At present, Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above holding a smart identity card can use e-Channels for self-service immigration clearance. To enhance clearance efficiency, the ImmD will adjust the applicable age of the e-Channel service for Hong Kong permanent residents from the first quarter of 2025 onwards so that children aged 7 or above holding a valid HKSAR passport and a Hong Kong permanent identity card can undergo self-service immigration clearance with a smart identity card using facial recognition technology at e-Channels. The implementation date will be announced later. (2) Introduction of new e-Channel      The ImmD plans to introduce the new e-Channel at the Arrival Hall of HKIA in the third quarter of 2025, which will enable eligible Hong Kong residents to experience hassle-free self-service immigration clearance through verification of identity by facial recognition technology at the new e-Channel upon arrival without prior enrolment or presenting travel documents or QR codes. (3) Innovative proposal for the application of technologies in handling immigration clearance for private cars      The ImmD and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2024 to explore an innovative proposal for the application of technologies in four areas, i.e. Innovative Immigration Control Operation, Biometric Identification and Authentication, Artificial Intelligence Assisted Immigration Application and Collaborative Robotics Technology. Currently, the ImmD is making substantial efforts in a collaborative project relating to the Innovative Immigration Control Operation with ASTRI, actively researching whether a technology solution underpinned by facial recognition technology can be used to handle immigration clearance of private car passengers, with a view to further enhancing passenger clearance experience. (B) Upgrading infrastructure of boundary control points (1) Redevelopment of Huanggang Port      To tie in with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development blueprint and enable smooth and efficient people and cargo flows within the area, the HKSAR Government has been forging ahead with a series of measures to further enhance the capacity of control points and the clearance efficiency, with the redevelopment of the Huanggang Port as one of the key projects. The new Huanggang Port will implement the “co-location arrangement” and adopt a new clearance mode of “collaborative inspection and joint clearance”, making it the first boundary control point between Guangdong Province and the HKSAR adopting such a clearance mode. Currently, Hong Kong and Shenzhen are taking forward the construction works of the new Huanggang Port building and specific immigration clearance arrangements. The target is to strive for basic completion of the new Huanggang Port building by the end of 2025. The ImmD will continue to maintain close liaison with the authorities of both Hong Kong and the Mainland, and proactively implement all relevant preparatory work. (2) Airport Terminal 2      With the full commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS) of HKIA in 2024, the capacity of HKIA will be substantially enhanced. Terminal 2 (T2) under the 3RS project is undergoing expansion. Upon completion, it will provide full-fledged terminal services with additional immigration facilities, which include a total of 137 immigration clearance counters and 60 e-Channels. T2 will be opened in phases based on passenger traffic demand. The ImmD will maintain close ties with the Airport Authority Hong Kong and other relevant HKSAR government departments to ensure the smooth commissioning and running of T2. (C) Providing immigration facilitation to the 15th National Games      The ImmD fully supports the 15th National Games, and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games to be held in 2025, whereby special immigration lanes will be provided in the closed areas of designated control points on Hong Kong side to provide faster and more convenient clearance services for athletes from the Mainland and Macao and their accompanying staff. (D) Commencement of study of Fourth Information Systems Strategy (ISS-4)      To further work in tandem with the HKSAR Government’s smart city initiative and proactively seize the opportunities of innovative technology and artificial intelligence technology, the ImmD has appointed a consultant in August 2024 to conduct a new round of reviews on information systems and formulate the ISS-4 as the department’s long-term information technology development blueprint. The research for the ISS-4 is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. (E) Enhancing various measures for attracting talent      The ImmD will continue to fully support the HKSAR Government’s measures for attracting and retaining talent. A new channel will be introduced under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals in 2025 to allow young and experienced non-degree talent with relevant professional and technical qualifications to apply for entry into Hong Kong to join the skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage. There will be a quota under such an arrangement. Moreover, a new mechanism will be introduced under the QMAS in 2025 to proactively invite top-notch and leading talent to come to Hong Kong for development, promoting Hong Kong as the focal point of international high-calibre talent.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBDC requires interoperability, privacy protection, robust infrastructure, and clear benefits of use to become currency in future, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    CBDC requires interoperability, privacy protection, robust infrastructure, and clear benefits of use to become currency in future, says GlobalData

    Posted in Banking

    Retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) development projects continue to face significant hurdles before achieving large-scale implementation. Key challenges include ensuring system interoperability with existing payment methods and currencies worldwide, addressing privacy concerns in advanced economies, and overcoming infrastructure limitations in emerging economies, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “The State of Central Bank Digital Currencies in 2025 and Beyond,” highlights that retail CBDCs fail to address real consumer needs or pain points meaningfully. Furthermore, they offer no clear tangible benefits that would drive user adoption.

    Blandina Szalay, Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The very limited uptake of CBDC in countries where it fully launched – in the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, and Nigeria – can be attributed to the lack of compelling incentives for consumers to switch to CBDCs from the payment methods they are already used to.”

    With habit and convenience being the dominant factors influencing payment tool choices globally for both in-person and online payments, central banks will require either robust incentive schemes or mandates to achieve a widespread adoption of their digital currencies. In countries already operating CBDCs, consumers have expressed that using CBDCs and their associated wallets has introduced additional friction to existing payment processes without offering sufficient benefits. Critics from other CBDC-piloting countries echo these sentiments.

    Szalay continues: “Achieving critical mass in CBDC adoption, however, will be necessary to reap any advantages initially proposed by central banks. These could include driving domestic payment system innovation, improving cross-border payment efficiencies, fostering financial inclusion, and newfound financial and monetary stability in emerging economies by formalizing their economies via CBDC.”

    Most recently, the Bank of England (BoE) unveiled its digital pound lab, a testing sandbox aimed at addressing key challenges such as interoperability, or absence of clear use cases and lack of viable business models. These issues are set to be tackled throughout 2025, before the decision on a wider launch is made.

    Szalay concludes: “As national governments keep allocating resources towards their ongoing CBDC projects, they should also consider the level of their citizens’ openness and willingness to use the central bank’s digital currency in their everyday lives. Should incentives prove insufficient, and governments have to turn to mandates, it will only reinforce critics’ concerns that CBDCs are a tool for asserting domestic and international control.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Hydrogen economy development enters critical phase, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Hydrogen economy development enters critical phase, says GlobalData

    Posted in Oil & Gas

    The hydrogen economy has recently experienced some hiccups in its growth story. Apparently, demand for this commodity is not rising at the pace it was envisaged back in 2020 when companies had aggressively announced their energy transition plans. As more industries, such as steel, transportation, and power, try to decarbonize their operations, the demand for low-carbon hydrogen is expected to grow. Nevertheless, the hydrogen economy is currently in its critical phase of its development, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s thematic report, “Hydrogen,” reveals that about 83% of the low carbon hydrogen capacity coming online by 2030, is expected to come from green hydrogen plants, while the remainder is from blue hydrogen. Purple and turquoise hydrogen capacities are anticipated to be miniscule. Only about 2% of the total expected capacity by 2030 is currently operational.

    Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Low-carbon hydrogen is set to occupy a crucial role in the decarbonization efforts of several energy-intensive industry verticals. As hydrogen is an essential feedstock in downstream oil and gas processes, switching to low-carbon hydrogen would help companies reduce their emissions footprint. It also has massive potential in the transportation sector, especially in marine and heavy vehicle applications, due to its energy density properties.”

    Conventionally, hydrogen has been consumed in the oil and gas industry as a reagent in the refining sector and as a feedstock in the petrochemical sector. The demand from the oil and gas industry will remain the dominant driver for hydrogen in the foreseeable future. Additional demand for this commodity is expected to emerge from industries such as metallurgy, power generation, and transportation.

    Puranik continues: “There has been a significant jump in low-carbon hydrogen project announcements in the last few years as industries unveiled plans to decarbonize their operations. Nearly 75% of these projects are in the feasibility stage of development. This reflects the momentum in new plant announcements within this market to reap from the global energy transition.”

    Blue and green hydrogen production offers particularly promising growth potential for oil and gas companies pursuing energy transition. Companies are investing in this energy source for their long-term goals, with a preference for green hydrogen.

    Puranik concludes: “Several oil and gas companies have announced new blue and green hydrogen plants, which are expected to be operational by 2030. Nevertheless, there is a need for the hydrogen distribution network to expand at scale, which includes the addition of new pipelines. The current scenario signals a critical phase for the development of the global hydrogen economy. Its fate and momentum in the coming years will be decided by how things pan out in the near future.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Open Forum: Empowering Bytes | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    In an increasingly digital world where over 5 billion people are online and the average person spends more than six hours a day on the internet, safety and accountability must extend beyond the physical realm.

    What principles and practical approaches are needed to identify and reduce digital risks, prevent harm and promote trust and safety online?

    Speakers: Peter Lucas Kaaka Jones, Amanda Graf, Helena Leurent, Lauren Woodman, Bilel Jamoussi

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD6psXySlyU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lift off for Tech Interdependence? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    As the technology ecosystem evolves, encompassing advancements in AI, biotechnology, edge computing, robotics and beyond, the interdependence of these technologies presents immense opportunities and complex challenges.

    How can we pave the way for unprecedented growth and innovation in our interconnected future?

    Speakers: Hiroaki Kitano, Cristiano Amon, Aiman Ezzat, Jeremy Jurgens, Magdalena Skipper, Aidan Gomez

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mogyc3UAku0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Solar Together returns – residents can boost renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and save on bills with solar panel initiative

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Residents of Hertfordshire are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

    Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.

    Residents, including those from St Albans District, can join the group-buying scheme which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points.

    There is also an option to acquire retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. 

    The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid. 

    It is free to register here from Monday 27 January and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

    St Albans City and District Council (SADC) is working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and  iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the move to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible. 

    Councillor Raj Visram, SADC’s Lead for Climate, said:

    One of our priorities as a Council is to tackle the climate emergency and encourage the District to become net zero by 2030.

    Our involvement with the Solar Together scheme is one of the many actions we are taking to achieve these goals.

    The feedback we have received from residents who have taken advantage of the offer in previous years has been highly positive. Residents in St Albans District have been among the most enthusiastic in the county.

    I urge any interested householder who has yet to make a Solar Together enquiry, to do so now. They can potentially cut harmful emissions and save money on their energy bills at the same time.

    SADC and other Councils enable the scheme and do not benefit financially in any way. 

    Solar Together, which has already proven to be a hit across the county, operates like this:

    1. Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation. 

    2. Approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations. 

    3. After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration. 

    4. If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system. 

    5. Telephone and email help desks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment. 

    Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, said:

    With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Hertfordshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid. 

    The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.

    iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems.

    To date, Solar Together has installed over 16,480 solar panels in Hertfordshire, reducing carbon emissions by 31,180 tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to 17,000 cars off the road in that time.

    iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 200 schemes have led to 185,000 residents installing solar PV systems. 

    Media contact:  John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727- 819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.
     
    About Solar Together

    The Solar Together scheme, delivered by iChoosr, is a group-buying initiative that enables households and businesses to purchase solar panels at a competitive price. By teaming up with local authorities, the scheme is able to leverage the collective buying power of residents to negotiate better rates from trusted solar panel providers. This not only helps to make solar energy more accessible and affordable but also supports the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Solar Together is currently responsible for 10% of MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) solar panel installations in England – the independent certification scheme that certifies microgeneration (renewable energy) products and installers.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North West Angling Fair to return to banks of the Mourne in March

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    North West Angling Fair to return to banks of the Mourne in March

    27 January 2025

    Strabane is set to play host to thousands of fishing enthusiasts in March when the North West Angling Fair returns to the Melvin Sports Complex.

    The annual celebration of angling will host some of the UK and Ireland’s leading fly dressers, casters and angling specialists and the programme will include professional casting and fly fishing demonstrations on the River Mourne.

    The public will also have the opportunity to source angling merchandise from a wide range of fishing tackle producers, fly tying brands and fishing outfitters in the Melvin’s Main Hall.
    The event is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Loughs Agency.
    Mayor of Derry and Strabane, formally announced Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of March as the dates for the event on the Strabane foot bridge on the River Mourne this week.
    “The North West Angling Fair will bring thousands of visitors to Strabane in a celebration of everything that makes angling such a unique and rewarding pastime,” she said.
    “Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to try something new or an experienced angler eager to refine your skills, this event has something for everyone.
    “From expert demonstrations and technique masterclasses to sourcing the latest equipment, it’s a great opportunity to share ideas and connect with others who share a passion for angling.”
    Festival and Events Officer at Council, Helena Hasson, said the full programme will be released in the coming weeks.
    “We are looking forward to welcoming an internationally renowned lineup of fly dressers, casters, and instructors to this year’s event,” she said.
    “The programme will feature demonstrations on the pitches at the Melvin and on the Mourne as well as talks and fly tying demos inside the Melvin where a diverse range of traders will be exhibit in the Main Hall.
    “We will also showcase and celebrate the many young people in our region who take part in angling and create opportunities for young people who are new to fishing.”
    Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency CEO, said: “We’re delighted to once again support Derry City and Strabane District Council in delivering one of the most anticipated events on the angling calendar, right here in the North West.
    “Angling has played a vital role within our communities, providing enjoyment, tradition, and opportunities for generations.

    “Our Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy underscores our commitment to enhancing angling experiences for everyone in our catchments, ensuring the sport continues to thrive.

     “We are excited to welcome both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike to what is sure to be a fantastic event on the banks of the Mourne in March.”
    Council are currently accepting applications from individuals, businesses and organisations interested in trading at the fair.
    You can apply online at https://bit.ly/42bEbnR and the deadline for submission is Friday 31st January at midday.
    Any queries relating to the application can be sent to [email protected].
    For updates and programme information on the North West Angling Fair visit www.derrystrabane.com/anglingfair and follow Northwestangling on facebook.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Are high-rise buildings meeting London’s housing needs?

    Source: Mayor of London

    London has more than four times as many homes in high-rise buildings compared to the English average,1 and the Mayor’s London Housing Strategy supports a shift to “higher density development through new design-led density policies”.2

    But what is the impact of high-rise housing on communities, the environment, and the health and wellbeing of residents?

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee will ask guests from industry and the London Tenants Federation about issues including residents’ experiences of living in tall buildings and how they vary among different groups, the characteristics of successful tall buildings, and the extent to which high-rise buildings meet Londoners’ housing needs.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – 10am – 11.15am:

    • Stuart Baillie, Partner and Head of Planning, Knight Frank
    • Russell Whitehead, Director, Robert Bird Group
    • Chris Edgington, Associate Director – Building Services, ARUP

    Panel 2 – 11.30am – 12.30pm:

    • Kath Scanlon, Distinguished Policy Fellow and Deputy Director, LSE London
    • Pat Turnbull, Regional Delegate, London Tenants Federation

    The meeting will take place on Tuesday 28 January from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Identity fraud: BaFin warns consumers against offers on websites zinsify.de and smbcgroup.asia

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority BaFin warns consumers against offers on websites zinsify.de and smbcgroup.asia. According to information available to BaFin, banking transactions and financial services are being provided on these websites without the required authorisation. The services are not actually offered by SMBC Bank EU AG. This is a case of identity fraud by unknown perpetrators.

    Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Severe case of influenza A infection in unvaccinated infant reported

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Severe case of influenza A infection in unvaccinated infant reported
    Severe case of influenza A infection in unvaccinated infant reported
    ********************************************************************

         The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 27) received a report of a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection in a baby girl who had not yet received the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). She is still hospitalised and in serious condition. The CHP urged the public who have not yet received the SIV to act immediately to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.                “The 10 month-old girl with good past health developed a fever, cough and seizure since January 23. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital on the same day and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit immediately. Her nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for the influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalitis,” a spokesman for the CHP said.     The girl had no travel history during the incubation period. One of her household contacts had upper respiratory symptoms prior to her disease onset. An initial investigation revealed that she did not receive 2024/25 SIV. The CHP reiterated its call to the parents to bring their children to receive an SIV as soon as possible.                “Including the above-mentioned baby girl, the CHP has recorded five cases of severe influenza virus infection in children since the start of this influenza season in early January, four of whom were unvaccinated. Influenza vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, while significantly reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death from seasonal influenza. All persons aged 6 months and above (except those with known contraindications) who have not yet received SIV should act immediately, particularly the elderly and children who have a higher risk of becoming infected with influenza and developing complications,” the spokesman said.                The spokesman reminded the public that Hong Kong has entered the influenza season. The seasonal influenza activity is expected to increase further while the activity of other respiratory infectious diseases may also increase. To protect their health and that of their family members, the public should not only receive the SIV, but also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and take the following measures to prevent contacting influenza and other respiratory illnesses: 

    Patients can wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses. Therefore, it is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
    High-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
    Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
    Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
    When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
    Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
    Maintain good indoor ventilation;
    When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider refraining from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
    Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

         For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages. 

     
    Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 19:27

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ORO reports incident involving loss of backup tapes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ORO reports incident involving loss of backup tapes
    ORO reports incident involving loss of backup tapes
    ***************************************************

         A spokesman for the Official Receiver’s Office (ORO) said today (January 27) that the department attaches the utmost importance to an incident involving the loss of magnetic backup tapes and expresses sincere apologies.      The ORO received a report on January 22, and confirmed upon investigation that seven magnetic backup tapes were lost during their transit from Immigration Tower to Queensway Government Offices by ORO staff on December 23, 2024, in the ordinary course of transfer, to comply with the disaster recovery backup procedures. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the Security Bureau and the Digital Policy Office (DPO).      As the magnetic backup tapes are stored in a locked protective case and the data therein is encrypted with AES-256 encryption which is a highly secure encryption algorithm used extensively in government and military applications, as well as by business operating in highly regulated industries. Having consulted the DPO, the ORO considers that the risk of leakage of personal data from the tapes is extremely low. Based on the current investigation, there is no evidence that the data contained on the tapes has been read or compromised. The tapes contained personal data of about 76 000 individuals, including creditors of insolvency cases and serving staff of the ORO. The ORO is sending notifications to the relevant individuals by batch.                     The ORO is extremely concerned about the incident and has taken immediate action to review all transit procedures and data protection practices, and has refined the procedures with immediate effect. The ORO is also conducting a thorough investigation into the staff concerned and details of the incident, including the delay in reporting the loss to senior management. Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.      The ORO attaches great importance to safeguarding government property and personal privacy and has reminded staff to comply with the departmental guidelines and exercise due care in handling personal data. The ORO will also review all guidelines on data security and examine the adoption of safer and more effective backup methods and procedures.      The ORO expresses sincere apologies for the loss and for the delay in reporting the incident. For enquiries, please call the ORO at 2867 2448 or email to oroadmin@oro.gov.hk.

     
    Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 19:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminals operating an illegal financial service to launder millions of euros busted

    Source: Eurojust

    Investigations into the group began in 2023 when border police in Spain noticed suspicious trips from their airports transporting large sums of money. The trips to Cyprus by members of the criminal group were used to deliver criminal profits, which were then laundered. Authorities stopped the criminals from travelling and seized more than EUR 1.8 million.

    The authorities discovered that the group was running a sophisticated money laundering service for other criminal organisations. The group acted as a financial service to transfer criminal profits internationally. Cryptocurrencies were used to move cash profits between criminal organisations. To dispose of the cash profits, money was transported on commercial flights, mainly to Cyprus, and by public transport to neighbouring countries of Spain. The group was able to carry out four to six money laundering transactions per week. 

    Running this financial service required a professionally structured organisation consisting of at least 52 members, operating mostly from Spain and Cyprus. The group worked with contacts outside of their organisation to liaise with clients and receive the cash to be laundered. Their contacts are linked to several commercial companies around the world. 

    As the financial service was used throughout Europe, authorities had to work together to stop the criminal group. An international investigation was launched by setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) at Eurojust between Spanish, Cypriot and German authorities, Eurojust and Europol. Through the JIT, information from tax and judicial authorities was exchanged that led to the takedown of the criminal group. Europol supported this international operation with experts specialised in financial crime, fighting high-risk criminal networks, unravelling money laundering structures, and tracing cryptocurrency flows.

    A series of actions were carried out to stop the financial service. In October 2024, actions were carried out in Spain, France and Cyprus to dismantle the criminal group. This was followed by actions in November 2024 that targeted actors working with the criminal group. A total of 91 searches were carried out, 77 in Spain, 1 in France and 13 in Cyprus. Twenty suspects were arrested in Spain, one in France and two in Slovenia. Authorities seized a total of EUR 8 million in cash, 2 million in bank accounts and froze EUR 27 million in cryptocurrency. Investigations into the group and its financial service continue.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Spain: Investigating Judge no 2 of El Prat de Llobregat; Public Prosecution Office of Barcelona; Guardia Civil Special Central Unit 3, Destabilizing Threat Group-UCO
    • Cyprus: Attorney General’s Office; MOKAS (Unit for Combating Money Laundering); Criminal Investigation Department (CID) (in collaboration with other police departments)
    • Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office, Landshut; Customs Investigation Office, München
    • France: Judicial Court of Marseille, Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction against organised crime (JIRS) ; National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF), Marseille/Nice. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Supersession of the Board of Directors and Appointment of Administrator – Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 45-IE(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and as per recommendation of National Housing Bank (NHB), the Reserve Bank has today superseded the board of directors of Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited (the company) owing to governance concerns and defaults in meeting various payment obligations, and appointed Shri Ram Kumar, ex-CGM of Punjab National Bank, as the Administrator under Section 45-IE(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Reserve Bank intends to shortly initiate the process of resolution of the company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019, and would also apply to the NCLT, New Delhi, for appointing the Administrator as the Insolvency Resolution Professional.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2011

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A catalogue of errors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The case of K & B Haulage Limited, recently heard by the Traffic Commissioner for the West of England, Kevin Rooney, has revealed a series of serious compliance failures affecting the company’s restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence.

    The licence itself had already been downgraded from standard international.

    The public inquiry uncovered severe and persistent compliance failings, jeopardising road safety and undermining fair competition.

    The commissioner’s findings included tax and MOT violations, where multiple vehicles were operated without valid tax or MOTs for extended periods and maintenance shortcomings with infrequent safety inspections – with some vehicles operating in dangerous conditions, including one driven with three bald tyres after being declared unroadworthy. Driver hours were mismanaged, and tachograph downloads were delayed by up to 237 days, with drivers failing to record required manual entries.

    On top of this, a there was a lack of oversight from former transport manager Richard Simcox who failed to fulfil basic compliance duties, contributing to widespread operational failings and a culture of non-compliance.

    The operator also engaged in subcontracting work to a company without the required operator’s licence, violating legal requirements, and Mr. Gettings admitted to lying during a DVSA investigation and failed to cooperate with vehicle inspections.

    Commissioner Rooney said “The compliance shortcomings alone with vehicles untaxed, untested and un-inspected, the lack of any drivers’ hours management or working time, mean that this is not a business I can have any confidence will be compliant in the future. The operation has been so dangerous that it must come to an end… The shortcomings I have found reflect a recklessness on the part of the operator, and a recklessness that is shown still to persist by the actions in October. Road safety has been compromised and the use of a Ltd Company driver is unfair competition.”

    The commissioner determined that K & B Haulage Limited was no longer fit to hold an operator’s licence. The company’s licence has been revoked, and its director, Kyle Gettings, has been disqualified as an operator for a period of two years. Transport manager Richard Simcox has also lost his good repute and been disqualified for an extended period.

    More details can be found here.

    For any further details or enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica and to the Republic of Nicaragua: Edward Roberts

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Mr Edward Roberts has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica, and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Nicaragua, in succession to Mr Ben Lyster-Binns.

    Mr Edward Roberts has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica, and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Nicaragua, in succession to Mr Ben Lyster-Binns, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Mr Roberts will take up his appointment during autumn 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Edward John Roberts

    Year Role
    2025 Pre-posting training (including Spanish language training)
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Europe Group, Directorate Flexible Resource
    2022 to 2023 College of Europe, Bruges, MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies
    2019 to 2022 Kathmandu, Deputy Ambassador
    2017 to 2019 Department for Exiting the European Union, Policy Manager, Security Partnership
    2016 to 2017 Cabinet Office, Senior Policy Adviser, Migration and EU Asylum Cooperation
    2013 to 2016 Kinshasa, Consul and Second Secretary Political and Prosperity
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Desk Officer, EU Institutions and Treaty Change Bill
    2010 to 2011 European Commission, Brussels, DG AIDCO, Seconded National Expert, Human Development and Migration
    2009 to 2010 Department for Education, Policy Officer, Early Years Improvement Support
    2008 to 2009 Brussels, European Commission, DG AIDCO, Stagiaire, Human Development and Migration
    2007 to 2008 Department for Education, Policy Officer, Education and Skills Bill
    2006 to 2007 Department for Education, Policy Officer, Strategy for Learners with Learning Difficulties
    2006 Joined the Civil Service Fast Stream

    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 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing woman in Tsing Yi (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing woman in Tsing Yi (with photos)
    Appeal for information on missing woman in Tsing Yi (with photos)
    *****************************************************************

         Police today (January 27) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tsing Yi.     Leung Shuk-wa, aged 37, went missing after she left her residence in Cheung Hong Estate this morning. His family then made a report to Police.         She is about 1.55 metres tall, 47 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a light-coloured jacket, khaki trousers and white sport shoes.     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 5217 5562 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

     
    Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 18:50

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: What do trade unions have to do with human rights?

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Trade unions are critical to protecting and promoting human rights including economic, social, and cultural rights and the right to be free from discrimination.

    First, they play a key role through negotiations with employers and collective action in supporting workers’ rights. In so doing, unions balance the scales of power, ensuring that workers are in a position to advocate for their rights, and holding those who run wealthy and powerful companies to account.

    Second, the benefits of trade unions go far beyond the workplace. Unions are the fuel that keeps the fires of social justice and people power burning so that workers’ rights are respected and protected by law. Throughout history, unions have been the driving force behind calls on governments and employers to acknowledge and prevent human rights abuses that are connected to their business operations. They also ensure laws are adopted and reformed to better respect and protect the rights of workers.

    Finally, unions have a long history of solidarity with other global human rights movements. From strikes in the 80s against apartheid in South Africa to the union-backed campaigns against Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, their actions consistently demonstrate the bond between trade unionism and social justice.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Genocide ‘matter of law and evidence, not opinion’ and UK government must ensure accountability

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Marking the one-year anniversary since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found plausible risk that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza (Sunday 26 January), Amnesty International said the UK government’s disregard for its legal obligations to prevent genocide had contributed to Israel’s impunity and risked British complicity in serious crimes against international law. 

    Amnesty is calling on the UK government to take urgent and meaningful steps to prevent Israel’s genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza, as it is obligated to do as a State Party to the Genocide Convention.   

    The landmark case at the ICJ was brought by South Africa and the court’s judges ordered provisional measures to protect Palestinians from further harm, however these were dismissed by Israel. Amnesty’s own analysis concluded that Israel is engaged in committing genocide in a comprehensive report published last year and it continues to do so. 

    Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said: 

    “The UK government should have taken heed of this extremely significant ICJ ruling the day it was announced. UK inaction and disregard for its international obligations to prevent genocide contributed to Israel’s impunity and risked British complicity in serious crimes against international law. 

    “The genocide against the Palestinian people is a matter of law and evidence, not opinion. Prime Minister Keir Starmer must accept the UK’s obligations to prevent Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and help ensure there is justice and accountability. 

    “To avoid the risk of itself being complicit in genocide, the UK should have ended all arms transfers to Israel long ago and committed full support to the ICJ and other important international accountability mechanisms. The UK should take those steps urgently now. 

    “The staggering number of Palestinian civilians killed, the colossal scale of physical destruction, the blocking of life-saving aid before the ceasefire, and the stream of dehumanising and racist anti-Palestinian rhetoric from Israeli officials, provide the clear evidential basis for genocidal intent, as defined by law, in Israel’s actions in Gaza.  

    “The UK government must fulfil its duties to stop genocidal acts even when committed by an ally and show clearly that it is UK policy that Palestinian lives matter as much as any other human life.”

    Evidence of genocide 

    In December 2024, Amnesty’s International’s research found sufficient basis to conclude that Israel has committed – and is continuing to commit – genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip. 

    The 296-page report - ‘You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza - documents how, during its military offensive launched in the wake of the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, Israel has unleashed hell and destruction on Palestinians in Gaza brazenly, continuously and with total impunity.  Amnesty examined Israel’s acts in Gaza closely and in their totality, taking into account their recurrence and simultaneous occurrence, and both their immediate impact and their cumulative and mutually-reinforcing consequences. Amnesty considered the scale and severity of the casualties and destruction over time, and also analysed public statements by officials – finding that prohibited acts were often announced or called for in the first place by high-level officials in charge of the war efforts. 

    As a state party to the Genocide Convention, the UK has a legal obligation to use all reasonable means to help prevent genocide and be consistent when supporting international law – just as it has done when calling out crimes carried out by Russian forces. 

                           

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: DRC: “Scale of suffering demands urgent attention” – OCHA | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    —
    The crisis in eastern DRC is at a dangerous point: The situation is deteriorating rapidly, and if hostilities spill into Goma – a densely populated urban center – the impact on civilians could be devastating.

    More than 21 million people already need aid across the country – one of the highest numbers worldwide. Approximately 1 million people had already sought refuge in neighboring countries. The escalation in the east threatens to make a critical humanitarian situation even worse.
    —
    Council members, to address this escalating humanitarian crisis before the situation worsens further, I have three asks to the Council:

    First, I urge this Council and all Member States to leverage their influence to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected by all parties.
    Civilians must be protected. IDP sites and medical facilities must be protected. Rapid, unimpeded, and safe humanitarian access to those in need must be facilitated.

    Second, since we are at the start of the year and many funding sources remain unavailable or delayed for various reasons, adequate funding is essential to enable and sustain urgent humanitarian action. In light of the scale and severity of the current situation, we are allocating US $ 17 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for immediate life-saving interventions. However, let’s be clear: Additional resources are urgently
    needed.

    Third, I urge the Council and all Member States to use their influence to end the hostilities.

    The scale of suffering in the DRC demands urgent attention. The plight of the country’s women, men and children cannot continue to go unnoticed.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqlrwrEYNqs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: France on the Democratic Republic of the Congo – Security Council Media Stakeout

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Media stakeout by Nicolas de Rivière, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mLstUcrrzg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Pete Buttigieg delivers remarks on the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Search and rescue operations continue following the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse. Our hearts go out to the families waiting for news, and our thanks go out to the extraordinary first responders on the scene. We will be with the people of Baltimore every step of the way.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIdZJXSwHwI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor reiterates vital importance of educating young people about the Holocaust in an age of fake news and unregulated social media

    Source: Mayor of London

    • With the proliferation of fake news and unregulated social media, the Mayor says that the work of organisations such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, Holocaust Educational Trust and Holocaust Memorial Day Trust are more vital than ever
    • Mayor reiterates commitment to ensure young Londoners are educated about the Holocaust at a time of rising antisemitism and hate globally
    • The Holocaust reminds us what can happen when hatred is left unchecked and the Mayor is more determined than ever for London to stand united
    • Sadiq to attend a service held at Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Memorial in Poland marking 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today urged Londoners to remember and learn from the horrors of the past to ensure they are never forgotten or repeated, as he warned that the proliferation of fake news and unregulated social media means that the work of organisations such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, Holocaust Educational Trust and Holocaust Memorial Day Trust are more vital than ever.

    The Mayor is in Poland today (Monday 27 January) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

    Sadiq has been invited to attend a service held at Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Memorial, where he will join His Majesty the King, heads of state and political leaders from across the world alongside Holocaust survivors, their families and members of Jewish communities.

    Together, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, they will remember the estimated 1.1 million people who were killed at Auschwitz and the millions more who were murdered by the Nazis. Around six million Polish people died in World War Two, one fifth of the pre-war population.

    With the alarming rise of antisemitism and hate across the globe, the Holocaust reminds us of what can happen when hatred is left unchecked. The Mayor has emphasised the vital importance of education and his commitment to supporting young Londoners to learn about the Holocaust and other genocides.

    Auschwitz-Birkenau plays a key role in educating Londoners and people around the world about the Holocaust. Last year, the site was visited 1.8 million times and around 300,000 people, including school children, visit each year from the UK.

    In 2020, the Mayor attended a commemorative event to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and London provided a £300,000 grant to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, helping its work to preserve the site and ensuring future generations of Londoners and visitors from around the world can learn for themselves the truth about what took place. The contribution has helped towards preserving thousands of personal items like prisoner shoes, clothing, cutlery, eyeglasses and protecting the original camp infrastructure at Auschwitz-Birkenau site.

    London is home to an estimated 145,000 Jewish people – making it the largest Jewish community in the country. The capital’s Jewish population grew significantly in the 1930s and 1940s when many European Jews fled to the UK to escape the Nazis, as well as family members of those who were murdered in the concentration camps.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The Holocaust was one of the darkest times in history and a terrible example of what can happen when hatred is left unchecked. That’s why it’s imperative Londoners and others around the world are able to learn about the appalling events which took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau and the other camps.

    “I am honoured to have been invited to join the official commemoration event in Poland to mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation. The powerful and poignant stories preserved here are an integral part of ensuring the victims are never forgotten and the horrors that took place here are never repeated.

    “The proliferation of fake news and unregulated content on social media means that the work of organisations such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, Holocaust Educational Trust and Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is more vital than ever in equipping young people with a full and proper account of history.

    “At a time of growing division and rising antisemitism and hate crime across the world, it’s incredibly important that we all now redouble our efforts to remember the past and make sure we learn from it.”

    Piotr M.A. Cywiński, President of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, said: “In an era of rapid cultural, technological, and social changes, amidst growing populism and the loud prevalence of hate speech, we must rediscover the profoundly valuable power of memory. It is from memory that wise warnings, guidance, and insights flow, enabling us to make better judgments, choices, and actions. Memory and experience are deeply interconnected concepts. I believe it is this perspective on memory that has connected Mr. Sadiq Khan with efforts to preserve Auschwitz-Birkenau for so many years. Striving to uphold memory among new generations is one of the most meaningful investments in a future free from hatred, antisemitism, and all forms of racism and xenophobia.”

    Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust: “Today we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the place where approximately 1 million Jewish men, women and children were murdered by the Nazis. At the site of the former camp, Holocaust survivors, surrounded by their families, Heads of State and dignitaries, had a spotlight shone on their harrowing stories. Today, 80 years on, as survivors become fewer and frailer, learning about the truth of the past could not be more important, and ensuring the next generation understand what happened at Auschwitz takes on a new urgency. Thank you to the Mayor of London for joining this important commemoration.”

    Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust: “The Mayor of London is a steadfast supporter of Holocaust commemoration; the Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 Ceremony at City Hall last week was a moving and powerful event, and one we are proud to have supported. The Mayor’s unwavering commitment ensures Londoners never forget the lessons of the Holocaust. His visit to Auschwitz on the 80th anniversary of its liberation underscores this dedication. Auschwitz remains an enduring symbol of Nazi brutality and humanity’s capacity for unimaginable evil. It stands as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked hate and bigotry. The commemorations at Auschwitz-Birkenau, once the epicentre of the Nazis’ genocidal campaign, will honour not only of those who were murdered at Auschwitz but of all six million Jews killed during the Holocaust.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Twentieth session of the SPECA Working Group on Trade

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) are organizing the twentieth session of the SPECA Working Group on Trade on 14 March 2025, back-to-back with a seminar “Implementing a Digital Equivalent of the SMGS Railway Consignment Note in the KTI Corridor Using UN Standards”. The Working Group supports cross-border and regional cooperation for the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda in Central Asia (notably SDG targets 17.10 and 17.11) to advance green and sustainable trade. The session will focus on the deliverables of the SPECA Working Group on Trade:

    1. collaboration among SPECA participating States in the WTO process,
    2. progress in the implementation of the SPECA Trade Facilitation Strategy and related roadmap,
    3. progress in the implementation of the Principles for Sustainable Trade in the subregion,
    4. studies and recommendations on regulatory and procedural non-tariff barriers to trade, and
    5. digitalization of data and document exchange in multimodal transport and trade using UN standards.

    The event will review national and regional plans and strategies of the SPECA participating States for sustainable trade facilitation and development. It will strengthen cooperation among trade diplomats of the SPECA participating States. Participants in the session are requested to contribute their good practices and identify priority actions on which the SPECA Working Group on Trade could work in the coming 2-3 years.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –