NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former officer to appear in court charged with rape

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A former Metropolitan Police officer is due to appear in court charged with rape.

    David Campbell – who was a police constable within the Frontline Policing command – will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 November, charged with one count of rape and one count of misconduct in public office.

    The rape charge relates to a victim who was 16 or 17 years old when the alleged offence took place in 2011 in north London. It was reported to police in December 2022.

    Former PC Campbell – who was off duty when the offence was said to have taken place – was arrested in February 2023 and immediately suspended from duty.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Stancombe, Professionalism, said: “I know the concern these very serious charges will raise. Officers from our dedicated Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offending (DASO) team have worked diligently to bring this matter to court at the earliest opportunity. It would be inappropriate for us to discuss the charges in further detail at this time as we must allow the judicial process to take place without prejudice.”

    Former PC Campbell no longer works for the Met. We will not be discussing the circumstances around this at this time to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Holdings Reports Consolidated Financial Results for Six Months Ended September 30, 2024

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Holdings Reports Consolidated Financial Results for Six Months Ended September 30, 2024

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB’s Private Sector Operations in New Sectors Well Ahead of Target, but Annual Commitment Volume is Declining: Independent Evaluation Report

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (31 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has made progress in expanding its private sector operations by diversifying into new sectors and increasing cofinancing. However, the commitment volume in dollar term has declined by 42% in 2023 as compared to 2019, an independent evaluation report showed.

    The evaluation analyzes ADB’s efforts to scale up its private sector operations in alignment with its operational plan. 

    “Since private sector operations need to be at a certain scale to be impactful, this decline in dollar commitment volume is concerning,” ADB Independent Evaluation Department Director General Emmanuel Jimenez said. “The operational plan was flexible allowing private sector operations to respond to the unexpected market changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it now needs to be more focused by identifying areas of operations with major development gaps.” 

    The report found that while private sector operations are on track to meet the target of 2.5 times long-term cofinancing ratio by 2030, the increase in the ratio from 2019 represents a modest growth in the dollar value of cofinancing deals.

    “Switching to a key performance indicator based on the number of projects, rather than dollar volume, possibly incentivized staff to increase transactions in lower middle-income countries and sectors where deal sizes are naturally smaller,” said evaluation team leader Paolo Obias. “However, ADB was unable to originate enough projects to make up for the smaller deal sizes.”

    The evaluation highlights that improvements are needed in the areas of strategic prioritization, resource allocation, incentives, and the integration of private sector diagnostics into country partnership strategies.

    Despite the strong growth and development achieved in Asia and the Pacific, large financing gaps remain, particularly in infrastructure, financial inclusion, and climate financing. The gaps are too large for public institutions to handle on their own because of limited fiscal space. Multilateral development banks are thus doubling down on their commitment to scaling up their private sector activities to meet development objectives.

    About Independent Evaluation at ADB 

    ADB’s Independent Evaluation, reporting to the Board of Directors through the Development Effectiveness Committee, contributes to development effectiveness by providing feedback on ADB’s policies, strategies, operations, and special concerns in Asia and the Pacific.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish an advisory council on science and technology, it is hereby ordered as follows:
    Section 1.  Purpose.  The American story is one of boundless creativity and bold ambition, driven by an indomitable pioneering spirit that propels exploration and discovery.  It is this spirit that illuminated the world with Edison’s lightbulb, carried the Wright brothers into the skies, and sent Armstrong to the moon.  Today, a new frontier of scientific discovery lies before us, defined by transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced biotechnology.  Breakthroughs in these fields have the potential to reshape the global balance of power, spark entirely new industries, and revolutionize the way we live and work.  As our global competitors race to exploit these technologies, it is a national security imperative for the United States to achieve and maintain unquestioned and unchallenged global technological dominance.  To secure our future, we must harness the full power of American innovation by empowering entrepreneurs, unleashing private-sector creativity, and reinvigorating our research institutions.
    At the heart of scientific progress lies the pursuit of truth.  But this foundational principle, which has driven every major breakthrough in our history, is increasingly under threat. Today, across science, medicine, and technology, ideological dogmas have surfaced that elevate group identity above individual achievement, enforce conformity at the expense of innovative ideas, and inject politics into the heart of the scientific method.  These agendas have not only distorted truth but have eroded public trust, undermined the integrity of research, stifled innovation, and weakened America’s competitive edge.
    This order establishes the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology to unite the brightest minds from academia, industry, and government to guide our Nation through this critical moment by charting a path forward for American leadership in science and technology.
    Sec. 2.  Establishment.  (a)  There is hereby established the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).(b)  The PCAST shall be composed of not more than 24 members.  The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto shall be members of the PCAST.  If also serving as the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the APST may designate the U.S. Chief Technology Officer as a member.  The remaining members shall be distinguished individuals and representatives from sectors outside of the Federal Government appointed by the President.  These non-Federal members shall have diverse perspectives and expertise in science, technology, education, and innovation.(c)  The APST and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto shall serve as Co-Chairs of the PCAST.  The Co-Chairs may designate up to two Vice Chairs of the PCAST from among the non-Federal members of the PCAST, to support the Co-Chairs in the leadership and organization of the PCAST.
    Sec. 3.  Functions.  (a)  The PCAST shall advise the President on matters involving science, technology, education, and innovation policy.  The Council shall also provide the President with scientific and technical information that is needed to inform public policy relating to the American economy, the American worker, national and homeland security, and other topics.(b)  The PCAST shall meet regularly and shall:(i)    respond to requests from the President or the Co-Chairs for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice;(ii)   solicit information and ideas from a broad range of stakeholders, including the research community; the private sector; universities; national laboratories; State, local, and Tribal governments; foundations; and nonprofit organizations;(iii)  serve as the advisory committee identified in section 101(b) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-194), as amended (15 U.S.C. 5511(b)), in which capacity the PCAST shall be known as the President’s Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee; and(iv)    serve as the advisory panel identified in section 4 of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (Public Law 108-153), as amended (15 U.S.C. 7503), in which capacity the PCAST shall be known as the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.(c)  The PCAST shall provide advice from the non-Federal sector to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in response to requests from the NSTC.
    Sec. 4.  Administration.  (a)  The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the PCAST with information concerning scientific and technological matters when requested by the PCAST Co-Chairs and as required for the purpose of carrying out the PCAST’s functions.(b)  In consultation with the Co-Chairs, the PCAST is authorized to create standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups, including technical advisory groups, to assist the PCAST and provide preliminary information directly to the PCAST.(c)  In order to allow the PCAST to provide advice and analysis regarding classified matters, the Co-Chairs may request that members of the PCAST, its standing subcommittees, or ad hoc groups who do not hold a current clearance for access to classified information receive security clearance and access determinations pursuant to Executive Order 12968 of August 2, 1995 (Access to Classified Information), as amended, or any successor order.(d)  The Department of Energy shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the PCAST may require, to the extent permitted by law and as authorized by existing appropriations.(e)  Members of the PCAST shall serve without any compensation for their work on the PCAST, but may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the government service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707).(f)  Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), may apply to the PCAST, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Energy, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.
    Sec. 5.  Termination.  The PCAST shall terminate 2 years from the date of this order unless extended by the President.
    Sec. 6.  Revocation.  Executive Order 14007 of January 27, 2021 (President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology), as amended by Executive Order 14109 of September 29, 2023 (Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees and Amendments to Other Executive Orders), is hereby revoked.
    Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    THE WHITE HOUSE    January 23, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: How to Build Deep and Liquid Capital Markets in Asia and the Pacific

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Overcoming poor market depth and liquidity is crucial for Asia’s capital markets to grow and remain attractive to investors. A coordinated approach addressing regulatory frameworks, market infrastructure, and risk management is essential for building resilient, diverse, and efficient markets.

    Since the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s, authorities in jurisdictions around the region have aimed to deepen their domestic capital markets. And capital markets have indeed grown: funds raised in equity markets grew from 1.3% of GDP in 1990‒1998 to 1.6% in 2008‒2016. In the bond markets, they tripled from 1.6% to 4.5% of GDP. 

    Over the last three years, however, poor market depth and liquidity have impeded market development and reduced the attractiveness of the region as an investment destination, according to the Asia Pacific Capital Markets Survey by the Asia Securities Industry and Financial Market Association. 

    Issuers of securities in emerging markets also face more volatile primary markets, incur higher costs of capital, and have limited funding diversity compared to developed markets. And the investors face narrow and fewer investment opportunities across asset classes. 

    Few dispute the importance of capital markets to economies. They transfer capital to productive economic activities and enable low-cost allocation of savings while minimizing the risks. 

    The liquidity and resiliency of the domestic capital market buffers financial intermediation activities when the banking system is under severe stress and provides an alternative to international financing. 

    A deep and liquid capital market features several factors. It offers a variety of investment instruments, a clear regulatory and transactional framework enabling low-cost access, and pricing efficiency in both primary and secondary markets, all while minimizing information asymmetry.

    A deep and liquid market also provides avenues to hedge or mitigate the risk associated with financial instruments, and is able gather vast and diverse participation from capital providers with differing investment objectives and risk appetites.

    In Asian corporate bond markets, the typical issue size is below $200 million and transaction size in the secondary market is relatively small. In the limited primary market, meanwhile, distribution further limits availability of instruments for secondary market trading and the behavior of market intermediaries and investors. Such factors contribute to poor secondary market activity, low market depth, and resiliency.

    The absence of active repurchase, securities lending and borrowing, short-selling or derivatives further hampers market depth and liquidity, effectively creating a one-way market that cannot adjust itself to rising interest rates or falling prices. Asia Securities Industry and Financial Market Association respondents rank these as the second most important market impediment. 

    Availability of long-term funding is another important factor. Less developed markets in Asia tend to rely more on short-term debt than mature markets such as Singapore or Malaysia. Indonesia and the Philippines for instance have an average maturity of less than 5 years in their corporate bond markets.
     

    Several constraints continue to impede capital market development in this region. Chief among them is the preference of corporations to seek funding from internal sources and the banking system. 

    This is a natural consequence of firms maximizing cost of capital and the complexity of accessing public markets, which remains mostly only in the reach of larger firms. The imbalances between applying the right regulatory framework to support effective disclosure and promote market conduct and investor protection can significantly affect access and market confidence.

    The lack of diversity and capacity of the investment community may also hinder development if the regulatory environment does not facilitate effective risk-taking behavior, apply unnecessary constraints that affect financial returns, or inhibit free flow of capital. 

    Technologically outdated market infrastructure and intermediary models that do not incentivize or appropriately reward participation that promotes liquidity and resiliency may compound these problems. 

    Addressing the challenges to capital market deepening, amid these complexities, therefore requires a consolidated approach across many interrelated markets and great coordination among development partners. 

    The building blocks of development areas will entail careful consideration of the multifaceted needs of investors, issuers, and intermediaries in meeting their investing, financing, and risk hedging requirements. 

    Development will be dictated by the decision-making infrastructure, the cost and efficiency factor of market access, and the preferred intermediation model. Policy makers guidance through capital market development plans helps promote transparency in the sequencing of policy reform measures.

    Also high on the agenda is a facilitative regulatory environment that eases access to funds, that is moving towards a market-based disclosure regime complemented by strong oversight. This must be complemented by sufficient issuer side strategies to incentivize access supported by a strong regulatory, legal, and judicial system.

    This can protect investors, prevent market abuse, and enhance predictability and efficiency of insolvency matters. Stronger information infrastructure—reporting and disclosure, ratings, accessibility of pre- and post-trade data, research information, and the development of benchmark markets—significantly contribute to market depth and facilitate pricing efficiency.

    Building the right market architecture is likewise critical. It needs to consider the role of market intermediaries, its risk-taking behavior, access and distribution channels, and choose the right execution or market operators (exchange/electronic trading facility/over the counter market). 

    These can ensure suitability of products to the type of trading venue. Proper design of the supporting intermediary model that can efficiently execute trades, minimize price disequilibrium, and reward participation is also paramount in building liquid, broad, deep, and resilient markets. 

    Authorities should also promote competition among intermediaries and market operators to improve service quality and reduce intermediation cost. Policy makers must also embrace and facilitate use of technology to transform market infrastructure in trading, depository, settlement, and payments with global integration capabilities.

    Development of supporting markets such as repurchase and securities borrowing and lending and derivatives, meanwhile, is critical to facilitating hedging and funding activities. And this must be supported by a legal and regulatory environment that provides netting certainty, allows short selling, and currency convertibility.  

    Finally, efforts must concentrate on deepening the domestic investor base, doing so prudently and complemented by strong and continuous investor education. Authorities must also promote institutional investor penetration and increase sophistication.

    Asia’s capital markets require a comprehensive strategy that includes strengthening market infrastructure, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering competition among intermediaries to achieve greater liquidity and depth. Coordinated efforts from authorities, market participants, and policymakers are critical to unlocking the full potential of capital markets and creating sustainable economic growth.  

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic hosted the first symposium of the Association of Indonesian Students in Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The first symposium of the Indonesian Students Association “PERMIRA” was held at the Polytechnic University. A bright and significant event in the humanitarian and scientific cooperation between Russia and Indonesia. The participants of the event discussed current topics related to the interaction of the two countries in the field of culture, science and technology.

    The theme of the symposium was “Youth Intercultural Entrepreneurship: Integrating Public Diplomacy to Strengthen Cooperation in a Multipolar World.” The welcoming speech was given by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in St. Petersburg and President of the Association of Industrial Enterprises of St. Petersburg Valery Radchenko and the Head of the Department for Relations with International Organizations of the Committee on External Relations Igor Bondarchuk.

    In light of modern challenges, the importance of developing relations between our countries cannot be overestimated, Igor Bondarchuk noted. Young people are the engine of change and progress.

    He also emphasized the role of youth cooperation in shaping future connections and partnerships.

    The topics we discuss are extremely relevant for both countries, especially given the challenges we face. It is important that we continue to develop our relations between Russia and Indonesia,” said Berlian Helmi, Deputy Head of the Indonesian Diplomatic Mission to Russia and Belarus.

    This symposium demonstrates the potential for cooperation between Polytechnic University and universities and partners from Indonesia. Youth intercultural entrepreneurship is an interesting area for joint work. In his welcoming speech, the head of the International Cooperation Department Vladimir Khizhnyak expressed SPbPU’s readiness to develop cooperation in various fields. In particular, the intention to place online courses of the Polytechnic University in English on Indonesian educational platforms was discussed. Vladimir Dmitrievich also invited Indonesian students to take part in the Summer School, which offers more than 40 different programs in English. An important step in strengthening cooperation will be the invitation of leading professors from Indonesian universities to read courses (online and in person).

    The symposium became a platform for dialogue on joint projects and the implementation of ideas that will deepen the country’s interaction in the field of science and technology. In addition, the participants discussed the prospects for cooperation with Indonesian universities and the possibility of Indonesian students participating in the Polytechnic’s educational programs.

    The symposium featured several fruitful sessions, each focusing on relevant topics for young entrepreneurs. The first session covered the state of the market both nationally and internationally. Participants discussed the opportunities and challenges facing young entrepreneurs, as well as ways to enhance opportunities for international students to build successful businesses.

    Speakers shared best practices of university-company collaboration that serves as an incubator for successful young entrepreneurship. The session on navigating the complexities of export-import provided participants with an opportunity to learn about the regulatory framework, typical import-export products, and current challenges of trade diplomacy between Russia and Indonesia. They discussed strategies for increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of local goods in the international arena. The accelerator and startup incubator program was the topic of one of the discussions, where young entrepreneurs could consider the challenges and opportunities they face in the process of creating and developing their projects.

    Particular attention was paid to the interactive session, where alumni of all generations met. Indonesians who studied in Russian universities shared their stories. They talked about the difficulties, advantages of knowledge obtained in Russia, and the influence of the PERMIRA association on strengthening Russian-Indonesian relations.

    The organisers also organised an exhibition of Russian and Indonesian crafts and art, where participants were introduced to the works of Indonesian artisans – from exquisite textiles to artwork reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage.

    Next year, Russia and Indonesia will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This event will become another reason for the further development of stable and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The First 100 Hours: Historic Action to Kick off America’s Golden Age

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>President Donald Trump’s second term is off to an historic start. The President is wasting no time delivering on the promises he made to the American people. The President signed more executive orders on his first day in office than any other president in history. Within the first 100 hours of his second administration, President Trump taken hundreds of executive actions to secure the border, deport criminal illegal immigrants, unleash American prosperity, lower costs, increase government transparency, and reinstitute merit-based hiring in the federal government. The President has already secured over $1 trillion in historic new investments. 
    We’re witnessing the Trump Effect:
    President Trump is securing historic investments just days after being sworn in.
    President Trump secured $500 billion in private sector investment for the largest AI infrastructure project in history, with Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman all stating that it would not have been possible if not for President Trump’s election victory and leadership.
    Saudi Arabia “wants to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years.”
    Stellantis announced it will restart an assembly plant in Illinois and build the new Dodge Durango in Detroit.
    The Detroit Free Press: “The news, announced in a letter Wednesday to employees from North America Chief Operating Officer Antonio Filosa, also provided some good news to workers in Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana, where investments are planned. The Belvidere plant will start production of a new midsize truck in the next two years. The letter said company Chairman John Elkann had met last week with President Donald Trump before his inauguration on Monday. Elkann shared ‘our enthusiasm for his strong commitment to the United States auto industry and all that this means for American jobs and the broader economy.’”

    President Trump is already securing the border and arresting criminal illegal immigrants.
    The Border Patrol is reporting a significant drop already in attempted illegal crossings.
    Fox News: “The U.S. southern border has seen a sharp drop in illegal immigrant encounters in the first days of the Trump administration, compared to the final few days of the Biden administration.”
    ICE is at work rounding up criminal aliens.
    Fox News: “Information obtained by Fox News Digital, shows that between midnight Jan. 21 and 9 a.m. Jan 22, a 33-hour period, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested more than 460 illegal immigrants that include criminal histories of sexual assault, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, drugs and weapons offenses, resisting arrest and domestic violence.”
    Breitbart News: “President Donald Trump’s administration arrested 538 illegal aliens on Thursday, ranging from child predators to gang members and a suspected terrorist.”

    The Trump Administration immediately shut down the CBP One app, which “paroled” over 1 million illegal immigrants.
    Deportation flights have already started and the military is assisting with the effort.
    The Department of Homeland Security reinstated official use of the term “illegal alien” over “undocumented noncitizen,” and the DOJ announced it would be taking action against lawless sanctuary city policies.
    President Donald Trump signed an executive order to designate the cartels as terrorist organizations.

    Common sense has been restored to the government.
    President Trump signed a series of executive orders ensuring the elimination of discriminatory DEI practices and ensuring merit-based hiring.
    DEI staff are being placed on leave.
    The Federal Aviation Administration must now return to merit-based hiring.
    President Trump ended an affirmative action mandate in federal government hiring.
    President Trump signed an executive order affirming the reality that there are only two sexes.
    The State Department issued guidance that embassies should only be flying the American flag, and not any activist flags.
    President Donald Trump signed an executive order telling agencies to stop remote work practices and directing workers to return to the office.
    The State Department subsequently ordered workers to return to working in the office.
    President Donald Trump is unleashing American energy.
    President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to unlock America’s full energy potential and bring down costs for American families.
    President Trump rescinded every one of Joe Biden’s industry-killing, pro-China, and anti-American energy regulations, empowering consumer choice in vehicles, showerheads, toilets, washing machines, lightbulbs, and dishwashers.
    President Trump withdrew the United States from the disastrous Paris Climate Agreement that unfairly ripped off our country.
    President Trump paused all new federal leasing and permitting for massive wind farms that degrade our natural landscapes and fail to serve American energy consumers.
    President Trump reversed the burdensome regulations that impeded Alaska’s ability to develop its vast natural resources.
    President Trump terminated Biden’s harmful electric vehicle mandate.

      These opening few days can be summarized as Promises Made, Promises Kept: 
    President Donald Trump said he would declassify the JFK Files. He did.
    President Donald Trump said he would end the EV mandate. He did.
    President Donald Trump said he would have the backs of the brave men and women in law enforcement. He did just that by pardoning two Washington D.C. Police officers that were unjustly prosecuted. The Metropolitan Police Department thanked President Trump for the pardon.
    President Donald Trump said he would use the military to secure the border. The Pentagon is deploying troops to the border and the Coast Guard is surging assets to the Gulf of America.
    President Trump said we would drill, baby, drill. The President signed executive orders to open up offshore drilling and allow more energy exploration in Alaska.
    President Donald Trump said he would end the weaponization of government. He signed an executive order doing just that.
    President Donald Trump said he would pardon the J6 Hostages. He did.
    President Donald Trump said he would end government censorship. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order restoring freedom of speech and ending government censorship.
    President Trump is being praised for his historic leadership:
    The Steel Manufacturers Association: “President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his strong support for American steel workers. He reiterated that support on day one by directing his agencies to investigate unfair trade and its impact on domestic manufacturing.”
    American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President and CEO Chet Thompson: “President Trump promised to end gas car bans and vehicle mandates on Day 1 of his new administration, and we are pleased to see that work already underway. Thank you, President Trump.”
    American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Mike Sommers: “Americans sent a clear message at the ballot box, and President Trump is answering the call on Day 1. U.S. energy dominance will drive our nation’s economic and security agenda. This is a new day for American energy, and we applaud President Trump for moving swiftly to chart a new path where U.S. oil and natural gas are embraced, not restricted.”
    Job Creators Network CEO Alfredo Ortiz: “Trump’s two-fold approach of boosting oil and gas production and repealing the Biden administration’s green energy mandates will make American energy cheaper, reliable and more efficient.”
    Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Bob Broeksmit: “President Trump campaigned on lowering costs for Americans, and we appreciate housing supply and affordability being included in an executive order on this issue. We support efforts to cut unnecessary regulatory red tape and to pursue federal housing program enhancements that make renting and homeownership more attainable and sustainable.”
    Professional Trucking Association Group: “President Trump’s decision to freeze regulations and curtail bureaucratic overreach is commendable. This is precisely what America needs: reduced government interference and increased freedom for small trucking businesses and entrepreneurs to flourish.”
    NetChoice CEO Steve DelBianco: “Upon returning to office, President Trump showed that America is ready to lead in tech and innovation again. By repealing Biden’s restrictive rules on energy production and AI development, the president is steering America to remain dominant in creating the best technology in the world.”
    United Against Nuclear Iran Chairman Governor Jeb Bush and CEO Ambassador Mark Wallace: “We applaud President Trump for his decision today to redesignate the Houthis as an FTO. UANI in its recommended action plan for the Trump administration’s first 100 days suggested that the president redesignate the Houthis as an FTO. This will now provide the U.S. government additional authorities to hold the Houthis accountable for their threats to international commerce and U.S. allies and partners.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at the conference “Additive technologies: barriers and overcoming”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The first all-Russian conference “Additive technologies: barriers and overcoming” was held in Moscow as part of the international engine-building forum. The event was organized by the Additive Technologies Center with the support of the Rostec State Corporation and the United Engine Corporation. Polytechnic was represented at the conference by employees of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport.

    Representatives of Rostec, Rosatom, Roscosmos, UAC, UEC and others took part in the conference. The business program was divided into several thematic blocks: production, materials, equipment and software. The organizers held a round table with the participation of members of territorially distributed centers of additive manufacturing specialization of UEC and industry experts.

    The delegation from the Polytechnic University included the following representatives of IMMiT: Director of the Institute Anatoly Popovich, Director of the Center for Continuing and Professional Education Maria Trenina and Director of the Scientific and Educational Center “Mechanical Engineering Technologies” Pavel Novikov. The conference participants discussed current issues and prospects for the development of additive technologies. At the plenary session, Anatoly Popovich made a report on the topic “Additive Technologies. Experience and Development Prospects”. He noted the high level of the event and spoke about the achievements of SPbPU in the field of additive technologies, emphasizing the importance of developing ceramics and 3D printing for use in aircraft engine building and space.

    At the conference, a cooperation agreement was signed between JSC Center for Additive Technologies and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. On behalf of JSC Center for Additive Technologies, the document was signed by General Director Alexey Mazalov. The agreement provides for the joint development of educational programs, advanced training of teachers and staff, and joint research work.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
    Section 1. Purpose. The United States has long been at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, driven by the strength of our free markets, world-class research institutions, and entrepreneurial spirit. To maintain this leadership, we must develop AI systems that are free from ideological bias or engineered social agendas. With the right Government policies, we can solidify our position as the global leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans.This order revokes certain existing AI policies and directives that act as barriers to American AI innovation, clearing a path for the United States to act decisively to retain global leadership in artificial intelligence.
    Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.
    Sec. 3. Definition. For the purposes of this order, “artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3).
    Sec. 4. Developing an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. (a) Within 180 days of this order, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST), the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director), and the heads of such executive departments and agencies (agencies) as the APST and APNSA deem relevant, shall develop and submit to the President an action plan to achieve the policy set forth in section 2 of this order.
    Sec. 5. Implementation of Order Revocation. (a) The APST, the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, and the APNSA shall immediately review, in coordination with the heads of all agencies as they deem relevant, all policies, directives, regulations, orders, and other actions taken pursuant to the revoked Executive Order 14110 of October 30, 2023 (Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence). The APST, the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, and the APNSA shall, in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies, identify any actions taken pursuant to Executive Order 14110 that are or may be inconsistent with, or present obstacles to, the policy set forth in section 2 of this order. For any such agency actions identified, the heads of agencies shall, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, suspend, revise, or rescind such actions, or propose suspending, revising, or rescinding such actions. If in any case such suspension, revision, or rescission cannot be finalized immediately, the APST and the heads of agencies shall promptly take steps to provide all available exemptions authorized by any such orders, rules, regulations, guidelines, or policies, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, until such action can be finalized.(b) Within 60 days of this order, the OMB Director, in coordination with the APST, shall revise OMB Memoranda M-24-10 and M-24-18 as necessary to make them consistent with the policy set forth in section 2 of this order.
    Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    THE WHITE HOUSE,January 23, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev: Pumping out fuel oil from the tanker Volgoneft-239 is completely completed

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from the Marine Rescue Service of the Ministry of Transport of Russia completed the pumping out of fuel oil from the main and ballast tanks of the aft section of the Volgoneft-239 tanker, which sank near Cape Panagia on December 15, 2024, ahead of schedule. The cleaning of the tanks for dismantling and subsequent disposal has begun. This was reported by the chairman of the government commission for the elimination of the consequences of the tanker wreck, Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev.

     

    Between January 19 and 25, 1,488 tons of fuel oil were pumped from the tanker into bitumen carriers, after which it was transferred to 20 railway tank cars.

     

    To be able to pump out the fuel oil, specialists restored the ship’s standard equipment, including the pumping and cargo heating system. In order for the fuel oil to become fluid, its temperature had to reach 45 degrees.

     

    A temporary road was built to allow equipment to reach the tanker, and a protective embankment was created around the hull. This embankment served as an artificial hydraulic structure, protecting the vessel from the storm and preventing fuel oil from spilling into the sea.

     

    A special platform reinforced with concrete slabs was built on the embankment close to the tanker. It provided passage for loaded bitumen carriers transporting fuel oil from the ship.

     

    Eight machines were involved in the round-the-clock pumping operations. During the entire period of the work, 87 bitumen trucks were removed from the tanker. The remaining fuel oil that could not be unloaded by ship equipment was pumped out using hand pumps.

     

    To ensure the environmental safety of the area, even before the work began, the Marine Rescue Service concentrated a group of emergency rescue fleet in the amount of up to 10 vessels. The fleet’s tasks included setting up boom barriers in the work area, which ensured the localization of oil products and the prevention of further pollution of the sea.

     

    Currently, a project for the disposal of the stern of the vessel as sunken property is being prepared. According to the order of the captain of the seaport of Taman, the development of the project should have been completed by January 30. Before the start of work on cutting the vessel, a number of special events will be held. Also, the order of the captain of the seaport of Taman states that by March 31, all work on cutting the vessel and its removal should be completely completed.

     

    Vitaly Savelyev thanked all the participants of this complex technological operation: sailors, divers, road workers, railway workers, volunteers, the OTEKO company, and employees of regional and federal authorities.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Siberia, the South and the Caucasus Lead in Growth of Tourist Trips Over Nine Months

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Tourists made 5.5 million trips in nine months across Siberian regions from January to September 2024. This is 15.3% more than in the same period last year. The federal district took first place in terms of the number of tourists received. The Republic of Tyva, Tomsk and Omsk regions demonstrated the highest results.

    The second place in the ranking of federal districts was taken by the traditionally touristy south of Russia. Here, the increase in the number of trips was 14.8%. In total, the southern regions received 12.3 million tourists.

    The North Caucasus rounds out the top three, demonstrating significant growth rates in this area in recent years. The indicator increased by 14.8% and reached 2.3 million trips.

    “Over the past nine months, Rosstat recorded 65.5 million tourist trips across Russia, which is 11.1% more than in the same period in 2023. The growing interest in our country from foreign tourists is encouraging: more than 3 million people have become guests of Russian hotels, which is 42% more than last year. This success confirms that Russia is becoming increasingly popular with travelers from all over the world,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that President Vladimir Putin had instructed to make the visa regime more flexible and accessible for tourists from other countries. Thus, visa-free group trips are available for citizens of Iran and China, and representatives of 52 countries can obtain electronic visas.

    The regions of the Far East have become leaders in the growth of interest from foreign tourists. The most significant results are shown by the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Amur Region and Khabarovsk Krai.

    The top three leaders in terms of growth in tourist trips from abroad also include the Northwest and Siberia, with an increase of 69 and 63.8%, respectively. Here, significant results are demonstrated by the Republic of Karelia, Murmansk Region, St. Petersburg, as well as Irkutsk, Tomsk Region and the Republic of Tyva.

    “This year we are seeing rapid growth and the establishment of new tourist centers. First of all, we are talking about Siberia and the Far East. They are actively being developed by both Russian and foreign travelers. I believe that these are the most promising geographic areas for investors. For our part, we are ready to support these growth points with government support measures within the framework of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, – said Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The Minister added that this year the Discover Russia brand was also developed, which already today helps promote Russian tourism products in foreign markets through the cultural component, creative and gastronomic industries.

     

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 14-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on October 31, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 14-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 1,75,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 24,697
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 24,697
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.49
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate NA

    Ajit Prasad           
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1406

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strong growth for SMEs in 2022

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the beating heart of the Swiss economy. In 2022, they employed almost 3.2 million people. 60 000 jobs were created between 2021 and 2022. Over the whole 2011-2022 period, the proportion of enterprises with fewer than 10 jobs increased at the expense of those with 10 to 49 jobs. Jobs in tourism-related activities have experienced mixed growth since 2019. SMEs involved in the export and import of goods performed even better when large in size and part of a group. These are some of the findings from the publication ‘Portrait of Swiss SMEs’ by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The 2024 Statistical Yearbook reveals and explains the trends that move Switzerland

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    The Statistical Yearbook of Switzerland, the longest-running publication of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), is now in its 130th edition. This year’s 400-page yearbook features engaging insights into the most important statistics on Swiss society and its people and includes over 130 QR codes for easy access to a wealth of additional statistics and datasets online. The special focus of this edition is health.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Happy birthday to Grigory Gurov!

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 31, the State University of Management and the most active youth of Russia congratulate the head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), associate professor of the Department of Public and Municipal Management of the State University of Management Grigory Gurov on his birthday!

    Grigory Aleksandrovich began working in the field of youth policy when he was still a student at the North Caucasus Humanitarian and Technical Institute. And since graduating in 2006, he has not changed his chosen career direction, working and devoting himself to various specialized organizations in his native Stavropol Krai. In 2017, he moved to Moscow and held leadership positions in Rosmolodezh for four years. Later, for about a year and a half, he was Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. In December 2022, he headed the Russian Movement of Children and Youth “Movement of the First”, and in September of this year he became the head of Rosmolodezh.

    We wish the birthday boy further career success, even more implemented projects of all-Russian scale and state awards for his work. Knowing the simplicity and humanity of Grigory Gurov, there is a feeling that his main priorities are that all the youth of the country are happy, have maximum opportunities for self-realization and grow up as law-abiding citizens. At the same time, he himself will only need comfortable jeans and sneakers to attend many events aimed at his wards. This is why we especially love, respect and appreciate him!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/31/2024

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK test-fires ballistic missile

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile Thursday morning, with the country’s top leader overseeing the event and stressing the DPRK will not change its policy of developing nuclear forces, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

    Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, said at the scene that the test-fire was an appropriate military action “to inform the rivals … of our counteraction will,” the news agency reported.

    Kim said “the rivals’ dangerous tightening of their nuclear alliance” and military maneuvers highlight the need to strengthen nuclear forces. “We should never allow any threat to approach the security sphere under our state’s influence,” Kim said.

    “The DPRK will never change its line of bolstering up its nuclear forces,” the DPRK leader added.

    A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense confirmed the test.

    The country’s news agency described the test as a demonstration of North Korea’s strategic missile capability, noting it “updated recent records” and underscored the reliability of what it called “the world’s most powerful strategic deterrent.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s incremental policies boost foreign investor confidence

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 31 — Foreign investors are becoming increasingly bullish on the Chinese market, bolstered by the country’s recent incremental policies aimed at vitalizing growth momentum.

    UBS Investment Bank has raised its China 2024 growth forecast to 4.8 percent from 4.6 percent, while Goldman Sachs has lifted China’s GDP prediction this year from 4.7 percent to 4.9 percent.

    The uplift is mostly due to China’s third-quarter year-on-year GDP growth of 4.6 percent, slightly above market expectation of 4.4 percent, and the series of support policies the government recently launched, said UBS economist Wang Tao.

    Economists with Goldman Sachs noted that the latest round of China’s incremental policies clearly indicates that policymakers have made a turn on cyclical policy management and increased their focus on the economy.

    So far this year, multiple international institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, have raised their forecast for China’s economic growth for 2024.

    In the face of mounting challenges at home and abroad, China’s GDP grew 4.8 percent year on year in the first three quarters of this year. The country set a target of economic growth at around 5 percent for this year.

    To beef up the economy in response to looming challenges, Chinese authorities have unveiled a broader-than-expected policy package since late September, which focused on enhancing counter-cyclical adjustments, expanding effective domestic demand, supporting business operations, promoting the recovery of the property market, and invigorating capital markets.

    Aside from these pro-growth policies, Chinese policymakers continued to improve investment facilitation, create a favorable investment environment, promote high-level financial opening up to the outside world, and actively support foreign investors in participating in the Chinese capital market.

    Alan Ho, co-senior country officer for China at J.P. Morgan, said that the pace of China’s financial market opening up had accelerated in recent years.

    For example, foreign ownership restrictions in local securities, funds and futures companies have been lifted and financial markets’ connectivity mechanisms have been maturing more quickly than expected, which has brought broader development opportunities to foreign financial institutions, Ho said.

    Data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange showed that foreign holdings of domestic renminbi bonds have so far exceeded 640 billion U.S. dollars, reaching a historic high.

    Net foreign investment in domestic bonds surpassed 80 billion U.S. dollars in the first three quarters of this year, while foreign investment in Chinese equities saw notable improvement.

    Foreign central banks and commercial banks are the biggest investors in domestic renminbi bonds, as they allocate a higher proportion of investment in medium and long-term bonds such as treasury bonds and policy bank bonds, according to the foreign exchange regulator.

    The growing foreign holdings have reflected the global investors’ confidence in the Chinese market. Currently, 24 global systemically important banks have a presence in China.

    Industry insiders believed that foreign investors’ active buy-in of Chinese assets has shown their optimism in China’s continuous opening-up measures and policy support in the capital market.

    During the World Bank’s 110th meeting of the Development Committee last week in Washington DC, Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min pledged that China will intensify countercyclical adjustments of fiscal policy.

    A series of strong measures will be implemented to resolve local government debt risks, stabilize the real estate market, increase the income of key groups, enhance people’s livelihoods, and drive equipment upgrades and trade-in deals for consumer goods, Liao said.

    By leveraging government spending to stimulate social investment and consumption, effective demand will be increased, he said, noting that China is confident in achieving the annual economic growth target, and will continue to inject impetus into world economic growth.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls for pooling wisdom, strength to advance reform in steady and sustained manner

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

    Xi calls for pooling wisdom, strength to advance reform in steady and sustained manner

    BEIJING, Oct. 31 — On the morning of Oct. 29, a study session for senior provincial and ministerial-level officials to study and implement the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was inaugurated at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance). Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the opening ceremony. He emphasized the need to further study and implement the guiding principles of the third plenum, calling for guiding the entire Party and the nation to have more confidence in reform, and pool collective wisdom and strength to advance reform in a steady and sustained manner.

    Li Qiang presided over the opening ceremony. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi attended the event. They are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Han Zheng, Chinese vice president, also attended the event.

    Xi noted that the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee heralded a new journey to comprehensively deepen reform and to advance reform through systematic and comprehensive design in the new era. This session has broken new ground for reform and opening up, and is of epoch-making significance. Comprehensively deepening reform in the new era has yielded significant outcomes in practice, system, and theory, representing one of the most remarkable chapters in China’s history of reform and opening up. It has provided strong momentum and institutional support for building China into a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and for carrying on the “two great miracles” (sustained rapid economic growth and lasting social stability). It has also laid a solid foundation and offered valuable experience for further comprehensively deepening reform on the new journey.

    Xi emphasized that maintaining the right political orientation and breaking new ground is a major principle that must be firmly upheld in further comprehensively deepening reform. China’s reform has direction and principles to follow. We must uphold the Party’s overall leadership, Marxism, socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the people’s democratic dictatorship, with promoting social fairness and justice as well as enhancing people’s well-being as our starting point and ultimate goal. These principles are fundamental, directional, and long-term, reflecting the nature and mission of the Party, conforming to China’s realities, and tallying with the fundamental interests of the people. They must be firmly upheld on any occasion and at any time. We should continue to improve and develop the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, work hard to realize the reform’s overall goal of modernizing the national governance system and governing capabilities, and consistently march forward in the direction guided by this overall goal, decisively reforming what should be reformed and never reforming what should not be reformed. In response to the new trends of the times, the new requirements for development, and the new expectations of the people, efforts should be made to advance reform in all aspects in a comprehensive and coordinated manner with an emphasis on economic structural reform, Xi said, urging vigorous work to promote innovations in theories, practice, institutions, culture, and other areas, so as to provide strong impetus and institutional support for Chinese modernization.

    Noting that reform is a systematic undertaking, Xi said relevant work should be done through proper means and by carefully balancing concerns in various aspects. He underlined the need to adhere to the coordination between reform and the rule of law, advance the rule of law with reform measures, further deepen reform in the realm of law-based governance, and continuously better the system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics. The role of the rule of law should be given better play in removing the obstacles in reform and consolidating the achievements of reform, and it is important to think in terms of the rule of law and adopt a law-based approach in advancing reform to ensure that major reforms are carried out in accordance with the law and the legitimate rights and interests of all citizens and legal entities are under equal protection, Xi said. He added that it is necessary to adhere to the dialectical unity of breaking the old and establishing the new, focusing on both parts with efforts for the latter coming first. What needs to be established should be put in place proactively; what is no longer needed should be repudiated in due course after what is needed is established; and reform should be promoted in a steady and rapid manner in the balanced development of both, Xi said. It is a must to maintain a unified approach to reform and opening up, steadily expand institutional opening up, actively align with international high-standard economic and trade rules, and deepen the reform of the management systems for foreign trade, foreign investment, and outbound investment, so as to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. It is essential to effectively manage the relationship between how work plans are made and how the arrangements are implemented. The design of reform plans must be made on the basis of how things should be done reasonably, and various measures for reform must be compatible with and support each other, so as to keep the orientation of the reform consistent. It is imperative to establish a working mechanism, under which responsibilities are clearly defined, and work in various aspects is well connected. Follow-up evaluation of work results must be strengthened to make sure that reform measures are implemented thoroughly and effectively.

    Xi emphasized that officials, particularly senior officials, bear the crucial responsibility of advancing reform. They must cultivate a strong sense of political responsibility and historical mission, confront problems and challenges head-on with political courage to tackle difficulties, decisively address entrenched issues, face up to risks without hesitation, and strive to break new ground for reform and development. The right approach should be adopted to promote reform, arrangements must be made systematically, and actions should never be taken before decisions are made.

    Xi noted that extensively building consensus and fully mobilizing all positive factors are quite important for smooth reform. It is imperative to do a good job in guiding public opinion, intensify efforts to conduct positive public communication, champion the overarching theme, and project positive energy. It is essential to conduct further research and interpretation on the major theoretical propositions put forward in the resolution adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, with a focus on strengthening public communication and interpretation of the propositions to the people. It is imperative to timely address confusions, respond to the concerns of society, and extensively build consensus, so as to consolidate the intellectual foundation and public support for the whole Party and entire society to jointly promote reform. Officials and the general public should be guided to think with a broad perspective and have a correct understanding of the adjustment of interests and personal gains and losses in the reform.

    Xi finally stressed that all regions and departments must conscientiously implement a slew of major measures decided by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, implement the existing and new policies to the letter, and employ a combination of policies to ensure that good results are delivered from the work in the next two months, and the economic and social development goals and tasks set for this year are fulfilled.

    Li Qiang, when presiding over the ceremony, said General Secretary Xi’s important speech is visionary, thought-provoking, incisive, and substantive. He said that the speech is of political, theoretical, targeted and guiding significance, and is of great importance for the Party, especially for senior officials, to comprehensively and faithfully understand the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and to grasp the guiding principles, overall targets, key rules and scientific methodology of the ongoing drive to further deepen reform. Studying the speech is also important for them to boost confidence in reform, follow the right direction, have a stronger sense of responsibility for reform, leverage synergies, and push for the desired delivery of reform measures.

    It is imperative to study Xi’s speech with a sense of mission and responsibility, and a focus on solving problems to have a thorough understanding of the connotations, essence and practical requirements of the speech. It is imperative to profoundly understand the decisive significance of “Two Affirmations”, resolutely act on “Two Upholds”, effectively align our thoughts and actions with the spirit of Xi’s speech and the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, and creatively implement the reform tasks, Li said.

    Those who attended the ceremony included members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, vice-chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress who are Party members, State Councilors, the president of the Supreme People’s Court, the vice-chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference who are Party members, and members of the Central Military Commission.

    Those who participated in the study session included leading officials of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the relevant central and state departments, relevant people’s organizations, centrally-administered financial institutions, enterprises, universities, as well as leading officials from various units of the People’s Liberation Army and the Armed Police Force. Leaders of the central committees of the other political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and relevant sectors sat in on the opening ceremony.

    Notes:

    “Two Affirmations”:

    The affirmation of Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and the affirmation of the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

    “Two Upholds”:

    “Two Upholds” refers to upholding General Secretary Xi Jinping’s core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholding the Central Committee’s authority and its centralized, unified leadership.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, New Zealand launch fast patent grant program

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 31 — China and New Zealand have launched a two-year fast-track patent grant program to simplify the intellectual property application process for innovators from both countries.

    The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program between the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand will be effective from Nov. 1, 2024 until Oct. 31, 2026.

    PPH is a fast-track process that links the patent examination duties of different countries or regions, allowing patent examination authorities to share their work to speed up patent examination.

    Once China has issued a favorable decision on a patent claim, applicants can use the PPH program to request an expedited review of related claims by New Zealand’s IP office. This streamlines the approval process, according to the CNIPA.

    Such rapid authorization means that innovators can protect their intellectual property and prevent imitation or infringement by competitors.

    By the end of 2023, China became the first country in the world with more than 4 million valid invention patents. It has been the leading global source of international patent applications since 2019.

    Since initiating the first PPH pilot program in November 2011, the CNIPA has built PPH ties with the patent examination authorities of 33 countries and regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – General practices welcome fast-track approvals process

    Source: GenPro

    A new fast-track approval process is a good start, but more is needed to fix New Zealand’s chronic GP shortage, says the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

    Up to now, all doctors from overseas who applied for specialist registration in New Zealand have needed to have their qualifications, training and experience assessed by the relevant specialist medical college, which the New Zealand Medical Council says could take up to six months.

    “The new fast-track process for specialists from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia will be completed within 20 working days, which is great news”.

    A GenPro survey carried out in July found that nearly six out of 10 general practices had GP vacancies. Over-stretched general practices were reducing their hours, stopping new enrolments, and reducing their services, while patients in some areas were waiting weeks to see a doctor.

    “While we welcome the fast-track process, the key problem remains. General practices are under- funded by Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand and restricted from increasing their patient fees. These long-standing problems and changes in patient health needs have eroded the financial sustainability of general practices, which means GPs are working harder for less money. Fast-tracking is a positive first step, with more work needed to tackle our workforce challenges.

    “In addition to fast-tracking graduates, the government should focus on properly funding general practice so we can rebuild our depleted and over-stretched work force.

    “GenPro agrees with Health Minister Shane Reti that internationally qualified doctors play an important role in providing quality care to New Zealanders, and we look forward to seeing further work on bringing in more suitably-trained doctors”.

    GenPro, which represents about half of all general practices in Aotearoa, is ready to work with the Minister of Health and the Health NZ Commissioner to develop the solutions needed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal welfare – Join 31,000 Kiwis and Pets in Supporting a Ban on Private Fireworks to Protect Animals

    Source: Pawprint Petition

    Over watching Your Household Pet Shiver in Fear? Now is the Time to Act.

    Over 31,000 kiwis and pets have signed the Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sales of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ.

    As Guy Fawkes approaches, pet owners across Aotearoa once again brace for the distress that fireworks bring to their beloved animals. The loud bangs and flashing lights may be a spectacle for some, but for many animals, they are a source of fear and anxiety that can last well beyond the Guy Fawkes period.

    Animates is calling for an end to the private sale and use of fireworks, advocating instead for people to attend controlled public displays to protect pets, farm animals, and wildlife.

    The Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sales of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ is live at https://pawprintpetition.co.nz and is calling on Kiwis to add their voice — and in a unique world first – pets can sign the petition too by adding a pawprint.

    The petition will be presented to the House of Representatives, urging the Government to ban the private sale and use of fireworks in New Zealand.

    “Each year, our stores and Vet clinics are flooded with stories of stressed-out pets and worried owners,” says Neil Cowie, CEO, Animates. “Fireworks are no longer just a Guy Fawkes problem. Stockpiling leads to fireworks being set off throughout the year, compounding the stress and danger for animals.”

    Angela Mace, owner of Woodlands Dog Retreat, sees the impact firsthand, “Every year, we see dogs shivering in fear or cowering in the corner. Fireworks are terrifying for them, and it’s heartbreaking to watch. We’re urging the public to stand up for our animals and push for a ban on backyard fireworks.”

    According to a report in 2019, 74.4% of people noticed their animals displaying fear of fireworks, with common behaviours including hiding (70.8%), shivering (54.3%), and cowering (44.5%).  Despite these alarming figures, 71.9% of owners with frightened pets did not seek help or treatment for their animals. Instead, many kept their pets indoors (46%) or provided comfort (28.2%) to alleviate their distress.**

    Help to create a safer, less stressful environment for animals across New Zealand. Sign the world first Pawprint Petition to ban the private sale and use of fireworks here https://pawprintpetition.co.nz, add your name, and if you have a pet add their pawprint, to help bring about change.

    The world first Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sale and Use of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ is proudly bought to kiwis and their pets by Animates.

    Information sheet here:  Paw Petition: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UgJwlxSbtZ3PV6w9AAccyNsZohZdBYr4?usp=sharing

    Notes:

    *Survey conducted by AA Insurance, in 2023.

    **An article published in Veterinary Magazine, update (2019) on owner perceptions and management of the adverse behavioural effects of fireworks on companion animals https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00480169.2019.1638845

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Science is international and aimed at the benefit of all mankind”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Sharing research results

    This year, our International Center for Decision Analysis and Choice at the National Research University Higher School of Economics celebrates its 15th anniversary. This HSE division carries out work that is at the forefront of scientific research in various fields, and we also interact a lot with various universities around the world. And almost every year we hold schools such as the autumn school “Advances in Decision Analysis”. Its goal is for scientists to learn what is being done in science around the world. Science is not Russian or American, English, science is international, it is aimed at the benefit of all humanity. We must constantly exchange research results. And within the framework of the school, we receive the very latest scientific work of the highest level. This is of great importance for our students and teachers. Lagging behind is dangerous, and our school exists to prevent it.

    Comfortable format

    The online format is convenient for our school. During Covid, we mastered this technology because people could not travel. In the current political situation, there are also restrictions, but the respect for our school is very high, so many foreign colleagues agreed to give presentations online. As part of the autumn school, we made several broadcasts on the Internet, which were joined by participants from various universities in Russia and around the world.

    List of speakers

    The first speaker was Professor Arunava Sen, one of India’s leading scientists who works at the Indian Statistical Institute. Some schools in India have an excess supply of teachers, while others have a shortage, and the speaker explained how to effectively reassign teachers, taking into account their wishes and the needs of the schools. Then Ahmed Alkan from Sabanci University, Turkey, one of the largest specialists in the field of generalized matchings, spoke – also completely new work related to representing these matchings in the form of lattices. The next speaker, Mario Guarracino from the University of Cassino, Italy, gave an amazing overview of neural network analysis methods and how neural networks operate. Eric Maskin, an employee of our center and a Nobel laureate, also spoke; I was delighted by his work on classical voting models. But he made very significant progress here. Alexey Myachin, also our employee, gave a report on completely new models in pattern analysis. This is a direction that has been developing for us for 20 years. Very high-quality new results have been obtained. The next talk is by Michel Grabisch from the Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris, who spoke about the possibility of generating linear orders. Then Vladimir Makarenkov, head of the bioinformatics department at the University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada, spoke about bioinformatics and practical applications. One of the world’s leading experts in the field of data analysis, Boris Mirkin, also spoke, who spoke about new models of K-means algorithms for data analysis. Colleagues from Sberbank Dzhangir Dzhangirov and Andrey Vashevnik spoke about large linguistic models and new visions for risk assessments. 

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To Raisa Ryazanova, People’s Artist of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the theater, film and dubbing actress on her anniversary.

    The telegram, in particular, notes:

    “You have captivated the audience with your skill, sincerity, spiritual beauty and a whole series of memorable, diverse images. Brilliantly played roles in films by famous directors have brought you well-deserved recognition, the love of numerous fans and popularity.

    I wish you good health and prosperity.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Porirua City Council agrees future direction for water services

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua City Council agreed today to work with other councils in the region to create a joint water services delivery and implementation plan.
    Nine councils in the Wellington region, along with Horowhenua District Council, have been working together in response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy, and received a report earlier this month outlining a recommended regional approach to water services delivery.
    All councils are required to submit water service delivery plans to the Government by September 2025. To achieve this councils may work alone or with other councils and by the end of this year need to decide on their approach.
    Most of the councils in the region are expected to make their decisions on options in late October, with Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast District Councils making decisions in late November. Carterton District Council resolved yesterday to exit the Wellington regional approach, instead opting for a local model.
    At a full council meeting today, Porirua City Council considered the advantages and disadvantages of a range of options, and agreed that a regional approach was the best way forward.
    Under the regional model, Porirua City Council would be a shared owner, with other councils, of a limited liability company that delivers the full breadth of water services functions to the community. All assets, revenue and debt would transfer from Council ownership to the new company.
    The company would provide all services directly to water customers, and bill directly for water usage and services provided. Those charges will be determined by the board of the new water company, with the oversight of an economic regulator. It will need to provide a high level of local service delivery, including good compliance, response times, affordability and supply.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said the regional approach had a number of benefits.
    “This option will create an organisation with the scale needed to best manage the current and future water challenges in the region.
    “Our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services all need fixing and this will take an ongoing, joint effort. More than 20 per cent of the region’s water assets are worn out and need to be replaced, which means a significant risk of major service failures.
    “Working together gives us the best chance to address these issues, and financial modelling so far shows that this is likely the most effective solution.
    “This is a long game, and one the region can best tackle by working together,” Mayor Baker said.
    Once the final number of councils opting to continue with the regional approach is known, the next steps of modelling will be done, and Council will be asked to decide on a final preferred option in March 2025. Consultation with the community will then take place, with a final Water Services Delivery Plan and Implementation Plan to be signed off in June. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Trick or Treat for Halloween? – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 31 October – Monday 4 November – Looks like we are in for a boo-tiful evening for the eastern parts of the country, and trick-or-treaters heading out this evening will enjoy the best of the weather. Clear skies and dry weather are set to keep things spooktacular from the Bay of Plenty, round the east coast and down to Christchurch. Western areas will be keeping hold of more cloud into the evening while rain runs into Southland and Stewart Island.

    A series of weather fronts move northwards up the South Island today and tomorrow, and a Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Paparoa Range as well as the ranges of Buller from 11am – 11pm on Friday. Mostly dry weather will be seen over on the east of the South Island on Thursday, but a southerly change on Friday afternoon brings a risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms about Dunedin and North Otago.

    The first of the mix of fronts moving up the South Island reaches the lower North Island Friday afternoon, squeezing northwesterly winds through Cook Strait. A gusty end to Friday is in store about the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington, with winds reaching 90 km/h at times.

    MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor advises, “It’s a wet Saturday for both the North and South Islands, the fronts which brought rain to the South continue over the North on Saturday, while showery southwesterly winds continue in the South Island. These winds come with a bit of a bite and will arrive about the lower North Island Saturday evening.”

    Temperatures could dip to 0°C about Central Otago as skies mostly clear overnight into Sunday, but the showers and southerly winds will be especially felt about the eastern North Island. Daytime temperatures in the Hawke’s Bay drop from an expected maximum of 26°C on Saturday to a cooler 16°C on Sunday. The treat of nicer weather to end the weekend may be a little too late for Halloween but is likely to be a welcome reprieve.

    Participants in the Auckland Marathon on Sunday can expect a cool and dry course; while southwesterly winds will be apparent crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, they won’t take away from the unique experience of crossing the harbour on foot.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer NZ urges government to get domestic aviation market study off the ground

    Source: Consumer NZ

    Consumer NZ has written to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, urging him to direct the Commerce Commission to undertake a market study into New Zealand’s aviation sector.

    Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ CEO, says in sectors where any single company holds a significantly high market share, such as Air New Zealand, which holds an 86% share, there is a risk competition isn’t working as it should to keep prices reasonable.

    In particular, the advocacy organisation is concerned by the findings of its own research into Air New Zealand’s use of dynamic pricing.

    Duffy says a market study would determine to what extent Air New Zealand may be taking advantage of its virtual monopoly.

    “For many New Zealanders, there’s Air New Zealand or nothing – and high fares are affecting our regions.

    “Our research has identified numerous red flags affecting competition in the sector that must be put under the microscope to assure consumers the cost of flying in New Zealand is truly fair.”

    In addition to the limited choice New Zealanders have when it comes to air travel, Consumer is concerned high barriers to entry reduce the likelihood that other carriers will enter the market to compete with Air New Zealand.

    Duffy also points out the government is a 51% shareholder in Air New Zealand but believes that there is no one holding the national carrier to account.

    “We understand Air New Zealand is facing its own set of challenges, like constrained fleet availability and increasing costs in some areas.

    “Our concern remains – New Zealand has the most concentrated domestic aviation market in the world¹, so when Air New Zealand says its pricing is fair, we are forced to take their word for it. A market study would tell us whether we can rely on what we’re being told.

    “A Commerce Commission market study won’t solve anti-competitive behaviour, but getting information about how competition is working in the sector will highlight what interventions may be necessary and provide confidence New Zealanders aren’t being ripped off.”

    Notes

    ¹ Sabre Market Intelligence for the 2023 calendar year for domestic markets with more than 5 million seats operated by airlines. New Zealand has the most concentrated domestic aviation market in the world with one airline holding 86% of seats in the market.

    About Consumer

    Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Economist Cam Bagrie appointed chairman of the board for Transporting New Zealand

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Leading economist Cam Bagrie has been appointed as an independent director, board member and Chair of peak road freight organisation Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand.
    Mr Bagrie is the former chief economist at ANZ and has held positions at National Bank, Treasury, and Statistics New Zealand. He is currently an independent chair of the governance committee of the NZ Apple and Pear Inc and a board member of Life Education Trust.
    Transporting New Zealand CEO Dom Kalasih says Mr Bagrie will bring “additional skills, experience and knowledge to the Board and to our leadership”.
    The appointment was made by the organisation’s new board this week, which also formally confirmed Dom Kalasih as CEO, a role he’s held in an interim capacity for 18 months.
    Kalasih said on top of Cam Bagrie’s appointment, the next 12 months look very exciting for the organisation.
    “I see the effectiveness of sector groups such as livestock, ports and logging really taking off and more relationships with industry suppliers being formed.
    “For Transporting New Zealand, continuing to improve engagement across our membership is vital. We are committed to holding more quality events and leading high-level policy advocacy to benefit the road freight industry.”
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is a national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Their members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country. 
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Recommendations on merger control

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Recommendations on merger control

    Competitive markets

    Download the recommendations

    To enhance compliance and proper enforcement of merger control regulations, ICC proposes recommendations and underscores the importance of companies, lawyers and antitrust agencies working side by side to pursue shared goals.

    Why are ICC’s recommendations on merger control relevant? 

    Over the past 40 years, a growing number of countries have adopted merger rules to examine the impact of mergers on competition and ensure the functioning of their markets. This unprecedented development has been spurred by recommendations from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Competition Network.  

    As more jurisdictions establish merger control regimes, inconsistencies and procedural issues have emerged. Emphasising the importance of clear guidelines, ICC addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive framework and recommendations for improving merger control practices.  

    The recommendations cover key areas such as the concept of reportable mergers, notification thresholds, simplified forms, funding of antitrust agencies, guidelines and gun jumping fines. 

    They aim to  

    • enhance predictability, 
    • reduce costs, 
    • ensure effective enforcement,  
    • promote consistency at a global level and 
    • reduce administrative burdens.  

    What makes ICC’s recommendations on merger control unique? 

    The recommendations are the result of a cooperative and inclusive effort involving nearly 200 ICC in-house counsel, private practitioners from 20 key jurisdictions and several antitrust agencies providing feedback.  

    The broad representation included in the country annex ensures that the recommendations reflect a global perspective and consider the needs and challenges faced by companies operating across borders. 

    ICC underscores the importance of continued collaboration among companies, lawyers and antitrust agencies to pursue the following shared goals:  

    • ensure that transactions are reported in jurisdictions where they might have an impact on competition;  
    • secure and dedicate resources that are proportionate to the issues at stake in an individual case;  
    • enhance predictability and legal certainty with clear legal tests and consistent sanctions. 

    Who are the recommendations on merger control for?  

    • companies, private practitioners, and antitrust agencies involved in merger transactions;  
    • companies engaged in cross-border transactions involving multiple merger control jurisdictions; 
    • antitrust agencies seeking insights and proposals for streamlining processes and achieving more effective enforcement 

    Should you have any further questions, contact us. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: New Zealand business demography statistics: At February 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    New Zealand business demography statistics: At February 2024 – information release – 31 October 2024 – Business demography statistics provide an annual snapshot of the characteristics of New Zealand businesses. The statistics cover economically significant enterprises that produce goods and services in New Zealand.

    Key facts
    Provisional data showed that at February 2024:

    • New Zealand had 612,420 enterprises, an increase of 1.0 percent from February 2023; this followed a 2.0 percent increase in the previous February year
    • the number of paid employees in these enterprises (not an official employment statistic) was 2.5 million, up 1.5 percent from February 2023
    • these enterprises had 649,160 business locations, an increase of 0.9 percent from February 2023
    • of the 19 industries, 11 had more enterprises compared with February 2023, and 14 had more employees
    • of the 16 regions, 14 had more business locations than a year ago, and 11 had more employees.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

     

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The start-up “Patronus AI” wins over the DDPS in the Cyber Start-up Challenge 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    The Cyber Start-up Challenge of the Cyber-Defence Campus of armasuisse Science and Technology is held every year to find relevant start-ups and innovative technologies in the cyber area. In this year’s Cyber Start-up Challenge contest, the start-up “Patronus AI” won over the jury with a platform for automated evaluation and safeguarding of LLMs. In 2025, the start-up will be able to demonstrate its solution to the DDPS in practice in a feasibility study.

    MIL OSI Europe News –