NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Babin, GOP Colleagues Condemn New DHS Policy Protecting Lebanese Nationals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) led eleven of his House Republican colleagues on a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas condemning his recent announcement that Lebanese nationals currently in the U.S. will be eligible for Temporary Protected Status and work authorization due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

    “While Israel is suffering weekly rocket bombardments from terrorists in Lebanon, the Biden-Harris administration has not only foolishly decided to hamstring our ability to deport Lebanese aliens, including those here illegally, but also offer them immigration benefits and work authorization,” said Babin.

    “Just weeks ago, an ISIS terrorist – who this administration failed to properly vet and welcomed into our country with open arms – was caught planning an Election Day attack. This White House and its Department of Homeland Security has a deeply troubling track record of allowing terrorists into our nation, and new designations like this only make it more difficult to remove bad actors.”

    To read the letter, please click here.

    To read the Daily Caller’s exclusive, please click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: London gets Peking Opera with a twist

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A production fusing traditional Chinese opera with Western classical music took place in London on Oct 17, with a performance inspired by the life of Cai Lun, the man credited with the invention of paper, at the Jerwood Hall.

    The performance, called Ein Heldenleben: Cai Lun, which translates as A Hero’s Life: Cai Lun, was conceived, written and directed by acclaimed Chinese theatrical figure Chen Xinyi, best known for having devised the performance style known as “symphony poetry drama”.

    The soundtrack, performed by the Fidelio Orchestra conducted by Raffaello Morales, was composed by Richard Strauss in the 19th century, in a style called a tone poem, a single continuous movement made up of sequences similar to chapters or verses, rather than stand-alone movements, as in a symphony.

    Although Cai Lun’s greatest contribution to civilization was his invention of paper, it was his life as an imperial court eunuch during the time of Emperor He of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), and the court intrigues in which he found himself involved, that caught Chen’s imagination.

    “He’s a giant of China, whose invention changed civilization and advanced cultural progress. But he also experienced misfortune that evoked my sympathy — he is a super dramatic character,” she adds.

    With biographical details hard to come by, Chen says that the piece is “inspired by his life, not a portrait of it — it’s theater, not a history story”.

    Combining a story with music written hundreds of years ago and thousands of kilometers apart may seem unlikely, but Chen says that as soon as she heard Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) and understood what it was about, the pairing came together.

    The performance is divided into six segments that illustrate the hero’s journey through life and the triumphs and adversities he encountered along the way, which Chen says matched Cai’s story.

    “In 2019, I was rehearsing an opera at the National Theatre of China and at the end of the day, I was exhausted,” she says.

    “The orchestra manager came and said, ‘there’s a performance tonight of something called The Hero’s Life, you have to hear it’. I said no but he ended up pushing me there in a wheelchair.

    “When I got to the venue, I felt like sleeping but as soon as the music started, I began to get visions of Cai Lun, and then I read the program and saw the titles of the different sequences following the hero’s journey, and I could see how they fitted together.”

    Combining Chinese theater and Western music is a practice Chen has been exploring for the last 20 years, with eight of her symphony poetry dramas having been performed previously, but this was her first time performing in the United Kingdom — something she had long wanted to do.

    “This country is the home of William Shakespeare, who I admire greatly, and there is the connection between him and the great playwright Tang Xianzu, who emerged in China at the same time,” she explains. “Then, about 200 years ago, Europe saw the rise of symphonic music at the same time as China saw the rise of Peking Opera, which is a special art form that uses characters to express emotions in the same way that symphonic music does, so these are two great performance styles that I love to bring together, and London is a city where I particularly wanted to do it.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Workshop stages boost to theater management

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The 9th International Master Workshop on Theaters and Theater Company Management was held in Beijing on Oct 18 and 19.

    With the theme “Innovative Development of Stage Management in China”, the event co-organized by the China Association of Performing Arts and China Drama Art Institute took place at the Central Academy of Drama, gathering experts, scholars and theater companies. Keynote speeches, expert dialogues and roundtable discussions were held, aimed at collecting diverse perspectives and insights and driving the continuous innovation and development of stage management practices.

    Guest speaker Liu Yan, co-president of Mahua FunAge, a leading comedy production company in China, shared her ideas about stage management and careers in theater. She said during the past 21 years, the company has expanded its territory from content production and filmmaking to reality shows and talent management. Over 10,000 productions were staged nationwide in 2023. She noted that with the rising demand for theaters, stage management professionals are needed.

    Gill Allen, a researcher at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, one of the world’s leading conservatories and drama schools in the United Kingdom, shared stage management standards in the UK and introduced the role of theater stage managers.

    Li Qian, director of the theater management department of the Central Academy of Drama, talked about the current trends and challenges in stage management in China. She also reviewed the background of China’s stage management teaching system.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Business Statement – 001433

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    BUSINESS STATEMENT

    Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Today the House will adjourn until Tuesday 5 November. In that week the House will consider the second readings of the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2), the Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill and the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Agricultural Obligations) Amendment Bill.

    There will be extended hours on Wednesday morning for Government business and the afternoon will be a members’ day.

    Hon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour): To the Leader of the House: are any of the extended sittings that were signalled this week intended to be for members’ business?

    Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Not at this stage, but I’m always open to a discussion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Karakia/Prayers – 001434

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    THURSDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2024

    The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.

    KARAKIA/PRAYERS

    BARBARA KURIGER (Deputy Speaker—National): Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Thursday, 24 October 2024 – Volume 779 – 001435

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    ORAL QUESTIONS

    QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS

    Question No. 1—Prime Minister

    1. TAMATHA PAUL (Green—Wellington Central) to the Acting Prime Minister: What commitments, if any, will the Government make to ensuring the 44 recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques continue to be implemented?

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Acting Prime Minister): First, we would like to acknowledge that March 15 was one of the darkest days for New Zealand. In light of ongoing work, the coordinated cross-Government response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Terrorist Attack on Christchurch Mosques has been concluded. As we announced earlier in the year, the Government made decisions on all remaining royal commission of inquiry recommendations as the coordinated cross-Government response concluded, as well. The majority of the recommendations were either implemented fully or were still being progressed. We implemented 36 of the 44 recommendations, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to ensuring the intent of the royal commission of inquiry is still met with the ongoing work that Government agencies are still doing to keep New Zealanders safe.

    Tamatha Paul: Will he commit to continue to fund He Whenua Taurikura, the violent extremism research centre, noting the increase in Islamophobia and antisemitism and royal commission recommendations on improving how we respond to extremism?

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: No, the fact is that the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet is looking at better options for the best use of that funding. Now, detailed questions should, of course, have been addressed to the responsible Minister.

    Tamatha Paul: How is weakening firearms controls consistent with the royal commission’s recommendations to tighten firearms licensing systems?

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: The question concerns a subject that is a work in progress at this point of time. The Government has committed to a significant programme to reform firearms law over this parliamentary term and work is substantially already under way. In January this year, the responsibility for the Arms Act 1983 was reassigned from police to the justice portfolio and delegated to the Associate Minister of Justice (Firearms). Reform provides a chance to modernise the regime and simplify the requirements on licensed firearms owners without compromising public safety. And, of course, detailed questions should be addressed to the responsible Minister.

    Ricardo Menéndez March: Point of order. Just noting those statements at the end of both questions, this was a question that was transferred, and I am concerned that after the Government has transferred that question, we just kept getting told that those questions should have been referred to the adequate Minister, when the Government side chose to actually make the Acting Prime Minister answer questions on this topic.

    Rt Hon Winston Peters: Speaking to the point of order, any experienced parliamentarian will know that generic questions can be answered by the Prime Minister, but when it comes to specific details, if they are seriously being sought, the specificity of the detail should be asked of the responsible Minister.

    SPEAKER: I think the problem is that the question was originally asked to the responsible Minister, but then got transferred to the Acting Prime Minister. That means that it’s quite inappropriate to then say that the member should ask the appropriate Minister when, in fact, they did, and the Government, somewhere along the line, decided that it would be the Acting Prime Minister who answered it.

    Tamatha Paul: Will the Government commit to introducing faith as a protected category, noting the royal commission’s recommendations to ensure Aotearoa has fit for purpose hate crime laws and policies?

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: I’m sorry, Mr Speaker, I didn’t hear the questioner’s question. Could you repeat the question, please?

    SPEAKER: Ask it again, and can you just face your mike—sometimes, they don’t pick everything up. Thank you.

    Tamatha Paul: Yep. Will the Government commit to introducing faith as a protected category, noting the royal commission’s recommendations to ensure Aotearoa has fit for purpose hate crime laws and policies?

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Could I just reply, on behalf of the Government, that we will consider all reasonable requests if they are made for the purpose of ensuring that we’re a safer country.

    Tamatha Paul: How will the Government commit to ongoing support for whānau of the shuhada, the bullet-wounded, and the impacted families?

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: As someone who sat around the Cabinet table preparing all the work in terms of supporting those families—which was immense and highly responsible and was applauded all around the world—I would say that we’ve continued to make that commitment, going forward.

    Tamatha Paul: How will the Government address the fact that police data shows that 58 percent of all reported faith-motivated hate crimes target Aotearoa’s Muslim community?

    Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS: Let me say that we’re willing to look into all information, but the country that I belong to is a country called New Zealand, and it will be that way until the New Zealand people decide to change its name—not by some elite purpose, but because we believe in referendum and consensus.

    Ricardo Menéndez March: Point of order. Litigating whether my colleague used “Aotearoa” as opposed to “New Zealand” fails completely to address the question on actually quite a serious issue.

    SPEAKER: No, it definitely addressed the question; whether it addressed it satisfactorily is another matter. Did the member can have another question? No—OK.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Electoral Commission Chair appointed

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Today the House agreed to Justice Simon Moore KC being appointed chair of the Electoral Commission, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

    “Justice Moore brings with him a high level of legal acumen and decision-making ability, strategic planning skills and unquestionable personal integrity and independence.

    “He retired from the High Court Bench in October 2023, but remains on an acting warrant which runs until December 31 this year. 

    “He began his career in 1982 as a staff solicitor at Meredith Connell. Three years later he was made a partner at the firm and was chairman of partners from 2003 until his appointment to the High Court Bench in 2014.

    “I’d like to thank outgoing Chair Dame Marie Shroff for her years of service not only to the Commission, but to our public service.”

    Justice Moore will take up a five-year term of appointment on 18 November 2024.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeSoto County Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DeSoto County Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    DeSoto County Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Homeowners and renters in DeSoto County who had uninsured or underinsured damage or loss caused by Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA disaster assistance.FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, essential personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. DeSoto County along with Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla counties are authorized for FEMA Individual Assistance.Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube.What You’ll Need When You ApplyA current phone number where you can be contacted.Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.Your Social Security number.A general list of damage and losses.Banking information if you choose direct deposit.If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.If you had damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for both disasters and provide the dates of your damage for each.
    brindisi.chan
    Thu, 10/24/2024 – 01:20

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New appointments to the Local Government Commission

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has today announced the reappointment of the current Chair and the appointment of a temporary member to the Local Government Commission.

    Current Chair Brendan Duffy ONZM has been reappointed as Chair for a one-year term ending 23 October 2025, while Gwen Bull CNZM will be joining the Commission as a temporary member to cover the representation review period. 

    “Our Government is focused on ensuring that local communities have fair and effective representation at local elections so that residents can decide who is best to take their cities, towns, and regions forward,” Mr Brown says. 

    “Mr Duffy was first appointed as a member of the Commission in 2017 and promoted to Chair in 2019. Mr Duffy was the Mayor of Horowhenua for 12 years and a District Councillor for 10 years. He is the current Chair of the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation and the Business Kāpiti Horowhenua Board, he is also a current Trustee of Horowhenua Learning Centre and Electra Trust.

    “Ms Bull was the Chair of the Auckland Regional Council from 2002 to 2004, the current Chair of the Clevedon Community Trust, and a Patron of Friends of Te Wairoa and the Franklin District JP Association. She is an experienced operator in the local government sector and will be a welcome addition during the busy representation review period.

    “The Commission’s focus for the coming period is on representation reviews. These reviews will be undertaken by local authorities to ensure that local residents have fair and effective representation at the 2025 local elections.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Applications selected for 52nd personalised vehicle registration marks exercise

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Applications selected for 52nd personalised vehicle registration marks exercise
    Applications selected for 52nd personalised vehicle registration marks exercise
    *******************************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) announced today (October 24) that the application numbers of the 1 500 personalised vehicle registration mark (PVRM) applications selected by lot for the 52nd exercise have been published on its website (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_application/index.html) and posted on the notice boards of the TD’s licensing offices.      “The applicants have already been sent an acknowledgement of receipt bearing an application number. They may check the list to see whether their applications have been selected. Applicants will also be notified of the ballot results by post in batches,” a department spokesman said.     The department will later check the proposed PVRMs selected against the basic combination requirements. If, among the selected applications, more than one applicant proposes the same PVRM, only the one on which the lot falls first out of those applications will be further processed.     If the selected PVRMs meet the basic requirements, the department will send notices by registered mail to the applicants in batches, requiring them to pay a deposit of $5,000 within the period specified in the notice. If an applicant fails to pay the deposit within that period, his or her application will be cancelled automatically and will not be further processed.     Upon receipt of the deposit, the Commissioner for Transport will determine, with the assistance of a vetting committee, whether an application should be approved or rejected. PVRMs approved in the 52nd exercise will be put up for auction in batches. Auction details will be published in newspapers and on the TD’s website in due course.     For enquiries, applicants can call the TD Hotline at 2804 2600.

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 24, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sharing the National Collection: Two works return to their old home in Bowral

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Two works by Australian artists Charles Blackman and Russell Drysdale will adorn the walls of National Trust-listed estate Retford Park in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

    The countrywoman (1946) by Drysdale and The anteroom (1963) by Blackman will be on loan from the National Gallery of Australia for two years from the beginning of November.

    Located just outside Bowral, Retford Park was built in 1887 by prominent Sydney architect Albert Bond, with the heritage house and grounds now home to an impressive collection of artworks and sculptures.

    The two paintings were originally housed in Retford Park until their generous donation to the National Gallery’s collection by the late arts patron and philanthropist, James Fairfax AC.

    The loan will bring the artworks out of storage and give visitors to Retford Park the chance to once again view them in the unique setting of their old home.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the loan was an opportunity to highlight exceptional but lesser known works within the National Collection and share them with communities for whom they hold special significance.

    “The National Collection holds over 155,000 artworks of great beauty and cultural value, but at any one time 98 per cent of it is in storage.

    “The Sharing the National Collection initiative gives more Australians the chance to see works by artists whose names they may be familiar with but whose work they perhaps haven’t yet had a chance to see.

    “Thanks to the great legacy of James Fairfax, these two significant artworks belong to the Australian people – and it’s fantastic to see them return home to Retford Park for the next two years.”

    Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones said the two artworks will draw additional visitors to Retford Park and enrich the estate’s existing collection. 
    “I am pleased these two artworks lent by James Fairfax AC to the National Collection will now return to Retford Park for two years.

    “Mr Fairfax believed Retford Park should be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations, and I have no doubt these two artworks will attract more locals and visitors to the Portuguese Pink mansion in Bowral.”

    National Gallery Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said, “A generous supporter of the National Gallery, the late James Fairfax AC’s extraordinary cultural leadership, erudition as a collector, and his deep feeling for Australian art, is demonstrated by the works he chose to gift to the national collection.

    “Fairfax donated works by renowned Australian artists Charles Blackman and Russell Drysdale which we now have the great pleasure of lending to the Southern Highlands of NSW through this partnership with Retford Park.”

    Debbie Mills, Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust said, “James Fairfax AC was a great patron of the arts and a passionate supporter of the National Gallery of Australia, so it is fitting that these works will soon hang proudly on the walls of his former home once again.
    “We thank the National Gallery for generously granting this loan through the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

    “We encourage everyone to visit and enjoy these special artworks; two fabulous additions to the incredible collection of 16th, 17th and 18th Century fine art, furniture and textiles already on display at Retford Park.” 

    Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen across the country for extended periods.

    The Drysdale and Blackman works can be viewed via the National Gallery’s website. 

    Regional and suburban galleries can register their expressions of interest via this link.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Exceptional Law Enforcement Work at the 2024 Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Burlington, Vermont – On October 23, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont honored a number of individuals from a variety of law enforcement agencies at the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony. Individual investigators and officers from federal, state, and local agencies were nominated by U.S. Attorney’s Office staff in a variety of categories for their outstanding work supporting the mission of this office and promoting public safety. The specific categories and individuals recognized today are as follows:

    Investigative Achievement Award: This award criteria are established for those individuals, both sworn and non-sworn who have significantly contributed to the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

    • Special Agent Samuel Brown, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – nominated for United States v. Carl Martin.
    • Special Agent Brian Wood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – nominated for United States v. Carl Martin.
    • Special Agent Nicholas Call, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
    • Resident Agent in Charge Derek Roy, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
    • Special Agent Jason Tilley, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
    • Financial Investigator Joel Garland, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley.
    • Special Agent Erin Nelligan, Homeland Security Investigations – nominated for United States v. Michael Burton.
    • Special Agent Colin Simons, Federal Bureau of Investigation – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.
    • Detective Sergeant Karl Gardner, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.
    • Detective Trooper Steven Fauteux, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.
    • Detective Sergeant Aaron Lefebvre, St. Albans Police Department, former Detective with the Vermont Drug Task Force and the Newport Police Department – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara.

    Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award: This category is limited to those who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to overcome significant challenges in collaboration with multiple agencies in order to meet the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    • Special Agent Brian Wood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
    • Special Agent Samuel Brown, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
    • Detective Sergeant Philip Tremblay, Burlington Police Department
    • Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer Durwin Ellerman, Burlington Police Department
    • Sergeant Chase Vivori, Burlington Police Department
    • Special Agent Erin Nelligan, Homeland Security Investigations
      • All nominated for outstanding collaborative investigation in United States v. Ronald Harris, et al.
    • Special Agent Paul Altenburg, Homeland Security Investigations
    • Special Agent Anders Ostrum, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
    • Criminal Analyst Nancy Woods, Homeland Security Investigations
    • Resident in Charge Alex Zuchman, Homeland Security Investigations
    • Special Agent Michael DeFiore, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, former Detective Corporal with the Vermont Drug Task Force and the South Burlington Police Department
    • Detective Sergeant Dustin Robinson, Vermont State Police
    • Detective Sergeant Philip Tremblay, Burlington Police Department
    • Special Agent Aaron Dince, Homeland Security Investigations
    • Special Agent Colin Simons, Federal Bureau of Investigation
    • Postal Inspector Jonathan Dunham, U.S. Postal Inspection Service
    • Special Agent Brandon Hope, Drug Enforcement Administration
      • All nominated as their agency representatives for outstanding collaborative investigation for United States v. Dajuan Williams, et al.

    Award recipients gathered today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by colleagues and family. Each recipient received an engraved award commemorating their outstanding efforts. U.S. Attorney Kerest stated: “This is one of the best days of the year when we have the chance to recognize law enforcement officers like today’s awardees in the presence of their families. Today’s awardees make the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office possible, and they do that work with the necessary support of their family and loved ones. We applaud their tireless work and the daily sacrifices they all make.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ombudsman announces investigation results on enforcement against unauthorised land developments and implementation progress of strategic focus on interdepartmental collaboration (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Ombudsman announces investigation results on enforcement against unauthorised land developments and implementation progress of strategic focus on interdepartmental collaboration (with photos)
    Ombudsman announces investigation results on enforcement against unauthorised land developments and implementation progress of strategic focus on interdepartmental collaboration (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (October 24) announced the completion of a direct investigation operation regarding the enforcement by the Planning Department (PlanD) and the Lands Department (LandsD) against unauthorised land developments, and made 16 major recommendations for improvement to the two departments.     In the rural New Territories, common unauthorised developments under the Town Planning Ordinance (TPO) include filling of pond or land in “Agriculture”, “Green Belt” and conservation zones for storage, workshop and parking uses. For many years, the PlanD had not been empowered to take enforcement action in rural areas not previously covered by development permission areas. The Office is pleased to note that with the amended TPO coming into effect in September 2023, the Secretary for Development may designate rural areas in the New Territories with ecological value, which are subject to development pressure and risks of environmental degradation, to be “regulated areas”, so as to plug the loophole by enabling the PlanD’s enforcement action against unauthorised developments in such areas.       From 2018 to 2023, the PlanD received an annual average of 1 680 complaints about unauthorised developments. During the same period, combining complaints, proactive inspections and referrals from other departments, the PlanD identified an annual average of 425 unauthorised development cases involving private land.     Regarding the unauthorised development cases identified, the PlanD issued an annual average of more than 3 000 statutory notices demanding rectification. The compliance rate of such notices ranged from 69 per cent to 88 per cent between 2018 and 2023, reflecting the deterrent effect of the PlanD’s existing enforcement measures against most offenders. During the same period, the PlanD instigated prosecutions in a total of 475 cases of non-compliance with statutory notices, among which 65 involved repeated prosecutions.      The Office of The Ombudsman’s investigation found that for cases involving repeated breaches of the TPO, the PlanD would, depending on whether the unauthorised development recurred within one year, shorten the timeframe for compliance with the Enforcement Notice from the normal three months to a minimum of one month.   Given that cases of repeated breaches generally involve irregularities that are easy to rectify and prone to recur (such as storage and parking uses), the existing practice of the PlanD might not have a sufficient deterrent effect on some repeated offenders. The Office recommends that, regarding cases of repeated breaches, the PlanD should explore considering more factors in setting the timeframe for compliance with statutory notices and progressively shortening the timeframe upon subsequent breaches to raise offenders’ costs of non-compliance proportionately.     As for cases that breach the TPO while concurrently involving unlawful occupation of government land, it is often difficult to confirm the identity of the occupier or responsible person. Hence, such cases are currently handled by the LandsD under the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance by demolishing and taking possession of the property and structures on the land. The LandsD prioritises different types of cases under a risk-based approach. Nevertheless, the Office’s investigation revealed that for cases involving both priority and non-priority circumstances, the LandsD’s existing guidelines for staff were unclear about how each case should be classified as a whole.  There were also cases revealing the LandsD’s failure to complete priority cases in a timely manner. The Office considers that the LandsD should comprehensively review its existing guidelines, put in place a monitoring mechanism and step up training to ensure proper follow-up of cases by its staff.     Mr Chan said, “The Government is duty-bound to combat unauthorised land developments rigorously to safeguard the environment and optimise the use of valuable land resources. Overall, the Office considers that both the PlanD and the LandsD have handled unauthorised development cases according to their purview and statutory powers; however, there is still room for improvement regarding enforcement procedures and intensity. Moreover, the Office noticed that during the initial stage of this direct investigation operation, there was indeed room for enhancement in the efficiency of collaboration between the PlanD and the LandsD. The Office is pleased to note that both departments responded positively to its observations and opinions by proactively establishing a joint working group co-led by their deputy directors, and introducing a pilot scheme involving two large-scale unauthorised developments related to private agricultural land selected for joint enforcement operations. In addition to reviewing the above new initiatives in a timely manner, to further deepen collaboration, the Office recommends that the PlanD and the LandsD establish a database for unauthorised development cases to facilitate interdepartmental intelligence sharing and enforcement, as well as formulate targeted measures for high-risk sites to nip problems in the bud.     “Looking ahead, as the current-term Government actively implements various land development projects, land use in the rural New Territories will undergo vast changes. Unauthorised developments may differ in mode, scale, etc. The PlanD and the LandsD, as enforcement authorities, should conduct a systemic review after the implementation of the various improvement measures. The two departments should also adapt to the circumstances, continuously deepen reform and innovate, and improve the operational mechanisms and collaboration to strengthen their ability to prevent and handle unauthorised developments.”     The Office has made the following major improvement recommendations to the PlanD and the LandsD: 

    regarding cases involving repeated breaches of the TPO, the PlanD to explore considering more factors (including the total number of breaches committed by the offender, the gross area of the site, the nature of irregularities and the impact on environmental hygiene) in setting the timeframe for compliance with statutory notices and progressively shortening such timeframe upon subsequent breaches to raise offenders’ costs of non-compliance proportionately;

    the PlanD to draw up guidelines on the procedures and target timeframe for handling unauthorised development cases involving a change in ownership for periodic circulation to staff to avoid omission of necessary action;

    the PlanD to step up efforts to explain the basics of the Reinstatement Notice through such publicity channels as its official website to promote public awareness of its enforcement measures and avoid misunderstanding;

    the PlanD to step up education and publicity to enhance private land owners’ understanding of their obligations, the damage caused by unauthorised developments to the environment, the enforcement role of the department, the price to be paid by offenders and the essential features of the TPO to raise law-bidding awareness;

    the LandsD to comprehensively review its existing guidelines and specify clearly the various factors for determining whether a case falls within the priority category, supplemented with real cases to illustrate how to assess cases involving both priority and non-priority circumstances, for compliance by staff; 

    the LandsD to put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure proper prioritisation of different cases by staff;

    the LandsD to step up training to ensure that staff clearly understand the enforcement role of the department and take timely action against non-compliance with the law and lease conditions according to its performance indicators;

    the PlanD and the LandsD to consider drawing up a mechanism and timetable for timely review of the joint working group’s guiding direction, thereby ensuring that the new measures can serve the purpose of enhancing interdepartmental collaboration;

    the PlanD and the LandsD to conduct timely review of the effectiveness of the pilot scheme on joint enforcement operations; 

    the PlanD and the LandsD to respectively review the data they maintained on interdepartmental unauthorised development cases and enforcement action, and discuss any need to incorporate more data items, thereby providing a more precise and comprehensive basis for monitoring and analysing enforcement work;

    the PlanD and the LandsD to consider establishing a database on unauthorised development cases with such information as the identity of offenders, subject locations, irregularities and results of follow-up action, thereby facilitating interdepartmental intelligence sharing and enforcement;

    the PlanD and the LandsD, making use of the above newly established database, to formulate targeted measures for high-risk sites having regard to such factors as the severity of breaches and whether repeated breaches are involved to nip problems in the bud;

    in light of the amended TPO, the PlanD and the LandsD to review the enforcement and case referral procedures in a timely manner and explore room for further streamlining and consolidation to optimise the use of resources for coping with an anticipated increase in enforcement work; and

    the PlanD and the LandsD to conduct a systemic review after the implementation of the various improvement measures. The two departments should also adapt to the circumstances, continuously deepen reform and innovate, and improve operational mechanisms and collaboration to strengthen their ability to prevent and handle unauthorised developments.

         Upon Mr Chan’s assumption of office, one of the strategic focuses of the Office is to make every effort to promote interdepartmental collaboration. Effective interdepartmental collaboration is indispensable to efficient and people-oriented public administration as well as good governance. A lack of co-ordination among different departments or organisations is prone to shirking responsibilities, thereby directly affecting the well-being of the public. When handling relevant cases, the Office will request all departments and organisations concerned to take follow-up action and fully collaborate with other agencies, with a view to effectively resolving the difficulties facing the public. Where unclear divisions of responsibilities involve systemic issues, the Office will firmly point out the crux of the matter and urge the departments and organisations to seriously rationalise responsibilities or, if necessary, establish high-level platforms for resolving disputes, in order to address the problem at its root.      Furthermore, as different departments and organisations have their respective professional knowledge, expertise and experience, fostering their collaboration can create a synergy effect, thereby enhancing the quality and standard of public administration. Therefore, through handling cases and organising seminars and experience-sharing sessions from time to time, the Office tirelessly encourages various departments and organisations to deepen collaboration in their daily work on all fronts, including setting up communication and collaboration platforms, optimising case referral procedures, formulating information exchange mechanisms, sharing professional skills and technology, and launching joint operations.      The above direct investigation operation is a successful example of the Office’s efforts to promote interdepartmental collaboration. In addition, in the first half of this reporting year (i.e. from April to September 2024), the Office has handled 94 cases involving interdepartmental collaboration. The Office has also progressively launched on its website and social media platforms real cases of interdepartmental collaboration to enhance public understanding of how the Office addresses their needs through promoting interdepartmental collaboration.      “In the coming years, the overriding objective of the Office is to help resolve the difficulties facing the public in order to improve people’s livelihood and foster social harmony. I encourage all government departments and public organisations to work together on the premise of ‘Improving people’s livelihood’, and jointly enhance administrative arrangements for better public services and a stronger sense of gain and happiness among members of our community.”            The full investigation report has been uploaded to the website of the Office of The Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.hk for public information.

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 24, 2024Issued at HKT 11:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: VESEP grants announced for CFA projects

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    From L-R: ACFO John Jugam, DCO Trevor Owen, Drouin brigade members Judy Brown, Darren Fox, Mark Dryden, Captain Peter Buur, Minister Jaclyn Symes, CFA Board member Peter Shaw, Mark Fox

    CFA brigades and groups will share in almost $11.2 million funding to purchase new equipment to help protect their communities.

    The Victorian Government’s 2024/25 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding was announced today, by the Minister for Emergency Services Jacyln Symes.

    The announcement took place at the Drouin Fire Station who received VESEP funding in this year’s grants to purchase a new Field Command Vehicle (FCV).

    Drouin Captain Peter Burr said the Field Command Vehicle would replace the brigades existing car.

    “The FCV is a more appropriate vehicle that will benefit the Drouin community as well as the wider Baw Baw group,” Peter said.  

    “It will be a great asset for the brigade, and we welcome this announcement today.”

    The Drouin Fire Brigade fundraised $35,500 and the VESEP funding contribution was $71,000.

    The brigade was also successful in last year’s VESEP grants and recently purchased a thermal imaging camera. The camera is for the tanker and is used for fire and in urban environments to search out hotspots to efficiently contain and extinguish fires.

    The VESEP funding announced today has been spread across 167 projects that included a range of replacement vehicles for brigades including an additional 11 new ultra light tankers, 6 Bigfills and 18 Field Command Vehicles.

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for life-saving equipment.

    “This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade and helps with the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” CO Heffernan said.

    “The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades like Drouin have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.

    “There are also Special Access Grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”

    The full list of successful applicants has been published on the Emergency Management Victoria website.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Call for information – Injuries – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information after a man suffered serious injuries in Alice Springs yesterday.

    Sometime in the late afternoon, the 67-year-old man returned home to his residence on the corner of Breaden Rd and Gap Rd, where he was later located with serious non-life-threatening injuries.

    He was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital with injuries to his head and upper body.

    Initial reports suggested the man had been assaulted. After further investigations police now believe the man has fallen, causing his injuries.

    Investigations are still ongoing, and police urge anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, or who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444 and reference NTP2400107134.

    Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

    Presidency of the Council of Ministers

    Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
    ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

    Press release

    Council of Ministers meeting on 24 October 2024

    The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and by the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, for the first amendment to Decree-Law No. 42/2008, of 26 November, which transformed Radio and Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL, EP) into a public company.

    The proposed changes aim to adapt the Radio and Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL, EP) to the new technological and administrative requirements, with the introduction of digital terrestrial television. The new legislation allows RTTL, EP to broadcast and manage digital channels, allowing greater flexibility in the distribution of content and obtaining additional revenue. In addition to enabling the broadcast of free channels with a national and international context, it will also be possible to introduce post-paid and pre-paid services, thus strengthening its financial sustainability.

    The project also foresees the elimination of the Opinion Council, which has never been implemented since the creation of RTTL, EP, and the creation of the position of Executive Director, directly reporting to the President of the public company, who will support the administrative and financial management of the company, ensuring continuity and good governance. With these changes, the aim is to strengthen the competitiveness and quality of services provided to the public, ensuring a modern, efficient broadcaster aligned with sector standards.

    *******

    The Council of Ministers decided to grant a day off on October 31, 2024, considering that November 1 and 2 are All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, dates of great importance for the Catholic community and provided for as national holidays by Law No. 10/2005, of August 10, amended by Law No. 3/2016, of May 25. This decision aims to facilitate the movement of the population to their homelands, allowing them to participate in religious celebrations. END

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Emergency Plane Landing – Nhulunbuy

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and Northern Territory Police (NTP) responded to an emergency landing incident at the Nhulunbuy Airport yesterday.

    Around 3:40pm, the Joint Emergency Service Communications Centre received reports that a light aircraft carrying 3 occupants, experienced landing gear issues as it was en route to Galiwinku.

    The aircraft was diverted to Nhulunbuy airport and emergency services deployed.

    At 4:35pm, 8 NTFRS personnel, with one fire truck and 2 grassfire units, arrived at the airport with NT Police and St John Ambulance personnel.

    A short time later the aircraft made an emergency landing without its front landing gear and all occupants disembarked safely, without injury.

    NTFRS crews secured the scene and removed the aircraft from the runway.

    The exact cause of the malfunction remains under investigation.

    Acting Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell said “ This was a fantastic outcome for everyone involved and thankfully the pilot was able to land the aircraft without any injuries.

    “I commend the efforts of all the emergency services who quickly responded and worked together to make the scene safe.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 23, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 578,427.56 6.69 5.10-6.95
         I. Call Money 11,484.88 6.75 5.10-6.90
         II. Triparty Repo 424,741.25 6.69 6.55-6.80
         III. Market Repo 141,021.43 6.67 6.25-6.90
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,180.00 6.86 6.85-6.95
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 130.90 6.45 6.30-6.72
         II. Term Money@@ 572.90 – 6.45-7.02
         III. Triparty Repo 315.00 6.70 6.70-6.70
         IV. Market Repo 109.43 6.80 6.80-6.80
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Wed, 23/10/2024 1 Thu, 24/10/2024 4,620.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Wed, 23/10/2024 1 Thu, 24/10/2024 54,112.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -49,492.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 18/10/2024 13 Thu, 31/10/2024 20,073.00 6.49
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,596.70  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -7,936.30  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -57,428.30  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 23, 2024 1,018,119.33  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending November 01, 2024 1,016,726.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 23, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on October 04, 2024 488,495.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1361

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN joins other ministers for a Courtesy Call on the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Malaysia

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn this morning joined AMCA Ministers and other representatives from China, Japan and Republic of Korea in a Courtesy Call on the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Malaysia Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. The courtesy call reflected the importance of strengthening partnerships in culture and the arts among ASEAN Member States and with the Plus Three countries.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN joins other ministers for a Courtesy Call on the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Missing swimmer, Onerahi

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

     Attributable to Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police:

    The search for an 83-year-old man who went missing in the Onerahi area on the weekend is being scaled back.

    The man, who has not been seen since Saturday, is thought to have gone swimming in Whangārei Harbour on Sunday morning.

    A rāhui is in place covering the Upper Whangarei Harbour and will be in place for two weeks.

    Police would like to thank the Onerahi community for their assistance in the search, and in particular the Onerahi Yacht Club.

    We are continuing to appeal to the public, and in particular to motorists who were in the Beach Road area in Onerahi on the morning of Sunday 20 October, between 8am – 11am.

    If you have any dashcam footage or information that may assist, please update us at 105 online or call 105 referencing file number 241021/1742.

    Police would also like to thank Northland Search and Rescue (SAR), Far North SAR, squads from Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving Club, Whangārei Heads Volunteer Surf Life Saving Patrol, volunteers from Northland Coastguard Air Patrol and Coastguard Whangarei who are involved in the search.

    ENDS

    Tony Wright/NZ Police
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Researchers use AI algorithm to reveal hidden RNA viruses

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This year’s Nobel Prize results signify that artificial intelligence (AI) technology is not only leading trends in computer science, but also has a growing impact in disciplines such as biology and chemistry. It offers scientists a new research approach: using AI to unlock the secrets of nature.
    One of the latest examples comes from virology. An international research team used AI technology to discover hundreds of thousands of RNA viruses from global ecosystems, showing the immense potential of AI algorithms in virus discovery and paving new paths for virology.
    A team of researchers from Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine, as well as Zhejiang University, Guangzhou University, the University of Sydney and other institutions carried out the study, reporting the discovery of 180 RNA virus supergroups and over 160,000 global RNA virus species.
    The study, which was published recently in the journal Cell, is the largest RNA virus study to date, significantly expanding the knowledge about global RNA viruses.
    New AI algorithm
    Viruses are an essential component of Earth’s ecosystems and closely related to human health. However, the number of known virus species is still quite limited. Scientists can use gene sequencing technology to compare the similarity of unknown viruses with known viral nucleic acid sequences, thereby identifying new viruses.
    However, this method relies on the existing knowledge of viruses. When studying RNA viruses, which are highly divergent, numerous and prone to mutation, the method of sequence homology comparison couldn’t work well anymore.
    The researchers have proposed a new solution using AI technology. According to Shi Mang from Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine, who is also one of the corresponding authors of the research paper, the AI algorithm models can uncover viruses that were previously overlooked or not even known.
    “During epidemics, the speed and accuracy of AI technology can help scientists quickly pinpoint potential pathogens,” Shi said.
    He led the team to use a core algorithm dubbed LucaProt, a deep-learning Transformer model for the study. After extensive learning of viral and non-viral genomic sequences, it can autonomously form a set of criteria for virus identification to find viral sequences from large RNA sequencing datasets.
    New RNA virus species
    According to the study, LucaProt demonstrated high accuracy and specificity, with a false positive rate of 0.014 percent and a false negative rate of 1.72 percent.
    The team conducted viral search on 10,487 RNA sequencing data from global biological environmental samples, and discovered over 510,000 viral genomes representing more than 160,000 potential viral species and 180 supergroups of RNA viruses.
    Among them, 23 supergroups could not be identified by traditional sequence homology methods. They can be referred to as the “dark matter” of the viral community.
    The study found that these viruses are distributed across various ecological environments on Earth. The highest viral diversity is found in leaf litter, wetlands, freshwater, and wastewater environments. Considerable virus diversity and abundance are also found in extreme environments such as antarctic sediments, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, activated sludge, and saline-alkali wastelands.
    According to Hou Xin, the first author of the paper, these viruses include not only pathogens that infect humans but also those that exist in the environment and infect various organisms. They can infect a variety of animals, plants, single-celled protists, fungi and bacteria.
    “A deeper understanding of viruses in the environment can help us better study the workings of the entire ecosystem. Moreover, we can use this method to discover viruses closely related to human diseases for the surveillance and early warning of emerging diseases,” Hou said.
    “The traditional classification system has become inadequate for the new viruses, whose diversity far exceeds human imagination. What we see now is just the tip of the iceberg,” Shi said.
    New tool for more studies
    It is a model specifically designed for discovering RNA viruses, but it also integrates the ability to recognize protein sequences and implicit structural information, and can be used to identify protein functions.
    According to the study, the LucaProt model helped researchers identify genomic structures beyond previous virus knowledge, revealing the flexibility of RNA virus genomic evolution.
    It also revealed a variety of viral functional proteins, especially those related to bacteria, indicating that there are more types of RNA bacteriophages, the viruses that infect bacteria, to be explored.
    The research team has open-sourced the model and shared it with scientists worldwide online.
    Li Zhaorong from Apsara Lab of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, another corresponding author, believed that AI is gradually changing the way scientists tackle various scientific challenges.
    “This model is becoming a cutting-edge tool in virus identification and is also being applied to other types of protein identification and discovery of functions,” Li said.
    Xu Jianguo, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said that the success of LucaProt marks a breakthrough for AI algorithms in virus discovery. In the future, AI is expected to become a major tool in microbiology and can be applied to predict the pathogenicity of viruses to humans.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China thwarting satellites used to spy

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China has been handling threats from foreign intelligence agencies who use satellites to conduct espionage in their attempts to steal the country’s secrets, according to the Ministry of State Security.
    The ministry said in an article published on its WeChat account on Wednesday that some foreign spy organizations continue to use high-resolution satellites to carry out remote-sensing reconnaissance on China. They also keep trying to infiltrate China’s space companies by tempting and intimidating Chinese scientists and engineers to obtain the latest developments in their research.
    Some Western countries have been hyping up the arms race in orbit and the contest for “space hegemony”, making all-out efforts to hinder China’s capability and jeopardize its space operations, it noted.
    Space has become a new domain for economic growth, military conflicts and national security work. Protecting space-based systems and orbital operations from threats and infringement is an important part of national security work because space-based assets are significant to a nation’s security and development, the ministry said.
    In recent years, state security bodies worked with relevant departments to handle cases in which foreign spies tried to steal secrets in China’s space sector, effectively suppressing foreign intelligence agencies’ espionage attempts, the ministry said.
    State security departments will continue to use concrete measures to safeguard China’s rights, security and interests in space, it added.
    Information previously published by the ministry shows that the space sector is a focal point for Western intelligence agencies that spy on China. Their agents target scientists, designers and technicians working for State-owned contractors and have turned a handful of employees into traitors, including a senior missile designer who was exposed in 2007.
    The latest spy case involving China’s space industry that has been made public was disclosed in April 2023.
    Zhao Xuejun, a researcher at a State-owned institute, was approached by foreign spies while he was studying overseas and then was recruited. After returning to China, he continued to work for the foreign intelligence organization and delivered a large number of classified documents.
    He was arrested in June 2019 and was sentenced in August 2022 to seven years in prison.
    An industry observer who declined to be named said that foreign spies are keen to obtain information about China’s space capability and programs because analyzing such information can help to establish a comprehensive, in-depth picture about China’s strategic prowess and its scientific, technological and engineering capacities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Researchers build autonomous underwater vehicle for deep-sea microbial sampling

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Researchers from Tianjin University have made a breakthrough in marine biological research with the development of the country’s first autonomous underwater vehicle designed for deep-sea microbial sampling.
    They have conducted comprehensive tests on the performance and functionality of the vehicle at various depths of less than 1,000 meters in the South China Sea, achieving in-situ sampling and high-fidelity preservation of deep-sea microbial genes. The related project was reviewed and approved recently by experts from the Laoshan Laboratory.
    The deep sea is the largest habitat within the Earth’s system, home to a vast array of undiscovered microbial species and untapped resources. Its unique ecosystem, characterized by high salinity, high pressure, low temperatures and nutrient scarcity, has remained largely unexplored.
    In-situ sampling of deep-sea microorganisms is essential for understanding marine species diversity and exploring the mysteries of ocean habitats.
    However, traditional ship-based sampling techniques often face issues such as sample contamination, degradation and nucleic acid structural alterations. These methods are also constrained by low efficiency and high costs.
    The autonomous underwater vehicle, equipped with advanced deep-sea sampling devices and environmental sensors, transitions sampling from localized, single-point and manual-assisted operations to regional, multi-point and autonomous missions. It also offers the seamless integration of sampling, high-fidelity preservation and nucleic acid preparation for deep-sea microbes.
    Its several technical indicators have filled gaps in domestic capabilities in related fields, and the indicators such as maximum sampling depth, number of samples and maximum single filtration volume have reached the international leading level, according to the experts from the review panel.
    The achievement can not only enhance sample quality and reduce the sampling cycle, but also boost the efficiency of marine microbial habitat research.
    It can also provide decisive samples and genetic data support for the discovery and exploration of new marine microbial species, revealing the patterns and evolutionary mechanisms of marine microbial diversity, and clarifying the influence mechanisms of the microbial carbon pump and ocean carbon sequestration.
    The research team plans to further tackle the technologies for deep-sea microbial sampling and metagenomic analysis, and improve the comprehensive resource database of marine microorganisms.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Int’l forum for young space scientists held in Macao

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The International Forum for Young Space Scientists was held at the Macao Science Center from Tuesday to Friday, attracting nearly a hundred scientists from various countries and regions.
    At the forum’s opening ceremony on Wednesday, Wu Ji, president of the Chinese Society of Space Research (CSSR), expressed his hope that the forum will provide a platform for exchanges and cooperation and lay the foundation for future cooperation.
    Zong Qiugang, director of the Space Science Institute of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), introduced the scientific output of Macao’s first space science satellite “Macao Science 1” in geomagnetic science research and space environment monitoring and expressed that MUST will continue to contribute to international exchanges and cooperation in space science.
    On Wednesday afternoon, young space scientists had in-depth exchanges and discussions on disciplinary frontiers, the new discoveries of domestic and international satellite missions, the progress of relevant modeling and technology, and future joint research.
    As part of the forum, participants will visit the related laboratories of MUST and the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
    As the first international conference for young space scientists held in Macao, the forum was co-organized by the CSSR, MUST, the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the HKU, and the International Space Science Institute – Beijing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to kick off consumption campaign in 5 big cities

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will launch a monthlong campaign to promote consumption in November as part of its efforts to bolster consumer spending, the Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday.

    The consumption promotion month will kick off next month in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing.

    It will feature a series of activities promoting consumption in shopping, catering, tourism, exhibitions and performances, among others, according to the ministry.

    Relevant departments and localities have been asked to refine their plans to implement the promotion month and introduce practical measures to foster the continuous recovery of the country’s consumer market.

    China introduced a large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in program in March this year to expand domestic demand and shore up the economy.

    China’s retail sales of consumer goods went up 3.3 percent year on year in the first three quarters of this year, official data showed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: CNOOC, Air Liquide pioneer long-distance liquid hydrogen transport

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A vessel carrying specialized insulated tanks containing liquid hydrogen arrived at Yantian Port in the south China metropolitan of Shenzhen on Tuesday, after a voyage of about 20,000 km from Europe.

    The pioneering long-distance transport of the liquid hydrogen was jointly carried out by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and French industrial gases giant Air Liquide, which marked a significant milestone in global energy transportation.

    The shipment covered over 20,000 km from Rotterdam to Shenzhen, emphasizing the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

    The International Renewable Energy Agency predicted that by 2050, more than 30 percent of global hydrogen production will be used for international trade. China’s annual hydrogen production has amounted to 40 million tonnes, and long-distance offshore shipping of liquid hydrogen has been eyed as a new transport initiative to explore hydrogen energy trade.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New members appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka today confirmed the appointment of two new members to the Waitangi Tribunal, as well as the reappointment of Kevin Prime.

    The members appointed and reappointed are:

    Hon Richard Prebble (CBE). Mr Prebble is a former Cabinet Minister where he held a broad range of portfolios. Since leaving parliament, he has provided pro bono advice to various Māori trusts, hapū, and iwi on a variety of issues. 

    Ken Williamson (KStJ). Mr Williamson is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand. He has extensive experience as a practitioner and governor in risk prevention, risk management and disaster management.

    Kevin Prime (CNZM). (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whatua, Tainui) has been reappointed to the Waitangi Tribunal for a second term. Mr Prime is an accomplished and experienced member of the tribunal. He is a current member of several inquiries including the Constitutional Kaupapa Inquiry (Wai 3300).

    “Congratulations to Richard and Ken on their appointments, and to Kevin for his reappointment,” Mr Potaka says. 

    “These appointments will ensure the tribunal continues to provide a forum to hear and report Māori Treaty claims in a timely manner. They will ultimately support the progress of the Treaty-based Crown-Māori relationship.

    “Waitangi Tribunal members bring with them a range of knowledge and skills and are appointed for their broad expertise in the matters that are likely to come before the Tribunal. 

    “Ensuring we have a range of talented appointees on tribunals and boards is absolutely key to the delivery of better public services.”

    Nō te rangi tonu nei te Minita Whanaketanga Māori, a Minita Tama Potaka, whakatūturungia ai te whakatūngia o ngā mema hōu e rua ki Te Rōpū Whakamana i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, me te whakatūngia anō o Kevin Prime.

    Ko ngā mema i whakatūngia, i whakatūngia anō hoki ko:

    Hon Richard Prebble (CBE). He Mema o mua a Mr Prebble o te Kāhui Minita, i reira ia aratakina ai ngā huihuinga kaupapa whakaehu. Nō tāna wehenga i te pāremata, kua tukuna ōna whakamāherehere utu kore ki ngā tini tiakitanga Māori, ki ngā hapū, me ngā iwi i ngā kaupapa huhua.

    Ken Williamson (KStJ). HeTuatangata Ahurei a Mr Williamson nō te Institute of Directors, he Tuatangata hoki ia nō te Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand. Kua whānui ōna wheako hei mātanga, hei kāwana hoki i te aukatinga tūrarutanga, me te whakaritenga wairuatoa.

    Kua whakatūngia anō a Kevin Prime (KStJ). (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whatua, Tainui) ki tāna kaupeka tuarua i Te Rōpū Whakamana i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He mātanga, he ringa rehe hoki a Mr Prime i te taraipiunara. He mema ia nō ngā tini pakirehua, tae rā anō ki te Constitutional Kaupapa Inquiry (Wai 3300).

    “E papaki nei ngā tai o whakamānawa ki a Richard rāua ko Ken i te whakatūngia o rāua, ki a Kevin hoki i te whakatūngia anō ōna,” hei tā Tama Potaka. 

    “Mā ngā whakatūnga nei e pai tonu ai tā te taraipiunara whakawātea i te pae e rangonga ai, e pūrongotia ai hoki ngā kerēme Tiriti Māori hei ngā wā tika. Korekore ka tokona e rātou te anganga whakamuatanga o te patuitanga ā-Tiriti o te Karauna me te Māori.

    “Ko tā ngā mema o Te Rōpū Whakamana i Te Tiriti o Waitangi he tari atu i ngā mātauranga me ngā pūkenga whānui, me te aha anō, ka whakatūngia rātou kei te āhua o te whānui o ngā pūkenga mō ngā kaupapa e tinga nei ka taka mai ki te aroaro o te Rōpū Whakamana.

    “Ko te iho o te tukunga pai i ngā ratonga tūmatanui ko te whānui o ngā mātanga ka noho mai ki ngā taraipiunara me ngā poari.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese NGOs aim to make bigger intl impact

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

    China has cultivated thousands of technology-focused nongovernmental organizations in recent years to stimulate innovation and bolster its influence in global research and development governance, a Ministry of Civil Affairs official said on Wednesday.

    Zhang Lin, a deputy head of the ministry’s bureau of NGO administration, said that by the end of last year, China had over 24,000 such organizations at the forefront of technological innovation, playing a crucial role in advancing the nation’s expertise in competitive technologies.

    “At the same time, the ministry is fostering national and international social organizations to facilitate engagement in global scientific and technological governance initiatives,” she told a news conference in Beijing.

    Technology-based organizations have increasingly emerged as a pivotal force propelling China toward technological advancement.

    Authorities have recognized their crucial role in uniting and mobilizing technology professionals to serve the national interest, fostering collaboration among industries, academia and researchers, promoting exchanges and showcasing industry expertise.

    In a significant move to enhance the global influence of these groups, the ministry introduced rules in 2021 enabling Chinese NGOs to recruit renowned foreign scientists and appoint them to management positions.

    While the full text of the rules has not been publicly disclosed, a media release on the ministry’s website stated that the regulations mandated these NGOs to improve communication and engagement with foreign technology experts.

    The release emphasized that these organizations should establish a robust service system tailored to the needs of foreign technology professionals, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and integration within the community.

    The Chinese Institute of Electronics, one of over 200 national-level technology-focused organizations, plays a crucial role in advancing technological development in China.

    According to its website, the institute is responsible for a variety of tasks, including organizing international seminars, publishing influential papers and recommending talent to governmental bodies.

    With a membership exceeding 170,000 professionals with strong knowledge on subjects such as semiconductors, computer science, communication technologies and radar, the institute also manages the editing and publication of 10 esteemed academic journals covering topics in its members’ respective fields. Since 2003, it has honored outstanding scientists with its annual Science and Technology Award.

    The institute describes itself as a national academic nonprofit social organization that was voluntarily established by technology workers in the electronic information sector, related enterprises and institutions, and social groups.

    “We are an important social force in the development of China’s electronic information technology industry,” the institute said in its charter.

    International NGOs focusing on technology have significantly influenced global science governance by organizing academic conferences, publishing influential works and presenting awards.

    Last year, the Chinese government announced the establishment of 17 such NGOs.

    One notable organization among them is the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions, launched in 2018 with the objective of enhancing cooperation in science, technology and innovation among countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Its membership includes prestigious institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye, and the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Windy and wet start to Labour Weekend – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thu 24 – Mon 28 October – MetService has issued a number of Severe Weather Warnings covering central and southern areas in the lead up to Labour Weekend with more severe weather likely on Saturday. Sunday and Monday broadly present the better days for a dry outdoor excursions but there will be lingering wet weather scattered around the country.

    Heavy rain is working its way up the west coast of the South Island today (Thursday) with around 345mm of rain at Milford Sound in the 24hrs to 1pm this afternoon. Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued up the West Coast and then onto the Tararua Range as we move into Friday. Severe gale northwest winds precede the rain with Strong Wind Warnings issued across the Canterbury High Country, Marlborough Sounds, Wellington and Wairarapa.

    While there will be a sprinkling of showers across the North Island for the second half of Friday, it’s the central parts of the country that look to be wettest for the beginning of the long weekend.

    MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris advises, “If you are traveling for the long weekend, your best bet is to get it done on Friday as Saturday brings the next bout of adverse weather.”

    Strong winds and heavy rain will be widespread around the country on Saturday as the next weather system passes over. The heavy rain looks to focus on the upper half of the South Island, while eastern parts of the North Island might not see any rain until the afternoon.

    Saturday also brings a large temperature contrast between eastern areas of the North and South Islands with Hawke’s Bay around 25°C and Oamaru maybe struggling to make double digits. This cold air spreading in from the south brings the potential for snow down to 500m for inland Canterbury and Otago. It also makes for a cooler than average run of days for the southern half of the South Island across the long weekend.

    As we move through the weekend the wet weather becomes patchier across Aotearoa and if people keep a close eye on the forecast, they might even find a dry window to enjoy the outdoors. The best bet for prolonged fine weather looks to be the eastern coastline of the North Island.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SCS at media session

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the remarks by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, at a media session after attending a radio programme to elaborate on initiatives related to the civil service in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” this morning (October 24):

    Reporter: In the Policy Address that was announced last week, the Government will offer three days of childcare leave per year to civil servants with children under three years of age, and they are allowed to leave early for more festivals. Is it actually possible to add more leave for civil servants, and what are the concerns for the Government in increasing the number of leave? As well as the civil servant shortage, the figure stood at around 10 per cent as of June this year. Is the Government worried about this and why this is the case? 

    Secretary for the Civil Service: For childcare leave, we have to balance our operational need with the introduction of more family-friendly measures. I think, as a start, we have to be prudent and so we have decided that we will offer three days per year for each child under three  years of age who needs more care by their parents. We will review how this works out and see if there is room for improvement or whether it really affects our work seriously. We cannot tell at the present moment as it is a new measure but we will review this after it has implemented for some time.

         As for the vacancy rate, we are proceeding with full force our recruitment efforts. But at the same time, I would also say that we will also be very careful with the use of manpower. One of our measures, in fact this year in the Policy Address, is to see if technological solutions can be introduced to make better use of existing manpower, whether processes can be streamlined, whether priorities can be changed to make better use of existing manpower. Making better use of existing manpower, or reducing the need for manpower we involve in labour intensive jobs by applying more technological solutions, are also ways of dealing with the present vacancy rate. 

    Reporter: From the Government observation, what are the possible reasons behind the vacancy rate of around 10 per cent?

    Secretary for the Civil Service: In the past few years, we have seen a high retirement wave. It is simply because of the age of civil servants. And also the number of graduates is not as many as decades ago. So we have to really compete for talents. We have seen that Hong Kong has a very low unemployment rate. The unemployment rate is almost telling us that there is full employment in Hong Kong so we really have to compete fiercely with the private sector, with other employers, for talents. So these are all the reasons contributing to a higher vacancy rate or needing more time to recruit the manpower that we need.

    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –