NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Security: 22 locals arrested in multi-count money laundering and narcotics indictments

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A total of 29 people are now in custody for money laundering and drug trafficking criminal violations following a major law enforcement operation in Houston and other areas in the United States, announced acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

    The coordinated law enforcement effort spanned multiple jurisdictions and states to include Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and other parts of Texas.

    Those arrested in the Houston area have begun to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray.

    The charges contained in four different indictments allege crimes occurred between April 2022 and October 2024.

    Houston grand juries returned the indictments in October and November 2024. They allege the individuals engaged in a multi-national trade-based money laundering network operating in the United States and in international markets. Criminal organizations including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) allegedly used the network to launder illicit funds through the purchase and sale of cellular telephones.

    Francisco Jaramillo-Valdovinos aka Chico Jaramillo, allegedly a top CJNG commander, is one of those charged. He is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts or any of the other fugitives in the case is asked to contact the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at 713-693-3000.

    The arrests are the culmination of a 21-month Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Noch. During the investigation, law enforcement allegedly seized multi-hundred kilograms of cocaine, heroin, meth, marijuana and alprazolam as well as millions of dollars in drug proceeds.

    As part of the arrests, authorities also seized 85 kilograms of meth, 10 kilograms of cocaine, 17 firearms, $481,000 from a bank account and approximately $566,000 of bulk cash.

    If convicted, many charged with drug trafficking offenses face up to life in federal prison and could pay millions in fines. Those charged with money laundering offenses face up to 20 years in federal prison.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation along with police departments in Houston and Galveston with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and local police departments and sheriffs’ offices throughout the country.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman, Sherin Daniel and Leo J. Leo III are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Government Contractor Convicted of Defrauding FEMA and Georgia-Based Litigation Funding Company

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Following an eight-day trial, Tiffany Brown was found guilty by a jury of defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) in connection with a nearly $156 million contract she was awarded to provide self-heating meals to the residents of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and for fraudulently obtaining $700,000 in litigation advances from the Litigation Funding Group of Georgia (“LFG”) by falsely claiming that she had settled with a logistics company who failed to deliver the meals to FEMA. 

    “Brown resorted to extraordinary lengths to defraud FEMA during a critical period when individuals were in desperate need of food resources during the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in pursuing and prosecuting individuals who exploit the devastation caused by natural disasters as an opportunity to commit fraud.”

    “We will continue to investigate and support the prosecution of fraudsters who target vulnerable populations for their own gains,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D.

    “Brown greedily deceived the federal government during a natural disaster to enrich herself,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue any person who seeks to defraud the government, especially during times of tragedy.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges and other information presented in court: On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Puerto Rico. In its wake, FEMA issued a solicitation for 40 million self-heating meals per week to deliver to the island. Meals requiring a microwave or an external heating source, such as for boiling water, were unacceptable. FEMA issued the meal solicitation because it had exhausted its existing supply of self-heating meals from its own warehouses, primary vendors, and federal agency partners in responding to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma— both Category 4 hurricanes that impacted broad swaths of Texas, Louisiana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    On September 28, 2017, Brown submitted a proposal to FEMA falsely representing that her Georgia-based company, Tribute Contracting LLC, could provide the necessary self-heating meals. In doing so, Brown misrepresented that Tribute: (a) could deliver 10 million meals per day utilizing 210 trucks; (b) would provide 300,000 meals prepositioned; and (c) had partnered with C.H. Robinson, a major shipping and logistics broker, to meet FEMA’s delivery requirements.

    But Tribute was incapable of delivering 10 million meals, never prepositioned any meals, and did not have the claimed partnership. A FEMA contacting officer spoke with Brown after receiving Tribute’s proposal. The contracting officer knew that U.S.-based manufacturers could not produce the number of meals that Brown claimed in her proposal. In response, Brown falsely represented that she was procuring the self-heating meals from Action Meals, a Canadian manufacturer. Brown sent FEMA a doctored image of an Action Meals package with a fraudulent expiration date.

    Based on her conversation with the contracting officer, Brown submitted a revised proposal falsely representing that she had firm confirmation from her “core suppliers for 30 million self-heating meals in 30 days” and that she could begin delivering one million meals a day beginning on October 7, 2017.

    On October 3, 2017, FEMA awarded Tribute and Brown a $155,982,000 contract requiring the delivery of 30 million self-heating meals between October 7 and October 23, 2017. FEMA had to confirm that Tribute’s proposed meal was “technically acceptable” before approving the delivery. FEMA approved Brown’s proposal in part because it understood that Brown would deliver self-heating meals manufactured by Action Meals. Unbeknownst to FEMA, Brown had not secured a supplier when she was awarded the FEMA contract. After being awarded the contract, Brown repeatedly mispresented to FEMA the status of her suppliers and timing of deliveries.

    On October 19, 2017, FEMA terminated its contract with Brown and Tribute. Before doing so, however, FEMA paid Brown $255,000 based on her submission of fraudulent invoices and bills of ladings claiming that she had successfully delivered 50,000 self-heating meals. Brown in fact had delivered 50,000 non-compliant, dehydrated meals. After FEMA terminated the contract, Brown continued making false representations to FEMA. For example, Brown submitted fraudulent invoices in December 2017 and June 2019 claiming to have purchased tens of thousands of dollars of heaters.

    In March 2019, Brown falsely represented to LFG that she had a tentative $5 million settlement with a logistics company, Total Quality Logistics (“TQL”). Brown claimed that TQL was willing to settle with her because it failed to timely deliver meals to FEMA, which she claimed was the reason FEMA terminated her contract. In truth, TQL obtained a default judgment against Brown for unpaid deliveries.

    To secure the fraudulent litigation financing, Brown provided LFG with a mix of actual and fabricated documents. For instance, she provided the real FEMA contract, but a fraudulent tentative settlement agreement, and fabricated emails between TQL’s general counsel and “Jerry Rosenstein,” Tribute’s purported in-house counsel. Brown further perpetrated the fraud by using her attorney to create the illusion that she was a successful government contractor who was negotiating directly with TQL. Brown later falsely claimed she settled with TQL for $6.5 million, which she evidenced by an agreement that TQL’s CEO supposedly signed. The scheme unraveled when TQL did not pay the $6.5 million, and Brown’s attorney received an email from a “James Wilson,” who was supposedly an in-house attorney at TQL. “James Wilson” wrote that he was willing to release the settlement funds in exchange for $500,000. Investigators later determined that Brown was responsible for creating the fake “Jerry Rosenstein” and “James Wilson” personas.   

    Tiffany Brown, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.  Brown was found guilty by a federal jury on January 17, 2025, of 11 counts of major disaster fraud, 17 counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government money, and three counts of money laundering.

    This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Office of Chief Counsel.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex R. Sistla and Jessica C. Morris are prosecuting the case.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: No stone left unturned: 6 tonnes of cocaine and EUR 6 million seized in large drug sting

    Source: Europol

    The Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil), supported by Europol, has dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking network in an investigation involving Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama. The suspects were allegedly involved in the reception and wholesale distribution of cocaine across the EU, as well as in money laundering. The sting was coordinated by Europol’s Operational Taskforce.Network spans Latin America, Europe…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Closing Remarks

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Closing Remarks

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t419U5j96WE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federation of BiH undertakes important steps in protecting victims of domestic violence and violence against women

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Federation of BiH undertakes important steps in protecting victims of domestic violence and violence against women

    SARAJEVO, 24 January 2025 –  Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH (Mission) welcomes efforts by authorities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) to improve the legal framework governing gender-based violence in FBiH, including efforts to strengthen the FBiH Law on Domestic Violence and Violence against Women (Law). 
    The adoption of this law by the House of Representatives of the Parliament of FBiH on 28 January in its expected form, would constitute a decisive step forward in ensuring and promoting zero tolerance to domestic violence and violence against women in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ahead of the session, the Mission kindly urges parliamentarians to also ensure an applicable legal mechanism that fully protects victims during the transition to the new Law, namely during the finalization of relevant bylaws and the provision of necessary training to practitioners. In line with the conclusions from the series of joint sessions of four FBiH parliamentary committees held during 2024, the Mission would further ask the Parliament of FBiH, to maintain strong oversight of the implementation of the new Law, ensuring accountability form the responsible institutions.  
    The Mission remains fully committed to supporting institutions at all levels in the implementation of the Law. Working with institutions is one of the Mission’s three key pillars of engagement – along with the engagement with legislators and political parties – to establish sustainable, effective and victim-centric responses to domestic and gender-based violence, in line with BiH’s international commitments.  

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 27 January

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Tuesday 28 January

    Planning and Tall Buildings

    Planning and Regeneration Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

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

    Guests include:

    Panel 1 – 10am – 11.15am:

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

    Panel 2 – 11.30am – 12.30pm:

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

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252310 / [email protected]  

     

    Wednesday 29 January

    Q&A with the Met Police

    Police and Crime Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will question the Metropolitan Police Service and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime on the work being done in relation to grooming gangs in London, and to understand what impact the national audit will have in London.

    The guests are:

    • Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime 
    • Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist KPM, Frontline Policing, Metropolitan Police Service
    • Claire Waxman OBE, London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smith on 07763 251727 / [email protected]
     

    Thursday 30 January

    HIV in London

    Health Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The London Assembly Health Committee will discuss HIV prevention efforts in London, the work of HIV charities in London and international comparisons.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – HIV prevention in London (10:00 – 11:10):

    • Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner, London HIV Prevention Programme
    • Mona Hayat, Director of Sexual Health, London Sexual Health Programme
    • Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor

    Panel 2 – HIV charities in London (11:15 – 12:25):

    • Judi Otti, Head of HIV Services, Africa Advocacy Foundation
    • Mark Santos, Executive Director, Positive East
    • Kat Smithson, CEO, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH)
    • Joel Robinson, CEO, Spectra
    • Tony Wong, CEO, METRO Charity

    Panel 3 – International comparisons (12:30 – 13:00):

    • Elske Hoornenborg, Head of the Center for Sexual Health and medical doctor specialised in internal medicine and infectious diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Winter Road Conditions Report – Friday 24 January 2025 (Storm Eowyn)

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.  It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.

    Maps of the Council’s gritting routes by priority and policy are available online.  

    The Met Office has both Amber and Yellow warnings for Highland as follows:

    • Amber Warning for wind across the northern half of Scotland. Valid 13:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Saturday. 
    • Yellow Warning for snow mainly across the high ground of Highlands. Valid 06:00 to 23:59 on Friday. Medium likelihood of Low impact.
    • Yellow Warning for Wind covering the whole of Scotland. Valid 00:01 to 23:59 on Friday.

    Highland Road Conditions Report for Friday 24 January 2025 are as follows – with no know issues to report:

    • East Ross-Shire (08:52) – Wet roads. No known issues.
    • Sutherland (08:08) – Wet roads and wind no known issues to report
    • Caithness  (07:39) – Wet roads high winds
    • Inverness (07:22)  – Roads wet, no issues
    • Badenoch and Strathspey (06:54) – Temperatures higher than forecast. Primary and Secondary routes being treated this morning as a precaution. No known overnight Issues.
    • Nairn (06:51) – Temps higher than forecast. Hill route being treated as a precaution. No known overnight issues.
    • Lochaber (09:00)- Positive temperatures across the area, very wet and windy, Corran Ferry off due to the weather conditions.
    • Skye and Raasay (05:47) – Positive road surface temperatures across area this morning. No overnight issues to report

    A number of schools are currently closed today due to the weather; 9 secondary schools: (3269 pupils); 38 Primary schools: (2528 pupils) and 29 Nurseries: (491 children).  For current details visit http://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures – please note that this page is cleared at 4pm each day.

    Follow our social media channels to keep up-to-date with all Highland Council road issues – X @HighlandCouncil and Facebook

    For Corran Ferry information, follow: X @CorranFerry and Facebook @CorranFerryService and at https://www.highland.gov.uk/corranferry

    Information and flooding advice is available on our website

    Information on weather warnings is available on the Met Office website

    For information on Trunk Roads follow @trafficscotland

    For information on power cuts, visit SSEN website

    SEPA are the Scottish Environment Protection Agency – SEPA.

    Information and advice is also available at Ready Scotland and on X @ReadyScotland

    24 Jan 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New King’s Counsels welcomed by Lord Chancellor

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of 105 barristers and solicitors as new King’s Counsel (KC) in England and Wales.

    His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of 105 barristers and solicitors as new King’s Counsel (KC) in England and Wales. The title of KC is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy. 

    The Lord Chancellor will preside over the appointment ceremony at Westminster Hall in March 2025, where she will formally bestow the title of KC upon the successful applicants.

    Further information

    • See the list of 2024 – 2025 Kings Counsel appointments.  
    • KCs are appointed by His Majesty The King, on the advice of the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor is in turn advised by an independent Selection Panel which receives and considers each application and makes recommendations as to appointment. 
    • The announcement of Honorary King’s Counsel awards will be made separately this year. 
    • For further information, please contact the Ministry of Justice press office. Follow us @MoJGovUK. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 600 Panchayat Leaders to Attend Republic Day Parade as Special Guests in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Over 600 Panchayat Leaders to Attend Republic Day Parade as Special Guests in New Delhi

    Panchayat Leaders  to Be Felicitated Ahead of Republic Day Celebrations; ‘Gramoday Sankalp’ Magazine to Be Released

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has invited more than 600 Panchayat Leaders as Special Guests to witness the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on 26th January 2025. These Special Guests have been selected for their outstanding contributions on saturation of beneficiaries under the flagship schemes in their respective Panchayats. The schemes include Har Ghar Jal Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), Mission Indradhanush, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, PM MUDRA Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, etc. The invitees also include  Panchayat leaders awarded at National and State level who have demonstrated excellence in key developmental areas such as health, education, women and child development, water and sanitation, and climate action, ensuring pan-India representation across diverse regions, socio-economic groups, and genders including Panchayat leaders from the aspirational districts. On the Republic Day, these Special Invitees along with their family members will witness the grandeur of the Republic Day Parade, an opportunity that symbolizes their journey from their Karmkshetra (कर्मक्षेत्र) to Kartavya Path (कर्तव्य पथ).

    Special Felicitation Event on the eve of Republic Day

    On the eve of the Republic Day i.e. 25th January 2025, a special felicitation event will be held at the Airport Authority of India Officers’ Institute, New Delhi, to honour these Panchayat leaders. The program will include the release of the 15th issue of the ‘Gramoday Sankalp’ magazine, the felicitation of Panchayat leaders and the giving away of certificates/prizes to winners of the Know Your Constitution Quiz Contest organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on Constitution Day-2024. Union Minister, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj , Secretary, MoPR along with other senior officials will grace the occasion.

    ***

    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2095806) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Release of Publication “Payroll Reporting in India: An Employment Perspective –November, 2024”

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 3:50PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation is releasing the employment related statistics in the formal sector covering the period September 2017 onwards, using information on the number of subscribers who have subscribed under three major schemes, namely the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme and the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

    The full report can be accessed at: Payroll Reporting in India An Employment Perspective – November, 2024.pdf

    Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme:

    The total number of new EPF subscribers during the month of November, 2024 is 8,74,420 which was 7,86,196 during the month of October, 2024.

     

    Employees’ State Insurance Scheme:

    The newly registered employees and paying contribution under the ESI scheme during the month of November, 2024 is 11,82,501 which was 13,07,888 during the month of October, 2024.

     

    National Pension Scheme (NPS):

    During November 2024, the NPS recorded a total of 40,920 new contributing subscribers which was 64,977 during the month of October, 2024.

    ****

    SB

    (Release ID: 2095801) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Felicitates Indian PD Cricket Team; Assures Full Government support for ‘Divyang’ Athletes

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya honoured the Indian Physical Disability (PD) Cricket Team today on winning the PD Champions Trophy 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The team defeated England in the tournament final, demonstrating exceptional skills and resilience.

    The Indian PD Cricket Team, supported by the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) and accessibility organization Svayam, was felicitated at the Sports Authority of India.

    Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive sports participation. “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has assured commitment towards ‘divyang’ athletes. If you are a ‘divyang’ person, it doesn’t mean you cannot make the nation proud. And your victory is a testament to that. The passion shown by the Indian PD Cricket Team, from the rigorous process of selection to the performance in Sri Lanka, brings to light your immense mettle. Winning 5 matches out of six and beating England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan is no mean feat,” Dr Mandaviya said.

    The selection process of the Indian PD Cricket Team took place in Udaipur where over 450 cricketers from 28 States turned up for the Nationals. From the list, 56 were picked up for the Challenger Trophy in Jaipur and finally, 17 were shortlisted to represent India.  

    Mentioning the growing list of achievements brought to the nation by the specially-abled athletes, from the Paris Paralympics to the PD Champions Trophy 2025, Dr Mandaviya added, “Our ‘divyang’ athletes are giving us many reasons to be proud and pushing us to step up our support towards them. The government is with you and you have to use your success to inspire more youth through various platforms.” 

    The event on Friday was also attended by the full team, coaches, DCCI General Secretary Ravikant Chauhan, Svayam Founder-Chairperson Sminu Jindal, and Sports Ministry officials.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2095803) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MNRE to Showcase ‘Sunrise of New India’ Tableau at Republic Day Parade 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 2:22PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will unveil a captivating tableau at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. This vibrant display will offer a glimpse into India’s evolving energy landscape, highlighting its groundbreaking strides in renewable energy while celebrating the nation’s deep cultural heritage.

    A central focus of the tableau will be the ambitious PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the world’s largest residential rooftop solar initiative, alongside other transformative MNRE programs. These efforts are not only advancing India’s green economy but are also poised to generate millions of green jobs by 2030.

    While emphasizing India’s energy transition under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the tableau will also highlight India’s advancements in green hydrogen. It will also highlight India’s status as the fourth-largest installer of wind energy.

    Eight hundred special guests, comprising beneficiaries of PM Suryaghar, PM Kusum, and RE technicians invited by MNRE, will be among the first to witness this unique portrayal of India’s path to a sustainable and self-reliant future.

    MNRE, under the guidance of the Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi, through its transformative schemes and programs, is providing affordable and clean energy to millions of households in India as well as boosting domestic manufacturing in the RE sector.

    **********

    Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2095765) Visitor Counter : 99

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of two violent assaults in Harrow

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted following two violent assaults that left one of his victims dying from stab wounds.

    Abdul Khan, 27 (14.08.97), of Durham Road, Harrow, had previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter through diminished responsibility of Bohdan Vandzhura, possession of an offensive weapon and actual bodily harm.

    At the Old Bailey on Thursday, 23 January he was found guilty of the attempted murder of a then 43-year-old man.

    He will be sentenced on Tuesday, 25 March.

    Detective Chief Inspector Tom Williams, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts today are with Mr Vandzhura’s family and friends.

    “This was a truly horrific assault by Khan on his innocent neighbour as he was heading to work one morning to provide for his family. The ferocity of the knife attack has shocked everyone who has seen the CCTV footage.

    “Our thoughts are also with his second victim who suffered serious injuries in the attack.

    “It’s clear that mental health was a key factor in the events building up to that day but Khan’s pattern of aggression towards two people cannot be ignored.”

    An investigation was launched after police were called on the morning of 8 July 2023 to reports of a stabbing on Pinner Road in North Harrow.

    Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. At the scene, they found 49-year-old Bohdan – a father-of-two who was from Harrow – with stab wounds. Despite their efforts he died at the scene.

    A post-mortem examination carried out the following day confirmed he died as a result of multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck.

    Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation, involving a quick time review of CCTV footage from the area.

    Officers followed Khan’s movements using CCTV which captured him disposing of the weapon and making his way towards Mr Vandzhura’s home. This led detectives to believe Khan lived in the area and he was quickly identified and arrested.

    This same footage provided them with evidence of his father – Khalid Khan – leaving the home with a carrier bag that contained his son’s bloodied clothing.

    Abdul Khan was arrested on 8 July and charged within 24 hours.

    Detectives also established that Abdul Khan was the unidentified suspect in an earlier assault on another man in Harrow.

    On 20 August 2022, Khan punched the man to the ground before repeatedly stamping on him, leaving him unconscious. Officers carried out an investigation but were unable to identify a suspect at the time.

    Khalid Khan, 62 (22.04.62) of Durham Road, Harrow was convicted of assisting an offender in relation to the manslaughter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 116 tortoises returned to Tanzania in landmark wildlife trafficking investigation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    24 January 2025

    Intercepted by Thai customs officials in July 2022, the tortoises will serve as vital evidence to prosecute the smuggler

    SINGAPORE – More than two years after a Ukrainian woman was stopped at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport during an INTERPOL operation with 116 baby tortoises concealed in her luggage, the internationally protected species have been returned to Tanzania as evidence against their smuggler.

    The repatriation of the tortoises signals the final phase of a long-running enquiry into an international wildlife trafficking ring that has led to the arrest of 14 suspects from various countries and tracked down the Ukrainian smuggler after a global investigation.

    A handover ceremony marking the reptiles’ return was held yesterday in Bangkok, attended by high-level officials from Thailand and Tanzania.

    Police Major General Surapan Thaiprasert, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division at the Royal Thai Police said:

    “Thailand worked closely with INTERPOL and our partners in Tanzania on this significant case. Through our strong detection capabilities, we were able to intercept the smuggler and rescue the tortoises. Their successful return to Tanzania is a testament to our collaborative efforts.”

    A rescued pancake tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I)

    Rescued radiated tortoises placed in crates for their journey to Tanzania

    The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the largest tortoises in the world. It is a vulnerable species. (CITES Appendix II)

    The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the largest tortoises in the world. It is a vulnerable species. (CITES Appendix II).

    A rescued pancake tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I).

    A rescued radiated tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I).

    A rescued pancake tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I).

    Tanzanian and Thai officials worked together to repatriate all 116 tortoises to Tanzania.

    Tanzanian and Thai officials worked together to repatriate all 116 tortoises to Tanzania.

    A radiated tortoise is carefully placed in a crate for its return to Tanzania.

    A tortoise crate being transferred to its next mode of transport.

    A handover ceremony marking the return of the tortoises was held in Bangkok on 23 January 2025.

    A handover ceremony marking the return of the tortoises was held in Bangkok on 23 January 2025.

    Criminal economy

    The trafficking of endangered tortoises is a significant criminal economy, with species removed from their natural habitats, often to be sold abroad as exotic pets.

    The 116 tortoises recovered in Bangkok included pancake tortoises, radiated tortoises and Aldabra giant tortoises, all of which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

    Many of the tortoises died after being found in the smuggler’s luggage, despite urgent care provided by Thai authorities. All 116 were nevertheless repatriated as evidence.

    Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL said:

    “Wildlife trafficking is a serious global threat that disrupts ecosystems and harms communities while enriching organized crime groups. This case demonstrates the resolve of law enforcement internationally to protect vulnerable species, stop illegal wildlife trafficking and bring criminals to justice.  

    “INTERPOL plays a vital role in facilitating coordinated action against wildlife crime and will continue to support our member countries in breaking up wildlife trafficking syndicates.”

    Dismantling a wildlife crime network

    Following her arrest in Bangkok, the Ukrainian smuggler fled Thailand before she could be fully prosecuted. Through intense international police collaboration and an INTERPOL Red Notice, she was located in Bulgaria in March 2023 and extradited to Tanzania three months later.

    Once it was established that the smuggler belonged to a larger wildlife trafficking network, INTERPOL provided investigative and operational support. As a result of these efforts, 14 additional suspects, from countries including Egypt, Indonesia, Madagascar and Tanzania, have so far also been arrested.

    Ramadhan Hamisi Kingai, Director of Criminal Investigation at the Tanzania Police Force said:

    “From the capture of the suspect to the repatriation of the tortoises, these successes were made possible through strong international police cooperation and a collaborative, multi-agency approach facilitated through INTERPOL. Tanzania is firmly committed to addressing wildlife crime and continues to work with other countries to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Local wildlife officials in Tanzania will quarantine and care for the surviving tortoises before assessing if they can be safely returned to their natural habitats.

    United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other donors.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Letter to General Synod members

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    CEO David Holdsworth has written to General Synod members who are also trustees of Church charities following the Makin Review.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    Letter to General Synod members who are also trustees of Church of England charities

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    Details

    As regulator of charities in England and Wales, the Charity Commission is engaging with certain National Church Institutions regarding safeguarding in Church charities following the recent publication of the Makin Review.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator sets out safeguarding expectations ahead of key Synod votes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Charity Commission is engaging with trustees of Church charities following the Makin Review.

    The charity regulator is engaging with the Church of England over the urgent need to improve its safeguarding arrangements, following the publication of the independent Makin Review and ahead of key debates at the Church’s General Synod (Parliament) next month. 

    In February, the Synod is due to consider proposals and legislation related to safeguarding including options for new structures, in response to various independent reports including the Makin Review. While the Commission does not regulate the General Synod itself – which is not a charity – decisions the Synod makes impact on charities within the Church. 

    The Commission renewed its engagement with Church authorities following the publication of the Makin Review – an independent review by Keith Makin into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth QC. 

    A meeting was held between senior representatives of the Commission and the National Church Institutions, including the Archbishop of York, earlier this month. 

    Following this, the Commission is writing to all members of the General Synod who are also trustees of Church charities to draw attention to their legal duties, specifically their duty to take reasonable steps to protect from harm people who come into contact with their charity. This includes ensuring that processes, procedures and training are fit for purpose, and that safeguarding concerns are not able to be ignored or covered up. 

    The Commission’s letter encourages trustees on the Synod to consider the extent to which any proposals “will enable you to comply with your duty to take reasonable steps to keep all who come into contact with your charity safe.” 

    The Commission will continue its regulatory engagement to ensure trustees of Church charities are able to fulfil their duties.      

    David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said:  

    The Makin Review underlined concerns about the sufficiency of changes made by the Church of England in implementing improvements to safeguarding. 

    The Commission has been in active dialogue with national Church bodies to monitor their response to the Makin Review. As part of that engagement, we have made clear that safeguarding related matters to be considered at the forthcoming General Synod must fully address any structures or processes which may prevent trustees of charities within the Church from fulfilling their legal safeguarding duties. 

    We have made clear the time for review has passed, and now is the time for action. We have also made clear our regulatory expectations that the necessary changes must be implemented as soon as possible, with the Church using its legal powers if needed to expedite the action required.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors 

    1. The Commission’s letter to Synod members can be found on this gov.uk page.

    2. The Church of England’s General Synod is due to meet in London between 10-14 February 2025. Sessions relevant to safeguarding include debates on future Structures of Church Safeguarding Independence, and Final Drafting and Final Approval of the Clergy Conduct Measure. 

    3. The Commission has an important, but specific and limited role with regards to safeguarding. Our focus is on the conduct of trustees and the steps they take to protect beneficiaries, employees, volunteers and others who come into contact with the charity through its work. 

    4. We refer incidents of actual abuse or harm to the relevant authorities that support victims or have the power, in legislation, to investigate allegations of crimes.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Pupil Referral Unit to provide specialist support for Salford School Children

    Source: City of Salford

    Salford City Council’s new pupil referral unit (PRU) has officially opened. It aims to help children in the city who have been permanently excluded from school to re-engage with education and have positive futures.

    The Broadwalk Green PRU supports up to 55 pupils aged 11 to 14 years old who have either been excluded or are at risk of being. Children who attend the PRU have struggled to access mainstream education and most have been excluded from school. They may attend from six weeks to two years in some cases, with a balanced curriculum, very similar to that of a mainstream school.

    As part of the council’s strategy to create a fairer, greener and healthier city, as well as focusing on becoming a UNICEF-accredited Child Friendly City, the new unit provides extra support for pupils, delivering a provision that enables the pupils to make better progress and improve their life chances. 

    The focus is on encouraging and supporting personal development, building resilience and promoting academic progress in a safe, caring, inclusive and nurturing environment.

    The previous buildings on the site have been rebuilt and added to, to create the new unit. It cares for a different age range of pupils to other PRUs in Salford and provides for capacity for the city.

    Pupils starting their journey at Broadwalk Green will first be assessed in core curriculum subjects such as English, Maths and Science as well as Computing, Food Technology and Art. This enables staff to correctly gauge their ability, set work accordingly and provide any interventions that may be required, to then offer the best holistic support and an inclusive learning environment to all pupils.

    Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council, said: “Broadwalk Green PRU is a great addition to the support we provide for children and young people in Salford to have a high quality education and have fulfilling futures. 

    “Families of the children cared for at the unit benefit from the help they receive to support their children re-engage in learning. We believe to be most effective we need to work in partnership with parents and carers and other agencies to provide wrap around support.

    “PRUs help to close gaps in learning, identifying unmet needs, supporting children to recognise how to engage successfully with learning, opportunities to build positive relationships in an educational setting, as well as numerous experiences which build a love of learning.”

    After attending Broadwalk Green, some children will then move on to specialist settings and some back into mainstream schools with support from PRU staff.
     
    Staff at the PRU include teachers, teaching assistants, mentors, subject and SEND specialists, family support workers, outreach and re-integration support, and outdoor learning leaders.

    The PRU also runs an outreach team who work in high schools to prevent exclusion and will support re-integrations into schools from the PRU for those pupils ready to return.

    Working towards Salford becoming a UNICEF Child-Friendly City is a priority in the council’s corporate plan, to ensure Salford is a great place for children and young people to grow up and feel safe, cared for, heard and have quality opportunities to play, learn and work. This will take the council on the next stage of its journey to improve education outcomes, support children to have positive and successful futures, and champion the voices and rights of children and young people in the city.

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    Date published
    Friday 24 January 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor unveils plan to turbocharge investment across the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    A package of investment reforms to spur regional growth across the country is being announced to attract investment in all corners of the UK.

    Ahead of her speech next week on economic growth, the Chancellor has announced a new approach across the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and the Office for Investment (OfI), which will work with local leaders across the UK to support places to build pipelines of incoming investment and projects linked to regional growth priorities.

    This new approach will put local knowledge and leadership at the forefront, with tailored strategies for each region, ensuring investment matches local needs and drives sustainable growth. Putting the government’s Plan for Change into action, the goal is to harness growth everywhere to rebuild Britain and usher in a decade of national renewal.

    The National Wealth Fund will also trial Strategic Partnerships starting in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, and Glasgow City Region. These partnerships will provide enhanced, hands-on support with tailored commercial and financial advice to help regions develop and secure long-term investment opportunities.

    This initiative will play a key role in unlocking investment across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and green energy, helping to fuel the next wave of economic growth.

    This builds on the positive impact the NWF has already had in supporting regional growth. In the last six months, the NWF has created 8,600 jobs and unlocked nearly £1.6 billion in private investment across various sectors, including green technologies, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing.

    The news comes the same day as Regional Mayors are set to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and other ministers from MHCLG, HMT, and DWP in Rotherham to discuss key regional priorities and how government can further support them to achieve their growth ambitions. This meeting will inform the government’s ongoing efforts to align national and local growth strategies and unlock investment opportunities in each region.

    On top of this, OfI is working closely with local leaders and industry to turn regional growth plans into commercially attractive investment opportunities. Starting with Liverpool City Region and North East Combined Authorities, the OfI will pilot an approach that connects regions to central government and industry expertise to support them in unlocking private investment.

    These initiatives will test how government can work in partnership with regions to see where investment can play a meaningful role in driving growth, which is the best way to improve living standards and put more money in working people’s pockets.

    Launching this initiative in Scotland comes in recognition of the nation’s potential to drive forward ambitious projects in support of this government’s growth and clean energy missions. The government is committed to working in close partnership with the devolved governments through the National Wealth Fund to maximise investment opportunities in Scotland’s cities to deliver growth.

    Our cities have huge potential to drive improved living standards and spread opportunities across their wider regions. Bringing the productivity of major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow to the national average would deliver an extra £33 billion in additional Gross Value Added (GVA) annually, contributing significantly to the government’s Plan for Change economic growth objectives.

    The action today comes as the Chancellor returns from Davos, where she has been making the case for investment in the whole of the U.K. Since entering office, the government has been focused on restoring economic stability, which is the foundation of growth, to give businesses the confidence to invest and expand in the UK.

    Securing investment is also central to the government’s mission to deliver economic growth which will create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off as part of our Plan for Change.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP said:

    At Davos I’ve been telling some of the world’s biggest investors that the U.K. is a safe bet for their investments, whether that’s in London or Leeds.

    And in our mission for growth, it’s critical that we are growing every region’s local economy, that’s why we are doing things differently. Those with local knowledge and skin in the game are best placed to know what their area needs, and our transformative reforms will put local leaders at the centre of a network that will connect them with investment opportunities, bringing wealth and jobs to their communities.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:

    Growth is at the top of this government’s agenda, and we want to see that growth in every region across the country. That means giving local leaders the powers they need to get their local economies moving, which is exactly what we are doing with our Devolution Priority Programme.

    Today I am meeting with England’s regional Mayors to talk about how to realise their communities’ huge potential for growth – because they know their areas best.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The UK is one of the most connected places in the world to do business, and investors should be in no doubt that Britain is back on the global stage, helping attract investment into the most productive parts of the UK economy.

    Our forthcoming Industrial Strategy will supercharge eight key growth sectors in the UK economy, unleashing the full potential of our cities and regions and giving businesses the certainty they need as we lead the charge for the innovation and jobs of the future.

    Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray said:

    It’s fantastic to see that Glasgow has been chosen as one of four areas where the UK Government will develop investment pipelines. The move will see us engage with local leaders and tap into their expertise to find out exactly where we can best put to use support from avenues like the National Wealth Fund and Office for Investment.

    Encouraging regional growth is key to our Plan for Change, to speed up investment in business and industry, creating jobs and opportunity right across the UK.

    The potential for growth in Scotland is phenomenal and we’ll explore every opportunity to maximise that growth, to put more money in people’s pockets and see living standards improved everywhere.

    Further action to drive regional growth will also include a review of the Green Book, the government guidance on value for money, and how it is being used across the public sector to provide objective, transparent advice on public investment across the country. This review will report back at the conclusion of the Spending Review this summer.

    There will also be a new senior taskforce, chaired jointly by HMT and MHCLG permanent secretaries, who will work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to explore further devolution opportunities in skills, transport, and business support.

    The government will expand this engagement to other Mayoral Authorities through senior official working groups, to explore how national government can work with local leaders to ensure they have the appropriate levers available to deliver their Local Growth Plans and unlock economic growth across England.

    Mayors are already delivering transformative outcomes, such as Greater Manchester’s Adult Skills Fund, which has supported 17,000 residents in accessing new learning opportunities, and the Bee Network, which is integrating public transport across the region.

    This follows the English Devolution White Paper, published at the end of last year, which set out an enhanced devolution framework to ensure strategic authorities have the powers and tools they need to meet local growth ambitions.

    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

    This government knows that the best way to achieve its growth mission is by working with mayors and backing our Local Growth Plans to boost the economy in all parts of the country.

    With the National Wealth Fund based here in the heart of the North, driving forward transformational investments in partnership with local leaders, we will deliver the well-paid jobs and the vibrant, well-connected places our communities need and deserve.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:

    Greater Manchester is growing faster than the UK economy but we have got so much more to give to UK plc. The reforms announced today will help us to do just that and go much further and faster in support of the national growth mission. We particularly welcome the opportunity to work with Government to review the Green Book and how it is used to steer public investment, as the current approach is not working for the North of England.

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said:

    This is a great show of faith by the Government in our regions to deliver the growth and high-quality jobs the country needs. The West Midlands is a hotbed of innovation and business talent ready to support the Government’s mission for growth.

    With the Government, I’m focused on delivering growth and with plans for a gigafactory, and three Investment Zones secured, we’re already making progress on creating thousands of new jobs. At the same time I am equipping our people with the skills to succeed in the industries of the future such as advance manufacturing, life sciences and green technology. 

    With this new Strategic Partnership, the West Midlands will be one of the best places to do business, with an economy that creates real opportunities and benefits everyone across our communities.

    Cllr Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet said:

    This is welcome recognition of the Glasgow City Region’s role as Scotland’s metro region, a vital motor in delivering prosperity and with a track record of securing and delivering on investment.

    Cities and city regions are the vital engine rooms of local and national economic growth and Glasgow’s selection as one of the four strategic partnerships to work with Government on maximising investment opportunities will, I’m sure, contribute to our ambition to become the most innovative, resilient and inclusive regional economy in the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Food poisoning probe completed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Centre for Health Protection announced today that it has completed an investigation into clusters of food poisoning among passengers on flights from Nepal.

     

    It explained that an epidemiological probe was carried out due to food poisoning clusters among passengers on two Cathay Pacific Airways flights, flight number CX640 from Kathmandu, Nepal, earlier on.

     

    Based on the results of the investigation, the centre said it did not rule out that the food poisoning clusters were caused by beetroot salad contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus served on board the flights. 

     

    The investigation revealed that a total of 22 men and 21 women on CX640, which arrived in Hong Kong on January 8 and 9, developed symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea about 10 to 60 minutes after having inflight meals.

     

    In addition to pointing out that none of the affected people, aged between 11 and 75, required hospitalisation, the centre stated that stool samples from two patients tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus.

     

    The overall clinical symptoms and incubation period of the affected people were compatible with food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

     

    The centre successfully contacted 120 passengers on board the affected flights through face-to-face interviews, telephone calls, emails and the centre’s hotline to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation.

     

    Additionally, the investigation revealed that all 43 affected passengers had consumed food served on board the aircraft and they had not eaten any other common food before boarding.

     

    Based on the analysis of the case-control study, the beetroot salad served on board was the only food item that was statistically significantly associated with developing disease, suggesting that the consumption of beetroot salad was a risk factor for the disease.

     

    Out of approximately 500 servings of food supplied on the two flights, the centre collected two samples of food servings, including two samples of beetroot salad, from the same batches of food that were left undistributed on the two airplanes, and the test results showed that Staphylococcus aureus did not exceed the food safety standard.

     

    During the probe, the centre found that the beetroot salad had been supplied exclusively to the flights operated by Cathay Pacific Airways from Kathmandu to Hong Kong since this January.

     

    The centre’s staff inspected the food factory twice and found that the preparation of the beetroot salad involved a number of manual handling steps that might increase the risk of contamination with Staphylococcus aureus.

     

    On January 10, the centre instructed the food factory to stop supplying the beetroot salad. Since then, there have been no further reports of food poisoning on related flights.

     

    To reduce the risk, the centre has recommended the food factory to minimise manual handling during the food preparation process, and to use utensils and equipment to avoid direct hand contact with food ingredients as far as possible.

     

    Furthermore, it stated that all food handlers are required to strictly adhere to hand hygiene guidelines, especially during food preparation processes that involve manual handling without subsequent heating steps.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Announces Over $5 Million to Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to Modernize Virginia Rail and Improve Accessibility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) will receive $5,836,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The funding will support upgrades to the Staples Mill Station and improve accessibility, safety, and passenger experience.

    The federal funding will help VPRA finalize improvements to two platforms, one platform canopy, and accessible route improvements at the Staples Mill Station to ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and enhance the safety and passenger experience. VPRA will also use the grant award to support future increased Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) service, with plans for an additional 10 trains per day to run through the station on top of the current 20 Amtrak trains per day.

    “Staples Mill is the Richmond region’s busiest Amtrak Station and a critical rail hub for Virginia’s Fourth and beyond,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Thanks to this award, the VPRA can now ensure Virginians have reliable, accessible, and enjoyable transportation. I commend the Biden-Harris Administration and the Department of Transportation for their ongoing investments in our nation’s rail system.”

    CRISI supports projects aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. CRISI has made more than $2.4 billion available in CRISI grants for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years. 

    You can read more about the grant awards provided by CRISI here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Applauds Historic Presidential Apology to Tribes for Federal Indian Boarding School Era, Affirms Commitment to Tribal Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Seattle, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s historic and formal Presidential apology for the Federal Indian Boarding School era.

    “To have the President of the United States formally acknowledge the harms of our past and issue a direct apology to Tribal nations is powerfully important. It’s long past time for our government to fully come to terms with the horrific legacy of Indian boarding schools, which were designed to systematically strip away Native language, religion, and heritage—in brutal and traumatic ways. The next step is to pass our bipartisan bill to establish a Truth and Healing Commission so that we can help Native families and communities in Washington state and across the country heal from this painful chapter in our nation’s history.

    “Importantly, I am proud to have partnered with the Biden-Harris administration to deliver historic investments in our Tribal communities. As a voice for Washington state’s Tribes in the Senate, I will continue to fight to live up to our commitments to our Tribal partners with action and real, meaningful investments.”

    The bipartisan Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act (S.1723), cosponsored by Senator Murray, would establish a formal commission to investigate, document, and acknowledge the injustices of the federal government’s Indian boarding school policies. These policies include the ordered termination of Native cultures, religions, and languages; the removal and kidnapping of Native children; forced assimilation; and egregious human rights violations. The commission would also develop recommendations for how Congress could provide aid to Native families and communities and provide a forum for victims to speak about their personal experiences.

    For over 150 years, the federal government ran boarding schools that forcibly removed generations of Native children from their homes to boarding schools often far away. Native children at these schools endured physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and, as detailed in the Federal Indian Boarding School Investigative Report by the Department of the Interior (DOI), at least 973 children died in these schools. The federally-run Indian boarding school system was designed to assimilate Native Americans by destroying Native culture, language, and identity through harsh militaristic and assimilationist methods. There were 15 Indian boarding schools in the State of Washington. In April of 2023, as part of her “Road to Healing” tour, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland met with Native survivors of the federal Indian boarding school system and their descendants in Tulalip.

    Murray has been a strong advocate for Tribes in the United States Senate. Over the years, Murray has secured hard-won updates to the Violence Against Women Act to better protect Native women and fought to deliver the largest-ever federal investment in Tribes in the American Rescue Plan to support Tribal communities as they confronted the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

    As Appropriations Chair, Murray protected funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) despite tough budget caps and fought for a $61.4 million increase in Fiscal Year 2024 to ensure IHS can hire more providers to meet increased patient demand. Importantly, Murray secured advance appropriations for IHS for the upcoming fiscal year to provide more certainty and limit disruptions so the agency can better plan and provide continuity of care for Tribes. Murray has also been a strong advocate of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program. The IHBG is the largest source of federal resources for housing for Tribal communities—providing flexible funding for the construction for new affordable housing, rental assistance, housing improvements and rehabilitation, and other supportive housing-related services. Murray has fought to increase funding for the IHBG program every year, and in Fiscal Year 2024, as Appropriations Chair, she was able to secure a record $1.111 billion for the program—a $324 million increase over Fiscal Year 2023—in the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development spending bill signed into law in March of 2023. Across government spending, Murray has always fought to prioritize the needs of Washington state Tribal communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $1.9 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Ida Relief

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association will receive $1,880,864.92 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for streetlight and utility pole repairs as a result of Hurricane Ida.
    “It is great to see money coming to Louisiana to help our resilient communities continue to recover,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will allow our communities to return to wholeness.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Calls for Independent Audit of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is calling for an independent audit of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in an effort to increase public transparency and accountability of the higher education system’s financial management practices. The governor today submitted a letter to Comptroller Sean Scanlon requesting that his office conduct the review.

    “Recent reports of controversial spending decisions have raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of CSCU’s financial management,” Governor Lamont said. “As CSCU has recently implemented measures such as tuition increases and program reductions to address significant budget shortfalls, it is imperative that the public have complete transparency into how public funds are being utilized.”

    In particular, the governor is calling for the audit to include but not be limited to:

    1. An itemized report of purchases made using procurement cards (P-Cards), identifying vendors and purposes.
    2. A review of all expenditures for meals and entertainment including costs for dining with stakeholders/vendors, conferences and related events.
    3. Information on the use of state-owned vehicles by CSCU personnel, including logs of usage, fuel costs and mileage reimbursement.
    4. Any information regarding tax reporting involving CSCU leadership.
    5. Audit the financial practices of the entire CSCU system, including discretionary spending, travel and procurement activities.
    6. Assess whether public funds have been managed in accordance with state financial policies and in alignment with the educational mission of the CSCU system.

    **Download: Letter from Governor Lamont to Comptroller Scanlon requesting audit of CSCU

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Winners of the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest for K-5 Students

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced 12 finalists and two grand prize winners for the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest.

    “I am pleased to announce the finalists of the Third Annual Florida Space Art Contest,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Since the creation of the contest, we have received nearly 6,600 submissions, with a record-breaking number of submissions this year alone. I want to thank all the students who participated, and I look forward to recognizing the finalists.”

    “Seeing the creativity and imagination displayed by these young artists in designing Florida’s future spacesuits is truly inspiring,” said Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida. “Their artwork not only reflects their fascination with space but also highlights the bright future of space exploration. Congratulations to all the talented winners.”

    “Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists for the Space Art Contest,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Florida is the space capital of the nation, and it is important for students to learn our state’s rich history in space exploration.”

    Earlier this year, Lieutenant Governor Nuñez launched the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest and encouraged all students in grades K-5 across Florida to participate in the contest. Each student was instructed to submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme: Suit Up! Florida’s Space Suit of the Future. The third annual contest received nearly 2,600 submissions.

    Submissions were broken down into two categories: K–2 and 3–5. Six art pieces from each group (12 total) were selected as finalists. Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Two lucky grand prize winners, one selected from each group, will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming mission!

    The 12 finalists for this year’s 2024 Florida Space Art Contest are:

    • Paris McTaw, kindergarten student at Wauchula Elementary School
    • Michelle He, kindergarten student at Academy at the Lakes
    • Jason Ritnour, first grade student at Kenwood Elementary School
    • Vanessa Wesbur, first grade student at Wright Elementary School
    • Gabriel Angeli, second grade student at Lowry Elementary School
    • Penelope Wong, second grade student at Calusa Elementary School
    • Isabella Wesbur, third grade student at Northwest Florida Ballet Academie
    • Sharon Gao, third grade student at Mitchell Elementary School
    • Natalie Kimtia, fourth grade student at Christ’s Church Academy
    • Ethan Jimenez-Almesiga, fourth grade student at Florida Christian School
    • Annabelle Domingo, fifth grade student at John I. Smith K-8 Center
    • Laiona Lai, fifth grade student at Water Spring Elementary School

    The two grand prize winners for this year’s 2024 Space Art Contest are:

    • Gabriel Angeli, second student at Lowry Elementary School
    • Natalie Kimtia, fourth grade student at Christ’s Church Academy

    Our two grand prize winners will have their original art piece flown into space on an upcoming SpaceX mission targeted for this upcoming year!

    “Congratulations to the two grand prize winners,” said Lieutenant Governor Nuñez. “I look forward to recognizing their talent, creativity, and imagination in the near future.”

    Please visit FloridaSpaceArt.com to see the artwork of our finalists. Thank you to our sponsors, and to SpaceX, Space Florida, Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Department of Education for their contributions to this contest.

    About Space Florida
    ‍Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford  — North Battleford CRT-GTF seize firearms, cocaine and methamphetamine

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 22, 2024 at approximately 9:15 p.m., Saskatchewan RCMP’s North Battleford Crime Reduction Team – Gang Task Force (CRT-GTF) executed search warrants at two residences, one on 109 street and one on 110 street in North Battleford, SK. The warrants were executed as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

    At the residences, officers located and seized a loaded handgun, a rifle, approximately 81 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 58 grams of crack cocaine, ammunition, a sum of cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

    As a result of investigation, two adult males and an adult female were arrested at the residences.

    21-year-old Enricko Thompson from North Battleford is charged with:

    • one count, possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition without license/registration, Section 95(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, unsafe storage of firearms, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

    39-year-old Justin Fraser from North Battleford is charged with:

    • one count, possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, unsafe storage of firearms, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

    20-year-old Chloe Bates was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Battlefords RCMP for charges including failure to comply with probation order and failure to appear in court.

    Enricko Thompson and Justin Fraser appeared in court in North Battleford on October 24.

    Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team and Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) Tactical Support Unit assisted in this investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Rapper Lil Durk Arrested on Complaint Alleging He Ordered Murder Attempt that Resulted in Fatal Shooting Near Beverly Center

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Grammy Award-winning Chicago rapper has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging he conspired with others to murder a rival rapper, resulting in a shooting and murder that took place at a gas station near the Beverly Center shopping mall in Los Angeles in August 2022 – an attack that resulted in a family member of the rival being shot and killed, the Justice Department announced today.

    Durk Banks, 32, a.k.a. “Lil Durk,” was arrested near Miami International Airport late Thursday on a complaint charging him with conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death.   

    He made his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and remains in federal custody. His arraignment is expected to occur in Los Angeles federal court in the coming weeks.

    “Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. Violent gun crime of this sort is devastating to our community and we will have zero-tolerance for those who perpetrate such callous acts of violence.” 

    “The apprehension of Mr. Banks as he attempted to leave the United States is once again proof that the FBI and our extraordinary partners at the Los Angeles Police Department have a long reach” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “No excuse can justify this violent act and let me be clear: While you’re going about your life, thinking you ‘got away with it,’ the FBI is piecing together the facts that will serve as your undoing.”

    “Cases like these that span multiple states and jurisdictions are complicated and can oftentimes only be resolved through the collaboration of multiple departments,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. “This arrest is the culmination of the combined efforts of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and LAPD’s Operation West Bureau Homicide detectives who discovered that Durk D a.k.a. Lil Durk was involved in this heinous murder. The hundreds of hours spent on the investigation included surveillance, authoring numerous search warrants, using forensic technology, and tireless investigative travel and collaboration alongside our federal partners led to this arrest. I am appreciative of the dedication of those involved.”

    According to the complaint filed Thursday night, Banks is the leader of the Chicago-based rap collective known as “Only the Family” or “OTF.” Law enforcement believes OTF also acts as a group of individuals who engage in violence – including murder and assault – at Banks’ direction and to maintain their status in OTF.

    Banks feuded with a victim, identified in court documents as “T.B.” The feud stemmed from a November 6, 2020, murder in which an associate of T.B. shot and killed an OTF rapper named Dayvon Bennett, a.k.a. “King Von.” Bennett and Banks were close friends. 

    In response to Bennett’s murder, Banks allegedly put a bounty on T.B.’s life.

    On August 19, 2022, several OTF members and associates used two vehicles and worked in tandem to track, stalk, and attempt to murder T.B. for hours, culminating in a shooting at a gasoline station located near the Beverly Center mall. The co-conspirators fired at least 18 rounds at T.B.’s vehicle, striking and killing a victim identified in court documents as “S.R.,” who was T.B.’s family member who had been traveling with T.B.

    Banks allegedly ordered T.B.’s murder and the hitmen used money from Banks and OTF-related finances to carry out the hit. Bank and flight records show that an OTF member and close associate of Banks coordinated and paid for five co-conspirators to travel from Chicago to California on the day before the murder. Around the time the one-way flights were purchased, Banks told the OTF associate booking the flights, “Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me.”

    The same day the hitmen traveled from Chicago to California, Banks also traveled to California in a private jet with another conspirator, Kavon London Grant, 28, a.k.a. “Cuz” and “Vonnie.” Later that day, Grant allegedly purchased ski masks for the shooters to use to commit the murder and paid – using a credit card in Banks’ name – for the other co-conspirators’ hotel room.

    On Thursday morning, federal and local law enforcement in the Chicago area arrested Grant and four other defendants charged in a four-count federal grand jury indictment alleging their roles in the murder-for-hire plot. After law enforcement made the arrests and executed search warrants in Chicago, the FBI learned that Banks had been booked on three international flights scheduled to leave the United States on Thursday. When banks arrived near one of the departing airports – in Miami, specifically – law enforcement personnel arrested him.

    In additional to Grant, the defendants charged in the separate indictment, which a grand jury returned on October 17, are:

    • Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33, a.k.a. “DeDe,” of Chicago;
    • Keith Jones, 33, a.k.a. “Flacka,” of Gary, Indiana;
    • David Brian Lindsey, 33, a.k.a. “Browneyez,” of Addison, Illinois; and
    • Asa Houston, 36, a.k.a. “Boogie,” of Chicago.

    These four defendants along with Grant are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Jones faces and additional count of possession of a machine gun.

    These defendants made their initial appearances on Thursday in the Northern District of Illinois and are expected to be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks. 

    A complaint and indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, Banks and the five defendants charged in the separate indictment each would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating this matter. 

    Assistant United States Attorneys Ian V. Yanniello of the General Crimes Section and Daniel H. Weiner of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New national quantum laboratory to open up access to quantum computing, unleashing a revolution in AI, energy, healthcare and more

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Newly opened National Quantum Computing Centre will be home to new quantum computers, designed to push the boundaries of what is possible with the technology.

    • Newly-opened National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) will help deliver breakthroughs in AI, energy, healthcare and more
    • the new facility at Harwell will be home to 12 quantum computers, each designed to push the boundaries of what is possible with this emerging technology
    • the NQCC brings together businesses, academics, and government to unlock the full potential of quantum computing

    A new national quantum facility, that will house 12 quantum computers, was officially opened by Science Minister Lord Vallance today (Friday 25 October).

    The state-of-the-art National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), a 4,000 square meter facility based at the Harwell Campus, will be home to several new quantum computers each designed to push the boundaries of what is possible with this emerging technology. It will house a wide range of quantum computing platforms, uniquely offering open access to industry, academia, and other sectors across the UK. More than 70 staff will be based there, and the Centre will also host an array of opportunities for students – including the world’s first dedicated quantum apprenticeship programme, 30 PhD studentships, summer placements, and crash courses for those in industry.

    Unlike many global counterparts, the NQCC’s systems are not restricted to government ownership or use, enabling anyone with a valid use case to harness its cutting-edge capabilities. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the NQCC is set to become a key driver of quantum breakthroughs, delivering transformative benefits for both the public and private sectors.

    Quantum technologies like quantum computers and quantum sensors have the potential to revolutionise many industries, from healthcare to energy. For example, at UKRI’s Quantum Hubs, researchers are already using quantum computers to build ‘neural networks’ (which process data in a similar fashion to the human brain) that could be used to detect fraud, and are building the foundations of a ‘quantum internet’ that will pool the colossal power of quantum computers from across the globe.  

    The UK’s quantum technology sector is a global leader, with a thriving ecosystem of companies, research institutions, and talent. The UK is home to the second-largest quantum sector globally, backed by substantial private investment.

    Quantum technology will not only help drive the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by creating cutting-edge innovations that can be commercialised and exported, boosting the UK’s GDP, but it will also play a key role in supporting broader efforts to rebuild Britain. By advancing science and technology, quantum computing will help create a more efficient, future-ready NHS and enhance cybersecurity, ensuring safer streets and a stronger digital infrastructure for the future.

    The NQCC is set to harness the power of quantum computing to solve real-world problems that affect both individuals and industries. The Centre will focus on key areas where quantum computing can offer impactful solutions, including:

    • energy grid optimisation – quantum computers can analyse vast amounts of data in real time to identify the most efficient ways to balance energy supply and demand, preventing power outages and minimising energy losses
    • faster drug discovery – by speeding up the analysis of molecular structures, quantum computing could dramatically accelerate the development of new medicines, offering faster treatments for life-threatening conditions
    • climate prediction – with the ability to process vast amounts of data, quantum technology can enhance climate modelling, allowing for more accurate predictions and improved responses to global environmental challenges
    • advances in AI – quantum computing can supercharge artificial intelligence, enhancing areas such as medical diagnostics and fraud detection, leading to better healthcare outcomes and more secure financial systems

    Science Minister Lord Vallance, said:

    The National Quantum Computing Centre marks a vital step forward in the UK’s efforts to advance quantum technologies. By making its facilities available to users from across industry and academia, and with its focus on making quantum computers practically useable at scale, this Centre will help them solve some of the biggest challenges we face, whether it’s delivering advances in healthcare, enhancing energy efficiency, tackling climate change, or inventing new materials.

    The innovations that will emerge from the work the NQCC will do will ultimately improve lives across the country and ensure the UK seizes the economic benefits of its leadership in quantum technologies

    Quantum computing works in a completely different way from the computers we use every day. Ordinary computers process information in a series of simple steps, where everything is broken down into tiny chunks of digital data that represent ‘1’ and ‘0’ or ‘on’ and ‘off’. By manipulating these bits of data over and over again, we can perform calculations and solve problems, but solving complex problems is both energy-intensive and takes a lot of time.

    By contrast, quantum computers allow quantum information to be represented in multiple states at once – meaning it can be both ‘on’ and ‘off’ at the same time, allowing them to tackle complex problems in much less time. This means they have the potential to solve complex computational problems in seconds, minutes, or hours—tasks that would take today’s supercomputers years, decades, or even millennia, if they could solve them at all.

    Speaking at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) annual meeting in Edinburgh earlier this week, Lord Vallance set out how the government is committed to supporting quantum companies to scale up, driving innovation that will fuel economic growth, strengthen the NHS, and position the UK as a clean energy leader. He also discussed how the UK’s commitment to working with other countries on global standards is helping to speed up innovation.

    Recent initiatives, including £100m for new quantum research hubs and funding for five Quantum Centres for Doctoral Training, which will train over 300 PhDs in the next four years, highlight the government’s dedication to advancing quantum leadership and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

    As a central part of the UK’s ten-year quantum programme, the Centre will play a central role in building the UK’s quantum ecosystem by supporting the development of quantum hardware, software, and applications. It is supported through an initial £93 million UKRI investment, delivered through the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). UKRI has also invested a further £50 million, including through the Technology Missions Fund.

    UKRI Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said:

    With our rich national heritage in quantum computing research the UK is well-placed to lead the development of this transformative new technology, which has such huge potential across society and the economy.

    The UK National Quantum Computing Centre is central to this critical work, bringing together internationally-leading researchers and technologists from across academia and industry to ensure that the UK’s quantum computing ecosystem thrives, delivering benefits to people across the UK and beyond.

    The NQCC will not only foster pioneering research but also act as a hub for collaboration, bringing together businesses, academics, and government to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. Through its user engagement programme, SparQ, the Centre is already working with industry leaders in sectors like energy, healthcare, and financial services to explore practical applications for quantum technology. The NQCC will also champion the safe and ethical use of quantum computing, as set out in its responsible innovation strategy published earlier this summer.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Havasupai  Tribe

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Havasupai Tribe and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by flooding from August 22 to August 23, 2024.

    The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals for the Havasupai Tribe.

    Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

    Federal funding also is available to the Havasupai Tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding.

    Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Havasupai Tribe.

    Mr. Benigno Bern Ruiz of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

    Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

    Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice congratulates West Virginia’s first youth Master Angler

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    The Master Angler Award is one of the most prestigious achievements for anglers in West Virginia. To achieve this honor, participants must complete six slams, each requiring them to catch a set number of fish species that meet specified length criteria within a designated time period.

    Anglers must legally catch each fish in West Virginia, meet the minimum length for each species, and provide a time-stamped photo of their catch. All slams must be completed within a calendar year to qualify.

    “The goal of our Master Angler program is to challenge anglers to expand their skills, explore new waters, and experience the incredible fishing opportunities West Virginia offers,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said. “Carson’s achievement shows that our next generation of anglers is up for the challenge.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two from Facilities Operations Earn Prestigious Award

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    APPA (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators) recently awarded two members of UConn’s Facilities Operations staff with a special award. Associate Directors Mickey Gorman and Ryan Steinberg earned the “Effective and Innovative Practices Award” for their presentation entitled “Building Your Workforce from Within: Future Workforce for UConn Facilities Operations.”

    This award recognizes programs and processes that enhance service delivery, lower costs, increase productivity, improve customer service, generate revenue, or otherwise benefit the educational institution.

    The presentation was designed for trainees in Facilities Operations at UConn and for members of the Skilled Trades Apprentice program.

    The award was presented by Lalit Agarwal, President and CEO of APPA, at the Annual Eastern Region of APPA Conference last month in King of Prussia, Pa.

    MIL OSI USA News –