NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, European scholars discuss human rights issues

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Over 60 officials and human rights scholars from China and European countries including Germany, Britain, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic gathered in Berlin on Tuesday for a seminar focused on the protection of “new and emerging rights.”

    The seminar addressed key topics including social rights, economic inequality, the intersection of digital technology and human rights, and protecting human rights in the context of climate change.

    Ma Huaide, vice president of China Society for Human Rights Studies and president of China University of Political Science and Law, said the protection of emerging rights has become a new issue in global human rights development.

    Ma emphasized China’s efforts in protecting citizens’ online security and privacy rights, as well as promoting environmental protection and green development. He also called for global cooperation to adopt a “humanity first” approach, promote true multilateralism to avoid imbalances in the global governance of emerging rights, and foster consensus through openness and fairness.

    Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and chairperson of the German think tank Schiller Institute, praised China’s vision of a shared future for mankind, as well as initiatives like the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, which transcend narrow geopolitical interests to address modern human rights needs.

    Jure Zovko, president of the International Academy for the Philosophy of the Sciences, underscored the importance of dialogue between civilizations, urging mutual learning to protect human beings and their living conditions, while mitigating the risks associated with globalization.

    Jiang Jianxiang, director of the Central South University Human Rights Center, said that the diversity of emerging rights concepts and their protection reflects the cultural diversity of the international community. He highlighted the potential for new insights through deeper cooperation and exchanges between Chinese and European human rights institutions and scholars.

    First held in 2015, the seminar, now in its eighth edition, is an institutionalized platform for in-depth exchanges and cooperation on human rights between China and Europe.

    This year’s seminar was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the Central South University Human Rights Center, organized by the German and Chinese Culture Foundation, and co-organized by the University of Munster and the International Academy for the Philosophy of the Sciences.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US firms continue to seek investment opportunities in Chinese market

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Tourists take the sight-seeing cable car in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Many U.S. companies are seeking investment opportunities in the Chinese market amid China’s introduction of a host of incremental policies to support economic growth.

    On Monday and Tuesday, a roundtable meeting between the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and U.S. multinationals was held in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.

    Representatives from about 60 U.S. companies and chambers of commerce participated in the meeting.

    Several U.S. companies have recently announced increases in their investments in China, viewing it as a long-term, high-growth market, said Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, while adding that he hopes China’s opening-up policies rolled out this year will inject vitality into the Chinese economy.

    China’s recent incremental policies have reinforced enterprises’ confidence in the Chinese market, encouraging them to expand research and development, production and recruitment, said Tao Lin, vice president of Tesla.

    A number of foreign enterprises have participated in China’s national program of large-scale equipment renewals and trade-in of durable consumer goods, according to NDRC official Wen Hua. The program, which targets green and digital transformation, is open to foreign companies, including American firms, that can leverage their own strengths and offer competitive products and technologies, Wen said.

    The NDRC is revising the Catalog of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment, and efforts will be made to enhance the transparency of policy formulation and improve services for foreign-funded enterprises, said Hua Zhong, an official of the NDRC.

    The NDRC established the roundtable meeting mechanism in 2021 and nine related activities have taken place thus far. The aim of this mechanism is to encourage U.S. enterprises to participate deeply in building a higher-level open economy, while also sharing in the dividends resulting from the high-quality development of China’s economy.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Gold prices continue to hit new highs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Global spot gold prices soared to new heights on Monday, reaching $2,740 per ounce, following multiple records since the year began.

    Experts predicted possible fresh highs backed by US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, geopolitical uncertainties and purchases from central banks.

    Such a trend is set to favor gold mining companies while presenting challenges for downstream retail sales, said experts, adding companies ought to innovate by offering products with smaller weight variations and novel features to entice consumers.

    Li Yuefeng, a researcher at the Beijing Gold Economy Development Research Center, said that escalating conflicts in the Middle East, the impending US election and expectations of loose monetary policies worldwide have propelled a surge in gold demand as safe-haven assets, driving up international gold prices to break past $2,700 per ounce, establishing a new all-time high.

    Li said this year has witnessed a remarkable increase of over 30 percent in international gold prices, the most significant annual surge since 1979. Looking ahead, Li highlighted the upcoming release of the Purchasing Managers’ Index data as an important factor influencing gold prices.

    “If the PMI data continues to show better-than-expected performance, the US dollar may rise against other currencies to new highs as investors could further reduce their bets on Fed rate cuts,” said Li. “Conversely, if the PMI unexpectedly drops below 50, indicating a contraction in private business activity, it could exert pressure on the dollar, thereby driving international gold prices higher. This week may see a risk of a slight drop of gold prices after reaching new highs.”

    Liu Shikai, manager of research and development at a trading center under the Shandong Zhaojin Gold and Silver Refinery Co Ltd, said that the recent surge in international spot gold prices to cross $2,700 per ounce was predominantly driven by regional tensions.

    He anticipated a continued upward trajectory for international gold prices in the near term, potentially reaching new historical peaks. Geopolitical tensions, mounting uncertainties surrounding US politics and the economy in anticipation of the election, remain pivotal in supporting international gold prices.

    Furthermore, a recent report from the World Gold Council highlighted that central banks’ gold purchases have contributed and will continue to contribute to the uptrend in gold prices. In July, global central banks’ net purchase of gold reached 37 metric tons, marking a 206 percent increase from the previous month, the highest monthly increase since January. The WGC has forecast a continuation of this trend among global central banks in the near future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Central SOEs invest 1.4 trillion yuan in emerging industries

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The investment of China’s centrally administrated state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in strategic emerging industries reached 1.4 trillion yuan (about 196.6 billion U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of the year, official data showed Tuesday.

    The investment during the period jumped 17.6 percent year on year, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the central SOEs’ total investment, data from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council showed.

    The SASAC said it has guided the central SOEs to develop strategic emerging industries and launched actions to promote industrial upgrading and boost future industries, achieving positive results.

    The central SOEs have made a series of important achievements in key areas such as new-generation information technology, artificial intelligence and new-energy vehicles, it added.

    Data from the SASAC also showed that the operating revenue of the central SOEs in strategic emerging industries in 2023 has exceeded 10 trillion yuan for the first time.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s forex market sees active trading

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China’s foreign exchange market recorded active trading during the first nine months of this year, demonstrating strong resilience with market expectations and transactions remaining generally rational and orderly, the country’s forex regulator said on Tuesday.

    China’s foreign exchange market saw a turnover of 30.27 trillion U.S. dollars from January to September 2024, up 10.1 percent year on year, Li Hongyan, deputy head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, told a press conference.

    Li noted that foreign exchange settlements and sales moved toward equilibrium, as exchange rate expectations among domestic entities remained stable and foreign exchange transactions were carried out in an orderly and sensible manner.

    Despite the complex global economic and financial landscape, China’s foreign exchange market has weathered external challenges and shown signs of stabilization and improvement.

    The RMB exchange rate has remained stable amid two-way fluctuations, demonstrating increased flexibility, Li said. The balance of payments has also held steady — underpinned by a solid trade surplus.

    Li highlighted growing equilibrium in cross-border capital movements, with foreign investment in China rising along with steady inflows into domestic bonds.

    Net foreign investment in domestic bonds surpassed 80 billion U.S. dollars in the first three quarters of 2024, while foreign investment in Chinese equities saw notable improvement.

    Outbound investments by Chinese entities also progressed smoothly, as both direct and securities investments enjoyed steady growth, she said.

    The increasing maturity and resilience of China’s foreign exchange market have enhanced its ability to adapt to external shifts, providing solid support for maintaining stability in the country’s balance of payments, Li added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: IMF maintains 2024 global growth forecast at 3.2%

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday maintained its global growth forecast in 2024 at 3.2 percent, consistent with its projection in July, according to its newly released World Economic Outlook (WEO).

    The level of uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook is high, the report noted.

    “Newly elected governments (about half of the world population has gone or will go to the polls in 2024) could introduce significant shifts in trade and fiscal policy,” the report said.

    IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas speaks at a press conference in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “Moreover, the return of financial market volatility over the summer has stirred old fears about hidden vulnerabilities. This has heightened anxiety over the appropriate monetary policy stance — especially in countries where inflation is persistent and signs of slowdown are emerging,” it further said.

    The report also noted that a further intensification of geopolitical rifts could weigh on trade, investment and the free flow of ideas. “This could affect long-term growth, threaten the resilience of supply chains, and create difficult trade-offs for central banks,” it said.

    In response to a question from Xinhua, IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said at a press conference that rising geopolitical tensions are “something that we are very concerned about,” noting that there are two dimensions of the impact.

    “One is, of course, if you increase tariffs, for instance, between different blocks, that will disrupt trade, that will misallocate resources, that will weigh down on economic activity,” said Gourinchas.

    “But there is also an associated layer that comes from the uncertainty that increases related to future trade policy, and it will also depress investment, depress economic activity and consumption,” he continued.

    The chief economist noted that the IMF has found an impact on global output levels of approximately 0.5 percent in 2026. “So it’s a quite sizable effect of both an increase in tariffs between different countries and an increase in trade policy uncertainty,” he said.

    According to the latest WEO report, global growth is projected to hold steady, but there are weakening prospects and rising threats.

    The growth outlook is very stable in emerging markets and developing economies, around 4.2 percent this year and next, with continued robust performance from emerging Asia, the report said.

    Noting that the return of inflation near central bank targets paves the way for a policy triple pivot, Gourinchas said that the first pivot — on monetary policy — is under way already.

    The second pivot is on fiscal policy, he noted. “After years of loose fiscal policy in many countries, it is now time to stabilize debt dynamics and rebuild much-needed fiscal buffers,” Gourinchas said.

    The third pivot — and the hardest — is toward growth-enhancing reforms, he said. “Much more needs to be done to improve growth prospects and lift productivity,” he said.

    The IMF chief economist noted that while industrial and trade policy measures can sometimes boost investment and activity in the short run, especially when relying on debt-financed subsidies, “they often lead to retaliation and fail to deliver sustained improvements in standards of living.”

    “Economic growth must come instead from ambitious domestic reforms that boost technology and innovation, improve competition and resource allocation, further economic integration and stimulate productive private investment,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK top leader inspects strategic missile bases

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has inspected strategic missile bases, calling for the country’s strategic missile force to keep counteraction posture in response to the ever-increasing threat by the United States, state media reported on Wednesday.

    Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, examined the readiness for action of strategic deterrence directly connected with the state security, including the functions and capabilities of missile-launching facilities in the missile bases and the strategic missile combat duty, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, without specifying the exact date of the inspection tour.

    Noting that the strategic missile force is the “core force” of the country’s war deterrence, Kim stressed an important principle of the national defense strategy of “technically modernizing the overall armed forces with the strategic missile force as a priority,” the KCNA said.

    As the U.S. strategic nuclear means pose an ever-increasing threat to the DPRK security, it is an urgent imperative for the country to “more definitely bolster its war deterrence and take a thorough and strict counteraction posture of the nuclear forces,” he was quoted by the KCNA as saying.

    The DPRK leader also stressed the need to “further modernize and fortify the strategic missile bases and make all bases fully ready to keep thorough counteraction posture capable of promptly dealing a strategic counterblow to the enemies at any time and under any circumstances,” the KCNA report said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rural News – OSPRI’s donation continues support for farmers

    Source: OSPRI New Zealand

    Disease management agency OSPRI has announced a funding package commitment for the Rural Support Trust, a charity they consider critical to the success of their work.
    The Rural Support Trust offers one to one support to those struggling with the pressures of life on the farm. As such, they are a vital safety net in the rural community, and their team of local experienced people will be relied on as the sector confronts tough economic conditions.
    To provide support when and where it is needed, resourcing is critical, and while partially funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries, the Trust relies on additional charitable donations. Recognising this and valuing the Trust’s support around the impact of its disease management programmes, OSPRI recently committed to annual donations over the next three years.
    “The impact of disease on farmers’ wellbeing is well documented, and we experience first-hand the stress that comes to bear on farming families when their livestock become infected with TB or M.bovis” says Helen Thoday, OSPRI’s North Island General Manager for Service Delivery. “So having a partner like The Rural Support Trust, often involving someone who’s been through it too, to help, is an important part of recovery”.
    As a not for profit itself, OSPRI understands just how important financial assurance is. “We’ve worked with the Rural Support Trusts previously, providing funding to ensure they could meet community needs during the Hawkes Bay TB outbreak. When taking on the surveillance of M.bovis last year, we also continued the funding, started by MPI, to support those farmers impacted by the disease. So, it’s gratifying to make a commitment of ongoing donations to support farmers dealing with infected herds, or any personal difficulty really” confirms Helen.
    Amanda Jordan, the Chair of Taranaki Rural Support has also been a long-time defender of biosecurity and continues this work with one of OSPRI’s farmer committees. As a 5th generation jersey cow farmer, Amanda and her family have battled through plenty of challenges, and she still remembers the impact of TB – at one stage managing three of the seven herds infected in Taranaki. Between that experience and calling on the Trust herself, Amanda was determined to do more for her industry and talks warmly about a network of locals. “We’ve an amazing coordinator, and an important part of her work is listening to the caller carefully, and then finding the right willing person in the community. If we’re concerned about welfare, we’ll find support quickly and close by, but often it’s about someone with the right experiences or background for a situation”.
    Fourteen Rural Support Trusts operate across regions throughout New Zealand, and then there is a national office providing coordination to ensure ground support remains widely accessible to those who need it. “I’m hugely proud of each Trusts’ efforts, there’s real comfort in having someone to walk with you during tough times – so providing those rural connections is such an important part of it” says Maria Shanks, General Manager of New Zealand Rural Support Trust. “We’re lucky to have a collection of principle sponsors and partners and pleased to have OSPRI’s support as they also work amongst our communities”.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for sightings of missing swimmer

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police, Coastguard and Surf Life Saving New Zealand have continued to search for a man believed missing in the water off Onerahi, Northland.

    The 83-year-old man was reported missing on Monday 21 October and is believed to have been swimming off Onerahi on Sunday 20 October.

    The man typically goes for a daily swim in the Whangārei Harbour and wears a wetsuit and pink swim cap.

    The Police Eagle Helicopter has been deployed in the area and has conducted a wide search of the area. Coastguard will be conducting a dummy exercise in the water, to detect currents.

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

    If you saw the swimmer or have any dashcam footage from the area that relates, please update us at 105 online or call 105 referencing file number 241021/1742.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New air-cargo route links Shanxi, Almaty

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A new air freight route officially opened Monday, linking Taiyuan, capital city of north China’s Shanxi Province, and Almaty in Kazakhstan.

    A freighter, loaded with cargo including clothing and daily consumer goods, left Taiyuan Wusu International Airport for Almaty on Monday morning, according to the customs of Taiyuan.

    The round-trip flights will operate twice each week, on Mondays and Fridays. The type of goods transported via the route is expected to be increased in the future.

    The first flight on the route marks the official opening of the air cargo channel connecting Shanxi with the Central Asian country, injecting new impetus into the economic and trade exchanges between the two sides, said the customs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MoU signed on green shipping corridor between Shanghai, Hamburg ports

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Shanghai Port and the Port of Hamburg, Germany on Tuesday jointly announced the building of a green shipping corridor between the two ports, a move aimed at promoting their green transformation, strengthening cooperation and exchange, and collectively advancing the sustainable development of the global shipping industry.

    The Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, the Hamburg Port Authority, COSCO SHIPPING Lines Co., Ltd. and the Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on jointly building the green shipping corridor at the North Bund Forum, which opened in Shanghai on Tuesday.

    According to the MoU, the signing parties will cooperate in promoting the construction and use of shore power at the ports, explore and promote the necessary infrastructure, regulations and preferential policies needed for the supply, use and refueling of green fuels, and invite more partners to join in the efforts to achieve the green shipping corridor goal.

    Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, said many other ports are expected to follow the example of building green shipping corridors.

    It’s not just an agreement between two ports, he said. “We should increase our network of green shipping corridors all over the world.”

    China has committed to a “dual carbon” goal of reaching the peak of carbon emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060.

    As part of the efforts to contribute to the goal, Shanghai Port has signed agreements with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to co-build green shipping corridors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Leap in Sino-African ties foreseen

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

    The current global economic slowdown and shocks to industrial and supply chains have presented China and Africa with a crucial opportunity to scale up mutual cooperation and move it to a higher level, officials and experts said.

    A shift in China-Africa investment cooperation toward higher-end industries, digitalization, and green development is a vital step in facilitating the inclusive growth of both sides, they said.

    They made the remarks at the Symposium on High-Quality Development of China-Africa Investment Cooperation on Monday, which was jointly hosted by the China-Africa Development Fund and the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Development in Beijing.

    The complementary economic and industrial development profiles of China and Africa have formed a solid basis for their thriving cooperation, said Jing Ning, deputy director-general at the department of Western Asian and African affairs under the Ministry of Commerce.

    The synergistic pairing of China’s technologies, equipment and management expertise with Africa’s markets and human resources has been a key driving force behind the advancement of the continent’s industrialization, technological innovation, and youth employment, Jing said.

    China’s investments in Africa are not only growing in volume but are also strategically oriented toward ensuring that Africa becomes a global manufacturing hub, said Rahamtalla M. Osman, permanent representative of the African Union to China.

    Africa’s green development potential, renewable energy needs, youth population and emerging consumer markets, coupled with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, have made it a promising investment destination, Osman said.

    The Chinese government announced plans to facilitate at least 70 billion yuan ($9.8 billion) in investments by Chinese companies in Africa over the next three years during the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing in September.

    Meanwhile, China and Africa will establish a joint digital technology cooperation center and 20 flagship digital demonstration projects. China is committed to equipping African nations with the latest advancements in clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, and hydropower systems.

    As Chinese enterprises expand their investments in Africa, they are not only pursuing their own interests, but also striving to bring tangible benefits to African countries, said Wang Shaodan, chairman of the China-Africa Development Fund.

    CADF, along with partner enterprises, is actively promoting technology transfers to African countries, transitioning from “Made in China” to “Made in Africa” and enhancing the local industrial development capabilities, Wang said.

    In 2013, Chinese home appliances manufacturer Hisense and the CADF jointly invested $350 million to establish Hisense South Africa Industrial Park, where the company has promoted technology transfer and upskilled local workers.

    This has enabled South Africa to acquire manufacturing capabilities and develop export-ready brands for the European market, Wang added.

    China is also working to facilitate the transfer of agricultural technologies to Africa through a wide range of cooperation modalities, which is crucial for enhancing Africa’s food security, said Yu Zirong, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Development.

    Africa is currently facing the dual dilemma of debt and development, and Chinese financial institutions and enterprises are exploring the expansion of new collaborative models to address this challenge, said Yu Yong, deputy director-general of the department of African affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    These new approaches, including public-private partnership, and integrated investment-construction-operation model, are designed to ensure the continuous funding and liquidity needed to support Africa’s industrialization, ultimately leading to a reduction in the continent’s debt burden, Yu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: More elderly living alone, survey says

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

    The number of elderly people living alone in China has increased significantly since 2010 as they tend to have fewer children, highlighting the significance of strengthening the nation’s elder care system, according to the results of a survey released recently.

    The survey considers an individual elderly once he or she reaches the age of 60.

    Elderly empty nesters — those who live by themselves or live with their spouses only — accounted for 59.7 percent of all the elderly people in China in 2021, up 10.4 percentage points from 2010, according to the fifth sample survey on the living conditions of urban and rural senior residents.

    About three-fourths of empty nesters lived with their spouses. The proportion of rural empty nesters was slightly higher than that of their urban counterparts, standing at nearly 62 percent, the survey said.

    The survey was jointly conducted in 2021 by six government departments and elder care industry associations, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Health Commission. The results were made public recently.

    It also shows that the average number of children that each senior had in 2021 was 2.6, down by 0.6 from 2010. Rural elderly had slightly more children on average at 2.9, compared with 2.3 for urban senior residents.

    “In various aspects of daily life, middle-old (70 to 79 years old) and very-old (80 and above) empty nesters tend to confront greater risks, so the growing size of this population has posed higher demands for developing at-home and community-based elder care services,” said the China National Aging Committee, which was involved in the survey, in a statement explaining the results.

    The committee added that the trend of having fewer children will diminish families’ ability to care for seniors, thus requiring accelerated efforts to improve supportive policies for home-based and public elder care.

    China is coping with a rapidly aging population. Official data shows that the number of people age 60 and older was almost 297 million last year, comprising 21.1 percent of the total population. The proportion of elderly is expected to exceed 30 percent of the nation’s population by 2035.

    The deepening aging trend has prompted authorities to step up development of home-based and community elderly care homes, strengthen the integration of medical and elder care services and encourage the private sector to make investments in the elder care industry.

    Survey results show that the number of elderly who have become more accepting of care provided by elder care institutions has increased by 3.3 percentage points since 2015.

    “Their demands tend to be more varied over time, and their top five demands are at-home medical services, meal assistance, cultural and entertainment activities, health education and at-home cleaning services,” the survey said.

    Li Yongxin, an official at the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said during a news conference on Monday that the number of elder care facilities in China had increased to around 410,000 by June, double the figure seen in 2019. The majority of them are community-based.

    To address the prominent healthcare demands of the rural elderly, Li said that efforts are being made to upgrade rural elder care homes into regional eldercare centers. Public venues in the countryside that sit idle will be the first considered for conversion into care facilities or canteens for seniors.

    According to the survey, more than 56 percent of the elderly population in 2021 consisted of the younger group, from 60 to 69 years old, which was on par with the level seen in 2010.

    “Young elderly represent important and valuable human resources that have great potential,” said the committee, adding that the age structure of China’s elderly population in China will continue to remain relatively young.

    At the same time, the proportion of seniors with a senior high school diploma or degree from a higher education institute also increased from 2010 to 2021.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: North China expands trade via freight rail

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

    With regular freight train service from Qisumu International Logistics Park in Ulaanqab, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, to Moscow now in operation, experts said the new route opens a trade channel for North China, and will further expand its exports with the support of the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Launched on Oct 16, the route marks a new addition to the China-Europe freight railway lines originating from Ulaanqab, and is also the city’s first eastbound route along this line.

    Ulaanqab is one of the first 23 cities that was designated as a national logistics hub for the China-Europe freight train service.

    Since the launch of its first China-Europe freight train in 2016, Ulaanqab has expanded operations to eight countries, with destinations such as Yekaterinburg, Russia and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The city now operates 22 international routes.

    As of Oct 16, Ulaanqab’s China-Europe freight routes have operated 806 trains with 33,000 carriages, with a total cargo value of $1.53 billion.

    In recent years, Inner Mongolia has prioritized the development of the freight train network, focusing on Ulaanqab’s role as a key gateway for northbound trade.

    “The autonomous region aims to further enhance its participation in the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor by strengthening Ulaanqab’s logistics capabilities,” said Liang Jing, deputy general manager of Inner Mongolia Asia Europe International Logistics Ltd.

    Citing the importance of the east route of the China-Europe freight service, Liang said, “The new route will increase railway capacity, optimize platform resources and improve service efficiency to further integrate Ulaanqab into the high-quality development of the BRI.”

    Liang said Ulaanqab’s proximity to Ereenhot — only 327 kilometers away — also plays a big role in lowering logistics costs, as many of the products manufactured in Inner Mongolia are transported via these routes.

    So far this year, the region’s government has invested 800 million yuan ($112.4 million) in infrastructure to support Sino-European freight services, including the construction of a logistics center.

    Major exports on this route from Inner Mongolia include sunflower seeds from Bayannuur, Chery automobiles from Ordos, and local timber, grain and oil products, which make up about two-thirds of the region’s total goods transported. Local products account for up to 50 percent of the total freight, Liang said.

    From January to September, 14,689 China-Europe freight trains were operated nationwide, marking a 13 percent year-on-year increase, said China State Railway Group Co Ltd, the nation’s railway operator.

    The trains transported 1.57 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods, an 11 percent year-on-year rise.

    In September, over 171,000 TEUs of products were transported by 1,633 China-Europe freight trains, marking 12 percent and 15 percent year-on-year increases, respectively. The freight service saw monthly operations of over 1,600 trains for seven consecutive months so far this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Johnson, Chairman Steil Demand Classified Briefings on Potential Foreign Influence in U.S. Elections

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and U.S. Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) sent letters to the U.S. Treasury Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) requesting information on potential election interference through fraudulent donations by foreign actors. In the letter to Treasury, Chairman Steil and Ranking Member Johnson requested Suspicious Activity Reports related to ActBlue. They also requested that all three agencies provide classified briefings on the matter.
    Excerpts from the letters read:
    “As Chairman of the Committee on House Administration (“CHA”) and as the Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI”), both with broad oversight of our nation’s federal elections, we write to you to raise an urgent concern regarding potential illicit election funding by foreign actors.”
    “CHA has been investigating claims that foreign actors, primarily from Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China, may be using ActBlue to launder illicit money into U.S. political campaigns. The investigation has indicated that these actors may be exploiting existing U.S. donors by making straw donations without their knowledge.”
    Read the full letters here.
    Background:
    On April 17, 2023, Ranking Member Ron Johnson wrote to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) regarding a video posted online by the O’Keefe Media Group on March 28, 2023 alleging that political donations are being made in large amounts to certain political groups without the donors’ knowledge. The FEC refused to confirm or deny whether it is investigating this matter.
    On October 31, 2023, following reports that ActBlue was accepting political contributions without a card verification value (CVV), Chairman Steil sent a letter demanding answers on ActBlue’s practices, questioning if they are complying with federal campaign finance laws and preventing foreign and illegal contributions.
    On November 27, 2023, ActBlue responded to Chairman Steil’s letter saying it did not require a CVV in order to contribute on their website.
    On September 6, 2024, Chairman Steil introduced H.R. 9488, the Secure Handling of Internet Electronic Donations (SHIELD) Act. The legislation prohibits political committees from accepting an online contribution unless the contributor provides the CVV and billing address associated with the card and from accepting online contributions from prepaid cards. It also adopts a top legislative recommendation from the FEC to prohibit individuals from knowingly aiding or abetting a person making a contribution in the name of another person.
    On September 11, 2024, the SHIELD Act passed the Committee on House Administration by a voice-vote.
    On September 18, 2024, Chairman Steil sent letters to the Attorneys General from Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, and Missouri, updating them on the Committee’s investigation into ActBlue, a major democratic fundraising platform. Along with the letter, the Attorneys General received the data and evidence that the Committee has collected over the course of almost a year. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Grill seekers – Burglars cooking up trouble with a stolen BBQ.

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    At about 3.30pm on Monday afternoon, two people broke a window to enter a house in Fairfield Hamilton setting off the house alarm which alerted a passerby.

    They were then seen running from the address carrying a television set.

    Witnesses saw them ditch the television over a back hedge, then leave in a white Holden vehicle, which had been parked in the driveway of the victim’s house.

    Police units recognised the description of the vehicle as it had been spotted acting suspiciously in the area earlier in the day. 

    At about 4.45pm, Police located the Holden vehicle and two people matching the descriptions of the burglars. 

    They were found at the shops in Dinsdale, parked in a disability car park.

    The offenders were trying to sell a BBQ at the Dollar Dealers when they were confronted by Police.

    Both attempted to resist the officer, and they were sprayed with O/C spray and arrested, without further incident.

    Inspector Andrea McBeth, Area Commander Hamilton City says, “This is a good catch and we appreciate the people who called us so quickly with good descriptions.

    This incident serves as a timely reminder to anyone leaving their property unattended for a period of time to take steps to make sure it’s secure.

    Burglars are largely opportunistic. Alarms will help discourage any burglar looking for easy entry and, in this case, it did.  It alerted members of the public who were able to help.

    Locks on windows and doors can be effective, as well as security signage, CCTV, alarms, and sensor lights.

    Be wary of posting too much information on social media about holiday or travel plans, or photos of inside your home, as this can make your property a vulnerable target while you’re away.

    Keep in contact with your neighbours and let each other know if you notice anything unusual.

    Call Police straight away on 111 if you see or suspect anything suspicious at your home or a neighbour’s.

    When reporting activity, it’s helpful to take note of the number of people, clothing they wear, and any vehicles present.

    You can make a report after the fact using our 105 service, either by phone or online.

    A woman aged 22 is charged with burglary and a man aged 40 is charged with burglary, resisting arrest, obstructing police, and possession of an offensive weapon.  They both appeared in the Hamilton District Court today. 

    The driver of the Holden vehicle also received a number of tickets including one for illegally parking in a disability car park.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth about $14.9 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth about $14.9 million (with photos)
    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth about $14.9 million (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​Hong Kong Customs from October 9 to 16 seized about 74 700 items of suspected counterfeit goods at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound. The total estimated market value of the seizure was about $14.9 million.           Through risk assessment, Customs inspected four 40-foot containers, declared as carrying footwear and arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland, in the abovementioned period. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected counterfeit sports shoes therein.           An initial investigation revealed that the batch of suspected counterfeit goods would be transshipped to overseas regions.           An investigation is ongoing.           Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary counterfeit goods activities by interception at source, with stringent enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.           Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.           Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 80 80 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Property owner fined over $80,000 for persistently not complying with removal order

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         A property owner who persistently failed to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123) was convicted and fined over $80,000 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts earlier this month.
     
         The case involved two unauthorised building works (UBWs) with a total area of about 33 square metres on the roof and ground floor of a house in Yuen Long. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.
     
         Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined over $6,000 upon conviction by the court. The owner removed one of the UBWs, i.e. UBWs on the roof after the prosecution, but UBWs were later found re-erected on the roof again. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the BD instigated prosecution again. The owner was fined $83,600 in total, of which $53,600 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction again at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on October 4.
     
         A spokesman for the BD today (October 23) said, “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. The owners concerned must comply with the removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement actions and consider instigating prosecution against the owners again if they persist in not complying with the orders, so as to ensure building safety.”
     
         Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: EOI – Expert Advisory Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    Expressions of interest are open for an Expert Advisory Group to inform the redesign of community-based mental health and wellbeing services in Victoria.

    The department is undertaking a significant reform program to redesign community based mental health and wellbeing services delivered by Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, including in partnership with non-government organisations.

    The Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign (Community Redesign) project aims to deliver a comprehensive system design and strategy to improve community-based service responses for people of all ages with moderate to severe mental illness who have more intensive treatment, care, and support needs.

    Recommendations 3.2 b and c, 5–8, 19 and 20 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System detail some of the service delivery expectations for community-based mental health services. In 2024–25, a new phase of implementation will focus on reform priorities that translate policy and planning into systemic, operational change.

    Role and Scope

    The Expert Advisory Group is a time-limited group comprising leaders and representatives, including those with lived and living experience of the mental health and wellbeing sector.

    It will help address key questions and considerations that may arise during the planning and design phases. It will provide advice on the implications and risks for specific communities, services and stakeholders and guidance on the approach to engagement with stakeholders.

    Who can apply?

    This expression of interest is open to:

    • Consumers with a lived experience of accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
    • Carers, families and supporters of people accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
    • People who have experience working in or managing Area Mental Health Services for the Adult and Older Adult and Infant, Child and Youth cohorts.
    • People who have experience supporting diverse communities who are accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
    • People who represent First Nations mental health and wellbeing services.
    • Representatives of non-government organisations delivering community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
    • Representatives of the mental health and wellbeing workforce or industrial relations.

    Do you have:

    • A special interest or passion for infant, child and youth and/or adult and older adult mental health and a strong desire to see service system improvements?
    • Expertise and/or experience in policy development and/or service or system level design and implementation?
    • A commitment to centring the voices of people who have, and continue to, access Victoria’s mental health system and harnessing their knowledge and experience?
    • Knowledge or experience of the needs of diverse communities, for example Aboriginal communities, LGBTQIA+, disability and multicultural communities including people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds?

    Period of appointment and expected time commitment

    The initial period of appointment is 12 months but may be subject to review pending the outcomes of the project phasing. Expert Advisory Group members will be required to meet online for one or one and half hours, up to 6 times in 2025, commencing in January.

    Meeting dates and times are to be determined when the appointments have been finalised. Some meetings may be held in person; adequate notice will be provided for in-person meetings. Meeting frequency may be subjected to review.

    The department will confirm upon appointment whether members have adjustment requests to support disabilities or health conditions, and this will be factored in to all planning activities.

    Conditions and remuneration

    Lived and living experience members whose participation is not part of their employment will be paid through the participation registers managed by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and Tandem.

    Reasonable expenses will be covered for in-person meetings and will be subject to the department’s remuneration policies, outlined in the terms of reference.

    Selection process

    Applications will be reviewed in confidence. Shortlisting and Expert Advisory Group member selection will be led by the Victorian Department of Health. The department handles all personal information in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).

    How to apply

    Complete the application form to express your interest in joining the Expert Advisory Group.

    Application form – Expert Advisory Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign

    pdf 802.87 KB | Updated: Yesterday at 11:36 pm

    For more information, email mhwsystemdesign@health.vic.gov.au.

    Please ensure that you obtain support from your employer prior to submitting your application (if applicable).

    Applications close midnight 6 November 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $200 Million Loan to Enhance Livability in Uttarakhand, India

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (23 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to help upgrade water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and other urban services to enhance the quality of life and climate resilience of the people in Uttarakhand state in India.

    The Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project will improve transportation and urban mobility, drainage, flood management, and overall public services in the city of Haldwani, which serves as the state’s economic hub. To enhance water supply service delivery in Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar, the project will finance the implementation of efficient and climate-resilient water supply systems.

    “Uttarakhand’s high vulnerability to climate and environmental risks such as floods and droughts adds to the pressing challenges in delivering good public services that are faced by the project towns,” said ADB Senior Urban Development Specialist Pedro Almeida. “With a projected increase in rainfall, temperatures, and flooding and landslides, upgrading infrastructure in these areas is critical not only to improve livability but also to ensure the population’s safety and health.” 

    In Haldwani, the project will develop 16 kilometers (km) of climate-resilient roads, establish an intelligent traffic management system, deploy compressed natural gas buses, and pilot electric buses. To prepare the city against disasters, the project will construct 36 km of stormwater and roadside drains to improve flood management and implement an early warning system. A green-certified administrative complex and bus terminal will be built to improve the delivery of public services. 

    In the towns of Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar, the project aims to increase water service coverage to 100% by constructing 1,024 km of climate-resilient pipelines with smart water meters, 26 tubewells with a daily capacity of 72,131 cubic meters, new reservoirs with 17,350 cubic meters of storage capacity, and a 3.5 million liter per day water treatment plant. Sanitation coverage in Vikasnagar will be improved by sewage treatment facilities that will benefit around 2,000 households.

    Measures to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Agency and urban local bodies in project management, climate and disaster-resilient planning, and urban infrastructure management will be implemented under the project.

    The project will introduce initiatives for women, such as livelihood skills training on driving buses, bus ticketing, and the operation of electric charging stations. Given women’s role in monitoring water supply systems, the project will build the capacity of women, including those from vulnerable households, in operating and managing water supply and sanitation services. The project will pilot women-led community engagement in water bill distribution and collection in the four towns.

    The European Investment Bank is cofinancing the project with $191 million on a parallel basis, while the state government is contributing $74.9 million—bringing the total project cost to $465.9 million.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Public–Private Partnership Monitor: Georgia

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    This report is part of an ADB flagship series that considers financing options and assesses constraints, such as low awareness and insufficient PPP opportunities at both local and national levels. The report also details how Georgia’s PPP Agency and PPP Law are supporting efforts to attract investment partners and bolster critical infrastructure that can further strengthen the economy.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Prada-designed spacesuit is a small step for astronaut style, but could be a giant leap for sustainable fashion

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alyssa Choat, Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles Design, University of Technology Sydney

    For its recent Spring/Summer 2025 show, fashion brand Diesel filled a runway with mounds of denim offcuts, making a spectacle of its efforts to reduce waste.

    Haunting yet poetic, the “forgotten” byproducts of fashion production were reclaimed and repurposed into something artful. But the irony isn’t lost, given fashion shows like this one demand significant resources.

    Diesel’s event is an example of a growing trend towards the “spectacle of sustainability”, wherein performative displays are prioritised over the deeper, structural changes needed to address environmental issues.

    Can the fashion industry reconcile its tendency towards spectacle with its environmental responsibilities? The recent spacesuit collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space is one refreshing example of how it can, by leaning into innovation that seeks to advance fashion technology and rewrite fashion norms.

    Performance art instead of substantive change

    The fashion industry has always relied on some form of spectacle to continue the fashion cycle. Fashion shows mix art, performance and design to create powerful experiences that will grab people’s attention and set the tone for what’s “in”. Promotional material from these shows is shared widely, helping cement new trends.

    However, the spectacle of fashion isn’t helpful for communicating the complexity of sustainability. Fashion events tend to focus on surface-level ideas, while ignoring deeper systemic problems such as the popularity of fast fashion, people’s buying habits, and working conditions in garment factories. These problems are connected, so addressing one requires addressing the others.

    It’s much easier to host a flashy event that inevitably feeds the problem it purports to fix. International fashion events have a large carbon footprint. This is partly due to how many people they move around the world, as well as their promotion of consumption (whereas sustainability requires buying less).

    The pandemic helped deliver some solutions to this problem by forcing fashion shows to go digital. Brands such as Balenciaga, the Congolese brand Hanifa and many more took part in virtual fashion shows with animated avatars – and many pointed to this as a possible solution to the industry’s sustainability issue.

    But the industry has now largely returned to live fashion shows. Virtual presentations have been relegated to their own sectors within fashion communication, while live events take centre stage.

    Many brands, including Prada, held fashion shows without guests during lockdowns in 2021.

    Towards a sustainable fashion future

    Technology and innovation clearly have a role to play in helping make fashion more sustainable. The recent Prada-Axiom spacesuit collaboration brings this into focus in a new way.

    The AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit) suits will be worn by Artemis III crew members during NASA’s planned 2026 mission to the Moon. The suits have been made using long-lasting and high-performance materials that are designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space.

    By joining this collaboration, Prada, known for its high fashion, is shifting into a highly symbolic arena of technological advancement. This will likely help position it at the forefront of sustainability and technology discussions – at least in the minds of consumers.

    Prada itself has varying levels of compliance when it comes to meeting sustainability goals. The Standard Ethics Ratings has listed it as “sustainable”, while sustainability scoring site Good on You rated it as “not good enough” – citing a need for improved transparency and better hazardous chemical use.

    Recently, the brand has been working on making recycled textiles such as nylon fabrics (nylon is a part of the brand DNA) from fishing nets and plastic bottles. It also launched a high-fashion jewellery line made of recycled gold.

    Innovating for a changing world

    Prada’s partnership with Axiom signifies a milestone in fashion’s ability to impact on high-tech industries. Beyond boosting Prada’s image, such innovations can also lead to more sustainable fashions.

    For instance, advanced materials created for spacesuits could eventually be adapted into everyday heat-resistant clothing. This will become increasingly important in the context of climate change, especially in regions already struggling with drought and heatwaves. The IPCC warns that if global temperatures rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, twice as many mega-cities are likely to become heat-stressed.

    New innovations are trying to help consumers stay cool despite rising temperatures. Nike’s Aerogami is a performance apparel technology that supposedly increases breathability. Researchers from MIT have also designed garment vents that open and close when they sense sweat to create airflow.

    Similarly, researchers from Zhengzhou University and the University of South Australia have created a fabric that reflects sunlight and releases heat to help reduce body temperatures. These kinds of cooling textiles (which could also be used in architecture) could help reduce the need for air conditioning.

    One future challenge lies in driving demand for these innovations by making them seem fashionable and “cool”. Collaborations like the one between Prada and Axiom are helpful on this front. A space suit – an item typically seen as a functional, long-lasting piece of engineering – becomes something more with Prada’s name on it.

    The collaboration also points to a broader potential for brands to use large attention-grabbing projects to convey their sustainability credentials. In this way they can combine spectacle with sustainability. The key will be in making sure one doesn’t come at the expense of the other.

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

    – ref. New Prada-designed spacesuit is a small step for astronaut style, but could be a giant leap for sustainable fashion – https://theconversation.com/new-prada-designed-spacesuit-is-a-small-step-for-astronaut-style-but-could-be-a-giant-leap-for-sustainable-fashion-240551

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Colleagues Release Report On Vote Counting Process For November Election

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 22, 2024

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Il.) in releasing a report summarizing what to expect on Election Day and encouraging voters to cast their ballot.

    With the general election well underway in every state across the country, Senate Democrats have a clear message for the American people, which is to vote and cast their ballot as early as possible. As significant numbers of Americans choose to vote by mail, the report explains why it’s still possible that, in some states, the outcome might not be known on November 5th, in part because states differ in whether they allow mail-in ballots to be processed ahead of Election Day and whether ballots must be received by Election Day or postmarked by Election Day. The report also makes clear that voter intimidation is illegal and federal law prohibits coercing or threatening anyone in order to interfere with their right to vote.

    A copy of the report can be found HERE.

    “As Donald Trump bets on chaos, division, and lies to fuel his campaign and get back into the White House, it’s on us to see through his fearmongering and stand up for our democracy. So vote early, vote by mail, vote in person—but vote. The future of our country depends on us rejecting fear and misinformation and making our voices heard,” said Murphy.

    “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect it and uphold the integrity of the election process. That means pushing back on efforts to sow chaos during election season. As this report explains, it also means making sure that Americans know that it is possible that the outcome in some states will not be known on November 5th. While some states have expedited their counting requirements since 2020, we should be prepared to be patient about results in places where counting ballots may take longer. Americans should keep making their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Klobuchar.

    “Just like 2020, Donald Trump and his allies continue to refuse to commit to accepting the results of the election if he loses while pushing dangerous and divisive rhetoric to sow discord and undermine confidence in our election process. Americans losing faith in the results of our elections doesn’t just risk another January 6th but puts our very democracy at risk,” said Schumer. “Senate Democrats remain committed to ensuring all Americans can vote without fear or intimidation.”

    “Former President Trump’s dangerous rhetoric threatens to further divide our country and sow real potential for violence like we saw up close on January 6, 2021. Our elections are the foundation of American democracy. Protecting them should be the top priority for everyone who cares about the future of our country. Election officials, courts, and elected leaders must be accountable for upholding that principle,” said Heinrich.

    “There is no greater responsibility, or honor, as an American than exercising your right to vote. Our free, fair voting systems and our peaceful transitions of powers are two of the hallmarks that have separated America from authoritarianism for centuries now—and that will carry on far beyond this November, despite Donald Trump’s desperate, sad attempts to sow seeds of chaos and distrust in our electoral processes. The most powerful defense against creeping autocracy in America is to make our voices heard at the ballot box—because carrying out our most sacred duty as citizens is the best way we can ensure remain a government of, by and for the people,” said Duckworth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Opposing Austerity – More than 10,000 workers fight back against government cuts

    Source: PSA

    More than 10,000 workers, including PSA members, gathered across the motu to fight back together against government cuts to public, health and community services and attacks on Te Tiriti.
    PSA members stood shoulder to shoulder with workers from other unions at hui in Whangārei, Auckland, Manukau, Hamilton, Mt Maunganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Greymouth, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
    The New Zealand Council of Trade unions led organisation of the Fight Back Together hui with the support of many its affiliated unions.
    Speaking before a 4,500 strong crowd at Parliament Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said that workers demand, “better investment in public and social infrastructure, public services, health and education” so New Zealanders’ standard of living improves.
    “That’s what this is all about. It’s about a decent quality of life for all of us. It’s about an education system where every child reaches their potential,” she said.
    “It’s about a health system where we … and our families get the health care we need.
    “It’s about an Aotearoa New Zealand that upholds the provision of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
    “It’s about an Aotearoa New Zealand that values public servants and the public services they deliver for all of us.”
    More than 6000 public servants, many PSA members, have lost their jobs under the government’s cuts. Fitzsimons said public servants including those in public health, public science and those protecting our borders have been impacted by the cuts.
    Fitzsimons described the cuts as “shameful”.
    “[Public servants] know their work is important and it now won’t get done.”
    PSA National Secretary Duane Leo said the 3500-strong crowd at Auckland’s Aotea Square was vibrant and colourful.
    ‘People were happy to be there speaking up. It’s about time we started to do this,” he said.
    “We need to change course and value and invest in our public services; for our future, for all Kiwis, and abandon this backward road to nowhere.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #8

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency crews are continuing to make solid progress fighting the large vegetation fire near Meremere, which includes the Whangamarino wetlands.
    The fire has not grown significantly in size during the day – it sits at 1024 hectares with a 15-kilometre perimeter as at 3pm – thanks largely to the air operation of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. This is despite losing 10 minutes of flight time due to a drone sighting.
    Of equal importance have been the ground operations of around 50 firefighters who have been establishing and strengthening the containment lines around the fire.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says it has been a real team effort to get on top of the fire.
    “The aircraft have been doing great work to slow the spread of the fire while the ground crews have been getting that containment line in so we can get this fire stopped in its tracks.
    “It’s hard work for our crews, and I want to thank them for all their efforts throughout the day.”
    Mark Tinworth also extended his thanks to the community for their patience and understanding while crews have been working.
    “We know there is some anxiety out there about this fire, particularly with the large amount of smoke in the area, and I just want to reassure people that we have your safety as our top priority.
    “While we don’t expect anyone to be in any danger during this incident, we will let you know if there is any danger to you or your property well ahead of time.
    There have been a number of questions asked regarding the risk to the community and businesses in the local area. Fire and Emergency have been working to establish and maintain communication and guidance with all involved.
    A reminder if you are within the vicinity of smoke, keep windows and doors closed, and to avoid the area altogether if possible.
    The final update for the day will be around 7pm this evening.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Michael Suen

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 23) expressed sorrow over the passing of Mr Michael Suen, former Secretary for Education.

         Mr Suen joined the Government in 1966. He had served as Secretary for Home Affairs, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs and Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands in the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). He was appointed as the Secretary for Education in 2007, a post he held until June, 2012.
          
         “Mr Suen had devoted decades of service to the Government, holding various important positions. He had formulated strategies and provided counsel to the HKSAR in various policy areas, addressing different challenges while promoting Hong Kong’s development. He commanded great respect from government colleagues and members of the community with his dedicated service to the public over the years. Mr Suen had made significant contributions to the HKSAR and was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 1999.

         “I am saddened by the passing of Mr Suen. I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Mr Lee said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Expanded program to help essential workers move to Northern Rivers

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    Essential workers will receive significantly more support to move and settle into the Northern Rivers thanks to a successful Minns Labor Government initiative, The Welcome Experience, being extended into the region making it easier for local organisations to attract workers to making the move.

    Originally piloted during 2023 in Broken Hill, Muswellbrook, Bega, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Corowa, Griffith and Goulburn, The Welcome Experience has been such a success it is now being rolled out to additional locations since September this year and is now operating in 55 Local Government Areas.

    The Welcome Experience will now provide workforce support to the additional town locations of Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley thanks to a successful tender application from new host agency, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers.

    As part of The Welcome Experience, host agencies help essential workers make the regions their home, forge social connections, access childcare and schooling options, join sporting clubs and even assist with finding job opportunities for partners.

    Launched in June last year, The Welcome Experience has helped 665 essential workers and their families to move to regional New South Wales, including 346 health workers, 110 educators and 42 police staff. 

    The Northern Rivers can look forward to similar type success stories that have emerged after the program was rolled out to other regions over the last few months.

    Host Agencies in new delivery locations such as Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Kiama and Inverell are now onboarding Local Connectors, plus engaging their local communities and gathering feedback to assist them to tailor the delivery of The Welcome Experience to meet specific needs of communities.

    Among the new host agencies is RDA Murray, which has reported a positive stream of enquiries since September from essential workers considering the move to the Albury area.

    RDA Program Manager for Albury Karin Willcox is already assisting two registered nurses and their children move to the region from New Zealand.

    Karin has organised arrangements for the family ahead of their arrival, including airport pickup, car rental, childcare, schooling options, and even securing furniture for their new home.

    Find out more The Welcome Experience

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “Our Government is focusing on ensuring regional NSW receives the services it needs and attracting essential workers is critical to making that happen.

    “If people get to hear first-hand info about schools or childcare, and that there is a good bunch of people in the local netball team, plus insights on cafes and places to fish, you are making them feel welcome.

    “Recognising the area’s needs, the Government is pleased the procurement process has been completed to engage RDA Northern Rivers to set up services in five towns that will boost the attraction of essential workers.

    “The Welcome Experience has a strong track record of warmly welcoming workers to regional NSW and encouraging them to build lasting connections in their new communities, and I look forward to seeing RDA continue this valuable work in the Northern Rivers region.”

    NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

    “I congratulate Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers on successfully tendering to be host agency for The Welcome Experience in towns across our region as this organisation has a track record of building capacity through strengthening networks.

    “We need to attract and retain more essential workers as our population grows, and providing workforce support with relocations and settling into a new community for workers and their families is a no-brainer.

    “Some councils provide new residents with a welcome pack to help them navigate their new surroundings, and this Minns Labor Government initiative is that concept writ large, offering a wraparound set of services specific to our region.

    “The Welcome Experience’s pilot sites have been successful in helping hundreds of health workers, educators and police move to the regions, and I look forward to more success in Lismore, Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley.”

    RDA Northern Rivers Director of Regional Development Anthony Schreenan said:

    “The Welcome Experience will support new essential workers through every step of the relocation process, from when they first consider the move, to when they decide to make their home in the Northern Rivers and build connections in the community,” Mr Schreenan said.

    “We are so happy to be able to benefit from The Welcome Experience, the pilot showed that the key to retaining workers is welcoming them into the community, and that’s more than finding a house to live in and school for the kids.

    “It’s becoming part of the local sports club, getting to know fellow parents, connecting with the people at your local and building networks of friendship.

    “Our Local Connector will provide a concierge service, connecting with essential workers who are considering relocating to our region and providing information about the region, finding a place to live, access to schools and amenities, and services available.

    Locations delivering The Welcome Experience:

    Region Location Government Areas Successful Host Agency
    Northern NSW Glen Innes Severn and Inverell Attract Connect Stay Glenn Innes
    North Coast & Rivers Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley RDA Northern Rivers
    Mid North Coast Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Macquarie Hastings RDA Mid North Coast
    Mid North Coast Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Boambee East Community Centre
    Hunter Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter Muswellbrook Shire Council
    New England Armidale, Tamworth and Uralla RDA Northern Inland
    Moree Plains Moree Plains Moree Plains Shire Council
    Orana region Bourke, Dubbo (incl Wellington) and Walgett RDA Orana
    Central West Bathurst, Cowra, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin Skillset
    Western NSW Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Regional Solutions Community Development
    Far West NSW Unincorporated Far West and Wentworth Regional Solutions Community Development
    Murray Albury, Federation and Greater Hume RDA Murray
    Eastern Riverina Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga RDA Riverina
    Western Riverina Griffith, Leeton, RDA Riverina
    Southern NSW Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy-Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee and Yass Valley RDA Southern NSW
    Bega Valley Bega Valley Bega Chamber of Commerce
    Illawarra Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra 
    South Coast Eurobodalla Bega Chamber of Commerce 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man sentenced for buying stolen data from Genesis Market

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wul Isaac Chol, 27, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that Genesis Market is an online marketplace whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin. Between June 2019, and January 2021, Chol deposited approximately $105.08 worth of bitcoin in a Genesis account that he had created. Chol used the funds he deposited in his Genesis account to purchase 21 packages of unauthorized access devices. Those packages contained, in total, approximately 778 unauthorized access devices. In addition, Chol admits that he obtained, without authorization, $25,164.00 from the New York State Department of Labor.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man pleads guilty to bilking two banks out of nearly half a million dollars

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Parra, 32, formerly of Buffalo, NY, now living in Melbourne, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that between December 28, 2021, and January 6, 2022, Parra defrauded Bancorp and Stride Bank by creating 94 fictitious disputed transactions on behalf of 11 customers of Fintech Company 1, a financial technology company that offers customers mobile banking services. However, none of the 11 customers’ accounts with Fintech Company 1 had transactions that would justify such disputes. Nearly all of the fictitious disputed transactions were in the amount of $5,000. As a result, funds were transferred from settlement accounts, held at Bancorp and Stride Bank, to accounts maintained by the Fintech Company 1 customers for whom Parra created the fictitious disputed transactions. Losses to Bancorp and Stride Bank totaled approximately $459,000.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Miraglia.  

    Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.   

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ringleader and Insider Each Sentenced to Prison in Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Allahson Allah, age 54, of Albany, and Caeshara Cannon, age 35, of Albany, were sentenced this week to federal prison for their roles in a bank fraud conspiracy targeting SEFCU.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. 

    According to an indictment returned last year, court records, and statements made by prosecutors in court, between February 2022 and October 2022, Allah, together with codefendant Evan Cutler, age 25, of Queensbury, New York, managed a conspiracy targeting SEFCU in which the conspirators obtained customer personal identifying information and impersonated people to fraudulently obtain cash and credit from SEFCU.  Cannon was a Member Service Representative at SEFCU and provided Allah and Cutler with customer account information to use in creating counterfeit checks that were presented for negotiation at SEFCU branches all over the Capital Region.  The conspirators also applied for loans at SEFCU in the names of individuals whose identities they had stolen and withdrew the proceeds in cash. In total, the conspiracy netted the conspirators $88,800, with intended losses of over $100,000.

    Yesterday, Allah was sentenced by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci to a total term of imprisonment of 57 months, followed by 3 years’ post-release supervision, and was ordered to pay restitution to SEFCU in the amount of $88,800.   Today, Cannon was sentenced by Judge Nardacci to a term of imprisonment of 16 months, followed by 2 years’ post-release supervision.  Cannon was also ordered to pay restitution to SEFCU in the amount of $77,200.

    Coconspirator Davon Parson, age 20, of Albany, was sentenced earlier this year to 15 months’ incarceration followed by 2 years’ post-release supervision, with restitution in the amount of $9,000, following his plea to bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft.  Coconspirators Cutler and Dnauticah Taylor-Sterman, age 21, of Albany, have also pled guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft and are scheduled to be sentenced later this year. 

    HSI investigated the case, with assistance from the Bethlehem Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –