NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: West and Central Africa: About 10 million children forced out of schools by worst flooding in recent years

    Source: Save the Children

    About 10 million children across four countries in West and Central Africa are currently out of school due to massive regional flooding, which has damaged and destroyed infrastructure and displaced nearly one million people from their homes, said Save the Children.
    The unprecedented heavy rains across Nigeria, Mali, Niger and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have created a worsening education crisis with the damage or destruction of schools, the occupation of school buildings by displaced families, and the displacement of families away from schools. These kinds of extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe as a result of the climate crisis.
    While back-to-school season was expected to start at the end of September, all four countries are seeing masses of children missing out on the start of the school year. The 10 million children currently stuck at home or displaced due to floods are in addition to about 36 million children – of which over 20 million are in Nigeria – estimated to ,already be out of school in the four countries due to conflict and poverty according to the UN [1].
    At the end of September, Niger declared the postponement of the start of the school year for at least three weeks because of the floods, forcing 3.8 million learners out of school [2]. The floods have also leftover 5,520 classrooms in Niger damaged, destroyed, or occupied by displaced families [3].
    Earlier this month, Mali also declared a month’s postponement to the start of the school year. This nationwide decision is impacting some 3.8 million learners from primary and secondary schools [4].
    In Nigeria, at least 3 million children are out of school in Borno state, with 2.2 million children newly out of school due to statewide closures from flooding. [5] Heavy rains have affected 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states over the past month, killing 269 people and forcing 640,000 people from their homes [6].
    In the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the beginning of the year, flooding had resulted in the destruction of 1,325 schools and impacted over 200,000 children [7]. As of today, at least 59,000 children are out of school, with the province of Tanganyika most affected [8]. In May, at the peak of the flooding season, another 120 classrooms were destroyed in the province forcing 12,000 children to miss out on school [9].
    Before the flooding, 14,000 schools in Central and West Africa were already closed because of attacks and threats on education [10]. This catastrophic situation makes the already fragile chances of access to education for thousands of children even more dire.
    Vishna Shah-Little, Regional Director of Advocacy and Campaigns for Save the Children said, said:
    “Around the world, the start of a new school year is a time of joy and hope. For many children in West and Central Africa, the start of the school year is synonymous with sadness at the sight of their homes, schools and classrooms under water.
    “As well as seeing their families devastated and their homes destroyed, the children have to come to terms with witnessing the flooding of their education.”
    Save the Children is calling for donors to support scaling up the response to the devasting consequences of natural disasters on affected population especially children.
    Governments and partners must urgently take measure to provide alternative offers to allow children missing out on school to continue their education in this period and ensure as a way forward that schools are more resilient to extreme weather events such as flooding so that children can learn safely.
    Save the Children is responding to the situation in central and west Africa by providing emergency relief such as water, sanitation and hygiene kits, health and cash and voucher assistance support for affected families. We are also investing in strengthening national and community level early warning system for floods to better anticipate and prepare for such shocks.
    In the global response to the climate crisis, Save the Children is calling for national governments to rapidly phase out the use and subsidy of fossil fuels to limit warming temperatures to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels and to include the voices, needs and rights of children in the global response to climate change.
    Notes
    [1] UNESCO: https://education-estimates.org/out-of-school/data/. Total based on UNESCO’s middle estimate for 2023 for the four countries of DR Congo, Mali, Nigeria and Niger. Breakdown of 2023 out of school children (primary and secondary) according to the UN estimates: Nigeria: 21.4m; DRC: 6m; Niger: 5.5m; Mali: 3.3m
    [2] According to the Education cluster, 3,812,733 children were expected to go back to school at the start of the academic year in Niger.
    [3] As of 8 th October 2024, 5,520 classrooms were affected by flooding.
    [4] Based on national statistics on fundamental education from Mali’s Ministry of Education, noting that 2,972,650 children were enrolled in primary schools and 854,312 children were enrolled in secondary schools as of 2023.
    [5] In Nigeria, we estimate 2.2 million children out of school due to floods in Borno, in addition to 800,000 children already out of school in the state before the floods, according to local sources.
    [7] As of 24 February 2024, the flooding in DRC had inflicted significant damage across the DRC, resulting in the destruction of over 98,000 homes and1,325 schools. https://cerf.un.org/what-we-do/allocation/2024/summary/24-RR-COD-63589
    [8] DRC: As of July 2024, according to the Education Cluster, 10% of the 1,593 schools closed in the DRC were due to natural disaster. In total, the cluster estimates 590,000 children have been affected by school closures for all reasons in 2024.
    [9] According to the Education cluster, 117 classrooms were destroyed by flooding in Kalemi and Moba, in the province of Tanganyika, affecting 12 289 children https://reliefweb.int/map/democratic-republic-congo/republique-democratique-du-congo-alerte-sur-les-inondations-des-ecoles-dans-la-province-de-tanganyika-mai-2024
    [10] As of 9 September 2024, 14,364 schools have closed in central and West Africa because of armed violence according to the regional situation report Q2 2024 of Education in Emergencies Working Group for West and Central Africa [1]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Privacy and employee snooping: The greatest threat in the workplace could be sitting next to you

    Source: New Zealand Privacy Commissioner – Blog

    Originally published on the New Zealand Herald 3 October 2024.

    Beware the risk within

    By Michael Webster, Privacy Commissioner

    One of the greatest risks to privacy in the workplace could be sitting next to you – or it could even be you.

    Employee browsing or the unauthorised access and misuse of personal information is one of the most common privacy breaches. I also believe it’s one of the least understood or reported on, as required by the Privacy Act.

    New Zealand is a small place and there’s a good chance a familiar name will crop up in a database or on a file at work and it can prove very tempting to have a look.

    However, a sneaky peek isn’t a harmless case of nosiness; it’s inappropriate and can be a breach of the principles underpinning the Privacy Act. In the cases I see it can have potentially serious consequences such as harassment and blackmail.

    In one example, a person in a position of power looked up the details of a colleague’s partner then used their position to repeatedly sexually harass them via text message. The victim felt intimidated, scared, and fearful in their own home so contacted our Office.

    In some circumstances employees look up information and then pass it on for the explicit purpose of causing harm – for example, finding the address of someone who owns expensive assets to be targeted for a burglary.

    In other examples they do it because they think they’re helping a friend when they’re acting illegally. Like the employee working for a counsellor who had a friend in a custody dispute with their ex-partner. The employee looked up information about the wellbeing of their friend’s ex-partner and shared it with their friend who then used it in their custody dispute hearing.

    Sometimes the temptation to ‘just have a quick look’ is a powerful force but employees need to be stronger. One story I’ve see was from a clinic doing STI and HIV testing. A new employee was being trained and decided to look up their own records while their trainer was in the room with them. That’s fine, it’s their information. However, when the trainer left the room, the new employee took the opportunity to look up the names of their ex-partner, current partner, and best friend – all in breach of the Privacy Act.

    The Privacy Act protects the personal information of all New Zealanders, which means that as well as employees not snooping, we need managers and owners to be informing their staff that it’s wrong to snoop, and to act when it’s found out.

    There’s a lot of information about us held in various databases, including contact details, bank accounts and financial records, and copies of identity documents. This material needs to be protected from internal threats from staff as well as external threats from third parties.

    Employers have a responsibility to secure databases and to limit access only to the staff that need that information to do their job. Employers also have a responsibility to recognise the potential for serious harm if staff are misusing their access privileges.

    The bottom line is organisations have an obligation to prevent their employees from inappropriately accessing and/or disclosing customer information. 

    Building privacy safeguards into your databases enables you to have access controls in place to protect personal information, ideally supported by audit logs so you can monitor who’s doing what and follow up on any unusual activity.

    Significant personal information is held in various databases across New Zealand. A good example is around driver licences and car registration details. Businesses and organisations like insurance providers, vehicle importers, or sellers can be granted access to the motor vehicle register for lawful purposes. However, when staff at those types of agencies access the database for their own reasons or interests then it’s a problem, which often leads to employee dismissal as well as the agency needing to report a privacy breach.

    Businesses have an obligation to ensure their staff have privacy training and a general awareness about the risks of employee browsing. They also need to take steps to make sure staff know they can only access information for work purposes.

    This can be reinforced by having clear policies about employee browsing in your agency’s code of conduct, including consequences for being caught inappropriately accessing personal information about customers and clients.

    Staff access to personal information comes with serious accountabilities about appropriate and lawful behaviour. We all need to treat it with respect. Organisations need to ensure there are consequences for employee browsing and treat any breaches of trust as serious compliance incidents.

    Back

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Construction Economy – NZ construction costs show minor uptick amidst ongoing industry slowdown – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    Tax changes, high levels of existing stock on the market, and credit-constrained buyers have compounded the building industry slowdown, holding construction cost growth low for more than 18 months.

    CoreLogic’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) recorded a 1.1% rise in the September quarter, reversing the fall recorded in Q2. It marks the first time quarterly growth has exceeded 1% since December 2022.

    However, the annual growth rate remains subdued at 1.3% – the second lowest since late 2013 and well below the long-term average growth rate of 4.3%.
    CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said overall construction cost growth remains subdued, reflecting an easing of pressure for both labour and materials.

    The index recorded a drop in sub-contractor charge-out rates in Q3, alongside many plumbing materials such as PVC piping, although the cost for materials such as window hardware and kitchen joinery rose over the period.
    “The wider residential construction sector has been in a downturn for about two years now, with dwelling consents falling and actual workloads subsequently declining too,” he said.
    “The industry has come off extreme highs recorded during COVID, and building activity remains solid when compared to previous cycles. Even so, it does look like there is capacity opening up, which has reduced the pressure on costs.”

    Mr Davidson said the industry is grappling with additional challenges, as many households remain financially cautious despite falling mortgage rates and the number of established property listings available for sale remains high.
    New Zealand currently has about 26,000 properties listed for sale—up from 23,000 at the same time last year and double the 13,000 that were available in 2021.
    “With such an elevated stock of existing listings, there’s less incentive for buyers to consider new-build properties,” he said. “The shortening of the Brightline Test and the reinstatement of mortgage interest deductibility for all properties regardless of age has also lessened the appeal of new-builds.”
    The supply pipeline has also slowed, with annual dwelling consents peaking at about 51,000 in May 2022 before falling 34% to 33,632 in August this year. Meanwhile, Mr Davidson said actual construction workloads, measured by ‘work put in place’, are down around 15% from their peak.
    While the outlook for the sector isn’t particularly buoyant in the short term, signs of life might just be starting to emerge, and Mr Davidson noted that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s newly introduced debt-to-income ratio restrictions, which exempt new builds, could help stimulate demand in this segment.

    Further interest rate cuts and improvements in the labour market are also likely to have a positive impact on construction activity into 2025.
    “Developers may feel more confident to increase supply if these changes, combined with falling mortgage rates, create a relative shift in demand towards new builds over the next 12 to 18 months,” Mr Davidson said.

    “This could lead to a resurgence in New Zealand’s construction sector, with agents and developers watching closely for any signs of a turnaround in 2025.”

    CoreLogic’s research, tracks and reports on materials and labour costs which flows through to its Cordell construction solutions to help businesses make more informed decisions, estimate rebuild and insurance quotes easily and, ultimately, appropriate risk effectively.
    The CCCI report measures the rate of change of construction costs within the residential market for a typical, ‘standard’ three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick and tile single-storey dwelling.
    To read the report, visit http://www.corelogic.co.nz/reports/cordell-construction-cost-index.

    About CoreLogic
    CoreLogic NZ is a leading, independent provider of property data and analytics. We help people build better lives by providing rich, up-to-the-minute property insights that inform the very best property decisions. Formed in 2014 following the merger of two companies that had strong foundations in New Zealand’s property industry – Terralink Ltd and PropertyIQ NZ Ltd – we have the most comprehensive property database with coverage of 99% of the NZ property market and more than 500 million decision points in our database.
    We provide services across a wide range of industries, including Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Government, Insurance and Construction. Our diverse, innovative solutions help our clients identify and manage growth opportunities, improve performance and mitigate risk. We also operate consumer-facing portal propertyvalue.co.nz – providing important insights for people looking to buy or sell their home or investment property. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of CoreLogic, Inc – one of the largest data and analytics companies in the world with offices in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom. For more information visit corelogic.co.nz.
    About Cordell Building Indices
    The Cordell Building Indices (CBI) are a series of construction industry index figures that are used to monitor the movement in costs associated with building work within particular segments of the industry. The CBI indicate the rate of change in prices within particular segments of the New Zealand construction industry.
    The changes in prices are measured daily through the use of detailed cost surveys, and are reported on a quarterly basis. This ensures the most current and comprehensive industry information available. Each index is based on a combination of labour, material, plant hire and subcontract services required to construct buildings within the particular segment being measured. The CBI measure the change in the cost of constructing buildings, and as such do not provide the actual costs.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Celebrates Grand Opening of 52-Unit Edmonds Affordable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    10.15.24

    Cantwell Celebrates Grand Opening of 52-Unit Edmonds Affordable

    Half of the new units at Madrona Highlands are designated specifically for previously homeless families

    EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined the Housing Hope organization and other community leaders in celebrating the grand opening of Madrona Highlands, a 52-unit affordable apartment complex in Edmonds focused on providing housing for families with children.

    Madrona Highlands was paid for in part by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), a federal housing program championed by Sen. Cantwell. LIHTC funds covered $13.1 million of the total project.

    “This project is more than just a place to live. Moving into Madrona Highlands is about also having access to education, job training, […] and childcare development programs. Also, for the first time, Housing Hope is going to integrate healthcare services into this project,” Sen. Cantwell said. “So put simply, this is bringing hope into this community and bringing families together.”

    “We just need to build more supply in the United States of America,” Sen. Cantwell continued. “This affects everyone. So building more supply helps us drive down costs, and that’s why we are here today — because housing costs are a significant part of inflation. Over the last 10 years, our state has continued to grow, and that has continued to [unlock] new economic opportunities in Snohomish County. We’ve seen some of that growth, and we’ve seen the average cost of rent go up. So what we’re doing here today is helping these families, but [also] helping the whole community in providing more supply.”

    More information about the affordable housing crisis and Sen. Cantwell’s work to support and expand the LIHTC program is HERE.

    The new housing complex is Housing Hope’s first community in south Snohomish County and includes six one-bedroom, 34 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom apartments. Half of the apartments in Madrona Highlands are designated specifically for families coming directly from homelessness; residents will have access to all Housing Hope’s wraparound supportive services, including family support coaches, education and employment specialists, substance use disorder professionals, and mental health therapists. Housing Hope partnered with Snohomish County Human Services to fill the units designated for families currently without permanent housing through the County’s Coordinated Entry process, which families can begin by calling 211.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s speech and b-roll of her touring the new units is HERE; photos of the event are HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Stefanik Demand FBI Take Action Against Antisemitic Terrorist Threats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – As antisemitic incidents in the United States have increased 200% since Oct. 7, 2023, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) demanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate Columbia University Apartheid Divest’s (CUAD) terrorist threats.
    After CUAD celebrated the anniversary of the horrific Oct. 7 attacks as a “moral, military and political victory,” praised a Hamas-claimed terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, and once again called for and endorsed violence, Ernst and Stefanik urged the FBI’s New York field office and Columbia University leadership not to repeat last year’s failures, when Jewish students were told to hide at home.
    “The time to act is now. Rarely has the FBI had such public and obvious evidence of potentially imminent violence. This cannot become another instance in which a terrible case of violence takes place at a school and the FBI issues a statement after the fact that the perpetrators were ‘on its radar,’ but did nothing,” the lawmakers wrote.
    Click here to read the full letter.
    Background:
    As cases of antisemitism on campuses started to increase after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Ernst introduced the Students Bill of Rights Act to protect the First Amendment rights of students and stem discrimination at its source.
    In May 2024, Ernst led her colleagues in demanding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigate if 501(c)(3) organizations that have backed the violent pro-Hamas protests on college campuses violated the terms of their tax-exempt status.
    In response to antisemitic incidents on college campuses increasing by 700% last year, Ernst introduced legislation requiring universities and the Department of Education to immediately address civil rights complaints if a student experiences violence or harassment on campus because of their heritage.
    Last week, Senator Ernst raised concern that Hamas-linked entities on college campuses may be circumventing the Foreign Agents Registration Act to shape U.S. public opinion and policy outcomes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Overnight southbound closures of SH1 Western Hills Drive from Thursday

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises the southbound lane of State Highway 1 Western Hills Drive will be closed overnight between Kensington Ave and Central Ave for road resurfacing from this Thursday (17 October).

    Due to the narrow width of the road, we need to close the southbound lanes to ensure there is enough room for construction vehicles and large machinery.

    Works will take place overnight between 9pm and 5am on Thursday 17 October, Sunday 20 October and Monday 21 October. Outside work hours the road will be fully open with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. No works will take place on Friday (18 October) and Saturday (19 October) nights.

    There will be a signposted detour in place for southbound traffic via Kensington Ave, Kamo Road, Bank St, Water St and Central Ave. The detour is expected to add approximately five minutes to southbound journeys.

    Important note for Heavy Vehicles (HPMV)

    The detour route is not approved for HPMV. HPMV will be parked and grouped together, and escorted through the closure approximately every 20 minutes, as required.

    Emergency services and residents will be accommodated at all times. 

    Please take care when travelling through our work sites and watch out for our crews as they undertake important work to improve our roads. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management staff and signs.

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we complete these important works.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW first in the world to identify number of people living with metastatic breast cancer

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 16 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health, Minister for Women

    In a world first, Cancer Institute NSW has identified that around 7,900 people in NSW are living with metastatic breast cancer. A discovery which will help improve cancer outcomes not just in NSW, but across the entire country.

    Using the Cancer Institute NSW’s unique linked data sets, a methodology which will soon be shared nationally and internationally, it has been determined that 7,850 women and 50 men in NSW are living with metastatic breast cancer.

    Understanding the number of people living with this disease will help overcome the feeling of invisibility described by so many and ensure that NSW is prepared to support the growing number of people living with and surviving cancer, thanks to medical advancements in treatment and care.

    It will also ensure health professionals and researchers better understand the impact of diagnostics and treatment on breast cancer recurrence and survival, and work to make life-changing improvements in cancer research, care and policy reform.

    Metastatic breast cancer is an invasive form of breast cancer which has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. While the number of people initially diagnosed with breast cancer is available through each state and territories cancer registries, the exact number of people who go on to develop metastatic breast cancer, following an initial breast cancer diagnosis, is unknown in Australia and around the world.

    Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has led Australian advocacy efforts to develop a clearer picture of the number of people living with metastatic breast cancer, holding a roundtable last year with key government, non-government and community agencies.

    Following the roundtable, the Cancer Institute NSW set to work to identify the number of people living with metastatic breast cancer, using well established and robust data assets.

    By linking cancer incidence and mortality data with NSW clinical datasets, Commonwealth Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule and National Death Index data, the Institute was able to determine the number of people living with metastatic breast cancer in NSW.

    The Cancer Institute NSW will soon share its robust data methodology to help support national and international efforts in understanding and treating metastatic breast cancer

    Today, Minister for Health Ryan Park also opened a new BreastScreen NSW clinic at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick. For eligible women, a breast screen every two years can help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages when it is easier to treat. For more information on breast cancer and breast cancer screening visit http://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “As NSW Health Minister, I am incredibly proud NSW clinicians and researchers have made this remarkable discovery.

    “NSW is proud to lead global efforts to understand how many people are living with metastatic breast cancer and lift the veil of uncertainty and invisibility experienced by thousands of people in our community.

    “Australia is now one step closer to understanding just how many people are impacted by this aggressive form of breast cancer, and in an important next step, understanding how many other people in our community are living with other forms of metastatic cancer.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler:

    “This is an important step forward for people with metastatic breast cancer in New South Wales and I applaud the world-leading efforts of Cancer Institute NSW.

    “Knowledge is power and this information will help drive a new era of research to improve the lives of thousands of people, not just in NSW but across the country.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

    “I congratulate the Cancer Institute NSW on this incredible research.

    “With breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, discoveries like this helps us get ahead and ensure that NSW is prepared to support the growing number of people living with and surviving cancer.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill:

    “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time for women to make an appointment for your next mammogram. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s free.

    “The refurbished and expanded BreastScreen NSW clinic here at The Royal Hospital for Women will make such a difference for local women, and as a result between 3 – 5 thousand additional women will be able to get a potentially life-saving mammogram each year.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

    “While our global understanding of cancer has improved significantly, cancer rates are projected to triple in the coming decades with more people currently living with cancer than are being newly diagnosed.

    “Pinpointing how many people have metastatic breast cancer is more than just knowing a number. It’s about giving a voice, options and hope to people living with and beyond cancer and letting them know we see them and are here for them.

    “Although a cure for metastatic breast cancer remains the ultimate goal, our immediate focus must be on helping those living longer with the disease to live well. It’s not just about treating the cancer – it’s about treating the whole person, improving their quality of life and addressing their physical, emotional, financial and practical needs.”

    Quotes attributable to Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services Breast Cancer Network Australia Vicki Durston:

    “NSW is setting a benchmark as the first state to establish a method for reporting on the number of people living with metastatic breast cancer.

    “The data we now have reveals a reality far greater than we ever anticipated. BCNA stands for every individual whose life remains invisible in cancer data registries—not just here in Australia, but globally.”

    Quotes attributable to Breast Cancer Network Australia Consumer Representative Lisa Rankin:

    “As someone living with metastatic breast cancer, I am incredibly excited that it is now possible to recognise those living with the disease. Until now we have been hidden in plain sight and vastly underestimated in numbers.

    “I want to thank the NSW Government and BCNA’s advocacy for their achievement. I look forward to the positive change which will result from being recognised, improving the lives of those living with the disease, their families and others important to them.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/15/2024, 12-14 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A101590 (DOM 1P-7R) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/15/2024 12:14

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 15.10.2024, 12-14 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 99.73) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1085.62 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A101590 (DOM 1P-7R) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73984

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – ATIDI and MIGA Partner to Streamline Investments in Africa

    Source: MediaFast

    ·       Organizations sign second three-year agreement to scale and replicate successful partnership models

    ·       Agreement will set up mechanism to measure progress and results as well as joint marketing initiatives to strengthen cooperation and explore new investment opportunities

    Washington, DC, USA – 15 October, 2024 – The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), part of World Bank Group Guarantees, have signed a three-year partnership to accelerate foreign direct investment across Africa. This is the second agreement between the two organizations aimed at maximising development impact.

    The organizations will collaborate by leveraging ATIDI’s expertise in insurance and guarantee products across the African continent and MIGA’s range of guarantee solutions and guarantee expertise through the World Bank Group guarantee platform. The partnership will also seek to improve efficiency in joint project due diligence, maximising cost savings and eliminating duplication.

     Quote from Manuel Moses, CEO, ATIDI

    “Enabling more investment to finance transformational projects is vital to Africa’s sustained development. MIGA and ATIDI’s de-risking solutions are essential to achieve this crucial agenda. Beyond signing of this agreement, we look forward to a dynamic collaboration with MIGA, to leverage our institutions’ respective assets for the benefit of our continent.”

    The agreement framework emphasizes mutual reliance, accountability, and comparability. Each party will regularly share operating standards and procedures to help identify comparable outcomes to further both organizations’ development mandates.

    Quote from Hiroshi Matano, MIGA Executive Vice President

    “Our partnership with ATIDI will enable us to support countries in Africa in scaling and replicating development projects, thereby accelerating prosperity. This agreement will play a significant role in helping the continent attract foreign investment for key development projects.”  

    Both organizations have agreed to set up mechanisms to measure progress and results, including reports on joint projects, new products, capital mobilized, and reduced project processing times. Moreover, both parties will carry out joint marketing efforts, training, and seminars to strengthen cooperation and explore new investment opportunities in Africa.

    The strategic agreement framework underscores the commitment of MIGA and ATIDI to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The two organizations aim to mitigate investment risks by pooling resources, thereby accelerating sustainable economic growth in Africa.

    About ATIDI

    ATIDI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATIDI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATIDI has supported USD85 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. For over a decade, ATIDI has maintained an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard & Poor’s, and in 2019, ATIDI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody’s, which has now been upgraded to A2/Positive.

    For more on ATIDI, visit: http://www.atidi.africa

    Media registration link: https://www.atidi.africa/media-kit/

     About World Bank Group Guarantees  

    Initiated in 2024, World Bank Group Guarantees consolidates all guarantee products and experts from across the World Bank Group institutions at MIGA. It provides a simplified and comprehensive menu of guarantee solutions, enabling clients to select the instrument that best suits their needs. The platform streamlines processes, removes redundancies, and provides greater accessibility by de-risking investments in developing countries. Its goal is to boost the WBG’s annual guarantee issuance to USD20 billion by 2030.    

    For more information about the guarantee platform, visit: https://www.worldbank.org/wbgguarantees

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/15/2024, 13-19 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A109080 (GazKap2P15) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/15/2024 1:19 PM

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 15.10.2024, 13-19 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 109.79) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1179.82 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 16.25%) of the security RU000A109080 (GazKap2P15) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73989

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/15/2024, 13-13 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JS4L7 (WSD 05) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/15/2024 1:13 PM

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 15.10.2024, 13-13 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 113.3) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1272.44 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 31.25%) of the security RU000A0JS4L7 (ZSD 05) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73987

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/15/2024, 14-04 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A102986 (SUEK-F1P6R) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/15/2024 2:04 PM

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 15.10.2024, 14-04 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 103.93) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1152.03 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A102986 (SUEK-F1P6R) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73993

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/15/2024, 15:38 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A101MG4 (RossetB1R2) security were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/15/2024 15:38

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 15.10.2024, 15-38 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 97.64) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1019.31 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A101MG4 (RossetB1R2) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n73998

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 10/15/2024, 16-14 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) security were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/15/2024 4:14 PM

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 15.10.2024, 16-14 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 78.93) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 770.93 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74007

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene

    Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene
    mseets

    North Carolina’s unprecedented response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina remains in full force as responders at the state, federal and local levels continue efforts to surge resources and bring assistance into affected areas. This morning, Governor Cooper was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and other state officials for a press briefing regarding storm recovery efforts. This afternoon, Governor Cooper traveled to Buncombe County to survey storm damage, see relief efforts, thank volunteers and speak with people impacted by the storm.

    Law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of responders amid reports of threats and misinformation. FEMA officials remain in communities and have resumed door-to-door operations to help people impacted by these storms recover as quickly as possible following reports of threats on the ground. Governor Roy Cooper has directed the Department of Public Safety to work with local law enforcement to identify specific threats and rumors and coordinate with FEMA and other partners to ensure the safety and security of all involved as this recovery effort continues.

    “Today I traveled to Asheville, Fairview and Swannanoa to see the critical work being done to get people federal assistance, hot meals and other resources they need as they deal with the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Cooper. “I’m thankful for our law enforcement officers, first responders, volunteers and many others who are helping people in need.”

    The Governor visited a Disaster Recovery Center operating at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville where those affected by the storm can get assistance from FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The Governor also visited the Fairview Fire Department, which sustained major flooding and damage from the storm. Lastly, the Governor visited a Community Care Station in Swannanoa providing resources and hot meals to community members and emergency responders.

    Governor Cooper also issued an executive order today focused on addressing urgent needs related to drinking water and wastewater treatment in those counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Council of State concurred in a provision of the Order which allows the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to accelerate the timelines for repair to numerous facilities and other infrastructure damaged by Helene to ensure that impacted North Carolinians are able to obtain access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment as soon as possible.

    The Order also directs NCDEQ to address the impacts of Helene on utility systems in the impacted areas. Specifically, the Order directs NCDEQ to assess the impacts of Helene across the impacted region, provide technical and financial support for drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and other infrastructure sites, and also to help expedite clean-up processes.

    In the immediate aftermath of this storm, because of massive communication outages in Western North Carolina, many people called 2-1-1 to report friends or family they couldn’t get in touch with. When phone service began to return, many people located their loved ones but that information doesn’t usually make it back to 2-1-1.

    The Department of Public Safety formed a task force to find who is still unaccounted for and focus efforts where needed. This is not a definitive count because the task force is continuing its work. This number will continue to fluctuate as more reports come in and others are resolved. As of today, the task force number of unaccounted for people is 92.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    Approximately 3,400 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

    National Guard and military personnel are operating 11 aviation assets and approximately 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

    FEMA Assistance

    More than $99 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and more than 174,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 1,900 households are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.

    1,200+ FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 140 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, approximately 12,500 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

    NCDOT currently has approximately 2,100 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on approximately 6,700 damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Ninety-five storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

    Volunteers and Donations

    If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

    For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    ###

    Oct 15, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Court Decision Largely Denying Meta’s Attempt to Evade Responsibility for Children’s Mental Health Crisis

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, October 15, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a bipartisan coalition of 33 attorneys general, successfully blocked an attempt by Meta to dismiss the coalition’s lawsuit against the company for its part in harming children’s mental health and for allowing young children on its platforms in violation of federal law. In October 2023, Attorney General Bonta co-led a bipartisan coalition of 33 attorneys general in filing a federal lawsuit against Meta. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the lawsuit alleges that Meta, among other things, deceived the public regarding its design and deployment of harmful features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children and teens to their mental and physical detriment.

    “Meta needs to be held accountable for the very real harm it has inflicted on children here in California and across the country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Along with legislation providing for market-wide changes, this litigation will help determine how social media companies can be held accountable and how these companies can treat our children for decades to come. I have an immense amount of hope for the future. As the home to the greatest innovators in the world and a robust technology sector, California has a particular opportunity and obligation to be a catalyst for change. Meta can and must do better. Our children deserve their childhoods back.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Chicago and Homewood

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Chicago and Homewood

    Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Chicago and Homewood

    SPRINGFIELD – Two FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center will open on Wednesday, October 16 to help residents kickstart their recovery after the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.

    Specialists from FEMA, the state of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, get their questions answered in person, access other types of help that may be available and learn ways to make their property more disaster resistant.

    The centers will be open at the following location, days and hours:

    Chicago Lawn Branch Library
    6120 S. Kedzie Ave
    Chicago, IL 60629
    Hours: Mon. and Wed. 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sun. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    Village of Homewood Auditorium
    2010 Chestnut Road
    Homewood, IL 60430
    Hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    Additional recovery centers will be opening in other impacted counties soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.

    Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers. 

    Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

    For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.  

    kimberly.keblish

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges developing system of modern military theory

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 15 — President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to comprehensively strengthen work related to military theory on the new journey in the new era, and develop a system of modern military theory with Chinese characteristics.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction to a meeting on work related to military theory, which was held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NHC vice-minister meets with president of Swedish Karolinska Institutet

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    Cao Xuetao, vice-minister of China’s National Health Commission (NHC), met with Annika Östman Wernerson, president of the Karolinska Institutet of Sweden, in Beijing on Oct 11. The two sides exchanged views on promoting China-Sweden cooperation in healthcare.

    Cao said he appreciated the exchanges and cooperation between Karolinska Institutet and Chinese universities, research institutes and hospitals. He added that China encourages medical schools and health institutions from both countries to deepen cooperation in medical research and clinical practice, and supports Chinese institutions including the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences to continue practical cooperation with Karolinska Institutet in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, medical personnel training and academic exchanges.

    He also briefed the Swedish guests about the goals and measures of health reform highlighted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

    Wernerson presented the progress made in collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and relevant Chinese institutions. She said her institute attaches great importance to cooperation with the related Chinese institutions, and is ready to further strengthen exchanges with the Chinese side to jointly contribute to global health development.

    Officials from relevant NHC departments and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College attended the meeting.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NHC vice-minister attends 14th Meeting of BRICS Health Ministers

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    Liu Jinfeng, vice-minister of China’s National Health Commission (NHC), led a delegation to the 14th Meeting of BRICS Health Ministers, which was held in Moscow, capital of Russia, from Oct 10 to 11.

    In his speech at the meeting, Liu gave an overview of the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the actions taken as part of the Healthy China Initiative, as well as the measures and progress of deepening medical reform.

    He called for unity and cooperation among BRICS countries, deepening collaboration and exchanges through policy dialogues and sharing experience and results in the development of the health sector, so as to contribute “BRICS strength” to the building of a global community of health for all.

    Heads of health departments of BRICS countries discussed topics including early warning network for infectious diseases, BRICS Medical Association, BRICS medical journal, research network of tuberculosis prevention and control, vaccine research and development center, nuclear medicine, antimicrobial resistance, public health cooperation and pharmaceutical regulatory systems. They also expressed a willingness to enhance experience sharing and strengthen exchanges.

    The meeting, which was attended by more than 60 people including health ministers of BRICS countries and representatives from the World Health Organization, adopted a declaration.

    During his stay in Russia, Liu visited the Russian National Telemedicine Center and the Russian Cancer Research Center, and delivered a speech at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government backs veterans by approving Veteran Card as voter ID for first time  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections, while a wider review of the Voter ID policy takes place to understand its impact on citizens.

    The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections, while a wider review of the Voter ID policy takes place to understand its impact on citizens.

    The government has laid a statutory instrument in Parliament to put the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card on the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as voter ID, in addition to the already accepted MOD 90 ID card.

    A thorough review of the Voter ID rules is currently underway with firm proposals on the policy set to be brought forward in due course. However, while this takes place the government has taken immediate steps to address gaps in the current provision by including the Veteran Card on the list of acceptable IDs.

    The Veteran Card is a tangible symbol of veterans’ service and its addition to the list will help around two million veterans to engage in the elections process and exercise their democratic rights, with these changes set to be made in time for the 2025 local elections in May.

    Alex Norris, minister for elections, said: 

    No veteran should be turned away from the polling station while trying to use their Veteran Card as voter ID.  They are an incredible community who have dedicated their lives to this country, and it is wrong that the exclusion of this Card has been a barrier to their ability to vote.

    That’s why we’re supporting our incredible veterans by expanding the list of voter identifications to include it so they can participate in democracy without the fear of being turned away on election day.

    We stand behind our veterans and today’s announcement demonstrates that we will meet our manifesto commitment to strengthen support for our armed forces communities. 

    This government is committed to helping veterans to thrive in civilian society, and we are continuing to support our armed forces:

    • Within the last month, the government announced that all UK Armed Forces veterans will be exempt from rules which require a connection to a local area before accessing social housing in England.
    • In 2021, NHS England launched Op COURAGE – a dedicated mental health service for veterans, and over 35,000 veterans have used this service to date.
    • Op FORTITUDE, a housing hotline for veterans, has supported hundreds of veterans into supported housing with wraparound care.

    Veterans are represented by the Secretary of State for Defence in Cabinet, and cross-government support is coordinated by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the MOD.

    Minister for People and Veterans, Alistair Carns, OBE MC MP said:

    Veterans Cards are a tangible symbol of the extraordinary sacrifices our veterans have made to defend our nation and it is only right that the Government gives these cards the recognition they deserve. 

    We are committed to renewing the nation’s contract with all those who serve and have served, and this is an important step to making this important community feel supported when voting.

    Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

    This is good news. Veterans have found it frustrating that they were unable to use their Armed Forces Veteran Card as voter identification.

    It is vital that the voice of the Armed Forces community is heard at every election, now that voter ID is required to vote in elections in the UK, this change will make it easier for those who have served to cast their vote.

    This change follows a veteran of the armed forces being turned away from the local elections earlier this year because they attempted to use this card at their polling station and were turned away.  This government committed to making sure that this important community is better supported to participate in our vibrant democracy.

    This government is also making our democracy stronger than it has ever been and the addition of the Veteran Card is only the first step in delivering on our commitments to encourage participation in our elections, and we are taking further action:

    • Work has begun to extend the franchise for all UK elections to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote so that we can empower young people to take part in our democracy. 
    • We know there remains a significant number of people missing from our registers, so we will tackle this unacceptable participation gap by taking action to improve rates of electoral registration.    
    • We will act to protect our democracy from malign actors by strengthening the rules around donations to political parties.

    Today marks a significant step forward on our progress towards reforming our elections, and we will set out details on these further measures to widen participation in due course. 

    Notes to editors:

    • The Veteran Card provides recognition of service and ensures that when needed, public and charitable sector services and support can be provided to veterans as efficiently as possible.
    • The government has also published ‘Using a veteran card as a service leaver’ guidance page on GOV.UK, detailing how veterans can use the card to access specialist support and services: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-a-veteran-card-as-a-service-leaver 
    • We will continue to explore additional uses and benefits of the card.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New total defence resolution for a stronger Sweden

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Government has now presented a Total Defence Bill for the period 2025–2030. It includes substantial reinforcements of the total defence. Additional funding totalling SEK 170 billion will be allocated to the military defence and SEK 35.7 to the civil defence through 2030. These are historically large investments. Defence expenditures will therefore already reach 2.6 per cent of GDP in 2028.

    Substantial reinforcement of capabilities within the total defence 

    Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine illustrates the destruction and strains that Sweden and its Allies could face. Russia is levelling cities, attacking civilian infrastructure and treating the civilian population like  legitimate targets. The Swedish Government is now building up total defence capabilities to meet these threats. 

    The Government also intends to increase funding to the military defence and the civil defence to increase total defence capabilities so that Sweden can meet various threats such as cyberattacks and hybrid attacks. This involves working systematically to break down barriers to growth within the total defence. The Government’s aim and approach is to accelerate the pace of rearmament. Where the defence resolutions of 2015 and 2020 provided a skeletal framework, the Government’s aim with the 2024 Defence Resolution is to lend the total defence some muscles. 

    Military defence

    “This is a powerful Defence Resolution that will give the total defence more strength and better balance. Now the efforts to step up the pace of the defence’s growth continue,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. 

    The Government’s strategic approach for the military defence is to rapidly build up military capability and establish military units with the necessary materiel, personnel and coordinated training to meet the demands of the current geopolitical situation. This is in line with Sweden’s ambition of being a credible, reliable and loyal Ally. Four new brigades will be in place by 2030. The number of conscripts will increase to 10 000 by 2030, and then reach approximately 12 000 between 2032 and 2035. The number of refresher training sessions will be increased to maintain skills.  

    The war organisation’s capability will be enhanced during this defence resolution period. Greater resources will be invested in renovating, modifying and extending the service life of existing materiel and filling stockpiles of ammunition, anti-aircraft munitions and supplies. New capabilities are also being introduced, including long-range capability in the form of cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and rocket artillery.

    NATO Capability Targets

    Fighting units are the basis of Sweden’s contribution to NATO deterrence and collective defence. The NATO Capability Targets already apportioned and those expected in 2025 serve as an important starting point for shaping the Swedish war organisation. The war organisation under this Defence Resolution is line with the requirements that we are expected to meet. 

    Reinforcements for the Army

    • Supplementary purchases (updates) of combat vehicles and tanks are being made.
    • An increase of anti-aircraft capability is in progress.
    • Development of rocket artillery capability will begin. 
    • More drones are being procured.
    • Continued additions of the previously ordered 72 Archer artillery systems.

    Reinforcements for the Navy

    • An investment in the Navy is taking place in the form of increased funding to increase personnel volume. Visby-class corvettes are undergoing a mid-term modification during this defence resolution period and, in conjunction with this modification, the five surface combat vessels will be armed with anti-aircraft missile systems. 
    • In addition, the coastal missile capability will be expanded and organised into two units to increase both availability and durability. The units armed with anti-ship missiles are an important complement for protection of the Baltic Sea.
    • Procurement of new Luleå-class surface combat vessels will begin in the period 2025–2030. Once delivered, those vessels will give the Navy increased capability and capacity, and make a significant contribution to anti-aircraft capabilities.

    Reinforcements for the Air Force

    • Three qualified S106 Globaleye reconnaissance planes will be procured for the Air Force during this defence resolution period.
    • Introduction of JAS Gripen 39E fighter aircraft begins in late 2024 and continues to be introduced in the armed forces during the period 2025-2030. 
    • Additional Black Hawk HK16 utility helicopters will be procured.
    • Additional SK 50 (Grob) basic trainer aircraft will be procured.
    • The Defence Resolution accelerates Sweden’s incorporation into NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), which consists of necessary measures for deterrence or to nullify or reduce threats from the air domain. This will be achieved in part by incorporating Sweden into a system of integrated NATO and national sensor, command and control assets.

    Reinforcement of digitalisation, innovation and research

    The Government’s proposals also include a specific focus on materiel, defence innovation and research and development aimed at producing new capabilities and ensuring self-supply. 

    • By 2027, the appropriation for technological development, research innovation and defence research (appropriation 1:4) will increase by more than 50 per cent to just over SEK 1.6 billion.
    • NATO membership also entails requirements of greater interoperability with Allies within NATO. The Government therefore proposes that the war organisation be expanded in certain parts of command and logistics and that a new category of units designated for territorial duties be introduced.
    • The Government is also enhancing Sweden’s role as a credible space actor. This will be made possible through participation in various initiatives such as space-based reconnaissance and surveillance, responsive launching and satellite communications in the Arctic region.
    • Digitalisation will be carried out within command and intelligence functions and a reinforcement of defensive and offensive cyberoperations capabilities. 

    Civil defence

    Enhanced capabilities and an accelerated pace are priorities for developing the civil defence. The Total Defence Bill outlines a historically large investment in the civil defence through an allocation of SEK 37.5 billion through 2030. 

    “With the Defence Resolution in place, the course has now been set for a to build a powerful total defence. The civil defence will be built up based on the demands of war, and we aim to swiftly build up capabilities that strengthen Sweden and make our country more secure,” says Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin. 

    The introduction of the economic planning framework will serve as an important foundation for funding of the civil defence. The aim is to bring predictability, endurance and transparency to the strategic approach of the civil defence, and an ability to better prioritise and follow up results of the measures taken.

    Priority preparedness sectors

    All preparedness sectors in the civil defence will receive additional funding during the period 2025–2030. Society’s functionality is vital for the Swedish Armed Forces to be able to carry out its duties. Some preparedness sectors have therefore been given special priority. These include electronic communications and postal services, food supply and drinking water, health and social care, transport, energy supply, rescue services and protection of the civilian population. 

    Coordination and command of the civil defence  

    The Total Defence Bill highlights the need to strengthen command and coordination of the civil defence.

    The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency currently has far-ranging tasks and responsibilities, which is why the Government sees a need to enable it to better provide support for the coordination of the civil defence at national level. The Government therefore intends to review responsibilities for rescue services and protection of the civilian population. The name of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency will also be reviewed.

    Command of the civil defence during heightened alert and ultimately war should be exercised by actors with geographical areas of responsibility. This requires a clear allocation of responsibilities and mandates at the relevant levels. The Bill stresses that the county administrative boards with responsibility for civil areas and government agencies with responsibility for sectors need clearer roles and stronger mandates. 

    Economic defence and cooperation with the business sector

    Sweden’s economic defence needs to be strengthened and central government needs to be clear about what requirements will be placed on the business sector and what its role is in the total defence. In war or under threat of war, it is critical that production and supply chains are durable, the business sector has the capacity to adapt its production, and stockpiles of essential goods – including input goods – are available. The Government intends to clarify government agencies’ responsibilities concerning the supply of critical goods and services for the needs of the total defence and for foreign trade.

    Psychological defence and will to defend

    Psychological defence is an important component of a strong total defence. Strengthening and maintaining the population’s will to defend itself is a core task of the psychological defence. Proactive and continuous work is needed throughout the defence resolution period to preserve and reinforce the population’s will to defend itself, resilience and personal preparedness. As an Ally, Sweden will also contribute to NATO’s capability to defend against cognitive warfare. 

    Cybersecurity 

    Cybersecurity is another important pillar of the modern civil defence. Essential public services need to have the capacity to withstand cyberattacks, and information security and cybersecurity must therefore be prioritised. With a new national cybersecurity centre and extensive investments, the Government is enhancing protection against increasingly pervasive cyberthreats.

    Sweden’s resilience as part of NATO deterrence 

    The resilience being built up by reinforcing the civil defence is vital not only to Sweden’s security, but also to that of our Allies in NATO. Society’s resilience thus becomes part of NATO’s collective deterrence and defence.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: TACTiC: Test avoid cure TB in children

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    This new report details how children with tuberculosis continue to be left behind in the global effort to end the disease. The report, TACTIC: Test, Avoid, Cure Tuberculosis in Children, surveyed tuberculosis policy guidelines in 14 countries* with a high burden of tuberculosis, revealing that many countries lag behind in aligning their national tuberculosis policies with the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    We urge all countries to update their national guidelines to be in line with the WHO recommendations for the care of children with tuberculosis, and to allocate the needed resources—along with developing clear plans with timelines to implement the policies and increase access to tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the children with tuberculosis in the country. International donors and technical support agencies must provide sufficient funding to countries to support paediatric tuberculosis policy reforms and implementation.

    TACTiC: Test, avoid, cure TB in children pdf — 4.65 MB Download

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Shaping a better future with AI Literacy during Europe Code Week

    Source: Google

    AI is quickly transforming our world, introducing new opportunities and challenges across almost every industry. To ensure a future where everyone benefits from this powerful technology, we must work collectively to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate it.

    Empowering young people through Europe Code Week

    Europe Code Week has been promoting digital literacy and sparking interest in technology among young people since 2014. In 2021 alone, over 4 million people from 80+ countries participated and nearly half of them were young women, highlighting the importance of fostering an inclusive environment within the tech industry.

    2024’s upcoming Europe Code Week will continue this very important work, encouraging creativity and problem-solving through coding and computer science. Taking place from 14th to 27th October, this fun and engaging introduction to the digital world aims to help young people make sense of the rapidly changing world and explore new ideas.

    Leading the change with Women Techmakers in 2024

    Google has proudly participated in Europe Code Week since 2015, actively supporting initiatives that cultivate digital literacy and promote diversity in tech. This year is no different and we are delighted to collaborate with Women Techmakers, a program championing female talent in the tech sector.

    In alignment with our broader commitment to supporting organizations that empower future generations, Google.org recently supported the Raspberry Pi Foundation with $10 million in funding to expand access to Experience AI to educators and young people across Europe, Middle East and Africa. This innovative program, co-developed with Google DeepMind, provides teachers with the training and resources needed to both educate and inspire young people aged 11-14 about AI and the role it could play in their lives.

    Women Techmakers, through its dedicated network of volunteer ambassadors, aims to significantly amplify program awareness and expand reach across Europe, Middle East and Africa. These passionate advocates for diversity and inclusion will spearhead Experience AI workshops and training sessions, inspiring young girls and fostering a love for technology.

    Participate in Europe Code Week

    Through collaborations like Europe Code Week and Women Techmakers, we can inspire future generations of tech leaders and build a more inclusive industry for all.

    We invite you to explore upcoming Experience AI Events organized by our Women Techmakers ambassadors for Europe Code Week 2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 14/10/2024 Undersecretary of State Marek Prawda participated in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Undersecretary of State Marek Prawda participated in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 14/10/2024. The main topics of today’s meeting in Luxembourg were Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

    The ministers also held an informal discussion with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The Council also adopted further sanctions against Iran in connection with its military support for Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. In the discussion on Russia’s aggression against the Minister of Ukraine, Marek Prawda stressed the need to provide further support for the attacked country, including military and energy support. He spoke in favour of lifting restrictions on the use of weapons transferred to Ukraine by the West and appealed for the urgent unblocking of financing for military support for Ukraine from the European Peace Facility. He also supported the proposal to establish an EU and G7 loan mechanism, guaranteed by income from the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia. He also pointed to the need to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia and effectively combat the circumvention of sanctions, including by using the so-called “shadow fleet”. Minister Pravda also stressed the need to combat the Kremlin’s false propaganda. He noted that all peace initiatives must be in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principle of inviolability of borders and prepared in close consultation with Ukraine and accepted by it. In relation to the situation in the Middle East, Deputy Minister Marek Prawda emphasized that de-escalation remains the overriding goal. The Deputy Head of Polish Diplomacy also drew attention to the need to protect civilians, aid workers, UN personnel and members of the UNIFIL mission. The Undersecretary of State recalled that it was at Poland’s initiative that 40 countries participating in the peacekeeping forces in Lebanon signed a statement condemning the recent attacks on the mission’s force base. In an informal discussion with British Minister David Lammy, Deputy Minister Prawda declared Poland’s support for strengthening cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in the area of foreign policy and WA. As part of current affairs, the Deputy Minister referred to Poland’s support for Moldova on the eve of the presidential elections and the referendum on EU integration, and also pointed to the key importance of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia for its geopolitical future.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 14/10/2024 The government adopted a draft act amending the Act on Agricultural Tax, the Act on Local Taxes and Fees and the Act on Stamp Duty

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The government has adopted a draft act amending the Act on Agricultural Tax, the Act on Local Taxes and Fees and the Act on Stamp Duty14/10/2024

    The Council of Ministers has adopted the draft act submitted by the Minister of Finance amending the Act on Agricultural Tax, the Act on Local Taxes and Fees and the Act on Stamp Duty. The aim of the draft is primarily to ensure uniform principles for taxing garages in residential buildings and to introduce a comprehensive definition of a building and structure into the Act on Local Taxes and Fees. Key solutions Unification of the principles for taxing garages in residential buildings with property tax. All rooms intended for storing vehicles in residential buildings (not occupied for business activities) will be taxed as apartments. Clarified definitions of “building” and “structure” for the purposes of property tax. The lack of reference in the definitions of “building” and “structure” to construction law will ensure increased certainty of tax law, which will no longer be directly affected by changes in construction law. The draft contains a closed list of structures subject to taxation. At the same time, the catalogue of construction equipment subject to taxation has been narrowed down to only those that are directly related to a building or structure and necessary for their use in accordance with the e-designation. So-called small architectural objects will remain outside taxation. Extension until 31 March 2025 of the possibility of submitting a property tax return by entrepreneurs, to give them time to adapt to the proposed changes. Abolition of the application procedure for granting subject exemptions in the agricultural tax (e.g. for research institutes), which will be applied by operation of law – in order to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. Tightening the collection of the spa fee. Municipal councils have been granted the right to impose on collectors of the spa fee the obligation to keep records of persons who will be required to pay this fee, which will enable control over the reliable fulfillment of the obligation to collect this fee. Determination of the jurisdiction of the tax authority in the matter of the stamp duty on a power of attorney submitted in electronic form (for example in the e-Tax Office). The proposed regulations are to enter into force on 1 January 2025.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Minister for the Caribbean underlines UK support for violence prevention and climate resilience on first visit to Jamaica

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Minister set to formally launch a joint programme for violence prevention, and visit UK-supported health centre that withstood Hurricane Beryl

    The UK Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Baroness Chapman, arrives in Jamaica today for a visit focused on violence prevention and climate resilience – her first trip to the Western Caribbean since being appointed.  

    During her two-day trip, Baroness Chapman will visit Edward Seaga Primary School, an early beneficiary of the UK-Jamaica Violence Prevention Programme (VPP) – one of the UK’s largest aid projects in the region. Her visit marks the start of the programme’s implementation, with plans for interventions across further Jamaican schools. 

    The VPP, which will provide £15m over six years, will support the Government of Jamaica to develop more effective responses to the underlying causes of violent crime, with the aim of eradicating violence through grassroots community activities and engagement with educational institutions. 

    UK Caribbean Minister, Baroness Chapman said: 

    Jamaica is a highly valued Commonwealth partner. My visit is an important opportunity to build on our two countries close collaboration.

    I am excited to see first-hand how our joint work on key challenges – from violent crime to climate resilience – is making a difference to Jamaicans.

    The Minister will also visit an upgraded healthcare centre in Mandeville, funded by the UK through the ‘SMART’ Hospital Programme and implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation. She will tour the facility, which was able to largely withstand the impacts of Hurricane Beryl, remaining in operation to provide critical care to residents.  

    The UK continues to invest in building climate resilient infrastructure, having provided £8m towards the ‘SMART’ hospital initiative in Jamaica, which has helped provide improvement to the facilities and a dedicated toolkit to staff. In July 2024, the UK also provided up to £500,000 to support Caribbean nations severely affected by Hurricane Beryl.  

    While in Jamaica, the Minister will meet Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Kamina Johnson Smith, where they will discuss the importance of the UK-Jamaica bilateral relationship and areas of cooperation. She will also meet with influential business figures and Chevening scholars.

    To conclude her visit, the Minister will unveil a UK-Jamaica mural in downtown Kingston, painted by local artist Michael Elliot. The mural reflects  the significant contribution of the Windrush Generation.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Report on Aggregate Financing to the Real Economy (Flow) (Q1-Q3 2024)

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    According to preliminary statistics, the aggregate financing to the real economy (AFRE) (flow) was RMB25.66 trillion in Q1-Q3 2024, down RMB3.68 trillion from the same period of 2023. Specifically, RMB loans to the real economy registered an increase of RMB15.39 trillion, RMB4.13 trillion smaller than the increase in the same period of 2023; foreign currency-denominated loans to the real economy (RMB equivalent) recorded a decrease of RMB206.3 billion, RMB69.8 billion larger than the decrease in the same period of 2023; entrusted loans registered a decrease of RMB15.5 billion, RMB121.2 billion larger than the decrease in the same period of 2023; trust loans recorded an increase of RMB356.2 billion, RMB292.3 billion larger than the increase in the same period of 2023; undiscounted bankers’ acceptances recorded a decrease of RMB147.6 billion, RMB389.3 billion larger than the decrease in the same period of 2023; net financing of corporate bonds was RMB1.59 trillion, down RMB54.5 billion year on year (y-o-y); net financing of government bonds was RMB7.18 trillion, up RMB1.22 trillion y-o-y; domestic equity financing by non-financial enterprises was RMB170.5 billion, down RMB503.9 billion y-o-y.

    Note 1: AFRE (flow) refers to the volume of financing provided by the financial system to the real economy within a certain period. In the calculations of AFRE (flow), data are from the PBOC, NFRA, CSRC, CCDC, NAFMII, etc.

    Note 2: Starting from January 2023, the PBOC added three types of non-depository banking financial institutions, namely consumer finance companies, wealth management companies, and financial asset investment companies, into financial statistics, hence adjustments to “RMB loans to the real economy” and “loan write-offs” in AFRE. At end-January 2023, the balance of RMB loans issued to the real economy by the above-mentioned institutions registered RMB841.0 billion, up RMB5.7 billion month on month; the balance of loan write-offs registered RMB170.6 billion, up RMB3.0 billion month on month. The statistics in this report are on a comparable basis.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月14日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stay safe this fireworks season

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Follow OPSS guidance to purchase, use and dispose of fireworks safely and responsibly.

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has produced safety tips for this fireworks season on how to use fireworks responsibly and considerately to help protect both people and animals.

    You must only buy from licensed sellers

    Make sure you buy fireworks from licensed or registered in-store and online retailers. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks.

    Choose traditional dates and keep to the curfew

    People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates. The firework curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year. Firework timings may differ in Scotland. Search ‘fireworks’ on gov.scot for more advice.

    Follow the instructions carefully

    Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight. Then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.

    Check what fireworks you can use at home

    Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public depending on the safety distance required. Check the labelling to ensure you have enough space to safely use a firework before you buy it.

    Always follow the Firework Code. Search ‘fireworks’ on GOV.UK for more advice.

    Think of local animals before setting off fireworks

    If you plan to let off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.

    If you live close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that you are letting fireworks off. Site your fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners as they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.

    Notify nearby farms and stables if you are planning to use fireworks. Do not let off fireworks if they will disturb wildlife habitats, or roosting bats and birds.

    Keep your pet safe

    On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.

    Download content from our fireworks campaign page, including a video, poster, leaflet and social media materials.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Report on Aggregate Financing to the Real Economy (Stock) (September 2024)

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    According to preliminary statistics, outstanding aggregate financing to the real economy (AFRE) reached RMB402.19 trillion at end-September 2024, increasing 8.0 percent year on year. Specifically, outstanding RMB loans to the real economy posted RMB250.87 trillion, increasing 7.8 percent year on year; outstanding foreign currency-denominated loans to the real economy (RMB equivalent) recorded RMB1.43 trillion, decreasing 18.6 percent year on year; outstanding entrusted loans registered RMB11.25 trillion, decreasing 0.9 percent year on year; outstanding trust loans registered RMB4.26 trillion, increasing 11.8 percent year on year; outstanding undiscounted bankers’ acceptances recorded RMB2.34 trillion, declining 19.6 percent year on year; outstanding corporate bonds registered RMB32.07 trillion, increasing 2.2 percent year on year; outstanding government bonds reached RMB76.97 trillion, increasing 16.4 percent year on year; and outstanding domestic equity of non-financial firms amounted to RMB11.6 trillion, increasing 2.6 percent year on year.

    By structure, outstanding RMB loans to the real economy accounted for 62.4 percent of the total AFRE at end-September, decreasing 0.1 percentage points year on year; outstanding foreign currency-denominated loans to the real economy (RMB equivalent) accounted for 0.4 percent, decreasing 0.1 percentage points year on year; outstanding entrusted loans accounted for 2.8 percent, decreasing 0.2 percentage points year on year; outstanding trust loans accounted for 1.1 percent, increasing 0.1 percentage points year on year; outstanding undiscounted bankers’ acceptances accounted for 0.6 percent, decreasing 0.2 percentage points year on year; outstanding corporate bonds accounted for 8 percent, decreasing 0.4 percentage points year on year; outstanding government bonds accounted for 19.1 percent, increasing 1.3 percentage points year on year; and outstanding domestic equity of non-financial firms constituted 2.9 percent, decreasing 0.1 percentage points year on year.

    Note 1: AFRE (Stock) refers to the outstanding financing provided by the financial system to the real economy at the end of a period (end of a month, end of a quarter or end of a year). In the calculation of AFRE, data are from PBOC, NFRA, CSRC, CCDC, NAFMII, etc.

    Note 2: Starting from January 2023, the PBOC added three types of non-depository banking financial institutions into financial statistics, namely consumer finance companies, wealth management companies, and financial asset investment companies, hence adjustments to “RMB loans to the real economy” and “loan written-offs” in AFRE. At end-January 2023, outstanding RMB loans to the real economy issued by the above-mentioned three institutions posted RMB841 billion, increasing RMB5.7 billion month on month; the outstanding loan written-offs posted RMB170.6 billion, increasing RMB3 billion month on month. The statistics in this report are on a comparable basis.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    MIL OSI China News –