Category: Asia Pacific

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in November 2024

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in November 2024
Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in November 2024
********************************************************************************

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (October 25) announced an adjustment to the auto-LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations from November 1 to November 30, 2024, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contracts for dedicated LPG filling stations. A department spokesman said that the adjustment on November 1, 2024, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in October 2024. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $3.71 to $4.6 per litre, amounting to an increase of $0.1 to $0.11 per litre. The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index. The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in November 2024 are as follows:

Location ofDedicatedLPG Filling Station
Auto-LPGCeilingPrice inNovember 2024 (HK$/litre)
Auto-LPGCeilingPrice inOctober 2024 (HK$/litre)

Kwai On Road, Kwai Chung
3.71
3.61

Sham Mong Road, Mei Foo
3.77
3.67

Wai Lok Street, Kwun Tong
3.82
3.72

Cheung Yip Street, Kowloon Bay
3.87
3.77

Ngo Cheung Road, West Kowloon
3.88
3.78

Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po
3.93
3.83

Tak Yip Street, Yuen Long
4.04
3.94

Hang Yiu Street, Ma On Shan
4.06
3.96

Marsh Road, Wan Chai
4.07
3.97

Fung Mat Road, Sheung Wan
4.09
3.99

Yip Wong Road, Tuen Mun
4.19
4.08

Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan
4.60
4.50

The spokesman said that the details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price for each dedicated LPG filling station had been uploaded to the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk) and posted at dedicated LPG filling stations to enable the trades to monitor the price adjustment. Details of the pricing adjustment mechanism for dedicated LPG filling stations can also be viewed under the “What’s New” section of the department website at www.emsd.gov.hk/en/what_s_new/current/index.html.

Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 gazetted
United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 gazetted
******************************************************************************************

The Government today (October 25) gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 (the Amendment Regulation), which came into operation today. “The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2731 in respect of South Sudan,” a Government spokesman said. The amendments renew the arms embargo, travel ban and financial sanctions. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People’s Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.

Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: AUKUS Partners Complete Successful Tests of Autonomous and Networked Systems in Maritime Experimentation

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

In a significant development for maritime security, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom (AUKUS) have completed successful tests of several autonomous and networked systems during a three-week maritime experimentation called Autonomous Warrior 24 in Australia. The event was part of the Maritime Big Play (MBP) initiative and ongoing efforts to develop AUKUS Pillar II capabilities, a trilateral collaboration to improve maritime awareness through networked autonomy, decision advantage, and enhanced strike.

The Maritime Big Play is a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises that are enhancing capability development, improving interoperability, and increasing the sophistication and scale of autonomous systems in the maritime domain. Australia led the Autonomous Warrior event, the signature MBP event in 2024. Other events associated with Maritime Big Play included the Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping Augmented by Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS); and Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX).

Through these experiments and exercises, AUKUS partners are further testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, share and process maritime data from all three nations, and provide real-time maritime domain awareness to support decision-making.

“Autonomous Warrior/Maritime Big Play creates a unique opportunity for our three countries to work together, which will ultimately improve operational efficiency and allow us to work more cohesively against common threats,” said Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “This collaborative approach enables us to reduce acquisition, maintenance, and training cost by creating economies of scale.”

The technologies tested during the October event support operations from deep under water to the edge of space. This included software-defined acoustic modems, multi-model autonomous underwater and surface vessels, and low-cost attritable unmanned surface vehicles. The tests also featured a low-cost gondola, which supports operations in the upper stratosphere with minimum manpower or logistics requirements, and T-200 high-altitude balloons, which provide resilient communications in denied environments from the stratosphere.

A versatile and robust software-defined network architecture called Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) was tested for its ability to enable seamless communication and coordination across diverse unmanned systems and operational environments. The Common Control System (CCS) was also featured in the exercise, built on an open architecture to provide uncrewed vehicles hardware and software that works across several different systems. This effort supports future work to create an AUKUS-wide Common Control System, fusing best elements of the three countries’ existing systems.

“AUKUS partners have long histories of working together on defense and security issues, and have deep, enduring partnerships based on shared values, said Shyu. “By investing in novel and innovative capabilities directly aligned to AUKUS mission priorities, as well as making future advancements in emerging technologies like AI and Quantum, we support a more stable region — one where all nations are empowered to make their own sovereign decisions free from coercion — a world that centers on hope for the opportunity and prosperity of the future.”

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 1st reusable satellite payloads returned

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Bian Zhigang, deputy head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), speaks at the payloads handover ceremony held by CNSA in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2024. [CNSA/Handout via Xinhua]
The scientific payloads for space breeding and other sci-tech experiments carried by China’s first reusable and returnable satellite, Shijian-19, were delivered to Chinese and foreign users on Thursday.
At the payloads handover ceremony held by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in Beijing on Thursday, the CNSA and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation signed payload delivery certificates with domestic and international users, including those from Thailand and Pakistan.
Bian Zhigang, deputy head of CNSA, said the Shijian-19 mission fully leverages the advantages of the new generation retrievable space experiment platform, conducting space breeding experiments of about 1,000 species of germplasm resources, providing crucial support for the innovation of germplasm resources in China. The mission has also offered a valuable in-orbit validation opportunity for domestically produced components and raw materials.
According to Meng Lingjie, director of the Earth Observation System and Data Center under the CNSA, the Shijian-19 mission has made a breakthrough in its recovery module. The satellite platform can be reused more than 10 times, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and improving operational efficiency.
The satellite serves as a space testing platform that enables convenient transportation of payloads between Earth and space, offering high-quality experimental services, said Meng, adding that it has wide-ranging applications in space sci-tech experiments such as space breeding as well as space pharmaceutical and material manufacturing.

China successfully retrieved its first reusable and returnable test satellite, Shijian-19, at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 10:39 a.m. (Beijing Time), Oct. 11, 2024, said the China National Space Administration (CNSA). [Photo/Xinhua]
The satellite carried 500 kg of experiment payloads back to Earth, greatly enhancing the capability for payload recovery, according to Meng. It can also provide a high-quality microgravity environment for experiments.
When the satellite was in orbit, seven new technology experiments were carried out, including microgravity hydrogen production, low-frequency magnetic communications, inflatable sealed cabin and wireless power transmission.
The satellite also carried nine space science payloads to conduct research in fields such as carbon nanomaterials and devices, solid catalyst materials, and oral and dental science materials.
According to Liu Luxiang, executive director general of the Institute of Crop Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Shijian-19 mission carried seeds of about 1,800 plant materials and more than 1,000 species of microorganisms, encompassing nearly all major kinds of agricultural products.
The mission not only provides solid support to China’s space breeding, but also creates a collaboration platform for international counterparts, said Liu, who is also the chief scientist of China’s space breeding project. The satellite carried rice seeds from Thailand, seeds of wheat, rice, corn and beans from Pakistan, as well as crop seeds from other countries.
“In face of the challenge of global food security, it is necessary to continuously enhance food production, develop new genetic resources that promote nutrition and health, and cultivate new grain varieties that are more resilient to climate change with improved stress tolerance,” Liu said.
Over the past 30 years, China has developed over 300 crop varieties through its space breeding technologies. These varieties cover an annual cultivation area of about 2 million hectares, with remarkable social and economic benefits, according to Liu.
The Shijian-19 satellite was sent into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Sept. 27. It returned to Earth on Oct. 11.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Fuchun River sparks impromptu poetry on shared human emotions

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

For centuries, Chinese poets have captured the stunning beauty of the Fuchun River in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in simple yet poetic words. This July, poets from the BRICS countries stepped into the same river, drifting along the same route, and engaged in an impromptu poetry session inspired by the Fuchun River.

The poems, they created on the river during their six-day trip to China, and on a series of cultural activities they took part in have been recorded in the book Messengers from the Vernal Wood, which was released on Oct 18 at the Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany.

The book compiled by the Poetry Periodical also features poems written by 72 poets who took part in the First International Youth Poetry Festival: Special Session for BRICS Countries in July. It includes works from 49 poets from nine countries — Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia, with each poem featured in both the poet’s native language and Chinese. It also includes poems from 23 Chinese poets, with each poem in Chinese and its English translation.

Li Shaojun, editor of the book, said that poetry is a universal language of humanity, expressing shared human emotions. “The BRICS countries all have rich history, and through the universal language of poetry, we can greatly enhance communication and exchange, connecting more poets from the BRICS nations,” said Li.

Speaking about his journey to the poetry festival held in China in July, Brazilian poet Thiago Moraes said he was still excited about his first trip to a country that is totally different from his own. “It took me two days to arrive in China. Very hard. But I was so happy to be in China to know new people, new cultures, new perspectives and new ways of living,” said Moraes, who teaches Brazilian literature at a university in Rio de Janeiro.

In mid-July, aboard a cruise on the picturesque Fuchun River in Hangzhou, Moraes joined poets from China, Ethiopia and Iran for an impromptu poetry session. Each participant crafted a short, simple poem inspired by the beauty of the Fuchun River. This kind of poetry gathering was popular among ancient Chinese scholars.

The Brazilian poet was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm of the group and the crystal clear green waters of the Fuchun River. He learned about the ancient Chinese poets Bai Juyi and Su Shi, both of whom created many well-known verses. To his surprise, Moraes found some similarities with the Chinese counterparts: they all share a love of nature and a fondness for expressing their inner worlds through landscapes.

He said poetry makes people stay humble, open and diversified. “We poets should gather our efforts to make a better world instead of fighting all the time,” he added.

Poet Shaikha Almteiri from the United Arab Emirates said she never imagined that one day she would set foot in China. She was excited about everything she encountered, including the people, the food, the museums, the ancient villages, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

She was often asked with questions like what are poets in the UAE writing about? What commonalities exist between UAE poetry and poetry from other countries?

“At the poetry festival in China, we find that no matter which country we come from, we are all creating with the same voice, the same heart and the same human spirit. We are all writing about the world of humanity, using the language of humanity. For example, we depict beautiful childhoods and the small flowers adorning braids,” she said.

Almteiri enjoyed the poetry festival and said that such kind of gatherings and exchanges among poets might be the very catalysts for their innovation. She also expected for a future trip to China again.

For Ethiopian poet Seife Temam, the poetry trip to China made him fall in love with the country’s ancient culture, especially the Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Li Bai. This was also his first visit to China. Previously, he admired Chinese philosopher Laozi and considered him a great Chinese poet as well.

After visiting several museums, he became enamored with the clothing style and poetry of the Tang dynasty, which he found to be romantic, passionate and unrestrained.

While cruising on Fuchun River in July, he wrote a romantic verse: “I am a child of the Nile, yet I am captivated by the Fuchun River.”

Li, the book editor, said that it was the first time for China to hold such kind of international poetry festival of BRICS countries. He hoped that through the book’s publication, the influence of poetry events will grow among poets from BRICS countries, enabling more poets to communicate and exchange ideas with each other.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Integrating ancient classics studies with the world

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

It’s been more than three decades since Sinologist Martin Kern studied at Peking University in the late 1980s under Yuan Xingpei, a well-known expert on classical Chinese literature.

Kern had been a journalist for four years before he started studying Sinology at the University of Cologne in Germany. He was looking for a field with which he was not familiar, so he took up contemporary Chinese poetry and came to Beijing on a scholarship from the German government in 1987.

Over the course of the following two years, he became interested in the early works of Chinese literature and “went backward into antiquity”, as he himself has put it. His focus remains the same today.

As a professor at the Department of East Asian Studies at Princeton University in the United States, and codirector of the International Center for the Study of Ancient Text Cultures at Renmin University of China, his academic interest mainly covers literature from the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC) to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).

For Kern, this is a period when early China’s textual culture — integrating philosophical and literary traditions, as well as historical narratives — was closely related to the social and political development of that time.

During an academic forum themed “From Practices to Things: First Books in the Ancient World” at RUC’s Suzhou Campus in Jiangsu province in late August, he argued that although writing had appeared much earlier in China, it was not until the 5th century BC that a broader textual culture emerged out of practices such as philosophical debate, poetry performances, historical anecdotes, royal speeches and political observations.

These shorter texts — poems, speeches, anecdotes or essays — were compiled into larger anthologies of anonymous individual texts, giving rise to an early book culture which prioritized compilation and annotation over authorship, interpretation and commentary over the written text itself.

At the forum, established Chinese and foreign scholars discussed the formation and development of early textual cultures in major ancient civilizations such as those of Greece, Rome, Egypt, Sumer and China, in terms of the social and cultural atmosphere, knowledge practices, participants, materials and mediums that facilitated their invention.

“It’s so important to strengthen international collaboration and make connections,” Kern says. “For many years, I have encouraged my friends and colleagues here in China to learn a foreign language, read foreign scholarship on early China, as well as scholarship on other ancient civilizations, so that we can have a real conversation.

“We need to develop a shared intellectual language where we share ideas, concepts and questions,” he adds.

Xu Jianwei, professor at the School of Liberal Arts at RUC, says that according to his own observations, many high-level scholars of other major ancient civilizations share common working languages — mostly English, German and French — which means they can easily read each other’s academic findings.

However, they are seldom exposed to Chinese studies and ancient texts, and few Chinese scholars are able to read and write well in other languages. As a result, the study of early China has been isolated from the global academic community.

“We need to introduce Chinese classical studies into a broader framework of global civilizations studies and related discourse systems,” Xu says, adding that it’s a pity that the wealth of ancient Chinese texts have yet to provide inspiration and contribute to the development of humanities around the world.

He calls for a change in the way of storytelling and writing by Chinese scholars, saying that holding events like the forum, and bringing domestic and foreign scholars together, will help them work out how they can make themselves understood to an international audience.

Kern says that there was a time when discussions of classical studies in the West revolved largely around ancient Greece and Rome, but that studies of the ancient world now increasingly involve dozens of classical traditions, including that of early China.

Xu says that for a century, Chinese scholars have become used to a classification system that categorizes the study of ancient textual cultures into disciplines such as history, philosophy and Chinese literature, but he adds that it’s time to bring back the field of “Chinese classical studies”, which breaks the current disciplinary boundaries, and is consistent with the academic tradition of ancient China that has proved efficient over the course of history.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Expedition extends known length of Asia’s longest cave to 437 km

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

A member of Guizhou provincial mountain resources institute observes the rock formation inside a branch cave of Shuanghe Cave in Suiyang County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Sept. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A recent scientific expedition has extended the known length of the world’s third-longest cave from 409.9 kilometers to 437.1 kilometers, scientists involved in the expedition said on Thursday.

The finding was announced after the conclusion of the 23rd joint international scientific expedition into the Shuanghe cave in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. Shuanghe is Asia’s longest known cave and the world’s longest dolomite cave.

The latest research has established that the Shuanghe cave network has 115 connected openings, an increase from the 107 that had previously been recorded. It has also led to further discoveries of animal fossils, including two fossilized giant pandas.

Previous scientific expeditions into the cave network have identified dozens of giant panda fossils, with the oldest dating back 100,000 years, proving that Guizhou was once a habitat for giant pandas, which are today known to live in the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu.

Jean Bottazzi, the French caver who led the most recent expedition, said that they used 3D laser scanning to improve measurement accuracy. They also found a large underground river, the study of which could lead to yet another extension of the cave’s known length.

French caver Anne Cholin describes Shuanghe as a special cave system which holds high value for paleontology and the study of ancient climate change.

Explorations of the deep sea, outer space and caves are scientific ways to understand the planet we live on, she said. “We look forward to constantly pushing the boundaries of human cognition.”

Scientists from countries including China, France, Portugal and Belgium took part in the expedition, which began in early October.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia poses a growing threat to global stability and international principles: UK statement to the OSCE
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s growing threat to global stability, food security and maritime safety as it thickens ties with North Korea, steps up attacks in the Black Sea and seeks to circumvent sanctions.
Location:

Vienna

Delivered on:

24 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is with deep concern that I draw colleagues’ attention to reports of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) sending combat troops to Russia. Our assessment is that it is highly likely that the transfer of these troops has begun. Russia has already procured significant munitions and arms from DPRK, in direct violation of multiple UN resolutions. The DPRK will surely extract a heavy price for its support. This has security implications for the OSCE region and should be of concern to us all.

Madam Chair, at the beginning of its full-scale invasion, Russia attempted to blockade Ukrainian ports in a cynical attempt to choke Ukraine’s economy. Under the July 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukrainian grain was again able to reach those who needed it most across the world. Regrettably, Russia unilaterally withdrew from the Initiative after one year and began missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities. 300,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed between August and October 2023.

Since then, Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its disregard for global food security and international principles, including freedom of navigation, the bedrock of global trade. Between 5 and 14 October, Russian missiles struck four civilian ships in deliberate attacks on export infrastructure in Odesa, killing at least 10 innocent civilians and injuring many more.

To obscure its illegal actions, last week Russia made false claims about the cargo these ships were carrying and threatened to continue targeting civilian ships using Ukrainian ports. It is unacceptable to target ships engaged only in the transportation of grain.

Russia’s actions deliberately harm global food security. Hindering exports of wheat, maize and barley from one of the world’s top grain exporters hurts everyone, but especially the world’s most vulnerable. The UK condemns Russia’s strikes. They have impacted shipments destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine and southern Africa. They also undermine the stability of the entire Black Sea region, affecting many others around this table.

Russia also threatens maritime safety and security through a 600 vessel ‘shadow fleet’, used to circumvent international sanctions and provide funding for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Many of these vessels are unsafe, lack adequate insurance and engage in dangerous and deceptive shipping practices, including turning off radio transponders in violation of international regulations. These vessels break maritime law and pose significant risks to the environment, and maritime safety and security.

The UK will continue to take action against this illegal and dangerous ‘shadow fleet’. 43 of its oil tankers have been barred from UK ports and from accessing British maritime services. My Prime Minister launched a ‘Call to Action’ against the fleet in July, and we want to thank the 45 partners in this room who signed up to this.

We cannot and will not ignore Russia’s violations of the laws and principles that underpin global trade and food security. They contravene its Decalogue obligations, including Article 10 on the fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law. We call on the Russian authorities to end this unjustifiable war and return to conformity with the OSCE’s foundational principles. Thank you.

Updates to this page

Published 24 October 2024

Invasion of Ukraine

UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals

Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine

Homes for Ukraine: record your interest

Find out about the UK’s response
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Architect Kristina Dmitrova told students how to create a project that will be approved by the client

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Kristina Dmitrova

SPbGASU has announced a student competition for the concept of the main building’s vestibule. The best project will be proposed for implementation, and its author will go down in the history of their native university. Graduates of our university who have succeeded in their profession and built a career at the international level have been invited as experts. They not only evaluate the works, but also give lectures where they share their experience. Among them is the famous and successful architect Kristina Dmitrova.

Kristina Dmitrova graduated from the architecture department of SPbGASU in 2015 with honors. At the age of twenty-one, she won an architectural competition and went to Rome for an internship at the Exclusiva Design studio, which developed premium-class interior projects. At twenty-four, Kristina opened her own business specializing in the design of public interiors and private homes. One of her first commercial projects was the Alpenhaus restaurant on Krestovsky Island in St. Petersburg for 1,200 people. Today, Kristina Dmitrova’s company has accumulated extensive experience in cooperation with various business areas, the public sector, and has designed more than 50 thousand square meters of various objects, including abroad. Based on her own experience, she identified nine golden rules of public interior design and recommended that students carefully study them in order to design a successful project that will be approved by the customer. The lecturer confirmed each rule with real objects.

So, rule #1 “Clarity, clarity, clarity” requires being specific and consistent, being able to correctly and clearly convey the details of your project to the customer and make decisions promptly. Otherwise, decisions will be made by third-party contractors involved in the project, and the reputation of the architect-designer will suffer. “Your task is to competently implement the project, and not dissolve in creative fantasies,” advised Kristina Dmitrova.

Rule #2 “5 percent and 95 percent” clearly distinguishes between time and effort for design and project implementation. As practice shows, only 5 percent of time and labor resources should be devoted to design, the rest should be spent on implementation. For example, out of the entire team, only two specialists are engaged in design during the month, and the rest – in implementation for nine months. “Meanwhile, the success of the project implementation largely depends on these 5 percent. Therefore, the concept must be seriously dealt with, but keep in mind that without the competencies of other specialists participating in the implementation of the project, without experienced managers, success cannot be achieved,” the architect emphasized.

Rule #3 requires the use of wear-resistant materials. Public places usually have a high flow of visitors, so the materials must be durable so that the facility can justify itself functionally. The larger the public project, the greater the flow of people and the more wear-resistant the materials must be. “Otherwise, they will soon become unusable, the establishment will incur repair costs and will be forced to close, which means it will lose profits. Therefore, wear-resistant and easily restored materials are a priority,” the expert advised.

Rule No. 4 provides principles of interaction with contractors. It is necessary to take into account that, in addition to the architect, other specialists are also involved in the project, for example, engineers, who are obliged to comply with standards and requirements. “And here you need to be a mediator-negotiator. They do according to the requirements, and we need to create a beautiful interior. Therefore, our task is to get permission from them and not spoil the design. To do this, it is necessary to study engineering systems in order to understand the engineer’s train of thought in advance,” Kristina emphasized.

Rule #5 requires paying attention to vandalism prevention. Don’t have illusions that people will use everything carefully, everything should be securely fastened.

Rule #6 says: the less maintenance the interior requires, the better. For example, if you want to add greenery, then you should give preference to artificial, because living greenery requires proper care, proper lighting, and hiring additional staff. “Technology in the production of artificial greenery has advanced far, and now it is difficult to distinguish it from living plants. Even in Singapore, where, it would seem, there are all the conditions for growing living plants, this is the rule they adhere to in interior design,” said Christina.

Rule #7 requires working closely with the fire department. Their requirements do not allow for flexibility, so it is necessary to discuss any restrictions with them in advance.

Rule #8 is the proper use of the customer company’s branding elements – corporate colors, symbols. For such interior visualization, you need to request their brand book.

Rule #9 concerns the creation of a unique design. Often, the customer wants not only to receive a unique interior at the time of creation, but also to prevent its further duplication. This is normal practice, and such wishes should be listened to.

The specialist also advised participating in various competitions to gain experience. The students listened to the practicing architect with interest and actively asked questions.

“By participating in the competition as an expert, I thank my home university for the time I spent here, the teachers who gave me deep professional knowledge, and I consider it my duty to contribute to its further development. In addition, I want to help students with practical advice that I would be glad to hear from practicing specialists during my years of study. I am sure that my experience will help them in the competition and in their future profession,” noted Kristina.

The operator of the competition was the Educational Center for Project-Based Learning of SPbGASU. Its director Alexandra Yugay emphasized that the contestants face a difficult task.

“Based on this, we invited not only heads of departments and teachers as experts, but also graduates of our university who have built a career in interior design bureaus, so that they could give applied lectures on public interior design, talk about approaches to design, based on their own practice. This will allow the competition participants to adjust their projects taking into account advice from professionals, and delve deeper into this topic. The semi-final of the competition will take place on November 8, ten finalists will be announced. Taking into account the opinions of experts, they will finalize their projects to participate in the final, which will take place at the end of November,” said Alexandra Yugai.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai and Vice President Hsiao attend opening of Presidential Office Building permanent and special exhibitions

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai and Vice President Hsiao attend opening of Presidential Office Building permanent and special exhibitions
President Lai and Vice President Hsiao attend opening of Presidential Office Building permanent and special exhibitions
2024-10-19

On the morning of October 19, President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended the opening of the Presidential Office Building’s all-new permanent exhibition, Together as One with Taiwan: The Ark of Democracy, and special exhibition, Super Taiwan Comics! The Flavors of Taiwan in Ink. In remarks, President Lai stated that the permanent exhibition, with the theme “Ark of Democracy,” has cross-disciplinary, cross-generational, and “cross-universe” features, and symbolizes how the people of Taiwan are all navigators of this Ark. He said that we will continue guiding the nation forward together with democracy and unity, and welcomed the public to visit the exhibition. Vice President Hsiao, in remarks, stated that the public can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the office as well as of the development of Taiwan through several eras.
In his remarks, President Lai stated that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was born on September 28, 1986 in order to achieve democracy. Over its journey, he said, the DPP has worked together with the Taiwanese people, not just to break free from restrictions on political parties and the media, end martial law, call to abolish Article 100 of the Criminal Code, and achieve 100 percent freedom of speech, but also to tirelessly promote direct presidential elections and the complete re-election of the legislature, helping Taiwan shift from authoritarian rule to democracy.
The president said that in 2000, the DPP took office for the first time, opening the Presidential Office Building to the public for weekday tours. This, he said, fully represents the spirit of democracy, as democracy is rule by the people, and the Presidential Office Building is not just the workplace of the president, vice president, and other staff. Its property rights belong to the whole body of citizens, he said, and citizens have the right to enter the Presidential Office Building and learn more about its architecture as well as Taiwan’s past.
President Lai indicated that former President Tsai Ing-wen took the opening up of the Presidential Office Building even further by installing a permanent exhibition, similarly upholding the democratic spirit, and helping the public understand the significance of democracy on an even deeper level. The theme of the previous exhibition, he said, was “Power to the People,” while the theme of the new permanent exhibition, “Ark of Democracy,” envisions democratic Taiwan as an ark on the Pacific Ocean, with peace as our lighthouse; democracy as our compass; freedom, human rights, and the rule of law as our banners; culture and ecological sustainability as our hull; and technology as our driving force. The president said that the people of Taiwan are all navigators of this Ark, and we work together to guide a course of engagement with the world and usher in the future – these are the key concepts of the Ark of Democracy’s curation.
President Lai expressed that the exhibition has three major features. First, he said, it is cross-disciplinary, introducing Taiwan’s rich natural ecology and technological achievements, showing that Taiwan is a diverse ark of ecology, technology, culture, and democracy. Second, he said, it is cross-generational, displaying not only images of the former presidents, but also exhibiting the history of Taiwan’s semiconductor development, civil movements, and democratization, and even explaining the architectural history of the Presidential Office Building in the first-floor corridors. The president said that members of the public who come to visit will be able to clearly understand that Taiwan’s achievements are hard-won and worth cherishing, and that we should unite all the more closely for even greater accomplishments.
President Lai went on to say that the exhibition’s third feature is being “cross-universe,” with one of the exhibits utilizing AI technology to generate multiple universes showing what the world might look like without Taiwan, presenting the technical and futuristic aspects of AI as well as the importance of Taiwan. We will transform Taiwan into an AI island, he said, and this is the first time that AI applications have featured in an exhibition at the Presidential Office Building.
President Lai then remarked on the rich variety of the exhibition content, and thanked the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Culture (MOC), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Transportation and Communications, whose ministers or deputy ministers were also at the event, for their support. He also offered his gratitude to the staff of the General Association of Chinese Culture for their hard work and dedication, which successfully brought the all-new permanent exhibition to completion.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the president noted, the MOC has organized Super Taiwan Comics! The Flavors of Taiwan in Ink, a special exhibition that showcases the abundant and diverse creativity in Taiwan’s world of comics. In that world, he said, one can see a different perspective of Taiwan, which is equally admirable. The president, who would soon tour the exhibition with those present, pointed out that at the end of the exhibition there is a photo booth. He welcomed exhibition-goers to have pictures taken with images of him and the vice president and to share them with friends on Facebook or Instagram.
In closing, President Lai again welcomed the people of Taiwan to visit the Together as One with Taiwan: The Ark of Democracy permanent exhibition. All the people of Taiwan, the president emphasized, have the right to visit the Presidential Office Building. He stated that we are all navigators of this Ark of Democracy, and that we will continue guiding the nation forward together with democracy and unity.
Vice President Hsiao then delivered remarks, saying that she is very happy to be with President Lai at today’s “unboxing” of the Presidential Office Building’s permanent exhibition. From the inauguration on May 20 to today, she said, many of our fellow Taiwanese have been asking when they would be able to visit and take pictures at the Presidential Office Building again. She said she is sure that everyone is very much looking forward to visiting, as the building belongs to the whole body of citizens, just as President Lai had said, one that has its own history and bears the important vestiges of our continued pursuit of progress.
Vice President Hsiao remarked that the exhibition is very diverse in content, spanning ecology, democracy, international affairs, technology, and civil movements. Moreover, she emphasized, it showcases Taiwan’s spirit of resilience. The exhibition also goes into the history of the Presidential Office Building and has displays of important laws and objects, she noted, adding that the public can visit and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the office as well as of the development of Taiwan through several eras.
Vice President Hsiao pointed out that the “Ark of Democracy” of the title implies that we are all in the same boat. When our international friends visit, she said, they see that even though the island of Taiwan is small, it is home to a diversity of opinions and positions, and that our people are in the end able to find common ground and move forward together. She stated that because we are all in the same boat, we must work together.
Noting that Taiwan’s industry landscape is very diverse, Vice President Hsiao said that this exhibition presents the historical context surrounding the development of our world-renowned high-tech industry. She also underscored how it showcases the people of various sectors and professions who have worked together so that the Taiwanese people can live in peace and happiness and the nation can become even greater.
Vice President Hsiao said that Taiwan has a very diverse ecology. Even though this Ark is very small, when our international friends come here, she said, they notice that Taiwan has mountains, is surrounded by the ocean, and that getting from the coast to a mountain and back again can take as little as 20 to 30 minutes. She pointed out that this diverse ecology is also seen in our Ark of Democracy, which bears the nation’s beauty and its sorrow, as well as its people’s dreams and future. She said she is looking forward to “unboxing” the exhibition with President Lai and the ministry leaders moments from now, but that she is also looking forward to the people of Taiwan taking the time to walk through the Presidential Office Building and share in the glory of our history and Taiwan’s democracy.
Following their remarks, President Lai and Vice President Hsiao took a tour of the exhibits, “Welcome Aboard the Ark of Democracy,” “Presidents of the Republic of China (Taiwan),” “Ecological Treasure Island,” “The Invisible Backbone of Global Technology,” “Taiwan’s Vibrant Democracy, Moving Forward with the World,” “Become One with Us,” and “The Ark Sails Onward,” and the special exhibition of contemporary Taiwan comics, taking in the unique highlights of each area.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interest in transit system received

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The invitation of expressions of interest (EOI) in relation to Kai Tak’s smart and green mass transit system (SGMTS) project ended today at noon, with a total of 30 submissions from local, Mainland and overseas companies having been received.

The Transport & Logistics Bureau, jointly with the Civil Engineering & Development Department, invited system suppliers and operators to submit EOIs for the project on August 29.

The department said it will immediately begin assessing the EOIs received, adding that information submitted will serve as a reference for establishing the technical details, delivery mode and financial arrangements for the project.

It intends to invite tenders for the project next year, and aims to award the works contract in 2026.

The department added that, as announced by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address last week, the Government will continue to take the Kai Tak project forward and, by adopting innovative modes of implementation and construction methods, hopes to complete it three years ahead of the original target commissioning date.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cenovus to hold third-quarter conference call and webcast on October 31

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE) (NYSE: CVE) will release its third-quarter 2024 results on Thursday, October 31. The news release will provide consolidated third-quarter operating and financial information. The company’s financial statements will be available on Cenovus’s website, cenovus.com.

Conference call: 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET)

To join the conference call, please dial 1-888-307-2440 (toll-free in North America) or 647-694-2812 to reach a live operator who will place you into the call. A live audio webcast will also be available and archived for approximately 30 days.

Cenovus Energy Inc.

Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

Find Cenovus on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Cenovus contacts:

Investors Media

Investor Relations general line
403-766-7711 Media Relations general line
403-766-7751

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ‘We’ll be talking about the future of negotiations’, says Rabuka on New Caledonia mission

By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific journalist in Apia

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he will take a back seat in the upcoming Pacific leaders’ fact-finding mission to New Caledonia, which was postponed from earlier in the year.

Leaders from the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Solomon Islands make up a group called the Pacific Islands Forum troika, comprising past, present and future hosts of the annual PIF leaders’ meeting.

The call for a PIF fact-finding mission was made while Fiji was still part of the troika.

Rabuka spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron the week before the mission was originally scheduled to take place.

When asked by RNZ Pacific why the trip had been postponed, Rabuka replied: “I do not know. I’m just the troika-plus.”

Moments after touching down in Samoa, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was bestowed the chiefly title, Tagaloa in Samoa’s Leauva’a village. #CHOGM2024 pic.twitter.com/zzrNqgc1u0

— Susana Suisuiki (@SanaSuisuikiRNZ) October 23, 2024

Rabuka, who is currently in Apia for the 27th Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), was bestowed with a Samoan matai title of Tagaloa by the village of Leauva’a yesterday.

He confirmed to RNZ Pacific that he would be in Nouméa on Sunday.

“We will be talking about the future of negotiations and the relationship between New Caledonia and the people and France,” he said.

PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa told RNZ Pacific that supporting peace and harmony in New Caledonia was top of the agenda for the leaders’ mission.

Waqa, who is also attending CHOGM, said an advance team was in Nouméa making preparations for the visit.

Violence and destruction has been ongoing in New Caledonia for much of the past five months in protest over French plans for the territory.

The death toll stands at 13.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: a possible Trump victory is making the Albanese government cagey about its 2035 climate target

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

If Donald Trump wins the US presidency on November 5, his victory will have profound implications for other countries on many fronts. Not least of them will be climate change policy.

Perhaps the uncertainty now hanging over US politics was on the mind of Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who shilly-shallied this week over when he’ll announce Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target under the Paris climate agreement.

Bowen refused to be pinned down at the Australian Financial Review’s energy and climate summit on whether the target would be public before next year’s election. Neither his office nor that of the prime minister would be more specific later.

Australia, like other countries, is required under the Paris agreement to put forward its target in February. But, also like other countries, Australia is focused on what’s happening in the US.

Trump wants to take the US out of the Paris agreement for the second time. The first exit took effect immediately after his 2020 defeat and incoming President Joe Biden was able to reverse it at once. This time, there’d be no such quick turnaround.

The Biden administration has been strongly committed on climate issues. If the US exited, the Paris agreement would likely be transformed.

There may be other reasons why Bowen is being cagey about the 2035 target. Climate change and energy will be harder issues for Labor in this election, as it struggles with the realities of the transition, than in the 2022 one.

In the run-up to that election, a desperate Scott Morrison pulled out all stops to win support within the Coalition to sign up to the 2050 net-zero emissions target.

Labor was on the front foot, with a policy for a 43% reduction in emissions (on 2005 levels) by 2030, underpinned by a target of 82% renewable electricity by then. The election promise for consumers was a $275 cut in household power bills by 2025.

Crafting a policy is often easier than implementing it. The journey to a clean energy economy is arduous.

The $275 promise was quickly seen as unrealisable. The government has had to provide rebates to keep prices in check. The rollout of renewables is complicated by local resistance to some projects, including wind farms and transmission lines. At present, more than 40% of electricity comes from renewables.

The cost-of-living crisis has increasingly dominated everything. Climate change remains a significant issue with people, but over time it tends to go up and down their scale of concerns, depending on changing circumstances.

The Ipsos Climate Change Report, done annually, found in 2024 “strong notional support for the energy transition”, but low understanding of what progress had been made.

Concerns about the negative impacts of the transition on cost of living and energy reliability have increased, particularly in the current high inflation environment. The perceived economic benefits of the transition are less clear, with many unsure about the impact on jobs and the broader economy.

The emphasis on cost of living is influencing priorities for the energy transition, with Australians wanting to see energy prices and reliability prioritised. There is a growing sentiment that Australia should only take action if other countries are also contributing fairly to climate change efforts.

Of course a summer of bad bushfires can change people’s priorities suddenly. Barring that, Labor is looking at a 2025 election in which it will be more on the defensive than the offensive on climate and energy issues.

The opposition has already acted to sharpen the difference with Labor over the medium term targets. Peter Dutton will have no 2035 target before the election, and has questioned the 2030 target to which Australia is signed up, although he says a Coalition government would not leave the Paris agreement. He is also running hard on his controversial policy for nuclear energy.

While Bowen is not clarifying whether he’ll announce the government’s target ahead of the election, it would be awkward for Australia not to meet the February deadline.

There would not be a penalty, but it would be a bad look, especially given we are vying with Turkey to host, together with Pacific countries, COP31 in 2026. One unknown, incidentally, is whether a Coalition government would continue this bid, which the opposition has describes as a “vanity project”.

If the government does announce the 2035 target before the election, the big question is how ambitious it will make it.

Bowen will receive advice on this from the Climate Change Authority, to which the government has appointed, as head, former New South Wales Liberal Treasurer Matt Kean.

In an earlier discussion paper, the authority said the evidence suggests

A 2035 target in the range of 65-75% […] could be achievable and sustainable if additional action is taken by governments, business, investors and households […]. However, attempting to go much faster could risk significant levels of economic and social disruption and put progress at risk.

A bold target would make the government more vulnerable, just when Labor would want the attention on the Coalition’s problematic nuclear policy. On the other hand, if the target were modest, that would be exploited by the Greens.

Next month, Bowen will attend COP29 in Azerbaijan, where the central issue will be a financial goal, replacing the 2015 goal, for developed and major economies to help fund developing countries’ emission reduction efforts. Bowen, with Egyptian Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad, is leading the consultations on this, and so has a significant role at the conference.

At the COP meeting, Bowen will get a better idea of where other countries are on their expected 2035 targets. He indicated this week he has already started taking soundings. “Obviously […] of course you think about international context.”

By the time of COP, which runs November 11-22, America will have chosen its next president. The COP meeting will either be business-as-usual, looking to an incoming Kamala Harris presidency, or trying to anticipate the implications of a Trump administration that could be a major disruptor of international climate policy.

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

– ref. Grattan on Friday: a possible Trump victory is making the Albanese government cagey about its 2035 climate target – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-a-possible-trump-victory-is-making-the-albanese-government-cagey-about-its-2035-climate-target-242107

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – the best the west can do is help Kyiv plan for a secure post-war future

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Frank Ledwidge, Senior Lecturer in Military Strategy and Law, University of Portsmouth

A friend of mine, usually an intensely optimistic pro-Ukraine analyst, returned from Ukraine last week and told me: “It’s like the German Army in January 1945.” The Ukrainians are being driven back on all fronts – including in the Kursk province of Russia, which they had opened with much hope and fanfare in August. More importantly, they are running out of soldiers.

For most of 2024, Ukraine has been losing ground. This week, the town of Selidove in the western Donetsk region is being surrounded and, like Vuhledar earlier this month, is likely to fall in the next week or so – the only variable being how many Ukrainians will be lost in the process. Over the winter, the terrible prospect of a major battle to hold the strategically significant industrial town of Pokrovsk beckons.

Ukrainian forces are steadily losing ground close to the strategically vital town of Pokrovsk, western Donetsk region.
Institute for the Study of War

Ultimately, this is not a war of territory but of attrition. The only resource that counts is soldiers – and here the calculus for Ukraine is not positive.

Ukraine claims to have “liquidated” nearly 700,000 Russian soldiers – with more than 120,000 killed and upwards of 500,000 injured. Its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, admitted in February this year to 31,000 Ukrainian fatalities, with no figure given for injured.

The problem is these Ukrainian totals are apparently believed by western officials, when the reality is likely to be very different. US sources say the war has seen 1 million people killed and wounded on both sides. Crucially, this includes a growing number of Ukrainian civilians.

Low morale and desertion, as well as draft-dodging, are now significant problems for Ukraine. These factors are exacerbating already serious recruitment issues, making it hard to supply the front lines with fresh troops.

A dreadful debate is taking place in Ukraine. The question revolves around whether to mobilise – and risk serious casualties to – the 18-25 age group. Due to economic pressures in the early 2000s, Ukraine suffered a major drop in its birth rate, leaving relatively few people now aged between 15 and 25. Mobilisation and serious attrition of this group may be something Ukraine simply can’t afford, given the already serious demographic crisis the country faces.

And even if this mobilisation does go ahead, by the time the necessary politics, legislation, bureaucracy and training have run their course, the war may be over.

Victory look impossible

History knows of no example where taking on Russia in an attritional contest has proved successful. Let’s be clear: this means there is a real possibility of defeat – there is no sugar-coating this.

Zelensky’s maximalist war aims of restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders, along with other unlikely conditions – which were unchallenged and encouraged by a confused but self-aggrandising west – will not be achieved, and the west’s leaders are partly to blame. Ill-advised wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East left western armed forces hollow, poorly armed, and entirely unprepared for a serious and prolonged conflict, with ammunition stocks likely to last weeks at best.

European promises of millions of artillery rounds have failed to materialise – only 650,000 have been supplied to Kyiv this year, whereas the North Koreans have supplied at least twice that to Russia.

Only the US has significant stocks of weaponry in the form of thousands of armoured vehicles, tanks and artillery pieces in reserve – and it is unlikely to change its policy of drip-feeding weapons to Ukraine now. Even if such a decision is made, the lead-time for delivery will be years, not months.

In a confidential briefing I attended recently given by western defence officials, the atmosphere was downbeat. The situation is “perilous” and “as bad as it has ever been” for Ukraine. Western powers cannot afford another strategic disaster like Afghanistan which, in the words of Ernest Hemingway (aptly quoted by the strategist Lawrence Freedman), happened “gradually, then suddenly”.

There will be no decisive breakthrough by Russia’s army when they take this town or that (say, Pokrovsk). They haven’t the capability to do it. So, there won’t be a collapse – no “Kyiv as Kabul” moment.

However, there are limits to the losses Ukraine can take. We do not know where that limit lies, but we’ll know when it happens. Crucially, there will be no victory for Ukraine. Unforgivably, there is not, and never has been, a western strategy except to bleed Russia as long as possible.

More fundamentally, two ancient ethical questions governing whether a war is just must now be asked and answered: whether there is a reasonable prospect of success, and whether the potential gain is proportionate to the cost.

The problem, as so often before, is that the west has not defined what it considers a success. The cost, meanwhile, is becoming all-too clear.

To have clearly defined its goals and limits would have constituted the beginnings of a strategy – and the west isn’t good at that. Nato’s leaders now need to move quickly beyond meaningless rhetoric or anything that smacks of “as long as it takes”. We saw where that led in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

We need a realistic answer to what something like a “win”, or at least an acceptable settlement, now looks like – as well as the extent to which it is achievable, and whether the west is really going to pursue it. And then for western leaders to act accordingly.

A starting point could be accepting that Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk are lost – something an increasing number of Ukrainians are beginning to say openly. Then we need to start planning seriously for a post-war Ukraine that will need the west’s suppport more than ever.

Russia cannot possibly take all, or even the bulk of, Ukraine’s territory. Even if it could, it could not possibly hold it. It is amply clear there will be a compromise settlement.

So, it is time for Nato – and the US in particular – to articulate a viable end to this nightmarish ordeal, and to develop a pragmatic strategy to deal with Russia in the coming decade. More importantly, the west must plan how to support a heroic, shattered – but still independent – Ukraine.

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

– ref. Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – the best the west can do is help Kyiv plan for a secure post-war future – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-cannot-defeat-russia-the-best-the-west-can-do-is-help-kyiv-plan-for-a-secure-post-war-future-242010

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Students with special educational needs are years behind their peers – they need specialist teachers in mainstream classrooms

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Johny Daniel, Assistant Professor, School of Education, Durham University

BearFotos/Shutterstock

A new report from the National Audit Office into special educational needs provision in England has concluded that despite a significant increase investment over the last decade, “the system is still not delivering better outcomes for children and young people”.

This is borne out by my research. Students with special educational needs in England are significantly behind in reading, writing and maths compared to their classmates.

Laws like the 2014 Children and Families Act, which aimed to improve support for these students, haven’t closed the gap. My recent research suggests that we need to rethink current educational policies and practices.

My study looked at data from 2.5 million year 6 students (aged ten and 11) between 2014 and 2019. It shows that students with special educational needs are significantly behind in key academic areas.

On average, students with special educational needs are two years behind in writing and one and a half years behind in reading and maths. The gap in maths is growing, which is especially worrying. It shows that current educational strategies are failing these students.

Not all students with special educational needs face the same challenges. Students with intellectual disabilities were, on average, more than two years behind in writing and maths. In contrast, students with autism spectrum disorder and visual impairment do somewhat better, especially in reading, but they are still, on average, about one year behind.

Rethinking support

Despite well-intentioned policies, current educational frameworks are falling short. A major issue is the heavy reliance on teaching assistants as the main support for students with special educational needs in mainstream schools.

Teaching assistants are dedicated and play an important role in classrooms. However, research shows that their involvement can sometimes have negative effects on academic outcomes due to a limited range of teaching methods and lack of professional development. Over-relying on teaching assistants without specialised support might be one reason for the continuing achievement gap.

This raises important questions. If we would not accept teaching assistants as the main instructors for typical students, it should not be acceptable for students with special educational needs, who have more complex learning needs.

Support in schools also comes from special educational needs coordinators. They manage the school’s approach to supporting students with special educational needs. They handle administrative tasks, work with parents and outside agencies, and ensure legal compliance. But while their role is important, they usually do not teach students directly.

One solution is to have specialised special education teachers in mainstream schools. This is not just a suggestion; it’s a critical need.

Special education teachers are trained educators who work directly with students needing extra support. They teach tailored lessons, adapt teaching materials, and use specialised strategies to meet individual learning needs. Their focus is on providing hands-on educational help within the school.

Learning from other countries

Integrating special education teachers into our mainstream classrooms, as seen in countries such as the US and Singapore, could be the key to better supporting our students.

In these countries, special education teachers are part of the mainstream classrooms. They complete certification programmes, learning advanced skills in assessing students’ needs, developing tailored support and creating individual education plans. They teach alongside general educators, ensuring that students with special educational needs are not left out but receive high-quality support.

This approach addresses both academic and emotional needs in the classroom, providing an effective support system.

Similar steps should be taken in England to establish comprehensive special education teacher training programmes. This could include postgraduate certifications in special education or specialised modules in existing teacher education programmes.

Specialist teachers could help contain the attainment gap.
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Inspection frameworks like Ofsted must include specific criteria to evaluate the presence and effectiveness of specialised support in classrooms for students with special educational needs.

Schools should be encouraged to hire qualified special education teachers, and government funding models must be changed to support these professionals. Also, ongoing professional development should be a priority, ensuring that all educators expand their expertise in proven teaching methods.

By aligning teacher training, hiring and policies, England can reduce its reliance on teaching assistants as the main support for students with special educational needs. Instead, schools can have strong support systems led by trained special education teachers. These specialists can work with teaching assistants and classroom teachers to provide more effective, targeted support.

This change would provide students with special educational needs with improved overall quality of teaching and learning. This could lead to mainstream classrooms fostering a truly inclusive educational environment.

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

– ref. Students with special educational needs are years behind their peers – they need specialist teachers in mainstream classrooms – https://theconversation.com/students-with-special-educational-needs-are-years-behind-their-peers-they-need-specialist-teachers-in-mainstream-classrooms-240147

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Light housing contract awarded

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Bureau and the Architectural Services Department announced today that the last design and construction contract for Light Public Housing (LPH) has been awarded to Yau Lee Construction Company upon assessment.

Apart from providing around 1,500 units, the contract comprises six projects, including Hang Kwong Street in Ma On Shan and the conversion of five vacant or to-be-vacant school premises.

Additionally, the construction works are expected to commence in phases by November at the earliest.

The bureau indicated that the construction works of LPH is proceeding at full speed, with a total of about 28,500 units in seven projects having commenced since December 2023.

They are at Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long, Tuen Mun Area 3A, Choi Hing Road in Ngau Tau Kok, Olympic Avenue in Kai Tak, Lok On Pai in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun Area 54 and Sheung On Street/Sheung Ping Street in Chai Wan. The first LPH project at Yau Pok Road will be completed for intake in the first quarter next year.

The bureau highlighted that the award of the last design and construction contract marks the new stage towards the progressive completion and intake of LPH, which could improve the living conditions and quality of life of the people living in inadequate housing.

Together with the Architectural Services Department, it added that it will press ahead with relevant works at full speed to achieve the Government’s target of providing about 30,000 LPH units by 2027-28.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Excessive cadmium found in imported frozen shrimp sample

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Excessive cadmium found in imported frozen shrimp sample
Excessive cadmium found in imported frozen shrimp sample
********************************************************

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (October 24) announced that a sample of imported frozen shrimp from Spain was detected with cadmium, a metallic contaminant, at a level exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the incident. “The CFS collected the above-mentioned frozen shrimp sample at the import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained cadmium at a level of 2.79 parts per million, exceeding the legal limit of 2 ppm,” a spokesman for the CFS said. “Long-term excessive intake of cadmium may affect the kidney functions. The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected product. The CFS is also tracing the source and distribution of the product concerned,” the spokesman added. According to the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V), any person who sells food with metallic contamination above the legal limit is liable upon conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. The CFS will alert the Spanish authorities and the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Thursday, October 24, 2024Issued at HKT 18:30

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN participates in the 6th AMCA + Japan Meeting

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today joined other ministers in the 6th AMCA + Japan Meeting held in Melaka, Malaysia. The meeting was apprised of the implementation of joint initiatives with Japan through the ASEAN-Japan Cooperation Work Plan in Culture and the Arts (2022-2025).

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN participates in the 6th AMCA + Japan Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Parishes welcome displaced people, hit by Typhoon Kristine

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Caritas Philippines

Naga (Agenzia Fides) – More than 25 parishes and church facilities, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Ateneo de Naga University of the Archdiocese of Caceres, managed by the Jesuit Order, have opened their doors and are acting as temporary evacuation centers for displaced persons and families affected by the effects of Typhoon Kristine (international name: Trami), which is devastating the northeastern Philippines. The floods and landslides caused by the tropical storm, which began yesterday, October 23, have claimed at least 24 lives in the Bilcol region, while thousands are trapped in the villages. The government has closed schools and offices throughout the island of Luzon to protect the population. The “National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management” reported that about 78,000 families in 14 provinces were affected by the devastating effects of the typhoon, after which initial relief efforts were immediately activated by institutions, non-governmental organizations and the church. As Caritas Philippines reports, the Catholic dioceses in the affected areas have activated teams of volunteers to assess the extent of the damage and take appropriate measures. “Our priority is to ensure the fastest possible aid for the most needy and weakest,” said Bishop Colin Bagaforo, President of Caritas Philippines. He points out that the structures of the local churches have agreed to welcome the refugees.The Archdiocese of Cáceres, meanwhile, made a public appeal to parishes, schools and institutions that can temporarily provide rooms for the displaced. In the diocese of Legazpi, several parish churches have been flooded but, despite the floods, have opened the doors of their parish centers, which are still accessible: the parish church of Polangui, for example, although affected, is hosting nearly 300 people, the most vulnerable displaced, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women with their children, the sick and the elderly. Some of them are housed in the parish priest’s home.Caritas Philippines has also launched a nationwide appeal for donations to provide essentials and humanitarian aid to the displaced. (PA (Agenzia Fides, 24/10/2024)

Share:

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Donegal Group Inc. Announces Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MARIETTA, Pa., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DGICA) and (NASDAQ: DGICB) today reported its financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024.

Significant Items for third quarter of 2024 (all comparisons to third quarter of 2023):

Net income of $16.8 million, or 51 cents per diluted Class A share, compared to net loss of $0.8 million, or 2 cents per Class A share
Net premiums earned increased 6.0% to $238.0 million
Net premiums written¹ increased 5.9% to $232.2 million
Combined ratio of 96.4%, compared to 104.5%
Net income included after-tax net investment gains of $1.5 million, or 5 cents per diluted Class A share, compared to after-tax net investment losses of $1.0 million, or 3 cents per Class A share
Book value per share of $15.22 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.26

Financial Summary

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023		% Change			2024			2023		% Change
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Income Statement Data
Net premiums earned	$	237,957		$	224,393		6.0	%	$	700,017		$	655,886		6.7	%
Investment income, net		10,827			10,536		2.8			32,868			30,143		9.0
Net investment gains (losses)		1,876			(1,243	)	NM²			4,725			930		408.1
Total revenues		251,738			233,928		7.6			739,651			687,870		7.5
Net income (loss)		16,752			(805	)	NM			26,860			6,396		319.9
Non-GAAP operating income¹		15,270			176		NM			23,127			5,661		308.5
Annualized return on average equity		13.4	%		-0.7	%	14.1 pts			7.2	%		1.8	%	5.4 pts

Per Share Data
Net income (loss) – Class A (diluted)	$	0.51		$	(0.02	)	NM		$	0.81		$	0.20		305.0	%
Net income (loss) – Class B		0.46			(0.02	)	NM			0.74			0.17		335.3
Non-GAAP operating income – Class A (diluted)		0.46			0.01		NM			0.70			0.17		311.8
Non-GAAP operating income – Class B		0.42			–		NM			0.63			0.15		320.0
Book value		15.22			14.26		6.7	%		15.22			14.26		6.7

¹The “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release defines and reconciles data that we prepare on an accounting basis other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

²Not meaningful.

Management Commentary

“We are pleased that many of the strategic initiatives we implemented in recent years contributed to significant improvement in our financial results for the third quarter of 2024,” said Kevin G. Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Group Inc.

“With the exit from commercial lines markets in Georgia and Alabama essentially completed at the end of the second quarter of 2024, solid new business writings, rate achievement and retention levels led to a 6.4% increase in commercial lines net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024. Our personal lines net premiums written growth rate for the third quarter was 5.4%, primarily attributable to strong rate increases and policy retention that were partially offset by intentional strategic actions to slow growth and further improve profitability.

“Despite higher-than-average weather-related losses during the quarter, primarily attributable to Hurricane Helene in late September, our combined ratio improved significantly to 96.4%, compared to 104.5% for the prior-year quarter. Our core loss ratios improved across all of our major lines of business. We attribute that improvement to the favorable impact of numerous ongoing underwriting initiatives and higher net premiums earned from renewal rate increases that we implemented over the past two years.”

Mr, Burke concluded, “We have growing confidence that the continuing execution of our strategies will deliver sustained excellent financial performance.”

Insurance Operations

Donegal Group is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in three Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania), five Southern states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia), eight Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin) and five Southwestern states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Utah). Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group.

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024		2023	% Change			2024		2023	% Change
	(dollars in thousands)

Net Premiums Earned
Commercial lines	$	136,401	$	135,432	0.7	%	$	402,982	$	399,427	0.9	%
Personal lines		101,556		88,961	14.2			297,035		256,460	15.8
Total net premiums earned	$	237,957	$	224,393	6.0	%	$	700,017	$	655,887	6.7	%

Net Premiums Written
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	41,464	$	37,535	10.5	%	$	142,067	$	134,853	5.3	%
Workers’ compensation		23,934		24,371	-1.8			82,599		85,315	-3.2
Commercial multi-peril		50,155		44,949	11.6			163,528		147,622	10.8
Other		10,548		11,639	-9.4			35,649		39,913	-10.7
Total commercial lines		126,101		118,494	6.4			423,843		407,703	4.0
Personal lines:
Automobile		65,150		58,038	12.3			188,958		161,348	17.1
Homeowners		38,288		39,633	-3.4			109,655		105,035	4.4
Other		2,669		3,021	-11.7			8,383		8,917	-6.0
Total personal lines		106,107		100,692	5.4			306,996		275,300	11.5
Total net premiums written	$	232,208	$	219,186	5.9	%	$	730,839	$	683,003	7.0	%

Net Premiums Written

The 5.9% increase in net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023, as shown in the table above, represents the combination of 6.4% growth in commercial lines net premiums written and 5.4% growth in personal lines net premiums written. The $13.0 million increase in net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 included:

Commercial Lines: $7.6 million increase that we attribute primarily to new business writings, strong premium retention, and a continuation of renewal premium increases in lines other than workers’ compensation, offset partially by planned attrition in states in which we are executing ongoing profit improvement initiatives as part of our state-specific strategies.
Personal Lines: $5.4 million increase that we attribute primarily to a continuation of renewal premium rate increases and strong policy retention, offset partially by planned attrition due to non-renewal actions.

Underwriting Performance

We evaluate the performance of our commercial lines and personal lines segments primarily based upon the underwriting results of our insurance subsidiaries as determined under statutory accounting practices. The following table presents comparative details with respect to the GAAP and statutory combined ratios¹ for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023

GAAP Combined Ratios (Total Lines)
Loss ratio – core losses	50.1	%	56.7	%	54.5	%	56.0	%
Loss ratio – weather-related losses	10.3		11.5		8.6		9.1
Loss ratio – large fire losses	3.7		4.9		5.2		5.3
Loss ratio – net prior-year reserve development	-2.6		-3.3		-2.2		-2.4
Loss ratio	61.5		69.8		66.1		68.0
Expense ratio	34.5		34.1		34.0		34.9
Dividend ratio	0.4		0.6		0.5		0.6
Combined ratio	96.4	%	104.5	%	100.6	%	103.5	%

Statutory Combined Ratios
Commercial lines:
Automobile	101.5	%	86.5	%	98.2	%	94.8	%
Workers’ compensation	84.7		97.7		104.1		93.1
Commercial multi-peril	88.4		114.8		100.4		113.8
Other	59.4		76.2		78.4		82.7
Total commercial lines	89.8		97.5		98.6		100.2
Personal lines:
Automobile	97.8		109.8		97.8		106.1
Homeowners	116.8		128.9		107.5		111.2
Other	102.2		46.4		97.2		81.3
Total personal lines	104.7		119.4		101.2		107.2
Total lines	96.0	%	105.2	%	99.7	%	102.9	%

Loss Ratio

For the third quarter of 2024, the loss ratio decreased to 61.5%, compared to 69.8% for the third quarter of 2023. For the commercial lines segment, the core loss ratio of 48.5% for the third quarter of 2024 decreased from 53.7% for the third quarter of 2023, due largely to lower severity of large casualty losses. For the personal lines segment, the core loss ratio of 52.5% for the third quarter of 2024 decreased from 61.8% for the third quarter of 2023, due largely to the favorable impact of premium rate increases on net premiums earned for that segment. Core loss ratios in both segments improved compared to the respective ratios for the first half of 2024.

Weather-related losses were $24.4 million, or 10.3 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $25.7 million, or 11.5 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2023. Weather-related loss activity for the third quarter of 2024 was higher than our previous five-year average of $18.8 million, or 9.4 percentage points of the loss ratio, for third-quarter weather-related losses. Our insurance subsidiaries incurred $6.0 million in net losses from Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Large fire losses, which we define as individual fire losses in excess of $50,000, for the third quarter of 2024 were $8.8 million, or 3.7 percentage points of the loss ratio. That amount was lower than large fire losses of $11.0 million, or 4.9 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2023. We experienced a decrease in commercial property fire losses compared to the prior-year quarter.

Net favorable development of reserves for losses incurred in prior accident years of $6.2 million decreased the loss ratio for the third quarter of 2024 by 2.6 percentage points, compared to $7.3 million that decreased the loss ratio for the third quarter of 2023 by 3.3 percentage points. Our insurance subsidiaries experienced favorable development primarily in the commercial multi-peril and other commercial lines of business.

Expense Ratio

The expense ratio was 34.5% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 34.1% for the third quarter of 2023. The modest increase in the expense ratio primarily reflected an increase in underwriting-based incentive costs as well as higher technology systems-related expenses that were primarily due to increased costs related to our ongoing systems modernization project, a portion of which Donegal Mutual Insurance Company allocates to our insurance subsidiaries. This increase was offset partially by impacts of various expense reduction initiatives, including agency incentive program revisions, commission schedule adjustments, targeted staffing reductions, and hiring restrictions for open employment positions, among others. We expect the impact from allocated costs from Donegal Mutual Insurance Company to our insurance subsidiaries related to the ongoing systems modernization project will peak at approximately 1.3 percentage points of the expense ratio for the full year of 2024 before beginning to subside gradually in subsequent years.

Investment Operations

Donegal Group’s investment strategy is to generate an appropriate amount of after-tax income on its invested assets while minimizing credit risk through investment in high-quality securities. As a result, we had invested 96.2% of our consolidated investment portfolio in diversified, highly rated and marketable fixed-maturity securities at September 30, 2024.

	September 30, 2024					December 31, 2023
	Amount			%		Amount			%
	(dollars in thousands)
Fixed maturities, at carrying value:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	173,663		12.7	%	$	176,991		13.3	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		413,040		30.1			415,280		31.3
Corporate securities		427,372		31.2			399,640		30.1
Mortgage-backed securities		304,911		22.3			278,260		21.0
Allowance for expected credit losses		(1,483	)	-0.1			(1,326	)	-0.1
Total fixed maturities		1,317,503		96.2			1,268,845		95.6
Equity securities, at fair value		35,957		2.6			25,903		2.0
Short-term investments, at cost		15,805		1.2			32,306		2.4
Total investments	$	1,369,265		100.0	%	$	1,327,054		100.0	%

Average investment yield		3.3	%				3.1	%
Average tax-equivalent investment yield		3.3	%				3.2	%
Average fixed-maturity duration (years)		5.1					4.3

Net investment income of $10.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 increased modestly compared to $10.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in net investment income primarily reflected an increase in average investment yield relative to the prior-year third quarter.

Net investment gains of $1.9 million for the third quarter of 2024 were primarily related to unrealized gains in the fair value of equity securities held at September 30, 2024. Net investment losses of $1.2 million for the third quarter of 2023 were primarily related to unrealized losses in the fair value of equity securities held at September 30, 2023.

Our book value per share was $15.22 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.39 at December 31, 2023, with the increase related to net income as well as $11.9 million of after-tax unrealized gains within our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio during 2024 that increased our book value by $0.37 per share, offset partially by cash dividends declared.

Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We prepare our consolidated financial statements on the basis of GAAP. Our insurance subsidiaries also prepare financial statements based on statutory accounting principles state insurance regulators prescribe or permit (“SAP”). In addition to using GAAP-based performance measurements, we also utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide value in managing our business and for comparison to the financial results of our peers. These non-GAAP measures are net premiums written, operating income or loss and statutory combined ratio.

Net premiums written and operating income or loss are non-GAAP financial measures investors in insurance companies commonly use. We define net premiums written as the amount of full-term premiums our insurance subsidiaries record for policies effective within a given period less premiums our insurance subsidiaries cede to reinsurers. We define operating income or loss as net income or loss excluding after-tax net investment gains or losses, after-tax restructuring charges and other significant non-recurring items. Because our calculation of operating income or loss may differ from similar measures other companies use, investors should exercise caution when comparing our measure of operating income or loss to the measure of other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net premiums earned to net premiums written for the periods indicated:


	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023		% Change			2024		2023	% Change
	(dollars in thousands)

Reconciliation of Net Premiums
Earned to Net Premiums Written
Net premiums earned	$	237,957		$	224,393		6.0	%	$	700,017	$	655,886	6.7	%
Change in net unearned premiums		(5,749	)		(5,207	)	10.4			30,822		27,117	13.7
Net premiums written	$	232,208		$	219,186		5.9	%	$	730,839	$	683,003	7.0	%

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating income for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023		% Change		2024			2023		% Change
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss)
to Non-GAAP Operating Income
Net income (loss)	$	16,752		$	(805	)	NM	$	26,860		$	6,396		319.9	%
Investment (gains) losses (after tax)		(1,482	)		981		NM		(3,733	)		(735	)	407.9
Non-GAAP operating income	$	15,270		$	176		NM	$	23,127		$	5,661		308.5	%

Per Share Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss)
to Non-GAAP Operating Income
Net income (loss) – Class A (diluted)	$	0.51		$	(0.02	)	NM	$	0.81		$	0.20		305.0	%
Investment (gains) losses (after tax)		(0.05	)		0.03		NM		(0.11	)		(0.03	)	266.7
Non-GAAP operating income – Class A	$	0.46		$	0.01		NM	$	0.70		$	0.17		311.8	%

Net income (loss) – Class B	$	0.46		$	(0.02	)	NM	$	0.74		$	0.17		335.3	%
Investment (gains) losses (after tax)		(0.04	)		0.02		NM		(0.11	)		(0.02	)	450.0
Non-GAAP operating income – Class B	$	0.42		$	–		NM	$	0.63		$	0.15		320.0	%

The statutory combined ratio is a non-GAAP standard measurement of underwriting profitability that is based upon amounts determined under SAP. The statutory combined ratio is the sum of:

the statutory loss ratio, which is the ratio of calendar-year incurred losses and loss expenses, excluding anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries, to premiums earned;
the statutory expense ratio, which is the ratio of expenses incurred for net commissions, premium taxes and underwriting expenses to premiums written; and
the statutory dividend ratio, which is the ratio of dividends to holders of workers’ compensation policies to premiums earned.

The statutory combined ratio does not reflect investment income, federal income taxes or other non-operating income or expense. A statutory combined ratio of less than 100% generally indicates underwriting profitability.

Dividend Information

On October 17, 2024, we declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1725 per share for our Class A common stock and $0.155 per share for our Class B common stock, which are payable on November 15, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2024.

Pre-Recorded Webcast

At approximately 8:30 am ET on Thursday, October 24, 2024, we will make available in the Investors section of our website a pre-recorded audio webcast featuring management commentary on our quarterly results and general business updates. You may listen to the pre-recorded webcast by accessing the link on our website at http://investors.donegalgroup.com. A supplemental investor presentation is also available via our website.

About the Company

Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in certain Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, Southern and Southwestern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. We are focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing our operations and processes to transform our business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and delivering a superior experience to our agents and customers.

Safe Harbor

We base all statements contained in this release that are not historic facts on our current expectations. Such statements are forward-looking in nature (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and necessarily involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements we make may be identified by our use of words such as “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions. Our actual results could vary materially from our forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause our actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements we have previously made include, but are not limited to, adverse litigation and other trends that could increase our loss costs (including social inflation, labor shortages and escalating medical, automobile and property repair costs), adverse and catastrophic weather events (including from changing climate conditions), our ability to maintain profitable operations (including our ability to underwrite risks effectively and charge adequate premium rates), the adequacy of the loss and loss expense reserves of our insurance subsidiaries, the availability and successful operation of the information technology systems our insurance subsidiaries utilize, the successful development of new information technology systems to allow our insurance subsidiaries to compete effectively, business and economic conditions in the areas in which we and our insurance subsidiaries operate, interest rates, competition from various insurance and other financial businesses, terrorism, the availability and cost of reinsurance, legal and judicial developments (including those related to COVID-19 business interruption coverage exclusions), changes in regulatory requirements, our ability to attract and retain independent insurance agents, changes in our A.M. Best rating and the other risks that we describe from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that we may make to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Investor Relations Contacts

Karin Daly, Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.

Phone: (212) 836-9623
E-mail: kdaly@equityny.com

Jeffrey D. Miller, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (717) 426-1931
E-mail: investors@donegalgroup.com

Financial Supplement

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)

		Quarter Ended September 30,
			2024		2023

Net premiums earned		$	237,957	$	224,393
Investment income, net of expenses			10,827		10,536
Net investment gains (losses)			1,876		(1,243	)
Lease income			77		86
Installment payment fees			1,001		156
	Total revenues		251,738		233,928

Net losses and loss expenses			146,426		156,683
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs			40,200		39,332
Other underwriting expenses			41,827		37,155
Policyholder dividends			1,007		1,399
Interest			367		156
Other expenses, net			1,499		208
	Total expenses		231,326		234,933

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)			20,412		(1,005	)
Income tax expense (benefit)			3,660		(200	)

Net income (loss)		$	16,752	$	(805	)

Net income (loss) per common share:
	Class A – basic and diluted	$	0.51	$	(0.02	)
	Class B – basic and diluted	$	0.46	$	(0.02	)

Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data

Weighted-average number of shares
	outstanding:
	Class A – basic		27,978,435		27,594,973
	Class A – diluted		28,058,399		27,665,293
	Class B – basic and diluted		5,576,775		5,576,775

Net premiums written		$	232,208	$	219,186

Book value per common share
	at end of period	$	15.22	$	14.26

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)

		Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2024		2023

Net premiums earned		$	700,017	$	655,886
Investment income, net of expenses			32,868		30,143
Net investment gains			4,725		930
Lease income			237		262
Installment payment fees			1,804		649
	Total revenues		739,651		687,870

Net losses and loss expenses			462,683		446,024
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs			120,458		115,065
Other underwriting expenses			117,604		113,715
Policyholder dividends			3,248		4,088
Interest			677		464
Other expenses, net			2,309		969
	Total expenses		706,979		680,325

Income before income tax expense			32,672		7,545
Income tax expense			5,812		1,149

Net income		$	26,860	$	6,396

Net income per common share:
	Class A – basic	$	0.82	$	0.20
	Class A – diluted	$	0.81	$	0.20
	Class B – basic and diluted	$	0.74	$	0.17

Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
	Class A – basic		27,878,552		27,390,883
	Class A – diluted		27,916,904		27,507,706
	Class B – basic and diluted		5,576,775		5,576,775

Net premiums written		$	730,839	$	683,003

Book value per common share
	at end of period	$	15.22	$	14.26


Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

			September 30,			December 31,
				2024			2023
			(unaudited)

ASSETS
Investments:
	Fixed maturities:
		Held to maturity, at amortized cost	$	694,663		$	679,497
		Available for sale, at fair value		622,840			589,348
	Equity securities, at fair value			35,957			25,903
	Short-term investments, at cost			15,805			32,306
		Total investments		1,369,265			1,327,054
Cash				28,651			23,792
Premiums receivable				194,254			179,592
Reinsurance receivable				434,078			441,431
Deferred policy acquisition costs				78,484			75,043
Prepaid reinsurance premiums				185,364			168,724
Other assets				56,030			50,658
		Total assets	$	2,346,126		$	2,266,294

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
	Losses and loss expenses		$	1,134,853		$	1,126,157
	Unearned premiums			646,870			599,411
	Accrued expenses			2,987			3,947
	Borrowings under lines of credit			35,000			35,000
	Other liabilities			13,046			22,034
		Total liabilities		1,832,756			1,786,549
Stockholders’ equity:
	Class A common stock			312			308
	Class B common stock			56			56
	Additional paid-in capital			342,186			335,694
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(20,951	)		(32,882	)
	Retained earnings			232,993			217,795
	Treasury stock			(41,226	)		(41,226	)
		Total stockholders’ equity		513,370			479,745
		Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,346,126		$	2,266,294

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 6th AMCA + ROK Meeting

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today attended the 6th AMCA + Republic of Korea (ROK) Meeting held in Melaka, Malaysia. The meeting commended the substantive progress made in advancing cooperation with the ROK in culture and the arts. The meeting was also apprised of the wide array of joint initiatives with the ROK and the ongoing policy dialogues with the Korea Heritage Service.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 6th AMCA + ROK Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s water, waste, and forestry sectors, boosting the country’s sustainable development
Source: European Investment Bank

EIB
- The EU-funded programme has supported the Government of Timor-Leste in identifying and preparing potential investment projects.
- These projects have been identified in the sectors of forestry, water supply, and waste management, and were presented today as ready for financing, with a total investment need of approximately €260 million.
- EIB Global is ready to assess these projects for financing.
The European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste and the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) have worked closely with the Government of Timor-Leste to prepare investment projects aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure and fostering sustainable development. The three proposals resulting from this collaboration focus on water supply, solid waste management, and forestry, and are now ready to be transformed into tangible investments.

The three projects include a commercial forestry initiative in the municipalities of Covalima and Bobonaro, a national solid waste management project including a health waste management component, and a water supply project for selected municipalities. The forestry project aims to transform underutilised state lands, generating essential resources like firewood and timber, while creating thousands of jobs for local communities. The national waste management project introduces solutions for the safe and efficient management of waste thus reducing significantly the pollution discharged into the environment. The water supply project focuses on improving access to clean water in key municipalities, addressing both urban and rural needs for better sanitation and reliable water sources. Together these initiatives require a total investment of about €260 million.

The preparation of the three investment projects was made possible through the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP), which concluded today with the final Steering Committee meeting where these projects were presented. Managed by EIB Global, the PPIP was supported by a €5 million budget, including €4.75 million in technical assistance from the EU and €250,000 from the Cotonou Partnership Agreement.

The final Steering Committee meeting was chaired by H.E. the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investments, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, and attended by representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, EIB Global, the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste, and other stakeholders.

The Ambassador to the European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste, Mr Marc Fiedrich said: “If converted into a loan, the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme opens a new era of cooperation. Until today, our support, although significant in terms of funds, consisted of limited instruments: grants, technical assistance, and budget support. With this programme, we add loans and guarantees, and maybe later private investments. This is the new trend of cooperation promoted by the EU, the innovative Global Gateway strategy that may become the norm in the near future.”

The Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Ambroise Fayolle said: “Alongside our EU partners on the ground, we have been supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in identifying and preparing investment projects. By focusing on strategic sectors such as forestry, water supply, and waste management, these initiatives will not only address immediate community needs but also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. We look forward to turning these project proposals into tangible investments. As the EU’s financial arm, the EIB stands ready to provide the necessary financial support to make these projects a reality, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.”

His Excellency the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investments, Gastão Francisco de Sousa said: “All three projects have the potential to make significant and long-term contributions to Timor-Leste’s development, and to improved rural and urban environments. The projects comply with and support our national development objectives for their respective sectors.” He emphasised the role of the Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investments in facilitating and coordinating efforts across the sectors.

His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz said: “I would like to thank the EIB, the EU Delegation and COWI for the design of the Timor-Leste Commercial Forestry Project. We welcome this innovative approach to the development of commercial forestry in Timor-Leste, using currently unproductive land. In addition, the project is expected to provide jobs for people living in the target areas, re-green vulnerable areas, increase incomes from forest products, and increase Government’s income.”

His Excellency the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral said: “We are grateful for the European Investment Bank’s support for waste management projects. Providing adequate and affordable waste services to the entire population is of great concern for the Government. It will improve public health and is much needed for protecting the terrestrial and marine environment. Specifically, better healthcare risk waste management is urgently needed. In this respect, the EIB project proposal provides a modern, efficient, and sustainable solution that should be implemented as soon as possible.”

Background information:

Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP) is an EU-funded and EIB-managed project designed to assist the Government of Timor-Leste in the identifying, preparing and implementing projects that are technically sound, financially viable, and environmentally and socially responsible, and are ready for investments. The programme has identified potential projects in the three sectors — water, solid waste management and forestry — by conducting prefeasibility studies for six projects and completing three feasibility studies. Investment projects in forestry and solid waste are now ready for the Government of Timor-Leste to request loan from the EIB and EU grant funding, should they choose to move forward with these initiatives.

Steering Committee of the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme is chaired by the Ministry for Planning and Strategic Investments. The committee also includes representatives from several key government entities of Timor-Leste, such as by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry and Bee Timor-Leste public utility company.

The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries that cover much of the continent together. In Timor-Leste, the EU is the second largest donor of development aid (grant funding). The EU is committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s 2011-2030 Strategic Development plan, which aims to transform Timor-Leste into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 based on rapid, inclusive growth enabling it to improve infrastructure, worker skills, education, training and health systems, and combat poverty and malnutrition. The EU assistance focuses on green and sustainable economic recovery and development, rural development, good governance for sustainable development and gender equality.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term financing institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. EIB Global is the EIB’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance outside the European Union. EIB Global is a key partner of the EU Global Gateway strategy, and is designed to foster strong, focused partnerships within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.

Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to reduce the worldwide investment gap, boost smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors, and strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States and European development finance institutions. It aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s
EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s water, waste, and forestry sectors, boosting the country’s sustainable development
©EIB
Download original

EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s
EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s water, waste, and forestry sectors, boosting the country’s sustainable development
©EIB
Download original
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Innovations in the digital economy were discussed at an international conference at the Polytechnic University

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

On October 17-18, the sixth annual international scientific conference on innovations in the digital economy SPBPU IDE-2024 was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event was organized and held by the Higher School of Engineering and Economics (HSE) of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade (IPMET) together with the Center for Sustainable Development of the University of Indonesia. The opening, plenary session and sections of the conference were held in the IPMET building, and participants from other countries and regions had the opportunity to join the conference via online communication.

Welcoming the participants, Vladimir Glukhov, Advisor to the Rectorate of SPbPU, noted that the conference is an important step towards strengthening international scientific cooperation and promotes knowledge exchange for the development of innovative potential, taking into account global challenges. Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of IPMEIT, emphasized the importance of discussing current issues and prospects for the development of the digital economy, and wished the participants fruitful work.

Cooperation with colleagues from Belarus, Armenia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, India, and Tajikistan allows expanding the geography of research contacts. At the plenary session, VIES Director Dmitry Rodionov noted that holding such events helps promote the results of scientific activity of SPbPU scientists at the international level.

The partner for the conference was traditionally the University of Indonesia. At the plenary session, it was represented by the Deputy for Green and Digital Infrastructure of the Nusantara Administration, Professor Dr. Mohammed Ali Berawi.

Opening remarks and keynote speeches were given by partners from the University of Indonesia, Nanjing University, Russian-Armenian University, Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Yerevan State University, Tashkent State University of Economics, Da Nang University, and the Indian Institute of Technology.

Special thanks for organizing and holding the plenary session and sections are expressed to the staff of VIESH, in particular Professor Andrey Zaitsev, Associate Professors Tatyana Mokeeva, Daria Krasnova, Ksenia Evseeva and assistant Daria Kryzhko.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IASST Guwahati, inks MoU with Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL), Hyderabad, on Technology Transfer

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 24 OCT 2024 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institution of Department of Science and Technology (DST) signed a crucial R&D collaboration and product development agreement with Bharat Biotech International (BBIL) to bring innovative health products developed from probiotics isolated from traditional fermented foods of Northeast India to market.

These probiotics have shown great potential in addressing metabolic diseases, improving gut health, and promoting healthy ageing, based on research conducted by IASST.

Secretary Department of Science and Technology (DST) Professor Abhay Karandikar who presided over the agreement signing highlighted that the collaboration aligns with the broader vision of promoting the bioeconomy of Northeast India by utilising its rich biodiversity and marks a significant milestone for IASST.

“The agreement between IASST and Bharat Biotech will facilitate the commercialisation of these innovative technologies being developed by IASST. Bharat Biotech’s global reputation for excellence in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health solutions will help IASST in translating these scientific innovations into products. The collaboration will facilitate the necessary pre-clinical and clinical studies for these potential probiotics, and I am confident that the product will fight against metabolic diseases by promoting healthy ageing,” he added.

The agreement was signed by Director IASST, Prof. Ashis Mukherjee and Executive Chairman of BBIL, Hyderabad, Dr Krishna Ella as well as Dr. Yogeshwar Rao from BBIL.

Director IASST Prof. Ashis Mukherjee underlined the importance of the collaboration, noting that it provides a unique opportunity to convert academic research into commercially viable products.

Bharat Biotech, a global leader in vaccine and health solutions, will be crucial in conducting pre-clinical and clinical trials to ensure these probiotics meet regulatory standards.

The agreement delineates each party’s obligations, with IASST contributing its scientific understanding and spearheading the research initiatives. Bharat Biotech will participate in the commercialization process. A monitoring committee, consisting of representatives from all stakeholders, will supervise the project’s advancement to guarantee the timely attainment of milestones. The agreement specifies that IASST will get royalties from selling items generated via this partnership.

The probiotic products, rooted in traditional knowledge, are expected to provide natural solutions for lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity while contributing to India’s growing biotechnology sector. Both IASST and Bharat Biotech expressed confidence in the partnership, envisioning a future where scientific innovations from the region globally impact health and wellness.

Dr. Mojibur Khan, Professor, IASST, Dr M Mohanty and senior officials from DST, IASST and BBIL were present on the occasion.

***

NKR/KS/AG

(Release ID: 2067666) Visitor Counter : 57

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves two projects with estimated cost of Rs 6,798 crore and will be completed in 5 years to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimize logistics cost, reduce oil imports and lower CO2 emissions

Source: Government of India

Cabinet approves two projects with estimated cost of Rs 6,798 crore and will be completed in 5 years to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimize logistics cost, reduce oil imports and lower CO2 emissions

Projects will improve logistical efficiency connecting the unconnected areas, increase the existing line capacity and enhancing transportation networks, resulting in streamlined supply chains and accelerated economic growth

The projects will generate direct employment for about 106 lakh human-days

Posted On: 24 OCT 2024 3:14PM by PIB Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved Two projects of Ministry of Railways with total estimated cost of Rs.6,798 crore (approx.).

Two approved projects are – (a) doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kms and (b) construction of new line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 kms.

The doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section will strengthen the connectivity to Nepal, North-east India and Border areas and facilitating movement of passenger trains along with goods train resulting in the socio-economic growth of the region.

The new rail line project Errupalem-Amaravati-Namburu traverses through NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district of Telangana.

The Two projects covering 8 Districts in 3 States i.e., Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 313 Kms.

New Line project will provide connectivity to approx. 168 villages and about 12 Lakh population with 9 new stations. Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to Two Aspirational Districts (Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur) serving approx. 388 villages and about 9 lakh population.

These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as agriculture products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 31 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, lower CO2 emissions (168 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 7 Crore trees.

The new line proposal will provide direct connectivity to “Amaravati” the proposed Capital of Andhra Pradesh and improve mobility for industries and the population, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways.

The projects are in line with Prime Minister’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.

*****

MJPS/BM/SKS

(Release ID: 2067660) Visitor Counter : 117

Read this release in: Urdu

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Cabinet approves establishment of Rs.1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for Space Sector under aegis of IN-SPACe

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 24 OCT 2024 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved setting up of Rs.1000 crore Venture Capital Fund dedicated to space sector, under aegis of IN-SPACe.

Financial implications:

The deployment period of the proposed Rs.1,000 crore VC fund is planned to be up to five years from the actual date of start of the fund operations. The average deployment amount could be Rs.150-250 crore per year, depending on the investment opportunities and fund requirements. The proposed break-up financial year wise is as below:

S.No.

Financial Year

Estimate (In Rs.Crores)

2025-26

150.00

2026-27

250.00

2027-28

250.00

2028-29

250.00

2029-30

100,00

Total Envelope (VC)

1000.00

The indicative range of investment is proposed to be Rs.10-Rs.60 Crore, contingent upon the stage of the company, its growth trajectory, and its potential impact on national space capabilities. Indicative Equity Investment Range could be:

• Growth Stage: Rs.10 Crore – Rs.30 Crore

• Late Growth Stage: Rs.30 Crore – Rs.60 Crore

Based on the above investment range, the fund is expected to support approximately 40 startups.

Details:

The Fund is strategically designed to advance India’s space sector, aligning with national priorities and fostering innovation and economic growth through the following key initiatives:

a. Capital Infusion

b. Retaining Companies in India

c. Growing Space Economy

d. Accelerating Space Technology Development

e. Boosting Globa! Competitiveness

f. Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat

g. Creating a Vibrant Innovation Ecosystem

h. Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation

i. Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability

By addressing these points, the fund aims to strategically position India as one of the leading space economies.

Benefits:

Capital infusion to create a multiplier effect by attracting additional funding for later-stage development, thereby instilling confidence in private investors.
Retention of space companies domiciled within India & countering the trend of Indian companies domiciling abroad.
Accelerate private space industry’s growth to meet the goal of a five-fold expansion of the Indian Space Economy in next ten years.
Drive advancements in space technology and strengthening India’s leadership through private sector participation.
Boost global competitiveness.
Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Impact, including employment generation potential:

The proposed fund is expected to boost employment in the Indian space sector by supporting startups across the entire space supply chain—upstream, midstream, and downstream. It will help businesses scale, invest in R&D, and expand their workforce. Each investment could generate hundreds of direct jobs in fields like engineering, software development, data analysis, and manufacturing, along with thousands of indirect jobs in supply chains, logistics, and professional services. By fostering a strong startup ecosystem, the fund will not only create jobs but also develop a skilled workforce, driving innovation and enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the space market.

Background:

The Government of India, as part of its 2020 space sector reforms, established IN-SPACe to promote and oversee private sector participation in space activities. IN-SPACe has proposed a Rs.1000 crore Venture Capital Fund to support the growth of India’s space, economy, currently valued at S8.4 billion, with a target to reach $44 billion by 2033. The fund aims to address the critical need for risk capital, as traditional lenders are hesitant to fund startups in this high-tech sector. With nearly 250 space startups emerging across the value chain, timely financial support is crucial to ensure their growth and prevent talent loss overseas. The proposed government-backed fund will boost investor confidence, attract private capital, and signal the government’s commitment to advancing space reforms. It will serve as an Alternative investment Fund under SEBI regulations, providing early-stage equity to startups and enabling them to scale for further private equity investments.

***

MJPS/BM/SKS

(Release ID: 2067664) Visitor Counter : 154

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NLC India Enters into Joint Venture Agreement with Rajasthan for Formation of Two JVs for Power Capacity Addition

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 24 OCT 2024 3:08PM by PIB Delhi

With the vision of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, for energy security with sustainable energy generation, under the guidance of Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri. G Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, and in line with corporate plan for aggressive capacity addition, NLC India Ltd has entered into Joint Venture Agreements for formation of two significant Joint Ventures (JVs) with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL). First JV is signed between NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) and RRVUNL to establish Renewable Energy projects in the state of Rajasthan and Second JV is between NLCIL and RRVUNL for the development of a Lignite-Based Thermal Power Station.

In the presence of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Energy, Govt. of Rajasthan Shri. Alok, IAS, and CMD, NLCIL, Shri. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, the JV agreements were signed by Director (Finance), NLCIL Dr. Prasanna Kumar Acharya and CMD, RRVUNL, Shri Devendra Shringi. In both the Joint Ventures (JVs), NLCIL will hold a 74% equity stake, while RRVUNL will hold 26%.

These JVs mark a significant step towards advancing sustainable energy and power generation.

𝐍𝐋𝐂 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐑𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: pic.twitter.com/lFMUjxWXWI

— NLC India Limited (Official) (@nlcindialimited) October 24, 2024

****

ST

(Release ID: 2067656) Visitor Counter : 113

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Posts issues a Commemorative Stamp to mark 200 Years of Kittur Vijayotsava

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 24 OCT 2024 3:05PM by PIB Delhi

On the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava a commemorative Postage stamp was released at the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Stage, Kittur Fort Premises on 23^rd October,2024. This grand event commemorated Rani Channamma’s glorious victory on 23^rd October,1824 against the British rule.

The Department of Posts has a rich legacy of celebrating the contributions of freedom fighters who played pivotal roles in India’s fight for Independence. Over the years, India Post has released numerous stamps honoring these heroes. This ongoing tradition not only preserves their memories but also inspires future generations to remember the sacrifices made for our nation’s freedom. On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Kittur’s historic resistance against British rule, the Department of Posts proudly presents a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the valor and legacy of Rani Channamma.

The stamp was released by Shri Rajendra Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, Bengaluru in the gracious presence of spiritual leaders Pujya Shri Shri Madiwal Rajayogeendra Maha Swamiji, Pujya Shri. Pamchakshari Maha Swamiji, Shri. Shri Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swamiji and other esteemed guests.

Release of Postage Stamp on 200 Years of Kittur Vijayotsava

The commemorative stamp designed by Shri Brahm Prakash features a striking portrait of Rani Channamma, on her horse drawing a sword, fighting against the British, embodying her strength and bravery. Surrounding her image are forts symbolizing the rich heritage of Kittur and the historic battle of Kittur. The stamp is rendered in vibrant colors, capturing the spirit of resistance and resilience exemplified by Rani Channamma. Accompanying the artwork is the inscription “Kittur Vijayotsava – 200 Years” to honor this historic milestone, making it a poignant tribute to her enduring legacy in India’s freedom fight.

Postage Stamp on 200 Years of Kittur Vijayotsava

This stamp pays tribute to her indomitable spirit and leadership during a crucial period in India’s fight for independence and serves as a reminder of Kittur’s rich history and its enduring impact on the nation’s freedom struggle. Join us in reflecting on the sacrifices and bravery of those who stood against oppression, as we celebrate the legacy of Rani Channamma and the spirit of resistance that continues to inspire us today.

Social Media Links :

https://x.com/JM_Scindia/status/1849144772189126943?t=PmO-NA3aVCAXCxy2PLAnAQ&s=08

*****

SB/DP/ARJ

(Release ID: 2067654) Visitor Counter : 91

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Emphasizes Use of AI and Advanced Technology to Improve Road Safety

Source: Government of India (2)

The Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Emphasizes Use of AI and Advanced Technology to Improve Road Safety

Shri Gadkari Pushes for Innovation in Road Safety Technology and Collaboration with Startups

Posted On: 24 OCT 2024 2:52PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, addressed the 12th edition of the Traffic InfraTech Expo, emphasizing the critical need to improve road safety and the adoption of advanced technologies in the transportation sector in New Delhi, today.

In his address, Shri Gadkari underscored the alarming statistics of road accidents in India, noting that the country experiences around 5 lakh accidents each year, resulting in numerous fatalities. He highlighted that more than half of these casualties are in the age group of 18-36 years. The economic loss due to road accidents is estimated at 3% of the country’s GDP, he said. He stressed that improving road safety is a top priority for the government, and measures are already underway to address this issue.

The Minister highlighted the need for improvements in road engineering, emphasizing the use of the latest global technologies. He expressed a keen interest in collaborating with Indian startups and young engineers who are innovating in this area. Shri Gadkari noted that road safety cannot be achieved without integrating advanced engineering solutions, enforcement of laws, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

Shri Gadkari also spoke about new approaches to law enforcement using technology. He mentioned efforts to identify traffic violations through AI and other innovative methods, allowing authorities to enforce penalties accurately. He also outlined plans for upgrading toll collection methods, including the exploration of satellite toll systems, which would improve efficiency and ensure transparency in toll collection.

Highlighting the Ministry’s approach to enhancing road safety, Shri Gadkari shared that the government has decided to appoint experts from the private sector to collaborate on developing technological solutions. A dedicated expert committee will evaluate proposals from startups and industry leaders, ensuring that the best ideas are implemented. the committee has been directed to finalize its evaluations within three months, aiming for rapid improvements in the sector.

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, particularly in the use of surveillance technology like cameras. He assured that quality and standards would not be compromised, regardless of whether solutions come from large or small companies. Shri Gadkari encouraged small firms with innovative technologies to participate in government tenders, stressing the importance of cost-effectiveness while maintaining profit margins without exploitation.

While concluding his remarks, Shri Gadkari highlighted the importance of collaboration between the road and transport sectors to create integrated solutions. He expressed confidence that by using the best technologies, India can achieve transparency, reduce costs, and significantly enhance road safety. Shri Gadkari extended his gratitude to the participants for their efforts in research and development, bringing the Indian industry to international standards, and expressed pride in their contributions to the nation.

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari called upon all stakeholders—government, private sector, and startups—to come together in addressing the urgent issue of road safety in India.

*****

NKK/AK

(Release ID: 2067649) Visitor Counter : 89

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025

Investors	Media
Investor Relations general line 403-766-7711	Media Relations general line 403-766-7751

Category: Asia Pacific

Updates to this page

Invasion of Ukraine

Victory look impossible

Rethinking support

Learning from other countries

The Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Emphasizes Use of AI and Advanced Technology to Improve Road SafetyShri Gadkari Pushes for Innovation in Road Safety Technology and Collaboration with Startups

The Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Emphasizes Use of AI and Advanced Technology to Improve Road Safety

Shri Gadkari Pushes for Innovation in Road Safety Technology and Collaboration with Startups