NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – SAFE denounces Select Committee’s failure to act on colony cages

    Source: SAFE For Animals

    Animal rights organisation SAFE is expressing deep frustration after the Petitions Select Committee dismissed its call to ban colony cages. The petition, signed by over 22,000 concerned New Zealanders, was presented to the House in June 2023, but the Committee has opted not to take further action.
    SAFE maintains that colony cages breach the Animal Welfare Act, as they prevent hens from displaying normal behaviours essential to their health and welfare, including the ability to move freely, dustbathe, and forage for food.
    “Colony cages are no better for hens than the battery cages that have been illegal for nearly two years,” says SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie. “Hens in colony cages are condemned to squalor, crammed into dark cages where they never feel the sun on their backs or the grass under their feet.”
    SAFE also emphasises the Committee’s consultation process was flawed. By consulting exclusively with industry bodies, the Committee failed to undertake a comprehensive and unbiased review of the issue.
    “It’s outrageous that the Committee only sought feedback from the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Egg Producers Federation – both of whom have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. Not a single animal welfare expert was consulted,” says Brodie.
    SAFE says there is broad scientific consensus that cage environments – whether battery or colony – have detrimental impacts on the health and welfare of hens. Common issues include disease, brittle bones, feather loss, and foot disorders. Up to 80 hens can be confined in a colony cage, with each hen only given space around the size of an A4 sheet of paper to live out their lives.
    “The conditions in colony cages force hens to compete for access to basic needs like food, water, and a tiny nesting area. It’s a stressful, inhumane environment that has no place in modern Aotearoa,” says Brodie.
    The Committee has deferred the issue to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), who will assess the ongoing use of colony cages in the next code of welfare review. SAFE is urging NAWAC to prioritize the review as a matter of urgency.
    “NAWAC’s last substantive review of this code was in 2011. The code is now alarmingly out of touch with current welfare evidence, leaving more than 1.2 million hens trapped in cruel, outdated systems,” says Brodie.
    “Minister for Animal Welfare, Andrew Hoggard, must step in and ensure that this long-overdue review happens without further delay – hens cannot wait any longer.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – “Extermination” in Gaza – Where are you Christopher Luxon? Winston Peters? David Seymour? – PSNA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Thousands will march for Palestine across Aotearoa this weekend as UN investigators accuse Israel of deliberately targeting Gaza’s health facilities and killing medical personnel.

     

    In a landmark human rights ruling on Gaza, the investigators have said Israel is 

     

    “committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities”

     

    If this were happening anywhere else in the world the government would act decisively.

     

    It’s long past the time to expel the Israeli ambassador… 

     

    But where are our political leaders? 

     

    The dozens of events across the motu for this week are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details given below.

     

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    North Island
    Opononi
    Sunday 13 October
    Nothing this weekend – watch this space
     
    Kerikeri – Rally
    Saturday 12 October
    No Rally this weekend
     
    Whangarei – Rally
    Saturday 12 October
    No Rally this weekend
     
    Auckland – Say Hi to Judith Collins at Dinner
    Thursday 10
    6:30 pm
    Annabelles Restaurant, 409 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland
     
    Auckland – Picket 
    Friday 11 October
    No Picket this week
     
    Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!
    Every Saturday
    8:00 am – 1:00 pm
    Ostend Market, Waiheke Island
     
    Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau
    Saturday 12 October
    10:00 am
     
    Auckland – Rally
    Saturday 12 October
    2:00 pm
    Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau
     
    Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
    (Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)
    First Saturday of the month
     
    Tauranga – Flag Wave & Mural Painting
    Sunday 13 October
    11:00 am
    Coronation Park, Mouth Manganui
     
    Hamilton – Rally for Palestine
    Saturday 12 October
    1:00 pm
    Civic Square, Hamilton
     
    Raglan
    To be advised
     
    Cambridge – Rally for Palestine
    Every Saturday
    11:00 am
    Cambridge Town Hall
     
    Rotorua – Rally for Palestine
    Every Thursday
    4:00 pm
    Rotorua Lakes Council, Haupapa Street (Sir Howard Morrison Corner)
     
    Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
    Every Saturday
    9:30 – 11:30 am
    Gisborne Farmers Market
     
    Whakatāne – Snap Rally for Palestine
    Wed 9 Oct
    12 – 1pm
    49 Kakahoroa Drive (outside the Library)
     
    Napier – Rally for Palestine
    Saturday 12 October
    11:30 am
    Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout
     
    Hastings – Rally for Palestine
    Sunday 13 October
    1:00 pm
    Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD
     
    Palmerston North – Rally for Palestine
    Sunday 13 October
    2:00 pm
    The Square, Palmerston North
     
    New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge
    Friday 6 September
    4:30 pm
    Paynters Ave Bridge, New Plymouth
     
    New Plymouth – Vigil
    Saturday 12 October
    1:00 PM
    Hatchery Lawn- Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
     
    Whanganui – Rally for Palestine
    Saturday 12 October
    11:00 am
    Riverside Market, Whanganui
     
    Carterton – Gathering for Gaza
    Every Tuesday
    12:00 midday
    Memorial Square.
     
    Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine
    Every Wednesday
    11:00 am
    The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough
     
    Masterton – Gathering for Gaza
    Every Sunday
    9:30 am
    Town Hall Lawn, Masterton
     
    Featherston – Gathering for Gaza
    Every Saturday
    11:00 am
    The Squircle (opposite the op shop).
     
    Wellington – Vigil for Palestine (by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)
    Every Friday
    6:00 pm
    In front of Wellington Hospital
    49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
     
    Wellington – Flags on the Bridge
    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
    Every Friday
    7:15 – 8:15 am
    Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington
     
    Wellington – Boycott Obela rally
    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
    Saturday 12 October
    1:00 – 2:00 pm
    Opposite Chaffers New World and next to the Bowlzilla Skatepark
     
    South Island
    Nelson – Rally for Palestine
    Saturday 12 October
    10:30 am
    1903 Square, Upper Trafalgar Street, Nelson
     
    Blenheim – Rally for Palestine
    Saturday 12 October
    11:00 am
    Blenheim Railway Station
     
    Christchurch- Flag Waving for Palestine
    Friday 11 October
    4:00 pm
    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch
     
    Christchurch – Otautahi stands with Lebanon
    Saturday 12 October
    1:00 – 2:00 pm
    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch
     
    Timaru
    No Rally this weekend
     
    Dunedin – Rally and March
    Saturday 12 October
    1:00 pm
    Otago Museum Reserve (marching to the Octagon)
    Queenstown
    No Rally this weekend
     
    Invercargill – Rally for Palestine
    Sunday 13 October
    1:00 pm
    Wachner place Invercargill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GAZA: At least 3100 children aged under five killed with others at risk as famine looms – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    At least 3,100 children aged under five have been killed in Gaza with other under-fives at risk from severe malnutrition as the conflict shatters the start of Palestinian children’s lives, Save the Children said.
    About 30% of the 11,300 identified children killed in Gaza between last October and 31 August were younger than five, according to a newly published breakdown of the ages of about 34,000 people whose deaths have been verified by Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Of those about 710 were babies aged under 12 months. Another 2,800 children killed have yet to be identified.
    The occupied Palestinian territory is now ranked as the deadliest place in the world for children, who face constant exposure to violence in Gaza, a lack of access to adequate healthcare and the highest rates of child malnutrition globally, with 83% of required food aid not making it into Gaza according to aid organisations .
    UN experts have warned of famine looming in Gaza with the deaths of several children due to malnutrition and hunger already reported and Save the Children staff working in a primary healthcare centre in Gaza reporting ever increasing cases of child malnutrition.
    Save the Children recently screened nearly 3,000 children under 5, finding that nearly 20% of them were suffering with moderate acute malnutrition and nearly 4% with severe acute malnutrition. Staff have reported seeing children scouring through rubbish and debris to find food.
    Children aged under five and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are most vulnerable to malnutrition as their bodies have greater need for nutrients. A child with acute malnutrition is 11 times more likely to die from common childhood illnesses, including pneumonia and nearly half of deaths among children under 5 years globally are linked to undernutrition.
    However , difficulties in collecting and verifying data in Gaza due to security challenges, access restrictions, and destruction of infrastructure make it impossible to verify exact numbers at risk or suffering from malnutrition.
    Somayya-, 37, a mother of seven, and her family had to flee northern Gaza last year and now live in a shelter for displaced people in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Her youngest child Ali- is so severely malnourished that he has developed osteomalacia or “soft bone disease”, leaving him unable to move or walk. Ali- is now being treated at a Save the Children clinic.
    Somayya- said:
    “My son is one year and a half and is malnourished. His siblings at his age used to walk and were well fed. Now there is no food or anything. Ali- cannot walk or hold onto a chair, he cannot even crawl. He does not eat eggs or meat or milk. Nothing is available.”
    Save the Children warns that the current health crisis in Gaza, with only 17 out of 36 hospitals partially functional threatens to create a generation with both physical and mental injuries, with some children facing lasting impacts of trauma and other with life-changing injuries.
    The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that around 25% of all those injured, or 22,500 people, are likely to have acute and ongoing rehabilitation needs, including patients with extremity injuries, amputations, head and spinal cord injuries and burns.
    Jeremy Stoner, Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe said:
    “The damage caused has shattered the very foundations of life in Gaza and will threaten the future of Palestinian children for generations to come. It is heart-breaking to see such young children robbed of any hope. Life-changing injuries, starvation, a health and education crisis … the cumulative impact of such across-the-board harm is not only putting children’s lives at risk every day, but also their futures.
    “We are doing everything we can to respond to children needs and will keep calling for children’s rights and international law to be respected, for as long as it takes – and for accountability when they are not. There must be an immediate definitive ceasefire. For every day without a ceasefire, it gets harder to help children piece together the shattered shards of their lives. For thousands of children, it’s already too late.”
    Save the Children has been working in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) since 1953 and has a permanent presence in Gaza where we deliver lifesaving health, nutrition, and protection support. This includes pre-natal and maternal care and treatment for newborns and child malnutrition. We also provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children and caregivers. Alongside emergency food supplies, clean water, and hygiene products, we are advocating for immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access to ensure that lifesaving aid reaches children in need. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) Introduces New Bill at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, MI to Remediate & Redevelop More Disused Manufacturing Space Across U.S.

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

    PONTIAC, MI – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the RESTART Communities Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and hosted a press conference about the legislation at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, MI with Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel, M1 Concourse CEO Tim McGrane, and RACER Trust Deputy Redevelopment Manager and Director of Government Relations Patricia Spitzley. U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan (D-IN) co-sponsored this legislation.

    The Revitalization Efforts for Sustainable Transformation and Remediation for Thriving Communities Act or the RESTART Communities Act aims to enhance interagency collaboration at the Federal level to empower local communities with the resources and practices needed to redevelop shuttered manufacturing sites requiring environmental remediation. This legislation will authorize the Federal government to create and disseminate best practices, streamline funding opportunities, provide other essential technical resources, and promote revitalization and remediation stakeholder collaboration to give manufacturing facilities and their surrounding communities a second chance at sustainable economic growth. By simplifying Federal support activities, the RESTART Communities Act empowers local communities to create new economic opportunities and protect the public health.

    “The RESTART Communities Act represents a significant step forward in unlocking incredible economic opportunities for shuttered manufacturing sites across the country, especially those that feature harmful environmental pollution,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “By bringing together local, state, and federal partners,  we can clean up our communities and create new, high-quality jobs in the communities that need them most.”

    “In Northwest Indiana and in manufacturing regions across the country, we must ensure communities have the full and efficient support of the federal government for remediation programs,” said Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN). “I am proud to join Rep. Stevens in supporting this outstanding initiative to promote streamlined processes and success for revitalizing local economies.”

    “Representative Stevens has long been a forward-thinking national leader on the need to support collaborative economic revitalization in communities affected by both job losses and environmental concerns,” said Elliott P. Laws, Administrative Trustee, RACER Trust. “The RESTART Communities Act of 2024 provides important tools to promote community-focused solutions on a national scale, including training and educational programs to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills they will need to carry these initiatives in the future. As a member of the White House staff at the time, Representative Stevens was a key figure in building the framework of RACER Trust and has watched as RACER’s application of its mandate has resulted in tens of thousands of new jobs and significant reductions in risks to human health and the environment. We are pleased to support Representative Stevens in her efforts and urge members of Congress to pass the RESTART Communities Act of 2024.”

    “We are grateful for Congresswoman Stevens’ continued bipartisan leadership to support economic development and community revitalization,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair. “The RESTART Communities Act supports the core vision of Team Michigan’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects by empowering communities to breathe new life into outdated, shuttered manufacturing sites. When we strengthen a community’s ability to create more vibrant places and welcome the businesses that employ their residents, it’s a win for them. By streamlining and simplifying access to essential federal support through this act, more of our friends and neighbors will ‘Make It’ in Michigan.” 

    “Too many communities in Michigan and across the country are dealing with legacy pollution from contaminated sites left behind by industry, and we need more tools for remediation and cleanup,” said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “We appreciate Congresswoman Stevens’ leadership with the introduction of the RESTART Communities Act, which will make sure that as many resources as possible can go toward remediation and revitalization of contaminated vacant sites. Local communities need all levels of government to be working together to better protect health, and the collaboration created by the RESTART Communities Act will help prevent the public’s exposure to pollution, attract reinvestment for new businesses, and ensure that taxpayer resources are used effectively in the cleanup process.”

    Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

    A complete recording of the press conference and accompanying photos can be found here.

    The RESTART Communities Act is endorsed by the RACER Trust, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, the Detroit Regional Chamber, Oakland County, United Wholesale Mortgage, and Mayor of Pontiac Tim Greimel. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New West Wyalong key worker accommodation set to welcome health staff

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: New West Wyalong key worker accommodation set to welcome health staff

    Published: 10 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health

    Healthcare workers in West Wyalong can now access modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation, with three new units completed at West Wyalong Health Service, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program.

    The three units are located on the hospital grounds, and will provide a safe, modern and comfortable place for healthcare workers who have relocated to West Wyalong and are still establishing themselves in the community.

    The pre-manufactured units were delivered in August, with the connection of services, furnishing, fencing and landscaping now complete. 

    Each unit is fully furnished and self-contained, and features a screened verandah, light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and internal laundry.  Parking spaces and secure access are also provided.  

    West Wyalong Health Service is expecting the first occupants to move into the accommodation units shortly. 

    The Murrumbidgee Local Health District is one of three regional local health districts to benefit from the NSW Government’s $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the KWA Program. 

    New accommodation units are also being delivered at Finley, Leeton and Narrandera, with units expected to be delivered to these sites before the end of the year.  

    Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park: 

    “It’s exciting to see these units fully established on the West Wyalong Health Service site after being manufactured offsite and delivered on the back of trucks only two months ago.

    “Ensuring these units are available removes a barrier to finding accommodation for healthcare workers wanting to work at West Wyalong Health Service, meaning recruiting and retaining staff will be easier.

    “Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing rural and regional hospitals across Australia, which is why we are committing a further $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation in the state.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence MLC: 

    “Affordable, accessible accommodation is a key factor in attracting and retaining health workers and I am looking forward to the West Wyalong community welcoming the first workers into the units and the health service.

    “Investments like this underpin the Minns Labor Government’s focus on strengthening and supporting our highly skilled health workforce to ensure NSW’s regional and rural communities have access to high quality healthcare close to home.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Myanmar: Two activists at grave risk of torture after arrests – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    Myanmar’s military authorities must immediately account for the whereabouts and wellbeing of two pro-democracy activists arrested in Yangon on Wednesday, Amnesty International said today.

    Paing Phyo Min and Shein Wai Aung were arrested on 9 October and sent to an interrogation center, Amnesty International understands. Paing Phyo Min’s family has not been able to reach him, while Shein Wai Aung and his father, mother and sister have also been uncontactable.

    As many as six additional people are also believed to have been arrested in raids.

    “The Myanmar military must urgently account for the whereabouts and wellbeing of Paing Phyo Min and of Shein Wai Aung and his family. Unless they can be charged with an internationally recognized crime, they must be immediately and unconditionally released,” Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman said.

    “As leaders from The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet in Laos and discuss a way out of the crisis brought on by the 2021 coup, the Myanmar military continues to arbitrarily detain people and carry out repression across the country.”

    Paing Phyo Min is known for his involvement with a group of young people performing Thangyat, a popular Myanmar traditional art form which fuses poetry, comedy and music to comment on social issues.

    In 2019, Paing Phyo Min and other members of an activist group called the Peacock Generation were arrested after performing Thangyat dressed as soldiers. For this, he was sentenced to six years in prison.

    In 2020, Amnesty International called for Paing Phyo Min’s release as part of its annual Write 4 Rights campaign, with many people writing letters to him to bolster his spirits. He was released in 2021 as part of a mass prisoner amnesty.

    After the military coup, he and others took part in peaceful protests in Yangon, despite enormous risks following violent crackdowns.

    Shein Wai Aung, a former student at Dagon University in Yangon, has been active in peaceful protests and in supporting political prisoners in Myanmar.

    “Protesting in Myanmar today is not the same as it was before the coup. Anyone involved in any kind of dissent against the military faces long jail terms, torture and other ill-treatment, and even death in custody,” Joe Freeman said.

    “In Myanmar’s prison system, there is little hope of fair treatment, no transparency, and extremely substandard conditions. Interrogation centers, where these two activists have likely been sent, are also notorious locations of abuse where torture has been used to extract information before charges are formally brought.”

    Myanmar’s military has killed more than 5,000 civilians since seizing power in the coup on 1 February 2021. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in its latest report last month that at least 1,853 of those people have died in custody.

    In the 2022 report ‘15 Days Felt Like 15 Years’, Amnesty International documented torture and other ill-treatment against people arbitrarily detained by the military and police after the coup.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Global Barometers signal continued moderate growth of the world economy – KOF

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The Global Barometers record a small increase in October, largely offsetting the previous month’s decline. The Coincident Barometer continues to signal economic development below the medium-term average, while the leading barometer continues to point to a normalisation of growth in the coming months.

    The Coincident Global Economic Barometer increases by 2.1 points in October, to reach 93.8 points, while the Leading Barometer gains 1.9 points, to 102.5 points. The rise in both indicators is mainly driven by the results of the Asia, Pacific & Africa region.

    “Since December 2022, the leading global barometer has been more positive or less negative than the coincident global barometer. For some time now, both indicators have been moving more or less sideways. This is historically quite unique and suggests that general expectations of economic normalisation seem to be repeatedly disappointed. At present, the situation in the Middle East seems to be preventing a real recovery in the global economy. We remain hopeful that solutions will be found that will allow us to move forward and that the assessment of the situation will improve significantly in the near future”, evaluates Jan-Egbert Sturm, Director of KOF Swiss Economic Institute.

    Coincident Barometer – regions and sectors

    The gain in the Coincident Barometer in October is the result of a 2.2-point positive contribution of the coincident indicator for the Asia, Pacific & Africa region, while Europe remains stable, and the Western Hemisphere contributes slightly negatively with -0.1 points. After losing ground between February and July of this year, the indicator for the Asia, Pacific & Africa region has stopped falling, and now fluctuates between 88 and 92 points, signalling the difficulty of the region to regain the increasing tendency observed in 2023.

    All the Coincident sector indicators increase in October, with Construction standing out. Economy (aggregated business and consumer evaluations) remains at the lowest level among the sector indicators.

    Leading Barometer – regions and sectors

    The Leading Global Barometer leads the world economic growth rate cycle by three to six months on average. In October, the Asia, Pacific & Africa region and the Western Hemisphere contribute positively to the aggregate result with 1.7 and 0.4 points, respectively, while Europe contributes in the opposite direction with -0.2 points.

    In October, all the Leading sector indicators increase, with Construction standing out for a gain of over 10 points, reaching a level that reflects a positive outlook.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Chairs Inaugural Plenary Meeting of Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    On October 7-8, 2024, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante chaired the inaugural plenary meeting of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) in Honolulu, HI. National Armament Directors, and similarly positioned senior leaders, joined him from all PIPIR member nations in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. The engagement was hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

    PIPIR is a multi-lateral forum of allies and partners aimed at strengthening defense industrial resilience to promote continued regional security, economic security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. It serves as a platform to accelerate defense industrial base (DIB) cooperation by reducing barriers to production, creating new sustainment hubs, and addressing supply chain constraints.

    “From day one, Secretary Austin has driven success through teamwork,” Dr. LaPlante said. “Today’s security environment demands closer collaboration with our allies and partners. PIPIR will help strengthen our collective ability to produce and sustain warfighting capability in the Indo-Pacific, and the National Armaments Directors are uniquely positioned to drive action in these areas.”

    During this inaugural plenary meeting, participants adopted a Core Vision Statement, which establishes strategic principles to guide collaboration on defense industrial resilience. The agreement of a Core Vision Statement builds upon the Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration endorsed by 13 nations, including by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in May 2024.

    Members also announced the creation of workstreams, each tasked with identifying key projects appointed leadership for each, and discussed plans to operationalize project activities. The four workstreams are Sustainment, Production, Supply Chain Resilience, and Policy and Optimization. Participants underscored the need to deliver material solutions that enhance shared defense industrial resilience. They also emphasized the importance of forging closer partnerships with industry and committed to creating a standing industrial advisory board with whom to consult. PIPIR will include other advisors as necessary to address the complexity and challenges of the DIB.

    The day prior to the plenary session, INDOPACOM hosted the PIPIR delegation at Camp Smith to provide the command’s regional perspective and discuss the implications and role of multi-lateral industrial partnerships for their mission.

    The establishment of PIPIR directly supports DoD’s implementation of the National Defense Industrial Strategy and Regional Sustainment Framework, which emphasize the importance of strengthening international defense production and sustainment relationships.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ring Around the Mountain

    Source: NASA

    On June 10, 2023, the Operational Land Imager on Landsat 8 acquired this image of Mount Taranaki, a snow-capped mountain in New Zealand that is ringed by a dark green forest. Two older and extinct volcanoes, Kaitake and Pouakai, lie to the northwest of its peak.
    Learn more about Mount Taranaki.
    Image Credit: NASA/Wanmei Liang, USGS

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: One-Stop Trading Platform Trado Deploys on Flow EVM Mainnet

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One-Stop Trading Platform Trado announced today the successful deployment on Flow EVM mainnet. Being the premier exchange on Flow , Trado emphasizes security, efficiency, and user satisfaction. 

    Designed to process transactions rapidly, Trado reduces delays and enhances operational efficiency, creating a pleasant trading experience. By consistently innovating and prioritizing user needs, Trado establishes a new standard for seamless and secure crypto trading within the DeFi ecosystem.

    What is Trado?

    Trado is an on-chain platform dedicated to trading and liquidity management, currently offering both spot and perpetual trading. Trado is engineered to deliver an experience similar to centralized exchanges (CEX) within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. With Trado’s robust security protocols, users can trade assets safely and seamlessly, ensuring a straightforward and hassle-free experience.

    About Trado Spot

    Trado Spot is embedded with iZUMi’s original Discretized-Liquidity-AMM model, provides users with a next-generation liquidity management technology to maximize capital efficiency by realizing Limit Order while maintaining 100% on-chain composability and self-custody.

    • Liquidity Farm

    Improve yields with Discretized Liquidity, eliminate rewards for idle liquidity, make liquidity farm in an efficient and lasting way

    • Limit Order

    Fully on-chain Limit Order function driven by DL-AMM, Trade at precise prices and no fee need to be paid

    About Trado Perpetual

    Trado Perpetual offers a powerful and flexible trading environment on the Flow blockchain, enabling users to engage in high-leverage derivatives trading. With dual trading modes — AMM and order book — Trado Perpetual provides options for different trading strategies, Trado Perpetual ensures a seamless trading experience that caters to both novice and experienced traders.

    The AMM system provides continuous liquidity for perpetual contracts, enabling fast and efficient trades with minimal slippage.

    • Order Book Mode

    The on-chain order book allows precise trading at specific prices, giving traders full control over their strategies while maintaining decentralization.

    Partnership with Flow Blockchain

    Trado partners closely with Flow to support its users by providing a highly efficient method of on-chain trading. Flow is a proof of stake blockchain designed to be the foundation of Web3 and the open metaverse, supporting consumer-scale decentralized applications, NFTs, DeFi, DAOs, PFP projects, and more. Powered by Cadence, an original programming language built specifically for digital assets, Flow empowers developers to innovate and push the limits that will bring the next billion to Web3.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VINCENT GELLE APPOINTED DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES, RCI BANQUE’S COMMERCIAL BRAND

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    October 10th, 2024

    PRESS RELEASE

    VINCENT GELLE APPOINTED DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES, RCI BANQUE’S COMMERCIAL BRAND

    Mobilize Financial Services announces the appointment of Vincent Gellé as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective October 4 th.

    This appointment is part of the new organization sought by Martin Thomas to ensure that Mobilize Financial Services, the financial arm of the Renault Group brands, meets the challenges of the sector and strengthens its position as market leader.

    Martin Thomas, CEO, Mobilize Financial Services: “Mobilize Financial Services is giving itself the means to write a new chapter in its development in a particularly demanding context. I’m delighted that Vincent Gellé, who has worked his way up through the Group in a variety of positions both in France and internationally, can continue to bring us his expertise in this new role.”

            

    Born in 1978, Vincent Gellé graduated from ESSEC business school in 2000. He joined RCI Banque in 2001, holding a number of financial and commercial positions in France and abroad.
    He began his career in the UK in 2001 with Renault Financial Services, before joining RCI Banque’s head office in 2005 as Financial Controller. From 2008, Vincent Gellé successively held the positions of Administrative and Financial Director in South Korea, then Group Performance Control Director. In 2016, he continued his career in Japan with Nissan’s Finance Department, then in Russia as Sales & Martketing Director of RN Bank.
    He then joined Mobilize Financial Services headquarters in France, where he has held the role of VP, Accounting and Group Performance Control since August 2023. He is a member of the RCI Banque Executive Committee.

    About Mobilize Financial Services   
    Attentive to the needs of all its customers, Mobilize Financial Services, a subsidiary of Renault Group, creates innovative financial services to build sustainable mobility for all. Mobilize Financial Services, which began operations nearly 100 years ago, is the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specializing in automotive financing and services for customers and networks of Renault Group, and also for the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi in several countries.  
    With operations in 35 countries and nearly 4,000 employees, Mobilize Financial Services financed more than 1,2 million contracts (new and used vehicles) in 2023 and sold 3,9 million services. At the end of June 2024, average earning assets stood at 54,9 billion euros of financing and pre-tax earnings at 553 million euros.   
    Since 2012, the Group has deployed a deposit-taking business in several countries. At the end of June 2024, net deposits amounted to 29,4 billion euros, or 50 % of the company’s net assets.   
    To find out more about Mobilize Financial Services: http://www.mobilize-fs.com/  
    Follow us on Twitter: @Mobilize_FS 

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini’s World Energy Markets Observatory annual report 2024: The Paris Agreement’s goals are no longer achievable, but net zero is still in sight with accelerated efforts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Florence Lievre
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 71
    Email: florence.lievre@capgemini.com

    Capgemini’s World Energy Markets Observatory annual report 2024:
    The Paris Agreement’s goals are no longer achievable, but net zero is still in sight with accelerated efforts

    • Despite impressive strides in 2023 and positive projections for 2024, the pace of renewable development isn’t fast enough
    • The critical role of nuclear energy to addressing increased clean energy demands is now recognized, but construction of new large power plants takes time and industrialization of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is proving complex
    • Addressing the complexity of energy transition challenges will require new market mechanisms encouraging further innovation, choosing appropriate measures, and accelerated public and private investment in low carbon technologies and the power grid

    Paris, October 10, 2024 – Capgemini has published the 26thedition of its annual World Energy Markets Observatory (WEMO), created in partnership with Hogan Lovells, Vaasa ETT and Enerdata. The report takes stock of the current state of the energy transition. Despite progress being made, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are continuing to increase, reaching a new record high of 37.4 billion tonnes (Gt) in 20231, confirming that the path to the reach Paris Agreement’s objectives is not on track. The report provides insights on what the key focus areas would need to be, moving forward, to address the complex energy transition challenges, including a change in the measurement of clean energy progress, as well as accelerated investment in the power grid and clean technologies.

    James Forrest, Global Energy Transition & Utilities Industry Leader at Capgemini says: “Despite an historical spike in renewable penetration, the pace of development isn’t fast enough to close the gap. There is still much to do in the next decade to get closer to net zero by 2050 and achieve a successful energy transition: whether it be in the field of low carbon technologies, R&D efforts, nuclear or grid flexibility and storage. In addition, beyond the necessary adoption of new market mechanisms, a shift away from measuring energy based on primary consumption is needed. This measurement was relevant during past energy crises, but it is now time to adopt a more holistic approach. Moving to a final energy demand measurement would better assess clean energy progress and ensure more accurate projections.”

    Key observations from the 2024 report include:

    • There is a need to hasten the deployment of renewable energy globally, and to accelerate in developing countries, to deliver the 2030 and 2050 decarbonization goals. The total amount of final energy provided by renewable energy is likely to be limited to about 40% of global needs. In 2023, total renewable energy capacity increased by 14% year on year with a larger capacity expansion of solar (32%) than wind (13%). But, whilst 2024 is promising to hit another record, as this was the case for the 22nd previous years, this growth is far below what is needed to achieve net zero carbon in 2050. Moreover, while the renewable penetration rate increases, they are impacting grid stability and association with stationary batteries will become compulsory. According to the report, storable renewable energies development, such as biomass or geothermal energy, should be accelerated.
    • Hydrogen is now a strategic lever in the decarbonization path. The number of projects reaching final investment decision has quadrupled over the last two years. However, a refocus of applications has been observed due to the increasing costs of low-carbon hydrogen production, competition between uses, and regulations. Only certain uses in ‘Hard to Abate’ industries, such as heavy industry and maritime mobility, have strong potential.
    • Global nuclear capacity needs to triple to ensure stable, low-carbon power. COP28 has recognized the critical role of nuclear energy for reducing the effects of climate change. While there is some promising progress in nuclear renaissance, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), development of new nuclear power plants is still difficult. In 2023, 440 nuclear reactors (390 GW) provided 9% of the world’s electricity, 25% of the world’s low-carbon electricity. SMRs are in the planning or early construction stages with many years before they are deployed at scale as their industrialization can prove to be complex. According to the report, more focus needs to be placed on extending the life of existing nuclear plants.
    • The power grid plays a fundamental role to accelerate clean energy transitions. Grid investment is starting to pick up and is expected to reach USD 400 billion in 20242, with Europe, the United Sates, China and parts of Latin America leading the way. According to the report, better forecasting electricity consumption and finer optimization scenarios thanks to technologies such as AI will help to improve grid balancing.
    • Whilst AI has the potential to significantly accelerate decarbonization, a lack of skills and a focus on short-term proof of concepts is hampering adoption to date. However, AI coupled with GenAI in agentic LLM (Large Language Model) workflows3 has a clear role to play as a catalyst to improve grids efficiency, e-fuel discovery; new battery or wind turbine design; synthetic biology; and augmented insights from many data sources for better informed decision making.
      • Protectionist approaches to increasing energy sovereignty may have undesirable implications. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are affecting energy markets and systems. To ensure security of supply, the use of embargoes, tariffs and subsidies in almost all jurisdictions is distorting energy markets and threatens efficient allocation of capital. According to the report, embargoes are proving ineffective, and decreasing the transparency and traceability of energy supplies, which is essential to tracking decarbonization efforts. Denying access to the cheapest sources of energy equipment and energy supplies drives up prices for consumers and reduces funding available for the energy transition.
      • According to the report, ‘Primary Energy Demand’ is an outdated concept for energy transition. There is a need to move from primary to final energy consumption measurement (in kWh) to ensure accurate projections, and clean energy progress. Measuring energy based on primary consumption ignores that: for the same end-energy services, new electric services are generally more efficient; a lot of fossil fuels are wasted in the generation of electricity; energy is also wasted on finding and processing fossil fuels.

    The World Energy Markets Observatory (WEMO) is Capgemini’s annual thought leadership and research report created in partnership with Hogan Lovells, Vaasa ETT and Enerdata, that tracks the transformation of global energy markets, including Europe, North America, Australia, Southeast Asia, India, and China. Now in its 26th edition, the report has been prepared by a global team of over 100 experts, and includes 15 articles, all backed with rigorous analysis. The report begins with a global outlook, then covers the topics pivotal to the energy transition including geopolitical impacts, demand side energy transition, batteries, renewables, SMRs, Hydrogen, Industrial Heat, GenAI and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
    For more information and to get access to the report, click here

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | http://www.capgemini.com

    1 Source: IEA- CO2 Emissions in 2023
    2 Source IEA: Electricity Grids and Secure Energy Transitions

    3 GenAI in agentic LLM (Large Language Model): iterative and collaborative model that transforms the interaction with LLMs into a series of manageable, refinable steps.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TSplus Wraps Up Another Successful Quarter with Major Developments and New Product Enhancements

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LYON, France, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus recently held its quarterly meeting in Lyon, where the entire headquarters gathered to celebrate milestones, strategize for the future, and share some exciting product updates. The company, known for its innovation and affordable alternatives to Citrix, is on track to expand its presence globally and further strengthen its offerings.

    Dominique Benoit, CEO of TSplus, opened the meeting by highlighting the company’s rapid growth, with about 600,000 clients and 8,000 resellers across the world. He emphasized TSplus’ position as the “French Citrix-Killer,” with upcoming subscription models for TSplus Remote Access poised to capture more market shares.

    “We’re building towards an exciting future,” Dominique said. “By 2030, we aim to grow from 80 employees to 500, and we’re already laying the groundwork with new strategic developments.”

    Powering the Future of Remote Access

    This quarter has seen remarkable growth, with invoice numbers doubling and a projected 15% revenue increase by year-end. The company’s flagship product, Remote Access Enterprise, has emerged as a best-seller, and key markets like India, France, and the USA are hosting the largest customers. Additionally, TSplus is proud to announce the official launch of TSplus China, located near Shanghai, marking an important milestone in expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Advanced Security, Remote Access and Beyond

    The Development Team has been hard at work, with the upcoming release of Advanced Security 7.1 taking center stage. This release, still in beta version, will introduce a completely revamped user interface, providing a smoother and more intuitive experience. New features will be included too, to increase risk awareness and protection performance.

    In other product news, Remote Access has seen over 30 updates and 40 fixes, such as improvements to the Universal Printer and a sleek new Web Portal. Remote Support now boasts 2FA protection, cross-platform compatibility over macOS and Windows devices, and a soon-to-be-released Android app.

    Leader To Be in Secure Remote Access Solutions

    TSplus has also focused on enhancing its digital presence, with a complete redesign of TSplus.net. The revamped website has significantly boosted traffic generating a 20% sales growth. Meanwhile, the Licensing Portal has been simplified, making it easier for resellers to navigate.

    As AI continues to shape the marketing landscape and Google ranking algorithm, TSplus is staying ahead to create high-quality videos, blog posts, and website enhancements, further expanding the company’s visibility everywhere on the Web.

    With ambitious plans on the horizon, TSplus is set to roll out additional updates, including a full overhaul of all their showcase websites. These developments will further solidify TSplus’ position as a global leader in secure remote access solutions.

    Try any TSplus software for free today with a 15-day trial by visiting http://www.tsplus.net.

    Media Contact:
    Floriane Mer
    Marketing Manager at TSplus
    floriane.mer@tsplus.net

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03affb29-cb02-4102-8792-863ea0b86f83

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Whangārei Police deal blow to core group of offenders

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have made further arrests over a recent spate of offending across the Kaipara and Whangārei regions.

    Four recent arrests will see offenders held to account over the majority of recent aggravated robberies and burglaries at various businesses.

    Combined efforts between frontline staff and the Tactical Crime Unit have resulted in dozens of charges being laid, Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom says.

    “Late on Saturday night, frontline staff stopped a vehicle a Te Kamo petrol station forecourt which was sought in connection with an earlier road rage incident in Auckland.

    “The occupants were arrested without further incident and a firearm was located following a search of the vehicle.”

    A 17-year-old in the vehicle was sought in connection with an aggravated robbery at an Otaika dairy in early July.

    He will face the Whangārei Youth Court for that offence, as well as charges for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

    “The Tactical Crime Unit has also charged him over numerous burglaries and theft of motor vehicles across the region between late June and July,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

    This follows an arrest made by local Dargaville staff days earlier of a prolific offender.

    Inspector Nordstrom says the 44-year-old man is allegedly responsible for some 20 offences across the Dargaville and Whangārei areas over the past month.

    “Our staff located a stolen vehicle travelling near Tangowahine, and later arrested the man.

    “He’s since had an initial appearance in the Whangārei District Court on burglary charges where he allegedly targeted clothing, food and jewellery.”

    Police successfully opposed the man’s bail, and he has been held in custody until next appearance on 21 October.

    “Dargaville staff have been working incredibly hard in investigating these offences, and it was a great result for the community that he is remanded in custody.”

    Late last month Police also caught up with a 15-year-old male who had also committed offending alongside another youth, who was arrested in late August.

    Police colleagues in Hutt Valley spoke with the male, and he has since been referred to Youth Aid over a series of aggravated robberies and burglaries.

    “I acknowledge the dedication of our staff working right across this region, who have diligently been piecing together the offences leading to arrests,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: YY Group Holdings Limited Successfully Regains NASDAQ Compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YY Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YYGH) (“YY Group”, “YYGH”, or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that the company has regained compliance with NASDAQ’s Minimum Bid Price Rule, maintaining a consistent stock price above $1.00 for more than 12 consecutive business days.

    This achievement marks a key milestone in YYGH’s continued growth and recovery, after experiencing a low of $0.71 two months ago. The stock has risen by over 70%, to reach a peak at $1.295, averaging at $1.20 for the past 2 weeks, representing a significant improvement over the past 60 days. This growth highlights the market’s renewed confidence in the Company’s vision and the strength of its business model.

    Investor Support Key to Recovery

    The Company attributes this success to the unwavering support of its investors. In a market characterized by volatility, YYGH’s ability to stabilize and grow its stock price would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of its shareholders. The Company’s leadership recognizes the importance of its investor relationships and is committed to delivering long-term value through strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

    Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Mike Fu, expressed his gratitude, stating: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our investors during this crucial time. Their confidence in YY Group’s future has been a vital component of our ability to regain compliance with NASDAQ’s standards. As we look ahead, our commitment to innovation, excellence, and shareholder value remains stronger than ever.”

    Looking Ahead

    As part of its forward strategy, YYGH is dedicated to driving sustainable growth by leveraging technological advancements and exploring opportunities in new markets. The recent expansions into the UAE have resulted in positive outcomes with contracts signed with 5-star hotels such as Sofitel Al Hamra and DoubleTree by Hilton. Excitedly, the company has also expanded into the European market, with the United Kingdom as its first point of entry.

    About YY Holdings Limited:
    YY Group Holding Limited is a Singapore-based data and technology-driven company that specializes in creating enterprise intelligent labor matching services and smart cleaning solutions. Rooted in innovation and a commitment to user-centric experiences, YY Circle leverages app-based technology to optimize the labor sourcing market and the Internet of Things to revolutionize the cleaning industry.

    For more information on the Company, please log on to https://yygroupholding.com/.

    Investor Contact:
    Phua Zhi Yong, Chief Financial Officer
    YY Group
    Enquiries@yygroupholding.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations.

    “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. This Government is determined to do better,” Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford says.

    “We broadly accept the findings of the report. Further work is required to respond to those findings that are legal in nature. In the meantime, we are focused on delivering a considered and comprehensive response to the recommendations.”

    The Government is currently working through the 138 recommendations and the 95 recommendations from the 2021 interim report on redress. 

    “Since the tabling of Whanaketia on 24 July, we acknowledged some children and young people experienced torture at the Lake Alice Unit and set up urgent financial assistance to those survivors who are terminally ill.

    “A Crown Response Office has also been established to drive the Government’s ongoing response and the Prime Minister will publicly apologise to abuse in care survivors in Parliament on 12 November,” Ms Stanford says.

    “The abuse perpetuated on survivors for decades is a debt that can never be repaid. I acknowledge the Royal Commission process has spanned six years and survivors would like to see action. The recommendations are complex and it’s important they are considered carefully and respectfully.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Inc. Secures Land Parcels in Nevada’s BLM Auction to Advance Future Geothermal Development

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ORA), a leading renewable energy company, today announced it has successfully secured multiple land parcels in Nevada’s Annual Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Auction. These lease acquisitions will significantly support Ormat’s ongoing exploration and expansion efforts in the state, further strengthening the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and meeting Nevada’s increasing demand for sustainable energy.

    The newly leased parcels hold substantial potential for geothermal energy production including a new greenfield prospect, an expansion opportunity for an existing operational asset, and several additional parcels that will enhance Ormat’s land position on an existing greenfield prospect.

    “We believe the parcels we successfully won have a high success rate that will support our growth in the U.S.,” said Doron Blachar, CEO of Ormat Technologies Inc. “Our team is dedicated to exploring and developing these resources to their fullest potential, providing reliable and eco-friendly energy to the people of Nevada.”

    By leveraging nearly 60 years of advanced technologies and industry expertise, Ormat is an industry leader in geothermal energy production and environmental stewardship.

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400 MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,420MW with a 1,230MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 190MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives.  Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 2024, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

    These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:
    Smadar Lavi
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
    slavi@ormat.com    		 Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Alec Steinberg or Joseph Caminiti
    Alpha IR Group
    312-445-2870
    ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CNO Strengthens Partnerships at 14th Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium

    Source: United States Navy

    VENICE, Italy – Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, attended the 14th Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium (TRSS) in Venice, Italy, Oct. 8-10, 2024.

    This year’s TRSS brought together Heads of Navy and Coast Guard from 67 countries with experts and professionals from around the world to discuss critical maritime issues and foster collaboration. The symposium, themed “A Spotlight on the Depths: the Underwater as a New Frontier for Humankind,” aimed to address the growing importance of the underwater through panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions that allowed participants to explore innovative approaches and strategies for maritime cooperation.

    “It is great to be here among friends who are united by our shared values, our shared commitment, and our shared stake in the continued stability, security, and prosperity of the entire global maritime commons, especially in the undersea domain,” said Franchetti.  “We’ve all scanned the horizon and see the forces that are threatening to make the world more unstable and more dangerous. And we’ve witnessed the vulnerabilities of our critical undersea infrastructure, like gas pipelines, fiber optic cables, which are so critical to our economies, our shared security, our prosperity, and our peoples’ way of everyday life.”

    During the symposium, Franchetti participated in a panel titled “Safeguarding the Underwater: New Solutions and Technologies for new Challenges,” where she discussed how U.S. Navy is leveraging modern technology, like robotic autonomous systems, underwater command and control networks, and sensing and detection systems; is integrating these systems into the fleet and adopting the new technology, getting the innovation into the hands of Sailors as quickly as possible; and building relationships and having conversations with Allies and partners.

    “Integrating robotic and autonomous systems into the daily business of our operations is a critical part of my recently released Navigation Plan for America’s War Fighting Navy,” said Franchetti.  “It’s one of my seven Project 33 targets, areas where I will invest my personal time and my resources, where I’m going to put my thumb on the scale to raise the baseline level of readiness of the American Navy in the fastest time possible.”

    She went on to say, “we are continuing to closely collaborate with you, all of our allies and partners, and your respective innovation bases to advance our capabilities in the undersea domain.  And I see us doing this together as part of a broader warfighting ecosystem.  It’s another component in my Navigation Plan, which is fundamental to my vision of how we will deter and, if necessary, fight and win future wars.”

    While at the symposium Franchetti also held bilateral engagement with her counterparts from Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden; and conducted over 40 meaningful discussions with TRSS Head of Navy participants about the importance of increasing interoperability with Allies and partners.

    Franchetti also conducted her second trilateral meeting with her Australian and United Kingdom counterparts as part of the AUKUS partnership. Their first meeting occurred earlier this summer at HMAS Stirling in Perth, Australia.

    “In three years of  the AUKUS agreement we have made significant progress in integrating the exceptional undersea capabilities of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States,” said Franchetti. “Our navies will continue to build on our relationships, strengths, and interchangeability to provide security and stability, and maintain the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe.

    The CNO wrapped up her time at TRSS with a multilateral meeting with Heads of Navy from the Group of Seven (G7: U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom) and a meeting with the chiefs of carrier strike group navies.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: MSF urges for protection of civilians and medical staff amid Israeli bombardment in Lebanon

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Beirut, Lebanon, 11 October 2024 – As Israeli attacks intensify in Lebanon, healthcare facilities in areas most affected by airstrikes are being forced to close. This is leading to devastating consequences for civilians and their access to healthcare.

    Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams are working tirelessly to ensure the continuation of care in our existing facilities, while also scaling up our activities to address the needs emerging from the ongoing conflict. However, due to the intense Israeli airstrikes, we were forced to suspend some activities in highly affected areas. We continue to adapt our activities to provide people with much needed healthcare.

    MSF urges all warring parties to spare civilians, medical facilities, and medical personnel in Lebanon to ensure that vital healthcare services can adequately address people’s urgent medical needs.

    “Given the intensity of the violence, road damage, and the lack of guaranteed safety, we are currently unable to reach all affected areas in Lebanon despite the increasing medical and humanitarian needs,” says François Zamparini, emergency coordinator for MSF in Lebanon.

    Last week, MSF was forced to completely close its clinic in the Palestinian camp of Burj el Barajneh in the southern suburbs of Beirut. We also had to temporarily stop our activities in Baalbek-Hermel, northeast Lebanon. These are both areas heavily affected by the strikes.

    “We partially reopened our clinic in Hermel this week to ensure that patients receive their medications, providing them with a two-to-three-month stock of essential drugs, depending on the severity of their condition and medical risks,” adds Zamparini.

    Patients in these areas are already vulnerable, struggling to access the healthcare they desperately need. The closure of medical facilities has left them, specifically people living with chronic diseases, without the essential services they need.

    MSF medical teams also remain unable to operate properly in southern Lebanon due to a lack of safety guarantees for our medical personnel.

    “One of the hospitals we planned to support and had donated medications and trauma kits to, in Nabatiyeh, only a few kilometres away from the active frontlines, was hit on 5 October,” explains Zamparini.

    An MSF mobile medical team, which had been actively supporting general healthcare centres in Nabatiyeh and other areas closer to the Lebanese border since November 2023, has been forced to stop its activities. The team, which was once able to reach areas near the border, can no longer do so and is currently limited to operating only as far as Saida, which is about 50 kilometres north of the southern border, where needs are highest.

    In the last two weeks, Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of at least fifty paramedics. This brings the total number of healthcare workers killed since October last year to over a hundred, as reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health[1]. The heavy Israeli bombardments have also severely disrupted access to medical care across Lebanon. As of 1 October 2024, six hospitals and 40 general healthcare centres have closed their doors as the intensity of the fighting made it impossible to work without safety guarantees, according to OCHA. [2]

    The armed conflict is worsening an ongoing humanitarian crisis, aggravating existing needs. Lebanon’s healthcare system was already overburdened by the country’s economic crisis, which has caused the emigration of many medical staff and strained the capacity and resources of medical facilities. Local health centres, already at capacity, are now facing increasing pressure as they try to meet the growing medical needs of displaced people.

    The scale of displacement in Lebanon significantly surpasses the country’s ability to provide adequate shelter, with over a million people displaced according to UNHCR[3]. The majority of shelters people are seeking safety in are in dire conditions. To respond, MSF deployed 12 mobile medical teams across various regions of the country, including Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Saida, Tripoli, Bekaa, and Akkar. These teams are providing psychological first aid, general medical consultations, and mental health support, in addition to donating mattresses, hygiene kits, hot meals, and clean water. Nevertheless, people’s needs are far greater than what we are able to cover.

    “We must ensure the continuation of care for those in need,” emphasises Zamparini. “We urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, medical facilities and medical personnel must not be targeted. Their safety must be guaranteed.”

    MSF response to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon: In response to the ongoing escalation of conflict and intense Israeli bombing in Lebanon, MSF has deployed 12 mobile medical teams across various regions of the country, including Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Saida, Tripoli, Bekaa, and Akkar. These teams are providing psychological first aid, general medical consultations, medication, and mental health support. MSF is also distributing essential items such as blankets, mattresses, and hygiene kits, as well as supplying water by trucks to schools and shelters where displaced people have gathered. Additionally, we are offering hot meals and drinking water to hundreds of displaced families. MSF has also donated fuel and trauma kits to several hospitals, prepositioned 10 tons of medical supplies and trained over 100 healthcare workers in trauma care and mass casualty management across the country.

    MSF first began to work in Lebanon in 1976, and its teams have worked in the country without interruption since 2008.  In 2023, MSF teams worked in six locations across Lebanon, providing 13,609 free medical consultations for vulnerable communities, including Lebanese citizens, refugees, and migrant workers. MSF’s services include mental healthcare, sexual and reproductive healthcare, paediatric care, vaccinations, and treatment for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. In the past years and as a result of the country’s ongoing economic collapse, people’s humanitarian needs have drastically increased, and we have adapted our projects accordingly. Moreover, we have responded to various types of medical emergencies, and in 2023 we increased our support to respond to the needs resulting from the armed clashes.

    ________________________________

    [1] Health workers in Lebanon describe deadly Israeli attacks on colleagues and fear more | AP News

    [2] https://www.unocha.org/news/todays-top-news-lebanon-occupied-palestinian-territory-and-israel-syria-haiti-ukraine-eastern

    [3] UNHCR’s Grandi appeals for urgent humanitarian support and an end to the bloodshed in Lebanon | UNHCR

    MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: Click Holdings Limited Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Click Holdings Limited (“CLIK” or the “Company”), a Hong Kong-based human resources solutions provider primarily focusing on talent sourcing and the provision of temporary and permanent personnel to customers including accounting and professional firms, Hong Kong listed companies, nursing homes, individual patients, logistics companies and warehouses, today announced the closing of its previously announced initial public offering of an aggregate 1,400,000 Ordinary Shares (“the Offering”) at a price of $4.00 per share (“the Offering Price”) to the public, for a total gross proceeds of $5.6 million to the Company, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses.

    The Ordinary Shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on October 9, 2024, under the symbol “CLIK.”

    R.F. Lafferty & Co., Inc. (“Lafferty”), a full-service broker/dealer, acted as the primary underwriter for the Offering. Revere Securities LLC (“Revere”), a full-service broker/dealer, acted as the co-manager for the Offering. Dorsey & Whitney LLP, David Fong & Co, Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, LLP (Shenzhen) and Ogier are acting as U.S., Hong Kong, PRC and BVI legal counsel to the Company, respectively. Wei, Wei & Co., LLP is acting as the independent accountants of the Company. VCL Law LLP is acting as the U.S. legal counsel to Lafferty and Revere for the Offering.

    The Offering is being conducted pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-280522), as amended, which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 30, 2024. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, which forms part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus related to the Offering may be obtained, when available, from R.F. Lafferty & Co., Inc., 40 Wall Street, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10005, by phone at +1 212 293 9090 or by email at offering@rflafferty.com; or Revere Securities LLC, 560 Lexington Ave 16th floor, New York, NY, 10022, by phone at +1 212 688 2350 or by email at contact@reversesecurities.com. A copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering can be obtained via the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more information about the Company and the Offering. This press release has been prepared for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Click Holdings Limited
     Click Holdings Limited is a human resources solutions provider, specializing in offering comprehensive human resources solutions in three principal sectors, namely (i) professional solution services, (ii) nursing solution services, and (iii) logistics and other solution services. We are primarily focused on talent sourcing and the provision of temporary and permanent personnel to customers. Our primary market is in Hong Kong and our diverse clientele includes accounting and professional firms, Hong Kong listed companies, nursing homes, individual patients, logistics companies and warehouses. We specialize primarily in placing professional accountants and company secretaries, registered nurses and healthcare workers, as well as other blue-collar workers, for direct hire and contract staffing roles. For more information, please visit our website https://clickholdings.com.hk.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Luda Technology Group Limited specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    For more information, please contact:

    offerings@rflafferty.com
    Equity Capital Markets
    R. F. Lafferty & Co., Inc.
    40 Wall Street, 27th Floor, 
    New York, NY 10005
    212.293.9090

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police catch up with gang members after driving dangerously

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A group of Tribesman gang members face charges after being observed driving dangerous across south Auckland last night.

    Five arrests were made, infringements issued, and six prized motorbikes have been impounded and are now off the road for six months.

    Earlier on Thursday evening, Police observed a group of gang members speeding on State Highway 1 near Pōkeno at around 6pm.

    “They were driving dangerously at high speeds and intimidating over road users with their reckless behaviour,” Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager, Inspector Tony Wakelin, says.

    “The Police Eagle helicopter was deployed and provided commentary to ground units, as the group exited the motorway at East Tāmaki Road.”

    Inspector Wakelin says Police units had gathered to intercept the group and signalled for the riders to stop.

    “Disappointingly the group disregarded this, and they fled from Police towards Ōtara, travelling at well over twice the legal speed limit and through a red light.”

    Eagle followed the group to an address on Berrett Place, before Police entered the address to conduct further enquiries.

    “We were then able to identify some the motorbikes and the alleged riders involved in the earlier offending.”

    As a result, three patched members aged 24, 28 and 38, have been summoned to appear in the Manukau District Court at a later date for failing to stop and dangerous driving.

    Two youths at the address were arrested over breaching of bail conditions and obstructing Police.

    “Further enquiries are continuing to locate the other motorbikes and riders involved,” Inspector Wakelin says.

    “This was great work from Police staff to manage a potentially volatile situation and bring it to a safe and satisfying conclusion.

    “Other road users should not expect to have their safety put at risk as it was last night. The behaviour of these gang members was completely unacceptable.”

    ENDS.

    Tony Wright/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

    The prime ministers discussed the dynamic bilateral relationship between Canada and Malaysia, which is further being strengthened through the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. They welcomed co-operation on a variety of issues, including bolstering trade and investment, deepening defence partnerships, strengthening democratic institutions, and protecting cybersecurity. The leaders also highlighted recent examples of this mutually beneficial co-operation, including this year’s Team Canada Trade Mission to Malaysia and the opening of BlackBerry’s Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Malaysia, in March.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Anwar discussed their interest in expanding co-operation on energy security and renewables.

    The leaders exchanged views on pressing geopolitical issues. They discussed the impact that multiple crises around the world are having on social cohesion and agreed to work together to explore ways to manage their effects.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Anwar agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to ongoing collaboration.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 420 Years Ago: Astronomer Johannes Kepler Observes a Supernova

    Source: NASA

    In October 1604, a new star appeared in the sky, puzzling astronomers of the day. First observed on Oct. 9, German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) began his observations on Oct. 17 and tracked the new star for over a year. During that time, it brightened to magnitude -2.5, outshining Jupiter, and for several weeks remained visible in the daytime. Publication of his detailed observations in 1606 led astronomers to call the star Kepler’s Supernova, today formally designated as supernova SN 1604. Astronomers of the day did not know what caused the star’s sudden appearance and eventual disappearance, but the phenomenon helped shape European cosmology toward the heliocentric model proposed by Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus half a century earlier. Today, astronomers designate SN 1604 as a Type Ia supernova, resulting from the explosion of a white dwarf star, and use ground-based and space-based telescopes to study its remnants.
    Left: Portrait of Johannes Kepler by August Köhler. Middle: Kepler’s book about his observations of the 1604 supernova open to the page depicting the location of the new star. Right: Closeup of Kepler’s illustration of the location of the new star, designated N, in the constellation Ophiuchus near the right foot of the serpent-bearer.
    Italian astronomer Lodovico delle Colombo first observed the supernova in the constellation Ophiuchus on Oct. 9. Kepler, then working in Prague, heard rumors of the new star but did not observe it until Oct. 17. He continued to monitor the star for over a year, inspired by the earlier work of Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe’s observations of a similar phenomenon, the 1572 supernova. The new star quickly brightened to magnitude -2.5, outshining Jupiter, and for three weeks could be seen in the daytime before finally fading into obscurity in March 1606. Kepler could only make naked eye observations, since Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei didn’t turn his newly invented telescope to the skies for another four years after SN 1604 faded from view.
    Later in 1606, Kepler summarized his observations in his book De Stella nova in pede Serpentarii (On the New Star in Ophiuchus’ Foot), published in Prague. SN 1604 is believed to be about 20,000 light years away, near the edge of a dark nebula complex. Kepler and his contemporaries observed not only the last known supernova to occur in the Milky Way Galaxy but also the last supernova visible to the naked eye until 1987. That one, Supernova 1987A, appeared in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small satellite galaxy of the Milky Way.
    A Type Ia supernova results from a white dwarf drawing in material from a nearby red giant star, the additional mass leading to a runaway thermonuclear explosion.
    Astronomers today understand that what Kepler and others believed as the birth of a new star actually represented the violent death of a star. Astronomers today classify supernovas according to their characteristics, and SN 1604 belongs to the group known as Type Ia supernovas, typically found in binary star systems composed of a white dwarf and a red giant. The gravitation force of the white dwarf draws in material from its larger less dense companion until it reaches a critical mass, around 1.4 times the mass of our Sun. At that point, a runaway thermonuclear chain reaction begins, causing a release of tremendous amounts of energy, including light, that we see as a sudden brightening of an otherwise dim star.
    Images of Kepler’s supernova remnants in different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Left: X-ray image from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Middle: Visible image from the Hubble Space Telescope. Right: Infrared image from the Spitzer Space Telescope.
    Supernova explosions leave remnants behind and those of SN 1604 remain visible today. Ground-based and space-based instruments using different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum study these remnants to gain a better understanding of their origins. The remnants of SN 1604 emit energy most strongly in the radio and X-ray parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. In recent years, astronomers have used Type Ia supernovas to determine the rate of expansion of the universe. Because Type Ia supernovas all occur in stars of about 1.4 solar masses, they give out about the same amount of light. This makes them useful as distance indicators – if one Type Ia supernova is dimmer than another one, it is further away by an amount that astronomers can calculate. Based on this information, astronomers believe that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, possibly caused by the presence of a mysterious substance called dark energy.
    Events in world history in 1604:
    January 1 – First performance of William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream.
    March 22 – Karl IX begins his rule as King of Sweden.
    August 5 – Sokolluzade Mehmed Pasha becomes the new Ottoman Grand Vizier in Constantinople.
    August 18 – England and Spain sign the Treaty of London, ending their 20-year war.
    September 1 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s religious text, is installed at Hamandir Sahib in Amritsar, India.
    October 4 – Emperor of Ethiopia Za Dengel is killed in battle with the forces of Za Sellase, who restores his cousin Yaqob to the throne.
    November 1 – First performance of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello.
    December 29 – A magnitude 8.1 earthquake shakes the Taiwan Strait causing significant damage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    The IADC South Central Asia (SCA) Chapter and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) hosted the 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee (DOIRC) meeting on 24 August. This was the second event with an integrated Onshore and Offshore focus, and it was held at NBP Green Heights in Mumbai. 

    The event witnessed active participation from over 280 attendees of different companies, including 130 online participants from offshore and onshore E&P installations in the Indian subcontinent. Attendees included leaders and key executives from ONGC, drilling companies, and other organizations, demonstrating a shared commitment to safety in drilling operations across the region.

    The safety moment by the HSE Manager of Greatship emphasized the role of human factors in incidents and highlighted the importance of compliance with safety management systems and procedures in the workplace.

    DOIRC Chairman Shri VV Prasad expressed his gratitude to IADC SCAC Chairman & Director (T&FS) ONGC Shri OP Singh for his continuous guidance and support in establishing DOIRC as a structured platform for engagement and collaboration on safety issues in the Indian Drilling Industry. He emphasized that the goal of zero incidents is achievable when safety becomes a shared responsibility.

    In his inaugural address, Sh. O.P. Singh appreciated the continuous efforts made by IADC in collaboration with ONGC to create a safe culture and a safe work environment. A more efficient work environment can be achieved by integrating the guiding principles of the Five M’s – Men, Machine, Material, Method, and Management. He emphasized that digitalization plays a pivotal role in the transformation to latest technologies. The industry needs to support a digital safety culture, enhancing its safety protocols and being prepared for future challenges.    

    The Head of HSE ONGC Mumbai presented an action taken report on previous DOIRC recommendations, their compliance status along with initiatives taken, milestones achieved, and HSE statistics for Quarter-1 of FY 2024-25. Eight incidents from the last quarter were presented by respective rig managers, sharing their root cause analysis learnings from these incidents and corrective actions implemented.

    In his concluding address, Chief of HSE at ONGC advised that the learnings from the incidents discussed at DOIRC should be effectively communicated and implemented across all ONGC installations.

    Mr. Narendra Jindal, Vice chairman of IADC SCA Chapter & Country – Head of Operations at Shelf Drilling, offered the closing remarks and vote of thanks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States to Provide Php28M in Humanitarian Aid, Logistics Support for Super Typhoon Julian Response

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MANILA, Philippines  –  

    In response to a request from the Philippine government, the United States government intends to provide Php28 million ($500,000) in humanitarian supplies and logistical support to communities affected by Super Typhoon Julian in Northern Luzon.

    Through this funding, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide emergency shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene support for more than 4,000 households, or 16,000 people, in typhoon-affected areas.

    Since October 7, the U.S. Department of Defense has mobilized multiple military assets to provide logistics support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Office of Civil Defense in transporting humanitarian supplies from Manila to Batanes.

    “My heart goes out to everyone affected by Super Typhoon Julian, especially those living in the most devastated areas, including hard-to-reach Batanes,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said.  “The United States is working closely with our Filipino friends, partners, and allies to provide life-saving assistance to enable those in disaster areas to recover as quickly as possible.” 

    This assistance builds on the U.S. government’s previous support to Philippine government’s disaster response efforts, such as during the massive flooding in Mindanao in February and Super Typhoon Carina in July. 

     Since 2010, the U.S. government has invested Php21.8 billion ($388 million) for disaster response, preparedness, and early recovery in the Philippines.  USAID works year-round to help communities build resilience in preparing for, and responding to, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene Continues as State, Local and Federal Resources Work to Help those Impacted in Western North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene Continues as State, Local and Federal Resources Work to Help those Impacted in Western North Carolina

    Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene Continues as State, Local and Federal Resources Work to Help those Impacted in Western North Carolina
    mseets

    Today, Governor Roy Cooper held a briefing with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to provide updates on North Carolina’s unprecedented response to Hurricane Helene. They were joined by Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard Major General Todd Hunt, North Carolina Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, NCDHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley and NCDEQ Secretary Mary Penny Kelley to share an update as response and recovery operations continue in Western North Carolina. 

    “Hurricane Helene was a powerful reminder of nature’s might, but it also revealed the unbreakable spirit of our people,” said Governor Cooper. “In the face of adversity, we have seen neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up, and first responders risking their lives to ensure our safety. This has been a massive, unprecedented state, local and federal response and I am grateful to all of those working tirelessly. Your bravery and selflessness embody the very essence of our community.”

    Goods and services continue to flow into impacted communities through state, federal and local partners.  The North Carolina National Guard and the Joint Task Force- North Carolina have assisted thousands of people who needed rescue, evacuation and other assistance.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    More than 3,000 Soldiers and Airmen are now working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to the citizens in western North Carolina.

    National Guard and military personnel are operating more than 40 helicopters and more than 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through a website launched on Saturday.

    FEMA Assistance

    More than $60 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western NC disaster survivors and more than 134,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Approximately 2,600 people are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Federal partners have delivered approximately 9.78 million liters of water and approximately 7.7 million meals in North Carolina to support both responders and people living in the affected communities.

    More than 900 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

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

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

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,300 responders from 35 state and local agencies have performed 118 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

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

    Food, Water and Commodity Points of Distribution

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. More than 20,000 hot meals a day are being prepared and served by mobile kitchens. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Missing Persons

    To report a missing person or request non-emergency support, please call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. NC 211 also has a registry page for missing persons and welfare check requests.

    Shelters

    A total of 17 shelters are open in Western North Carolina serving 715 people and 102 pets.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

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

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, more than 86,000 customers remain without power as of Tuesday, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Travel remains dangerous, with hundreds of roads closed. Many of these roads are primary routes connecting the region. As connectivity and reporting measures improve, these number may increase.

    NCDOT is asking people to avoid unnecessary travel to or in Western North Carolina. NCDOT has posted at ncdot.gov an interstate detour map for travelers to avoid western N.C. NCDOT currently has more than 2,100 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on approximately 4,700 damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Eighty-nine storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. We expect that this number will continue to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911. To report that you have been unable to reach a person in Western North Carolina, please call 211.

    Volunteers and Donations

    Due to dangerous road conditions and the need to maintain open routes for emergency operations, travel to Western North Carolina is strongly discouraged. Instead, consider the following options for donations and volunteer opportunities:

    • If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.
    • For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc

    Additional Assistance

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

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

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

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

    ###

    Oct 9, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do recent class actions against ‘flex commission’ car loans mean consumer voices are getting stronger?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne

    Gatot Adri/Shutterstock

    It’s been more than five years since the banking royal commission, but its findings continue to have an impact on the financial services sector.

    Law firm Maurice Blackburn recently announced it had settled with ANZ in a class action over allegedly unlawful “flex commissions” built into car loans made by Esanda between 2011 and 2016.

    ANZ agreed to settle the proceedings for $85 million on a “no admission of liability” basis. However, two further flex commission class actions – against Westpac & St George and Macquarie Leasing – remain on foot and will be heard this month.

    Class actions are a growing trend in the ways consumers seek to access justice. Many cases are simply too small to be pursued individually.

    On top of this, a recent High Court ruling could see organisations come under greater scrutiny over the systems they put in place. Could all of this mean consumers are getting a stronger voice?

    What are flex commissions?

    Many car dealers offer to provide financing for prospective car buyers as an alternative to getting a loan directly from a bank. But dealers typically don’t have their own huge reserves of funds to lend out.

    This financing usually comes from a finance company or bank lender through what is sometimes called a “white label” product.

    Many car dealers offer financing arrangements directly to customers.
    Tikhomirov Sergey/Shutterstock

    Dealers will usually be paid a commission on the loans they arrange by the lender. Prior to 2018, some lenders offered these car dealers arranging loans what is called a “flex commission”.

    Flex commissions allowed car dealers to set the interest rate on car loans above an agreed base rate.

    Higher interest rates meant a greater commission for the car dealer, but were not always in the interests of the borrower.

    Banned and heavily criticised

    Flex commissions were formally banned by Australia’s corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), in November 2018.

    ASIC had been concerned that borrowers were paying excessively high interest rates on dealer-arranged car loans, and that the commissions were not fair or transparent.

    The watchdog’s own research found about 15% of customers were being charged an interest rate that was 7% or more above the base rate.

    Their main concern was that many car dealers weren’t increasing rates in line with actual credit risk, but rather opportunistically to target inexperienced or vulnerable consumers.

    Shortly after the ban, the final report of the banking royal commission didn’t mince words. Commissioner Kenneth Hayne noted a lack of transparency and a misplaced trust:

    Many borrowers knew nothing of these arrangements. Lenders did not publicise them; dealers did not reveal them. […] To the borrower, the dealer might have appeared to be acting for the borrower by submitting a loan proposal on behalf of the borrower. The borrower was given no indication that in fact the dealer was looking after its own interests.

    Why were class actions needed?

    Neither ASIC’s ban nor the criticisms of the banking royal commission guaranteed any redress for borrowers subject to loans with flex commissions.

    ASIC suggested flex commissions may have contravened the National Consumer Credit Protection Act by being unfair, or the ASIC Act by being misleading. But it is difficult and expensive for individuals to pursue such claims themselves in court.

    ASIC itself can seek compensation on behalf of borrowers, or require redress to be paid as part of other enforcement action. The watchdog has already gone down this road in some of the especially egregious instances of misconduct identified by the royal commission, such as fees for no service.

    Where individual action is too hard or regulator action lacking, consumers’ best option for redress may lie in a class action – taken on a no-win, no-fee basis. The likelihood of a good result may be increased in instances where the class action “piggybacks” on an adverse report from the regulator.

    Corporations may face increasing scrutiny

    It’s reasonable to ask why upstream lenders are being targeted in “flex commission” class actions when it is the car dealers who allegedly wronged borrowers.

    The ongoing class actions do not allege the lenders themselves misled borrowers or treated them unfairly. However, in this context that may not matter.

    In each of the class actions, Maurice Blackburn has argued the car dealers were acting as the representatives of the lenders, which they say makes the lenders responsible for the car dealers’ alleged misconduct.

    A recent High Court ruling may mean corporations have to take greater responsibility for the systems they oversee.
    Shutterstock

    Moreover, in these and similar cases, a recent High Court ruling that centred on “systemic unconscionable conduct” could make it harder for such upstream entities to argue their distance from alleged wrongdoing in systems they put in place.

    Better access to justice

    There has been a rise in consumer protection class actions in recent years, supported by changes in rules of procedure in several jurisdictions.

    Justice Bernard Murphy of the Federal Court of Australia has argued these changes promote the important value of access to justice:

    The important thing to remember is that class actions are critical in ensuring that people can obtain redress for mass civil wrongs. Laws which are not, in fact, readily capable of enforcement by ordinary Australians are little more than an illusion.

    This trend is important. Dishonest or unfair conduct has long been prohibited in the National Consumer Credit Protection Act, but this hasn’t been used much to date.

    Given the current flex commission actions closely follow the findings of ASIC, we should watch the regulator closely for hints of any future actions in other areas. Many could spark discussions that ultimately lead to stronger protection for consumers.

    But when they are successful, we also need to keep an eye on the actual payout to borrowers and hope it takes place without undue delay.

    Jeannie Marie Paterson has previously received funding from the Australian Research Council, DFAT and the Menzies Foundation.

    – ref. Do recent class actions against ‘flex commission’ car loans mean consumer voices are getting stronger? – https://theconversation.com/do-recent-class-actions-against-flex-commission-car-loans-mean-consumer-voices-are-getting-stronger-240795

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Vogue: the 90s was a boom time for Australian fashion and faces. What happened?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Sarago, First Nations Cultural Innovation Lead – Beauty and Technology, Charles Sturt University

    The In Vogue: The 90s series transports audiences back to the glamour and grandeur of a transformative decade for fashion. Set against the backdrop of New York, London and Paris, the series explores the rise of supermodels, designer powerhouses and fashion’s global influence. But the fashion scene in Australia – a country that was also enjoying a meteoric rise in international success at the time – does not crack a mention.

    The 1990s marked a golden era for fashion. Supermodels like Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington became style icons. Designers like Tom Ford, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and John Galliano pushed the boundaries of fashion creating moments that defined the times and influenced everything from pop culture to politics.

    Even though Australia may not have had the runway clout of Paris or New York, the nation was making significant strides in fashion during the same period. Australian designers’ and models’ distinct styles were impressive – giving fashion heavyweights a run for their money.

    So, what went wrong?

    The 90s turned the fashion industry upside down.

    Australian designers, international success

    In the 1990s, Australian designer houses such as Alannah Hill, Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa and Sass & Bide signified Australia’s “coming of age” in fashion, with each designer bringing a unique flair and Australian sensibility to the international market.

    Alannah Hill created a whimsical aesthetic with an edgy twist. Her designs, worn by celebrities Nicole Kidman, Helena Christensen and Courtney Love, earned her a cult following. Business skyrocketed from her Chapel Street boutique in Melbourne to the department stores Selfridges and Browns in London and Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel in Fifth Avenue, New York City.

    In 1996, Collette Dinnigan gained worldwide acclaim as the first Australian designer to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week. Dinnigan’s delicate lace dresses and couture craftsmanship found a spotlight at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum’s Fashion in Motion exhibition. Striking while the iron was hot, Dinnigan secured a lingerie collaboration with Marks & Spencer.

    Collette Dinnigan’s designs were celebrated in a 2015 retrospective exhibition.
    4Susie/Shutterstock

    Akira Isogawa, known for his blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics shared his first collection in 1994. He has presented subsequent collections in Paris bi-annually, a legacy sustained since 1998. Innovative from the jump, he turned early constraints to strengths. When the budget for his first big show didn’t stretch to shoes, he sent models down the runway in little red socks. The fashion statement helped him eventually secure more than 50 retail partners.

    Sass & Bide, founded in 1999 by friends Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, brought a youthful, urban energy from London’s Portobello Road Markets back to Australian shores. Their signature brand quickly gained popularity and was acquired by Myer in a A$42.3 million two-part deal. Australia was no longer a disconnected island but a wild card in the global fashion ecosystem.

    Australian faces and Elaine George’s Vogue cover

    Australian designers weren’t the only superstars gaining fashion fame.

    By the time the supermodel phenomenon etched itself into the fashion zeitgeist, Australian model and businesswoman Elle Macpherson (known then as The Body) was already well known. Australian models Sarah Murdoch, Kristy Hinze, Kate Fisher and Alyssa Sutherland would follow.

    Sarah Murdoch (nee O’Hare, pictured with Anneliese Seubert and Emma Balfour in 1996) graced Australian catwalks in the 90s.
    Patrick Riviere/Getty

    Magazine cover models throughout the 90s showed sun-kissed “girl next door” charm. The exception was Emma Balfour, often touted as Australia’s androgynous counterpart to Kate Moss’s grunge-bohemian look.

    But 1993 produced a turning point in Australia’s beauty paradigm. It was the year Elaine George, Australia’s first Aboriginal fashion model, arrived on the cover of Vogue Australia magazine, making fashion history. Elaine’s presence highlighted the Australian fashion industry’s prioritisation of Eurocentric beauty ideals.

    First Nations beauty and fashion talent urgently needed celebrating. But Vogue’s Australian readers had to wait until October 2000 until Torres Strait Islander singer-songwriter and actress Christine Anu was featured on the cover. The gap showed the stain of underrepresentation and inequity within Australian fashion’s reputation had remained.

    The 2000s, when fashion got much faster

    While the 1990s were a period of optimism and growth for Australian fashion, the momentum failed to continue into the 2000s. Several factors contributed to this decline.

    One of the most significant changes was the rise of fast fashion in the early 2000s. Brands like Zara, H&M and Forever 21 began dominating the global market with affordable, quickly produced garments.

    This shift left many independent designers, including those from Australia, struggling to compete. The slow, meticulous craftsmanship that had defined Australian designers in the 90s could not keep up with the fast-fashion cycle.

    Another challenge was the lack of sustained support for the Australian fashion industry. Unlike New York, London or Paris, which had well-established fashion infrastructures, Australia’s fashion scene was still relatively young. There was no long-term strategy to nurture emerging talent or to promote Australian fashion on a global scale. Many designers either relocated abroad or found it difficult to maintain the same level of success they had achieved in the 90s.

    A new Renaissance?

    The story of Australian fashion in the 1990s is one of promise, yet ultimately missed opportunity. Today, Australia has a chance to enter a new renaissance fuelled by digital innovation and its unique cultures.

    The rise of digital fashion enables Australian designers to break free from the constraints of traditional fashion markets. With virtual clothing (simulated for real wear or digital realms), AI-powered design tools and metaverse runways, Australian creatives can harness technology to showcase their work globally.

    The championing of Indigenous models, designers and multicultural identity is essential. This inclusivity could position Australia as sustainable and ethical fashion innovator and present a compelling alternative to the fast-fashion giants.

    Sasha Sarago 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. In Vogue: the 90s was a boom time for Australian fashion and faces. What happened? – https://theconversation.com/in-vogue-the-90s-was-a-boom-time-for-australian-fashion-and-faces-what-happened-240784

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    The IADC South Central Asia (SCA) Chapter and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) hosted the 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee (DOIRC) meeting on 24 August. This was the second event with an integrated Onshore and Offshore focus, and it was held at NBP Green Heights in Mumbai. 

    The event witnessed active participation from over 280 attendees of different companies, including 130 online participants from offshore and onshore E&P installations in the Indian subcontinent. Attendees included leaders and key executives from ONGC, drilling companies, and other organizations, demonstrating a shared commitment to safety in drilling operations across the region.

    The safety moment by the HSE Manager of Greatship emphasized the role of human factors in incidents and highlighted the importance of compliance with safety management systems and procedures in the workplace.

    DOIRC Chairman Shri VV Prasad expressed his gratitude to IADC SCAC Chairman & Director (T&FS) ONGC Shri OP Singh for his continuous guidance and support in establishing DOIRC as a structured platform for engagement and collaboration on safety issues in the Indian Drilling Industry. He emphasized that the goal of zero incidents is achievable when safety becomes a shared responsibility.

    In his inaugural address, Sh. O.P. Singh appreciated the continuous efforts made by IADC in collaboration with ONGC to create a safe culture and a safe work environment. A more efficient work environment can be achieved by integrating the guiding principles of the Five M’s – Men, Machine, Material, Method, and Management. He emphasized that digitalization plays a pivotal role in the transformation to latest technologies. The industry needs to support a digital safety culture, enhancing its safety protocols and being prepared for future challenges.    

    The Head of HSE ONGC Mumbai presented an action taken report on previous DOIRC recommendations, their compliance status along with initiatives taken, milestones achieved, and HSE statistics for Quarter-1 of FY 2024-25. Eight incidents from the last quarter were presented by respective rig managers, sharing their root cause analysis learnings from these incidents and corrective actions implemented.

    In his concluding address, Chief of HSE at ONGC advised that the learnings from the incidents discussed at DOIRC should be effectively communicated and implemented across all ONGC installations.

    Mr. Narendra Jindal, Vice chairman of IADC SCA Chapter & Country – Head of Operations at Shelf Drilling, offered the closing remarks and vote of thanks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DDG Ellard urges swift action on fisheries subsidies to aid Pacific sustainability goals

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DDG Ellard urges swift action on fisheries subsidies to aid Pacific sustainability goals

    Thank you, and good afternoon, distinguished excellencies and to all.
    I appreciate the invitation to engage with you on the pressing environmental challenges confronting the Pacific region, and how a multilateral approach can help tackle those challenges and foster sustainable solutions. 
    Severely affected by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the Pacific Islands have a unique understanding of how trade and trade policy can contribute to addressing these challenges. And that’s why I’m so pleased that this discussion is taking place at the WTO.
    Trade is vital for climate adaptation and resilience, because it facilitates the development and dissemination of adaptation technologies, improves access to essential goods and services during climate shocks, and fosters synergies between climate finance and trade aid to bolster supply chains and trade-related infrastructure.
    The participation and leadership of the Pacific Islands at the WTO in addressing environmental challenges is commendable, including through Fiji’s role as a co-coordinator of the Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (DPP).
    I encourage you to continue bringing forward your interests in the Committee on Trade and Environment, as well as in other environmental initiatives at the WTO to ensure that trade policy supports your adaptation and energy transition efforts.
    Let me now turn to the issue of fisheries subsidies.
    I visited the Pacific in 2022 just as two important and complementary events coincided:
    the adoption of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies at MC12, and   
    the adoption of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders.
    There are many synergies between these two historic achievements, paving the way toward a sustainable, prosperous, and resilient Pacific region.
    As the 2050 Strategy underscores, the Pacific islands countries are the custodians of nearly 20% of the earth’s surface, including vast swaths of ocean.  During my visits to the Pacific, I have witnessed firsthand how the ocean is central not only to the economies of the region, but also to the core identity of its people. Therefore, it is particularly fitting that, through the 2050 Strategy, all Pacific governments have committed to collective action to improve the health of the ocean and prevent the over-exploitation of its resources.
    As we know, the Western and Central Pacific Ocean is home to one of the world’s largest fisheries, supplying more than half of the world’s tuna from predominantly sustainable stocks. However, the sustainability of fishery resources in the Pacific and worldwide, is threatened by harmful subsidies, which total around USD 22 billion annually.
    The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a decisive response to these challenges. It prohibits subsidies to vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU fishing), and to fishing in the unregulated high seas. It also restricts subsidies for activities affecting overfished stocks, unless they are implemented to rebuild the stocks to a biologically sustainable level. By enhancing transparency and enforcing these rules, the Agreement promises significant benefits for fishing communities across the region, aligning with the Blue Pacific Strategy.
    However, this potential will be realized only when the Agreement enters into force, which requires ratification by 2/3 of our 166 Members. To date, we have received 83 out of the 111 instruments of acceptance, and our goal is to hit the required target by the end of the year. The process for acceptance is well under way in many WTO Members, and I strongly urge those who have not yet ratified – including in the Pacific, where fisheries are so vital – to do so as soon as possible.
    I should emphasize that ratification unlocks access to the technical assistance and capacity-building from the WTO Fish Fund. We have more than USD 12 million in the bank, in addition to resources provided by the FAO and the World Bank, our partners in the Fund. This Fund will help developing and LDC Members implement the Agreement and improve their fisheries management – the Fund demonstrates the commitment to work closely with developing Members and LDCs every step of the way.
    But we know our negotiating work is not done.  I encourage Members to constructively engage on the ongoing negotiations on fisheries subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing – Fish 2 – which, together with Fish 1, would constitute comprehensive disciplines to fully meet UN SDG 14.6.  As you know, although WTO Members have not reached an agreement on these provisions yet, they did make significant progress, and we are very close. The four-year sunset clause in Fish 1, initially proposed by the Pacific region, creates a powerful incentive to conclude these negotiations quickly. 
    While the current text may not be ideal or perfect for all, most developing and developed Members believe that it would improve the status quo, perhaps with a few adjustments that are well socialized with the Membership.
    The latest version of the new disciplines circulated by the Chair of the negotiations is a balanced approach.  On one hand, it contains strong disciplines on the largest fishers and subsidizers, as well as those engaged in distant water fishing.    
    On the other hand, the text exempts small-scale and artisanal fishing from its disciplines, as well as least developed Members and small fishing nations. It also includes a review clause to assess the effectiveness of disciplines, with the possibility to amend the Agreement later.
    Sustainable fisheries are crucial for the livelihoods of those who depend on them. The adoption and entry into force of both WTO fisheries agreements will therefore go a long way to helping Pacific nations fulfil the commitments in 2050 Strategy.
    I know we can count on the Pacific and all Members for their continued deep and earnest engagement. At this point, concluding Fish 2 will require significant commitment at the highest political level, to complete negotiations on Fish 2, and to ensure the ratification and entry into force of Fish 1. And so much is at stake, for our ocean, the fish, and those whose livelihood depends on them.  Whether we can finish our work is completely in Members’ – your – hands. 
    Thank you.

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    MIL OSI Economics –