Category: Asia Pacific

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Transporting New Zealand calls for additional measures to support the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the launch of the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (the LEHVF) but says additional policy changes and investment are required to support freight decarbonisation.

The fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) can contribute up to 25 per cent of the cost of new zero and low-emissions heavy vehicles.

The LEHVF can also contribute up to 25 per cent of the cost to convert existing higher emitting heavy vehicles to be powered by low-emissions technology – including hydrogen-diesel dual fuel engines. EECA has estimated the LEHVF could prevent 366,622 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, replacing 500 diesel-only vehicles by 2028.

Dom Kalasih says the 27-million-dollar fund will help Transporting New Zealand’s members get zero and low carbon trucks on the road, reducing transport emissions.

“The road freight sector is committed to decarbonisation, including adopting low and zero emission vehicles. However, the high purchase cost and limited range and freight capacity of many available models is a big barrier to uptake. In a low margin industry like ours, practical support from the Government is essential.”

“Battery electric trucks cost between 2-3 times more than internal combustion equivalents, with limited range and loads. Freight customers are understandably price sensitive, particularly in the current economic climate, and this can make low and zero emission freight services a tough sell.”

Transporting New Zealand is also calling for the Government to prioritise three actions to support decarbonisation in the road freight sector:

– introduce accelerated depreciation for low and zero emission vehicles (including higher productivity motor vehicles);

– reform the vehicle dimension and mass rules to allow more battery weight on front axles; and

– strengthen roads surfaces and bridges to allow heavier, more efficient, electric vehicles and high productivity motor vehicles to access more of the roading network.

“Co-funding vehicle purchases is an important piece of the puzzle, but getting our regulatory settings and roading network ready for more efficient vehicles is also essential to increasing uptake and driving down emissions.”

Transporting New Zealand is currently working with several other transport associations and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to propose practical amendments to the Land Transport Rules that will improve freight efficiency.

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace occupies Straterra’s Wellington HQ in seabed mining protest

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace activists have occupied the Wellington offices of the mining lobby group Straterra to protest plans to Fast Track its client Trans-Tasman Resources’ seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight.

Three activists have locked themselves inside the building, and two more have climbed onto an awning at the front of the building to deploy a large ‘No Seabed Mining’ banner.

Greenpeace says this action is “a demonstration of the resistance promised” in a recently published open letter to all companies considering using the Fast Track Approvals process. More than 7,500 people have signed on to the letter so far.

A second company seeking consent for seabed mining in the area has just confirmed they are voluntarily withdrawing, citing regulatory uncertainty as one of the reasons, along with the emergence of an offshore wind energy generation proposal that would be incompatible with the seabed mining industry.

Greenpeace says that’s evidence that the pressure is working.

Australian mining company TTR is vying to mine 50 million tons of iron sands in the South Taranaki Bight every year for 30 years. The company has made no secret of the fact it will use the much-maligned Fast Track Bill to get a green light after years of opposition by Taranaki hapū, environmentalists, the fishing industry and marine mammal experts.

Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Juressa Lee says, “We’re taking this action to highlight the danger that Trans-Tasman Resources may slip through the Fast Track process, despite years of community opposition and rejection by the courts.

“We’re also highlighting the role played by the mining industry lobbyist Straterra, which has the ear of this government and is pushing this extractive, polluting project.

“Straterra is a malignant force in New Zealand politics, operating in the shadows and backrooms to exert a pernicious influence over Government policies. Straterra’s stated objectives would shock all New Zealanders who value the natural world and a healthy democracy.

“Today, we will drag Straterra’s dirty business into the sunlight and expose their malevolent intentions for all to see.

“TTR has tried and failed for more than a decade to get approval to mine the seabed because it was never able to show that it wouldn’t cause substantial harm to the environment. If seabed mining is fast tracked, it will be in contempt of all expert advice and the wishes of local iwi, environmental groups, Taranaki communities and the 60,000 New Zealanders who have signed the petition calling for it to be banned.”

Lee says it’s clear that even the coalition’s own supporters are against the Fast Track too.

Recent Horizon Research polling shows that 55% of NZ First supporters do not support the Fast Track Bill, an increase from 36% of respondents in May 2024.

“The Luxon coalition government needs to stop listening to Stratera and start listening to their constituency, and the broader public that are saying they do not want seabed mining, and they do not want seabed mining fast tracked.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emergency Management – Nearly half a million people signed up for ShakeOut with one month to go

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

With one month to go, nearly half a million people have already signed up for New Zealand ShakeOut 2024, our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says over 480,000 people have signed up to Drop, Cover and Hold and practice their tsunami hīkoi on Thursday 24 October at 9:30am. You can join them and sign up at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

NEMA’s Director Civil Defence Emergency Management, John Price says it’s fantastic to see almost half a million people already signed up, and he encourages schools, businesses, community groups and whānau to sign up if they haven’t already.

“All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis at any time. Shake Out gives us the chance to practice, exercise and test the correct actions to take during an earthquake and tsunami.

“A large earthquake such as an Alpine Fault rupture will be a defining event for all of New Zealand. We need to be ready.

“By practising Shake Out each year, knowing what to do to stay safe in an earthquake and tsunami will become second nature. Exercising regularly improves our ability to cope on the day and keep ourselves and our communities safe.”

Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake Chief Resilience and Research Officer, Dr Jo Horrocks says they are proud to support ShakeOut again. “At NHC Toka Tū Ake, we’re working really hard to minimise the impact of future natural hazards on communities. Our beautiful land is one of the highest-risk countries in the world for a range of natural hazards, but there is a lot we can all do to prepare for them.”

Dr Horrocks is pleased to see that almost half a million Kiwis have already signed up for ShakeOut and is hopeful more will join the challenge. “Taking a bit of time to think about how hazards could affect us at home, work or school, and then taking steps to prepare – these are things that will make a big difference in a disaster.”

John Price says, “Before the drill, check your tsunami evacuation zone using our map and make plans for your tsunami hīkoi if you are in a coastal area. (ref. https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones/ )

“Remember that no matter where you live, visit, work or play – if you are near the coast, or any large body of water and you’re in an earthquake that is strong enough to make it difficult to stand up, or lasts a minute or more, you should immediately head inland or for higher ground. Remember, if it’s long or strong, get gone.”

New Zealand ShakeOut 2024 is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Commission and supported by New Zealand Red Cross. The drill is taking place on Thursday 24 October 2024 at 9:30am.

New Zealand ShakeOut is based on the highly successful California ShakeOut which began in 2008 and has now expanded to numerous other US states and countries such as Canada and Japan.

Sign up and go into the draw to win a prize pack! Find more information at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – First day of bargaining action for Te Whatu Ora nurses – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki O Aotearoa members will gather in support of their bargaining team on tomorrow morning to mark the first day of collective contract negotiations with Te Whatu Ora.

Wednesday 25 September will be the first day of bargaining for NZNO’s biggest collective contract.

“This year’s bargaining is taking place at a time when our health system is om crisis,” NZNO delegate Bruce McIntosh says.

“There is a chronic shortage of thousands of nurses at Te Whatu Ora nurses which is leading to increased wait times in Emergency Departments and compromising the quality of patient care,” Bruce McIntosh says.

“Understaffing in our hospitals has been exacerbated with the Government’s obsession with cutting costs.

“With a commissioner appointed to Te Whatu Ora and a voluntary redundancy process underway, there’s no doubt our bargaining team has their work cut out for them.

“Members are gathering on Wednesday morning in solidarity with the bargaining team and to wish them all the best as they arrive for this important mahi. They will take with them into the negotiation room the collective strength of 35,000 members covered by this agreement,” Bruce McIntosh says.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Bill passes first reading
Source: New Zealand Government

The Parliament Bill has passed its first reading this afternoon, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says.

“Today Parliament has taken an important step towards modernising the legislation that supports its operations.

“The Parliament Bill will consolidate and modernise the four Acts comprising Parliament’s statutory framework: the Clerk of the House of Representatives Act 1988, the Parliamentary Service Act 2000, the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013, and the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014.

Other important changes in the Bill include:
- Updating the functions of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to clarify when the functions and duties of the Speaker are carried out by the Deputy;
- Modernising the statutory functions of the Clerk of the House;
- Providing Parliamentary Security Officers with statutory powers similar to those of court security officers, and
- Transferring to the Electoral Commission the role of determining whether a petition carries the required number of signatures to trigger a referendum.
“I am pleased to see this Bill receive unanimous support from across the House. When dealing with matters regarding how Parliament is run, we want to ensure a bipartisan, constructive approach. I thank Members for their contributions to this Bill and to the first reading debate today.

“As part of the cross-party collaborative approach to this Bill, it has been agreed that a special select committee will be created with representatives from every parliamentary party to consider it. The Government intends to nominate former Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe, to chair this committee.

“The Bill has now been referred to the special select committee for six months and I hope to pass it into law in 2025.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – New species of NZ ghost shark discovered – NIWA

Source: NIWA

Scientists have found a new ghost shark that lives exclusively in the deep waters of Australia and New Zealand.

The Australasian Narrow-nosed Spookfish was described by NIWA Fisheries Scientist Dr Brit Finucci.

It was previously thought to be part of a single globally distributed species, until research revealed it is genetically and morphologically different to its cousins.

Dr Finucci gave it the scientific name Harriotta avia in memory of her grandmother.

“Avia means grandmother in Latin; I wanted to give this nod to her because she proudly supported me through my career as a scientist. Chimaeras are also rather ancient relatives – the grandmas and grandpas – of fish and I thought the name was well suited,” said Dr Finucci.

Ghost sharks, or chimaeras, are a group of cartilaginous fish closely related to sharks and rays. Other names for these mysterious animals include ratfish, rabbitfish and elephant fish.

They have smooth skin, free of scales, and feed off crustaceans such as shrimp and molluscs with their distinctive beak-like teeth.

” Harriotta avia is unique due to its elongated, narrow and depressed snout; long, slender trunk; large eyes; and very long, broad pectoral fins. It is a lovely chocolate brown colour.

“Ghost sharks like this one are largely confined to the ocean floor, living in depths of up to 2,600m. Their habitat makes them hard to study and monitor, meaning we don’t know a lot about their biology or threat status, but it makes discoveries like this even more exciting,” said Dr Finucci.

The specimens were collected in the Chatham Rise off New Zealand’s coast during research surveys for Fisheries New Zealand.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Porirua City – Local councillors briefed on water reform

Source: Porirua City Council

This week briefings to councillors in Wellington, Porirua and Lower Hutt will outline the challenges they face as they consider a joint water services delivery plan in response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy. Greater Wellington Regional councillors were briefed last week.

The briefing sessions focus on the changes to legislation, scale of the challenge, implications around funding and pricing and are to prepare councillors for significant decisions ahead.

Nine councils in the Wellington region and Horowhenua District are working together to consider a joint water services delivery plan which must be developed by September 2025. The councils collectively represent more than 500,000 people.

Work is being led by the region’s Advisory Oversight Group (AOG) made up of elected members and Iwi/ Māori representatives.

Dame Kerry Prendergast, Independent Chair of the region’s Advisory Oversight Group says all councils are committed to the process and working at pace to ensure the right approach to water management is reached.

“We are committed to an enduring solution, as a sustainable and long-term approach is required to address the challenges our water networks face – now and into the future,” Dame Kerry said.

“Our region has a significant backlog of investment needed in three waters infrastructure,” Dame Kerry said.

“Currently over 20 percent of the region’s water assets are worn out and needing replacement, which presents significant risk of major services failures. If we don’t fix the network, we will keep on seeing major pipe failures like at Day’s Bay and Kent Terrace or ongoing challenges like at the Seaview wastewater treatment plant.

“Significant investment in water is going to be needed over the next 20 years. We know that this will be really challenging and we will have to work closely with contractors and suppliers to grow the workforce, explore new delivery models and find new and lower cost solutions.

“Our preliminary analysis of the water network and the level of investment needed highlights that there are no quick fixes – this will take sustained effort,” Dame Kerry said.

“We know what people pay for water will need to rise and we are looking at a range of options and scenarios to keep this affordable.

“This is why it’s imperative that councils work together, despite each facing different issues. Some councils have challenges now, some have challenges to come in the future. This is a long game, and working together, at scale, gives us the best chance to work our way out of the current water infrastructure situation.”

New funding arrangements announced by the Government on 8 August for water organisations through the Local Government Funding Agency mean that if councils set up a new delivery organisation these will have access to additional debt funding.

There are some real positives to this change, Dame Kerry said. “The investment will enable growth and new home building; it will create a lot of jobs in the region. Over the next 20 years, about 44 percent of the network could be replaced, building significant resilience for future earthquakes. The investment will also address the region’s critical water shortage challenges through meters, increased water storage, and fixing leaks.”

Local Water Done Well is the Government’s plan for water reform and requires councils to develop water service delivery plans by September 2025. It is being implemented in three stages, each with its own piece of legislation. The second stage is underway, with the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act passed into law on 2 September.

The report outlining the regional option for water service delivery will be finalised and released in October, for each council to then consider and make decisions. These decisions will shape the next steps for the region.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – Mortars and machine guns pack the punch in latest Fiji-New Zealand Army exercise – NZDF

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

Nearly 50 New Zealand Army personnel have returned from Fiji following a valuable week of mortar and machine gun tactical training exercises.

Exercise Cartwheel involved soldiers from 16th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment delivering training courses to Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) personnel, to further build their 81mm mortar and sustained-fire machine gun capabilities.

The exercise culminated with a live fire exercise in the Nausori Highlands, which was a prime opportunity for RFMF and NZ Army soldiers to not only put theory into practice, but also enhance the relationship between the two forces and their ability to work together in a jungle warfare environment.

1 (NZ) Brigade Commander, Colonel Ben Bagley, was in Fiji for part of the exercise and says these opportunities are invaluable.

“Purely on a tactical and technical level, any opportunity to get our soldiers into the field and put their skills into practice is fantastic, but Exercise Cartwheel is much more than just that. It allows us to spend some valuable time with one of our key Pacific partners in the RFMF and enhance our interoperability,” Colonel Bagley said.

“The feedback we receive from the RFMF has always been positive around this exercise, and we equally value the opportunity to come and learn from our partners – it goes both ways.”

Exercise Cartwheel is an annual RFMF-US Army Pacific bilateral exercise designed to train, assess and build light infantry and combat support warfighting capability. Fiji and the US are the main participants. Partner nations like Australia and the United Kingdom also regularly take part, with the NZ Army involved in the past three editions.

“Getting the opportunity to link up with our partners for these exercises in the field is critical for our relationships in the region, because fundamentally we – Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army – are from, and of the Pacific. What happens here is of huge significance to us all,” Colonel Bagley said.

“We’d like to thank our friends and partners in the RFMF for their continued trust and support in us, and welcoming us back here every year. The camaraderie between our people is as strong as ever, and we look forward to the next opportunity to link up.”

Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR), Lieutenant Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, says the exercise marks another milestone in the defence partnership of both nations, and reflects the understanding, trust and shared vision between both armies.

“It also highlights the successful transfer of knowledge and skills, and the completion of training objectives that immensely contributes to the readiness and capabilities of both forces,” Lieutenant Colonel Vakatale said.

“I am certain the training activities over the past three weeks have not only further enhanced our cooperation and interoperability, but it has also set the conditions for more people-to-people connections and networking amongst our troops.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace seabed mining protest extends to a second site

Source: Greenpeace

After five Greenpeace activists occupied the Wellington offices of mining lobby group Straterra to protest seabed mining by its client Trans Tasman Resources today, two more have scaled a tower near Parliament and deployed a 22-meter banner that reads No Seabed Mining.

Greenpeace says today’s action is “a demonstration of the resistance promised” in a recently published open letterto all companies considering using the Fast Track Approvals process.

Spokesperson Juressa Lee says that while today’s focus has been on Trans Tasman Resources and their plan to mine the seabed of the South Taranaki Bight, it should also be a warning to any company considering using the Fast Track approvals process that they will face resistance.

Earlier in the day, three Greenpeace activists gained entry to the Straterra HQ and locked it from the inside to prevent entry. They then proceeded to tweet images from a Straterra document outlining its intention to influence Government policy and clear the way for mining on the seabed and on conservation land.

Meanwhile, two more activists climbed onto the awning outside the Straterra offices and firefighters and erected a large banner reading No Seabed Mining.

All five activists at the Straterra building were eventually arrested by police.

Australian mining company TTR is vying to mine 50 million tons of iron sands in the South Taranaki Bight every year for 30 years. The company has made no secret of the fact it will use the much-maligned Fast Track Bill to get a green light after years of opposition by Taranaki hapū, environmentalists, the fishing industry and marine mammal experts.

Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Juressa Lee said, “We’re taking this action to highlight the danger that Trans-Tasman Resources may slip through the Fast Track process, despite years of community opposition and rejection by the courts.

“We’re also highlighting the role played by the mining industry lobbyist Straterra, which has the ear of this government and is pushing this extractive, polluting project.

“Straterra is a malignant force in New Zealand politics, operating in the shadows and backrooms to exert a pernicious influence over Government policies. Straterra’s stated objectives would shock all New Zealanders who value the natural world and a healthy democracy.

“Today, we have dragged Straterra’s dirty business into the sunlight and expose their malevolent intentions for all to see.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public alerted to fake SMS message

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department today alerted the public to a fraudulent SMS message purportedly issued by HKeToll.

The message includes a hyperlink leading to a fake website that seeks to deceive recipients into making payments and submitting their credit card information.

Besides referring the case to Police for investigation, the department iterated that the HKeToll system does not send SMS messages or emails to vehicle owners with hyperlinks directed them to websites to carry out transactions.

Vehicle owners wishing to pay an outstanding toll online must log in to the HKeToll website or mobile app.

The department said the public should stay alert when receiving messages from unidentified recipients. For enquiries about HKeToll, call 3853 7333.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investments and Awards – Milford KiwiSaver Rated #1 for Customer
Source: Canstar

Satisfaction and Returns September 24, 2024:

Congratulations to Milford for achieving a remarkable hat-trick across Canstar’s 2024 KiwiSaver Awards. For the fifth year in a row, Milford is the winner of two of Canstar’s top KiwiSaver awards:

However, this year, these two accolades, which are awarded by our expert financial research team, sit alongside another win for Milford: Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Award | KiwiSaver, which is based on consumer feedback from over 3000 KiwiSaver members.

In awarding Milford top honours across all three award categories, our research team noted that Milford’s KiwiSaver fund returns are consistently among the highest over the 5-year observation period used in our methodology. And, in addition, Milford delivers high levels of support, both online and through its app, and a wide range of investment options to customers. It’s this investor-driven focus and excellent customer service that has earned Milford its Most Satisfied Customers Award.

Tom Slee, Canstar Group Manager – Wealth, Health & New Zealand says, “KiwiSaver isn’t just about retirement; from the start of their working lives, Kiwis should take an active interest in their KiwiSaver providers, schemes and investments, to ensure they’re setting themselves up for a secure financial future.

“And thanks to Milford’s great returns, tools and advice, it’s not difficult to make informed decisions about your KiwiSaver, and to ensure that you’re achieving market-leading returns on your investments.”

Murray Harris, Head of KiwiSaver and Distribution at Milford says, “Everyone at Milford is so excited on behalf of our KiwiSaver members to have scooped the pools this year with Canstar’s awards, winning all three.

“But we are particularly pleased to have been awarded the Most Satisfied Customers Award, because this is our KiwiSaver members saying they’re very happy with the great returns and excellent service the Milford team provides. And, of course, we’ll be continuing to work hard to retain the trust and confidence of our members into the future.”

Outstanding Value KiwiSaver Scheme Award Winner: Fisher Funds

KiwiSaver Provider of the Year

Outstanding Value KiwiSaver Scheme

Fisher Funds is also celebrating an unbroken run of Canstar KiwiSaver Award wins. Its Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Plan

has won our Outstanding Value KiwiSaver Scheme Award for five years in a row, and its Fisher Funds TWO

KiwiSaver Scheme for three consecutive years. The award celebrates KiwiSaver schemes that deliver outstanding

value, features and performance across balanced, conservative and growth profiles.

Nilesh Mistry, Chief Client Officer at Fisher Funds, says, “Our focus at Fisher Funds is on delivering relentlessly for our clients in terms of their investments, and the services we provide. We know our clients have ambitions for both home ownership and retirement, and KiwiSaver is integral to achieving these goals. To have the value we provide acknowledged for the third and fifth year in a row for two of our KiwiSaver schemes is a real source of pride for the whole team.”

Canstar’s KiwiSaver Awards

Canstar’s research team assesses the winner of its Provider of the Year Award

Scheme Awards using a bespoke rating methodology, covering 20 providers, 23 schemes and 141 funds. The Most

Satisfied Customers Award is based on feedback from 3106 KiwiSaver members across 15 providers.

The full list of Canstar’s 2024 KiwiSaver awards winners: Provider of the Year: Milford

Outstanding Value KiwiSaver Schemes: Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Plan, Fisher Funds TWO KiwiSaver Scheme, Milford KiwiSaver Plan

5-Star Rated Individual Fund Providers: ANZ, BNZ, Booster, Fisher Funds, Milford, Nikko AM

Canstar’s KiwiSaver awards are designed to help consumers make more informed financial choices and sit alongside Canstar’s other awards, covering banking, insurance and KiwiSaver products. Click here for more information on all our award winners:

https://www.canstar.co.nz/kiwisaver/
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Injury statistics – work-related claims: 2023
Source: Statistics New Zealand

Injury statistics – work-related claims: 2023 – 24 September 2024 – Injury statistics for work-related claims give information about claims accepted by ACC for work-related injuries.

Key facts
- A total of 226,600 work-related injury claims were made in 2023 (up 1,200 from 2022).
- The incidence rate for claims related to work-related injuries was 86 claims per 1,000 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) in 2023. This is the lowest rate since the start of the series in 2002.
- The manufacturing; agriculture, forestry, and fishing; and construction industries had the highest incidence rates of work-related injury claims in 2023.
- Trades workers had the highest number of claims by occupation in 2023, with 39,000 claims.
Visit our website to read this information release:

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Visa-free arrangement for nationals of Georgia

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Visa-free arrangement for nationals of Georgia
Visa-free arrangement for nationals of Georgia
**********************************************

The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (September 24) that, effective from September 30, 2024, nationals of Georgia who are holders of valid diplomatic, official and ordinary passports may visit Hong Kong visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days. Currently, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders may visit Georgia visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days. An ImmD spokesman said, “Georgia is along on the Belt and Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this visa-free arrangement will provide travel convenience for visitors from Georgia and strengthen the tourism, cultural and economic ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Georgia.”

Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 14:00

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Soitec: Soitec and Resonac announce the signing of a joint development agreement in SmartSiC™ to accelerate high-performance silicon carbide adoption in next-generation electric vehicles
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Soitec and Resonac announce the signing of a joint development agreement in SmartSiC™ to accelerate high-performance silicon carbide adoption in next-generation electric vehicles

Tokyo (Japan) and Bernin (France), September 24^th, 2024 — Resonac Corporation (formerly Showa Denko K.K.) and Soitec (Euronext Paris – Tech Leaders), a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative semiconductor materials, have signed an agreement to develop 200mm (8-inch) SmartSiC™ silicon carbide (SiC) wafers using Resonac substrates and epitaxy processes, in a major step for the deployment of Soitec’s high-yielding silicon carbide technology in Japan and other international markets.

SmartSiC™ silicon carbide is a disruptive compound semiconductor material providing superior performance and efficiency over silicon in high-growth power applications for electric mobility and industrial processes. It allows for more efficient power conversion, lighter and more compact designs and overall system cost savings – all key factors for success in automotive and industrial systems.

Christophe Maleville, Chief Technology Officer at Soitec, commented: “Silicon carbide is being adopted for EV and industrial applications, where it brings a significant system cost advantage. To further accelerate this adoption, silicon carbide yield and productivity must be improved. Associating Resonac premium quality SiC materials with Soitec’s unique 200mm (8-inch) SmartSiC™ technology will support volume availability of record quality epi-ready substrate. The combination of our respective technologies and products will optimize these substrates using Resonac’s high-quality epitaxy. Soitec is proud and excited to be partnering with Resonac to develop a best-in-class combined SiC product offering for Japan and the world.”

Makoto Takeda, General Manager of Device Solutions Business Unit at Resonac, commented: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Soitec, which is fully aligned with our broader commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient semiconductor solutions. By combining Resonac’s high quality monocrystalline silicon carbide wafers with Soitec’s unique SmartSiC™ technology, we will deliver improved production efficiency of 200mm (8-inch) silicon carbide wafers and diversify the epi-wafer supply chain.”

Soitec’s SmartSiC™ silicon carbide wafers, or engineered substrates, are produced using the company’s proprietary SmartCut™ technology to bond an ultra-fine layer of high-quality mono-SiC ‘donor’ wafer to a low-resistivity polycrystalline (poly-SiC) ‘handle’ wafer. The resulting engineered substrate delivers significantly improved device performance and manufacturing yields. By allowing multiple re-uses of the prime quality mono-SiC wafer, the process also reduces overall energy consumption during wafer manufacturing.

Soitec has a new fabrication plant at its headquarters in Bernin, France, primarily dedicated to the production of SmartSiC™ wafers for electric vehicles, renewable energy and industrial equipment component applications.

About Soitec

Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 1 billion Euros in fiscal year 2023-2024. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of its 2,300 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Soitec has registered over 4,000 patents.

Soitec, SmartSiC™ and Smart Cut™ are registered trademarks of Soitec.

For more information: https://www.soitec.com/en/ and follow us on X: @Soitec_Official

Contact for more information: media@soitec.com

About the Resonac Group

The Resonac Group is a new company established as a result of the integration of the Showa Denko Group and the Showa Denko Materials Group (former Hitachi Chemical Group) in January 2023. The Group’s annual sales of semiconductor and electronic materials amount to about 340 billion yen. The Group especially has global top share of semiconductor materials for packaging process. The integration of the two companies has enabled the Resonac Group to design functions of materials as well as to develop them in-house, going all the way back to raw materials. The new trade name “RESONAC” was created as a combination of two English words, namely, the word of “RESONATE” and “C” as the first letter of CHEMISTRY. The Resonac Group will make the most of its co-creative platform, and accelerate technological innovation with semiconductor manufacturers, material manufacturers, and equipment manufacturers inside and outside Japan.

For detail, please refer to the Website of Resonac Holdings Corporation: https://www.resonac.com/

Attachment
- 20240923_PR Soitec-Resonac ENG
The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Carson, Jayapal, Schakowsky Introduce UNRWA Funding Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andre Carson (7th District of INDIANA)

WASHINGTON, DC—Representative André Carson (IN-07) has introduced H.R. 9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA).

The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of this year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.

Following the UN’s investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. Approximately 1.9 million people – 9 in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, and an estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable. It is estimated that over 1 million Gazans will not have enough food this month, and availability of basic hygiene items has dropped to 15%. In addition to a polio outbreak, Gazans are suffering from malnutrition and treatable diseases due to “systematic dismantling of healthcare”from bombardments on civilians.

“The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance. It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

“UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees for decades. Their on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensure that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment in Gaza,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding.”

“For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians, providing food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. Today, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza as it endures ongoing war and a dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding in January and our allies have all resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

“J Street is proud to be supporting the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Carson, Jayapal, and Schakowsky. We should restore funding, as all our major allies have, and stop playing politics with Palestinian welfare and Israel’s security,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As UNRWA’s largest donor and Israel’s key security guarantor, the United States has a special obligation to address this crisis.”

“Gaza isn’t starving. It’s being starved,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “Over two million Palestinian civilians are enduring a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading due to blocked aid access. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Congress continue to withhold all U.S. funding for the largest aid operation in Gaza—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that millions receive desperately needed assistance. Blocking U.S. funding for UNRWA’s critical work is a cruel and unjustified decision that only deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering. Congress and the Administration must act swiftly to correct this wrong by supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act and restoring this urgently needed aid.”

“Restoring funding to UNRWA is a humanitarian imperative,” said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “For over six decades, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of UNRWA, which provides lifesaving aid and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Those services are desperately needed in Gaza right now, and UNRWA is the only organization with the capacity and expertise necessary to provide them at scale. The United States must uphold its commitment to the human rights of the Palestinian people and pass this legislation to reinstate funding to the humanitarian agency immediately. Failing to do so would lead to further human suffering.”

“In restoring funding for food, water, shelter, and medical care for Palestine refugees, the UNRWA Restoration Act honors this most basic and inalienable truth — that the people of Palestine are human beings, just like all of us, and all lives are sacred, not just some,” said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director UNRWA USA.

“UNRWA is indispensable to providing Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria with the education, healthcare, and other critical services that are key to successful, productive livelihoods and citizenry, and a future of peace and prosperity, which should be in everyone’s interests. We support full restoration of funding to UNRWA,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.

“We express our gratitude to Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky for introducing the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024,” said James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. “This lifesaving legislation aims to restore critical U.S. financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by repealing previous funding restrictions and encouraging the Secretary of State to lift the temporary pause on federal funding. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in increased displacement, starvation, and death. It is both inhumane and unconscionable to continue withholding financial support from UNRWA. We recognize that the majority of Americans are horrified by the death and destruction they witness daily in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA’s humanitarian aid and services often mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable populations. Restoring U.S. funding to UNRWA is urgent, just, and the only morally responsible option. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this crucial legislation and ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region.”

The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 has been endorsed by the following organizations as of 9/19/24:

18 Million Rising

Action Against Hunger

Action Corps

ActionAid USA

AFSC, American Friends Service Committee

American Baptist Churches USA

American Friends of Combatants for Peace

American Friends Service Committee

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)

Americans for Justice in Palestine Action

Americans for Peace Now

Anera

Avaaz

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)

Carolina Peace Center

Center for American Progress

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)

Center for Constitutional Rights

Center for Gender & Refugee Studies

Center for International Policy

Center for Jewish Nonviolence

Center for Security, Race and Rights

Center for Victims of Torture

Charity&Security Network

Christian Aid

Church World Service

Climate Refugees

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

CODEPINK

CommonDefense.us

Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Danish Refugee Council

DAWN

Demand Progress

Doctors Against Genocide

Emgage Action

FCNL

Foreign Policy for America

Friends of Sabeel North America

Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ

Health Advocacy International

Hindus for Human Rights

Historians for Peace and Democrcy

Human Rights First

Humanity & Inclusion

IfNotNow Movement

International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)

International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)

International Rescue Committee

Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

J Street

Jewish Voice for Peace Action

KinderUSA

MADRE

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

Middle East Children’s Alliance

Middle East Democracy Center (MEDC)

Migrant Roots Media

MoveOn

MPower Change Action Fund

Muslim Advocates

National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd

National Council of Churches

National Iranian American Council Action

National Partnership for New Americans

Nonviolent Peaceforce

Norwegian Peoples aid

Norwegian Refugee Council USA

Oxfam

Partners for Progressive Israel

Pax Christi USA

Peace Action

People’s Action

Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Public Witness

Progressive Democrats of America

Project HOPE

Project South

Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft

Rebuilding Alliance

Refugee Congress

Refugees International

ReThinking Foreign Policy

RootsAction.org

Save the Children US

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team

Terre des hommes – Lausanne

The Episcopal Church

The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP)

The United Church of Christ

UNRWA USA National Committee

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action (USCPR Action)

Veterans For Peace, Chapter #63 (Albuquerque)

War Child Alliance

We Are All America (WAAA)

Welcoming America

Win Without War

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US

Working Families Party

Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation

ACCESS of WNY

Al Otro Lado (CA and Tijuana)

Atlanta Multifaith Coalition for Palestine

CAIR-Ohio

Christian Jewish Allies for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine

Church Women United in New York State

Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York chapter (CAIR-NY)

Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Washington DC

Jewish Voice for Peace Albuquerque

Minnesota Peace Project

Muslim Justice League (MA)

New York Progressive Action Network

Oasis Legal Services (CA)

OnceAForest.org (NM)

Peace Action WI

Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!

Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) Bay Area

Veterans For Peace – Santa Fe NM Chapter

Muslims United PAC (MUPAC)

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Ārohia Trailblazers set to forge path to global markets

Source: Callaghan Innovation

Callaghan Innovation will support seven trailblazing Kiwi businesses with bold ideas to succeed in global markets, while forging new pathways for like-minded Kiwi innovators.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Judith Collins announced the Ārohia Trailblazer grant recipients at the New Zealand Aerospace Summit today in Christchurch.

Callaghan Innovation has allocated $17.5 million in co-funding to Astrix Astronautics, Basis NZ, Emrod, Fabrum Solutions, Toku Eyes, Zincovery Process Technologies and Zenno Astronautics. The Ārohia Trailblazer

Innovation Grant supports businesses that are benefiting the Aotearoa New Zealand innovation ecosystem, and have global potential.

“Congratulations to these Kiwi innovators who have developed these impressive, and ambitious innovations with the potential for success here and in global markets.

“We look forward to following their success as they inspire and enable other, like-minded ambitious innovators,” says Callaghan Innovation Chief Product Officer, Brett Calton.

“These trailblazers represent diverse sectors, including HealthTech, CleanTech and aerospace, that are growing and have the potential to make a bigger impact globally.”

About the recipients:

Astrix Astronautics
Astronautics | Auckland | astrix.space

Astrix Astronautics design unique, reliable high performance power systems for small satellites using a state-of-the art inflatable deployment mechanism that delivers solar power to mega-constellations.

Basis NZ Limited
Cleantech | Auckland | wearebasis.com

Basis has developed the world’s first residential Smart Panel, enabling homeowners to reduce their electricity costs, make their homes dramatically safer and lower barriers to adopting electrification technologies (EV, battery & solar).

Emrod Limited
Hi-tech Engineering | Auckland | emrod.energy

Emrod is pioneering the transition to a wireless, global energy network. Its technology is hardware for wirelessly sending large amounts of power over long distances, safely and efficiently. Just as the internet transformed communication, wireless power will transform the world’s ability to generate and use energy.

Fabrum Solutions Limited
Hi-tech Engineering | Christchurch | fabrum.nz

The fundamental technologies that Fabrum has developed leverage over 20 years of composite and cryogenic discovery. The company has developed a very desirable library of patents and trade secrets, including cryocoolers, refuelling technologies, liquefiers and storage systems for hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and LNG. Fabrum operates around the globe with 80% of its product made in New Zealand and exported globally.

Toku Eyes Limited
Healthtech | Auckland | tokueyes.com

Toku has developed a product that can identify individuals with elevated chronic kidney disease risk (CKD) using retinal fundus images only. Commercialisation of this AI medical device will remove the need for blood and urine test to identify high-risk CKD individuals, enabling preventative care to avoid costly debilitating kidney failure.

Zincovery Process Technologies Limited
Cleantech | Christchurch | zincovery.com

Zincovery is looking to bring the first 100% recycled, low carbon and high purity zinc product to the market. This is enabled by their innovative zinc recycling technology that avoids the use of fossil fuels, reducing emissions by up to 95% and processing costs by 45%.

Zenno Astronautics Limited
Astronautics | Auckland | zenno.space

Zenno is building the future of agile and sustainable operations in space. They have developed a patented technology based on superconducting magnets that enables spacecraft operators to reduce their costs while also increasing their mission value.

For more information visit: arohia.govt.nz

About Callaghan Innovation

Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s innovation agency. It activates innovation and helps businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand. The government agency partners with ambitious businesses of all sizes, delivering a range of innovation and research and development (R&D) services to suit each stage of their growth. Its staff – including more than 150 of New Zealand’s leading scientists and engineers – empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities and networks, and providing tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, and grants co-funding. Callaghan Innovation also enhances the operation of New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, working closely with MBIE, NZTE, NZVIF, Crown Research Institutes, and other organisations that help increase business investment in R&D and innovation. The agency operates from five urban offices and a regional partner network in a further 12 locations across Aotearoa.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU team successfully performed at the ICPC World Finals

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – From September 15 to 20, Astana hosted the 48th ICPC World Finals, a world championship in competitive programming. 142 teams from more than 111 countries took part in the competition, selected from 72,000 participants representing 103 countries and more than 3,000 universities. The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is an international student programming contest founded in the 1970s in the United States. The first international ICPC was held in 1977 in the United States, at the University of Michigan. Since then, the competition has been held annually in various countries, such as the United States, Russia, the Netherlands, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Japan, Sweden, Poland, Thailand, Morocco, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Portugal. The NSU team includes students Faculty of Information Technology: Sofia Lylova (4th year), Anton Mokrousov (2nd year postgraduate student), Artem Plyusnin (master’s graduate). The team solved six problems, sharing 20-50 places with such leading universities as ITMO, HSE, Stanford University, University of Cambridge and others. – The problem set turned out to be very interesting and balanced, our team solved six problems, and the winner of the championship only nine. Of all the problems, there was one that no team solved. As in previous years, the level of teams at the world championship is very high, it cannot be otherwise – the best university teams qualify. There is a lot of pressure – to compete with the strongest, especially with those who have already won medals in previous seasons of the championship. Our team took a long time to get to the world championship final and trained a lot. For example, the guys have repeatedly participated in training camps in Petrozavodsk, where the best teams of our region practice, and at the end of August they went there for in-person participation, – said Vladimir Isachenko, coach of the NSU team in sports programming, senior lecturer of the Department of Informatics Systems of the NSU FIT. In the final table, Peking University took first place, and MIPT took second place. MIPT’s team in algorithmic programming Yolki-Palki became the only one from Russia to climb the ICPC podium. MIPT overtook their strongest rivals from the University of Massachusetts and Xinhua University.

Saint Petersburg University took 22nd place, HSE University — 29th, ITMO University — 36th, MAI — 43rd, NSU — 45th, Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design — 92nd, and Skoltech — 102nd. — Despite the successful performance of the NSU team, we know that we still have room to grow and develop, our goal is to prepare better and win medals. According to the rules, Artem and Anton can no longer participate in ICPC competitions, they will join the coaching staff and help prepare the teams. And Sofia can still participate, so she will prepare for next year with a different team, — concluded Vladimir Isachenko.

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

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

http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/education/team-nsu-successfully-performed-at-the-world-championship-in-sports-programming-ispc-world-final/

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS promotes HK-Spain ties

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, on a visit to Spain, has called on the Plenary of the City Council of Madrid, a local innovation and technology centre, and a Spanish innovation accelerator and venture capital fund.

Mr Chan yesterday met President of Madrid’s City Council Plenary Francisco de Borja Fanjul Fernandez-Pita to discuss strengthening co-operation between Madrid and Hong Kong.

Briefing the president on developments in Hong Kong across various sectors, Mr Chan highlighted that, with staunch support from China’s central government, the “one country, two systems” arrangement will continue to be implemented in Hong Kong over the long run.

The finance chief emphasised that Hong Kong will maintain an international, open and friendly business environment and practise the common law.

He said he hoped the two places can continue to nurture mutually beneficial co-operation in areas such as finance, innovation and technology (I&T), culture, and education.

He also invited Spanish enterprises to invest in Hong Kong and leverage its advantages to explore the vast markets of the Greater Bay Area, Mainland China more broadly, and Asia.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr Chan called on Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing. Mr Chan briefed the ambassador on Hong Kong’s latest situation, as well as its development direction and strategies.

They also discussed economic and trade co-operation between China and Spain, and the promotion of business and I&T collaboration between Hong Kong and Spain.

Mr Chan then met Director General of the Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnologico y la Innovacion (CDTI) Jose Moises Martin Carretero.

The CDTI provides funding support for projects aligned with Spain’s I&T development strategy, and promotes technological co-operation between Spain and other countries and regions.

Mr Chan highlighted the progress Hong Kong has made in recent years through investing substantially in I&T, as well as the support provided by Hong Kong’s full-spectrum financial services to I&T enterprises and projects at various stages of their development.

The two men also exchanged ideas around strengthening co-operation in technology projects and matching funds with projects.

Mr Chan also led a delegation of Hong Kong technology startup on a visit to Wayra, one of Spain’s innovation accelerators and venture capital funds. Speaking to investment team leaders, he discussed ways to promote mutual co-operation.

During the visit, Mr Chan was given an introduction to Wayra’s operations and development strategies. Through its global network, Wayra helps startups connect with technology and capital worldwide, and provides guidance to help them expand their markets.

Mr Chan said he hoped his visit would facilitate better connections between the I&T ecosystems of both places and help startups leverage opportunities for collaboration.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Charge laid following threatening email, Andersons Bay, Dunedin

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A teenager is due to appear in court after a threatening email was sent to Bayfield High School this morning.

Police were alerted to the incident at 8.17am.

Around 550 students and staff from the college were escorted from the premises with assistance from Police.

At around 1.30pm this afternoon, Police executed a search warrant at a Dunedin property where the youth was arrested without incident.

“We understand incidents like this can be distressing, and we hope this arrest can provide reassurance to the community,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh.

Police is providing those involved with support and will continue to investigate what has taken place.

A 16-year-old is due to appear in Dunedin Youth Court on Thursday 26 September, facing a charge of threatening to kill.

“Police is working with the school and further charges may be likely.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by CE at media session before ExCo

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following are the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (September 24):

Reporter: My first question is, as the SNSO (Safeguarding National Security Ordinance) has stated that the CE has the power to issue a certificate to certify if a court case concerns national security, yesterday the court has heard that you have issued such a certificate for the HKU Students’ Union Council case. So how many of such certificates have been issued in the past, and what cases were involved? My second question is, a French photojournalist working for the Associated Press was denied entry to Hong Kong earlier this month. What are the reasons behind and will it impact Hong Kong’s image as an international city? Lastly, is there a time frame for Hong Kong to lift the ban on Japanese food imports after Beijing has agreed to lift the ban? Thank you.

Chief Executive: The Chief Executive certificate was issued in accordance with the law. It has been issued more than once, and it is issued whenever it is considered necessary, but all procedures for national security cases will be done in strict accordance with legal procedures and the relevant laws. I want to repeat again: we will deal with national security offences seriously, and we will enforce the law without hesitation, because national security offences are serious. I think we are doing this in the same way as what other jurisdictions are doing in connection with safeguarding national security.

Regarding the issue of discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, I am aware that the relevant authorities of China and Japan have recently reached a consensus, and the consensus reads like this: the Japanese side will fulfil its obligation to avoid negative impacts on health and the environment and will continue to carry out impact assessments on the marine environment and ecosystems. Japan will establish a long-term international monitoring arrangement under the framework of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to ensure China’s participation, independent sampling, monitoring, and inter-laboratory comparisons. The two sides will commence science-based dialogue in the interest of life, health and the ecological environment. After the implementation of the independent sampling and monitoring activities, China will, based on the scientific evidence, consider to adjust the relevant measures. The Hong Kong SAR Government has all along accorded top priority to safeguard health and safety of the Hong Kong people. We emphasise scientific evidence. We have contacted the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR for more information and have also contacted the Consul-General of Japan for more details to ensure that the Hong Kong SAR Government will have access to sufficient scientific data and evidence to consider any adjustment possibility.

Regarding your question, all entries into Hong Kong must be considered in accordance with the prevailing immigration policies and relevant laws. The Immigration Department is doing the same as all other immigration authorities are doing in other jurisdictions; that is, they will look at the entries’ characteristics and examine the entries in accordance with the policies and the laws. I think individuals will be considered according to their own cases, and we are doing it in no way different from other jurisdictions. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the 2-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on September 24, 2024

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Tenor	2-day
Notified Amount (in ₹ crore)	50,000
Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore)	91,035
Amount allotted (in ₹ crore)	50,003
Cut off Rate (%)	6.62
Weighted Average Rate (%)	6.64
Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%)	89.83

Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)

Press Release: 2024-2025/1154

MIL OSI Global Banks –

September 29, 2024

MIL-Evening Report: Surrogacy is booming. But new research suggests these pregnancies could be higher risk for women and babies

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University

Helena Lopes/Pexels

A new study from Canada has found women who agree to carry and birth babies in surrogacy arrangements face a higher risk of complications than other pregnant women.

These women were at two to three times the risk of health problems such as postpartum haemorrhages and pre-eclampsia. They were also more likely to give birth prematurely.

With an increasing number of people in Australia and elsewhere having children via surrogacy arrangements, what can we make of these findings?

First, what is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a situation where a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby (or babies) for another person or a couple in a planned arrangement.

There are two types of surrogacy.

The first is where the pregnant woman is the full biological mother, with the child conceived using her own egg (sometimes called “traditional” or “genetic” surrogacy).

The second is where the pregnant woman is not the genetic mother and the child is conceived using the egg of a different woman (called “gestational surrogacy”).

Gestational surrogacy involves the transfer of an embryo or embryos into the uterus of a woman who has agreed to carry and birth the child using in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Gestational surrogacy is now the most common form of surrogacy arrangement in Australia.

The new study looked at gestational surrogacy specifically.

What the researchers did

The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, was retrospective. This means it used existing data that is gathered routinely on people using health services.

It included 863,017 women who had a single baby between April 2012 and March 2021 (multiple births were excluded).

The researchers compared outcomes for women and babies where the pregnancy was achieved naturally, those who got pregnant using IVF, and those who were pregnant in a gestational surrogacy arrangement where the woman had no genetic link to the baby.

Most babies were conceived naturally, 16,087 were IVF pregnancies, and 806 women were pregnant in gestational surrogacy arrangements.

The study looked at more than 860,000 women in Canada who had a baby over a nine-year period.
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

The researchers found pregnant women in gestational surrogacy arrangements had a rate of severe maternal complications of 7.8%, more than three times the rate of those who became pregnant naturally (2.3%) and almost twice the rate among those who got pregnant through IVF (4.3%).

These risks included postpartum haemorrhage (losing excessive amounts of blood following the birth), severe pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure associated with pregnancy) and serious postpartum infection (sepsis). There was also a higher risk of the baby being born preterm (before 37 weeks) in gestational surrogacy situations.

The researchers attempted to take into account differences between the three groups like age, weight, health problems and socioeconomic status, which can all influence the risk of complications for pregnant women and their babies. Despite this, they still saw these concerning results.

Why might the risk be higher?

Previous research looking at outcomes with gestational surrogacy has had mixed results. But it is thought the reason risks could be greater for the woman and baby in gestational surrogacy arrangements may be because the baby is genetically unrelated to the woman.

Pregnancy has a strong impact on the immune system. During pregnancy, women’s immune systems are altered so they do not reject the growing baby.

An imbalanced or overactive immune response can contribute to pregnancy complications including preterm birth and pre-eclampsia. Having a baby with different genetic material may affect a woman’s immune response during pregnancy, and increase the risk of complications in this way.

Some limitations

Only women having a single baby were included in the study, so we don’t know the outcomes where a multiple pregnancy was involved. However, multiple birth is common in surrogacy, and there are increased risks associated with multiple births for women and babies.

Multiple embryo transfer increases the risk of twins and triplets and is prohibited in the context of surrogacy in Australia (and discouraged in IVF treatments more broadly). But Australians engaging in overseas surrogacy commonly request it.

Also, the study includes a relatively small number of women pregnant in a gestational surrogacy arrangement (806), meaning there’s an increased risk for statistical error and limited ability to detect rare outcomes.

People may use a surrogate to have a baby for a range of reasons.
Lopolo/Shutterstock

Ethical questions

An increasing number of Australians are having children via surrogacy arrangements. This is due to a combination of factors including a decline in adoption, women delaying motherhood, and increased social acceptability of male same-sex parenting.

Australia only allows altruistic surrogacy, where the woman who agrees to have the baby for others is not paid.

However, some other countries allow women to be paid to become pregnant for others (commercial surrogacy). Concern regarding the exploitation of women via commercial surrogacy is such that Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have made it illegal for residents to travel overseas to engage in commercial surrogacy.

Even so, most Australia children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements are born through overseas commercial surrogacy.

Despite some limitations, this research indicates increased risks for women becoming pregnant in gestational surrogacy arrangements, and the babies they carry. It seems important the potentially elevated risks should be made clear to women considering carrying and birthing a baby for someone else, and to the prospective parents.

Considering the rise in surrogacy globally it’s important more research is undertaken on the potential health and other impacts of this practice on women and babies. Health, ethical and human rights implications should inform legislative frameworks, policy and practice.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Surrogacy is booming. But new research suggests these pregnancies could be higher risk for women and babies – https://theconversation.com/surrogacy-is-booming-but-new-research-suggests-these-pregnancies-could-be-higher-risk-for-women-and-babies-239574

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Adam Steer, ABC Radio Darwin

Source: Australian Treasurer

ADAM STEER:

Stephen Jones is the Assistant federal Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services. Minister, welcome to ABC Radio Darwin. These new laws, how are they going to work in terms of preventing scams? Because my understanding is you can’t force the banks to pay back anyone that’s been scammed, can you?

STEPHEN JONES:

Not quite true. Under the existing laws, we have a mandatory reimbursement scheme. If somebody has had money withdrawn from their account that wasn’t authorised and that’s done under the ePayments code. The problem we have is there’s so much grey area and the scams are becoming so incredibly sophisticated. They’ve been industrialised over the last decade; scam losses were doubling every year. They haven’t for the last year because of some corrective measures we’ve put in place. But it’s quite clear we just can’t leave the customers on their own –

STEER:

Yeah, well, that example –

JONES:

More needs to be done.

STEER:

That example I was using with Antonia there. So, the bank originally had said no because she had voluntarily handed her information over to the scammers who had provided – she’d looked up the banks themselves and they had provided her the information which she thought, as someone with English as a second language was okay enough that then she could give them the details, her banking details.

JONES:

In circumstances like that I mean, then it’s no answer to say banks never ask you to give over your passcodes. They never do that. In fact, they make it quite clear you shouldn’t give them over to anyone. But, you know, for all the reasons you’ve outlined, it’s quite clear that the existing arrangements and obligations aren’t strong enough. So, the laws that we’ll put in place look at the entire economy or the ecosystem in which these scams are operating in. So, they come to us via a phone or an SMS message, or they’re published on a social media platform, and the bank is the destination for the scammers at the end of the transaction. So, we’ve got to get all of those bodies lifting their protection again for their customers to keep their business and network safe, to prevent, to detect, disrupt, respond and report to scams. A failure to put in place the proper steps in this area will lead to fines of up to $50 million for the businesses who fail to do that. The reason we’re starting with banks, telcos and social media platforms is that’s where most of the damage is being done. But we’ll move beyond there once we get that locked down.

STEER:

Banks make, I think they made $32 billion worth of profit at the big 4 last year, but only repay between 4–7 per cent of scam victims. That doesn’t seem fair in itself. What exactly are you doing to ensure banks are helping their customers? So, you were saying, unless you do this, we will fine you $50 million for each individual scam? Am I correct that you’re –

JONES:

That’s correct, yeah, absolutely. And I want banks to be on the hook if they’ve done the wrong thing. But I don’t want telecommunications companies or social media platforms to be let off the hook as well. I’ve looked at some data up in Europe at the moment, about half the scam losses at the moment are coming from Meta platforms. That’s not a startup business. In Australia, it makes about $6 billion a year. So, that’s a large entity as well. It’s making more than most of our banks, actually. They need to be in the frame. Telcos need to be in the frame. Banks need to be in the frame if they’ve done the wrong thing. And stronger obligations, stronger obligations to protect customers must be in place. And like we’ve been discussing, fines if they, penalties in compensation if they don’t live up to those obligations.

STEER:

Six to 8 on 157, ABC Radio Darwin. Adam Steer is my name. Your guest is the federal Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones. A text coming in, Minister, why don’t we ever hear on news scammers getting caught or convicted? Is this because they’re not getting caught?

JONES:

Yeah, great question. When we put our policy together, we assumed that the vast majority of this stuff is operating outside of Australia, because it is, and largely in countries where traditional law enforcement can’t work because we don’t have the sorts of relations you need with the countries where they’re operating. In some we’ve got joint operations going in place, but often on the border of war torn countries or in areas where traditional law enforcement can’t get into. So, the traditional law enforcement approach of kicking down doors and dragging people before a court just won’t work. So, we’ve got to look at what will work with what we can do inside Australia.

STEER:

Well, let’s move to one of the other issues. I don’t know whether the 2 supermarkets, the 2 major supermarkets, are going to get painted as the villains of inflation, but the ACCC is alleging Woolies and Coles are now breaching consumer laws, rising prices by 15 per cent prior to some of their big promotional scale – sales. I mean, that’s a scam in itself. How the supermarkets going to get punished here?

JONES:

Well, strong action being taken by our regulator with the full support of the government. I have got to be careful because this matter is before the court. But if these matters are proved – and I have every reason to believe that the ACCC will have done due diligence before they took the matter before court – if these matters are proved, then it is an indictment on those businesses and they deserve the full force of the law. In instances where Australians are struggling and they’re ripping us off with bodgy sales and bodgy advertisements, jacking prices up before they drop them, that’s just not right.

STEER:

And inflationary as we wait to see whether the mortgage rates stay on hold or not for this year. I’ve got a text asking the ACCC themselves have said, good move from the federal government because they reinforced some laws which have allowed us to take this action. And as you say, it is above the courts – in front of the courts at the moment. If it’s successful and if it’s a very, very large fine which we consider it would have to be given the supermarkets are making $1000 million profit per year each. Where does that money go if they get a significant fine? What happens to that money?

JONES:

Yeah, good question. So, in this instance, the ACCC has sought unusual but not exceptional orders where a part of the fine would be diverted towards paying for meals and services to homelessness and low income people as a means of ensuring that some of that money goes towards the people who are hurt most by this sort of alleged pernicious behaviour.

STEER:

You know what? We’ll wait and see what happens. Federal Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones, thank you so much for your time this morning. Appreciate it.

JONES:

Great to talk.

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: 210-2024: Scheduled Service Disruption: Thursday 26 September 2024 – DAFF messaging, SeaPest
Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

24 September 2024

Who does this notice affect?

All users of the Seasonal Pests (SeaPest) system.

All clients submitting the below declarations:
- Full Import Declaration (FID)
- Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
- Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
- Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
- Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)
Information

Due to scheduled infrastructure maintenance, there will a…

MIL OSI News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A reformed multilateral system for peace and prosperity: Foreign Secretary speech at UN Summit of the Future

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

David Lammy calls for responsible global leadership in UK national statement.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

23 September 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Mr President, I stand here as a man of multiple identities.

A Londoner. A patriotic Brit. A lawyer.

Proud of my African, Guyanese, Caribbean and Indian heritage.

A committed multilateralist, who believes in the importance of the United Nations.

I agree with my great predecessor, Ernie Bevin, when he said in 1945:

“Our eyes should be fixed upon the United Nations… All nations of the world should be united to look that way.”

The purposes and principles of the UN remain as indispensable today as in Bevin’s time.

Our task is to recapture that founding spirit so that when we reach the UN’s centenary, their legacy endures.

But we cannot ignore the challenges we face. More conflicts than at any time since 1945, costing the global economy over 900 billion dollars, and creating the most refugees and displaced people on record.

Geopolitical tensions arising. Progress against the Sustainable Development Goals stalling. Trust in multilateralism faltering.

The Pact for the Future and this Summit offer a chance for Member States to show responsible global leadership, to engage with the rapid changes of our age, and go further in meeting the needs of everyone – especially the most vulnerable.

As I know all too well, countries of the Global South suffered great injustices in the past. And I have heard repeatedly how frustrated partners are by the unfairness of the global system.

We cannot ignore these frustrations. We must act.

First, as the Secretary-General has said, we need greater collective efforts to prevent and end conflict. For Britain, that means upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and supporting an end to the fighting in Sudan.

It means robustly challenging Member States who violate the Charter, rejecting a world in which might makes right.

It means a more representative Security Council.

It means supporting the international rule of law, and applying it equally and fairly which is why Britain has proposed the outstanding Professor Dapo Akande for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice.

Second, we need urgent action on the climate and nature crisis.

With this new Government, Britain is renewing our ambitions at home, aiming to deliver clean power by 2030.

And I am determined that we also reconnect abroad, building a Global Clean Power Alliance, championing creativity and reforms to unlock international climate and nature finance, particularly from the private sector, and bolstering efforts to protect at least thirty per cent of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030.

Third, countries like Britain must modernise our approach to development.

This Government believes partnership, not paternalism, is the way to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.

Making best use of technology and innovation. Putting indigenous people and local communities, including women and girls, at the centre of decision-making on development programmes.

Driving faster reform of the global financial system to strengthen the voice of the most vulnerable and tackle unsustainable debt.

Friends, action on conflict, climate and poverty. Delivered by a reformed multilateral system. This is the path to peace and prosperity on a liveable planet.

All over the world, in every war zone, every refugee camp, the UN is there. A beacon of hope and humanity to which, as Bevin said, the gaze of all nations should turn.

This Summit must direct the world’s eyes towards that beacon once again. And Britain is proud to support it.

Thank you.

Updates to this page

Published 23 September 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Housing Authority sets rents for two new estates

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Authority sets rents for two new estates
Housing Authority sets rents for two new estates
************************************************

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority: Rents for a total of 2 551 flats in four non-standard blocks of two new public rental housing (PRH) estates under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) will be set at the best rent level for their respective districts. The best rent level of a respective district is expressed in terms of dollars per square metre of internal floor area and determined with reference to the location and comparable value of the estates concerned. The best rent at $104.40 per square metre per month for the flats in Urban district will apply to 1 088 flats in Kin Yan House and Moon Yan House of Hiu Yan Estate. The best rent at $74.00 per square metre per month for the flats in Sheung Shui district will apply to 1 463 flats in Fu Pak House and Kam Yuk House of Choi Shek Estate. “Under this rent-fixing exercise, over 69 per cent of the flats are set at a rent level below $2,500 per month,” a spokesman for the HA said today (September 24), adding that PRH rents, which are inclusive of rates, management fees and maintenance costs, are heavily subsidised. “PRH applicants who are allocated new flats but cannot afford the rents may request refurbished flats at lower rents. They may also apply for assistance under the Rent Assistance Scheme for flats in older block types where applicable,” the spokesman added.

Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 14:40

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public urged to get flu jab early

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government will launch its 2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes on Thursday, with Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today urging the public to receive vaccination early.

The health chief said now is the best time to get vaccinated for effective protection in the coming year against the winter or summer influenza strains predicted by the World Health Organization.

The health chief today received vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 at Sai Wan Ho General Out-patient Clinic, along with other health officials and frontline healthcare workers.

Prof Lo said Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications.

“To boost the SIV coverage rate among schoolchildren, special arrangements have been made under the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme this year to offer a more flexible choice of vaccine options for kindergartens and childcare centres.”

He explained that kindergartens and childcare centres can offer injectable inactivated influenza vaccines or nasal vaccines in their outreach vaccination activities.

The Department of Health will also roll out a pilot scheme in which nasal vaccines will be provided to primary and secondary schools that indicated a preference for them earlier this year.

At present, around 870 kindergartens and childcare centres, around 610 primary schools and around 390 secondary schools have arranged vaccination activities for their students, according to the Health Bureau.

Prof Lo called on schools that have yet to join the outreach vaccination programme to enrol as soon as possible.

Separately, he added that individuals in high-risk priority groups should receive an additional COVID-19 booster no less than six months after their last dose, or infection with COVID-19 infection – whichever occurred later – to enhance protection and reduce the risk of serious complications and death.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Introduces Resolution to Honor Gold Star Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Introduces Resolution to Honor Gold Star Families

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led 44 members in introducing the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution to honor the sacrifices made by families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation. It designates September 22 – 28, 2024 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.

“Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices in service to their country, and it is important that they are not forgotten,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “By designating September 22-28 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we recognize the extraordinary courage and resilience of our Gold Star Families and reflect on those we have lost. These families bear an unimaginable burden—enduring the loss of their loved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation—and we have a responsibility to ensure their memory is preserved.”

The following are quotes of support from Gold Star Family members:

“I am very pleased that Congress is choosing to recognize Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. Every Memorial Day, we honor our warriors who gave their lives in defense of America. We should also honor the families of those fallen warriors, who stood behind them as they served, suffered the pain of their loss, then picked up the pieces and carried on. I’m a Gold Star son who lost my father in Vietnam. Life has taught me three truths. Grief fades. Love never dies. Courage shines on forever.” – Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Hank Cramer, Washington, Gold Star Son of Captain Harry Griffith Cramer Jr. (U.S. Army Special Forces), who was Killed in Action in 1957 in Vietnam.

“I was just a year old when my father was declared Missing in Action in December 1945 in Germany. I have no memory of him but would like to honor his legacy by sharing his story with others who want to know the experiences of Gold Star families.” – Karen Oberg, California, Gold Star Daughter of Pvt. Worrell F. Oberg (Army) who was Killed in Action on December 22, 1945, and whose remains have yet to be recovered.

“My brother had just turned one and I was two and a half when our father was killed. As we got older, we often wondered what kind of man he was. In a letter to his sister just before he was killed, dad wrote that he had been wounded and had to build up his courage to go back in combat because he had seen so much death and destruction. From that letter, and in that moment, we knew our dad was a hero and we brought him off the shelf and back into life.” – Walt Linne, Indiana, Gold Star Son of Sgt. Walter John Linne (Army) who was Killed in Action in Germersheim, Germany on March 24, 1945.

“In 2022, when I visited South Korea and observed for myself the freedom, liberty, prosperity and gratitude of the South Korean people, I further realized that the supreme sacrifice by my father and its effect on our family was not in vain.” – Robert James Johnston, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Sgt. James Fred Johnston (Army) KIA/MIA, December 2, 1950, at the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.

“Since I was only two when my Dad went missing, I have no personal memories of him other than what my Mom told me often that to do my best as my Dad would expect or when I did something good, she would tell me how proud he would be of me. David, my brother, and I grew up loving the same things our Dad did, Boy Scouts, the outdoors, hunting, fishing and family.” – Mike Logan, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Maj. Samuel P. Logan, Jr. (USAF). He was the pilot of a B-29 shot down and taken captive while on a mission over North Korea on September 9, 1950. In 1954 he was declared Killed in Action. Maj. Logan was survived by his Gold Star Wife and two Gold Star Sons.

“Being a Gold Star family member signifies profound sacrifice and loss as we bear the enduring grief of losing a loved one in service to the nation. Gold Star families’ identities are shaped with both pride and sorrow.” – Carol Brenneman Reed, California, Gold Star Daughter of Captain Austin E.E. Brenneman (USMC) who was Killed in Action on May 28, 1951, in Anak, North Korea.

“In July 1951, the 2nd Inf Div deployed to Korea, leaving a pregnant, newlywed wife on a lifetime path of uncertainty, grief, loss, and life challenges. Ellen Marie Blissenbach handled her loss by joining the Gold Star Wives of America, becoming very active in supporting other families and veterans, as well as seeking information on my missing father, ultimately achieving some closure before her passing.” – Maj. Paul K. Blissenbach US Army (Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Son of SFC Joseph A. Blissenbach, who gave his life on November 30, 1950, in Kunu-ri, North Korea.

“Losing my father in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley during the Vietnam War was an indescribable blow, not only to my family but to the very fabric of my life. His absence left a profound void, a loss that reverberated through every milestone, forever shaping who I became. The sacrifice he made in such a fierce and historic battle deepens the sorrow, as his life was cut short defending a cause that took him far from home, never to return.” – Army veteran Thomas Barrett, Ph. D., Maryland, Gold Star Son of SSGT Thomas J. Barrett, Jr. (Army), Killed in Action November 15, 1965, Vietnam.

“During Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we honor the parents, spouses, siblings and children of those service members who lost their lives defending the United States and her allies. For nearly a century, ‘The Long Gold Line’ of these Gold Star Families has personified the resilience of the American spirit. Here on the home front, they endured the worst possible news delivered from a faraway war front. Yet they moved forward supporting each other and carrying on the legacies of their fallen heroes who, in the name of freedom, gave their last full measure of devotion.” – Tony Cordero, California, Gold Star Son of Maj. William E. Cordero (USAF) who was killed on a bombing mission over North Vietnam on June 22, 1965. He is the founder of Sons and Daughters In Touch – America’s Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War.

“Our son held a strong sense of honor and service and would have no regrets. We honor his valor and sacrifice every day. We gratefully support this resolution to honor and remember the sacrifices of all of our fallen and of the 7068 men and women Killed In Action in the Global War on Terror and the ongoing sacrifices of the families they left behind. It is this nation’s responsibility to Never Forget, to honor their valor, and to always support the families left behind.” – Barbara and Col. Mark Roland (USAF, Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Mother and Father of Captain Matthew Roland, USAF, Killed In Action in Afghanistan on August 26, 2015.

“My father flew 22 missions along the coastal waters of Vietnam to clear the area of enemy submarines before the US could bring in the 7th Fleet at the onset of the Vietnam War. His body was never recovered after his plane plunged into the South China Sea. My life and my family crumbled before my eyes and to this day I continue to live a life never knowing my father. Three months after the attack on the Twin Towers, my son joined the US Army, following his grandfather’s footsteps as he was also willing to die for his country. Unfortunately, it ended horrifically when he was killed by an enemy IED while on patrol near the Hor Rijeb Canal in Iraq. There is no greater love than this: that a person would lay down his life for the sake of his country.” – Elaine M. Roach, California, Gold Star Mother of PFC Joel Brattain, Killed in Action on March 13, 2004, and Gold Star Daughter of Lt. Harold S. Roach (Navy), lost in the South China Sea on October 2, 1964.

The following Members are co-sponsors of the legislation:

Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Mike Bost (R-IL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Mike Flood (R-NE), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Mark Green (R-TN), Michael Guest (R-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Greg Lopez (R-CO), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Greg Murphy (R-NC), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Greg Steube (R-FL), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Roger Williams (R-TX), Brandon Williams (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Don Davis (D-NC), Josh Harder (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), William Keating (D-MA), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Scott Peters (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Nokia selected by Spark as majority 5G RAN partner in New Zealand
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release
Nokia selected by Spark as majority 5G RAN partner in New Zealand
- Nokia to partner with Spark to expand its 4G and 5G infrastructure in key cities across New Zealand.
- Partnership supports Spark’s goal to simplify and consolidate network operations.
24 September 2024
Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it has been selected by Spark New Zealand (Spark), to expand its existing 4G and 5G program in cities across New Zealand. Spark has chosen Nokia as its preferred 5G Radio Access Network partner to streamline operations and consolidate its RAN. This strategic decision will simplify network operations while delivering the best-performing 5G network in New Zealand.

Under the deal, covering over 700 sites, Nokia will provide equipment from its comprehensive 5G AirScale portfolio. This includes baseband, remote radio heads, and massive MIMO radios, offering industry-leading 5G capacity, coverage, and connectivity. These solutions utilize Nokia’s energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, delivering superior capacity and connectivity to Spark customers while reducing complexity and improving cost efficiencies.

Renee Mateparae, Network and Operations Director for Spark said: “Nokia has been a trusted partner of ours for many years, and we are excited to work with them on bringing a world-class 5G network to more of Aotearoa, New Zealand. This next phase of our partnership will see us streamlining our 5G deployments to simplify operations and deliver great 5G experiences for our customers every day. Working with Nokia, we aim to deliver next-generation services that will empower the people and businesses creating Aotearoa, New Zealand’s tomorrow.”

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected by Spark as the majority supplier for this transformative 5G project and to support its vision of streamlining operations and consolidating its network. With our state-of-the-art technology solutions, we are confident that Spark will achieve its objectives of enhancing network efficiency, improving service quality, and delivering a seamless experience to its customers.”

Resources and additional information:
Webpage: Nokia 5G
Webpage: AirScale Radio Access

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

Follow us on social media
LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: 21Shares Announces Fee Reduction for Flagship ETPs, HODLX and BOLD

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ZURICH, 24 September 2024 – 21Shares AG (“21Shares”), one of the world’s largest issuers of cryptocurrency exchange traded products (ETPs) and a subsidiary of 21.co, is pleased to announce a significant fee reduction for two of its flagship products: the 21Shares Crypto Basket 10 ETP (HODLX) and the 21Shares Bytetree BOLD ETP (BOLD). Effective immediately, the management fees for these ETPs have been lowered to 0.49% for HODLX and 0.65% for BOLD, making these innovative investment vehicles more accessible to a broader range of investors.

The 21Shares Crypto Basket 10 ETP (HODLX) provides diversified exposure to the top ten digital assets by market capitalization, rebalanced quarterly to reflect the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market. With this fee reduction to 0.49%, investors can now benefit from a more cost-effective way to capture the growth potential of the digital asset space in a single, diversified ETP.

The 21Shares Bytetree BOLD ETP (BOLD) offers a unique blend of Bitcoin and Gold, designed as a balanced approach to digital and traditional assets. BOLD’s risk-adjusted weighting scheme, rebalanced monthly, combines the security of gold with the growth opportunities of Bitcoin, offering a diversified hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. The new fee of 0.65% further enhances the appeal of this product for investors seeking strategic and cost-efficient exposure to these assets.

“At 21Shares, our mission has always been to make investing in cryptocurrency more accessible, and this fee reduction is a reflection of our commitment to delivering value to our investors,” said Mandy Chiu, Head of Financial Product Development at 21Shares. “By lowering the fees on HODLX and BOLD, we are enabling more investors to participate in the future of finance at a lower cost.”

These fee reductions underscore 21Shares’ dedication to providing innovative, low-cost investment solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global investor community. Both ETPs are 100% physically backed by their underlying assets, held securely in cold storage, ensuring the highest levels of trust for investors.

For more information about 21Shares and its full range of ETPs, visit https://www.21shares.com/en-eu/product .

Press Contacts:
Audrey Belloff, Head of Communications, press@21.co

About 21.co:
21.co is the world’s leader in providing access to crypto through simple and easy to use products. 21.co is the parent company of 21Shares, one of the world’s largest issuer of cryptocurrency exchange traded products (ETPs) – which is powered by Onyx, a proprietary technology platform used to issue and operate cryptocurrency ETPs for 21Shares and third parties. The company was founded in 2018 by Hany Rashwan and Ophelia Snyder. 21Shares is registered in Zurich, Switzerland with offices in Zurich, London and New York. For more information, please visit 21Shares.

Disclaimer:
This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2023 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with SIX Exchange Regulation AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2023 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

###

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024

Category: Asia Pacific

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Source: Greenpeace

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Source: NIWA

Source: Porirua City Council

Source: Greenpeace

First, what is surrogacy?

What the researchers did

Why might the risk be higher?

Some limitations

Ethical questions

Who does this notice affect?

Information

Updates to this page