NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Belt-Road tax forum held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The three-day 5th Belt & Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) opened today at the AsiaWorld-Expo, marking the first time for Hong Kong to host the forum.

    Themed “Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt & Road Development”, the forum gathered more than 400 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives from international organisations, academic institutions and enterprises from different countries and regions to discuss emerging tax issues and exchange tax administration experiences.

    In his welcome address, Chief Executive John Lee said tax administration plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development. Efficient tax systems provide the essential resources for the delivery of public services and infrastructure.

    Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong believes transparent and fair tax policies could foster trust among investors, governments and taxpayers.

    As a champion of free and multilateral trade, Hong Kong supports the co-ordinated efforts of the international tax community, actively engaging in initiatives designed to bring economies together, he added.

    On the margins of the forum, Mr Lee met Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration Hu Jinglin and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tax co-operation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) among the finance and taxation departments of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao SAR.

    The MOU will promote the co-ordination of tax administration and services in the GBA. The deepened tax co-operation in the GBA can enhance Hong Kong’s tax competitiveness and create a more favourable business environment.

    Speaking at the welcome dinner, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that BRITACOF is a crucial and exemplary international platform designed to enhance co-operation among tax administrations along the Belt & Road.

    Mr Hui added that Hong Kong is also fully supportive of the international standard of tax information exchange to avoid tax evasion. By endorsing and implementing these standards, Hong Kong ensures that Belt & Road projects involving Hong Kong companies adhere to the highest international benchmarks in terms of tax governance and transparency.

    In addition, during BRITACOF, Mr Hui held bilateral meetings separately with representatives from Kazakhstan, Maldives, Tajikistan and Türkiye to discuss deepening tax co-operation at the international and Belt & Road levels.

    This year’s forum gathered more than 400 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives from international organisations, academic institutions and enterprises from different countries and regions to discuss emerging tax issues and exchange tax administration experiences.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Russians at War’ documentary: From the Crimean to the Iraq War, soldier images pose questions about propaganda

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Martin Danahay, Professor, English Language and Literature, Brock University

    A British publisher commissioned photographs of the army in the Crimean War to be used as the basis for oil paintings. Cornet Wilkin, 11th Hussars, by Roger Fenton. (Roger Fenton/Library of Congress)

    Questions surrounding the film Russians at War linger following controversy surrounding it at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

    TIFF faced protesters at a Sept. 17 screening of the “first person” documentary by Russian Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova. The festival had “paused” public screenings following an earlier media and industry screening, as festival staff reported receiving “significant threats” to festival operations and safety. Protesters said the film was pro-Russian propaganda.

    Trofimova told CBC her film was an attempt to humanize Russian soldiers as a way to combat further anger and violence.

    I have not seen the film, but as a researcher who has long examined the ambiguous meanings of soldier images, I’m not surprised the film has been criticized as propaganda. In my book War without Bodies: Framing Death from the Crimean to the Iraq War, I examined how images that omit their political context can be viewed as implicitly supporting the war effort.

    First photographs: Crimean War

    This ambiguity can be found in the first photographs of the British army at war. These were taken by photographer Roger Fenton during the 1853-56 Crimean War, in which British, French and Ottoman military attacked Russia and besieged Russian forces on the Crimean Peninsula.

    Fenton was commissioned by a Manchester, U.K. publisher, Thomas Agnew and Sons, to photograph the British army in Crimea, focusing on officers and any other participants he found interesting.

    His photographs were to be used as the basis for oil paintings by the artist Thomas Barker. The publisher didn’t reproduce photographs, but made them into woodcuts or as source material for paintings.

    Fenton also photographed the landscape and foreign fighters like French Zouaves — French military units originally formed from the Zouaoua Berber tribe from the coastal mountain Djurdjura region of North Africa after the French invaded and conquered Algeria — but the majority of his subjects were British officers.

    Shared social class

    Fenton wasn’t commissioned by the government, but he had a letter of introduction from Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. He was of the same social class as the officers he photographed, and dined with high-ranking officers such as Lord Raglan.

    Fenton’s photographs gave the appearance of a competent and functioning military led by skilled officers. Photographs such as one taken of Cornet Wilkin looking smart and capable on his horse suggest the traditional posed style of military portraiture seen in commissioned tribute paintings.

    The photograph His Days’ Work Over: Lieut.-Colonel Hallewell and Servant shows a reclining officer being waited on by his manservant. The image indicates the class status of the officer and depicts leisure rather than war.

    ‘His Days’ Work Over: Lieut.-Colonel Hallewell and Servant,’ photograph by Roger Fenton.
    (Library of Congress)

    The Cookhouse of the 8th Hussars similarly shows a group of cavalry with one reclining and others grouped around a man serving food.

    ‘The Cookhouse of the 8th Hussars,’ photograph by Roger Fenton.
    (Library of Congress)

    The photograph omits any visual evidence that would acknowledge that these are the survivors of an infamous British military blunder, the Charge of the Light Brigade, where cavalry were mistakenly ordered to charge directly at Russian artillery and suffered disastrous casualties.

    Long exposure, composed photographs

    Fenton could not photograph combat given the amount of time needed to capture an image using the wet collodion process, which required a long exposure.

    He could, however, have documented other aspects of the situation in Crimea which were covered by reporter William Howard Russell, who Fenton also photographed in 1855.

    Russell’s dispatches on the terrible conditions suffered by British troops and the ravages diseases like cholera combined with letters published by the soldiers caused a scandal in Britain. These reports led to the downfall of a government and to Florence Nightingale organizing a cohort of nurses to tend to the sick and wounded.

    Russell’s reporting revealed what was omitted from Fenton’s photographs of the war. The photographs served as the first demonstration of how such images could present positive images of war that belied the reality of death and suffering.

    Fenton’s photographs indirectly supported the war effort by showing only positive images of individual soldiers.

    Vietnam, Iraq War

    Media coverage of the American war in Vietnam, often referred to as the “first television war,” is often credited with turning public opinion against the conflict.

    Images of dead soldiers and civilians were transmitted to the viewing public. The “Saigon execution” photograph of a man being shot in the head was particularly shocking.

    To avoid mages such as this, according to Jessica M. Fishman, a behavioural scientist who has examined how media censors and displays the dead, major networks like CNN, Fox News and NBC largely followed an informal agreement to avoid showing graphic images of dead American soldiers during the Iraq War. In addition, reporters were embedded in military units and formed close relationships with the troops who were the subject of their reports.



    Read more:
    Three images that show wartime photographs can have greater impact than the written word

    The result was sanitized coverage of the war which, at least initially, helped maintain public support for the conflict. Images of drone strikes in particular suggested that the military was using precision weapons and “surgical” strikes that did not include civilian casualties.

    Just as reporting by Russell contradicted Fenton’s images of a competent military, photographs of the torture of prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison by American solders in 2004 helped change public perception of it as a “just war.”

    Trust with soldiers, personal ties

    Trofimova, in an interview with CBC, said she does not support the war and wanted to break stereotypes of Russian soldiers as motivated by hate.

    She pointed out that Russia has conscription and that many soldiers may have been drafted and are not supportive of the war. She also stated that she had no support from the Russian government and gained access to soldiers because she built up trust with them.

    The parallels with Fenton are instructive because he did not have support from the British government, and relied on personal connections to obtain his portraits.

    Excluding crucial information

    As with Fenton, the image of the Russian army conveyed by the interviews with soldiers may be as significant for what it leaves out about the war as much as what it tells us about them as individuals.

    When the CBC interviewer asked Trofimova about a statement made by a Russian soldier that they were incapable of committing war crimes, which Tromifova did not correct,
    she replied that “once you start trying to make this an analytical documentary that is going to provide you with stories that you have not documented yourself, then this becomes something else.” In March 2024, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine announced it had new evidence Russian authorities have committed violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law, and corresponding war crimes.



    Read more:
    Putin’s war on history is another form of domestic repression

    Both Fenton’s photographs and a documentary that focuses on Russian soldiers’ perspectives exclude crucial information that would help lead the viewer to question the conduct of the war or how it is being justified.

    Martin Danahay receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

    – ref. ‘Russians at War’ documentary: From the Crimean to the Iraq War, soldier images pose questions about propaganda – https://theconversation.com/russians-at-war-documentary-from-the-crimean-to-the-iraq-war-soldier-images-pose-questions-about-propaganda-239340

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse calls for urgent action on countering gendered disinformation

    Source: Government of Iceland

    The undersigned country members of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse (Global Partnership) call attention to the urgent need to counter the spread of gendered disinformation and address all forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) against women in political and public life.  

    Gendered disinformation is a threat to societies defending peaceful, democratic values. False or misleading gender and sex-based narratives are being used in campaigns by malign actors to deter and discredit the participation of women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons in political and public life. This not only causes deep harm to the individuals targeted, but also threatens electoral integrity, access to information and the exercise of freedom of expression. At the same time, new and emerging technologies are being used to enable harmful, violent rhetoric and attacks against women, girls and LGBTQI+ public figures across borders at a scale and speed previously unseen.

    In our 2023 Road Map, the Global Partnership committed to promoting the meaningful participation in public life for women and girls, in all their diversity, by countering TFGBV and gendered disinformation.  

    We welcome the work being done to shine a light on how and why gendered disinformation is conceived, who it targets and how it is spread. Last year, in a groundbreaking study, Canada, the European External Action Service, Germany, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and the United States jointly assessed the tactics used by foreign state and non-state actors to sow gendered and other identity-based disinformation across the world. 

    In March 2024 the Global Partnership and members of its Advisory Group co-hosted a multi-stakeholder conference convened by the National Democratic Institute on possible responses to countering the spread of gendered disinformation in the context of electoral processes. Stakeholders affirmed the need for a comprehensive response to disrupt the spread of gendered disinformation and to support victims and survivors. 

    The world is at a critical moment for upholding democracy. More than 100 countries have held, or are soon to be holding elections, many of them taking place under democratically challenging circumstances. The active participation of all people, including women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons, is essential for secure, healthy and prosperous democracies.    

    We call upon states to join us in recognising and taking action to counter the threat of gendered disinformation to democracies globally. We urge technology and other private companies to take appropriate action to respond to this threat, including a commitment to a Safety-by-Design approach to the development and deployment of platforms and technologies. We ask states and all stakeholders to defend and protect the ability of women, girls and LGBTQI+ persons to participate in public life freely, safely and without fear.

     

    The governments of Australia, Chile, Denmark, France, Iceland, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, the UK and the USA gave this joint statement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Celebrating Our 235th Anniversary

    Source: US Marshals Service

    235 years ago, George Washington signed the Judiciary Act which defined the U.S. Marshals as officers of the court and charged them with aiding federal courts in their law enforcement functions.

    Just days after signing the act into law, President Washington then appointed the very first 13 U.S. Marshals, one for each federal district or territory.

    Today, more than two centuries later, 94 Marshals and their numerous deputies are responsible for locating and arresting federal suspects, handling the administration of fugitive operations and managing criminal assets across states, territories and tribal lands. 

    As we look back on 235 years of U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), let us remember the ways in which this agency has served our country and the history it has made.

    The U.S. Marshals Service has continually protected our federal judges alongside American citizens while simultaneously carrying out the law to benefit all.  

    One of the earlier historical examples in which the U.S. Marshals Service was able to accomplish their many missions occurred during the Civil War.

    U.S. Marshals supported the Union home front by rooting out Confederate spies and seizing property being used to support the Confederacy. Their work ensured the formation of a more perfect union.

    In 1875, Bass Reeves was assigned the position of Deputy U.S. Marshal, one of the first African Americans to serve in this capacity. He served for 32 years, until 1907, in dangerous Indian Territory. Reeves’ bravery allowed him to bring justice to some of the most ruthless outlaws in the West. Through his service, he not only made the American West a safer place but created opportunities for more people of color to serve our country.

    In 1887, a new trailblazer came onto the scene. Phoebe Couzins, the first female U.S. Marshal, was temporarily appointed to the position after the death of her father, U.S. Marshal John Couzins. Marshal Phoebe Couzins accomplished what no other woman had done before and created the initial opportunities for operational female employees with the USMS for decades to come. 

    The work for equal opportunity did not end there. Deputy U.S. Marshals were asked to enforce the integration of educational institutions, including those in New Orleans, Boston and Oxford, MS. Deputies escorted students into their respective schools, provided protective details and enforced integrated bus routes despite heavy opposition.

    USMS involvement in upholding federal rulings for the integration of educational institutions allowed our nation to move towards a more egalitarian nation with equal opportunities, regardless of one’s race.

    The USMS continued their protective mission in 1971, as the Witness Security Program was established as a divisional program within the Marshals Service. This Program has protected thousands of American witnesses and victims along with their immediate families as they in turn assisted the American legal system in the cases of drug traffickers, terrorists, organized crime members and other major criminals. 

    Not only has the USMS protected members of discriminated communities and provided opportunities for minorities, but most importantly, it has also worked to apprehend fugitives threatening American safety.

    In 2005, Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) began, and through its implementation, Deputies and their law enforcement partners conducted national fugitive operations to apprehend felons. By its close in 2009, FALCON had completed 91,086 arrests and cleared 117,874 warrants. 

    On July 27, 2006, Congress authorized the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act which provided the USMS three principle responsibilities under the law including: assisting state, local, tribal and territorial authorities in locating and apprehending non-compliant and fugitive sex offenders; investigating violations of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act for federal prosecution; and assisting in the identification and location of sex offenders relocated as a result of a major disaster. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act has allowed for the protection of the most vulnerable members of American society and granted them the justice they deserve. 

    The U.S. Marshals Service continues to prioritize the safety of minors. This year alone, the USMS recovered over 200 missing children across the country during Operation “We Will Find You” as an effort to bring displaced minors to safety.

    Looking back on 235 years of operation, the USMS has continued to uphold its original intended purpose of protecting the U.S. Federal Judiciary. In addition, the role of the USMS has expanded to include: locating and arresting federal escapees, administrating fugitive operations, managing criminal assets, operating the United States Federal Witness Protection Program and the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) and protecting senior government officials through the Office of Protective Operations. 

    Because of the United States Marshals Service, people in America and its territories and tribal lands have lived in a safer nation for the past 235 years.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Aptean Empowers Snack Connection B.V. With Cloud-Based ERP Solution Set

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALPHARETTA, Ga., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announced its recent collaboration with Snack Connection B.V., a prominent private label manufacturer of nut blends, seeds and sweet fruits in the Netherlands. The deal marks a significant step forward for the Dutch company as it embarks on a journey towards modernizing its business operations.

    Snack Connection, founded in 2010, has quickly established itself as a successful player in the European market, delivering high-quality products to various European retailers. The business differentiates itself by a wide variety of products, innovative packaging and an individual customer approach that ensures quick action and response. With a client-centric mindset and commitment to innovation and efficiency, the company sought a robust software solution to replace its current ERP system and drive operational excellence across two production sites in Giessen and Bergschenhoek, Netherlands.

    Recognizing the need for a transformative solution, Snack Connection selected the cloud-based Aptean Food & Beverage ERP, alongside Aptean Patch OEE and Aptean Business Intelligence, to streamline processes and enhance decision-making capabilities. The comprehensive suite of software solutions offered by Aptean aligns seamlessly with Snack Connection’s vision for a data-driven, paperless organization. Renowned for its maturity and comprehensive support, the software provides the company with essential features such as multiple location management, traceability functionalities and allergen registration, along with the ability to optimize production efficiency and gain valuable insights for informed decision-making.

    “Aptean’s solution suite is an all-in-one package with all the food-specific functionality we need. We believe we can benefit from this by standardizing our processes, based on the best practices on which the software is built,” said Martijn van Gink, ICT Manager at Snack Connection. “The decision to partner with Aptean was driven by our desire to modernize our operations and achieve greater efficiency. Aptean’s proven track record in the food and beverage industry, coupled with their commitment to understanding our unique needs and local business culture, made them the clear choice for us.”

    By standardizing processes and embracing cloud technology, Snack Connection anticipates shorter training periods for new hires and enhanced cybersecurity practices. Aptean’s local leadership and dedication to understanding Snack Connection’s business culture have further solidified the partnership, ensuring a smooth transition to the new software environment.

    “At Aptean, we believe that success is built on strong partnerships and a deep understanding of our customers’ businesses. We look forward to supporting Snack Connection as they leverage our industry-leading ERP solution to streamline operations, drive growth and maintain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic Food & Beverage market,” said Duane George, President EMEA and APAC at Aptean.

    About Snack Connection
    Snack Connection is a relatively young (established 2010) Dutch company specialized in purchasing, processing, mixing and packing nuts, kernels, seeds, subtropical fruits and related products. By means of two modern production facilities, located in Giessen and Bergschenhoek (Netherlands) and more than 150 dedicated and professional employees, Snack Connection has proven to be a reliable and flexible partner for several European retailers, B2B and Out of Home clients. Discover more about our passion for snacking excellence at www.snackconnection.nl.

    About Aptean 
    Aptean is a global provider of industry-specific software that helps manufacturers and distributors effectively run and grow their businesses. With rapid deployment, Aptean’s solutions and services help businesses of all sizes to be Ready for What’s Next, Now®. Aptean is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. To learn more about Aptean and the markets we serve, visit www.aptean.com. 

    Aptean and Ready for What’s Next, Now are Registered Trademarks of Aptean, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. 

    For Media Inquiries Please Contact
    MediaRelations@Aptean.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A Soldier’s Journey: new first world war memorial in Washington revitalises classic image of the ‘American doughboy’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alice Kelly, Assistant Professor of Literature and History, University of Warwick

    America’s inaugural national memorial marking the first world war was unveiled this month in Washington DC, on the birthday of war commander General John J. Pershing – 106 years after the end of the war. We don’t often get to see a new memorial to a century-old war, especially one that has been deliberately designed in a century-old style.

    Its sculptor, Sabin Howard – who was recently referred to as a “self-appointed bulwark against the scourge of modern art” – rejects the vogue for abstract commemorative art seen in memorials such as Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial (1982). The centrepiece of the new memorial is Howard’s 58-foot panoramic sculpture, A Soldier’s Journey. Five connected scenes tell the story of an American everyman who enlists as a volunteer, fights in Europe, then returns home.

    The 38 realist figures were painstakingly sculpted from costumed models before being cast in 25 tonnes of weather-resistant bronze. Howard wanted to “tell a story” about the first world war and how it affected Americans, to make the conflict more visible to viewers today and in the future.

    In an episode of Cheers from 1983, when a first world war veteran comes into the bar, Coach asks: “Is that the war with Clark Gable or Gary Cooper?” I’m not sure American knowledge of the war has come much further in the past 40 years.

    In every other participating nation, the centenary of the war was marked by a pageant of commemorative activity – think of the 5 million people who went to see the ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. But in the US, despite having a culture of venerating veterans, the first world war is notoriously a “forgotten” war. It tends to be overshadowed by the civil war on one side, and the second world war on the other.

    Perhaps this blindspot is because the American experience of the first world war was much shorter. For the US, it lasted just 19 months from the declaration of war in April 1917 to the signing of the armistice in November 1918. And the fighting – as the song goes – was “over there” rather than on the home front, as it was in Europe. American losses, although high at 116,516 men (plus several hundred women who lost their lives while serving as nurses), were much lower than those of European nations. Britain, for example, lost 880,000 servicemen – 6% of the adult male population at the time.

    But the role this war played in the development of the “American century” is incomparable. The first world war destabilised the European powers – already in imperial decline – to the extent that the US grew to become the pre-eminent financial and military power after the war.

    The sacred and the dead

    The first world war hasn’t always been forgotten in the US. Indeed, in the 1920s and ’30s, American commemoration of the war was at its most “supercharged”, as scholar Steven Trout has shown. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, was interred in 1921 – a commemorative form borrowed from Europe after the first “unknowns” were interred in London and Paris in November 1920.

    Arlington is now the site for national memory of all wars, woven into the fabric of US political life. The recent controversy over a confrontation between Donald Trump staffers and cemetery officials demonstrates its continuing role in ensuring the sacred place of war dead in American culture.

    Across the nation, Americans have sought to remember their war dead in myriad forms, including memorial halls, parkways, plazas, opera houses, arches, gymnasiums, parks, trees and bell towers. There were so many memorials erected in New York City in the 1920s and ’30s – including parks, sculptures and the planting of memorial trees – that after the second world war, New York City’s commissioner for parks and recreation, Robert Moses, effectively banned new monuments being built, considering them “monstrosities”.

    Many memorials are still peppered across America, hidden in plain sight but instantly recognisable, even if viewers don’t know the context. The Spirit of the American Doughboy, designed by sculptor E.M. Viquesney and copyrighted in 1920, features a “doughboy” (recruit) holding his rifle with fixed bayonet and a grenade in his other hand – deliberately echoing the Statue of Liberty.

    ‘American doughboy’: a memorial to the Americans who served in the first world war, designed by E.M. Viquesney.
    Rosemarie Mosteller/Shutterstock

    Advertised as an affordable tribute that could be bought by towns as their local memorial, there are currently 135 originals and replicas on public display across the US. I find it impossible not to think of those doughboys when I look at the soldiers in Howard’s memorial.

    Commentators may well criticise Howard’s figurative sculpture as old-fashioned, but the debate over appropriate memorial forms and the question of “taste” is not new. In fact, it was a very live debate in the first world war’s immediate aftermath.

    In attempting to correct the historical omission of a national memorial, it seems appropriate that Howard’s figurative sculpture looks like – and recalls – first world war sculpture of the time.

    Will it earn the war its place in American memory that it deserves? I’m not sure. But in giving old form to an old war, it will make it visible to generations of Americans unfamiliar with it – and help the rest of us remember it anew.

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

    – ref. A Soldier’s Journey: new first world war memorial in Washington revitalises classic image of the ‘American doughboy’ – https://theconversation.com/a-soldiers-journey-new-first-world-war-memorial-in-washington-revitalises-classic-image-of-the-american-doughboy-239757

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote speech by SJ at networking dinner of forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the networking dinner of the forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on September 24:
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good evening, xin chào buổi tối. Frankly speaking, I do not think I can do a better job than all the eminent speakers who have spoken before me. So I am not going to say something new. Instead, I wish to do a very quick recap to sum up the key and essential points made by various speakers so that you can have a few takeaways after today’s event.

         I prefer to do it by once again referring to the theme of our forum, “The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond”, but I wish to focus on a few key phrases and do it in the reverse order. So I would like to focus on China and beyond first.

         We are lawyers coming from Hong Kong. As I said in my opening remarks, obviously there have been very close relationships between Hong Kong and Vietnam. But the reason why we are here is not simply because of Hong Kong, it is about something much bigger than Hong Kong. That is our country, China, and beyond.

         A number of speakers have referred to a very important concept known as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. And I wish to emphasise again the importance of the Greater Bay Area. You have been told that the Greater Bay Area consists of the Guangdong Province, in particular the nine cities in Guangdong Province, plus Hong Kong and Macao. To give you some ideas, the size of Greater Bay Area is almost like Croatia, a mid-size European country, with population around 86 million, similar to the population of Germany. If you look at what cities are situated within the Greater Bay Area, we have three very important cities: Guangzhou, of course, which is the capital of the province of Guangdong, a very important city in the southern part of China. And then you have Shenzhen, I think some of our speakers have mentioned Shenzhen, which is the innovation and high-tech hub, where you have the headquarters of Tencent, the factories of BYD and Huawei. All the advanced technology or high-tech innovative things are happening in Shenzhen, which is just across the border. And then of course you have Hong Kong, which is the international financial and trade centre.

         Although there are different bay areas in the world, we have the Tokyo Bay area, the San Francisco Bay Area, but I venture to say that they cannot be compared to Hong Kong because in the Greater Bay Area, you have one country but three different jurisdictions, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, and also Macao which used to be ruled by the Portuguese. So it is a very special place with huge potential. Hong Kong may well be your final destination for your business and business venture. But it also may not be your final destination. Maybe you will find much more opportunities in the Greater Bay Area in China. And then in China, very often there would be investments and other business ventures with other countries. So it is really “China and beyond”.

         Now moving to “Gateway”. I just mentioned that perhaps you will be more interested not just about opportunities for business investment in Hong Kong, but also those offered in Mainland China. And of course you would agree with me that legal service would be important. But you may wonder, if I wish to invest in Mainland China or co-operate with a Mainland partner, why shouldn’t I simply instruct a Mainland lawyer? Why shouldn’t I simply engage the legal service offered by Mainland China? And why should I do it via Hong Kong, which seems to be a little bit indirect or a bit convoluted. And of course, all the speakers who have spoken this afternoon have provided some very good answers. One of the key characteristics of this particular gateway, or using Hong Kong as a gateway, is our common law character, our common law tradition. But again, as pointed out by one of the participants who raised a question at the end of the first session, Hong Kong is definitely not the only common law jurisdiction in this world which can play the role as a gateway for the provision of legal service. I think my friend mentioned Singapore. Why not Singapore? Singapore is definitely a common law jurisdiction. Even in ASEAN, within the Southeast Asia, we have Malaysia which is also a common law jurisdiction. So it is our duty to explain to you a little further.

         What is so special about Hong Kong? I hate to compare Hong Kong with Singapore, but because this question has been raised, I think I have to answer that question as if I were being asked to answer that question by a judge in the court. So I have to give a direct answer. But as a government official, I have to be as diplomatic as possible. The way I put it is that we can and we will offer something that only Hong Kong can offer. We can offer something that Singapore will not be able to do. It is because of six factors, as the sum total of these six factors that make Hong Kong truly unique and peculiar, unparalleled. So what are these six factors? Now, here comes my summary of what you have heard this afternoon.

         First, Hong Kong provides a very stable legal environment. Stable in the sense that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction within China. It is the only common law jurisdiction in China, and it will remain to be the only common law jurisdiction within China. The reason is that the common law system practiced in Hong Kong has been guaranteed by a constitutional document, which is our Basic Law. You can describe it as a mini-constitution. Now, there have been some queries in the past on certain wordings in our constitutional document. Some people questioned whether the principle of “one country, two systems” or the common law system practiced in Hong Kong will continue after 2047, which is the 50th anniversary of the resumption of sovereignty by China of Hong Kong. But that uncertainty has been removed very clearly by the leaders of China, in particular President Xi Jinping. Back in 2022, on July 1 when he came to Hong Kong, he made a very important speech, a very short speech. What is most telling is that in his very short speech, he mentioned the common law system in Hong Kong twice. He said that the common law system is a core element of the “one country, two systems” principle, which is a very good policy that is going to last basically forever. So there should be no doubt whatsoever that not only the principle of “one country, two systems”, but also our common law system will continue. So the first point “stability” – it is very stable.

         The second point is that our system is also very reliable. Now, that goes to the question of the existence of a very reputable and respected judiciary. When it comes to a judicial or legal system, two factors will be of crucial importance. First, quality, quality of justice, whether judges are smart enough to deliver true justice. Second, integrity, whether judges are seen to be able to discharge their duty fairly and impartially. Now, I think the Judiciary in Hong Kong fulfills these two very important essential criteria.

         In terms of quality, as my friends said this afternoon, all the judges, they enjoy very high standing in the world. Our Court of Final Appeal, I should mention that the judgments delivered by the judges of the Court of Final Appeal, they were cited in other common jurisdictions from time to time. And we have foreign judges sitting as part-time judges in Hong Kong. I also remember that one of the speakers mentioned the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Hong Kong ranked the 23rd out of 142 jurisdictions in the world. And I think we ranked the sixth in East Asia and the Pacific region. Ahead of the United States, and if I recall correctly, Spain, another major economy in the world.

         When it comes to integrity, once again my friends have informed you that how judges in Hong Kong are appointed. They are appointed completely independently by an independent statutory body. It is not possible for the executive to interfere with the performance of the judges. It is not possible for the executive to fire or sack any judges. And in fact, I have to tell you a very embarrassing piece of information which nobody dares mention, that is the Government lost cases before the court quite often. So I think that is a very good indication that judges in Hong Kong do exercise the judicial function very impartially.

         But for your interest, I am sure you would be concerned whether Mainland parties, in particular state-owned enterprises, or very important, powerful business entities in Mainland China, would they enjoy any undue advantage when they engage in litigation against foreign parties in Hong Kong? Once again I am very sure that if you look at records, if you look at judgments, we have open judgments, you will see many cases which are decided entirely on merits. Sometimes state-owned enterprises or Mainland parties win, sometimes they lose. But there is not a single piece of evidence suggesting that in deciding these cases, the court in Hong Kong has taken into account any consideration other than the law and the evidence. And the best evidence is contained in our judgments, which you can inspect and you can read for yourself. So this is the second factor: very reliable.

         Third factor: very business friendly. You have to remember that we have a bilingual legal system. So both English and Chinese are official languages. It is not just a working language, it is the official language by which we write our statute. We also use English in court proceedings, and very often in arbitration proceedings. This is an international language that is familiar to people outside Hong Kong, just like I am using English to communicate with you, hoping that you would be able to understand what I am trying to say.

         The second point as to why business friendly is about the content of the law, the content of our substantive law, in particular when it comes to international commercial law, investment law. They are all very international in the sense that its content is substantially similar to the law that you find in other developed countries, for example, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. So the principles of substantive law would be very familiar to the international business community, so it is business friendly.

         The third point is that the Hong Kong Government has been very proactive to make Hong Kong a more attractive place for investment and doing business. I can give you some examples. For example, we are very active in promoting the establishment of family office in Hong Kong to encourage people to invest money to set up family office, in particular, for very resourceful families. In order to make this initiative attractive, we have amended our revenue law, our tax law, to lower our tax rate if you wish to set up family offices in Hong Kong. Another example is that our listing rules, IPO initial public offerings, if you wish to raise finance by getting your company publicly listed, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has introduced a new scheme, it’s called SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies). The idea is very simple. It enables a company without any track record but so long as it fulfills some sorts of requirement to ensure that the investors’ interest will be protected, it will get the chance to be listed in Hong Kong. So I mean we are very proactive in making it more convenient. One of the speakers have mentioned about the difficulty of entering into Hong Kong because of the visa requirement. But as I said in my welcoming remarks, we are relaxing the restrictions or the requirement gradually. So starting from October last year, for the talents, they will be able to come to Hong Kong very easily. And for business travellers and for tourists, you will be able to obtain multiple visas very conveniently. And lastly, when it comes to arbitration, we have actually introduced a pilot scheme. At the moment, the arrangement is that if you are engaged and involved in the arbitration, no matter in what capacity, say, as arbitrator, as counsel, appearing for either party as a witness or even a party, you will be exempted from the need to obtain any visa if you come to Hong Kong for such purposes. So I would say that the difficulty is more apparent than real. So that is the third factor, business friendly.

         The fourth factor: it is very safe and secure to use Hong Kong as a platform for doing business and investment. You must be concerned whether your money, your property can go into Hong Kong and leave Hong Kong easily and freely, and what happens when your property and money is in Hong Kong. Under our constitutional document Basic Law, we guarantee freedom of movement of funds, money and goods. So you can come anytime and your money can leave anytime. There is no exchange control, there is no improper expropriation, and when your money and your property is in Hong Kong, it is completely safeguarded by a stringent set of regulations, not just by statutes, but by other important statutory bodies like the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission. There are very strict regulations to ensure that your investment and your property will be protected. And of course, the quality and integrity of the law enforcement agencies will be important. One strength of Hong Kong is that there is no question, no issue or any concern about corruption at all. Hong Kong is the cleanest place, one of the cleanest places in the world that you can find. If you look at the figures, I think Hong Kong ranks among the top five when it comes to the absence of corruption.

         I wish to share a piece of information just to substantiate my confidence in the integrity of the financial market. A piece of latest news is that a British think tank just announced the Global Financial Centres Index. And Hong Kong had climbed back to the third place after New York and London. And this time we are ahead of Singapore. In 2022 up to last year, Hong Kong ranked the fourth for different reasons, but this year we managed to overtake Singapore to reclaim the third place, which I think is a very pertinent place. It served as a very good evidence of the competence of the people in Hong Kong’s financial market. So this is the fourth factor.

         The fifth factor is that Hong Kong provides dual connectivity. It allows you to connect to the world on the one hand, and also connect to the Mainland at the same time. My friend already said that Hong Kong has important legal connections with the rest of the world, for example, arbitral awards can be enforced and recognised because of the New York Convention. We have entered into a lot of arrangements with other international organisations. Important legal bodies would have their headquarters and offices in Hong Kong. Now this is where Singapore cannot be compared to Hong Kong – we have very special mutual legal assistance arrangements with Mainland China, which is made possible purely because Hong Kong is a part of China, though we practice different legal systems.

         I simply wish to refresh your memory by highlighting one example, which is the arrangement concerning the possibility of granting interim injunction in arbitral proceedings. As business people, it is no use at all to you to spend a lot of money on arbitration if at the end of the day, what you get is a piece of paper. What is the most important is that you will be able to enjoy the fruit in case you succeed in arbitration. That means pending the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings, you need to have sufficient safeguard to ensure that the asset at stake will be protected. In addition, sometimes it would require the preservation of evidence to ensure that the merit of case can be fully reflected in the course of the proceedings. The special arrangement is that if you start arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong by using one of the designated arbitration institutions, then the Mainland court will be very willing to provide you with the assistance by giving you the interim injunction, which is very useful. I don’t remember the figure, but the success rate is over 90 per cent. So this is the connectivity factor.

         The last factor which is most important, and is evident by the quality of the speakers who have spoken before me, that is Hong Kong has an abundant supply of truly international legal talent. If you are using our legal service, if you instruct a Hong Kong lawyer, you are not simply enjoying Hong Kong legal service. You are engaging a global counsel. You are engaging and instructing a truly international lawyer. And again, I wish to repeat or perhaps add some figures to substantiate my point. You were told that we have a divided legal profession consisting of barristers and solicitors. I give you the numbers again. I would stand to be corrected. At the moment, I think there are around 1 600 barristers in Hong Kong, and among them 108 are Senior Counsel. We have three Senior Counsel here with us today. So in a small group of 15 persons, we already have three Senior Counsel – Queenie Lau, SC, Derek Chan, SC, and myself. And when it comes to solicitors, the figures are even more impressive. I think we have more than 13 000 solicitors in Hong Kong. And the important thing is that, look at the number of law firms, we have more than 920 law firms. Among these 900 law firms, around 351 have foreign offices. So they are not local law firms, they have presence in other jurisdictions. And I think 80 something have offices in Mainland China. And when we come to registered foreign law firms, there are 77. As for registered foreign lawyers who specialised or qualified in different jurisdictions, I think the number exceeds 1 400. You can tell from the composition, not just the quantity or the number, but the composition, a lot of them are associated one way or the other with law firms in other jurisdictions. Either they have their own presence in other jurisdictions, or they are closely related with some other very close law firms in other jurisdictions. So my point is, when you get the service of a Hong Kong lawyer, you are getting world service. You don’t need to go anywhere. So this is the last factor, which I believe is the most important factor.

         And the other thing is that, as mentioned by some of our friends, when it comes to legal service, it is not just the legal knowledge that matters. At the end of the day, legal service is about resolving people’s problem. You have to understand culture. You have to understand the people. When you are doing business involving a Mainland element, because one of the speakers asked what the criteria of picking arbitrator or mediator are if Mainland element is involved, I think the answer should go beyond the choice of arbitrator and mediator. It goes to the choice of lawyer in general. I think you need to find someone who is not simply good at law but understands human nature and business culture. A good lawyer is somebody who is able to communicate with you, who can explain very technical matters in a way that you can understand, who can understand the whole business environment, who can understand why in a different jurisdiction, why in a different culture, things are done in a certain way, documents are drafted in a particular manner, why certain words are used, what’s the magic, what’s the hidden message. It is important for lawyers to be able to decipher all these subtle points. In Hong Kong, most of us are not just bilingual because we are Chinese, we understand the Chinese culture, we understand how things are done and said, but at the same time, we are trained by the common law tradition. So we are going to be a perfect interpreter, helping you to understand each other, to ensure that nothing will be lost in translation. I think that is a very important point when it comes to the choice of legal service.

         So to sum up, six factors: it’s stable, it’s reliable, it’s business friendly, it’s secure, it provides dual connectivity, it provides abundant supply of truly international legal talent.

         Maybe Singapore enjoys one or two or even five of the factors before, but I’m quite sure that if you do a checklist, Singapore will not be able to have all the ticks in all the six boxes. So it is really the sum total of these six factors which makes Hong Kong so unique.

         The last thing that I would like to say is that I would like you to visualise, to have a sort of mental picture as to what I am saying. I would like to draw an analogy. The legal service of Hong Kong provides is just like a multi-storey building. In one single building, you have a food hall consisting different types of restaurants. We have Michelin three star restaurants, we have restaurants serving Vietnamese food, and we have restaurants serving Chinese food. The point is whatever you need, they will be available, in terms of price or whatever. And the food will be extremely hygienic and the quality will be very high. I think that’s the concept, that’s the main picture that I would like you to have after today’s event. Thank you.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The IAEA’s Vital Support of Development and International Security

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    (As prepared for delivery)

    President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    “The best way to predict the future is to build it.” It is a truth worth remembering, especially when political division, climate change, war, hunger, and disease seem to overshadow our effort.

    We have the tools to deal with these challenges. We have the knowledge, the technology, the financial means, the diplomacy and the robust international institutions.

    The IAEA serves its 180 Member States with the lifesaving and lifeaffirming tools of nuclear science and technology. These contribute directly to the SDGs.

    Health comes first. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 we jumped into action, harnessing our equipment and knowledge for quick and reliable testing against COVID with the portable RT-PCR machines, or “labs in a suitcase”.

    We launched what would become the largest emergency operation in the history of IAEA to nearly 130 States. In so doing, we reached tens of millions of people. For some countries these kits were the first, and sometimes the only equipment they had to conduct reliable testing against COVID-19.

    Drawing on this and earlier experiencessupporting the fight against Ebola, avian influenza and Zika, we launched – in that same year – the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC). Under ZODIAC we have trained people from more than 95 countries in dealing with zoonotic diseases. Laboratories in developing countries have received equipment for 3 serology and molecular diagnostic or genetic sequencing. Many of these labs are now being used to combat Mpox.

    The IAEA has more than 6 decades of experience in radiotherapy and medical imaging. But today the cancer crisis is hitting low and middleincome countries particularly hard and I am determined to make a greater impact in partnership with our Member States. That is why we launched Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All at the African Union Summit in February 2022, with firm support from the World Health Organization (WHO). Africa is where the cancer care gap is the starkest: more than 20 African nations lack even a single radiotherapy machine. So far, 86 countries have reached out to the IAEA for support under Rays of Hope and concrete actions have been initiated in more than 30 States.

    Under our new initiative, NUTEC: NUclear TEchnology for Controlling Plastic Pollution, 86 States around the world are participating in marine microplastic monitoring using nuclear and isotopic tracing techniques. This will help them to put in place better-informed policies that combat the plastic pollution threatening the ocean, its plants and creatures and therefore also the communities that rely on them for their livelihoods. Some 39 States are participating in plastic recycling using radiation technology, four of which are progressing towards establishing pilot-scale plants. This will allow them to reduce plastic waste and advance towards a circular economy. The Global Marine Monitoring Network continues to grow with 99 States now benefiting from capacity building efforts.

    Atoms4Food was launched by the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in October 2023. It offers tailor-made approaches in 4 Food and Agriculture, which for years has been the number 1 area of support sought by our Member States. Atoms4Foods supports countries in using innovative nuclear techniques to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce food losses, ensure food safety, improve nutrition, and adapt to the challenges of climate change. This supports farmers as well as the fight against deadly malnutrition.

    There is no development without energy. Nuclear power provides about a quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity. Much more is needed if we are to meet the climate goals set out on the Paris Agreement. In their historic first Global Stocktake, approved at COP28 in Dubai last year, the signatory countries to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change called for accelerating the deployment of low-emission energy technologies including nuclear power. The Pact for the Future adopted yesterday, in Action 26 reaffirmed the inalienable right of all countries to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination, in conformity with their respective obligations.

    Today, in addition to the 415 nuclear power reactors operating in 31 countries there are 62 reactors under construction in 15 countries, most of them in Asia. The IAEA is assisting States, many of them developing countries, either with enlarging their civilian nuclear programs, or with safely embarking on them. We are working with industry and regulators on small modular reactors (SMRs) which will make more affordable the price of entry to the nuclear energy club.

    The IAEA is also playing an important role in maintenance of 5 international peace and security.

    Mandated by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), we conduct nuclear safeguards, making sure the increased amount of nuclear material around the world does not result in the secret proliferation of nuclear weapons. There is material for thousands of nuclear warheads in the world. Thanks to the robust international safeguards regime and our inspection system, who never stopped even during the COVID pandemic, the number of nuclear weapon States around the world is far fewer than had been feared before the IAEA was established and the NPT came into force.

    The IAEA assists States in the creation and implementation of nuclearweapon-free zones, which already cover vast regions of the world. These are important steps towards a world without nuclear weapons.

    Our work in Iran, Syria, other countries of the Middle East, and on different continents, contributes to international stability through nonproliferation and through the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

    Since February 2022 a large-scale conventional conflict has raged in a country with a large civilian nuclear program. Ukraine used to generate more than half its electricity from nuclear power plants. From the first months of the war, the IAEA has focused on assisting Ukraine in preventing a radiological or nuclear accident, which could have a serious transborder impact. Today, the IAEA has advisory and assistance missions stationed at all five of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including Zaporizhzhia, which is located right at the front line. Following months 6 of negotiations and consultations, on 30 May 2023 at the UN Security Council I outlined five concrete principles to help ensure nuclear safety and security at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya NPP. It received strong support from the Members of the Council.

    The IAEA continues to monitor the safe discharge of water from the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Station and engages in consultations with neighbouring and coastal countries with strong interest in the process. Our independent analysis and the data we publish relating to the discharge offer facts that dispel misunderstandings and fears about the process.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I firmly believe in supporting the ability of everyone, regardless of gender, to fully benefit and contribute to the IAEA’s work.

    Conviction requires action. When I began my tenure as the IAEA’s Director General five years ago, one of my very first actions was to set a goal for gender parity by 2025 and to put in place the policies to achieve a more diverse workforce.

    Five years ago, women represented less than 30% of the Agency. Today, they have surpassed 48%.

    Mindful of the need to continue helping future generations, I also launched the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) in 2020. It drives diversity as well as scientific and technological innovation by encouraging women to pursue a career in the nuclear field. Since its launch, hundreds of women from over 120 countries have been awarded fellowships with generous stipends. They have studied in more than 70 7 countries and have also benefited from internships in many areas of the field. Our follow-up program, named after the scientist Lise Meitner, empowers early- and mid-career through career-enhancing opportunities like site visits.

    The IAEA is a key multilateral player to make the Pact of the Future a reality. Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Banks Probes Air Force’s Race, Sex Quotas for Officer Applicants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03)

    Today, Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee announced his probe into the U.S. Air Force’s apparent use of race and sex-based quotas for its officer applicant pool. Find a copy of Chairman Banks’ letter to Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Alex Wagner here.

    Said Rep. Banks: “The Biden-Harris DOD’s use of race and sex based quotas is un-American and it should be illegal. It is difficult to understand how the Air Force could aim to cut recruiting of Americans who don’t check the right demographic boxes during the worst recruiting crisis in the history of the All-Volunteer Force. Republicans must work to put merit back at the center of our armed services. It is the right thing to do and it is the only way we will be able to compete with Communist China.”  

    Rep. Banks submitted amendments to the 2025 NDAA to end affirmative action at service academies and prohibit the consideration of race in military accessions.

    The full text of the letter is below:

    Dear Mr. Wagner,

    I’m writing to you regarding the United States Air Force’s apparent use of race and sex quotas for its officer applicant pool.

    On August 9, 2022, the office of the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) sent a memorandum titled “Officer Source of Commission Applicant Pool Goals.” The memorandum sets race and sex quotas, referred to as “Diversity & Inclusion goals,” for commissioned officer applicants to the Air Force at a proportion of 64 percent male and 36 percent female,  67.5 percent white, 15 percent Hispanic, 10 percent Asian, 14 percent African American, 1.5 percent American Indian/Native Alaskan, and 1 percent Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, and directs Air Force leadership to develop a plan to reach these goals within 30 days.

    Air Force documents from 2023 recently obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) show that, in response to the August 2022 memorandum, the Air Force developed even more granular race and gender quotas. For example, a slide that was presented to the SECAF as part of its “Office Accession Applicant Pool Goals D&I Outreach Plan” includes a graph that shows white male ROTC officer applicants declining from about sixty percent in 2019 to a goal of approximately 43% by fiscal year 2029.

    Internal Air Force email correspondence obtained by the DCNF suggest that you personally advocated for presenting the SECAF with a specific timeline for implementing these quotas. An email relaying your feedback on the draft “Applicant Pool Goals D&I Outreach Plan” slide deck reads: “Mr. Wagner would like to know specifically and what we are doing for and the timeline to meet goals for each specific demographic, for example, black males, white females, etc.” Another email shows that efforts were made to delay the briefing “to give us more time to meet Mr. Wagner’s intent.”

    At a 2023 House Armed Services Committee Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing, I asked you if you would personally commit to opposing any effort to promote or recruit servicemembers based on their race or gender. You responded that, “I will commit to you to do everything possible to reach the broadest segment of America, whether it means increasing the number of women in our force or people of color, and I commit to you that we will continue those efforts, to have a more diverse force.”

    Please respond to the following questions no later than October 20, 2024:

    1. How does reducing the proportion of white male ROTC applicants by seventeen percent in ten years compatible with your stated goal of “reach[ing] the broadest segment of America”?
    2. Why would the Air Force advocate for reduced recruiting of certain demographics while it struggled to meet its recruiting goals?
    3. What is the difference between the “Diversity & Inclusion goals” you set and race and gender quotas?
    4. Do you believe that race- and sex-based discrimination should be tolerated within the United States Air Force?


     Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Delaware Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Middletown, Delaware, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    Paul Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Smith conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin. Smith was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

    Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steel Calls on Biden to Address Human Rights Abuses with Vietnam Leader

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to President Biden ahead of his Wednesday meeting with Vietnam’s president and ruling Communist Party chief, Congresswoman Michelle Steel called on the President to directly address worsening human rights abuses in Vietnam under To Lam’s leadership.

    “Regretfully, this week you will be giving the enormous platform of a presidential meeting to Vietnam’s President and ruling Communist Party Chief, To Lam. During your sit down at the UN, it is crucial that you stop paying lip service to human rights and instead directly address the persecution that has defined To Lam’s leadership in Vietnam,” wrote Steel, who represents the Little Saigon community of Orange County that his home to a large population of Vietnamese Americans.

    Steel’s letter noted that during the meeting, Biden must pressure To Lam to:

    • Release all prisoners of conscience.
    • End the persecution of Vietnamese human rights defenders, activists, and government critics.
    • Respect all religious minorities and hold accountable Vietnamese authorities who imprison individuals based on religious beliefs.

    Steel also noted that the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent engagement with Vietnam has done nothing to slow the suppression of free speech and religious persecution on To Lam’s watch. Prior to his current head of state role, To Lam served as the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security.

    “As the Biden Harris Administration attempts to promote closer ties with Vietnam, To Lam’s rise to power has coincided with a significant increase in human rights abuses by the Vietnamese authorities on its own citizens. This includes scores of human rights activists and independent journalists…who all face lengthy prison sentences for voicing their opinions about the Communist Party of Vietnam,” Steel added.

    Steel’s letter can be viewed here.

    Rep. Steel represents parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County, including the Little Saigon community which has the largest population of Vietnamese anywhere outside of Vietnam.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Meets with Minnesota Veterans Visiting Washington

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
    WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met veterans visiting Washington, D.C. through the Honor Flight Network program. The Honor Flight Network has flown approximately over 2,300 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington to see their memorials at no cost in recognition of their service and sacrifices. This flight consisted of 215 Minnesota and North Dakota-based veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 
    “It was an honor to meet these incredible Minnesota veterans on their trip to our nation’s capital for this important program,” said Klobuchar. “I am so thankful to all our veterans for their dedicated service to our country, and will continue fighting to ensure our servicemembers and veterans receive the full support they have earned.” 
    Veterans from Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Beltrami, Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen, Hubbard, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, Otter Tail, Douglas, Grant, Traverse, Stevens, Swift, Big Stone, Pope, Todd and Wadena counties took part in this trip. 
    Photos available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: G7 DFIs, MedAccess, EIB, and IFC Announce MoU for Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Today, participating G7 development finance institutions (DFIs), MedAccess, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures (MCMs). These DFIs are working closely with global and regional health organizations to establish the collaboration frameworks and innovative financing mechanisms needed to support a rapid and equitable pandemic response. Building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative will focus on the procurement, production, and distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other MCMs for low- and lower-middle-income countries. The MoU builds on the Joint Statement of Collaboration announced at UNGA last year as well as the Chair Summary and Report that outlined collaboration and innovating financing options. This effort is a joint collaboration between participating G7 DFIs, MedAccess, EIB, and IFC, in accord with G7 Hiroshima Vision for Equitable Access to Medical Countermeasures launched at the 2023 Hiroshima Summit and reaffirmed at the 2024 Apulia Summit.

    The MoU was signed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC, USA), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP, Italy), British International Investment & MedAccess (UK), KfW & Germany’s Development Finance Institution DEG (Germany), AFD & Proparco (France), JICA (Japan), EIB (European Union), and IFC (World Bank Group). The MoU also has support from the Government of Canada and leading global and regional health organizations.  

    This work builds on ongoing collaboration across many DFIs on regional manufacturing in Africa. The ongoing Mpox public health emergency underscores the importance of this collaboration and need for surge financing. Leveraging this initiative, DFIs met with leading global health organizations including the World Health Organization, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) on August 22, soon after Mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern, to discuss response efforts and financing needs.

    “DFC is proud to support this first-of-its kind framework to ensure DFIs can act swiftly and cohesively to provide surge financing for life-saving products at the start of a health emergency. We expect to leverage this initiative for the Mpox response, working closely with our U.S. Government, development finance, and health partners More broadly, DFC’s investments in health services, supply chains, and technology all help bolster pandemic preparedness and health system resilience.” said DFC DCEO Nisha Biswal.

    “JICA believes this surge financing initiative will enhance coordination among development finance institutions and health organizations to achieve our commitment to work towards equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured and affordable MCMs for health emergencies, which Japan announced as Chair of the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima.   Leveraging this initiative and JICA’s own lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to support countries that have suffered from inequitable access to MCMs in the past,” said Chief Representative of JICA USA Office Satoko Tanaka.

    “IFC is proud to participate in this innovative framework to support medical countermeasure financing mechanisms, an important step for responding more effectively to future health crises. Collaboration between development finance institutions and global health partners is key to ensure coordinated efforts that strengthen healthcare systems and supply chains, enhancing pandemic preparedness.” said Vice President of Industries Mohamed Gouled.

    “DEG and KfW are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, one of which is improving healthcare”, said Member of the DEG Management Board Monika Beck. “Therefore, we are delighted to support this initiative to provide financing for healthcare products during health emergencies, together with our trusted development finance partner institutions. We are convinced that it is essential to join forces to support improved access to critical health products when they are in short supply.”

    “Sustainable development is linked to equitable and rightful access to health and well-being. As CDP, we strongly support this initiative, which has been mentioned in the G7 Leaders’ final declaration last June at the Apulia Summit, that will foster the development of health systems across emerging economies, ensuring the foundation is laid for research, production, and distribution of essential medicines, diagnostic equipment, and vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for every nation to be equipped with the tools to safeguard public health in times of crisis. Achieving the 2030 UN SDGs will require robust global collaboration, and we are proud to partner with G7 DFIs, the European Investment Bank, and the International Finance Corporation to help make this vision a reality.” said CDP Director of International Development Cooperation Paolo Lombardo.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the value of working together but also the need to coordinate our actions more closely,” said EIB Vice President Thomas Östros. “With joint efforts, we can multiply our impact and effectiveness, especially in meeting current challenges such as Mpox and in tackling future health emergencies. At the EIB, global health is a key priority, and we highly value this partnership.”

    “The MoU is an important step towards strengthening global health security and reducing the impact of future pandemics on vulnerable populations. This furthers our commitment, as the UK’s DFI, to invest in businesses that provide essential health services and products, including vaccines. It will ensure that future health crises can be mitigated to allow continued economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries, said BII Chair Diana Layfield.

    “When critical health products are in short supply, fast and flexible capital can make the difference between life and death,“ said CEO of MedAccess Michael Anderson. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed how quickly global supply chains can grind to a halt when overwhelming demand meets scarce supply. This led to inequitable distribution of medical products, leaving millions of people at risk from the disease. Today’s announcement underlines our shared commitment to being prepared for future pandemics with the capital and financial tools to enable companies to meet large-scale, urgent demand for lifesaving products.”

    “A lesson learned from the COVID-19 crisis is that it is possible to mobilize significant public and private financial resources in turbulent times. Let’s use this experience of successful mobilization to anticipate effective pandemic preparedness. I believe this Memorandum of Understanding is one of the necessary steps towards better coordination among Public Development Banks to mobilize the private sector and demonstrates the catalytic power of joining forces for innovative financial instruments, as explored by Finance in Common and its Social Investment Coalition. Health is a common good, no one should be left behind in the face of a pandemic,” said Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD Group (AFD, Proparco, and Expertise France) and Chairman of Finance in Common Summit in Paris.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances sound investment contributing to EU policy goals. The EIB’s activities focus on the following priority areas: climate and environment, development, innovation and skills, small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure, and cohesion. The EIB works closely with other institutions and has provided total financing of more than € 42 billion for healthcare-related projects around the world since it started investing in the sector in 1997.  

    The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Picuris Pueblo Site Visit: 750-Kilowatts of New Solar PV Capacity

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Known as the “Little Pueblo That Could,” Picuris Pueblo in New Mexico finished installing 750-kW of solar power on the Tribe’s lands. This $2.3 million project, co-funded by the Office of Indian Energy, is expected to save the Tribe about $84,900 annually.

    This project builds upon the Tribe’s 1-megawatt solar array project completed in Dec. 2017, also co-funded by the Office of Indian Energy.

    Learn more about the project: https://www.energy.gov/indianenergy/picuris-pueblo-2018-project

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf–v8-s2CU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Norhana Endut: Opening remarks – workshop on navigating climate risk stress testing in Malaysia

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    A very good morning to everyone. It is my great honour to welcome you to this workshop on “Navigating Climate Risk Stress Testing in Malaysia: Catalysing Dialogue and Charting the Course”, jointly organised by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3) Sub-Committee 1 Transition and Physical Risk Working Groups. This capacity building workshop brings together financial industry players and experts in related fields to share experiences, learn best practices and exchange ideas as we collectively prepare to conduct our first industry-wide climate risk stress test.

    We firmly believe that climate change is an immediate challenge that poses risks to our financial system. To this end, allow me to describe how the central bank is approaching financial regulation in this space. In Malaysia, we have taken steps to put in place the foundational components to improve the ability of financial institutions to identify, measure and manage climate-related financial risks. There are five key pieces to these foundational components.

    Firstly, a climate taxonomy establishes a consistent and common classification system for the identification of climate-related exposures. Second, mandatory climate disclosures by financial institutions will create an impetus for financial institutions to obtain information on their borrowers and investee firms. This, in turn, creates a virtuous cycle of informational flow. Third, regulatory standards on the management of climate-related risks set expectations for financial institutions to reflect these risks in their governance, strategy and risk practices. Fourth is a focus on transition planning. This is to ensure financial institutions set clear climate goals and concrete transition plans. With these building blocks in place, we are now in a good position for the fifth component, which is to accelerate industry capabilities via the conduct of the industry-wide climate risk stress test.

    Ladies and gentlemen,
    Allow me to shed more light on the motivation behind the implementation of the Climate Risk Stress Test. The exercise is primarily intended to enhance capacity building among financial institutions in assessing how their business and operations could be affected by climate risks. Throughout the journey of conducting the stress test, financial institutions will uncover gaps related to data, technology, and methodologies. This serves as a starting point for the institution to assess their internal capability and find ways to address these gaps. In other words, the climate stress test is a forward-looking tool to help financial institutions in identifying, measuring and mitigating their climate risk exposures.

    When designing this stress test for Malaysia, at Bank Negara Malaysia, we have strived to incorporate learnings from other jurisdictions, including adapting and incorporating several Malaysia’s specific elements in terms of its economic structure and financial system. We have also incorporated feedback from domestic industry players. In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to extend Bank Negara Malaysia’s gratitude to many of you here who have provided invaluable feedback during the drafting of the Methodology Paper and reporting template. We truly appreciate the open and collaborative spirit extended by everyone, an approach that continues even up to today.

    Climate risk stress testing is still in its infancy globally. Therefore, we have strived to balance between pragmatism and accuracy when specifying our requirements. Where possible we have tried to work around data limitations, lack of technical expertise as well as under-developed modelling techniques. However, considerable challenges remain for financial institutions to successfully run this stress test. We will journey with you through these challenges. It is as much a learning experience for Bank Negara Malaysia as it is for all the financial institutions running the stress test. That is one of the reasons we are all here today at this workshop.

    I believe that together we can overcome many of the hurdles. Climate risk is a collective action problem. It may be in each individual’s best interests to act selfishly, regardless of what other individuals do. However, if all individuals act selfishly, then the outcome for everyone is worse than if we all cooperate. At the country level we see this playing out in global emissions reduction. A single small country may feel that spending money to cut emissions may do little for global climate change, and hence choose not to do so. However, such situation could lead to some other, or even all, countries, to opt not to cut emission, and thus, we will end up in a bad outcome globally and having the adverse impact of unattended climate risks being faced collectively.

    At the individual financial institution level, the development of new approaches and techniques for stress testing would be crucial for measuring the risk of climate change. However, if each entity chooses to keep their advancements proprietary, industry adoption will be slow. Collaboration and knowledge sharing is needed to scale solutions and reduce costs.

    Therefore, I am hoping that for the next few hours, we will all make a conscious choice to participate in these sessions with a generous heart and an open mind. I hope everyone will choose to collaborate rather than compete, to share rather than hoard. In this regard, I am encouraged by the collective efforts by the industry in undertaking capacity building initiatives to upskill the financial institutions and exploring potential solutions to bridge the data gaps. Commendable efforts by the JC3 Sub-Committee 1 and 4 in leading training initiatives and Sub-Committee 5 in producing and refining the Climate Data Catalogue exemplify this collaborative spirit.

    Ladies and gentlemen,
    Some of you have been asking, what’s next after this stress test? I’d like to address this in some detail.

    Important to note is that the climate stress test, or CRST for short, is not an end in itself. It should not be viewed as merely a regulatory compliance exercise. Although BNM does not intend for the results of the inaugural stress test to calibrate capital requirements, we do expect financial institutions to take this exercise seriously. I strongly advise financial institutions to already start planning for how the results of the stress test could be used to inform strategic planning and management decision making.

    CRST results are more than just numbers. They provide important insights into how climate risks could impact the business and operations of an institution. Hence, active engagement from senior management and the Board throughout the CRST journey – not just when the final results are available – will be crucial to the success of this first exercise. Financial institutions need adequate internal support to address the challenges they face, and this requires buy-in from the top throughout the stress test exercise.

    Additionally, as climate risks continue to evolve, we expect climate risk stress tests to be a recurring exercise moving forward. As such, it is imperative that financial institutions continuously invest in enhancing their stress test capabilities, particularly in areas such as data collection, methodology and model development. This ongoing refinement is essential to ensure that the CRST remains relevant and responsive to the ever-evolving nature of climate risks.

    Before I conclude, I want to emphasise the overarching objective of the Climate Risk Stress Test in safeguarding our financial system. Through CRST, we are not only strengthening our institutions’ resilience to climate-related risks but also building a solid foundation for long-term sustainability.

    This workshop today provides a great opportunity to kickstart meaningful conversations around CRST. The agenda has been carefully curated to promote deep learning and knowledge sharing, with a strong emphasis on practical applications and addressing real-world challenges in conducting the stress test. I encourage all participants to actively engage and share insights throughout the workshop.

    Let me end with the words of Sir David Attenborough “If working apart we are a force powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely working together, we are powerful enough to save it.” I urge you to stay committed to this journey, continue collaborating, and share your experiences. While past and current actions and inactions created today’s climate problems, our generation must lead the way in fixing it for our children. I have every confidence in our sector’s ability to rise to this challenge and lead the way in building a climate-resilient financial system.

    With this, I wish you a productive workshop ahead. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Steel Legislation Naming Little Saigon Post Office After Vietnam Refugees, War Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Rep. Michelle Steel’s legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office in Westminster, CA as the “Little Saigon Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Post Office.”

    The facility is located in what is known as “Little Saigon” in Orange County, CA, home of the largest population of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam.

    “Dedicating this facility to our brave Vietnam War veterans will honor their heroic contributions to cause of freedom, which is so special to the patriotic Vietnamese Americans I represent,” said Rep. Michelle Steel. “The Little Saigon Vietnam Veterans Memorial Post Office will be a lasting tribute to our veterans as well as the freedom-loving Vietnamese American community of Orange County. I was honored to successfully pass this legislation through the House of Representatives and look forward to its passage in the Senate.”

    Watch Michelle Steel Speak on the Floor in Support of Honoring Vietnam Vets Memorial Post Office here

    The legislation was supported by a wide group of local veterans’ organizations and community leaders.

    “We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Steel for her work to honor Vietnam War veterans through the renaming of the Westminster Post Office. Her effective advocacy in Congress will ensure that our community has a lasting tribute to these heroes and their fight for freedom,” said Frank Barry, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1024.

    After passing the House, the legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for approval.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leger Fernández, Heinrich Lead Bill to Approve Water Rights Settlement for the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Watershed

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández(D-N.M.), and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced legislation to approve the water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation as well as participating non-Tribal parties in the Rio San José watershed. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) cosponsored the bill. 

    Leger Fernández and Heinrich previously introduced the Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act, which would implement the water settlements agreed to by the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, the United States, the State of New Mexico, and non-Tribal parties, in the Rio San José watershed. That bill received a hearing and was reported out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in December. The House version of this bill received a legislative hearing in the House Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in July. The bill introduced this month would further resolve Tribal water claims in the Rio San José basin by settling the Navajo Nation’s claims. 

    “In New Mexico we know water is life. Navajo Nation, the surrounding communities, and the state of New Mexico worked together to reach an agreement that would make sure the life-giving waters of the Rio San Jose would flow for everyone,” said Leger Fernández. “Senator Heinrich’s and my bill would provide funding for much needed water infrastructure for Navajo Nation as well as nearby acequias. The powerful stories of collaboration around this precious resource we heard in committee prove that settlement is the best road for resolving these water claims.” 

    “Our legislation will provide critically needed funding to get much-needed water to Navajo communities in the Rio San José watershed,” said Heinrich. “By passing this and our other pending Tribal water settlement bills this Congress, we can better follow through on the federal government’s promise to help Tribes access and use the water that has always been rightfully theirs.” 

    “As a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I am proud to join my New Mexico colleagues in introducing legislation to approve the water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Watershed,” said Luján. “This legislation has strong backing from stakeholders across New Mexico and will provide a comprehensive resolution for the Navajo Nation’s water rights claims in the Rio San José Stream System. It will ensure the protection of Tribal water rights while effectively addressing the water needs of the community.” 

    “In New Mexico, we know water is life,” said Stansbury.“As stewards of the land, water, and air since time immemorial, it is so important that our Tribal communities have a stake in how water is used in this state. This bill, as well as many others, will uphold our commitment to our Tribes and Pueblos granting them the right to use water for their needs. This is what environmental justice looks like.” 

    “Protecting a critical resource and honoring Tribal sovereignty are some of our core responsibilities in Congress, and I’m proud to work with the New Mexico Delegation to fulfill our trust responsibility and provide essential resources to support the New Mexico’s water infrastructure,” said Vasquez. “This settlement ensures the Navajo Nation and our non-Tribal users of the Rio San José watershed will have the water resources needed to thrive for generations to come.” 

    “On behalf of the Navajo Nation, I want to express my deepest appreciation to Senator Heinrich, Senator Lujan, and Representative Leger Fernandez for introducing this important legislation. Implementation of this settlement will make a real difference for Eastern Navajo communities where lack of water has constrained development. A collaborative negotiation process produced a comprehensive settlement that provides a path forward towards a better future for the people of the Rio San Jose and Rio Puerco Basins,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.  

    Additional Background on Tribal Water Settlements Legislation: 

    The introduction of this bill follows Heinrich and Vasquez’s introduction of theZuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act in July, with Leger Fernández, Luján, and Stansbury, and all joining as original cosponsors. That bill would unlock federal funding to support a trust for sustainable water management and infrastructure development that upholds the federal government’s trust responsibility while protecting the sacred Zuni Salt Lake. The bill ratifies the settlement between the federal government, State of New Mexico and Zuni Tribe that affirms their water rights for irrigation, livestock, storage, and domestic and other uses. 

    In June, Leger Fernández and Heinrich introduced theOhkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act, legislation to approve the water rights settlement of Ohkay Owingeh and participating non-Tribal parties for water in the Rio Chama Basin. Luján and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill. 

    Last December, Leger Fernández and Luján introducedthe Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act, which authorizes the appropriation of $6.3 million for the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Fund; $7.8 million for the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund; and $4.3 million for  the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos’ Fund, which covers Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque Pueblos. It will support water resources development projects for the Tribes. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill.  

    Last June, Leger Fernández and Luján introduced legislation that amends the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project to ensure it has the resources and time needed to deliver drinking water to northwestern New Mexico communities in the San Juan basin, including roughly 43 Chapters on the Eastern Navajo Nation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the City of Gallup, which currently rely on a rapidly depleting groundwater supply of poor quality. Heinrich and Stansbury are original cosponsors of this bill. 

    Additionally, last year, the entire New Mexico Congressional Delegationannounced a $235.1 million allocation to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims using funding from the Infrastructure Law and the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. As part of that overall allocation, the Navajo-Gallup Water Project received $164 million from the Infrastructure Law and the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. Another $2 million was directed to Navajo-Gallup Water supply operations, maintenance and replacement efforts. The Aamodt Water Rights Settlement, which includes the Pueblos of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque, received $69.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.   

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cory Mills Announces House Passage of H.R. 5867, To Designate the Facility of the United States Postal Service Located at 109 Live Oaks Boulevard in Casselberry, Florida, as the “Colonel Joseph William Kittinger II Post Office Building”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cory Mills Florida (7th District)

    Washington, D.C. — H.R. 5867, introduced by Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07), to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Live Oaks Boulevard in Casselberry, Florida, as the “Colonel Joseph William Kittinger II Post Office Building,” unanimously passed the House of Representatives.

    “I am proud to share that my bill, H.R. 5867, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Live Oaks Boulevard in Casselberry, Florida, as the “Colonel Joseph William Kittinger II Post Office Building,” has passed the House of Representatives. This bill will officially rename the Casselberry Post Office in honor of Colonel Joseph Kittinger, a true American legend from Florida’s 7th Congressional District. I’m honored to help recognize Colonel Kittinger’s incredible legacy through this bill. Colonel Kittinger, an Air Force hero, set the world record for the highest parachute jump at 102,800 feet, endured nearly a year as a POW in Vietnam’s infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton,’ and became the first person to solo balloon across the Atlantic. His bravery, resilience, and legacy will continue to inspire future generations to push the limits of what’s possible. As he said, ‘Life is an adventure, and I’m an adventurer,’” said Congressman Cory Mills.

    Read the full bill text HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by President  Biden Before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly | New York,  NY

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    United Nations HeadquartersNew York, New York
    10:12 A.M. EDT
    THE PRESIDENT:  My fellow leaders, today is the fourth time I’ve had the great honor of speaking to this assembly as president of the United States.  It will be my last.
    I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history.  I was first elected to office in the United States of America as a U.S. senator in 1972.  Now, I know I look like I’m only 40.  I know that.  (Laughter.) 
    I was 29 years old.  Back then, we were living through an inflection point, a moment of tension and uncertainty.  The world was divided by the Cold War.  The Middle East was headed toward war.  America was at war in Vietnam, and at that point, the longest war in America’s history. 
    Our country was divided and angry, and there were questions about our staying power and our future.  But even then, I entered public life not out of despair but out of optimism. 
    The United States and the world got through that moment.  It wasn’t easy or simple or without significant setbacks.  But we would go on to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons throughout the — through arms control and then go on to bring the Cold War itself to an end.  Israel and Egypt went to war but then forged a historic peace.  We ended the war in Vietnam. 
    The — last year, in Hanoi, I was — met with the Vietnamese leadership, and we elevated our partnership to the highest level.  It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for reconciliation that today the United States and Vietnam are partners and friends, and it’s proof that even from the horrors of war there is a way forward.  Things can get better. 
    We should never forget that.  I have seen that throughout my career. 
    In the 1980s, I spoke out against apartheid in South Africa, and then I watched the racist regime fall. 
    In the 1990s, I worked to hold Milošević accountable for war crimes.  He was held accountable.  
    At home, I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act to end the scourge of violence against women and girls not only in America but across the world, as many of you have as well.  But we have so much more to do, especially against rape and sexual violence as weapons of war and terror.  
    We were attacked on 9/11 by Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.  We brought him justice. 
    Then I came to the presidency in another moment in a crisis and uncertainty.  I believed America had to look forward.  New challenges, new threats, new opportunities were in front of us.  We needed to put ourselves in a position to see the threats, to deal with the challenges, and to seize the opportunities as well. 
    We needed to end the era of war that began on 9/11.  As vice president to President Obama, he asked me to work to wind down the military operations in Iraq.  And we did, painful as it was. 
    When I came to office as president, Afghanistan had replaced Vietnam as America’s longest war.  I was determined to end it, and I did.  It was a hard decision but the right decision. 
    Four American presidents had faced that decision, but I was determined not to leave it to the fifth.  It was a decision accompanied by tragedy.  Thirteen brave Americans lost their lives along with hundreds of Afghans in a suicide bomb.  I think those lost lives — I think of them every day.
    I think of all the 2,461 U.S. military deaths over a long 20 years of that war.  20,744 American servicemen wounded in action.  I think of their service, their sacrifice, and their heroism. 
    I know other countries lost their own men and women fighting alongside us.  We honor their sacrifices as well.  
    To face the future, I was also determined to rebuild my country’s alliances and partnerships to a level not previously seen.  We did — we did just that, from traditional treaty alliances to new partnerships like the Quad with the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. 
    I know — I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair, but I do not.  I won’t. 
    As leaders, we don’t have the luxury. 
    I recognize the challenges from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan and beyond: war, hunger, terrorism, brutality, record displacement of people, a climate crisis, democracy at risk, strains within our societies, the promise of artificial intelligence and its significant risks.  The list goes on. 
    But maybe because of all I’ve seen and all we have done together over the decades, I have hope.  I know there is a wa- — a way forward.  
    In 1919, the Irish poet William Butler Yeats described a world, and I quote, where “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,” end of quote.
    Some may say those words describe the world not just in 1919 but in 2024.  But I see a cri- — a critical distinction. 
    In our time, the center has held.  Leaders and people from every region and across the political spectrum have stood together.  Turned the page — we turned the page on the worst pandemic in a century.  We made sure COVID no longer controls our lives.  We defended the U.N. Charter and ensured the survival of Ukraine as a free nation.  My country made the largest investment in climate and clean energy ever, anywhere in history.
    There will always be forces that pull our countries apart and the world apart: aggression, extremism, chaos, and cynicism, a desire to retreat from the world and go it alone. 
    Our task, our test is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than those that are pulling us apart, that the principles of partnership that we came here each year to uphold can withstand the challenges, that the center holds once again.  
    My fellow leaders, I truly believe we are at another inflection point in world history where the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come. 
    Will we stand behind the principles that unite us?  We stand firm against aggression.  We — will we end the conflicts that are raging today?  Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger, and disease?  Will we plan now for the opportunities and risk of a revolutionary new technologies?
    I want to talk today about each of those decisions and the actions, in my view, we must take.
    To start, each of us in this body has made a commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter, to stand up against aggression.  When Russia invaded Ukraine, we could have stood by and merely protested.  But Vice President Harris and I understood that that was an assault on everything this institution is supposed to stand for. 
    And so, at my direction, America stepped into the breach, providing massive security and economic and humanitarian assistance.  Our NATO Allies and partners in 50-plus nations stood up as well.  But most importantly, the Ukrainian people stood up.  And I ask the people of this chamber to stand up for them.
    The good news is Putin’s war has failed in his — at his core aim.  He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free.  He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, and more united than ever before with two new members, Finland and Sweden.  But we cannot let up.
    The world now has another choice to make: Will we sustain our support to help Ukraine win this war and preserve its freedom or walk away and let aggression be renewed and a nation be destroyed?
    I know my answer.  We cannot grow weary.  We cannot look away.  And we will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins a just and durable peace [based] on the U.N. Charter.  (Applause.)
    We also need to uphold our principles as we seek to responsibly manage the competition with China so it does not veer into conflict.  We stand ready to cooperate on urgent challenges for the good of our people and the people everywhere.  
    We recently resumed cooperation with China to stop the flow of deadly synthetic narcotics.  I appreciate the collaboration.  It matters for the people in my country and mether- — many others around the world.
    On matters of conviction, the United States is unabashed, pushing back against unfair economic competition and against military coercion of other nations in — in the South China Sea, in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, in protecting our most advanced technologies so they cannot be used against us or any of our partners. 
    At the same time, we’re going to continue to strengthen our network of alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.  These partnerships are not against any nation.  They are building blocks for a free, open, secure, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.  
    We are also working to bring a greater measure of peace and stability to the Middle East.  The world must not flinch from the horrors of October 7th.  Any country — any country would have the right and responsibility to ensure that such an attack can never happen again. 
    Thousands of armed Hamas terrorists invaded a sovereign state, slaughtering and massacring more than 1,200 people, including 46 Americans, in their homes and at a music festival; despis- — despicable acts of sexual violence; 250 innocents taken hostage. 
    I’ve met with the families of those hostages.  I’ve grieved with them.  They’re going through hell. 
    Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell.  Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers.  Too many families dislocated, crowding into tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation.  They didn’t ask for this war that Hamas started. 
    I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a ceasefire and hostage deal.  It’s been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council.  Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home, en- — secure security for Israel, and Gaza free of Ha- — of Hamas’ grip, ease the suffering in Gaza, and end this war.  
    On October 7th — (applause) — since October 7, we have also been determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region.  Hezbollah, unprovoked, joined the October 7th attack launching rockets into Israel.  Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanon border remain displaced. 
    Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest.  Even as the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible.  In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely.  And that’s what working — that’s what we’re working tirelessly to achieve.  
    As we look ahead, we must also address the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank and set the conditions for a better future, including a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalized relations with all its neighbors, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own.  (Applause.)
    Progress toward peace will put us in a stronger position to deal with the ongoing threat posed by Iran.  Together, we must deny oxygen to terrorists — to its terrorist proxies, which have called for more October 7ths, and ensure that Iran will never, ever obtain a nuclear weapon.  
    Gaza is not the only conflict that deserves our outrage.  In Sudan, a bloody civil war unleashed one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises: eight million — eight million on the brink of famine, hundreds of thousands already there, atrocities in Darfur and elsewhere. 
    The United States has led the world in providing humanitarian aid to Sudan.  And with our partners, we have led diplomatic talks to try to silence the guns and avort — and avert a wider famine.  The world needs to stop arming the generals, to speak with one voice and tell them: Stop tearing your country apart.  Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people.  End this war now.  (Applause.)
    But people need more than the absence of war.  They need the chance — the chance to live in dignity.  They need to be protected from the ravages of climate change, hunger, and disease. 
    Our administration has arri- — has invested over $150 billion to make progress and other Sustainable Development Goals.  It includes $20 billion for food security and over $50 billion for global health.  We’ve mobilized billions more in private-sector investment. 
    We’ve taken the most ambitious climate actions in history.  We’ve moved to rejoin the Paris Agreement on day one.  And today, my country is finally on track to cut emissions in half by 2030, on track to honor my pledge to quadruple climate financing to developing nations with $11 billion thus far this year. 
    We’ve rejoined the World Health Organization and donated nearly 700 million doses of COVID vaccine to 117 countries.  We must now move quickly to face mpox outbreak in Africa.  We are prepared to commit $500 million to help African countries prevent and respond to mpox and to donate 1 million doses of mpox vaccine now.  (Applause.)  We call on our partners to match our pledge and make this a billion-dollar commitment to the people of Africa. 
    Beyond the core necessities of food and health, the United States, the G7, and our partners have embarked on an ambitious initiative to mobilize and deliver significant financing to the developing world.  We are working to help countries build out their infrastructure, to clean energy transition, to their digital transformation to lay new economic foundations for a prosperous future. 
    It’s called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  We’ve already starting to see the fruits of this emerge in Southern Africa and in Southeast A- — Asia and in the Americas.  We have to keep it going. 
    I want to get things done together.  In order to do that, we must build a stronger, more effective, and more inclusive United Nations.  The U.N. needs to adapt to bring in new voices and new perspectives.  That’s why we support reforming and expanding the membership of the U.N. Security Council.  (Applause.) 
    My U.N. ambassador just laid out our detailed vision to reflect today’s world, not yesterday’s.  It’s time to move forward. 
    And the Security Council, like the U.N. itself, needs to get back to the job of making peace; of brokering deals to end wars and suffering; th- — (applause) — and to stop the spread of the most dangerous weapons; of stabilizing troubled regions in East Africa — from East Africa to Haiti, to Kenya-led mission that’s working alongside the Haitian people to turn the tide.
    We also have a responsibility to prepare our citizens for the future.  We’ll see more technological change, I argue, in the next 2 to 10 years than we have in the last 50 years.
    Artificial intelligence is going to change our ways of life, our ways of work, and our ways of war.  It could usher in scientific progress at a pace never seen before.  And much of it could make our lives better. 
    But AI also brings profound risks, from deepfakes to disinformation to novel pathogens to bioweapons. 
    We have worked at home and abroad to define the new norms and standards.  This year, we achieved the first-ever General Assembly resolution on AI to start developing global rules — global rules of the road.  We also announced a Declaration of — on the Responsible — Responsible Use of AI, joined by 60 countries in this chamber.
    But let’s be honest.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we need to do to manage this new technology. 
    Nothing is certain about how AI will evolve or how it will be deployed.  No one knows all the answers.  
    But my fellow leaders, it’s with humility I offer two questions. 
    First: How do we as an international community govern AI?  As countries and companies race to uncertain frontiers, we need an equally urgent effort to ensure AI’s safety, security, and trustworthiness.  As AI grows more powerful, it must grow also — it also must grow more responsive to our collective needs and values.  The benefits of all must be shared equitably.  It should be harnessed to narrow, not deepen, digital divides.  
    Second: Will we ensure that AI supports, rather than undermines, the core principles that human life has value and all humans deserve dignity?  We must make certain that the awesome capabilities of AI will be used to uplift and empower everyday people, not to give dictators more powerful shackles on human — on the human spirit. 
    In the years ahead, there wa- — they may be — may well be no greater test of our leadership than how we deal with AI.   
    Let me close with this.  Even as we navigate so much change, one thing must not change: We must never forget who we’re here to represent. 
    “We the People.”  These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America.  And they inspired the opening words of the U.N. Charter. 
    I’ve made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency. 
    This summer, I faced a decision whether to seek a second term as president.  It was a difficult decision.  Being president has been the honor of my life.  There is so much more I want to get done.  But as much as I love the job, I love my country more.  I decided, after 50 years of public service, it’s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward. 
    My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power.  It’s your people — (applause) — it’s your people that matter the most. 
    Never forget, we are here to serve the people, not the other way around.  Because the future will be — the future will be won by those who unleash the full potential of their people to breathe free, to think freely, to innovate, to educate, to live and love openly without fear. 
    That’s the soul of democracy.  It does not belong to any one country. 
    I’ve seen it all around the world in the brave men and women who ended apartheid, brought down the Berlin Wall, fight today for freedom and justice and dignity. 
    We saw it — that universal yearning for rights and freedom — in Venezuela, where millions cast their vote for change.  It hasn’t been recognized, but it can’t be denied.  The world knows the truth. 
    We saw it in Uganda LBGT [LGBT] activists demanding safety and recognition of their common humanity. 
    We see it in citizens across the world peacefully choosing their future — from Ghana to India to South Korea, nations representing one quarter of humanity who will hold elections this year alone. 
    It’s remarkable, the power of “We the People,” that makes me more optimistic about the future than I’ve ever been since I was first elected to the United States Senate in 1972.  
    Every age faces its challenges.  I saw it as a young man.  I see it today. 
    But we are stronger than we think.  We’re stronger together than alone.  And what the people call “impossible” is just an illusion. 
    Nelson Mandela taught us, and I quote, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
    My fellow leaders, there is nothing that’s beyond our capacity if we work together.  Let’s work together.
    God bless you all.  And may God protect all those who seek peace. 
    Thank you.  (Applause.)
    10:36 A.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from White  House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President  Biden’s Travel to Germany and  Angola

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to Germany and Angola, from October 10 to 15. In Germany, President Biden will meet with German leaders to further strengthen the close bond the United States and Germany share as Allies and friends and coordinate on shared priorities. The President will reinforce the U.S. and German commitment to democracy and countering antisemitism and hatred, strengthen the enduring people-to-people ties between our countries, and advance cooperation on economics, trade, and technology.  He will also express his appreciation to Germany for supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, hosting U.S. service members, and contributing to the security of the United States, Germany, and the entire NATO Alliance. On October 13-15, President Biden will travel to Luanda, Angola, where he will meet with President João Lourenço of Angola to discuss increased collaboration on shared priorities, including bolstering our economic partnerships that keep our companies competitive and protect workers; celebrating a signature project of the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), which advances our joint vision for Africa’s first trans-continental open-access rail network that starts in Lobito and ultimately will connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean; strengthening democracy and civic engagement; intensifying action on climate security and the clean energy transition; and enhancing peace and security. The President’s visit to Luanda celebrates the evolution of the U.S.-Angola relationship, underscores the United States’ continued commitment to African partners, and demonstrates how collaborating to solve shared challenges delivers for the people of the United States and across the African continent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Facial Recognition – Privacy Commissioner’s comment on FRT trial

    Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

    Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster is now evaluating the results of Foodstuff North Island’s trial of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to better understand its privacy impacts and compliance with the Privacy Act.
    The Commissioner announced his Inquiry into FRT use in 25 supermarkets in April this year after Foodstuffs North Island sought to use FRT to help reduce retail crime.
    The Inquiry has involved working with Foodstuffs staff in head office, as well as visits to 10 stores by Office of the Privacy Commissioner staff. The visits helped clarify how this technology practically works in stores, and what results are being seen.
    “Like everyone, we want people to be safe as they shop or work. My interest is also ensuring that customers can shop with a clear understanding of how and when their personal information is being collected and used, so they can make choices based on that”.
    The Office of the Privacy Commissioner will review its own data alongside the results from the independent evaluator who designed and oversaw the trial.
    A key aspect of the Commissioner’s Inquiry is to make sure the use of FRT is compliant with the Privacy Act and that the privacy and data protection safeguards and controls that Foodstuffs North Island have in place can manage privacy risks.
    Regardless of what information-collecting technology is used, it still requires an element of human action. Staff in store still need to approach customers they think have been stealing. People have emotional, sometimes violent reactions, and technology won’t change that.
    The Commissioner stated at the announcement of the trial that he had concerns about racial bias and how the use of FRT might impact Māori, Pasifika, Indian, and Asian shoppers especially because the software is not trained on New Zealand’s population. Examining how the use of FRT in trial stores impacts on these shoppers is part of our assessment.
    “The retail sector has always innovated to keep customers safe because often greater customer trust equals a strong brand, which equals more sales. I’m not saying don’t innovate, but instead let’s be clear about the consequences of the technology you’re choosing before you go ahead.”
    “I know from our latest privacy survey of New Zealanders that they’re more concerned about privacy issues than they were two years ago. Almost half (49%) had concerns about the use of FRT in retail stores to identify individuals and 82% want the right to ask a business to delete their personal information.
    “That says to me that New Zealanders are aware, and they care about their privacy. They want to have ownership and control over their sensitive and personal information.
    “At the start of the trial we didn’t know whether FRT would do what the stores wanted because the evidence wasn’t clear. I need to know whether the trial has made a significant difference to the incidence of serious retail crime compared with other less privacy intrusive options.”
    “My review of the information we’ve collected, and the independent evaluator’s report will likely clarify that and give New Zealanders a clear idea of the way forward.
    The Commissioner expects to announce his findings before the end of this year.
    Note

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Old National Team Members Volunteer a Record 7,600 Hours to 196 Organizations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVANSVILLE, Ind., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Old National Bancorp (“Old National”) set records for team member volunteer participation, hours, and organizations served during its 3rd annual Better Together Days, a two-day volunteer blitz held on Sept. 18-19, 2024, across nine states served by Old National banking centers.

    The two days, where Old National team members signed-up for four-hour volunteer shifts, provided team members across Old National’s Midwest and Southeast footprint with a chance to give back to the communities where they live and work. Virtual volunteer opportunities were also made available. Volunteers served almost 200 nonprofit and other organizations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

    In every market that Old National serves, team members were encouraged to sign up for a volunteer shift during the two-day blitz. There were also virtual volunteer opportunities.

    Better Together Days 2024 by the numbers:

    • 2,433 Old National team members participating
    • 7,600 hours volunteering
    • 196 organizations served
    • 9 states hosting volunteer opportunities

    “As a community bank, our annual Better Together Days really keeps us grounded in terms of our mission,” said Kathy Schoettlin, Chief Brand & Culture Officer. “We’re also proud of our team members for making service a vital part of our organizational culture and serving almost 200 nonprofits and organizations throughout the Midwest and Southeast.”

    For high-resolution photos or video inquiries please email rick.vach@oldnational.com.

    ABOUT OLD NATIONAL
    Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the sixth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $53 billion of assets and $30 billion of assets under management, Old National ranks among the top 30 banking companies headquartered in the United States. Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services. For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2024, Points of Light named Old National one of “The Civic 50” — an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

    Investor Relations:
    Lynell Durchholz
    (812) 464-1366
    lynell.durchholz@oldnational.com

    Media Relations:
    Rick Vach
    (904) 535-9489
    rick.vach@oldnational.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b3e13e50-6fa5-42a2-8ff7-6e772f208548

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 4400 candidates get job offer letters at Bijnor Kaushal Mahotsav; Jayant Chaudhary felicitates young achievers

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 10:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Bijnor, September 24, 2024: The Bijnor Kaushal Mahotsav concluded successfully today under the leadership of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India in Bijnor, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering local youth through skill development.

    During a month-long job readiness program, more than 13,500 youth from Bijnor district registered on Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Out of these, 3500 candidates were selected and offered jobs after 5 day of rigorous training and career counselling. Today, 6000 youngsters participated in the Kaushal Mahotsav and close to 900 on the spot job offers were distributed.

    The outreach efforts successfully engaged employers from Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions, ensuring a diverse array of opportunities for local job seekers. Approximately 4,800 candidates underwent training over four weeks, with significant demand noted across various educational backgrounds.

     

     

    The mega recruitment drive saw major names from industry queueing up to recruit the youth of Bijnor and adjoining areas. Drawn from across a vast swathe of industry ranging from tourism and hospitality, logistics, food processing, IT-ITES, automotive, BFSI and electronics, corporates such as Burger King, Zepto, Quess Corp, Flipkart, Jubilant Foods, Barbeque Nation, Vision India and Yuva Shakti Foundation were among the corporates at the event today.

    The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the aegis of MSDE, initiated the ‘Kaushal Mahotsav: Job Readiness Program’ earlier this year to enhance job readiness among Bijnor’s youth. The program aims to establish Bijnor as a central hub for skilled workforce development, capitalizing on the district’s educational institutions that produce a consistent flow of qualified candidates.

    In his address, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt of India emphasized the critical role of skill development in fostering economic growth and said, “Our government is unwavering in its commitment to equip every young person in Bijnor with the skills essential for success in a competitive economy. Initiatives like Kaushal Mahotsav not only create job opportunities but also bring new industries to your doorstep. I am confident that the youth of Bijnor will once again showcase their remarkable talents and seize every opportunity that arises. It is crucial for them to fully leverage the schemes and benefits offered by the government. With their immense potential and renowned work ethic, the youth of Bijnor are poised to shape a prosperous future.”

    He further added, “Our efforts for every young student will continue and to support that initiative, we have introduced Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) for connecting the youth around the country with the best of Indian industry. An initiative like this will open doors for the youth in Bijnor across a wide spectrum of industry. Our Government has tailor-made schemes for them and it is important that they fully leverage these. With their immense potential and renowned work ethic, the youth of Bijnor are well poised to shape a prosperous future.”

    His remarks underscored the government’s dedication to creating employment opportunities that align with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a skilled India.

    During his address, Shri Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development and Vocational Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “As part of the Skill India Mission, the government is committed to empowering the youth of regions like Bijnor, which are emerging economic hubs, with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive environment. I encourage all young people from Bijnor and the adjoining regions to participate in various training programs and initiatives run by the union government in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of skilling India’s youth.”

    The event was graced by notable attendees including Shri Chandan Chauhan, Hon’ble MP, Bijnor, Shri Chandrashekhar, Hon’ble MP, Nagina, Shri Shail Malge Joint Secretary, MSDE, Prabhat Kumar, Advisor to Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, Colonel Mahendra Singh Payaal, Chief Program Officer (CPO), NSDC.

     

     

    The Kaushal Mahotsav featured a comprehensive 5-day, 40-hour intensive employability training program, which included training on essential soft skills and domain-specific skills for various roles such as Assembly Line Operator and Customer Care Executive. Over 30 companies participated in this recruitment drive from various sectors including electronics, automotive, logistics, banking, IT, and tourism with salaries ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹35,000.

    This initiative not only represents a substantial opportunity for Bijnor’s youth but also aims to stimulate local economic development by connecting skilled individuals with potential employers. The Kaushal Mahotsav stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government bodies and industry leaders in shaping a skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.

     

     

    As a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the Kaushal Mahotsav represents a significant step towards enhancing employment prospects for youth on a large scale, with a commitment to speed and high standards in achieving the vision of a ‘Skilled India’.

    About National Skill Development Corporation

    National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the principal architect of the skill ecosystem in the country. It is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) enterprise working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. NSDC was established to catalyse the skilling ecosystem for private sector participation and be the strategic implementation and knowledge partner to Skill India Mission to build efficient vocational training initiatives, empowering India’s youth. NSDC provides support to enterprises, start-ups, companies, and organizations that are creating an impact by offering a world of opportunities in futuristic skills to the potential workforce. The organization develops appropriate models to enhance, support, and coordinate private sector initiatives in skilling by offering funding support to eligible entities, concessional loans to the candidates along with other innovative financial products and building strategic partnerships.

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    MG/SB/DP

    (Release ID: 2058415) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India continues to observe ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ campaign 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:51PM by PIB Delhi

    A drawing competition for the wards of the employees of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, on the theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata’ was organised on 22.09.2024 under SHS-2024. Children aged 5 years to 15 years participated in the event.

    DFPD organised a workshop for health and wellbeing of Safai Mitras on 23.09.2024 at Krishi Bhawan under the ongoing Swachhta Hi Seva 2024. Dr. Sonal Chourey, MBBS, DFM  had an interactive session with the Safai Mitras  wherein she gave them health and cleanliness tips for not only their physical but also emotional and social wellbeing.

     

    Swachhata Samvad on “Swabhav Swachhata-Sanskar Swachhata” was organised on 23.09.2024 at Krishi Bhawan  which was attended by a large number of employees of the department.

      

    A plantation drive was carried out by IGMRI Hapur in the staff colony under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

          

    Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) organized a Swachhata karyakram at Hauz Khas, Delhi.

      

    Deep Cleaning drive was carried out inside and outside of Hostel of National Sugar Institute, Kanpur .

              

    A Cultural program was organized by Sports Promotion Committee of Food Corporation of India  (FCI) Hqrs.  in which various programs like Traditional Dance, Play and Singing were organised. Senior officers took part in the event. Chairman and Managing Director, FCI and senior officers encouraged the participants and employees of FCI headquarters to maintain cleanliness in all spheres of life. 

     

    The Officers and officials of FCI headquarters also visited the site of the identified Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU) Site at Sikandra Lane New Delhi. The campaign was headed by Sh. Karthikeyan Gopal, General Manager (Hqrs) and the mass cleanliness drive with NDMC staff was conducted . With their  collective efforts the waste and garbage was cleared from the site for further restoration work in future.

     

    On 21.09.2024 a collective cleaning of CTU site with Municipal Corporation – Gorai Beach, Borivali was done by the officers and employees of Food Corporation of India – Regional Office (Maharashtra), which is a popular destination known for its stunning beaches and palm and serene atmosphere.

     

     FCI Zonal Office (East), Kolkata employees  participated in the Cultural Program on SHS organized under Swacchta Hi Seva Campaign 2024 with the commitment to promote cleanliness.

     

                                            

     

     The Central Warehousing Corporation organized a drawing competition under the “Swachhata Hi Seva 2024. Health Camp for Safaimitra and Contract labour  was also organized at  Corporate Office, New Delhi.

    Distribution of dustbins to nearby colony residents, creating awareness about separating dry and wet waste, sanitation drive at  nearby temple and cleaning of identified black spot was done by  Regional Office, Hyderabad.

     

    Regional Office, Chandigarh distributed sanitation kits to sanitation workers

    .

     Painting and essay-writing competition was organized in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bengaluru by Regional Office, Bengaluru.  

     
     

    Various Warehouses in Kochi Region under Swachhata Ki Bhagidari carried out cleaning of public places. The Regional Office, Kochi also distributed PPE Kits to the safaiveers and helpers under Safai Mitra Suraksh Shivir.

     

     

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    (Release ID: 2058402) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Swachhata Hi Seva – 2024 Campaign in full swing, DoC reviews progress

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 9:22PM by PIB Delhi

    The progress of various activities being undertaken under Swachhata Hi Sewa – 2024 campaign for the Department of Commerce and its Attached Offices/ Subordinate Offices/ Autonomous organizations and PSUs was reviewed by the Additional Secretary, Shri Ajay Bhadoo on 24th September, 2024.

    The Department and its organizations have so far identified around 600 activities and more than 100 Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) under the campaign. 

    The organizations apprised the progress of various activities being undertaken viz. ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, Swachhata Pledge, awareness campaign, debates/ quiz competitions, human chains, cyclathons/ walkathons along with regular cleaning of CTUs/ Black spots around the office premises. Many organizations have also organized ‘Health Shivirs’ where preventive health check-ups were carried out for the Safai Mitras/ Sanitation workers.

    The organizations and the employees of the Department are enthusiastically participating in the various activities to create awareness among the masses and also cleanliness of the neighborhood. It was impressed upon them to undertake the activities in a meaningful and substantive way to make lasting impression.    

    As the preparatory phase of Special Campaign 4.0 is also in progress, all the organizations were also apprised about the list of preparatory activities to be undertaken by them during the duration of the campaign. Special emphasis was laid on the cleanliness within office premises, scrap disposal, record management including recording/ weeding of records, reduction of pendency of references received in the office including on CPGRAMS and ease/ simplification of rules and procedures.

    All the organizations were also impressed upon to maintain the momentum of Swachhata Hi Sewa – 2024 campaign by identifying more activities and CTUs for wider impact of the campaign leading to Swachh Bharat Diwas i.e. 2nd October, 2024. 

     

     

    ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ plantation drive activity carried out under Swachhata Hi Seva-2024 Campaign, in the presence of CMD, ED, GMs and other officials at ECGC Mumbai.

    Health check up for farm workers of the Rubber Board Central Experiment Station at Chethackal under ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir’ as part of Observance of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 Campaign.

     

    Officers and Staff of the Office of the Development Commissioner, Kandla SEZ took Swachhata pledge on the occasion of Swachhata-2024.

     

    On September 19, 2024, Spices Board Divisional Office, Mangan, and Govt. Primary School students united for the Swachhata Pledge and a tree planting drive.

     

    On September 19, 2024, a quiz competition was organized by the Department of Commerce at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi for the officials of Department of Commerce, DPIIT and DGFT.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Centre for Good Governances Commences the 6th Training Programme on Public Policy and Governance for Civil Servants of The Kingdom of Cambodia

    Source: Government of India

    National Centre for Good Governances Commences the 6th Training Programme on Public Policy and Governance for Civil Servants of The Kingdom of Cambodia

    39 Senior and Mid-Level Civil Servants from Ministry of Economy and Finance And Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovations are Attending the Programme

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) commenced the 6th Training Programme on Public Policy and Governance for the civil servants of Cambodia today in Mussoorie. The 2-week program is being organized from September 23rd to October 4th, 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is hosting 39 senior and mid-level civil servants from Cambodia, representing the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovations. The program offers a platform for policy dialogue and sharing best practices, helping participants gain valuable insights into institutional transformation and citizen engagement.

    The inaugural session was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Director General, NCGG & Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India. In his Inaugural address, he emphasized on the importance of longstanding collaboration between India and Cambodia, particularly in area of capacity building. He stressed on importance of finance and technology, which serves as the backbone of governance and is key to drive reforms aimed at national development. Highlighting the impact of transformative initiatives like Aadhaar, which have revolutionized subsidy transfer, he reflected on India’s vision for inclusive governance and the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for prioritizing governance reforms, which focus on digital transformation for better service delivery so as to bring citizens closer to government. He outlined that the goal is to create digitally empowered citizens and technologically transformed institutions. He elaborated that as India works toward India@2047 with focus on being a developed nation, the focus will continue on implementation of priority sector programmes in health, skilling, education, taxes and employment which will be central to achieving good governance.

     

    Speaking about various training programs at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Shri V. Srinivas highlighted the Centre’s increasing global engagement. “This year, NCGG has welcomed delegations from numerous countries and has initiated several first-time programs, including capacity-building initiatives for nations under the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation), IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), and Latin American regions. Additionally, we are planning to organize specialized capacity-building programs for BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries, further expanding our international outreach.”

    Mr. Ith Hunly, Deputy Director, Ministry of Science and Technology Innovations, and Head of Cambodia’s delegation, expressed gratitude to the Indian government for organizing a comprehensive program. He acknowledged how the learning’s from the sessions would help participants implement good governance practices in Cambodia.

    Dr. B S Bisht, Associate Professor, NCGG and Course Coordinator of the programme gave detailed information about National Centre for Good Governance and the milestones achieved by the NCGG over the years. In the elaborate presentation he discussed about objectives, activities, achievements and future plans of NCGG and how it has evolved as a Centre for Excellence. It was briefed that NCGG has trained civil servants from 33 countries including Bangladesh, Maldives, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, South Africa, Indonesia, Madagascar, Fiji, Mozambique, Cambodia, Madagascar, Fiji, Indonesia, South Africa among others.

     

    The program is being coordinated by Dr. B.S. Bisht, Course Coordinator along with Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Co-Course Coordinator, Shri Brijesh Bisht, Training Assistant and Ms. Monisha Bahuguna, YP along with the NCGG’s capacity-building team.

     

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    AG

    (Release ID: 2058387) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rule based international order & primacy of global institutions are imperatives for maintaining peace in the emerging multipolar world, says CISC Lt Gen JP Mathew in Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:31PM by PIB Delhi

    A rule based international order and the primacy of the global institutions are imperatives for maintaining peace in the emerging multipolar and multilateral world. This was stated by Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), in the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference titled ‘The Future Indo-Pacific : Building a Resilient and Interconnected Region’, from 18 to 20 September 2024 at Hawaii, United States. 

    The CISC in his address stated that all stakeholders, and especially the developing countries, want peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. With international organisations undergoing much needed reforms, flexible and dynamic councils could present solutions to deal with contemporary challenges, he stressed. The future of the Indo-Pacific, safeguarding the international system, regional capacity building, and threats and opportunities of emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence were some of the major issues discussed.

    In the conference, convergence emerged on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a general purpose technology, having a multiplier effect on other technologies and functions. A robust AI model, which is under constant training, could give policy fidelity and maintain checks and balances, especially in matters related to the use of strategic weapons. Imposition of strict regulations on AI would be a regressive step as it could lead to denial of this critical technology to   developing countries.

    A total of 28 countries and multilateral organisations participated in the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence. The primary objective of the conference was improving military to military cooperation. This annual event is a forum for building consensus and aligns with the commitment to a rule based world order.

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     VK/SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2058383) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rule based international order & primacy of global institutions are imperatives for maintaining peace in the emerging multipolar world, says CISC Lt Gen JP Mathew in Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:31PM by PIB Delhi

    A rule based international order and the primacy of the global institutions are imperatives for maintaining peace in the emerging multipolar and multilateral world. This was stated by Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), in the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference titled ‘The Future Indo-Pacific : Building a Resilient and Interconnected Region’, from 18 to 20 September 2024 at Hawaii, United States. 

    The CISC in his address stated that all stakeholders, and especially the developing countries, want peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. With international organisations undergoing much needed reforms, flexible and dynamic councils could present solutions to deal with contemporary challenges, he stressed. The future of the Indo-Pacific, safeguarding the international system, regional capacity building, and threats and opportunities of emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence were some of the major issues discussed.

    In the conference, convergence emerged on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a general purpose technology, having a multiplier effect on other technologies and functions. A robust AI model, which is under constant training, could give policy fidelity and maintain checks and balances, especially in matters related to the use of strategic weapons. Imposition of strict regulations on AI would be a regressive step as it could lead to denial of this critical technology to   developing countries.

    A total of 28 countries and multilateral organisations participated in the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence. The primary objective of the conference was improving military to military cooperation. This annual event is a forum for building consensus and aligns with the commitment to a rule based world order.

    ****

     VK/SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2058383) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Legislative Department organized the Nukkad Natak for awareness of cleanliness drive

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:09PM by PIB Delhi

     

    The Legislative Department organized the Nukkad Natak in the premises of Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi for awareness of cleanliness drive, as a part of the various initiatives to be taken during the Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign (SHS), 2024.  The events took place in the presence of Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Joint Secretary/Nodal Officer, Dr. K.V. Kumar, Joint Secretary and Shri Uma Shankar Thakur, Director, Department of Legal Affairs along with several officers and staff/cleaning staff of the Legislative Department as well Department of Legal Affairs.   On the occasion, Nodal Officer Shri R.K. Pattanayak and Director, Shri Umshankar Thakur emphasized upon the importance of the Campaign.

     

     

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    MG/SB/DP

    (Release ID: 2058369) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment implementing Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 Campaign in full vigour; First week witnesses a number of cleanliness drives

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

    In line with the Government of India’s vision of a Swachh Bharat, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has launched the Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) Campaign 2024 from 17th September till 1st October, 2024 and celebration of Swachh Bharat Diwas (SBD) on 2nd October, 2024.

    The Department has planned a series of activities through its  organisations (autonomous bodies, corporations, field offices, etc.) focusing on cleanliness, fitness, and environmental sustainability keeping the theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachhata’ at the core of Campaign.

    Before start of SHS-2024, a meeting was held on 12thSeptember, 2024 under the Chairmanship of Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary (DoSJE), wherein importance of Swachhata was emphasised and all the Officers/Staffs were sensitized towards SHS Campaign-2024. A Swachhata Pledge was also administered by Shri Yadav to the officers/staff of the Department.

     

    The officers were also guided to encourage Institutions/organizations/NGOs receiving Grants-In-Aid (GIA) through various schemes of this Department for involving citizens and beneficiaries to participate in SHS-2024, to make the SHS-2024 Campaign successful in the spirit of involvement of the whole of society.

    Under the leadership of the Secretary, DoSJE has selected three CTUs for undertaking cleanliness campaign/shramdan during SHS-2024 since 17th September. These are – (i) Campus of Mahila Imdad Committee, Chelmsford Road Paharganj, New Delhi, (ii) Babu Jagjivan Ram National Foundation, No. 6 Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi, and (iii) Kothi No.8, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi.

     

     

    Under the leadership of Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Secretary (DoSJE), officials of the Department planted more than 100 trees at Kulesara, Noida on September 20, 2024, as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. During the programme, local citizens had also joined the cleanliness and tree plantation drive.

     

     

    In connection with SHS-2024, National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) has organised a preventive health check-up camp on 21st September at Krishna Market, MCD Community Centre, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. Around 300 persons have participated in the campaign.

     

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    VM

    (Release ID: 2058374) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –