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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: Physician Charged in Scheme to Illegally Sell Cancer Drugs

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Department of Justice
    U.S. Attorney’s Office
    Eastern District of Michigan

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Detroit – A Royal Oak physician was charged in an Indictment for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

    Joining Ison in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    Charged in the Indictment is Dr. Naveed Aslam, age 51, of West Bloomfield, Michigan.

    The charges against Dr. Aslam include one count of conspiracy to illegally sell or trade prescription drugs and 10 counts of illegally selling or trading prescription drugs.

    According to the Indictment, by early 2019, and continuing through August 2023, Dr. Aslam, a licensed physician, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit and with the intent to defraud and mislead. The other individuals Dr. Aslam worked with identified customers interested in buying prescription cancer drugs, and they communicated with Dr. Aslam about what cancer drugs were requested. Dr. Aslam used his access to certain cancer drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. He then sold the cancer drugs to and through the other individuals’ company to the eventual customer. During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs, and personally profited more than $2.5 million.

    “The safety and integrity of our country’s prescription drug supply lines – particularly for cancer drugs – is an important part of our health care system,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “As alleged, Dr. Aslam used his role as a physician to violate that integrity and divert prescription cancer drugs away from treating patients. My office is committed to prosecuting medical professionals who seek to profit, rather than protect, our health care system.”

    “Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that medical providers follow laws designed to protect both the integrity and solvency of Federal health care programs, as well as the beneficiaries they serve,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our Federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate allegations of fraud.”

    “Having the authority to prescribe medication is a privilege that comes with a profound responsibility. Physicians must safeguard against drug diversion,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Dr. Aslam’s alleged participation in this scheme not only allowed him to profit unlawfully from the sale of cancer drugs, but it also posed a serious threat by potentially placing these medications into the wrong hands. This breach of trust is inexcusable, especially considering the critical nature of the drugs involved. The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to hold medical professionals accountable for exploiting their positions for personal gain and endangering community safety.”

    “Introducing diverted prescription drugs into the supply chain and selling them to unsuspecting consumers undermines the FDA safeguards designed to protect the public,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office‎. “We remain committed to bringing to justice those who place their personal gain over the health of American consumers.”

    “A physician’s ethical responsibility is to their patients, not to selling cancer drugs under the table for profit,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “We will protect patients against fraud, especially from those in positions of public trust who choose greed over public safety.”

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit is handling related forfeiture matters. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Extraordinary Experiences Cultivate Loyal Brand Advocates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Solidifi releases results from its Annual 2024 Consumer Mortgage Experience Survey(1)and the Solidifi 2024 Future Plans of Homeowners Survey(2)

    BUFFALO, N.Y. and DENVER, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The sixth annual national survey(1) commissioned by Solidifi U.S. Inc. (“Solidifi”) revealed pent-up demand for home purchases remains strong even amid uncertain market conditions. The 2024 results offer valuable insights on how to make homeownership more accessible for borrowers as the market shifts and how to create extraordinary experiences and cultivate loyal brand advocates to drive future business.

    “The findings show that during times of uncertainty, brand loyalty strengthens as consumers seek stability in their financial decisions,” said Solidifi President Loren Cooke. “The leading factor in lender choice continues to be a strong lending relationship. As a majority of consumers face increasing affordability issues, their propensity to bundle services with lenders also increases. And, this year more than ever, consumers are acting on their positive experiences – driving repeat and referral business.”

    This year, the survey also introduced the mortgage industry’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), which received a solid 53 – well above the 30+ NPS benchmark for the financial services sector. “Interestingly, Gen Z consumers rated the industry lower, with a 34 NPS compared to all other demographics whose scores were in the 50’s. This suggests an opportunity to engage younger generations by focusing on transparency and building meaningful connections,” added Cooke. “Across generations, providing extraordinary experiences instills trust within the lender’s customer base and consumers become more likely to continue to expand existing relationships,” Cooke concluded.

    In addition to the Annual 2024 Consumer Mortgage Experience Survey(1), Solidifi also conducted the 2024 Future Plans of Homeowners Survey(2) to explore how market conditions influence borrowers’ future real estate plans. The Solidifi 2024 Future Plans Survey revealed that while affordability issues remain prevalent, borrowers are increasingly researching options and adjusting expectations. Despite rising costs, homeownership continues to be seen as a pathway to generational wealth, with 60% of respondents planning to purchase a home within the next three to five years.

    “Though higher interest rates have left many borrowers hesitant, the intent to buy remains strong. The median timeframe for future purchases is now around 2.25 years,” noted Cooke. “Exurb migration is outpacing urban growth as consumers seek more space, affordability, and better quality of life – trends particularly notable in underserved markets.”

    For future borrowers, the rising cost of homeownership and a feeling of not being prepared are the largest barriers to entry. This year, borrowers faced greater difficulty with down payments; credit score challenges were on the rise, and many were increasingly motivated by the need to access cash for life events. Lenders are addressing this by offering special programs to overcome barriers to homeownership and rising housing costs. In 2024, borrowers were more informed about the special programs available to help reduce their costs in anticipation of their next move.

    “Consistent with results from the past five years, borrowers continue to prioritize in-person interactions for both appraisals and closings,” said Cooke. “Across all generations, face-to-face engagement continues to be preferred due to the trust and care it fosters during what is the most significant financial transaction in a person’s life. However, there are opportunities to raise awareness, encourage adoption, and increase acceptance of digital tools throughout the process to provide the efficient, transparent and personalized experience consumers want.”

    Results indicated that 82% of respondents prefer an in-person closing though Gen Z is most open to hybrid closing processes at 39%. Of the 82% who prefer face-to-face interactions: 56% prefer a paper process, 19% prefer in-person with fully electronic documents, and 25% prefer an in-person hybrid process. The top reasons for preferring face-to-face interactions are trust and the ability to get immediate answers during such a significant transaction.

    “Results point to a direct relationship between offering convenience, transparency and flexibility, and a higher customer satisfaction,” said Cooke. “Providing an extraordinary experience including proactive communication throughout the transaction, convenient scheduling options, offering closing options and meeting expectations will result in happy customers, every time.”

    To download the full survey results, visit: go.solidifi.com/2024mortgageexperiencesurvey.

    [1]
    In the Solidifi 2024 Consumer Mortgage Experience Survey, Market Street Research surveyed 1,000+ residential borrowers 18 years of age or older in the United States who purchased, refinanced or closed on a home equity loan or line of credit within the last two years. Panelists included a mix of those who purchased a home, refinanced or obtained a home equity loan or line of credit with approximately 49% closing within the past year, and 51% closing one to two years ago.

    [2]
    In the Solidifi 2024 Future Plans of Homeowners Survey, Market Street Research, surveyed 1,100+ residential borrowers 18 years of age or older in the United States who are a current homeowner or intend on owning a home at some point in the future. 56% of respondents currently own a home, 10% previously owned a home and 34% have never owned a home. Panelists included a mix of future buyers across the U.S. and those in underserved markets.

    Both surveys were fielded by Snap Surveys, and the panels were sourced by Dynata. Fielding was executed July 2024.

    About Solidifi
    Solidifi is a leading network management services provider for the residential lending industry. Our platform combines proprietary technology and network management capabilities with tens of thousands of independent qualified field professionals to create an efficient marketplace for the provision of mortgage lending services. We are a leading independent provider of residential real estate appraisals and title, and settlement services. Our clients include top 100 mortgage lenders in the U.S. Solidifi is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Real Matters (TSX: REAL). Visit www.solidifi.com for more information and stay connected with our latest news on LinkedIn.

    For more information:
    Jennie Craig
    Vice President, Marketing
    jlcraig@solidifi.com
    832.236.3392

    Solidifi and the Solidifi logo are trademarks of Real Matters and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0d1d0e2-8767-4632-a822-15904de0041d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Helps Lead Letter Demanding Answers from USDA over Pure Prairie Poultry Fiasco

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    HULL, IOWA – Last Friday, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped lead a letter with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN), and U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack demanding answers about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 approval of nearly $46 million in taxpayer dollars for Pure Prairie Poultry and its subsequent bankruptcy in late September.

    “Iowa taxpayers deserve to know the full story behind the Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy and how the USDA approved nearly $46 million in taxpayer dollars for a company that left millions of chickens uncared for. This serious lack of oversight is extremely concerning and has caused massive uncertainty for our growers who are already facing a harsh farm economy,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Our letter to USDA will help us get answers for our growers and address the federal government’s carelessness with taxpayer dollars. I commend Secretary Naig for responding quickly and professionally to this crisis.”

    “USDA has provided millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans and grants to meat and poultry processors across the country, which is why my colleagues and I are calling on USDA to provide answers,” said Rep. Finstad. “While expanding livestock markets and processing capacity is critical for farm country, the lack of oversight of these dollars by USDA harmed producers and caused a significant disruption to our nation’s food supply chain.”

    “USDA is responsible for keeping tabs on the taxpayer-funded grants it administers, but it clearly dropped the ball with Pure Prairie. Iowans and others across America’s Heartland have lost their jobs and their poultry market as a result of Pure Prairie’s closure. USDA must explain to Congress and the public what went wrong to help prevent a repeat scenario,” said Sen. Grassley.

    Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy left approximately 1.3 million broiler chickens in Iowa without feed causing Secretary Naig and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to take over care, custody, and control of the birds in Iowa. After several alternative efforts were made to sell the broilers, depopulation of the birds in Iowa concluded last Friday.

    The full letter can be found HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann Hosts Fourth Annual Military Academy Nomination Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    ABILENE, KS – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) hosted his fourth annual Congressional Military Academy Nomination Day. As the Representative for the Big First District in Congress, Rep. Mann has the privilege of offering military academy nominations to the five U.S. service academies for students in the district. The interviews took place at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. 

    “One of my greatest honors in Congress is nominating students from the Big First to attend our nation’s service academies,” said Rep. Mann. “The students we met represent the best of Kansas, and I am grateful for their desire to serve our country and grow into the next generation of military leaders. It is always a pleasure to host the military academy selection committee in the childhood hometown of five-star U.S. Army General and son of Kansas, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the panel for lending their expertise and unique perspectives to the selection process. We look forward to these students’ success.”

    Rep. Mann appointed a panel of Kansans from the Big First District with extensive experience in U.S. military service or working closely with the military. The five-person panel included: 

    •  Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Eisenhower and Chairman Emeritus of People to People International 

    • AJ Kuhle, U.S. Air Force Academy alumnus, U.S. Air Force Veteran, and President of ACE Scholarships

    • Mark Claussen, Director of Business Development of Icon Structures and former Executive Director of USO Kansas 

    • Michael Utz, retired Garden City Police Chief and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Bureau of Justice Assistance 

    • MSG (Ret.) Joshua Sandlin, Army Veteran and Executive Director of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division

    Eight high school students in the district applied for a military academy nomination through Rep. Mann’s office. In the coming weeks, the panel will notify the students whom they have chosen to receive these competitive nominations. 

    Rep. Mann is a former member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and a strong supporter of America’s U.S. military service members. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Focus on trade and investment as Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade visits Saudi Arabia

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Focus on trade and investment as Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade visits Saudi Arabia – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 27–29 October, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Saudi Arabia. Mr Dousa will have meetings with the Saudi Government, meet with Swedish and Saudi businesses and take part in the Future Investment Initiative’s international investment conference.

    Saudi Arabia is Sweden’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, and exports have grown in recent years.

    “Saudi Arabia is undergoing very rapid societal change. Swedish businesses have expertise in areas of great interest for Saudi Arabia, none more so than innovation and green transition. This provides great opportunities for these businesses. I’m travelling to Riyadh to promote trade relations between Sweden and Saudi Arabia,” says Mr Dousa.

    Mr Dousa will meet with Saudi Minister of Commerce DR. Majid bin Abdullah Al-kassabi and other government representatives to discuss bilateral trade relations. Mr Dousa will also visit Swedish businesses operating in Riyadh, along with a ‘mega-project’ where a new urban district is emerging outside the city. Many Swedish businesses are active in Saudi Arabia in areas such as the health sector, telecommunications, energy and transport.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Announces $26.2 Million in Federal Railroad Administration Grants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today announced two Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program grants from the Federal Railroad Administration totaling $26,269,987. The first, for $19,843,062, is for the conversion of eight Watco Company diesel locomotives to battery-electric, zero-emission locomotives. Watco operates the Memphis Dock Street Marine Terminal on Presidents Island. Congressman Cohen submitted a letter of support for the project. The second grant, for $6,426,925, is for Montana State University’s initiative to create multidisciplinary rail workforce capacity. The 20 percent non-federal match will come from Caltrans, the University of Memphis, Montana State University, and the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, among others. The federal funding for both grants comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Congressman Cohen alone among current members of the Tennessee Congressional delegation supported.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “Lowering air-polluting emissions while modernizing rail operations is a forward-thinking approach to moving freight. Those operations will require a workforce of the future, trained in modern rail technologies. These grants will propel our region and the nation into a smarter and cleaner rail industry. I’m pleased to see more IIJA funding coming to the district.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dynarex Corporation Expands Recall to Include Additional Products Due to Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Potential Metal or Chemical Contaminant

    Company Name:
    Dynarex Corporation
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    dynacare

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Baby Powder

    Company Announcement

    Montvale, NJ, October 28, 2024 — Dynarex Corporation is expanding the recall initiated on September 19, 2024, to include an additional 373 cases of item number 4875, Dynacare Baby Powder, 14 oz., as well as 647 cases of item number 4874, Dynacare Baby Powder, 4 oz., because they have the potential to be contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient in many cosmetic products. Asbestos, however, is a known carcinogen and its health risks are well-documented. If talc mining sites are not carefully chosen or if proper steps are not taken to adequately purify the talc ore, it may contain asbestos.

    The product was sent to distributors on or after January 18, 2024, by direct delivery in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and sold online on Amazon (Amazon.com).

    Both the 4875 and 4874 Baby Powder products are packaged in plastic bottles, 24 bottles to a case for the 14 oz. and 48 to a case for the 4 oz., with lot/batch numbers located on the bottom of the bottle and on each case (see images below).

    There have been no illnesses or adverse events reported to date.

    The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA, which revealed that the finished products contained asbestos. Upon further investigation, we have identified additional lots of products that may contain asbestos due to using the same bulk talc material. The company has ceased the distribution of the product as an investigation is proceeding to determine what caused the contamination of the talc.

    Consumers who have purchased Dynacare Baby Powder (see products/lots below) should discontinue use immediately and return it for a full refund.

    Batch No.

    Mfg. Dt.

    Exp. Dt.

    Pack Size
    B 048 31.10.2023 30.10.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 049 01.11.2023 31.10.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 050 02.11.2023 01.11.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 051 29.12.2023 28.12.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 052 30.12.2023 29.12.2026 Baby Powder 14 oz. (397 g)
    B 053 01.01.2024 31.12.2026 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 054 03.01.2024 02.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 055 04.01.2024 03.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 056 05.01.2024 04.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 057 06.01.2024 05.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 058 08.01.2024 07.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 059 31.01.2024 30.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)
    B 060 01.02.2024 31.01.2027 Baby Powder 4 oz. (113 g)

    Please contact Dynarex Corporation at 888-396-2739 or 845-365-8200 during business hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, or via email at recall@dynarex.com if you have any questions or need information on how to return the product or receive a full refund.

    Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by:

    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat to Supply FlightWave Edge 130 Blue Systems to Royal Australian Navy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a new contract and order for 12 of its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue system from the Royal Australian Navy. The contract was secured through Criterion Solutions Pty Ltd., an Australian-based distributor of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information technology solutions.

    FlightWave, an industry-leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments.

    “Our mission is to equip warfighters around the globe with cutting-edge sUAS technology. The Edge 130 Blue, with its advanced long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, offers a significant advantage in maritime and other challenging environments,” stated Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “We are excited to expand our partnership with the Australian defense forces through this initial tranche of Edge 130 units. Their investment in small ISR and precision strike drones is vital for enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

    The Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tricopter for long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs. Designed specifically for government and military applications, the Edge 130 Blue can be assembled and hand-launched in just one minute by a single user to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy. Weighing in at only 1200g, the Edge has a 60+ minute flight time in forward mode, an industry-leading endurance among all other Blue UAS-approved drones available.

    Earlier this month, Red Cat introduced its ARACHNID™ family of unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike systems at AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington D.C. As part of its ongoing innovation, Red Cat’s product roadmap includes TRICHON™, which will build upon the FlightWave Edge 130 Blue.

    About Red Cat, Inc.
    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge Family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems including the Teal 2, a small unmanned system offering the highest-resolution thermal imaging in its class, the Edge 130 Blue Tricopter for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    About FlightWave
    FlightWave Aerospace Systems Corporation is an industry leading manufacturer of dual-use VTOL drones, sensors and software solutions located in Santa Monica, CA. FlightWave designs and manufactures the Edge 130 VTOL drone and payload cameras for the commercial, defense, security, and intelligence markets. The fully-autonomous Edge 130 sUAS has the best flight endurance in the industry and with AI edge compute capabilities, provides superior aerial data capture to both the commercial and defense markets.

    Forward-Looking Statements 
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. 

    Contacts:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA: 
    Indicate Media
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why building more big dams is a costly gamble for our future water security and the environment

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Kandulu, Research Fellow, College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University

    Climate change and biodiversity loss are mounting threats to Australia’s water security. So ee often hear calls for more dams. But is that the answer?

    Our recent research reveals large dam projects are costly gambles with public money. They often fail to deliver promised economic benefits. They also have major environmental, financial and social impacts.

    In New South Wales, some members of the Lower Lachlan River community were concerned about plans to expand Wyangala Dam. They first asked us in 2020 to investigate its full costs and benefits, with findings presented at a local workshop in 2022.

    The first WaterNSW estimate of capital and operating costs was A$620 million in 2018. Within a few years, it had soared to as much as $2.1 billion. In 2023, the project was scrapped because it wasn’t economically viable.

    Similar concerns surround other projects overseas and in Australia, including Hells Gate Dam in Queensland, and Dungowan Dam and Snowy Hydro 2.0 in NSW.

    To avoid repeating costly mistakes and mismanaging taxpayers’ money, we need a smarter approach to major water projects. This includes independent assessments and greater transparency, with business cases made public and decision-making open to scrutiny. And planning for climate change must become a priority.

    Lessons from past mistakes

    Inadequate economic assessments of big dam projects are a global problem. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and India’s Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project promised big, but had rising price tags and devastating impacts on ecosystems.

    In Australia and worldwide, big dam cost overruns can be up to 825%. The average overrun is 120%. This casts serious doubt on such projects’ financial and social viability. Public costs for private gains are a major concern.

    Our study reviewed the original business case for the Wyangala Dam expansion. The original study had concluded there would be net social benefits and gave the project the green light.

    Our review found the business case was seriously flawed. It overestimated benefits and grossly underestimated physical capital and environmental costs.

    Estimated building costs blew out by 239%. If the project had gone ahead, the costs would undoubtedly have increased.

    On top of this, assessments of impacts on rivers and wetlands were poor and superficial. They greatly undervalued the environmental effects of expanding the dam, particularly on downstream wetlands.

    On the other side of the equation, its benefits were overblown, particularly for water security and agriculture.

    Local voices believed many of their concerns had been ignored. There were deep concerns that flood-dependent farmers downstream might lose some of their livelihoods. Indigenous communities were worried about their cultural sites being destroyed.

    Our analysis provided a more rigorous assessment of benefits and costs of the Wyangala Dam expansion.

    We found total project costs were underestimated by at least 116%. The benefits were inflated by 56%. This meant the true impacts on the environment, agriculture and local communities were misrepresented.

    Rethinking Australia’s water future

    Our analysis provides a salutary lesson on why we need to rethink water security. Instead of sinking billions into dams, we should find smart and sustainable ways to manage our water.

    The fixation on building and expanding dams means innovative alternatives are often ignored. These other options include recycling water, managing demand and carefully recharging aquifers (using aquifers as underground dams).

    The National Water Grid Fund exemplifies the misguided “build more dams” mindset. Its portfolio of 61 large water projects has a total capital cost estimate of up to $10 billion.

    Despite this massive investment, only 23 of these projects have publicly available business cases. It leaves more than $1.7 billion in committed funding shrouded in secrecy.

    This lack of transparency is alarming, given the history of cost overruns and inadequate assessment of environmental damage. It points to the urgent need to reassess our approach to water security. The public has a right to know that their governments are spending wisely.

    To avoid repeating costly mistakes and mismanaging taxpayers’ money, we need a smarter approach. Independent business cases should be mandated for all major water projects.

    We also need a strong public sector capable of transparent evaluation. Promised new National Environmental Standards as part of reforms to environmental protection laws are likely to require rigorous scrutiny too. We must embrace transparency by opening decision-making to public scrutiny and diverse perspectives, including local voices and Indigenous stakeholders, from the start.

    Finally, infrastructure planning must account for long-term climate impacts on water availability. Planning for climate change is vital.

    As projects such as the proposed Wyangala Dam expansion demonstrate, Australia can no longer afford to gamble its water future on outdated, costly and environmentally destructive solutions. It’s time to end the wasteful spending.

    Instead, we need to channel our efforts into truly effective, sustainable and transparent water management. Strategies must give priority to community needs, First Nations’ water rights, environmental protection and long-term climate resilience.

    John Kandulu is a recipient of funding from various sources, such as state and Commonwealth governments, as well as non-profit organisations. His affiliations include the Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University and the Environment Institute at the University of Adelaide.

    Richard Kingsford receives funding from a range of organisations, including the Australian Research Council, state and Commonwealth governments, non-government organisations, including World Wide Fund for Nature and Australian Conservation Foundation. He is a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists and a councillor on the Biodiversity Council.

    Sarah Ann Wheeler receives funding from a range of organisations, including the Australian Research Council, state and Commonwealth governments and non-government organisations.

    – ref. Why building more big dams is a costly gamble for our future water security and the environment – https://theconversation.com/why-building-more-big-dams-is-a-costly-gamble-for-our-future-water-security-and-the-environment-239106

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 6 reasons why people enjoy horror movies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shane Rogers, Lecturer in Psychology, Edith Cowan University

    Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

    The creeping shadows and haunting decorations transform the everyday into something eerie at Halloween. And you might be thinking about scaring yourself with a good horror movie.

    Grotesque imagery, extreme violence, startling jump scares and menacing characters are common elements, making viewers feel fear, dread and disgust.

    We generally aim to avoid these negative emotions in our everyday lives.

    So why would some people seek them out, and enjoy them, in horror movies?

    1. Fear can be thrilling

    There is lots of overlap between the emotions of fear and excitement. In both, stress hormones are released that can produce physical symptoms such as increased heart and breathing rates, sweating and muscle tension. People also feel more alert and “on edge”.

    Research has consistently shown people with personalities that crave intense emotional experiences, including fear and excitement, tend to enjoy horror movies.

    But for more fearful people, the jump scares and violent scenes can be too intense. This can result in coping behaviours such as looking away or putting their hands over the ears, especially if they are highly immersed in the movie.

    Although, if they also happen to enjoy intense emotion, they may still enjoy the thrill of the ride.

    Movie makers work hard to get these ‘jump scares’ just right. And viewers enjoy the thrill.

    2. There’s a sense of relief

    People may enjoy horror movies because of a sense of relief after a scary moment has passed.

    Watching a horror movie can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, with distinct peaks and troughs of fear and relief over the course of the film.

    For example, in the 2017 movie It the main protagonists survive a series of scary encounters with a demonic clown. The scary moments are separated by calmer scenes, prompting a rollercoaster of emotions.

    In the classic 1975 movie Jaws, viewers experience relief from the scary moments, only to be scared again and again.

    Jaws is a rollercoaster of emotions.

    3. They satisfy our morbid curiosity

    Many horror movies feature supernatural themes and characters such as zombies, werewolves and vampires. So horror movies can help satiate a morbid curiosity.

    The violence, death, destruction and grotesque elements can provide curious people a safe space to explore things that are not safe (or socially appropriate) in the real world.

    Horror movies can help people satisfy their curiosity about death. But why are they curious in the first place?

    4. We can work out our limits

    Horror movies can reflect our deepest fears and prompt introspection about our personal thresholds of fear and disgust.

    So some people may enjoy watching them to get a better understanding of their own limits.

    Watching horror might also be a way to push personal boundaries to potentially become less fearful or grossed out by things in real life.

    In a study one of us (Coltan) conducted, horror movie fans reported less psychological distress during the early months of the COVID pandemic compared with people not identifying as a horror movie fan.

    5. They can be social

    Some people say the social aspect of watching horror movies with others is a big part of their appeal.

    Watching with others might help some people feel safer. Alternatively, this might help amplify the emotional experience by feeding off the emotions of people around them.

    Horror movies are also a common pick as a date night movie. Being scared together gives a good excuse to snuggle and take comfort in each other.

    6. They give us pleasure in other people’s misery

    Horror movies can provide the pleasurable emotion we feel when witnessing the misfortune of others, known as schadenfreude. This occurs most when we feel the person experiencing misfortune deserves it.

    In many horror movies the characters that suffer a gruesome fate are only side characters. Much of the time these unfortunate souls are made out to be unlikeable and often make foolish choices before their grisly end.

    For example, in the 1996 teen witch movie The Craft, the character Chris Hooker is portrayed as being cruel to women. Then he dies by being blasted out of a window.

    Despite the grisly nature of horror movies, a study by one of us (Coltan) found horror fans seem to have the same levels of empathy as anyone else.

    In The Craft, viewers enjoy witnessing the misfortune of others, particularly if the character is a ‘baddy’.

    What do I make of all this?

    Horror movies allow us to confront our deepest fears through the safety of make-believe.

    People enjoy them for lots of different reasons. And the precise combination of reasons differs depending on the specific movie, and the person or people watching it.

    What is certain though, is the increasing popularity of horror movies, with many to choose from.

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

    – ref. 6 reasons why people enjoy horror movies – https://theconversation.com/6-reasons-why-people-enjoy-horror-movies-241480

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is AI superintelligence? Could it destroy humanity? And is it really almost here?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Salim, Professor, School of Computer Science and Engineering, inaugural Cisco Chair of Digital Transport & AI, UNSW Sydney

    Maxim Berg / Unsplash

    In 2014, the British philosopher Nick Bostrom published a book about the future of artificial intelligence (AI) with the ominous title Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. It proved highly influential in promoting the idea that advanced AI systems – “superintelligences” more capable than humans – might one day take over the world and destroy humanity.

    A decade later, OpenAI boss Sam Altman says superintelligence may only be “a few thousand days” away. A year ago, Altman’s OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever set up a team within the company to focus on “safe superintelligence”, but he and his team have now raised a billion dollars to create a startup of their own to pursue this goal.

    What exactly are they talking about? Broadly speaking, superintelligence is anything more intelligent than humans. But unpacking what that might mean in practice can get a bit tricky.

    Different kinds of AI

    In my view the most useful way to think about different levels and kinds of intelligence in AI was developed by US computer scientist Meredith Ringel Morris and her colleagues at Google.

    Their framework lists six levels of AI performance: no AI, emerging, competent, expert, virtuoso and superhuman. It also makes an important distinction between narrow systems, which can carry out a small range of tasks, and more general systems.

    A narrow, no-AI system is something like a calculator. It carries out various mathematical tasks according to a set of explicitly programmed rules.

    There are already plenty of very successful narrow AI systems. Morris gives the Deep Blue chess program that famously defeated world champion Garry Kasparov way back in 1997 as an example of a virtuoso-level narrow AI system.

    Some narrow systems even have superhuman capabilities. One example is Alphafold, which uses machine learning to predict the structure of protein molecules, and whose creators won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year.

    What about general systems? This is software that can tackle a much wider range of tasks, including things like learning new skills.

    A general no-AI system might be something like Amazon’s Mechanical Turk: it can do a wide range of things, but it does them by asking real people.

    Overall, general AI systems are far less advanced than their narrow cousins. According to Morris, the state-of-the-art language models behind chatbots such as ChatGPT are general AI – but they are so far at the “emerging” level (meaning they are “equal to or somewhat better than an unskilled human”), and yet to reach “competent” (as good as 50% of skilled adults).

    So by this reckoning, we are still some distance from general superintelligence.

    How intelligent is AI right now?

    As Morris points out, precisely determining where any given system sits would depend on having reliable tests or benchmarks.

    Depending on our benchmarks, an image-generating system such as DALL-E might be at virtuoso level (because it can produce images 99% of humans could not draw or paint), or it might be emerging (because it produces errors no human would, such as mutant hands and impossible objects).

    There is significant debate even about the capabilities of current systems. One notable 2023 paper argued GPT-4 showed “sparks of artificial general intelligence”.

    OpenAI says its latest language model, o1, can “perform complex reasoning” and “rivals the performance of human experts” on many benchmarks.

    However, a recent paper from Apple researchers found o1 and many other language models have significant trouble solving genuine mathematical reasoning problems. Their experiments show the outputs of these models seem to resemble sophisticated pattern-matching rather than true advanced reasoning. This indicates superintelligence is not as imminent as many have suggested.

    Will AI keep getting smarter?

    Some people think the rapid pace of AI progress over the past few years will continue or even accelerate. Tech companies are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in AI hardware and capabilities, so this doesn’t seem impossible.

    If this happens, we may indeed see general superintelligence within the “few thousand days” proposed by Sam Altman (that’s a decade or so in less scifi terms). Sutskever and his team mentioned a similar timeframe in their superalignment article.

    Many recent successes in AI have come from the application of a technique called “deep learning”, which, in simplistic terms, finds associative patterns in gigantic collections of data. Indeed, this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Hopfield and also the “Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton, for their invention of Hopfield Networks and Boltzmann machine, which are the foundation for many powerful deep learning models used today.

    General systems such as ChatGPT have relied on data generated by humans, much of it in the form of text from books and websites. Improvements in their capabilities have largely come from increasing the scale of the systems and the amount of data on which they are trained.

    However, there may not be enough human-generated data to take this process much further (although efforts to use data more efficiently, generate synthetic data, and improve transfer of skills between different domains may bring improvements). Even if there were enough data, some researchers say language models such as ChatGPT are fundamentally incapable of reaching what Morris would call general competence.

    One recent paper has suggested an essential feature of superintelligence would be open-endedness, at least from a human perspective. It would need to be able to continuously generate outputs that a human observer would regard as novel and be able to learn from.

    Existing foundation models are not trained in an open-ended way, and existing open-ended systems are quite narrow. This paper also highlights how either novelty or learnability alone is not enough. A new type of open-ended foundation model is needed to achieve superintelligence.

    What are the risks?

    So what does all this mean for the risks of AI? In the short term, at least, we don’t need to worry about superintelligent AI taking over the world.

    But that’s not to say AI doesn’t present risks. Again, Morris and co have thought this through: as AI systems gain great capability, they may also gain greater autonomy. Different levels of capability and autonomy present different risks.

    For example, when AI systems have little autonomy and people use them as a kind of consultant – when we ask ChatGPT to summarise documents, say, or let the YouTube algorithm shape our viewing habits – we might face a risk of over-trusting or over-relying on them.

    In the meantime, Morris points out other risks to watch out for as AI systems become more capable, ranging from people forming parasocial relationships with AI systems to mass job displacement and society-wide ennui.

    What’s next?

    Let’s suppose we do one day have superintelligent, fully autonomous AI agents. Will we then face the risk they could concentrate power or act against human interests?

    Not necessarily. Autonomy and control can go hand in hand. A system can be highly automated, yet provide a high level of human control.

    Like many in the AI research community, I believe safe superintelligence is feasible. However, building it will be a complex and multidisciplinary task, and researchers will have to tread unbeaten paths to get there.

    Flora Salim receives funding from Australian Research Council and Cisco. She acknowledges the support from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S) (CE200100005).

    – ref. What is AI superintelligence? Could it destroy humanity? And is it really almost here? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-ai-superintelligence-could-it-destroy-humanity-and-is-it-really-almost-here-240682

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pesticides: farming chemicals make insects sick at non-deadly doses – especially in hot weather

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment), University of Sussex

    Farm workers are also at risk of serious harm from pesticide exposure. Bell Ka Pang/Shutterstock

    The various regulatory systems for approving pesticides in operation around the world are crude and flawed. This has long been clear to scientists and it is deeply worrying, as this regulation is supposed to protect people and the environment from harm.

    The EU regulatory system for pesticides is arguably the most rigorous in the world, yet it has repeatedly approved the use of pesticides that have subsequently been found to cause harm to humans or wildlife, leading to eventual bans. It often takes decades for the harm to accumulate before it is recognised.

    The history of pesticide use is littered with such examples: DDT, parathion, paraquat, chlorpyrifos, neonicotinoids, chlorothalonil and many more. Most pesticides that were once deemed safe for humans and wildlife that aren’t the target, like bees, have since been banned. This ought to tell us that the regulatory system is not working.

    A new study offers yet more evidence. Research by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory shows how pesticide tests focus on the death of an animal and ignore any important “sublethal” effects.

    If a creature, such as a honeybee, is alive 48 hours after exposure, then it is deemed that all is well, and the chemical may be approved for use. The bee may be unable to fly or navigate, or its immune system may no longer function, but that is not recorded.

    Multiple regulatory failings

    There are many other failings in UK and EU pesticide regulation.

    Regulatory tests assess the “active substance” in a pesticide, but farmers use products with lots of extra ingredients that can amplify its toxicity. Strangely, the product used by farmers is not evaluated.

    Insecticide use on a vineyard in Missouri, US.
    Damann/Shutterstock

    Tests to ascertain how deadly new pesticides are for wildlife are often done in-house by the companies seeking approval. This research is rarely made public as it is considered commercially sensitive.

    Tests focus on the short-term (often 48-hour) effects of exposure in healthy test animals, such as honeybees, predatory beetles or zebra fish. In reality, exposure may last for weeks, months or years, and its effects may be cumulative.

    Tests also focus on exposing subjects to a single pesticide, when wild organisms – and humans – are exposed to complex mixtures of pesticides, some of which act synergistically (meaning the harm they do is more than the sum of the effects of each chemical in isolation).

    In the new study, the researchers used the larvae of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model species. This provided the scientists with huge numbers of test insects with which to study the lethal and sublethal effects of 1,024 different pesticides (almost all of the chemicals available to farmers worldwide, predominantly comprising insecticides, fungicides and herbicides).

    The researchers exposed these larvae to a range of concentrations of pesticides, spanning what insects are likely to encounter in cropland, and subsequently measured aspects of their behaviour, physiology, fitness and survival over time.

    Herbicides and fungicides harm insects too

    Several of this study’s findings highlight inadequacies in pesticide regulation.

    First, many non-insecticides kill insects. Farmers often avoid spraying insecticides when beneficial insects such as bees are active and instead spray late in the evening. They don’t usually worry about when they spray chemicals designed to target weeds and fungi. The new study suggests that it would be safer to assume that all pesticides can harm insects.

    Second, many non-insecticides killed few if any insects during the 16 hours for which they were exposed to them in this study, but many died in the following ten days. Clearly, only assessing short-term effects misses the total impact.

    Third, 57% of the pesticides tested affected the behaviour of insect larvae, including 382 non-insecticides, demonstrating that sublethal effects are widespread.

    Fourth, the researchers found that the effects of pesticides on insect survival were often much higher at elevated temperatures, something not examined by any regulatory system in the world.

    Exposure to a concentration of less than one part per million of the insecticide lindane, for example, killed no insects at 25°C but killed 79% of them at 29°C. This is obviously relevant to climate change, and particularly to the increasing frequency of heatwaves. We should perhaps not be surprised that organisms struggle to cope when faced with multiple sources of stress at the same time.

    Pesticide exposure heightens the threat of climate change to insects.
    Kzww/Shutterstock

    There have been attempts to introduce more rigorous regulations that include assessing the sublethal and chronic effects of pesticides. In 2013, the European Food Standards Agency published a revised protocol for safety testing of the effects of new pesticides on bees with a group of independent scientists. Eleven years on and the protocol has not been adopted due to stiff opposition from the pesticide industry, which argues that it would be more expensive to implement.

    We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis. A recent study estimated that wild populations of vertebrates have declined by 73% since 1970. Insects are less thoroughly monitored, but recent reviews estimate that their populations have fallen dramatically and continue to decline at an average rate of 1-2% a year.

    There is lots of evidence that pesticides are contributing to these declines, and that the regulatory system has failed us. Ian Boyd, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs chief scientist, wrote in 2017 that pesticides passing a battery of tests in a lab or field trial are assumed to be benign even when used at industrial scales. “The effects of dosing whole landscapes with chemicals have been largely ignored by regulatory systems,” he said.

    Despite this admission by a senior government scientist, the system remains unchanged in both the UK and EU. While this remains the case, insect populations will continue to decline, with consequences for all of us.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get our award-winning weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Dave Goulson is a member of the Green Party

    – ref. Pesticides: farming chemicals make insects sick at non-deadly doses – especially in hot weather – https://theconversation.com/pesticides-farming-chemicals-make-insects-sick-at-non-deadly-doses-especially-in-hot-weather-241856

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges two Louisiana-Based Companies and Cofounder with Multi-Million Dollar Forex Fraud, Failing to Register

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against NOLA FX Capital Management, LLC, Meteor, LLC, Louisiana limited liability companies, and the founder of both, Michael B. DePetrillo.

    The complaint alleges the defendants operated a commodity pool scheme in which they fraudulently solicited and accepted at least $7.6 million from at least 40 individuals, and misappropriated and commingled pool participant funds. Allegedly, NOLA FX Capital and Meteor acted as unregistered commodity pool operators, and DePetrillo acted as an unregistered associated person of a commodity pool operator.

    The CFTC seeks restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties, restitution, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged.

    Case Background

    As alleged in the complaint, from approximately July 2017 to the present, the defendants fraudulently solicited pool participants by claiming their funds would be pooled and invested in NOLA FX Fund, LLC, and used to trade foreign currency pairs on a leveraged, margined, or financed basis (“retail forex”). In furtherance of this scheme, the defendants allegedly sent false account statements to pool participants showing purported profits and trading activity, when in fact none existed. Instead of trading as promised, the defendants misappropriated pool funds. The defendants used these misappropriated funds to make payments to existing pool participants in a manner akin to a Ponzi scheme, pay DePetrillo’s personal expenses and to conduct personal trading in DePetrillo’s personal trading accounts.

    Meteor and/or NOLA FX Capital allegedly acted as a commodity pool operator by soliciting, accepting, and receiving funds to trade forex, but failed to register with the CFTC as such, and commingled pool participant funds with the property of others. 

    Related Criminal Action

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana, filed a separate criminal action against Michael B. DePetrillo [United States v. Depetrillo, No. 2:24-mj-00131-DM-1]. 

    The Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this case are Mike Loconte, Brendan Forbes, Eugenia Vroustouris, Erica Bodin, Stephanie Cooper, Aimée Latimer-Zayets and Rick Glaser.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for SMEs – E-002050/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    14.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002050/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    Based on the data held by the Greek chambers of commerce, EU funding is urgently needed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, access to green financing is not guaranteed because, according to the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reporting criteria are complex since funding is only offered for projects worth over EUR 2 000 000. Thus, this practice automatically excludes SMEs from green financing given that the average loan guarantee offered by the European Investment Bank is EUR 100 000.

    Guaranteed access to funding is essential for SMEs to be able to engage in the green transition. SMEs, which are the backbone of the Greek economy, are driven by sustainability, competitiveness, liquidity, innovation and the skills of their employees.

    In view of this:

    • 1.What will the Commission do for SMEs to obtain flexible financing?
    • 2.Will the reporting process be simplified?
    • 3.When will this process be complete?

    Submitted: 14.10.2024

    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting consumers from imports of illegal and dangerous toys into the European market – E-002108/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002108/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)

    Many illegal toys are imported into the European market through online platforms from companies established in third countries, without complying with EU toy safety rules and without duties being paid[1].

    This not only puts children’s health at risk, it also creates conditions of unfair competition because the companies in question do not conform to the legislative framework in place.

    In view of this:

    • 1.How does the Commission plan to deal with these imports, ensuring that these companies comply with the rules, just like their European counterparts do, by effectively implementing the traceability provision[2], in particular as regards online platforms and traders established in third countries?
    • 2.What steps will it take to ensure better handling of the large volume of imports which the relevant authorities have to deal with?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    • [1] The toys are imported in small parcels worth under EUR 150 to avoid customs duties.
    • [2] Traceability of traders, Article 30 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act).
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: ACEA: €500 million from EIB and CDP covered by SACE guarantee for electricity distribution network investments

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The agreement aims to strengthen Areti’s electricity infrastructure and supports REPowerEU objectives.
    • The first tranche of €320 million was signed today, with a second tranche of €180 million to be signed in 2025.

    The modernisation, upgrade and expansion of Areti’s electricity infrastructure – a company fully owned by ACEA Grup and responsible for the mains network in Rome and Formello – aims to provide increasingly efficient services to citizens.

    This is the main objective of the €500 million financing granted directly to ACEA by the European Investment Bank (EIB), covered by SACE’s Archimede guarantee, and by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) with funding made available by the EIB.

    Today in Rome, agreements were signed for the first tranche of financing, totalling €320 million, of which €200 million provided directly by the EIB, with 70% covered by SACE’s Archimede guarantee, and €120 million from CDP using EIB funding. The second tranche of €180 million is scheduled to be signed in 2025.

    Through this transaction, the EIB, CDP and SACE are co-financing Areti’s investment plan in line with the objectives of REPowerEU, the European Union’s plan to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel and accelerating the transition to green energy. The resources available will serve to implement an intervention plan for digitalisation of the infrastructure. More specifically, the interventions will be focused on the following areas:

    • Upgrading Rome’s low and medium voltage network to increase resilience and capacity, including the installation of new lines;
    • Modernising the medium and low voltage network to enhance safety through advanced diagnostics, remote control, and automation;
    • Expanding and upgrading primary stations;
    • Enhancing grid intelligence to enable dynamic management, control of PODs via 2G smart meters and large-scale demand response through artificial intelligence and IoT platforms.

    This transaction reaffirms the EIB and CDP as primary institutional funders of ACEA’s investment plan, and SACE as a strategic financial insurance partner also for the Group’s future operations. SACE’s Archimede guarantee provides coverage of financing and bonds at market conditions for a maximum term of 25 years as leverage for country system competitiveness.

    Fabrizio Palermo, ACEA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The agreements signed today with EIB, CDP and SACE represent for ACEA a system operation of particular strategic importance and certify the value and quality of the investments that the Group has planned for the coming years in the electricity distribution networks. The investments will contribute to the achievement of increasing infrastructure resilience and flexibility thanks to the use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence.”

    EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti stated: “This financing reaffirms the EIB’s commitment to supporting the energy transition and achieving the REPowerEU objectives, which we are backing by making available €45 billion of additional financing by 2027. Modernising electricity infrastructure is essential, not only to make the grid more efficient and resilient, but also to enable greater integration of renewable energy into the system.”

    “Thanks to the synergy effectively promoted in recent years with the European institutions” – Dario Scannapieco, Chief Executive Officer of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti commented – “CDP is today in a position to back high impact financial operations of value for the territory. From this perspective, the financing in favour of ACEA further confirms CDP’s commitment to supporting the development and modernisation of Italian infrastructure. The consolidated partnership with the EIB, on many occasions also accompanied by SACE’s contribution, over the years has allowed us to support investments totalling around €13 billion destined for the economic growth of the territories”.

    Alessandra Ricci, Chief Executive Officer of SACE, stated: “We confirm our commitment to supporting investments for competitiveness in Italy through the Archimede Guarantee, such as the upgrading of ACEA’s electrical infrastructure. This new operation reinforces the strong synergy with institutional investors EIB and CDP in projects capable of generating a tangible impact on Italy’s economic fabric”.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the European Union’s long-term lending institution and its shareholders are member states. It finances sound investments capable of contributing to strategic EU objectives. The EIB’s projects enhance competitiveness, foster innovation, promote sustainable development and improve social and territorial cohesion while supporting a fair and rapid transition towards climate neutrality. In the past five years, the EIB Group has provided more than €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy.

    ACEA is one of the most important Italian industrial groups, listed on the Stock Exchange since 1999. The company is concerned with integrated water service management, electricity distribution, public and artistic lighting, the sale of electricity and gas, power generation mainly from renewable sources and waste treatment and valorisation. It is the leading national water sector operator, with around 10 million residents served, one of the most important Italian players in energy distribution and among the top operators in the environment sector in Italy, managing approximately 1.8 million tons of waste annually.

    Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the National Promotional Institution, has been supporting the Italian economy since 1850. Through its operations, it is committed to accelerating the country’s industrial and infrastructure development, with the aim of contributing towards its economic and social growth. CDP centres its operations around the territories’ sustainable development, alongside the growth and innovation of Italian companies, also at international level. It partners the Local Authorities, by way of financing and advisory activities for the implementation of infrastructure and the improvement of public utility services. Moreover, it is actively involved in International Cooperation for the realisation of projects in developing countries and emerging economies. Cassa Depositi e Prestiti’s funding comes entirely from private sources, through postal savings bonds and books and issues on the domestic and international financial markets.

    SACE is the Italian insurance and finance group, directly controlled by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, specialised in supporting businesses and the national economic system through a wide range of tools and solutions to support competitiveness in Italy and worldwide. For over forty-five years, the SACE Group has been the reference partner for Italian companies that export and grow on overseas markets. It also supports the banking system, through its financial guarantees, to facilitate companies’ access to credit, with a view to supporting their liquidity and investments for competitiveness and sustainability as part of the Italian Green New Deal, starting from the domestic market. SACE is present all over the world with 14 offices in target countries for Made in Italy, which have the role of building relationships with primary local counterparts and, through dedicated financial instruments, facilitating business with Italian companies. With a portfolio of insured operations and guaranteed investments of €260 billion, the group serves approximately 50 thousand companies, especially SMEs, supporting their growth in Italy and in about 200 countries around the world.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Looking back at 10 years of parliamentary scrutiny in the Banking Union – 28-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing presents a summary of 3 studies prepared by academic expert panel for the Banking Union on the occasion of 10 years of parliamentary scrutiny over key authorities within the Banking Union, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Board (SRB). It also presents proposals for enhancing the accountability framework governing these authorities. These studies were requested by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of water scarcity on Southern European countries including Greece – E-001657/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU provides significant financial support for water related investments: In 2021-2027, EUR 13.2 billion of Cohesion Policy funds[1] is earmarked for water management in the EU, including in drinking water supply with a preference for demand side options before investing in additional supply.

    This includes efficiency measures such as leakage reduction of water networks to reduce water losses. Investment in desalination infrastructure must comply with the Do No Significant Harm Principle and could be considered for regions (e.g. islands) in the framework of integrated water management after demand side options have been exploited and if there is no alternative for drinking water supply.

    EU Cohesion Policy in Greece already supports desalination plants to address water scarcity and the need for increased quality standards. In 2014-2020, EUR 49 million for more than 25 desalination projects in insular Greece were funded[2].

    In 2021-2027, EUR 20 million have been earmarked[3] for investments in sustainable water desalination through an integrated implementation model from the source to citizen’s tap.

    Within Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)[4], a water regulatory authority has been established with the aim to strengthen the institutional framework, supervise the water sector and ensure the sustainability of water services, while Greece benefits from RRP funding for water supply and water saving infrastructure[5].

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)[6], the EU programme for the environment and climate action[7] and s everal European Missions and Partnerships under Horizon Europe[8] also support water resilience, including EU funded research,[9] to minimise negative environmental effects of the current generation of desalination plants.

    • [1]  https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/stories/s/21-27-Sustainable-water-management/ehce-gj6d
    • [2]  https://anaptyxi.gov.gr/el-gr/
    • [3]  Under the ‘Environment and Climate Change’ programme.
    • [4]  Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-re
    • [5]  https://next-generation-eu.europa.eu/index_en
    • [6]  Support under the CAP covers inter alia investments in rainwater harvesting and storage or the use of recycled water for irrigation. https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en
    • [7]  LIFE Programme: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en#:~:text=The%20LIFE%20programme%20is%20the%20EU’s%20funding
    • [8]  Of particular relevance are the partnerships ‘Water Security for the Planet’ (https://www.water4all-partnership.eu/ ), the Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA, https://prima-med.org/ ) together with the Missions ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’ (https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters_en ), ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’(https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en ) and ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (https://mission-soil-platform.ec.europa.eu/)
    • [9]  Illustrative is the EU-funded H2020 Wave2O project producing clean water with reduced carbon emissions by using wave-driven desalination systems. Beyond energy consumption/carbon footprint, another area of research focuses on the environmental impact from desalination plants’ discharged brine on marine ecosystems.
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Debate on next EU long term budget with EIB and EU Court of Auditors – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    budget coin © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    BUDG members will exchange with Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), on the lessons learnt from the current EU long-term budget, on the 6th November.

    The debate will feed into the BUDG own-initiative report “A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world”, in which Parliament will set out its priorities and expectations for the next EU long-term budget (post-2027) before the European Commission proposal in 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL Enterprise AI Platform accelerates generative AI development for clients with NVIDIA AI software

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company, announces the launch of its EXL Enterprise AI Platform, a new technology hub designed to support the rapid-scale development and integration of GenAI solutions into client workflows.

    Developed on the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, the EXL Enterprise AI Platform makes it possible to rapidly deploy specialized industry solutions to transform enterprise workflows. It is designed to not only support the creation of new solutions, but also execute and scale their integration into client ecosystems through EXL’s robust data, AI tooling and engineering capabilities.

    The first capabilities launched on the EXL Enterprise AI Platform are the recently announced EXL Insurance Large Language Model (LLM), XTRAKTO.AI, an intelligent document processing solution, a Smart Agent Assist solution, which uses advanced data and AI technologies to transform contact center operations, and Code Harbor™, a GenAI-powered coding solution that is used to modernize legacy applications to current programming languages. By bringing these and other pioneering GenAI solutions together on a single platform, EXL is making it easier for clients to incorporate AI into existing workflows and business processes.

    “The biggest challenges enterprises are facing when it comes to extracting the full value of GenAI solutions are balancing cost, accuracy and latency. It’s not just about having the newest, biggest LLM or the most innovative point solution – businesses need accurate, fast, reliable solutions with a modular architecture that can be implemented cost-effectively and continue to update as technology evolves,” said Anand “Andy” Logani, EXL’s executive vice president and chief digital officer. “At EXL, we have the right mix of data and AI and industry expertise to scale new GenAI capabilities and help our clients integrate them seamlessly into their existing workflows.”

    “Generative AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for enterprises to boost productivity and drive innovation,” said John Fanelli, vice president, Enterprise Software at NVIDIA. “With NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, the EXL Enterprise AI Platform helps enable businesses to rapidly develop and deploy custom generative AI solutions for industry-specific use cases, code and languages as their needs evolve.”

    The solutions on the EXL Enterprise AI Platform are developed using NVIDIA AI models and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, including the NVIDIA NeMo framework and NVIDIA NIM microservices, which allows them to be rapidly customized and deployed for clients across industries, geographies and languages.

    EXL is also integrating NIM microservices in the EXL Enterprise AI Platform to power existing EXL platforms such as Medconnection, which supports insurance claims and medical underwriting claims processing, and the LifePRO™ digital suite, an insurance underwriting automation tool.

    About EXL

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company. We partner with clients using a data and AI-led approach to reinvent business models, drive better business outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, analytics, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform operations for the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 55,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit http://www.exlservice.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

    © 2024 ExlService Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. For more information go to www.exlservice.com/legal-disclaimer

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Where’s the harm in that? How we think about workplace hazards hampers the application of health and safety law

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Louise Deacon, PhD Graduand, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Current thinking about workplace problems, mental health and the law is hindering New Zealand’s ability to prevent job-related mental harm.

    The inclusion of mental health in New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) is meant to protect workers from the risk of harm arising from exposure to workplace psychosocial hazards.

    These arise from the way work is designed, managed and led, and the context in which work is carried out. They can cause psychological, social or physical harm. Common examples include long work hours, role ambiguity, emotional demands, job insecurity and bullying.

    Our research examined how the most senior company decision-makers understood their legal duties as they relate to mental health.

    Under the HSWA, these officers – including company directors and chief executives – must exercise due diligence to ensure their company is compliant with the law.

    But most of the 24 research participants, who were officers of large companies, expressed uncertainty and ambiguity about the meaning of “mental health” within the HSWA.

    The harms of work

    Exposure to psychosocial hazards is commonly reported by New Zealand workers.

    Those working in jobs such as policing, nursing and teaching, for example, report high levels of emotional demands.

    Māori and Pacific workers, workers in retail, and workers in their 30s report higher than average levels of job insecurity.

    The harm caused by exposure to these these hazards typically presents as psychological. But it has also been strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders.

    Lack of expertise

    Managerial decisions relating to how work is designed, organised and managed influence how people experience work and the psychosocial hazards they may face.

    Psychosocial risk often stems from operational and performance decisions relating to things like intensification, staffing, production and market demands.

    In many organisations, these decisions are made in the boardroom – far removed from where the core work of the business is carried out.

    Many of the research participants felt the uncertainty about the meaning of mental health within the HSWA arose from a lack of expertise in New Zealand’s health and safety workforce, a lack of clear regulatory guidance, and the complexity of psychosocial risk.

    As one participant said:

    There’s no boundaries, there’s no playbook, there’s no formula they can follow, it’s hard and it’s complex and it’s different for each person, and there’s nobody who you can point to and go, “They’ve absolutely nailed it”.

    But our analysis also found that uncertainty and ambiguity arose from other factors.

    These included a belief that the risk of exposure was often rooted in the personal characteristics and behaviours of workers rather than in their work. There was also a focus on fixing harm rather than preventing it and the conflation of psychosocial risks with other risks.

    Unfortunately, these beliefs also limited the application of the HSWA.

    Instead of addressing work-related risk, senior managers became distracted by workers’ personal lives and focused on reactive management strategies rather than preventative ones. They adopted an approach to risk management that emphasised “risks to the organisation” rather than “risks to workers”.

    Bullying in the workplace

    These limits were most clearly evident when participants described their oversight of organisational responses to bullying and harassment.

    Many of the causes of bullying and harassment lie in the way work is organised, managed and led.

    However, in detailing their performance of due diligence, participants described ensuring such risks were managed by recounting conflict reporting and resolution systems, support for victims, and organisational policy stressing “zero tolerance” for poor workplace behaviour.

    While these responses might form part of a comprehensive approach to bullying and harassment (although in practice these could be unjust, ineffective or even counterproductive), on their own they may also be inadequate when the problem is considered under work health and safety law.

    The risk-based, preventative nature of the HSWA requires that harm is prevented through understanding, anticipating and intervening in the contributing factors within the work environment.

    Research has firmly established that bullying is more likely in organisations where there are unreasonable workloads, high job demands and job insecurity, along with laissez-faire or “hands off” management, or management strategies that relentlessly require workers do more with less.

    Consideration of these risks may be relevant in the current context of job insecurity and job cuts across the public sector which could result in increased demands on remaining workers.

    The link between hazards and harm

    Risk assessment must focus on what can, and ought to be, known about the relationship between these psychosocial hazards and potential harm. Risk management must aim to eliminate or minimise risks as far as reasonably practicable.

    Importantly, acting on risk does not require evidence of harm. Responding to harm once it has happened is contrary to the overall purpose of the HSWA.

    But addressing deeper organisational factors is much more difficult and uncomfortable for those in charge.

    Preventing bullying and harassment requires considering how decisions about the design, organisation and management of work may contribute to the risk of harm.

    Prevention can therefore explicitly question the decisions and practices of company directors, executives and managers – not traditionally considered within the remit of work health and safety.

    As a result, bullying and harassment tend to be framed as an interpersonal problem between workers and their managers. This is less challenging than bringing the decisions relating to the management and governance of a company into question.

    The preventative focus is then placed on correcting and improving behaviour rather than managing or changing the conditions of work which give rise to bullying and harassment.

    Louise Deacon received a grant from Health and Safety Association of New Zealand and a Massey University Doctoral Scholarship for this research.

    Bevan Catley has recieved funding in the past from The Health Research Council of New Zealand and WorkSafe New Zealand concerning work-related psychosocial risks.

    David Tappin has received research funding in the past from The Health Research Council of New Zealand and WorkSafe New Zealand concerning work-related psychosocial risks.

    – ref. Where’s the harm in that? How we think about workplace hazards hampers the application of health and safety law – https://theconversation.com/wheres-the-harm-in-that-how-we-think-about-workplace-hazards-hampers-the-application-of-health-and-safety-law-240794

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Sexual precarity’: how insecure work puts migrants at risk of being sexually harassed, assaulted or trafficked

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Boucher, Associate Professor in Public Policy and Political Science, University of Sydney

    wiratho/Shutterstock

    Some of the ways migrants are exploited in the workforce get a lot of public attention. We hear tragic stories about wage theft, forced unpaid overtime, unsafe work conditions or discrimination. And we are likely to hear more such grim stories revealed at a NSW parliamentary inquiry that will examine modern slavery in Australia.

    These vulnerabilities all relate to what researchers call workplace precarity – insecurity or uncertainty at work. But too often, a major piece of this picture gets overlooked.

    My recent analysis of more than 900 court cases brought by migrant workers shines a light on migrants being sexually harassed, sexually assaulted or trafficked for sexual reasons in their workplaces.

    Yet, with the exception of a recent landmark research report on sexual harassment experienced by migrant women, this issue has not received the attention it deserves.

    The taboo nature of sexual crimes likely plays a role in this neglect. When it is covered, there is often a somewhat sensationalist focus by the media on the sex work industry.

    In the process, we may overfocus on sex work and neglect many other workplaces in which migrant workers can face forms of sexual violence. Any reckoning with workplace precarity more broadly cannot afford to ignore the risk of sexual exploitation.



    Read more:
    Migrant workers have long been too scared to report employer misconduct. A new visa could change this

    What is ‘precarity’?

    Workplace “precarity” – insecurity or uncertainty at work – can affect us all.

    It can encompass a wide range of aspects, including a lack of workplace protections, job insecurity and social or economic instability at work.

    Visa status, a lack of knowledge of local laws and language barriers can all make migrants more vulnerable to workplace precarity.

    Unscrupulous employers may exploit these known vulnerabilities to extract favours and take advantage.

    Many theories of economic precarity do not consider sexual risk at all.

    Migrants can face unique vulnerabilities in the workforce.
    Chiarascura/Shutterstock

    What my research uncovered

    My research, drawn from more than 900 court cases brought by migrant workers, uncovered some harrowing examples.

    In one case in Canada, an employer sexually harassed and in one case raped two migrant women who worked in his business as fish filleters. One of the women felt she had to comply with demands for fellatio to avoid deportation back to Mexico.

    Following a ruling, the women were awarded damages under Ontario human rights law.

    In another highly publicised case in Australia, a farmer was found guilty of raping a young British backpacker, threatening refusal to sign off on her farm work if she did not comply.

    Such a “sign off” is required for a working holiday maker to be able to extend their visa for an additional year.

    Sex slavery

    A further case concerned sex slavery. Two Thai women entered Australia fraudulently on tourist visas with the intention of undertaking sex work. The sex work began, with their consent.

    However, they came to be subjected to work that went beyond what had been contracted in terms of the number of clients, the nature of sexual services provided, frequency and rest periods.

    One woman suffered damage to her sexual organs. They also had their mobile phones removed. After several legal appeals, this behaviour was found to amount to sex trafficking and the defendant employer was imprisoned.

    An attempt to overturn the conviction was refused.

    Recent research by the NSW Anti Slavery Commissioner’s Office with migrant workers on NSW farms also suggests allegations of sexual violence could be unreported due to a perceived risk of retaliation.

    Interwoven risks

    These cases, and many others, all demonstrate that economic and sexual exploitation can commingle for migrant workers.

    In such cases, employers may use economic and visa vulnerability to extract sexual favours. At times in these cases, there are also egregious examples of underpayment or even non-payment.

    To capture this relationship in migration systems, I developed the term sexual precarity. This has five core components:

    1. restrictive visa conditions
    2. debt bondage
    3. live-in arrangements that heighten exposure to employers during non-working hours
    4. entrapment and slavery
    5. the combination of sexual violence with economic exploitation or other forms of physical injury.

    What needs to be done?

    First, as with broader migrant worker rights, education campaigns for migrants are required.

    These would extend beyond making them better informed about their rights on economic exploitation to issues of discrimination and protection from sexual exploitation.

    Second, practical safeguards can be put in place to protect migrant women in isolated workplaces.

    This might include female-only sleeping dorms, female-only agriculture workforces, support person rules for meetings with male employers and general advice on sexual consent laws for both employers and employees.

    Third, policymakers could consider whether sexual offences that are accompanied by a visa threat should suffer additional penalties under criminal or immigration law.

    This has already been made the case with recent changes to visa sponsorship where employers who coerce migrants into breaching their visa conditions are subjected to certain penalties.

    Anna Boucher received funding from the Australian Research Council and the University of Sydney that funded this prior research. She is Vice President (Independent) on the Australian Institute of Employment Rights. 2023-4 she was on the NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Advisory Panel.

    – ref. ‘Sexual precarity’: how insecure work puts migrants at risk of being sexually harassed, assaulted or trafficked – https://theconversation.com/sexual-precarity-how-insecure-work-puts-migrants-at-risk-of-being-sexually-harassed-assaulted-or-trafficked-238880

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is Donald Trump a fascist? No – he’s a new brand of authoritarian

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoff M Boucher, Associate Professor in Literary Studies, Deakin University

    Is Donald Trump a fascist? General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, thinks so. Trump is “fascist to the core,” he warns.

    John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, agrees. So does Vice President Kamala Harris, his opponent in this year’s presidential election.

    But political commentators who have a grounding in history are not so sure. Writing in The Guardian, Sidney Blumenthal calls Trump “Hitlerian” and his rallies “Naziesque”, but stops short of calling him a fascist.

    Michael Tomasky of The New Republic understands the reservations, but he is tired spending time debating the difference between “fascistic” and just plain “fascist”. “He’s damn close enough,” Tomasky writes, “and we’d better fight”.

    I understand this logic. It’s the reason Harris uses the term “fascist” to describe Trump – to send “a 911 call to the American people”. But there’s a problem.

    I have spent the past six years researching right-wing, authoritarian political communication in America. I can say with confidence how these kinds of labels can misfire. They can very easily be made to look like liberal hysteria, playing straight into the hands of the far right.

    Here are the two reasons why it is crucial to call Trump exactly what he is.

    1. Calling Trump a fascist, and then instantly adding, “or close enough,” plays directly into the hands of the far right. “See?” they might say. “Anytime anyone steps outside the liberal consensus, they get labelled a fascist. This is how political correctness silences dissent.”

    2. Trump’s kind of authoritarianism thrives on ambiguity about what sort of right-wing populist figure he is. Its success depends on the fact that “fascist” is the only name we have right now for authoritarian politics.

    In my view, Trump is not a fascist. Rather, he is part of a “new authoritarianism” that subverts democracy from within and solidifies power through administrative, rather than paramilitary, means.

    Why the ‘fascism’ label is unhelpful

    This brand of new authoritarianism hides in plain sight because there is no name for it yet. It looks like something else – for example, right-wing populism that is anti-liberal, but not yet anti-democratic. And then suddenly, it shows itself as anti-democratic extremism, as Trump did in refusing to accept the 2020 election result and encouraging the storming of the Capitol.

    This moment starkly revealed Trump as a new authoritarian. Supplementary debate about whether Trump is like Adolf Hitler risks being pointless. But the problem is that fascism is the only name we have now for anti-democratic extremism.

    All fascists are authoritarians. But not all authoritarians are fascists. It’s crucial to understand there are other types of authoritarianism – and how they differ.

    This is not just important for preventing Trump from seeking to subvert American democracy. It is also vital for stopping Trump imitators, who will now spring forth in other democracies. If there is still no name for what they are other than “fascist,” then they, too, will thrive on ambiguity.

    What is ‘new authoritarianism’?

    I suggest we focus on what Trump actually is – an anti-democratic, “new authoritarian” – and understand what this means and how he is gaining wider support using right-wing populism.

    The new authoritarians don’t necessarily take a sledgehammer to a nation’s institutions, for example, by doing away with elections. Rather, they hollow out democracy from within, so it becomes a façade draped over a one-party state.

    We have many examples of this kind of ruler today: Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko, Tunisia’s Kais Saied and, of course, the poster-figure for the new authoritarians, Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

    Trump’s admiration for Putin is a matter of public record. For alt-right thinkers who are influential with Trump, such as Steve Bannon, Putin provides a blueprint for how new authoritarianism works.

    Authoritarians like Putin must govern through the state, not the people, because, as social psychologist Bob Altemeyer explains, they ultimately represent a tiny minority of the population.

    Military dictatorships rule through the armed forces. The fascist regimes of 20th century Europe were ultimately police states. They relied on converting paramilitary death squads into secret police (like the Gestapo) and state security (the SS in Nazi Germany).

    The new authoritarians, however, govern through the transformation of the civil service into their own personal political machines.

    That is why Trump is obsessed with the “deep state”, by which he means the way in which democratic institutions have built-in legal safeguards defended by civil servants, who can potentially frustrate executive orders. The new authoritarian strategy is to appoint a stratum of political loyalists to key positions in their administrations, who can circumvent institutional checks. But that is no easy matter.

    If Trump is elected, he has vowed to “crush the deep state”, for example, by purging thousands of nonpolitical civil service employees. As part of this, he has pledged to establish a “truth and reconciliation commission” oriented to punishing those he thinks opposed him the past.

    Trump has been following this new authoritarian playbook for nearly his entire political career. These are the three steps he is taking to lay the groundwork for authoritarian rule:

    1) Undermine electoral integrity

    The first key to new authoritarianism: subvert democracy by undermining electoral integrity. The acid test here? Authoritarians do not accept election results when the opposition has won. As Trump has very bluntly put it, “I am a very proud election denier”.

    Trump’s opening move in this regard was to take over the Republican Party. He used election denialism to do this, while also marginalising any moderates who opposed him.

    The Trump Republican Party is now a minority party, oriented to white grievance, resentment of immigrants and the anti-democratic idea that a country should be run like a company.

    Its only hope for winning government as a minority party is by trying to suppress the vote of its opponents. To do this, pro-Trump Republican states have passed a number of laws since 2020 to make voting more difficult.

    These states have also aggressively removed people from the voting rolls. Texas alone has stricken one million voters off its rolls since 2021, only 6,500 of whom were deemed non-citizens.

    If Trump wins, he will likely make it even harder for people to vote. Civil rights groups fear he may introduce a citizenship question to the census, use the Department of Justice to conduct a massive purge of voter rolls, and launch criminal investigations of electoral officials.

    As a backup, Trump will likely resurrect the “election integrity commission” he established in 2017 to justify his claims of alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election and support his election denialism narrative.

    2) Weaken the legislative and judicial branches

    The second key to new authoritarianism: circumventing the checks-and-balances function of the legislative branch of government. The goal here is to rule by executive fiat or govern through a stacked legislative majority.

    The new authoritarians often govern through executive orders, including the use of emergency powers. For instance, Trump has envisaged a scenario in which a Republican Congress could enact emergency powers to empower the president to overturn the authority of state governors to fire their prosecutors and use the National Guard for law enforcement.

    Such a development would depend on a number of factors, including the complicity of the judiciary. This is why new authoritarians also attempt to stack the judiciary with loyalists.

    In his first term, Trump not only appointed three Supreme Court justices, he also placed judges to the federal appeals courts, district courts and circuit courts.

    3) Attack their enemies

    This leads to the third pillar of new authoritarianism: decapitating the political opposition and suppressing dissent.

    Trump’s threats to investigate and prosecute his enemies, including leading figures in the Democratic Party, should be taken very seriously. His calls to target the “enemy from within” were pointedly directed at what he deemed “radical left lunatics”.

    Journalists and the news media would also likely be targeted. Trump’s statement that the broadcast licenses of national networks should be revoked, for example, needs to be understood in the context of his pledges to dismantle federal regulatory agencies if elected.

    That matters, because the next step for new authoritarians to solidify their power is through suppressing dissent. Trump has proposed using the military in civil contexts to target criminals and prevent illegal immigration. He has reportedly even questioned why the military couldn’t “just shoot” protesters.

    It is important to understand how this differs from fascism, because it is central to Trump’s ability to retain electoral support.

    Classical fascism under dictators like Hitler and Italy’s Benito Mussolini was based on street-fighting, paramilitary movements, which used violence to intimidate and crush the opposition. The equivalents of this today are right-wing militias such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

    Trump keeps one foot on the edge of this camp. But alt-right figures like Bannon understand that swastika flags and paramilitary uniforms are a political liability. Their preference is for new authoritarianism, which is able to push
    a right-wing extremist agenda by reducing democracy to sham elections, rather than openly setting up a totalitarian regime.

    As such, Trump can dodge accusations of being a “fascist” by telling the Proud Boys to “stand by”, while throwing up a smokescreen of equivocations about the January 6 Capitol insurrection. He can distance himself from kind of paramilitary violence that is reminiscent of classical fascism.

    It is about time to call things by their true names. Trump has the anti-democratic tendencies of a new authoritarian – and, as his opponents point out, he seems likely to put his words into actions if elected a second time.

    Geoff M Boucher 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. Is Donald Trump a fascist? No – he’s a new brand of authoritarian – https://theconversation.com/is-donald-trump-a-fascist-no-hes-a-new-brand-of-authoritarian-241586

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What to do if your vote is challenged: Practical advice from a civil rights attorney for Election Day

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Karen Figueroa-Clewett, Lecturer, Agents of Change program, Department of Political Science and International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

    Stickers on a table on the first day of Virginia’s in-person early voting, Sept. 20, 2024, in Arlington. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    With the general election drawing close, it’s important to know your rights in case your vote is challenged.

    The best way to ensure that your vote is counted is to advocate for yourself. I’m a civil rights attorney and lecturer for the University of Southern California’s undergraduate civil rights advocacy initiative, Agents of Change. Here are several straightforward ways to ensure your vote is counted and two practical remedies for you to consider if your vote remains challenged.

    A major part of ensuring that you are able to vote is doing the necessary preparation before you even get to the polling place. Read on to find out how and where to register, where and when you can cast your ballot, and what numbers to call for any information you can’t find online.

    Are you registered to vote? Check it out

    Before you vote, you need to ensure that you’re registered to vote. You can verify your registration status using this tool. If you can’t use an online tool, then call your local election office or a voter help line like the ones listed in the hotline section below.

    If you find you’re not registered, you can use this tool from the National Conference of State Legislatures to find your state’s online registration application. If you need to do this in person, then call your local election office for instructions.

    At this point, you may have missed your state’s deadline for voter registration. But it may not be too late to register.

    Many states allow same-day registration at the polling site. You can find your state’s same-day voter laws detailed here. Ask the poll worker, at the correct polling location, for a same-day registration form; complete the form and then ask for a “conditional ballot.” A conditional ballot allows election officials to count your vote after verifying your voter eligibility. If you can’t research online, you can call your local election office to find out if you can register on Election Day.

    Marchellos Scott, right, helps Morehouse College students fill out a voter registration form at a college registration booth on Aug. 19, 2024, in Atlanta.
    Elijah Nouvelage / AFP via Getty Images

    Gather documents to verify your identity

    If you live in a state that requires identity verification to vote in person, gather the required documents – which may range from a driver’s license to bank statements with identifying information – before traveling to the correct polling place. You can find your county election office’s contact information here. This webpage includes a table listing each state’s acceptable ID documents and possible exceptions for some people. You may also call your local election office to find out what’s required.

    Absentee voters: Locate your state’s identity verification rules here.

    Find the correct polling location

    You can ensure that you’re headed to the right polling place with this tool. Or call your county election office to find your polling place and its hours of operation; you can look up your county’s election office contact information here.

    Once you know your polling place and its hours, you can go there and check in. In most cases, you’ll be handed a ballot, shown where to vote and asked to put your ballot in a machine or a box, and then you can go merrily along your way.

    But the moment of check-in is where things might go wrong.

    Problems at your polling place

    Here are potential vote challenges and ways to overcome them.

    Possibility No. 1: Out-of-order polling machines.

    If you’re asked to leave because of malfunctioning machines, don’t. Instead, ask for a paper ballot.

    Possibility No. 2: You’re in line and officials announce the polls have closed.

    If you’re in line at the polling location before it closes, don’t let them turn you away at closing time if you haven’t voted. You have the legal right to vote under those circumstances, so stay in line and wait to cast your ballot.

    Possibility No. 3: You’re not on the registered voters list.

    If you’re told you can’t vote because your name is not on the voter roster, ask the poll site worker to check again and to check what’s called the list of supplemental voters. If they still can’t find your name, ask the poll worker to verify that you’re at the right location.

    Poll workers want you to vote. But sometimes there are problems.
    Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

    Possibility No. 4: Someone claims you shouldn’t be allowed to vote.

    If your voting eligibility remains challenged after ensuring you’re at the right polling location, ask to cast a provisional ballot, which is available in every state except Idaho and Minnesota. You can find details about your particular state’s provisional ballot rules here.

    Track your provisional ballot here.

    Call a hotline

    If you are not given a provisional ballot, call an election hotline for help. Here are four hotlines, run by members of the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition, that can help you:

    English: 866-OUR-VOTE/866-687-8683, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

    Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA/888-839-8682, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Education Fund

    Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE/888-274-8683, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote

    Arabic: 844-YALLA-US/844-925-5287, Arab American Institute

    Report voter intimidation

    If someone tries to scare you into voting or not voting for a candidate, stand your ground and demand a ballot from the poll site, call one of the hotlines above to report the intimidation, and file a claim with the FBI later by phone at 800-CALL-FBI – 800-225-5324 – or online at tips.fbi.gov.

    File a lawsuit

    If you are still blocked from voting, consider legal action – but get advice on your exact situation from one of the hotlines, which have free lawyers on hand. It’s a good idea to write down the names of people who prevented you from voting and to ask people who witnessed the incident for their contact information.

    Leer in español

    This is an updated version of a story that was originally published on Nov. 2, 2022.

    Karen Figueroa-Clewett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What to do if your vote is challenged: Practical advice from a civil rights attorney for Election Day – https://theconversation.com/what-to-do-if-your-vote-is-challenged-practical-advice-from-a-civil-rights-attorney-for-election-day-239066

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Demands Accountability from USDA Following Pure Prairie Poultry Bankruptcy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), along with Reps. Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04), penned a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack following Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy that resulted in nearly 50 farmers and more than two million chickens throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa being left without feed or processing options. In the letter, the Members highlight the lack of oversight and accountability by USDA and request answers from the agency on their loan and grant processes, as well as their knowledge of Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy filing.

    “Many of our poultry farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa were left in the lurch by the USDA’s absence of oversight and accountability of Pure Prairie Poultry,” said Rep. Van Orden. “The USDA will answer for the $45.6 million in loans and grants given to Pure Prairie Poultry, and PPP will answer for what they did with that money before they stiffed our farmers. I am so thankful for our farmers and how they put the welfare of their flocks first and am proud to advocate for them on the House Agriculture Committee.”

    Joining Reps. Van Orden, Finstad, and Feenstra on the letter are: Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (PA-15), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02), and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (R-MN).

    To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

    October 25, 2024

    The Honorable Tom Vilsack

    Secretary

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    1400 Independence Avenue S.W.

    Washington, DC 20250

    Dear Secretary Vilsack:

    We are writing today with deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) distribution and oversight of grants and loans intended to help meat and poultry processors start or expand processing capacity.

    On September 20, 2024, Pure Prairie Poultry, a Minnesota-based company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Consequently, the company’s plant in Charles City, Iowa, ceased operations on October 2. In addition to laying off dozens of employees, this resulted in up to 50 farmers and more than 2 million chickens throughout Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin being left without feed or any processing option.

    In 2022, Pure Prairie Poultry was awarded a guaranteed loan of $38.7 million from USDA Rural Development’s Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program (FSCGLP) and a grant of $6.9 million from USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). According to Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy court filings from the week of September 22, the company reported liabilities between $100 million and $500 million, with $50 million to $100 million in assets. Additionally, the company projected a negative cash flow of $1.8 million per week over the following six weeks. Further, it is our understanding that growers and feed mills affiliated with Pure Prairie Poultry have not been paid for months. Given this fact pattern, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of oversight USDA has provided in this case.

    Over the past two years, USDA has provided $223 million in loan guarantees and grants to 30 meat and poultry processing companies. A press release from the USDA celebrated this funding as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “commitment to strengthen critical food supply chain infrastructure to create more thriving communities for the American people.” Unfortunately, the investment in this case instead ended in the loss of income, jobs, and poultry across three states.

    While we share USDA’s desired goals of expanding meat processing capacity and markets and building a robust national food supply chain, it is critical that livestock producers and poultry growers have resilient systems to ensure the production of healthy and affordable protein for both domestic and global consumption. Moreover, American taxpayers deserve the peace of mind that their dollars are being spent wisely. Due to the concerns raised by Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy and the resulting impacts on farmers and poultry flocks, we respectfully request the Department’s response to the following questions by November 8, 2024:

    1. On what date did the USDA receive notice from Pure Prairie Poultry’s lender regarding the company’s default on its loan obligations and its inability to continue providing feed and processing for birds under its ownership? Additionally, please provide the statutory and/or regulatory requirements that obligate the lender to timely notify the Department of a defaulting entity utilizing the Department’s programs and funds.

    2. What metrics did the USDA utilize to approve Pure Prairie Poultry with over $45 million in taxpayer funds? Please provide details on the scoring criteria and metrics used for MPPEP along with information about the USDA’s approval process for the loan guarantee under the FSCGLP and financial institutions’ ability to service the loans.

    3. What, if any, consideration does USDA give to previous bankruptcy filings when awarding loans and/or grants? Was USDA aware of the previous closures that took place at the location of the Charles City, Iowa processing facility?

    4. Did the USDA have any indications at the time of Pure Prairie Poultry’s approval for both the loan guarantee and grant that the company would face financial peril less than 24 months after the awards were announced? What steps did the USDA take to salvage the plant in Charles City, Iowa?

    5. What steps did the USDA take in the immediate aftermath of the plant closure to assist the relevant stakeholders, including growers and state departments of agriculture, in the care, processing, and depopulation of affected birds? What additional steps does the USDA plan to take to assist affected producers?

    6. What are the USDA’s current oversight mechanisms for grants and loan guarantees to ensure taxpayer dollars are not being wasted? Additionally, what oversight actions were taken by USDA in the case of Pure Prairie Poultry?

    7. What steps will the USDA take moving forward to ensure proper guardrails are in place to prevent similar outcomes for both the current recipients of the FSCGLP and MPPEP loans and grants, as well as similar funding opportunities in the future?

    8. Have any additional lenders notified the USDA of potential defaults within the loan portfolio for the FSCGLP? Is the USDA aware of any other potential cases of default based on its own analysis? Have any prior defaults occurred, not including Pure Prairie Poultry?

    9. Does the USDA maintain a preferred lender list for programs under the Rural Development Mission Areas? If so, please provide a copy.

    10. Is the USDA aware of any other projects financed by the lender(s) of Pure Prairie Poultry through the FSCGLP? If so, please provide details on those projects. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins USDA Rural Development and Vermont Bond Bank to Celebrate Vermont’s First Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) Loan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    CHARLOTTE, VT– U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, Vermont Bond Bank, and community leaders to celebrate Vermont’s first Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) loan from the federal government, which will invest $40 million to benefit rural communities and school districts with low-interest, long-term financing for clean energy projects. Senator Welch introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize RESP and improve the program to help rural utilities maximize the program’s benefits. The bill was included as part of the Senate’s Farm Bill proposal, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act.  
    “I’m thrilled to celebrate the closing of USDA’s first RESP loan to a Vermont institution. This RESP loan to the Vermont Bond Bank will save energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, support good jobs in Vermont, and keep investments local. It’s a win for all of us,” said Senator Welch. “I will continue to work towards ensuring my bipartisan Rural Energy Savings Act will pass as part of the Farm Bill to help more folks access low-interest loans for energy projects.” 
    Senator Welch was joined by Michael Gaughan, Executive Director, Vermont Bond Bank; Sarah Waring, USDA RD State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire; Ted Brady, Vermont League of Cities and Towns; Jim Faulkner, Chair of the Charlotte Select Board and Representatives from the Offices of Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt.). 
    “Reducing costs for our municipal and education partners also reduces cost for taxpayers in the long term, so this is a terrific use of federal funds,” said Sarah Waring, USDA RD State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire. “Our agency has been pro-active in implementing the mandates of the Biden-Harris Administration to invest in rural communities to save money and build more efficient infrastructure. We’re proud to work with partners like the Vermont Bond Bank, one of the very first financial institutions in the country to close an RD RESP loan, because we share our mission to support economic opportunity and quality-of-life improvements for our communities.” 
    “The Bond Bank’s RESP loan will be a game changer in reducing energy costs for Vermont’s rural villages, towns, and school districts,” said Bond Bank Executive Director Michael Gaughan. “The resulting flexible and low-cost loans will align incentives for communities to enhance both financial and environmental sustainability while also helping to unlock incentives within the Inflation Reduction Act.” 
    The Rural Energy Savings Program provides no-interest loans to rural utilities, electric cooperatives, and related entities to offer affordable financing for rural households and businesses making energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy improvements. Financing is most often used to support air sealing, insulation, new space conditioning systems, and new water heaters.   
    Senator Welch’s bipartisan Rural Energy Savings Act would reauthorize RESP and improve the program by providing limited grant funding to rural utilities to offset administrative and program costs, extending the maximum repayment term for loans to consumers to up to 20 years, and expanding eligibility for all households within a rural utility’s service territory. The bill also codifies the ability of “green banks” to access RESP and codifies manufactured housing as an eligible improvement.  
    Created in 1969 as the nation’s first state bond bank, the Bond Bank helps finance and implement crucial municipal infrastructure at lower costs to communities by providing access to more affordable capital. The Bond Bank does this by overcoming gaps in information, scale, and credit to allow cities, towns, villages, school districts, and other forms of government achieve equitable access to capital. This market specialization also helps with expertise in recognizing emerging needs like flood relief and managing federal requirements for faster and easier access to capital. In addition to facilities and infrastructure lending, the Bond Bank also provides post disaster bridge loans and is the financial administrator of the State of Vermont Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds.  
    USDA Rural Development supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit USDA’s Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America.  
    View photos from the event below:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Finstad Question USDA Grant Oversight amid Pure Prairie Poultry Closure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.) are leading a letter scrutinizing the Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s loan and grant oversight practices after a recent awardee, Pure Prairie Poultry, shut down. Grassley and Finstad serve on the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, respectively.

    “USDA is responsible for keeping tabs on the taxpayer-funded grants it administers, but it clearly dropped the ball with Pure Prairie. Iowans and others across America’s Heartland have lost their jobs and their poultry market as a result of Pure Prairie’s closure. USDA must explain to Congress and the public what went wrong to help prevent a repeat scenario,” Grassley said of the bicameral effort.

    “USDA has provided millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans and grants to meat and poultry processors across the country, which is why my colleagues and I are calling on USDA to provide answers,” Finstad added. “While expanding livestock markets and processing capacity is critical for farm country, the lack of oversight of these dollars by USDA harmed producers and caused a significant disruption to our nation’s food supply chain.”

    Minnesota-based Pure Prairie Poultry received over $45 million in USDA funding to help smaller processors start or expand capacity. The company ceased operations earlier this month and shuttered its plant in Charles City, Iowa. As a result, up to 50 farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin were left without processing capacity or feed for more than 2 million chickens, and roughly 100 more Iowans lost their jobs.

    Grassley and Finstad are asking USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the agency’s considerations for approving Pure Prairie Poultry’s funding, its insights into the company’s financial standing and the steps it took to assist stakeholders following the Charles City plant closure.

    Additional signatories include Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), along with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) and Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.). 

    Read the full letter HERE. 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Five Eyes intelligence partners launch shared security advice initiative for tech companies, researchers, and investors

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance launched Secure Innovation, a shared security advice initiative to help protect emerging technology companies, researchers, and investors from a range of threats, particularly those from state actors.

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    Today, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance launched Secure Innovation, a shared security advice initiative to help protect emerging technology companies, researchers, and investors from a range of threats, particularly those from state actors.

    The launch of this joint protective security guidance is aimed at protecting the tech sector from national security threats. It follows last October’s historic summit that brought together the principals of the domestic security intelligence agencies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) to announce Five Shared Principles to protect technology companies.

    The Emerging Technology and Securing Innovation Security Summit’s objective was to alert civil society to the pernicious economic espionage activities of hostile state actors. These state actors target and steal technology and research from Five Eyes economies.

    Secure Innovation provides the tech sector with a set of cost-effective measures that companies can take to better protect their ideas, reputation and future success.   

    Secure Innovation demonstrates the increased commitment from all Five Eyes nations to work collaboratively against this shared threat. Businesses in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US can take advantage of a collection of Secure Innovation resources, guidance and products, which are now available across all Five Eyes countries.

    This means companies can benefit from consistent advice reflecting both the globalised and interconnected tech start up ecosystem as well as the global nature of the security threats start-ups face.

    The world of national security and intelligence has evolved rapidly in the last several years, and accordingly the way we work has as well. CSIS’ strong relationships with community partners, businesses, and academia are crucial to building resilience against national security threats. Earning the trust of Canadians is foundational to that effort.

    CSIS is committed to continuing its engagement with Five Eyes partners, and will be releasing more resources in the future to assist various partners across multiple sectors mitigate threats to Canada’s economic security.

    Quote

    “Innovation drives collective prosperity and security, yet the threats to innovation are increasing in both scale and complexity. To meet this challenge, CSIS and our Five Eyes partners have launched the Secure Innovation security advice initiative to help build security awareness among tech companies, researchers, and investors in the Five Eyes to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our respective economies.”

    –          Dan Rogers, Director, CSIS

    Associated Links

    Contacts

    Media Relations
    Canadian Security Intelligence Service
    613-231-0100
    Media-medias@smtp.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C), MHA issues alert against illegal payment gateways created using mule bank accounts by Transnational Organized Cybercriminals facilitating money laundering as a service

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C), MHA issues alert against illegal payment gateways created using mule bank accounts by Transnational Organized Cybercriminals facilitating money laundering as a service

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is taking all steps to create a Cyber Secure Bharat

    Nation-wide raids by Gujarat Police and Andhra Pradesh Police reveal that trans-national criminals have created illegal digital payment gateways using mule / rented accounts

    These illegal infrastructure facilitating money laundering as a service are used for laundering proceeds of multiple nature of cybercrimes

    I4C advices all citizens not to sell/rent their bank accounts/company registration certificate/Udhyam Aadhaar Registration certificate to anyone

    Illicit funds deposited in such bank accounts can lead to legal consequences, including arrest

    Banks may deploy necessary checks to identify misuse of bank accounts that are used for setting up Illegal Payment Gateways

    People must immediately report any cybercrime on helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in and follow “CyberDost” channels / account on social media, to remain informed

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 7:49PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C), MHA has issued an against illegal payment gateways created using mule bank accounts by Transnational Organized Cybercriminals facilitating money laundering as a service. Recent nation-wide raids by Gujarat Police (FIR 0113/2024) and Andhra Pradesh Police (FIR 310/2024) have revealed that trans-national criminals have created illegal digital payment gateways using mule/rented accounts. These illegal infrastructure facilitating money laundering as a service are used for laundering proceeds of multiple nature of cybercrimes.

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with all Law Enforcement Agencies (LWAs), is taking all steps to create a Cyber Secure Bharat.

    As per the information received from State Police Agencies and analysis by Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center, following details were identified:

    1. Current accounts and saving accounts are scouted through social media; majorly from Telegram and Facebook. These accounts belong to shell companies / enterprise or individuals.
    2. These mule accounts are controlled remotely from overseas.
    • III. An illegal payment gateway is then created using these mule accounts are given to criminal syndicates for accepting deposits on illegal platforms like fake investment scam sites, offshore betting and gambling websites, fake stock trading platforms etc.
    • IV. Funds are immediately layered to another account as soon as the crime proceeds are received. Bulk Payout facility provided by banks are misused for the same.

    Some of the payment gateways identified during operation are PeacePay, RTX Pay, PoccoPay, RPPay etc. These gateways are learnt to be providing Money Laundering as a Service and are operated by foreign nationals.

    I4C has advised citizens not to sell/rent their bank accounts/company registration certificate/Udhyam Aadhaar Registration certificate to anyone. Illicit funds deposited in such bank accounts can lead to legal consequences, including arrest. Banks may deploy checks to identify misuse of bank accounts that are used for setting up Illegal Payment Gateways. The citizens must immediately report any cybercrime on helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in and follow “CyberDost” channels / account on social media.

    *****

    RK / VV / RR / PS

    (Release ID: 2069000) Visitor Counter : 23

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India-Spain Joint Statement during the visit of President of Government of Spain to India (October 28-29, 2024)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sanchez paid an official visit to India on 28 -29 October, 2024. This was President Sanchez’s first visit to India and the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after 18 years. He was accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Minister of Industry and Tourism, and a high-level official and business delegation.

    The two leaders noted that this visit has renewed the bilateral relationship, infusing it with fresh momentum and setting the stage for a new era of enhanced cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. They also expressed satisfaction at the progress of bilateral relations since Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017. Both leaders instructed their teams to continue upgrading the bilateral agenda further and forging cooperation in all dimensions of political, economic, security, defence, people-to-people and cultural cooperation.

    President Sanchez was granted a cultural welcome, and held delegation level talks with Prime Minister Modi at Vadodara.He also visited Mumbai where he interacted with prominent business leaders, cultural figures and representatives of the Indian film industry.

    President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the Final Assembly Line Plant of C-295 aircraft co-produced by Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. at Vadodara. This plant will roll out the first ‘Made in India’ C295 aircraft in 2026, out of a total of 40 aircrafts to be manufactured in India. Airbus Spain is also delivering 16 aircrafts in ‘fly-away’ condition to India, out of which 6have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force.

    Political, Defence, and Security Cooperation

    1. The two leaders reviewed the warm and cordial bilateral ties between the two countries and highlighted that the foundation of the growing partnership lies in the shared commitment to democracy, freedom, rule of law, a fair and equitable global economy, a more sustainable and resilient planet, a rules-based international order and enhanced and reformed multilateralism. They also highlighted the enduring historical ties and long-standing friendship between the two nations as central to this cooperation.

    2. Both leaders emphasised that regular high-level interaction is giving momentum to the partnership. They noted that the ongoing bilateral cooperation between the foreign, economy and commerce and defence ministries is working well, and stressed the importance of holding regular dialogues between the concerned ministries/agencies of the two sides with a view to strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in key areas of defence, security including cyber security, trade and economic issues, culture, tourism, education and people-to-people ties.

    3. Both leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the C-295 aircraft project as a symbol of the growing defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. In line with this growing partnership, and in recognition of the advanced capabilities and competitiveness of the Spanish defence industry and its contribution to the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, they encouraged their respective defence industries in other sectors to set up similar joint projects in India.

    Economic and Commercial Cooperation

    4. President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent positive developments in bilateral trade and investment partnership, buoyed by the positive economic outlook in both countries and called for stronger ties between the businesses of the two countries.

    5. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Sanchez on the growth and the resilience of the Spanish economy. President Sanchez complimented Prime Minister Modi on India’s fast economic growth and lauded the various government initiatives to promote a business-friendly environment. President Sanchez highlighted Spain’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative through the activities of about 230 Spanish companies present in India. Both leaders reiterated their strong support for an open rules-based multilateral trading system, and a business-friendly investment scenario in both countries.

    6. Recognizing the expertise of Spanish companies in areas such as energy, including renewables, nuclear, and smart grids, food processing, healthcare and health services, automotive and transport infrastructure, including trains, roads, ports and transport network management, the two leaders welcomed further collaboration in these areas. President Sanchez welcomed the positive contributions being made by Indian companies to the Spanish economy in fields such as information technology, pharmaceuticals and automobile and auto components. Both leaders welcomed the establishment of a ‘Fast Track Mechanism’ to facilitate mutual investments in India and Spain.

    7. The two leaders took note of the progress made by the 12th session of the India-Spain ‘Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation’ (JCEC) held in 2023 and agreed to convene the next session of the JCEC in Spain in early 2025. In this context, they also agreed on the importance of deepening economic ties and exploring strategic cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and sustainable infrastructure. The two leaders looked forward to an early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding on Urban Sustainable Development.

    8. Both leaders welcomed the Second meeting of the India-Spain CEOs Forum as well as India-Spain Business Summit in Mumbai on October 29, 2024,to promote trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

    9. Both leaders recognized the vital importance of innovation and the startup ecosystems in driving forward the bilateral partnership and called for all such opportunities to be explored in mutual interest. They encouraged relevant agencies of both countries to work to deepen any such exchanges in the future, including through frameworks such as Rising Up in Spain and the Startup India initiative.

    10. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of rail transport and the agreement of cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matter.

    11. The leaders acknowledged the role of tourism in driving economic and business opportunities and enhancing understanding between the people of both countries and agreed that it should be further promoted. Both leaders welcomed the interest shown by airlines to establish direct flights between Spain and India.

    The Year 2026 as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI

    12. Taking into account the deep relationship between India and Spain and the long lasting friendship between the two peoples, Prime Minister Modi, and President Pedro Sanchez, have agreed to make 2026 as the Year of India and Spain in Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    13. During the year, both sides will make the maximum effort to boost the cultural presence of the other in their museums, art, fairs, film, festivals, literature, meetings of architects and circles of debate and thought.

    14. Likewise, special attention will be paid to ways of increasing tourist flows, promote reciprocal investments and share experiences in the many areas of hospitality, architecture, cuisine, marketing, both in urban and rural tourism, which benefits harmonious development and improvement for both countries.

    15. In accordance with the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, India and Spain can play a very important role for the use of AI for good and its positive implementation in many fields. Both countries commit to hold during the year, events to foster positive use of AI and will work for the practical implementation of new advances in the field of AI in the productive economy.

    16. To mark the importance of this initiative, both leaders directed the concerned stakeholders to celebrate the year in the respective countries in the most befitting manner.

    Cultural and People-to-People Ties

    17. The two leaders acknowledged the role of cultural ties in bringing nations closer and lauded the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and Spain. They appreciated the long-standing cultural exchanges and enrichment between India and Spain, particularly the role of Spanish Indologists and Indian Hispanists. They welcomed the signing of a Cultural Exchange Program to promote bilateral exchanges in music, dance, theatre, literature, museums and festivals.

    18.The two leaders applauded the growing interest in the study of the cultures and languages of both countries. Spanish is among popular foreign languages in India. They stressed the mutual interest in further strengthening India – Spain cultural cooperation and the reinforcement of cooperation among cultural institutions of both countries such as Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi and Casa de la India in Valladolid.

    19. The two leaders welcomed the establishment of the ICCR Chairs on Hindi and on Indian Studies at the University of Valladolid. India is bringing transformational changes in education sector in India under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In this context, Prime Minister Modi encouraged leading Spanish universities to strengthen academic and research partnership with Indian institutions; build institutional linkages through joint/dual degree and twinning arrangements and explore the possibility of setting up branch campuses in India.

    20. President Sanchez is also giving the keynote address at the 4th Spain-India Forum, co-organized by Spain-India Council Foundation and Observer Research Foundation, in Mumbai. The leaders recognized the valuable contributions of this institution, which has a complementary role to that of governments in strengthening the links between Indian and Spanish civil societies, companies, think tanks, administrations and universities, helping to enhance bilateral ties by fostering a strong partnership between their members and its activities and bringing the two countries together in order to increase their mutual knowledge.

    21. The two leaders welcomed the installation at Valladolid of the bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore gifted to the people of Spain by ICCR and the placing of the translated works of Tagore in the vaults of Instituto Cervantes in Madrid which is a testament to increasing cultural connect between peoples of the two countries.

    22. The two sides noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation in the field of film and audio-visuals, with India being the Guest Country at the SEMINCI International Film Festival in 2023, and the award of the IFFI Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement to the legendary Spanish director Carlos Saura. Acknowledging the large film and audio-visual industries in India and Spain, both leaders agreed that the scope of collaboration between the two countries under the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement can be enhanced and welcomed the creation of a Joint Commission to improve cooperation between the two countries in the audiovisual field and promote and facilitate the co-production of films.

    23. To enhance people-to-people ties and consular services in two countries, the two leaders welcome the operationalisation of India’s first Consulate General in Spain at Barcelona and the decision to open Spain’s Consulate General in Bengaluru.

    EU and India relations

    24. Prime Minister Modi and President Sanchez reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership and to advancing the EU-India triple negotiations of comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement and Geographical Indications Agreement.

    25. They agreed to enhance their collaboration to fully realize the objectives of the EU-India Connectivity Partnership, and recognized the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Project (IMEEC) to boost connectivity between India and Europe. They explored avenues for cooperation among regional countries in areas such as trade, investment, technology, energy, logistics, ports, and infrastructure development.

    Global Issues

    26. The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, and consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as earnest engagement between all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Both sides agreed to remain in touch to support efforts aimed at negotiated settlement of the conflict.

    27.They shared their firm commitment to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and expressed their deep concern at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and called for restraint by all concerned. They urged that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and agreed that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and must end as soon as possible. They called for the immediaterelease of all hostages, immediate ceasefire and safe, sustained entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and urged all parties to comply with international law. They reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the two State solution,leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine, living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in peace and security with Israel as well as their support for Palestine membership at the United Nations.

    28. Both sides reiterated their concern on escalation and violence in Lebanon, and the security situation along the Blue Line and reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. As major troop contributing countries, they condemned the attacks on UNIFIL and highlighted that the safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance and must be ensured by all. Inviolability of UN premises and the sanctity of their mandate must be respected by all.

    29. Both sides emphasized the promotion of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, anchored in a rules-based international order, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, supported by effective regional institutions. They highlighted the importance of unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation, in compliance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Both sides acknowledged India’s invitation to Spain to participate in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) for collaborative efforts aimed at the management, conservation, sustainability, security, and development of the maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific. They also recognized the complementarity between India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

    30. Noting the growing political and commercial relations between India and Latin American region and the historical, economic and cultural links it shares with Spain, both leaders recognized the immense potential of triangular cooperation for investments and development in the region. Spain welcomed India’s application to join the Ibero-American Conference as an Associate Observer, which will offer a platform to strengthen the ties with Latin American countries. Both sides committed to finalise the process by the Ibero-American Summit, to be held in Spain in 2026, so that India may actively participate in the activities of Spain´s Pro Tempore Secretariat.

    International and Multilateral Cooperation

    31. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within the United Nations, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), and other multilateral forums. They emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order for ensuring global peace and development. Both sides committed to advancing multilateralism that reflects present-day realities, making international organizations, including the UNSC, more representative, effective, democratic, accountable and transparent. India expressed its support for Spain’s UNSC candidature for the term 2031-32, while Spain expressed its support for India’s candidature for the period 2028-29.

    32. Both leaders look forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to take place in 2025 in Sevilla (Spain) as a critical opportunity to identify priority actions to help close the resource gap needed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

    33. President Sanchez congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the exemplary chairmanship of G20, which successfully and inclusively addressed important and complex Global South issues. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the valuable contributions made by Spain to the discussions as a Permanent Invitee to the G20.

    34. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable energy and adapting to climate change. They recognize the urgency of accelerating global actions to combat climate change and commit to collaborating in the context of the upcoming Climate Summit in Baku (COP29) to achieve an ambitious outcome including on a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance that helps achieve the temperature goal of Paris Agreement. They also highlighted the need topromote actions to strengthen countries’ resilience and adaptation capacities in the face of the increasing impacts of climate change worldwide. The two leaders looked forward to the early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Renewable Energy. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s commitment towards a green transition and welcomed Spain to the International Solar Alliance. President Sanchez appreciated advances made by India in achieving the renewable energy goals much ahead of the target year. Both leaders also agreed that a concerted global effort would be needed in order to address climate change concerns. Both sides will respond positively to the outcomes of COP28, including the first Global Stocktake in light of national circumstances.

    35. Spain has invited India to join IDRA, the International Drought Resilience Alliance, which was launched in 2022, a platform to promote concrete actions to reduce the vulnerability of countries, cities and communities to drought through preparedness and adaptation measures.

    36.Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability, and called for bringing the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks to justice without delay. They urged all countries to take immediate, sustained and irreversible action to prevent territory under their control from being used for terrorist purposes, and stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups proscribed by the UNSC including Al Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s multilateral initiatives in support of the Victims of Terrorism and their empowerment.

    37. President Sanchez thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, and invited him to undertake a visit to Spain in the near future.

     

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