NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI China: PBOC and MOF Joint Working Group Holds its First Official Meeting

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    In order to implement the guidelines of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as the requirement put forward at the Central Financial Work Conference to enrich the toolbox of monetary policy by gradually increasing the purchase and sale of government bonds in the central bank’s open market operations, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) have established a joint working group. Its first official meeting was held recently. Xuan Changneng, Deputy governor of the PBOC and Liao Min, Vice Minister of Finance attended and addressed the meeting. At the meeting, both sides highly recognized their previous close cooperation in buying and selling government bonds by the central bank. They also established the mechanism for the operation of the working group, and exchanged opinions on issues such as the operation of the bond market. Both agreed that the central bank’s buying and selling of government bonds is an important means to enrich the monetary toolbox and strengthen the liquidity management. Moving forward, both sides should strike a balance between development and security, and keep on promoting policy coordination. They should continuously improve relevant institutional arrangements, regulate the bond market and maintain its stable development, so as to provide a favourable market environment for the central bank to buy and sell government bonds. Officials from relevant departments of the PBOC and the MOF also attended the meeting.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月09日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Business No.6 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Business No.6 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 10, 2024)

    To implement the requirements of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on “establishing a long-term mechanism to enhance the internal stability of the capital market” and promote the healthy and stable development of the capital market, the PBOC decides to set up Securities, Funds and Insurance companies Swap Facility (SFISF) to support eligible securities, funds and insurance companies to use their assets including bonds, stock ETFs and holdings of CSI 300 constituent stocks as collateral in exchange for highly liquid assets such as government bonds and central bank bills from the PBOC. The initial scale of the swap operation will be set at RMB500 billion, with possible expansions in the future. As from today, applications are accepted from eligible securities, funds and insurance companies.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月10日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with members of the Austrian Ski Association, on the occasion of the World Ski Championships 2025

    Source: The Holy See

    This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the members of the Austrian Ski Association ( Ski Austria ), on the occasion of the World Ski Championships 2025, to be held in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, from 4 to 16 February.
    The following is the Pope’s greeting to those present at the audience:
     
    Greeting of the Holy Father
    Dear Msgr. Lackner,
    Your Excellency,
    Dear athletes, dear friends,
     
    I warmly greet you, who have come to the Vatican from Austria to meet the Successor of Peter.
    Your homeland, rich in majestic mountains, offers excellent possibilities for alpine sports. Your association, Ski Austria , founded in 1905, aims to promote the various skiing activities nationwide, especially the athletes in their outstanding performances. I would like to encourage all of you to always cultivate in your endeavours the values inherent to sport: such as constancy, sincerity, friendship, solidarity. Constancy, sincerity, friendship, solidarity. In this way you make your contribution to a more fraternal world, because sport creates brotherhood, in order to sing, amidst the wonders of nature in your country, the hymn of praise to the Creator.
    May the Lord accompany you and the Guardian Angels protect you from every danger. I pray for you and you, pray for me.
    (Words in German) Ich bete für Sie, beten Sie für mich: Diese Arbeit ist nicht einfach! Vielen Dank.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What Israel and its neighbours want now as all-out war looms in the Middle East – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    The Middle East is perilously close to all-out war. In the year since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, millions of people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and now Lebanon, and tens of thousands killed.

    After Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles against Israel on October 1. As the world waits to see how Israel will retaliate, Israel’s military continues to attack Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and in Beirut.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to two experts from the Middle East, Mireille Rebeiz and Amnon Aran, to get a sense of the strategic calculations being made by both Israel and its neighbours at this frightening moment for the region.

    Mireille Rebeiz is the chair of Middle East studies at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania in the US and an expert on Hezbollah. She says that since launching its manifesto in 1985 Hezbollah has always positioned itself “in opposition to the existence of the state of Israel”.

    It affirmed the dedication to the Palestinian cause. It affirmed its commitment to the Iranian revolution and the Shi’ite ideology.

    Rebeiz says Iran’s military goals are completely aligned with Hezbollah’s and traces them back to the US’s destabilisation of Iraq.

    When Iraq fell into a full chaos and war (it) allowed for Iran to meddle into Iraq and gave a big voice to the Shiite conservative voices.

    Then followed the 2011 Syrian civil war, in which Hezbollah stepped in to defend the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

    It’s a domino effect – it’s expansion from Iran to Iraq to Syria to Lebanon. And this is clearly visible in Iran’s military goals, which is ultimately the expansion of the Iranian ideology in the region. Honestly, at this point, I would say there is an attempt to hide behind the Palestinian cause to achieve that goal.

    Israel’s choices

    Amnon Aran is a professor of international relations at City St George’s, University of London, in the UK, and an expert in Israeli foreign policy. Aran says that for Israel, the past 12 months have been described as an “existential moment”, which has informed the war in the Gaza Strip and now Lebanon.

    When the question came about how to respond to this existential threat, it was very much from the prism of what I called elsewhere, a form of entrenchment, which really means that Israel only makes peace in exchange for peace. Any diplomatic arrangement has to be dependent upon and subordinate to a military advantageous balance of power towards Israel and that the Palestinians in the West Bank, and now in the Gaza Strip, would remain under Israeli occupation for the foreseeable future.

    Aran says there is fierce debate in Israel about what to do now. One side follows the line of thinking of the former Israeli prime minister, Nafthali Bennett, who took to X in early October to say that: “Israel now has its greatest opportunity in 50 years to change the face of the Middle East.” This camp is arguing that with Hezbollah weakened, this is the moment to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    On the other side, Aran says, are those in the military establishment arguing against attacking Israel’s nuclear facilities and instead focus on weakening Hezbollah as much as possible. This camp’s reasoning is that:

    After a year of being in a prolonged and very difficult conflict, the next question is you are actually starting a war presumably on five or six fronts, including a very vast country, 90 million people, Iran, with a very rich history, and you are actually entering into a very new phase, which could become very prolonged.

    To hear the full interviews with Mireille Rebeiz and Amnon Aran, listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was produced by Mend Mariwany. Sound design was by Michelle Macklem, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware is the executive producer.

    You can find us on Instagram at theconversationdotcom or via email. You can also subscribe to The Conversation’s free daily email here.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Amnon Aran 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. Mireille Rebeiz is affiliated with the American Red Cross.

    – ref. What Israel and its neighbours want now as all-out war looms in the Middle East – podcast – https://theconversation.com/what-israel-and-its-neighbours-want-now-as-all-out-war-looms-in-the-middle-east-podcast-240952

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: $52 Million Multistate Settlement with Marriott for Data Breach of Starwood Guest Reservation Database

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    RELEASE: $52 Million Multistate Settlement with Marriott for Data Breach of Starwood Guest Reservation Database

    Posted on Oct 9, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

    OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR | KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR | KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    THOMAS MANA MORIARTY

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

              

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 9, 2024

    $52 Million Multistate Settlement with Marriott for Data Breach of Starwood Guest Reservation Database

     

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection announced today that a coalition of 50 attorneys general has reached a settlement with Marriott International, Inc. as the result of an investigation into a large multiyear data breach of one of its guest reservation databases. The Federal Trade Commission, which has been coordinating closely with the states throughout this investigation, has reached a parallel settlement with Marriott. Under the settlement with the attorneys general, Marriott has agreed to strengthening its data security practices using a dynamic risk-based approach, provide certain consumer protections, and make a $52 million payment to states. The state of Hawai‘i will receive$438,045.00 from the settlement.

    Marriott acquired Starwood in 2016 and took control of the Starwood computer network within the same year. However, from July 2014 until September 2018, intruders in the system went undetected. This led to the breach of 131.5 million guest records pertaining to customers in the United States. The impacted records included contact information, gender, dates of birth, legacy Starwood Preferred Guest information, reservation information, and hotel stay preferences, as well as a limited number of unencrypted passport numbers and unexpired payment card information.

    Shortly after the breach of the Starwood database was announced, a coalition of 50 attorneys general launched a multistate investigation into the breach. Today’s settlement resolves allegations by the attorneys general that Marriott violated state consumer protection laws, personal information protection laws, and, where applicable, breach-notification laws by failing to implement reasonable data security measures and remediate data security deficiencies, particularly when attempting to use and integrate Starwood into its systems.

    “When companies choose to collect and store consumer data, they must take steps to secure it,” stated Executive Director of the Office of Consumer Protection, Mana Moriarty. “We will continue to hold businesses accountable for their failure to do so.”

    Under the terms of the settlement, Marriott has agreed to strengthen and continually improve its cybersecurity practices. Some of the specific measures include:

    • Implementation of a comprehensive Information Security Program. This includes new overarching security program mandates, such as incorporating zero-trust principles, regular security reporting to the highest levels within the company, including the Chief Executive Officer, and enhanced employee training on data handling and security.
    • Data minimization and disposal requirements, which will lead to less consumer data being collected and retained.
    • Specific security requirements with respect to consumer data, including component hardening, conducting an asset inventory, encryption, segmentation to limit an intruder’s ability to move across a system, patch management to ensure that critical security patches are applied in a timely manner, intrusion detection, user access controls, and logging and monitoring to keep track of movement of files and users within the network.
    • Increased vendor and franchisee oversight, with a special emphasis on risk assessments for “Critical IT Vendors,” and clearly outlined contracts with cloud providers.
    • In the future, if Marriott acquires another entity, it must timely further assess the acquired entity’s information security program and develop plans to address identified gaps or deficiencies in security as part of the integration into Marriott’s network.
    • An independent third-party assessment of Marriott’s information security program every two years for a period of 20 years for additional security oversight.

    These settlement terms are grounded in a well-developed risk-based approach in which Marriott not only needs to conduct an annual enterprise level risk assessment, but it must also perform risk analyses throughout the year for changes to security controls. Those ongoing risk assessments must address the criteria of “harm to others” – which would include potential harm to consumers.

    As part of the settlement, Marriott will give consumers specific protections, including a data deletion option, even if consumers do not currently have that right under state law. Marriott must offer multifactor authentication to consumers for their loyalty rewards accounts, such as Marriott Bonvoy, as well as reviews of those accounts if there is suspicious activity.

    Connecticut, Maryland, and Oregon as well as the District of Columbia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Texas co-led the multistate investigation, assisted by the Executive Committee of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, and were joined by Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

    ###

    Media Contact:

    William Nhieu

    Communications Officer
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
    Email:     [email protected]

    Phone: 808-586-7582

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 10.9.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 9, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Jennifer Troia, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Social Services. Troia has served as Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Social Services since 2020. She was a Principal Consultant for the Joint Legislative Budget Committee from 2018 to 2019. Troia was a Policy Advisor in the Office of California State Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon from 2014 to 2017. She held several roles for the California State Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review from 2009 to 2014, including Deputy Staff Director and Principal Consultant. Troia was a Principal Consultant for the California State Assembly Committee on Human Services from 2008 to 2009. She was Director of Advocacy at the California Court Appointed Special Advocate Association from 2006 to 2008. Troia was an Equal Justice Works Fellow and Attorney at the Youth Law Center from 2004 to 2006. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $244,572. Troia is a Democrat.  

    Nathan Williams, of Washington, D.C., has been appointed Chief, Immigration Integration Branch of the Office of Equity at the California Department of Social Services. Williams has been Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security since September 2024. He held several roles at the National Security Council in the Executive Office of the President of the United States from 2023 and 2024, including Director for Refugees and Director for Hemispheric Migration. Williams was a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2022 to 2023. He served in several roles, including several overseas assignments, at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2010 and 2022, including Senior Liaison Officer, Digital Case Management Officer, Protection Officer, Associate Field Officer, Associate Protection Officer and Associate Resettlement Officer. Williams was an Emergency Officer at the Office of Emergency Programmes of the United Nations Children’s Fund in 2015. He earned a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from Santa Clara University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $142,008. Williams is a Democrat.

    Daphne Hunt, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Community Services and Development. Hunt has served as Deputy Director of Programs at the California Department of Community Services and Development since 2021. She was Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs at the California Health and Human Services Agency from 2019 to 2021. Hunt held several roles at the California State Assembly’s Human Services Committee from 2015 to 2019, including Chief Consultant and Senior Consultant. She held several roles at the California State Senate Office of Research from 2012 to 2015, including Deputy Director and Policy Consultant. She held several roles at SEIU Local 1000 from 2007 to 2012, including Senior Research Analyst and Research Analyst. Hunt earned a Master of Arts degree in Social Policy from Brandeis University, a Master of Science degree in Community Development from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and English Literature from the University of Iowa. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $176,808.  Hunt is a Democrat.  

    Roy Bucton, of Duarte, has been reappointed to the California State Independent Living Council, where he has served since 2021. Bucton has been an Independent Contractor and Producer for music and performance since 1983. He was a Disability Advocacy Coordinator for Painted Brain from 2021 to 2024. Bucton was Director and Founder of the Filipino Artists Network from 2001 to 2011. He is Chair of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advisory Council and a member of the Board of Directors of Disability Rights California. Bucton earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in World Music from the California Institute of the Arts. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Bucton is registered without party preference.

    Susan DeMarois, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the California State Independent Living Council, where she has served since 2022. DeMarois has been Director of the California Department of Aging since 2021. She was a Member of the Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee from 2019 to 2020. DeMarois held several positions at the Alzheimer’s Association from 1999 and 2021, including Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, California Government Affairs Director and California State Policy Director. She was Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations at the University of California, Davis Health System from 2002 to 2009. DeMarois was Associate Director of Public Policy at LeadingAge California from 1993 to 1999. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from California State University, Chico. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. DeMarois is a Democrat. 

    Ariana “Rian” Dindzans, of San Ramon, has been reappointed to the California State Independent Living Council, where they have served since 2023. Dindzans has been a Volunteer Writer and Outreach Representative for the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program since 2023. They have been a Research Assistant for Dr. Christina Chin-Newman at California State University, East Bay since 2023.  Dindzans is a member of the Disability Justice Club and the Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Dindzans is a Democrat. 

    Anisa Escobedo, of Eureka, has been reappointed to the California State Independent Living Council, where she has served since 2023. Escobedo has been Owner and Designer at Escobedo Design since 2016. She held several roles at Tri-County Independent Living from 2019 to 2024, including Systems Change & Special Projects Coordinator, Advocacy and Fund Development Coordinator and Advocacy & Outreach Specialist. Escobedo was Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Arcata Chamber of Commerce in 2022. She was Executive Director of the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce in 2020. Escobedo is a member of Kiwanis International. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Escobedo is a Democrat.

    M. Lisa Hayes, of Bellflower, has been reappointed to the California State Independent Living Council, where she has served since 2016. Hayes has been Executive Director at Rolling Start Inc. since 2018. She held several positions at Molina Healthcare between 2007 and 2017, including Associate Vice President of Managed Long-Term Services and Supports, Director of Disability and Senior Access Services, Manager of Senior Disability Programs and Manager of Provider Contract Review. Hayes was a Project and Contract Manager at United Health PacifiCare from 2000 to 2007. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Hayes is a Democrat. 

    Recent news

    Oct 9, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: News story: What does the Employment Rights Bill mean for you?

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Our Employment Rights Bill will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire, and introduce basic employment rights from day one.

    We’re introducing new workplace rights to end unfair employment practices and help deliver economic growth.  

    Our Employment Rights Bill will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire, and introduce basic employment rights from day one – like paternity and parental leave, and protection from unfair dismissal. It also introduces right to bereavement leave from day one. 

    It will replace out-of-date employment laws, helping to boost pay and productivity with legislation fit for a modern economy.  

    This is the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, and a significant step towards delivering this government’s plan to make work pay.   

    Basic rights from day one  

    We’re putting in place measures to give employees basic rights from their first day in a new job.   

    Our new Bill will give greater protection against unfair dismissal from day one, ensuring that the feeling of security at work is no longer a luxury for the privileged few.  

    We are also bringing in a new statutory probation period for companies’ new hires. This will allow for a proper assessment of an employee’s suitability for a role as well as reassuring employees that they have rights from day one. We will consult on the length of the period; the government’s preference is 9 months. 

    The Bill will establish rights to bereavement and paternity and parental leave from day one, and strengthen statutory sick pay, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in.

    Our new Bill and measures will:   

    • Give protection against unfair dismissal from day one, while allowing employers to operate probation periods

    • Establish parental and bereavement leave from day one  

    • End exploitative zero hour contracts   

    • End unscrupulous practices of fire and rehire and fire and replace  

    • Make flexible working the norm where practical  

    • Deliver stronger dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers  

    • Establish a new Fair Work Agency with new powers to enforce holiday pay  

    • Strengthen statutory sick pay

    Ending unfair practices   

    Our new laws will end exploitative zero hours contracts and unscrupulous fire and rehire practices.   

    While workers can stay on zero hours contracts if they’d prefer to, our new Bill means they’ll have the right to a guaranteed hours contract if they work regular hours over a defined period.   

    Ending unscrupulous employment practices is a priority for this government. And this Bill will shut down the loopholes that allow bullying fire and rehire and fire and replace to continue.   

    A fairer and more flexible workplace   

    As part of the Bill, we’ll introduce new measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives. This includes making flexible working the default where practical.   

    Large employers will be required to create action addressing gender equality, including supporting employees through the menopause, and protections against dismissal will be strengthened for pregnant workers and those returning from maternity leave.   

    This is all with the intention of keeping people in jobs for longer, reducing recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention and helping the economy grow.  

    We’ll also establish a new Fair Work Agency bringing together existing enforcement bodies to enforce rights such as holiday pay, and support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What does the Employment Rights Bill mean for you?

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Our Employment Rights Bill will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire, and introduce basic employment rights from day one.

    We’re introducing new workplace rights to end unfair employment practices and help deliver economic growth.  

    Our Employment Rights Bill will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire, and introduce basic employment rights from day one – like paternity and parental leave, and protection from unfair dismissal. It also introduces right to bereavement leave from day one. 

    It will replace out-of-date employment laws, helping to boost pay and productivity with legislation fit for a modern economy.  

    This is the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, and a significant step towards delivering this government’s plan to make work pay.   

    Basic rights from day one  

    We’re putting in place measures to give employees basic rights from their first day in a new job.   

    Our new Bill will give greater protection against unfair dismissal from day one, ensuring that the feeling of security at work is no longer a luxury for the privileged few.  

    We are also bringing in a new statutory probation period for companies’ new hires. This will allow for a proper assessment of an employee’s suitability for a role as well as reassuring employees that they have rights from day one. We will consult on the length of the period; the government’s preference is 9 months. 

    The Bill will establish rights to bereavement and paternity and parental leave from day one, and strengthen statutory sick pay, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in.

    Our new Bill and measures will:   

    • Give protection against unfair dismissal from day one, while allowing employers to operate probation periods

    • Establish parental and bereavement leave from day one  

    • End exploitative zero hour contracts   

    • End unscrupulous practices of fire and rehire and fire and replace  

    • Make flexible working the norm where practical  

    • Deliver stronger dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers  

    • Establish a new Fair Work Agency with new powers to enforce holiday pay  

    • Strengthen statutory sick pay

    Ending unfair practices   

    Our new laws will end exploitative zero hours contracts and unscrupulous fire and rehire practices.   

    While workers can stay on zero hours contracts if they’d prefer to, our new Bill means they’ll have the right to a guaranteed hours contract if they work regular hours over a defined period.   

    Ending unscrupulous employment practices is a priority for this government. And this Bill will shut down the loopholes that allow bullying fire and rehire and fire and replace to continue.   

    A fairer and more flexible workplace   

    As part of the Bill, we’ll introduce new measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives. This includes making flexible working the default where practical.   

    Large employers will be required to create action addressing gender equality, including supporting employees through the menopause, and protections against dismissal will be strengthened for pregnant workers and those returning from maternity leave.   

    This is all with the intention of keeping people in jobs for longer, reducing recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention and helping the economy grow.  

    We’ll also establish a new Fair Work Agency bringing together existing enforcement bodies to enforce rights such as holiday pay, and support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Sonbhadra Nagar Sahkari Bank Limited, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated October 01, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.50 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh Fifty Thousand only) on Sonbhadra Nagar Sahkari Bank Limited, Sonbhadra (the bank) for contravention of the provisions of section 26A read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of the statutory provision and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said statutory provision. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the charge of not transferring the eligible amounts to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund within the prescribed period was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty.

    This action is based on deficiency in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1264

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SUM student receives personal scholarship from Financial Market Council

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The 2nd ceremony of awarding scholarship certificates of the financial market program “Investments in the Future” was held in the Congress Center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. One of the certificates was awarded to a student of the Institute of Economics and Finance of the State University of Management Khagai Ifraimov.

    The scholarship program of corporate and personal scholarships “Investments in the Future” was established in 2022 on the initiative of the Financial Market Council, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Eurasian Economic Council. The program is designed to provide financial support to talented students and young scientists from universities and colleges of the EurAsEC and the CIS.

    In the 2024/2025 academic year, 113 universities and colleges in Russia and Kazakhstan are participating in the program, the “Investments in the Future” fund amounted to 28 million rubles. The scholarship council selected 230 recipients on a competitive basis, 28 of whom were awarded personal scholarships in honor of famous scientists, teachers, government and public figures. The annual scholarship amount is 120 thousand rubles – students will receive 10 thousand rubles per month.

    The founders of the scholarships include banks, insurance companies, non-state pension funds, industrial enterprises and humanitarian organizations. The organizations themselves choose the university or secondary specialized educational institution for whose students they are ready to establish a scholarship.

    The founder of the scholarship for the GUU student Khagai Ifraimov was the Specialized Depository Company “Garant”. Khagai is a 4th-year student at the IEF in the “Financial Management” program. He shared with us his impressions of the scholarship awarding ceremony:

    “Having received a scholarship from the Russian Financial Market Council, I felt an incredible surge of joy and pride. This is not only recognition of my efforts and work, but also an incentive for further self-improvement. I understood that the scholarship would open doors to the world of finance, allow me to meet many key and iconic figures in the Russian financial market. My determination to work even harder only increased, because this support is a step towards achieving goals and strengthening faith in my own strengths.”

    We wish Khagai further success in his studies!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10.10.2024

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

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

    SUM student receives personal scholarship from Financial Market Council

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Parwanoo Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated October 01, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹5.00 lakh (Rupees Five Lakh only) on The Parwanoo Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Parwanoo (the bank) for non-compliance with the specific directions issued by RBI under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI, conferred under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI instructions issued under SAF and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made by it during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the charge of payment of dividend in violation of the directions issued under SAF, was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1263

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Property Developer fined £400K following Council prosecution for breach of planning control | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Freehold company HAAB Development Limited and company director Sheikh Behaeddin Adil have pleaded guilty for failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice for a property in the Queen’s Park Estate Conservation Area in the North Paddington area of Westminster.

    At the sentencing hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday 10th September, HAAB Development Limited and the director of the company, Mr Adil were ordered to pay £415,101.13, for particular criminal conduct under the Proceeds of Crime Act, within three months.

    Westminster City Council sought an inspection of the property in Harrow Road after receiving a complaint about a first-floor extension. In May 2015 Officers from the council’s Planning Enforcement team found that the property was converted from a shop with three residential flats, to a shop with seven inadequately sized studio or one-bed flats. This involved rear extensions to the ground floor and first floor as well as many internal rearrangements.

    The local authority issued an enforcement notice in April 2016 which was required to be complied with by 18th November 2016. The notice required the removal of unauthorised works and internal rearrangements to convert the property back to how it was.

    In January 2020, the requirements of the notice were still not complied with, and Westminster City Council decided it was in the public interest to prosecute the freehold company and its director.

    The enforcement notice was finally complied with in February 2023, with the company and director contesting the prosecution claiming that they were not aware of the central London authority’s concerns about the breach of planning control, despite employing a planning agent to respond to the council’s concerns as early as October 2015.

    Following the sentencing hearing on 10th September 2024, both were required to pay fines of £9,750 each and contributions towards the City Council’s prosecution costs in the sum of £50,000 (£25,000 each) within 3 months. This is in addition to the proceeds of crime order.

    The Council understands that planning enforcement can be challenging due to the time it requires, but we are pleased to have reached a resolution after a lengthy process.

    Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development said:

    Planning Enforcement is there to protect and prevent harm to our historic built environment such as the much loved Queens Park Conservation Area.”

    “We are clear that enforcement notices will be served and must be complied with if a building owner goes ahead with development without  getting planning permission first.”

    “I welcome this verdict, and the proceeds of crime order, as a warning to others and a reminder that Westminster Council is committed to protecting our City from unscrupulous property developers. ”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Inter-Algo: BaFin warns about the websites inter-algo.com und inter-algo.net

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns about the websites inter-algo.com and inter-algo.net. On these websites, the Inter-Algo provides financial services without the required authorisation and offers so-called “wealth planning”.

    Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy announces upsizing and results of its cash tender offers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — News Release – TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (“TC Energy”) today announced that TransCanada PipeLines Limited (the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TC Energy, has released (i) the results of its previously announced seven separate offers (the “Offers”) to purchase for cash the outstanding notes of the series listed in the table below (collectively, the “Notes”) and (ii) that it has amended the Offers by increasing the Maximum Purchase Amount from US$1,750,000,000 to US$1,809,000,000, an amount sufficient to accept for purchase all Notes with Acceptance Priority Levels 1 – 5 in full, in accordance with the terms of the Tender Documents (as defined below).

    The Offers were made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated Oct. 1, 2024 relating to the Notes (the “Offer to Purchase”) and the notice of guaranteed delivery attached as Appendix A thereto (the “Notice of Guaranteed Delivery” and, together with the Offer to Purchase, the “Tender Offer Documents”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase.

    The Offers expired at 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on Oct. 8, 2024 (the “Expiration Date”). The Guaranteed Delivery Date will be the second business day after the Expiration Date and is expected to be Oct.10, 2024. The Settlement Date will be the fourth business day after the Expiration Date and is expected to be Oct. 15, 2024.

    According to information provided by D.F. King & Co., Inc., the Information and Tender Agent in connection with the Offers, US$2,870,274,000 combined aggregate principal amount of Notes were validly tendered prior to or at the Expiration Date and not validly withdrawn. In addition, US$78,193,000 combined aggregate principal amount of Notes were tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures and remain subject to the Holders’ performance of the delivery requirements under such procedures. The table below provides certain information about the Offers, including the aggregate principal amount of each series of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Date and the aggregate principal amount of Notes reflected in Notices of Guaranteed Delivery delivered at or prior to the Expiration Date pursuant to the Tender Offer Documents.

    Acceptance
    Priority
    Level    		 Title of Notes CUSIP / ISIN
    Nos. (1)    		 Principal
    Amount
    Outstanding    		 Total
    Consideration(2)    		 Principal
    Amount
    Tendered(3)    		 Principal
    Amount
    Accepted(3)    		 Principal
    Amount
    Reflected in
    Notices of
    Guaranteed
    Delivery
    1 2.500% Senior Notes due 2031 89352HBC2 / US89352HBC25 US$1,000,000,000 US$887.76 US$739,213,000 US$739,213,000 US$47,207,000
    2 5.000% Senior Notes due 2043 89352HAL3 / US89352HAL33 US$625,000,000 US$965.85 US$200,842,000 US$200,842,000 —
    3 4.875% Senior Notes due 2048 89352HAY5 / US89352HAY53 US$1,000,000,000 US$941.07 US$440,800,000 US$440,800,000 US$4,281,000
    4 5.100% Senior Notes due 2049 89352HAZ2 / US89352HAZ29 US$1,000,000,000 US$977.29 US$179,924,000 US$179,924,000 US$19,144,000
    5 4.750% Senior Notes due 2038 89352HAX7 / US89352HAX70 US$500,000,000 US$963.02 US$313,189,000 US$313,189,000 US$1,611,000
    6 4.250% Senior Notes due 2028 89352HAW9 / US89352HAW97 US$1,400,000,000 US$994.82 US$566,368,000 — US$5,880,000
    7 4.875% Senior Notes due 2026 89352HAT6 / US89352HAT68 US$850,000,000 US$1,003.36 US$429,938,000 — US$70,000

    (1) No representation is made by the Company as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers or ISINs listed in this News Release or printed on the Notes. They are provided solely for convenience. 
    (2) The total consideration for each series of Notes (such consideration, the “Total Consideration”) payable per each US$1,000 principal amount of such series of Notes validly tendered for purchase. 
    (3) The amounts exclude the principal amounts of Notes for which Holders have complied with certain procedures applicable to guaranteed delivery pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. Such amounts remain subject to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. Notes tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures are required to be tendered at or prior to 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on Oct. 10, 2024.

    Overall, US$1,873,968,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes have been accepted for purchase, excluding the Notes delivered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. The Maximum Purchase Condition (after giving effect to the increase described above) has been satisfied with respect to the Offers in respect of the series of Notes with Acceptance Priority Levels 1 – 5. Accordingly, all Notes of those series that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Date have been accepted for purchase. Because the Maximum Purchase Condition was not satisfied with respect to the series of Notes with Acceptance Priority Levels 6 and 7, the Company has not accepted any Notes of such series (as indicated in the table above) and will promptly return all validly tendered Notes of such series to the respective tendering Holders.

    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, Holders whose Notes have been accepted for purchase in the Offers will receive the applicable Total Consideration specified in the table above for each US$1,000 principal amount of such Notes, which will be payable in cash on the applicable Settlement Date.

    In addition to the applicable Total Consideration, Holders whose Notes have been accepted for purchase will be paid the Accrued Coupon Payment. Interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offers, including those tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. Under no circumstances will any interest be payable because of any delay in the transmission of funds to Holders by the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its participants.

    The Offers are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to waive any and all conditions to any Offer. If any of the conditions is not satisfied, the Company is not obligated to accept for payment, purchase or pay for, and may delay the acceptance for payment of, any tendered notes, in each event subject to applicable laws, and may terminate or alter any or all of the Offers.

    The Company has retained Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and RBC Capital Markets, LLC to act as the dealer managers (the “Dealer Managers”) for the Offers. Questions regarding the terms and conditions for the Offers should be directed to Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. at (866) 627-0391 (toll-free) or (212) 250-2955 (collect), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at (866) 834-4666 (toll-free) or (212) 834-4818 (collect), Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at (800) 624-1808 (toll-free) or (212) 761-1057 (collect), or RBC Capital Markets, LLC at (877) 381-2099 (toll-free) or (212) 618-7843 (collect).

    D.F. King & Co., Inc. acts as the Information and Tender Agent for the Offers. Questions or requests for assistance related to the Offers or for additional copies of the Offer to Purchase may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. in New York by telephone at +1 (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or +1 (866) 620-9554 (for all others toll-free), or by email at TCEnergy@dfking.com. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offers. The Tender Offer Documents can be accessed at the following link: http://www.dfking.com/transcanada.

    If the Company terminates any Offer with respect to one or more series of Notes, it will give prompt notice to the Information and Tender Agent, and all Notes tendered pursuant to such terminated Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering Holders thereof. Upon such termination, any Notes blocked in DTC will be released.

    This announcement is for informational purposes only. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any Notes or any other securities of TC Energy, the Company or any of their subsidiaries. The Offers were made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Offers were not made to Holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, “blue sky” or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or “blue sky” laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offers will be deemed to have been made on behalf of the Company by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

    No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction that would permit the possession, circulation or distribution of either this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any material relating to us or the Notes in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the Offers may be distributed or published, in or from any such country or jurisdiction, except in compliance with any applicable rules or regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements include: statements regarding the terms and timing for completion of the Offers, including the settlement dates of the Notes accepted for purchase; and the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions of the Offers.

    Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of TC Energy to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to, conditions in financial markets, investor response to the Offers, and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in TC Energy’s reports filed with Canadian securities administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Readers are cautioned against unduly relying on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of the relevant document and, except as required by law, TC Energy undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise.

    About TC Energy

    We’re a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to safely move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, we’re delivering solutions to the world’s toughest energy challenges – from innovating to deliver the natural gas that feeds LNG to global markets, to working to reduce emissions from our assets, to partnering with our neighbours, customers and governments to build the energy system of the future. It’s all part of how we continue to deliver sustainable returns for our investors and create value for communities.

    TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

    -30-

    Media Inquiries:
    Media Relations
    media@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859

    Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
    Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
    investor_relations@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7911 or 800-361-6522

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/bcaa59bc-903b-47da-a879-8029104445fa

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy announces expiration and upsizing of cash tender offers for certain Canadian-dollar denominated debt securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES (SEE “OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS” BELOW).

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — News Release – TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (“TC Energy”) today announced (i) the expiration of the previously announced separate offers (the “Offers”) of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TC Energy, to purchase for cash up to C$350,000,000 in aggregate purchase price, excluding accrued and unpaid interest, (the “Maximum Purchase Amount”) of its outstanding notes of the two series listed in the table below (collectively, the “Notes”) at 5 p.m. (Toronto time) on Oct. 8, 2024 (the “Expiration Date”) and (ii) the Company has amended the Offers by increasing the Maximum Purchase Amount from C$350,000,000 in aggregate purchase price, excluding accrued and unpaid interest, to C$575,000,000 in aggregate principal amount.

    The Offers

    The Offers were made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated Oct. 1, 2024 relating to the Notes (the “Offer to Purchase”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this news release have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase.

    According to information provided by TSX Trust Company, the Tender Agent, C$1,199,486,000 combined aggregate principal amount of the Notes were validly tendered in connection with the Offers prior to or at the Expiration Date and not validly withdrawn. The table below provides certain information about the Offers, including the aggregate principal amount of each series of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date.

    Title of Notes(1) Principal
    Amount
    Outstanding    		 CUSIP / ISIN
    Nos.     (1)    		 Reference
    Security(2)    		 Bloomberg
    Reference
    Page    (2)    		 Fixed Spread
    (Basis Points)    (2)    		 Principal Amount
    Tendered
    4.180% Senior Notes due 2048 C$1,100,000,000 89353ZCC0 / CA89353ZCC01 CAN 2 ¾ 12/01/55 FIT CAN0-50 160 C$892,057,000
    3.390% Senior Notes due 2028 C$500,000,000 89353ZCA4 / CA89353ZCA45 CAN 3 ½ 03/01/28 FIT CAN0-50 60 C$307,429,000

    (1) No representation is made by TC Energy or the Company as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers or ISINs listed in this news release or printed on the Notes. They are provided solely for convenience.

    (2) The total consideration for each series of Notes (such consideration, the “Total Consideration”) payable per each C$1,000 principal amount of such series of Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase will be based on the applicable Fixed Spread specified in the table above for such series of Notes, plus the applicable yield based on the bid-side price of the applicable Canadian reference security as specified in the table above, as quoted on the applicable Bloomberg Reference Page as of 10 a.m. (Toronto time) on Oct. 9, 2024, unless extended by the Company with respect to the applicable Offer. The Total Consideration does not include the applicable Accrued Coupon Payment, which will be payable in cash in addition to the applicable Total Consideration.

    Indicative Series Acceptance Amounts

    The Company expects to accept for purchase C$575,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 4.180% Senior Notes due 2048 (the “2048 Notes”) tendered into the Offer for such Notes on a pro rata basis within such series, with the actual amount accepted to be adjusted for rounding due to proration. The Company does not expect to accept for purchase any of the 3.390% Senior Notes due 2028 tendered into the Offer for such Notes.

    Pricing and Settlement

    Pricing in respect of the 2048 Notes is expected to occur at 10 a.m. (Toronto time) on Oct. 9, 2024, following which the Final Acceptance Amount, the Offer Yield and the Total Consideration in respect of the 2048 Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offers will be announced by the Company.

    The “Settlement Date” in respect of any 2048 Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer for such Notes is expected to be Oct. 15, 2024. The Company will also pay an Accrued Coupon Payment in respect of 2048 Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer for such Notes. Holders whose 2048 Notes are accepted for purchase will lose all rights as Holder of the tendered 2048 Notes and interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all 2048 Notes accepted in the Offer for such Notes.

    The Offers are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to waive any and all conditions to any Offer. If any of the conditions is not satisfied, the Company is not obligated to accept for payment, purchase or pay for, and may delay the acceptance for payment of, any tendered Notes, in each event subject to applicable laws, and may terminate or alter any or all of the Offers.

    Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (“Deutsche Bank”), J.P. Morgan Securities Canada Inc. (“JPM”), Morgan Stanley Canada Limited (“MS”) and RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (“RBC”) are acting as the dealer managers (the “Dealer Managers”) for the Offers. Questions regarding the terms and conditions for the Offers or for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to JPM at 1.403.532.2126, MS at 1.416.943.8400 or RBC at 1.877.381.2099 (toll-free) or 1.416.842.6311 (collect). Deutsche Bank is not registered as a dealer in any Canadian jurisdiction and, accordingly, neither it nor any of its affiliates will, directly or indirectly, advertise, solicit, facilitate, negotiate, effect or take any other act in furtherance of any purchase or tender of Notes in connection with the Offers and any such solicitation, advertisement or other act with respect to the Offers will be conducted by JPM, MS and RBC. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offers.

    If the Company terminates any Offer with respect to one or more series of Notes, it will give prompt notice to the Tender Agent, and all Notes tendered pursuant to such terminated Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering Holders thereof. With effect from such termination, any Notes blocked in CDS will be released.

    Offer and Distribution Restrictions

    The Offers were made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. This news release does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. No Offer constitutes an offer or an invitation by, or on behalf of, TC Energy, the Company or the Dealer Managers (i) to participate in the Offers in the United States; (ii) to, or for the account or benefit of, any “U.S. person” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended); or (iii) to participate in the Offers in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction, and such persons are not eligible to participate in or tender any securities pursuant to the Offers. No action has been or will be taken in the United States or any other jurisdiction that would permit the possession, circulation or distribution of this news release, the Offer to Purchase or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the Offers to (i) any person in the United States; (ii) any U.S. person; (iii) anyone in any other jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized; or (iv) any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Accordingly, neither this news release, the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the Offers may be distributed or published, in or from the United States or any such other jurisdiction (except in compliance with any applicable rules or regulations of such other jurisdiction). Tenders will not be accepted from any holder located or resident in the United States.

    In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offers will be deemed to have been made on behalf of the Company by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

    This news release is for informational purposes only. This news release is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any Notes or any other securities of TC Energy, the Company or any of their subsidiaries.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements include: statements regarding the terms and timing for completion of the Offers, including the acceptance for purchase of any Notes validly tendered and the expected Settlement Date thereof; and the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions of the Offers.

    Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of TC Energy to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to, conditions in financial markets, investor response to the Offers, and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in TC Energy’s reports filed with Canadian securities administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Readers are cautioned against unduly relying on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of the relevant document and, except as required by law, TC Energy undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise.

    About TC Energy

    We’re a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to safely move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, we’re delivering solutions to the world’s toughest energy challenges – from innovating to deliver the natural gas that feeds LNG to global markets, to working to reduce emissions from our assets, to partnering with our neighbours, customers and governments to build the energy system of the future. It’s all part of how we continue to deliver sustainable returns for our investors and create value for communities.

    TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

    -30-

    Media Inquiries:
    Media Relations
    media@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859

    Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
    Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
    investor_relations@tcenergy.com
    403-920-7911 or 800-361-6522

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/ef553881-2d73-4dda-9255-428724543d0a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 101st Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Helene #HurricaneRelief

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK6jdlDnoZ8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Oct 9, 2024 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Oct 9, 2024

    Updated: Wed Oct 9 08:32:03 UTC 2024

     .

    D4
    Sat, Oct 12, 2024 – Sun, Oct 13, 2024
    D7
    Tue, Oct 15, 2024 – Wed, Oct 16, 2024

    D5
    Sun, Oct 13, 2024 – Mon, Oct 14, 2024
    D8
    Wed, Oct 16, 2024 – Thu, Oct 17, 2024

    D6
    Mon, Oct 14, 2024 – Tue, Oct 15, 2024
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

    Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

    PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

    POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 090830
    SPC AC 090830

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0330 AM CDT Wed Oct 09 2024

    Valid 121200Z – 171200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    Overall upper pattern across the central and eastern CONUS is
    expected to undergo significant amplification from D4/Saturday into
    D7/Tuesday as a series of shortwave troughs move through
    progressively deeper troughing. By early D7/Tuesday, upper troughing
    is expected to extend from the primary cyclone over the Canadian
    Maritimes into the central Plains.

    A cold front is expected to accompany the first shortwave trough,
    moving across the eastern CONUS on D4/Saturday and D5/Sunday.
    Limited buoyancy should keep the thunderstorm potential along this
    front low. Strong ridging will follow in the wake of this front,
    with dry and stable conditions precluding thunderstorms across the
    majority of the CONUS. The only exception is along the Gulf
    Coast/Florida, where enough low-level moisture may be in place to
    support some thunderstorms.

    ..Mosier.. 10/09/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC] – 08 10 2024 – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 08 OCTOBER 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,369,434 1.7008    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,369,434 1.7008    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 390 2436.2p
    1p ORDINARY SALE 790 2438.2p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 09 OCTOBER 2024
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Blue Foundry Bancorp Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Foundry Bancorp (NASDAQ: BLFY) (the “Company”), the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, announced that on the morning of Wednesday, October 23, 2024 it will release financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the Company’s website, https://ir.bluefoundrybank.com/, in the “News” section and on the SEC’s website, https://www.sec.gov/.

    Representatives of the Company will hold a conference call for investors and analysts on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11:00AM (ET) to discuss the Third Quarter 2024 Earnings. Blue Foundry Bancorp will address live questions from analysts. The conference call will be recorded and will be available on the Company’s website for one month.

    We encourage participants to pre-register to listen to the webcast call by using the link below. Upon registration, participants will immediately receive an online confirmation, an email, and a calendar invitation for the event.

    Webcast pre-registration link:  
    https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/821566286

    Participants who are unable to join via webcast may dial-in on the day of the call:

    Participants Dial-In Information:
    United States (Toll Free): 1-833-470-1428
    International: 1-404-975-4839
    Access code: 725750

    About Blue Foundry Bancorp and Blue Foundry Bank
    Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford NJ, with presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements about the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding anticipated future events and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They may or may not include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include but are not limited to conditions related to the global coronavirus pandemic, changes in the interest rate environment, changes in the rate of inflation, general economic conditions or conditions within the securities markets, and legislative and regulatory changes that could adversely affect the business in which the Company and its subsidiaries are engaged. 

    Contact:
    James D. Nesci
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    bluefoundrybank.com
    jnesci@bluefoundrybank.com
    201-972-8900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Woodbridge International Closes Sale of Bristol Machine Company to Industrial Threaded Products

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW HAVEN, Conn., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Woodbridge International, a global mergers and acquisitions firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of its client, Bristol Machine Company by Industrial Threaded Products.

    Bristol Machine Company headquartered in Ontario, California is the premier distributor and fabricator of fastening systems and industrial products that support various industries including construction, marine, and power (solar, wind energy, pole-line).

    Industrial Threaded Products (ITP) services the fastener hardware requirements of commercial manufacturers and construction wholesale distributors, nationwide. ITP exists to make customers connections through extensive knowledge and service.

    Woodbridge International’s ground-breaking approach to marketing a company globally has transformed the way the sell-side M&A industry does business.

    For more information, contact Don Krier, dkrier@woodbridgegrp.com or call 203.389.8400 x 201

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why isometric exercises are so good for you

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Gordon, Professor of Exercise Physiology, Anglia Ruskin University

    Isometric exercises involve contracting your muscles. Odua Images/ Shutterstock

    Exercise is great for improving heart health. But the thought of hitting the gym or going for a jog might put some people off from doing it. And, if you have a heart condition already, such dynamic exercises may not be safe to do.

    The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to do a vigorous workout to see heart benefits. You can even improve your heart health by holding still and trying really hard not to move.

    Isometric training, as this is called, is becoming increasingly popular as a way of reducing blood pressure and hypertension, and improving strength and muscle stability.

    Normally, to build strength and force, our muscles need to change length throughout a movement. Squats and bicep curls are good examples of exercises that cause the muscle to change length throughout the movement.

    But isometric training involves simply contracting your muscles, which generates force without needing to move your joints. The harder a muscle is contracted, the more forceful it becomes (and the more forceful a muscle is, the more powerfully we can perform a movement).

    If you add weight to an isometric exercise, it causes the muscle to contract even harder. A wall sit and a plank are examples of isometric contractions.

    Isometric exercises are associated with a high degree of “neural recruitment”, because of the need to maintain the contraction. This means these exercises are good at engaging specialised neurons in our brain and spinal cord, which play an important role in all the movements we do – both voluntary and involuntary. The greater this level of neural activation, the more muscle fibres are recruited – and the more force generated. As a result, this can lead to strength gains.

    Isometric exercises have long been of interest to strength and power athletes as a means of preparing their muscles to generate high forces by activating them. But research also shows isometric exercises are beneficial for other areas of our health – including reducing hypertension and promoting better blood flow.

    There are a couple reasons why isometric exercises are so good for the heart.

    When a muscle is contracted, it expands its size. This causes it to compress the blood vessels supplying this muscle, reducing blood flow and raising the blood pressure in our arteries – a mechanism known as the “pressor reflex”.

    Then, once the contraction is relaxed, a sudden surge of blood flows into the blood vessels and muscle. This influx of blood brings more oxygen and (crucially) nitric oxide into the blood vessels – causing them to widen. This in turn reduces blood pressure. Over time, this action will reduce stiffness of the arteries, which may lower blood pressure.

    Over time, isometric exercises may help lower blood pressure.
    Andrey_Popov/ Shutterstock

    When blood flow is reduced during an isometric movement, it also reduces the amount of available oxygen that cells need to function. This triggers the release of metabolites, such as hydrogen ions and lactate, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system – which controls our “fight of flight” response. In the short term, this leads to an increase in blood pressure.

    But when an isometric exercise is done repeatedly over many weeks, there’s a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity. This means blood pressure is lowered and there’s less strain on the cardiovascular system – which makes these exercises good for the heart.

    Isometric exercises may be even more beneficial for heart health than other types of cardiovascular exercise. A study which compared the benefits of isometric exercise versus high-intensity interval training found isometrics led to significantly greater reductions in resting blood pressure over the study period of between two and 12 weeks.

    How to use isometric exercise

    If you want to use isometric training to reduce blood pressure, it’s recommended that you should do any isometric contraction for two minutes at around 30-50% of your maximum effort. This is enough to trigger physiological improvements.

    You can start by doing this four times a day, three-to-five times per week – focusing on the same exercise. As you progress, you can start to vary the exercises you do, add weights to the exercise, or add in more than one isometric exercise.

    Some good isometric exercises to begin with include a static squat, a wall sit or a plank. Even during these small bouts of exercise, your heart rate, breathing and arterial pressure will all increase – the same responses that occur during more conventional whole-body exercises, such as cycling and running.

    The beneficial improvements in blood pressure start to manifest around 4-10 weeks after starting isometric training – though this depends on a person’s health and fitness levels when starting out.

    Isometric training appears to be a simple, low-intensity mode of exercise that offers big benefits for cardiovascular health – all while requiring little time commitment compared with other workouts.

    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. Why isometric exercises are so good for you – https://theconversation.com/why-isometric-exercises-are-so-good-for-you-239543

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Telegram: why the app is allowed when other social media is censored in Russia

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Olga Logunova, Research Associate, King’s Russia Institute, King’s College London

    Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov has confirmed that the messaging app, which is widely used in Russia, has made several changes related to user privacy.

    Durov, who was arrested in France in August in connection with a range of crimes as well as refusal to communicate information or documents, has made some alterations that address user safety and user privacy.

    Telegram says the changes are expected to also reduce criminal activity on the app. But users are concerned that the changes make the app more compliant with legal requests from authorities.

    While Durov’s political and legal tussle continues in the EU, at home in Russia Telegram remains one of the most influential media platforms. It is one of the only places where both opposition and official voices coexist.

    It is particularly popular with Russians between the ages of 12 and 24, with around 85% of them using Telegram. Around 25 of its 30 most popular channels are news and politics related. Telegram is also popular for calls and messaging.

    The platform is a vital space for the independent journalism and activism that survives in Russia. Independent media outlets and commentators covering Russian affairs and using Telegram include Meduza (1.3 million subscribers), TV Rain (500,000 subscribers) and Mediazona. All are using Telegram to reach the public but are operating from outside Russia’s borders.

    Pro-government channels also attract big audiences on Telegram, often with even larger followings than the independent outlets mentioned above. The most popular Telegram channels are Ria Novosti with 3.3 million subscribers, Readovka with 2.6 million subscribers, and Solovyov Live (1.3 million subscribers), along with several others promoting pro-government lines and supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

    Additionally, alternative voices such as Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former oligarch and prominent Kremlin critic, and Ekaterina Shulman, a respected political scientist and commentator, are steadily gaining audiences. Both have been labelled as foreign agents or extremists in Russia.

    Where do Russians get news?

    In the past decade, Russia’s media landscape has undergone significant censorship due to increasing state control. Radio stations have closed down and many journalists have left the country to be able to report.

    Russian media usage

    Traditional media sources, such as television, continue to have a massive audience. Television has a monthly reach of 98%, while radio has a monthly reach of 79%. (Reach is the total number of different people or households exposed, at least once, to a medium during a given period).

    Both remain significant in today’s Russia. While television remains a primary news source for many Russians, the internet is used by 84% of people daily.

    Since 2012, the state has progressively tightened control over political information. People and organisations will self-censor, and there is legislation penalising social media reposts and other forms of dissent. These laws claim to be addressing users who “discredit the armed forces” or “spread fake news”, but are actually aimed at cracking down on dissent.

    Most viewed Telegram channels in Russia during July 2024

    As of 2024, over 2,000 administrative cases and more than 273 criminal cases have been initiated under these laws. Individuals and organisations critical of the official Kremlin narrative have been fined, had their assets confiscated and been imprisoned.



    Read more:
    Ukraine recap: Putin’s nuclear sabre-rattling becomes more ominous

    Another government method used to control online discussion includes slowing down or blocking social media platforms. The state blocked major western platforms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in March 2022, leading millions of Russian users to migrate to Telegram.

    Content creators followed en masse, transforming Telegram into a vital hub for news and political debate. Alternatives to Telegram in Russia include state-controlled domestic networks like VKontakte (VK) and Odnoklassniki, which have strong ties to figures close to the Kremlin.

    Why is Telegram allowed?

    The use of Telegram for propaganda, influencing public opinion, and promoting the positions of the state and Putin could be one of the reasons why Telegram has not faced the same restrictions as other platforms.

    Another reason for its popularity is the platform’s ease of use as a messaging app, including for state organisations. This makes it less of a direct threat to state control over public opinion, while still serving as a crucial tool for those seeking alternative sources of information.

    Its appeal to the Russian government is strengthened by the fact that Telegram is not owned by global (western) companies such as Meta, which owns WhatsApp (also popular in Russia). Additionally, issues surrounding legally questionable content, such as the near-official tolerance of digital piracy, have long been controversial in Russia.

    Telegram’s moderation policies have often been associated with a less regulated approach to content, which has contributed to its popularity in Russia. These new changes may make ordinary Russians worry more about whether what they say on the app is safe from the state’s prying eyes.

    The platform’s prominence in Russian public life is undeniable, but so too are the challenges it faces. How Telegram and its leadership navigate the coming years will have profound implications, not just for the platform, but for broader public debate in Russia.

    Durov’s arrest underscores the growing pressure on Telegram, from some quarters, and reflects a critical juncture for platform leaders navigating state intervention. But for Russian people looking for a space where they can exchange news and views, it remains one of most free platforms they can still access.

    Olga Logunova 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. Telegram: why the app is allowed when other social media is censored in Russia – https://theconversation.com/telegram-why-the-app-is-allowed-when-other-social-media-is-censored-in-russia-238261

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How 19th-century French novelist Balzac mastered the multiverse long before Marvel

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Harsh Trivedi, Associate Teacher, School of Languages and Cultures, University of Sheffield

    The multiverse has become an essential part of pop culture. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) brought this shared universe style of storytelling to global prominence with Iron Man (2008), where a post-credit scene hinted at a larger interconnected universe.

    Over time, this expanded into a cinematic multiverse, particularly with the 2016 film Doctor Strange. Films like Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (2022) introduced audiences to parallel universes where different versions of the same character coexist. The multiverse has also been embraced by other films, like Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), which won multiple Academy Awards and Stree 2, which became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time in September 2024.

    This style of storytelling has deep literary roots. I believe the first person to master the fictional multiverse was the 19th-century French novelist, Honoré de Balzac, in his monumental work La Comédie Humaine (The Human Comedy, 1829-1847).



    Read more:
    Multiverse films take characters to increasingly dark places – as Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom casting shows

    In the 1920s, German physicist Werner Heisenberg challenged Newtonian physics, positing that particles can simultaneously occupy multiple states – he called this the Uncertainty Principle. Later, in the 1950s, American physicist Hugh Everett proposed the Many Worlds Interpretation, suggesting that all possible outcomes of a quantum event occur, each in a separate parallel universe.

    While this theory was developed in physics, the term “multiverse” was introduced into literature by British science fiction writer Michael Moorcock. In The Eternal Champion (1970), he envisioned characters existing in parallel worlds with multiple avatars.

    Honoré de Balzac, by Louis Boulanger (1836).
    Wikimedia., CC BY-SA

    However, Balzac’s La Comédie Humaine, written over a century earlier, already contained the seeds of multiverse storytelling. Comprising nearly 100 novels and short stories, it features thousands of characters who reappear across different works, creating a shared universe that allows for complex narrative interconnections.

    Balzac’s innovation was not merely in these recurring characters, but in the thematic and conceptual unity he established across his fictional universe.

    This cohesion is built through his “typology” of characters. Balzac’s “types” are characters who embody universal traits while retaining their individual personalities – making them instantly recognisable across different stories.

    In his preface to Une Ténébreuse Affaire (An Historical Mystery, 1841), Balzac defends his use of types: “A type … is a character who summarises in himself certain characteristic traits of all those who more or less resemble him; he is the model of the genre.”

    Hungarian philosopher Georg Lukács expanded on this idea, stating that Balzac’s types represent a synthesis of the individual and the universal. These characters are universal enough to represent broader societal forces, while remaining distinct individuals within their own narratives.

    The moment Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man saves the love interest of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, MJ.

    This balance between the universal and individual is a cornerstone of multiverse storytelling. For instance, the climax of Spider-Man: No Way Home highlights the interplay between the universal and individual aspects of characters, as seen when three versions of Spider-Man (Toby Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland) from parallel universes unite. Garfield’s Spider-Man finds redemption by saving MJ (Holland’s Spider-Man’s love interest), a moment that mirrors his own tragic loss of Gwen – emphasising both their shared trauma and divergent fates.

    In much the same way, Balzac’s recurring characters evolve across La Comédie Humaine, reflecting different facets of their personalities and situations. Although not planned as a shared universe from the beginning – Balzac retrofitted earlier works to fit this framework – the coherence of his fictional world is remarkable.

    Mobilising the multiverse

    The French philosopher Alain wrote that Balzac’s literary universe can sometimes feel like a “crossroads where characters from La Comédie Humaine meet, greet each other, and pass”. This creates a sense of disjointedness, due to its lack of strict chronological order, allowing readers to enter Balzac’s universe from any of the nearly 100 novels or short stories.

    Balzac addressed these concerns in his prefaces. He engaged in a meta-discourse similar to the post-credit scenes in modern Marvel films, where future plot-lines and character arcs are hinted at.

    Balzac’s use of prefaces as a space to preempt criticism and engage with his readers anticipates the dialogue between creators and fans in the MCU. Just as Marvel balances creative vision with fan demands, Balzac used his prefaces to address concerns from his readers about the trajectories of beloved characters.

    One of many such instances occurs in the preface to Pierrette (1840), where Balzac reveals that Maxime de Trailles, a notorious bachelor who ruins many women’s lives in La Comédie Humaine, is finally getting married. Despite criticisms from readers who wanted De Trailles to meet a tragic and painful end, Balzac defends his decision, humorously remarking: “What do you want me to do? That devil Maxime is in good health.”

    Both Balzac and Marvel deal with the challenge of catering to a wide and diverse audience. The multiverse model, however, offers a solution to the limitations of a shared universe. While Balzac struggled with the impossibility of creating a completely coherent world – La Comédie Humaine was unfinished at his death – the multiverse allows modern creators to explore multiple realities and satisfy diverse audience expectations without making irreversible narrative choices.

    In 2019, Marvel faced a backlash to the film Captain Marvel from conservative fans, for casting a female actor in a lead role – and then, in 2022, another backlash for casting a Muslim Pakistani actress as Ms. Marvel. Rather than directly addressing the criticism, which could have alienated both conservative and liberal audiences, Marvel used the multiverse to cater to a wide range of expectations.

    Across the Spider-Verse (2023) is a prime example. This animated film features over 600 versions of Spider-Man, from the “traditional” white Spider-Man to black, Indian and even animal versions of the character (notably Peter “Porker”, the Spider-Pig). In doing so, Marvel catered to diverse global markets without committing to a single interpretation.

    Balzac’s La Comédie Humaine laid the groundwork for modern multiverse storytelling. This approach allowed him to explore different dimensions of his characters across various stories. His visionary storytelling anticipated the fluidity and complexity found in today’s shared cinematic universes, demonstrating his enduring influence on narrative structures.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Harsh Trivedi 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. How 19th-century French novelist Balzac mastered the multiverse long before Marvel – https://theconversation.com/how-19th-century-french-novelist-balzac-mastered-the-multiverse-long-before-marvel-239764

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to recognise burnout – and what to do if you’re affected

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Koch, Reader in Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour, Brunel University London

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Emily, a finance manager, has been working 60-hour weeks for several months to meet deadlines. She starts feeling constantly exhausted, both physically and mentally. Work that she once found engaging now seems overwhelming, and she’s easily irritated with her colleagues. Despite putting in more hours, her productivity declines. Eventually, she starts calling in sick frequently and considers quitting her job, feeling like she just can’t keep going any more.

    Emily is a victim of burnout. For 2024, World Mental Health Day is focused on workplace health, with the aim of helping people like Emily recognise when work is affecting their wellbeing, so that they can take steps to address it.

    Burnout happens when the demands of a job are high for a long time, and are not offset by sufficient mental and physical resources. In this situation, people are no longer able to recover from their demanding job. Their energy is gradually drained, resulting in a state of mental exhaustion, a cynical and negative attitude towards their work, as well as a declining performance.

    In other words, people affected by burnout are neither able nor willing to fully function in their job. Burnout can occur in any job, but is most likely in workplaces where demands are high and resources low. It is a widespread phenomenon.

    A report by the charity Mental Health UK asserts that the country is on the verge of becoming a burnt-out nation, with 91% of the working adults surveyed reporting high or extreme levels of pressure and stress at some point in the past year.

    According to the same report, 20% of workers in the UK even took time off work due to poor mental health caused by stress last year.

    You don’t have to work in a desk job to be at risk of burnout.
    ultramansk/Shutterstock

    Research has consistently shown that the primary causes of burnout are excessive and prolonged job demands. This includes, for example, high workloads, job insecurity, role ambiguity, conflict, stress or stressful events, and work pressure.

    Burnout has severe consequences, most of all for people affected by it. Burnout impacts people differently, but even mild cases – which could linger for several years – can lead to a multitude of negative health outcomes. This includes work-related anxiety and depression, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, insomnia, headaches and perhaps most alarmingly, increased mortality.

    People with mild cases of burnout are also at risk of developing more severe burnout that will keep them off work sick for long periods.

    Burnout is also worrying for organisations as it has a negative impact on creativity, leads to higher employee turnover, increased absenteeism and poor job performance.

    The symptoms of burnout differ from one person to another, and sometimes people might not even fully realise they’re burnt out until they are no longer just tired but too exhausted to function.

    People who experience burnout are drained of energy and may be overwhelmed even by
    small tasks. They distance themselves from their work, struggle with self doubt and develop cynical, negative attitudes regarding their job or the people they work for.

    When looking for symptoms of burnout, it might help to ask yourself questions like: Do you mostly talk about your work in a negative way? Do you tend to think less about your work and do your job almost mechanically? Do you sometimes feel sickened by your work tasks? Are there days when you feel tired before you arrive at work? Do you often feel emotionally drained during your work? Do you usually feel worn out and weary after your work?

    Burnout recovery and prevention needs to help minimise the job demands which cause
    exhaustion and disengagement. For example, reducing workload and work pressure, and establishing clear boundaries between life and work can help to reduce stressful job demands.

    Job resources can also help to mitigate the impact of job demands. This includes things like job control, having a variety of tasks, social support, performance feedback, opportunities for professional development and the quality of a worker’s relationship with their supervisor.

    When people have an abundance of these resources, the link between the demands of the job and burnout is greatly reduced because they help workers to cope better.

    Recovery is possible

    Opportunities for recovery from work-related stress are an especially important job resource in this context. Recovery means that employees have non-work time where they can relax and detach themselves from work. This may include leisure activities that allow people to simply experience pleasure without competitive pressures.

    Research has also shown that job crafting is an effective burnout intervention. Job crafting means that employees make small adjustments to both their job demands and resources. Employees can decrease their job demands by taking steps to minimise the emotionally, mentally or physically demanding job aspects or by reducing their workload.

    For example, this might involve looking for a calmer place to work. They can also increase job resources by engaging in professional development, gaining more autonomy at work and by asking others for support, feedback and advice. Over time, engaging in job crafting will lead to lower burnout.

    Organisations also need to play their part to reduce burnout. A range of intervention strategies such as stress management training, mindfulness-based approaches or policies that allow employees to disconnect from work outside of normal working hours are useful tools for combating burnout in an organisation.

    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. How to recognise burnout – and what to do if you’re affected – https://theconversation.com/how-to-recognise-burnout-and-what-to-do-if-youre-affected-240747

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Orkney ferry funding

    Source: Scottish Government

    Government support to help council replace fleet.

    Orkney Islands Council has secured £3 million Scottish Government funding for plans to replace its internal ferry fleet.

    The funding will help the local authority develop a planned pilot for two electric ferries and its business case for a replacement internal ferry fleet.

    The council plans to introduce eight new vessels to link communities and boost tourism. This includes three large ferries to serve the islands of Westray, Stronsay, Sanday and Eday with plans being drawn up for all of Orkney’s air and ferry-linked island communities. 

    The Orkney funding is on top of an additional £42 million provided in this year’s budget to support local authority ferry services across Scotland.

    Finance Secretary Shona Robison – who chairs the Orkney Internal Ferry Replacement Task Force – said:

    “This funding will enable Orkney Islands Council to take forward its business case to replace its internal ferry fleet. It will also help bring forward their pilot of electric ferries and I am grateful to Orkney Islands Council for its constructive engagement through this process. 

    “The Scottish Government is committed to working alongside Scotland’s island communities, to empower them to thrive. Since 2021-22 our Islands Programme has distributed more than £12 million to support 61 critical infrastructure projects on 50 islands.

    “We are also collaborating with islanders, local authorities and delivery partners to ensure that the new National islands Plan – which we expect to publish next year – meets their needs and supports their ambitions.”

    Orkney Islands Council Leader Heather Woodbridge said:

    “The engagement with the Scottish Government through the task force has been extremely constructive – and we very much welcome this funding announcement which puts us on a sure footing as we progress our work at pace on the final business case. 

    “This funding package is the first financial commitment in the collaborative approach that is being taken to replace Orkney’s ageing internal ferry fleet, with discussions continuing on the delivery of the next tranche of business case funding and the shape of the financial model that will allow us to provide a modern ferry fleet that our island communities need and deserve.”

    Background

    In May, First Minister John Swinney announced a £5 million package of support for island communities ahead of a new National Islands Plan publishing next year.

    The new Programme for Government commits the Scottish Government to the continuation of the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund worth £1 million in 2024-25 and with an even stronger focus on child poverty. The fund helps local authorities support those islanders most affected by cost-of-living pressures.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s central bank, finance ministry hold first joint meeting on treasury bond trading

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s central bank, finance ministry hold first joint meeting on treasury bond trading

    BEIJING, Oct. 9 — China’s central bank said Wednesday that it had held the first joint working group meeting with the Ministry of Finance to discuss treasury bond trading in its open market operations.

    The two authorities established an operating mechanism of the joint working group, and exchanged their views on the country’s bond market development at the meeting, according to a statement from the People’s Bank of China.

    Buying and selling treasury bonds in its open market operations is an important means for the central bank to enrich the monetary policy toolbox and strengthen liquidity management, according to the meeting.

    The two authorities will coordinate development and security, strengthen policy synergy, maintain the stable development of the bond market, and provide a sound environment for central bank’s treasury bond trading in its open market operations.

    The central bank conducted open market treasury bond transactions in August and September, resulting in a net purchase of bonds with a face value of 100 billion yuan (about 14.17 billion U.S. dollars) and 200 billion yuan, respectively.

    Analysts interpreted the net bond purchase by the central bank as a clear signal of its intensified monetary policy efforts to support stable economic growth and expand domestic demand.

    Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, told a press conference on Sept. 24 that the central bank had incorporated the trading of treasury bonds into the monetary policy toolbox. He also noted that the bank is working with the Ministry of Finance to study on improving the issuance pace, maturity structure, and custody system of treasury bonds.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New warship steel cut milestone supports thousands of UK jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    The production of HMS Formidable underway as steel is cut. Production will sustain 2,500 jobs in Scotland and across the UK, supporting economic growth.

    Thousands of jobs and apprenticeships are being supported through warship building, as a major milestone was reached today in the production of the Navy’s future high-tech frigates.  

    Steel was cut on HMS Formidable, the third of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 warships, at a ceremony in the Rosyth shipyard, reinforcing the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to shipbuilding in Scotland.

    All five frigates will be built in Rosyth, sustaining over 2,500 jobs in Scotland and across the wider supply chain. The work will also create an additional 400 apprenticeship roles, driving economic growth.

    The five Type 31 frigates will support future maritime operations, including interception and disruption of those using the sea for unlawful purposes, intelligence gathering, defence engagement and humanitarian support. They will also be able to shoot down missiles and enemy air targets using a Sea Ceptor missile system, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    The announcement comes ahead of the International Investment Summit which will gather UK leaders, high-profile investors and businesses from across the world to discuss how we can deepen our partnership to drive investment and growth.

    Attending the ceremony, Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:

    This government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. These frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our military.

    Today’s significant milestone is backing the government’s mission to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK.  

    The programme is also a key element in the Royal Navy’s production line, sustaining and developing the British shipbuilding industry.   

    The Babcock-built Type 31 fleet will be highly adaptable and capable of rapid deployment, equipped with advanced radar, communication systems, and a variety of armaments.

    In a testament to the UK defence industry, Poland has selected Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 ship design – based on the Type 31 frigates – to equip its Navy with a new class of frigates. In a further export boost, the design has been sold to Indonesia for their own frigate production.  

    Royal Navy’s Senior Responsible Owner for the Type 31 programme, Commodore Stephen Roberts, said:

    This is a momentous occasion for all involved and we are proud to have marked this significant milestone in this way.

    When complete, this remarkable fleet of general-purpose frigates will deliver an impressive capability for Royal Navy and play a huge role in the continued security and prosperity of our nation.

    The ships will have a top speed of over 26 knots – equivalent to nearly 50 kilometres an hour – and accommodate a crew of around 100 personnel. They will replace the five Type 23 general purpose frigates. Type 23 frigates have carried out a wide variety of operations, from securing the UK’s vital maritime trade routes East of the Suez Canal to safeguarding British interests in the South Atlantic.

    Babcock’s Chief Executive, Officer David Lockwood said:

    Today, we are proud to mark yet another milestone in this important defence programme for the Royal Navy. These frigates will play a significant role in protecting the UK and supporting international partnered defence operations.

    This programme is a real demonstration of UK sovereign shipbuilding capability and is delivering positive economic impact within Scotland and in communities across the UK.  It is a privilege for our teams across Babcock to be delivering these platforms for the nation.

    The Type 31 project is managed by Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence. 

    DE&S’ Head of Combat Ships Delivery Group, Mark Beverstock, said:

    I am delighted that work on the third ship in the Type 31 programme is underway. From maritime security patrols and disaster-relief support, to intelligence gathering and defence engagement, these ships will be at the heart of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: WTW launches partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder to harness the climate prediction revolution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company today announced a new scientific partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder to transfer scientific advances in seasonal climate prediction to the insurance and risk management industries. Through this collaboration, WTW and its clients will be able to anticipate how weather events will affect their operations and portfolios over the next quarter and prepare for forecasted climate risks.

    Natural fluctuations in the Pacific Ocean – known as El Niño and La Niña – are the leading cause of year-over-year changes in the global climate. The reach of these patterns extends far beyond the Pacific and affects the odds of drought, wildfire, heatwaves, and hurricanes across much of the world. Because meteorological agencies are now able to predict El Niño and La Niña episodes several months ahead of time, these forecasts provide advance warning of severe weather events and likely climate impacts over large parts of the globe.

    Historically, the state of the tropical Pacific has cost trillions of dollars in direct damages and reduced economic growth. But most businesses have only begun to take advantage of the strong predictability offered by El Niño and La Niña. WTW has teamed with the University of Colorado Boulder to harness the ongoing ‘climate prediction revolution’ for business use and improve our ability to predict global climate for the coming season, year, and decade. At CU Boulder, the collaboration will be led by Prof. Pedro DiNezio, a leading expert in long-term climate forecasts, the effects of El Niño, and climate extremes under global warming.

    Scott St. George, Head of Weather and Climate Research for the WTW Research Network, said, “What happens in the tropical Pacific certainly does not stay in the tropical Pacific. El Niño and La Niña can reach across the entire globe to affect local weather and the risks of catastrophic perils. We are excited to work together with Prof. DiNezio so our clients know well in advance how to prepare their business when El Niño and La Niña are on the horizon. These insights will be especially valuable for sectors that depend strongly on natural resources, such as energy producers, food and beverage, and transportation.”

    Pedro DiNezio, Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at CU Boulder, added, “Making predictions is one of the most thrilling parts of my work. Every prediction tests our understanding of the inner workings of the climate system. In addition, El Niño and La Niña happen every several years, therefore we do not fully know everything about these complex, sometimes chaotic phenomena, keeping our research fresh and exciting. This collaboration with WTW adds a new layer to this challenge as we learn how to produce predictions that are useful for the insurance sector and vulnerable communities around the world”.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Learn more at wtwco.com.

    About the University of Colorado Boulder

    At the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Boulder is nationally recognized as one of only 38 AAU public research universities. Established in 1876, CU Boulder is an R1 public research university with five Nobel laureates, nine MacArthur fellows and is the No. 1 public university recipient of NASA awards. CU Boulder is a leader in many fields, including aerospace engineering, earth and environmental science, physics, and environmental law. The school partners with many notable federal research labs, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Learn more.

    Media contact

    Sarah Booker: +44 7917 722040
    Sarah.booker@willistowerswatson.com

    CU Boulder Media Relations:
    cunews@colorado.edu

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Pledges Support For Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) is supporting recovery and relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene, donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross and making up to $2 million available through its Community Rebuild and Restore Product to assist with the rehabilitation of homes damaged by the storm.

    “Across the Southeast, many of the communities that our members serve have been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene and devastating floods,” said Kirk Malmberg, president and CEO of FHLBank Atlanta. “These funds will provide critical support for both immediate relief and rebuilding efforts, helping to ease the burden on local communities.”

    FHLBank Atlanta offers the Community Rebuild and Restore Product through its Affordable Housing Homeownership Set-aside Program in partnership with its member financial institutions, providing up to $10,000 to impacted homeowners for the rehabilitation of homes in “major disaster” areas, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible homeowners.

    “Our mission is to promote housing opportunity and homeownership, and there is never a more important time to take action than when a natural disaster damages the places people call home,” Malmberg said. “With these contributions we join many others in supporting recovery initiatives and helping our communities as they rebuild.”

    About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
    FHLBank Atlanta is a member-owned cooperative that offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to assist its member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank’s members are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households.

    For more information, visit our website at http://www.fhlbatl.com.

    CONTACT:
    Sheryl Touchton
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
    stouchton@fhlbatl.com
    404.888.8105

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE – President of the Episcopal Conference: “I hope that the elections will be free, fair and peaceful”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Consolataamerica

    Maputo (Agenzia Fides) – “We hope that the elections will be free and fair and, above all, peaceful,” said the President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique and Archbishop of Nampula, Inacio Saure, in an interview with Fides.Today, October 9, presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in the southern African country. No major surprises are expected; FRELIMO (National Liberation Front), in power since independence in 1975, is expected to win the election again this time.Mozambique, which emerged in 1992 from a civil war that broke out in 1975, has been facing jihadist militias in the province of Cabo Delgago, the northernmost province of the country, for several years (see Fides, 19/10/2022).We asked Archbishop Saure to analyze the situation in the country in the light of today’s election.What do you expect from today’s elections?First and foremost, I hope that the elections will be free and fair and, above all, peaceful. The preparations have been marked by some difficulties. We know that there have been delays and problems in registering on the electoral rolls, due to bureaucratic issues but perhaps also to other political problems. Let’s say there was no interest in certain people being registered on the electoral roll. There is also a certain fatigue and disappointment among voters, because the first free elections took place in 1994, 30 years ago, and since then elections have been accompanied by controversy and protests.The war in the north is attributed to the presence of at least one jihadist group. Isn’t this reading a little simplistic?We say it is the jihadists, but I don’t think they are the only reason for this war. There are the resources in the region, primarily gas, but not only: in Balama there are mines with strategic minerals such as graphite, which are crucial for new technologies and the energy transition. That is why we do not know exactly what the real cause of this war is. Is it just religious? I don’t think so. On the other hand, the conflict broke out more or less at the same time as the gas extraction began.You are the Archbishop of Nampula, which has welcomed several internally displaced persons from the war. Can you describe their situation?After Cabo Delgado, the provincial capital where the war is mainly taking place, Nampula is the province that has welcomed most of the refugees fleeing the violence. This is a challenge because Nampula is the most densely populated province in the country and the sudden influx of thousands of people has created problems for the structures in this area. At the beginning, when the first refugees arrived, several international organizations provided assistance. But then the assistance was greatly reduced. They increasingly forgot about us and the more than 6,000 refugees who were still housed in Nampula. Initially, there were as many as 8,000, but some have returned to Cabo Delgado, where there are still many displaced people from the surrounding villages affected by insecurity.As a Church, we are fully committed to helping these people through our diocesan and national Caritas. The problem is that we do not have sufficient resources, especially since international aid has almost disappeared.Is there a fear that the conflict in the north could spread to other areas of Mozambique?Much of Mozambique is at peace, but there is a fear that the instability in the north could spread to the rest of the country, which is exacerbated by great poverty, especially among unemployed youth, especially in the cities.The other big problem is widespread poverty…Yes, especially among young people. Many young people from the countryside have moved to the cities but have not found work there. This is, among other things, a major challenge at a pastoral level. The ideal would be to create vocational training opportunities for these people. However, the Church alone does not have the means to do this. During our last ad limina visit, Pope Francis also recommended not to forget young people and to provide them with training places. During our visit this year, I pointed out to the Holy Father the difficulties we have in supporting young people in vocational training because we, as the Mozambican Church, do not have the means to do so. We try to do what we can, but the means are really very limited.On the other hand, Catholic schools are very valued for the quality of their teaching. However, the State has increased taxes on our schools, making them equal to private companies. which in turn has put us in difficulties.How would you describe the situation of the Church in Mozambique in the face of these problems?It is a living Church. We have many vocations, the seminaries are full. This is truly a grace. Young people come to the Church in droves. Most of our priests are Mozambican. We even have some priests who go as missionaries to other African countries.In addition, the role of the laity is very important, because already in 1977 the National Pastoral Assembly decided to promote a Church of the laity. The catechists play an important role in this, especially in the villages where there is no permanent presence of a priest. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 9/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –