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  • MIL-Evening Report: Bhutan’s king is set to visit Australia for the first time. Here’s why thousands will line the streets to see him

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tashi Dema, PhD Candidate in Language and Politics, University of New England

    Deki, a 23-year-old resident of the remote town of Armidale, NSW, has been sleepless with excitement since the Bhutanese embassy in Canberra announced an upcoming visit from Bhutan’s fifth monarch, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

    King Jigme Khesar will be visiting from October 10 to 16. It will be his first time in Australia, as well as the first ever visit from a Bhutanese head of state.

    According to Bhutan’s ministry of foreign affairs and external trade, the king will meet with Australian government officials, business leaders and the Bhutanese community during his trip. Audiences with the king are scheduled in Sydney on October 12, Canberra on October 13, and Perth on October 16.

    Deki will be travelling to Sydney by train on October 11 with about 60 people from Armidale’s Bhutanese community. The journey will take more than eight hours. Some residents will fly on the morning of October 12.

    The Armidale residents have practised dances to present to the royal entourage. Their enthusiasm is palpable. With more than 35,000 Bhutanese people living in Australia, the embassy received an overwhelming number of registrations for the royal audience.

    Chhimi Dorji, president of the Association of Bhutanese in Perth, said many Bhutanese residents applied for leave the moment the royal visit was announced. He said the community’s overwhelming excitement signifies a deep love and respect for the king.

    A deep reverence for the king

    Devotion to the king is ingrained in Bhutanese society; he is even considered a sacred figure. This love and respect stems from a view of the monarchy as a symbol of pride and unity.

    My ongoing research on language and politics in Bhutan – as well as the many years I spent working there as a journalist – has revealed a genuine admiration for the king among the public. Research participants in rural Bhutan told me politicians should learn from the king in order to serve their people.

    In 2008, King Jigme Khesar facilitated Bhutan’s transition from an absolute monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy. As party politics fragmented the small nation and divided people along party lines, the monarchy was seen as a beacon of hope.

    The Bhutanese public’s devotion to its king defies theories which claim that the concept of the monarchy more broadly is becoming obsolete.

    Serving the people

    One reason King Jigme Khesar is so revered is because of his role in helping to build and advance Bhutan. During the pandemic, he was hailed for implementing pandemic response strategies and for visiting every nook and corner of the country to comfort citizens.

    He has also implemented programs that provide important public services. For instance, Desuung, a volunteer training program that started in 2011, delivers volunteers for a variety of projects such as disaster operations and charity events. Another national service program, Gyalsung, was started this year.

    Currently, the king is planning to develop the world’s first mindfulness city in Gelephu – a southern plain in Bhutan spanning more than 1,000 square kilometres – with hopes to attract foreign investment and encourage emigrated Bhutanese people to return.

    Ahead of the royal visit, Sydney resident Tshering Palden said he and his children were clearly excited to greet King Jigme Khesar.

    Besides other things, I am excited to hear about the developments around Gelephu Mindfulness City and how Bhutanese living abroad like me can be part of His Majesty’s brain child and the long-term nation building […]

    Foreigners are also intrigued and very interested to know about the project and ask us a lot about it.

    The Australian dream

    As a landlocked country that really only made itself known to the world in 1999 (after internet and television were finally introduced), Bhutan is something of an enigma.

    It is touted as the world’s happiest country, largely due to its uptake of a unique metric called “gross national happiness” in the 1970s. In 1972, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (King Jigme Khesar’s father) proclaimed the country’s gross national happiness was an even more important measure of progress than gross domestic product (GDP).

    Today, however, the tiny Himalayan country of about 800,000 people faces an existential crisis due to widespread unemployment and huge numbers of youth and young professionals moving overseas for a better future.

    Australia remains a top destination for Bhutanese residents – and currently has more Bhutanese diaspora than any country in the world. Bhutan is also said to be Australia’s 14th largest source country for international students.

    But despite living so far away, Bhutanese diaspora in Australia remain deeply rooted to their identity, culture and devotion to the monarchy. Most of them still celebrate the king’s birthday on February 21 each year, as well as Bhutan’s National Day on December 17.

    Meanwhile, Deki – who has portraits of Jigme Khesar in her home in central Bhutan – says being able to meet the king will be a “dream come true”.

    Tashi Dema 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. Bhutan’s king is set to visit Australia for the first time. Here’s why thousands will line the streets to see him – https://theconversation.com/bhutans-king-is-set-to-visit-australia-for-the-first-time-heres-why-thousands-will-line-the-streets-to-see-him-239932

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Calls on Administration To Take Action To Address Shortage Of IV Solutions Caused by Hurricane Destruction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and administration officials to use all appropriate authorities to resolve the national shortage of intravenous (IV) solutions caused by the halt in production at the North Carolina IV fluids manufacturing plant hit by Hurricane Helene. Klobuchar also warns that another plant in Daytona Beach, Florida that manufactures IV solutions could also become compromised by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, exacerbating the existing shortage. 
    “Flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina,” wrote Senator Klobuchar. “The plant – the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country – has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant.” 
    “To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness,” Klobuchar continued. “In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions.”
    Klobuchar has been a national leader in efforts to address prescription and over-the-counter drug shortages.
    In June, Senator Klobuchar chaired an Antitrust Subcommittee hearing titled “Strengthening U.S. Economic Leadership: The Role of Competition in Enhancing Economic Resiliency.” The hearing focused on the danger of consolidation in critical supply chains, which can make the country vulnerable to disruptions and supply shortages that can endanger U.S. economic resiliency and national security.
    In July 2023, Klobuchar, and Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) bipartisan legislation to prevent and mitigate drug shortages was passed out of the Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on a bipartisan vote of 17 to 3. The Drug Shortage Prevention Act would require manufacturers of over-the-counter and prescription medicines to notify the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) when they are unlikely to meet demand. The legislation also requires drugmakers to provide information about their suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and in-process materials to the FDA.
    In 2012, Klobuchar and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act, which Collins also cosponsored. This bipartisan legislation was signed into law as part of the Food & Drug Administration Safety & Innovation Act of 2012 (FDASIA). The Klobuchar law allows the FDA to require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA six months in advance if any supply or manufacturing disruption could lead to a prescription drug shortage. The law also created the Drug Shortage Prevention Task Force and requires the FDA to submit a report to Congress every year on drug shortages. In 2023, the number of new drug shortages tracked by FDA was 33, compared to a peak of 251 new shortages during 2011, before Klobuchar’s 2012 bill was passed into law giving FDA more tools to prevent shortages.
    The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Secretary Becerra,
    As you know, Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction and flooding across much of the southern United States. This natural disaster has caused widespread disruption to vital services across the region and country. Notably, flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina. The plant – the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country – has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant. 
    To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness. 
    As you know, the Baxter facility is responsible for the manufacture of approximately 60 percent of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions available to health care providers in the United States. As a result of Hurricane Helene, hospitals, dialysis centers, and other health care providers around the country—including many in Minnesota—are already being forced to ration these basic, but life-saving supplies. This means many patients have no choice but to delay starting dialysis, delay elective care, or potentially receive suboptimal treatments. Hospitals and health providers are now canceling elective surgeries, such as cardiovascular and other surgical operations, and canceling organ transplants. 
    In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions. Steps must be also taken to ensure that companies advertising or selling FDA-approved IV solutions do not engage in price gouging or other illegal practices. I also urge the administration to implement strategies outlined in recent federal supply chain and manufacturing resilience assessments to mitigate any supply and distribution disruptions.,, Today, few companies in the United States make IV solutions, with a majority share flowing from a single plant. No single entity should be responsible for such a large proportion of fundamental medical supplies on which the health of our nation depends.
    Thank you for your continued efforts as we recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and for your attention to this urgent matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Resumes Trading in BAIYU Holdings, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Nasdaq Stock Market® (Nasdaq: NDAQ) announced that trading will resume in BAIYU Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BYU) at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on October 9, 2024. Trading in the company’s stock was halted on September 5, 2024 at 7:50 p.m. Eastern Time.

    For news and additional information about the company, please contact the company directly or check under the company’s symbol using InfoQuotesSM on the Nasdaq® Web site.

    For more information about The Nasdaq Stock Market, visit the Nasdaq Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com.

    Nasdaq Media Contact:
    Sophia Weiss
    Sophia.Weiss@nasdaq.com

    NDAQO

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bob Dean Jr. and Affiliated Corporate Entities Agree to $8.2M Consent Judgment to Resolve Allegations of Financial Misconduct Stemming from Evacuation of Nursing Homes During Hurricane Ida

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Bob Dean Jr. and several companies that he owned and operated have agreed to an $8.2 million consent judgment to resolve allegations that they violated the National Housing Act of 1934 (NHA), by misappropriating and misusing the assets and income of four nursing homes in Louisiana before and after Hurricane Ida’s landfall in August 2021. The four nursing homes, all of which were owned and operated by Dean and his companies, and had loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Houma; Maison De’Ville Nursing Home in Harvey; Maison Orleans Healthcare in New Orleans; and West Jefferson Health Care Center in Harvey.

    The FHA, part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides mortgage insurance on loans that cover residential care facilities, such as nursing homes, pursuant to the NHA. To encourage lenders to make loans to such facilities, FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses that result from borrowers defaulting on their mortgage loans. To obtain such FHA-insured loans, loan recipients must enter into regulatory agreements with the FHA that provide, among other requirements, that the assets and income of an FHA-insured nursing home may only be spent on goods and services that are reasonable and necessary to the operation of the nursing home. The NHA permits the United States to recover twice the amount of any assets and income of FHA-insured nursing homes that were improperly distributed or misspent.

    In 2023, the government filed a complaint against Dean and his corporate entities alleging that they misspent the nursing homes’ assets and income. The United States alleged that in the five years leading up to Hurricane Ida, Dean funneled money that should have been used to prepare an evacuation site for nursing home residents to his personal bank accounts, leaving his nursing homes — and, more importantly, the nursing homes’ residents — unprepared for a hurricane. As a result, when Hurricane Ida made landfall in August 2021, the residents of Dean’s nursing homes had to ride out the storm in an overcrowded and ill-prepared industrial warehouse Dean owned through a corporate entity. The United States alleged that at Dean’s evacuation center, his nursing homes’ residents languished in squalor and did not receive adequate care, leading to the Louisiana Department of Health evacuating the nursing home residents from Dean’s warehouse and revoking Dean’s nursing homes’ licenses. The United States further alleged that, following the hurricane, Dean did not use the homes’ income and assets solely to operate or maintain the nursing homes, but instead to purchase personal goods and services, including antiques, firearms and cars.

    “This settlement demonstrates the department’s continuing commitment to holding accountable those who put their own financial gain over the needs of our nation’s seniors,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to take action to protect the integrity of federal programs designed to ensure that nursing home residents, who are among our most vulnerable citizens, receive appropriate care.”

    “As the residents of Louisiana well know, hurricanes and natural disasters can devastate people’s lives,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr for the Middle District of Louisiana. “Nursing home operators like Mr. Dean have an obligation to protect their residents during such events, particularly if they are going to rely on federal programs to support or sustain their businesses. This settlement will ensure that those individuals charged with caring for our community’s most vulnerable residents take seriously their duty to have proper safeguards and plans in place to avoid tragedies like the one we saw in Independence, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida.”

    “Nursing home providers have obligations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents entrusted to their care,” said HUD General Counsel Damon Smith. “Owners of FHA-insured nursing homes should be on notice that we will hold them accountable when we learn of allegations that they have failed to meet those obligations.”

    “By the time Hurricane Ida bore down on the vulnerable nursing home residents at properties operated by Mr. Dean, he illegally skimmed funding from those facilities and failed to maintain sanitation and adequately equip the warehouse he designated as the evacuation site,” said HUD Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “He unfairly enriched himself while residents under his charge endured horrid conditions including insufficient food and medical care. HUD OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold accountable those who misappropriate funds at the expense of vulnerable populations.”

    The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the case, with substantial assistance from HUD and HUD’s Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorneys Christopher Reimer and Samuel Robins of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Davis Rhorer Jr. and Chase Zachary for the Middle District of Louisiana handled the matter.

    The United States’ complaint stemmed from an investigation that the Justice Department initiated as part of its Elder Justice Initiative, which supports the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

    The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Applaud Finalization of New Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, Announcement of Over $75 Million in New Funding to Help Remove Lead Pipes in Illinois

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    October 08, 2024

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—co-founder of the U.S. Senate Lead Task Force and the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus—and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today lauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to finalize the Biden Administration’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which would lower the lead action level to better protect human health and require water systems to replace old and deteriorating lead pipes within a decade. In addition to the LCRI, EPA also announced that Illinois will receive $75,558,000 in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to support lead-related activities, including lead pipe replacement projects. The finalized rule comes ahead of the October 16th finalization deadline to not only help ensure these important improvements are implemented as quickly as possible, but also prevent water systems from being forced to temporarily comply with the prior rule proposed by the Trump Administration—also known as the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)—which would put public health at risk.

    “Every American, no matter their zip-code, deserves access to safe drinking water,” said Senator Duckworth. “We’ve been working hard in Congress to achieve our goal of removing every lead pipe in America over the next decade, and this historic rule from the Biden Administration and $75 million in new funding for Illinois to replace lead pipes will help us make it a reality while preventing Trump-era policies that would harm human health from going into effect. This is a win-win for all Americans.”

    “The newly finalized Lead and Copper Rule Improvements is nothing short of historic.  For decades, we have understood the severe risks of lead exposure, which have disproportionally harmed low-income families and communities of color.  Today, EPA has made a commitment to Americans to replace all lead pipes over the next ten years because everyone deserves to have safe, clean drinking water,” said Durbin.  “We have a monumental task ahead of us in replacing lead service pipes in Illinois, particularly in Chicago, but I’m encouraged by this significant step by the Biden-Harris Administration to support states in lead pipe remediation and look forward to supporting this plan in Congress.”

    The finalized rule also improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes and plans for replacing them. Illinois has reported more than 667,000 lead service lines (LSLs) and another almost 820,000 service lines of unknown material, which the newly announced funding will help remove. Exposure to lead is harmful to health, especially for young children. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing and impaired formation and function of blood cells. 

    Duckworth has led the charge in the U.S. Senate to remove lead drinking water pipes across the country. Her Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA), which was included in the BIL, is the most significant federal investment in water infrastructure in history, including $15 billion for national lead pipe replacement. DWWIA, which focuses on disadvantaged communities, is helping rebuild our nation’s crumbling and dangerous water infrastructure and enable communities to repair and modernize their failing wastewater systems.

    Last month, Duckworth called on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to expedite its review of LCRI. In May, Duckworth announced over $240 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Fund investment to help Illinois identify and replace lead service lines and prevent lead poisoning among our state’s children and families—funding that comes directly from Duckworth’s DWWIA—and in August she and Durbin announced more than $1 million to address lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities in Illinois.

    Following the 2016 report of lead in Chicago’s drinking water, Durbin and then-Rep. Duckworth urged EPA to use its full authority and resources to address the issue, including reviewing the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and immediate notification of lead contamination. In March 2021, Durbin and Duckworth sent a letter to EPA urging it to update the LCR.

    Duckworth, Durbin and Sen. Booker, members of the Senate Lead Taskforce, led 87 of their colleagues supporting EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) and urging for more community protections and expedited removal of all lead pipes. Last March, Durbin and Duckworth sent letters to five Medicaid managed care companies (MCOs) in Illinois, urging them to address lead poisoning risks to children in Chicago by preemptively sending drinking water test kits, water filters, home visitors, and educational materials to all enrolled children in the city.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Oral vaccines could provide relief for people who suffer regular UTIs. Here’s how they work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Iris Lim, Assistant Professor in Biomedical Science, Bond University

    9nong/Shutterstock

    In a recent TikTok video, Australian media personality Abbie Chatfield shared she was starting a vaccine to protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs).

    Huge news for the UTI girlies. I am starting a UTI vaccine tonight for the first time.

    Chatfield suffers from recurrent UTIs and has turned to the Uromune vaccine, an emerging option for those seeking relief beyond antibiotics.

    But Uromune is not a traditional vaccine injected to your arm. So what is it and how does it work?

    First, what are UTIs?

    UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system. This system includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters (thin tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), and the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body).

    The most common culprit is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria normally found in the intestines.

    While most types of E. coli are harmless in the gut, it can cause infection if it enters the urinary tract. UTIs are particularly prevalent in women due to their shorter urethras, which make it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

    Roughly 50% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and up to half of those will have a recurrence within six months.

    UTIs are caused by bacteria enterning the urinary system.
    oxo7051/Shutterstock

    The symptoms of a UTI typically include a burning sensation when you wee, frequent urges to go even when the bladder is empty, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back. If left untreated, a UTI can escalate into a kidney infection, which can require more intensive treatment.

    While antibiotics are the go-to treatment for UTIs, the rise of antibiotic resistance and the fact many people experience frequent reinfections has sparked more interest in preventive options, including vaccines.

    What is Uromune?

    Uromune is a bit different to traditional vaccines that are injected into the muscle. It’s a sublingual spray, which means you spray it under your tongue. Uromune is generally used daily for three months.

    It contains inactivated forms of four bacteria that are responsible for most UTIs, including E. coli. By introducing these bacteria in a controlled way, it helps your immune system learn to recognise and fight them off before they cause an infection. It can be classified as an immunotherapy.

    A recent study involving 1,104 women found the Uromune vaccine was 91.7% effective at reducing recurrent UTIs after three months, with effectiveness dropping to 57.6% after 12 months.

    These results suggest Uromune could provide significant (though time-limited) relief for women dealing with frequent UTIs, however peer-reviewed research remains limited.

    Any side effects of Uromune are usually mild and may include dry mouth, slight stomach discomfort, and nausea. These side effects typically go away on their own and very few people stop treatment because of them. In rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction.

    How can I access it?

    In Australia, Uromune has not received full approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and so it’s not something you can just go and pick up from the pharmacy.

    However, Uromune can be accessed via the TGA’s Special Access Scheme or the Authorised Prescriber pathway. This means a GP or specialist can apply for approval to prescribe Uromune for patients with recurrent UTIs. Once the patient has a form from their doctor documenting this approval, they can order the vaccine directly from the manufacturer.

    Antibiotics are the go-to treatment for UTIs – but scientists are looking at options to prevent them in the first place.
    Photoroyalty/Shutterstock

    Uromune is not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning patients must cover the full cost out-of-pocket. The cost of a treatment program is around A$320.

    Uromune is similarly available through special access programs in places like the United Kingdom and Europe.

    Other options in the pipeline

    In addition to Uromune, scientists are exploring other promising UTI vaccines.

    Uro-Vaxom is an established immunomodulator, a substance that helps regulate or modify the immune system’s response to bacteria. It’s derived from E. coli proteins and has shown success in reducing UTI recurrences in several studies. Uro-Vaxom is typically prescribed as a daily oral capsule taken for 90 days.

    FimCH, another vaccine in development, targets something called the adhesin protein that helps E. coli attach to urinary tract cells. FimCH is typically administered through an injection and early clinical trials have shown promising results.

    Meanwhile, StroVac, which is already approved in Germany, contains inactivated strains of bacteria such as E. coli and provides protection for up to 12 months, requiring a booster dose after that. This injection works by stimulating the immune system in the bladder, offering temporary protection against recurrent infections.

    These vaccines show promise, but challenges like achieving long-term immunity remain. Research is ongoing to improve these options.

    No magic bullet, but there’s reason for optimism

    While vaccines such as Uromune may not be an accessible or perfect solution for everyone, they offer real hope for people tired of recurring UTIs and endless rounds of antibiotics.

    Although the road to long-term relief might still be a bit bumpy, it’s exciting to see innovative treatments like these giving people more options to take control of their health.

    Iris Lim 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. Oral vaccines could provide relief for people who suffer regular UTIs. Here’s how they work – https://theconversation.com/oral-vaccines-could-provide-relief-for-people-who-suffer-regular-utis-heres-how-they-work-240437

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI is a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s underpinned by an invisible and exploited workforce

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ganna Pogrebna, Executive Director, AI and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University

    Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock

    In dusty factories, cramped internet cafes and makeshift home offices around the world, millions of people sit at computers tediously labelling data.

    These workers are the lifeblood of the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Without them, products such as ChatGPT simply would not exist. That’s because the data they label helps AI systems “learn”.

    But despite the vital contribution this workforce makes to an industry which is expected to be worth US$407 billion by 2027, the people who comprise it are largely invisible and frequently exploited. Earlier this year nearly 100 data labellers and AI workers from Kenya who do work for companies like Facebook, Scale AI and OpenAI published an open letter to United States President Joe Biden in which they said:

    Our working conditions amount to modern day slavery.

    To ensure AI supply chains are ethical, industry and governments must urgently address this problem. But the key question is: how?

    What is data labelling?

    Data labelling is the process of annotating raw data — such as images, video or text — so that AI systems can recognise patterns and make predictions.

    Self-driving cars, for example, rely on labelled video footage to distinguish pedestrians from road signs. Large language models such as ChatGPT rely on labelled text to understand human language.

    These labelled datasets are the lifeblood of AI models. Without them, AI systems would be unable to function effectively.

    Tech giants like Meta, Google, OpenAI and Microsoft outsource much of this work to data labelling factories in countries such as the Philippines, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Venezuela and Colombia.

    China is also becoming another global hub for data labelling.

    Outsourcing companies that facilitate this work include Scale AI, iMerit, and Samasource. These are very large companies in their own right. For example, Scale AI, which is headquartered in California, is now worth US$14 billion.

    Cutting corners

    Major tech firms like Alphabet (the parent company of Google), Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia and Meta have poured billions into AI infrastructure, from computational power and data storage to emerging computational technologies.

    Large-scale AI models can cost tens of millions of dollars to train. Once deployed, maintaining these models requires continuous investment in data labelling, refinement and real-world testing.

    But while AI investment is significant, revenues have not always met expectations. Many industries continue to view AI projects as experimental with unclear profitability paths.

    In response, many companies are cutting costs which affect those at the very bottom of the AI supply chain who are often highly vulnerable: data labellers.

    Low wages, dangerous working conditions

    One way companies involved in the AI supply chain try to reduce costs is by employing large numbers of data labellers in countries in the Global South such as the Philippines, Venezuela, Kenya and India. Workers in these countries face stagnating or shrinking wages.

    For example, an hourly rate for AI data labellers in Venezuela ranges from between 90 cents and US$2. In comparison, in the United States, this rate is between US$10 to US$25 per hour.

    In the Philippines, workers labelling data for multi-billion dollar companies such as Scale AI often earn far below the minimum wage.

    Some labelling providers even resort to child labour for labelling purposes.

    But there are many other labour issues within the AI supply chain.

    Many data labellers work in overcrowded and dusty environments which pose a serious risk to their health. They also often work as independent contractors, lacking access to protections such as health care or compensation.

    The mental toll of data labelling work is also significant, with repetitive tasks, strict deadlines and rigid quality controls. Data labellers are also sometimes asked to read and label hate speech or other abusive language or material, which has been proven to have negative psychological effects.

    Errors can lead to pay cuts or job losses. But labellers often experience lack of transparency on how their work is evaluated. They are often denied access to performance data, hindering their ability to improve or contest decisions.

    Making AI supply chains ethical

    As AI development becomes more complex and companies strive to maximise profits, the need for ethical AI supply chains is urgent.

    One way companies can help ensure this is by applying a human right-centreed design, deliberation and oversight approach to the entire AI supply chain. They must adopt fair wage policies, ensuring data labellers receive living wages that reflect the value of their contributions.

    By embedding human rights into the supply chain, AI companies can foster a more ethical, sustainable industry, ensuring that both workers’ rights and corporate responsibility align with long-term success.

    Governments should also create new regulation which mandates these practices, encouraging fairness and transparency. This includes transparency in performance evaluation and personal data processing, allowing workers to understand how they are assessed and to contest any inaccuracies.

    Clear payment systems and recourse mechanisms will ensure workers are treated fairly. Instead of busting unions, as Scale AI did in Kenya in 2024, companies should also support the formation of digital labour unions or cooperatives. This will give workers a voice to advocate for better working conditions.

    As users of AI products, we all can advocate for ethical practices by supporting companies that are transparent about their AI supply chains and commit to fair treatment of workers. Just as we reward green and fair trade producers of physical goods, we can push for change by choosing digital services or apps on our smartphones that adhere to human rights standards, promoting ethical brands through social media, and voting with our dollars for accountability from tech giants on a daily basis.

    By making informed choices, we all can contribute to more ethical practices across the AI industry.

    Ganna Pogrebna 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. AI is a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s underpinned by an invisible and exploited workforce – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-a-multi-billion-dollar-industry-its-underpinned-by-an-invisible-and-exploited-workforce-240568

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: More workers are being forced back to the office – yet a new study shows flexibility is the best way to keep employees

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John L. Hopkins, Associate Professor of Management, Swinburne University of Technology

    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    Less than a month after Amazon announced employees would need to give up their flexible work arrangements and return to the office full-time, new research has reinforced the value of a flexible work culture.

    The 2024 Employee Benefits Review, by consultancy firm Mercer, found 89% of Australian organisations still offer the option of working from home, with the average number of mandated office days stable at about three a week, the same as last year.

    In this era of limited pay growth, businesses are also increasingly leveraging flexible work arrangements to attract and retain top talent, enhance employee engagement and foster a positive workplace culture.

    The research shows some Australian workers are even prepared to take a pay cut for the sake of a more flexible work life. This and other findings conflict with a renewed push by some big businesses to get employees back to the office.

    Businesses at odds with the research

    Three weeks ago, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy issued a memo calling all employees back to the office five days a week.

    Up to this point, the return to office (RTO) conversation had largely fallen silent for most of this year. Hybrid work arrangements were generally being accepted as the norm for office workers.

    Amazon’s move has reignited the topic. Shortly after the Amazon announcement, Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan ordered workers back to the office to improve performance and create “a winning culture”.

    However, not everybody supports the idea, here or overseas. Senior executives at Google and Microsoft were quick to distance themselves. They reassured workers hybrid arrangements would stay as long as productivity levels didn’t fall.

    What a new national survey found

    Mercer’s report, released on October 2, is based on data from 502 Australian organisations across all major industry groups and sectors. It found flexible work – when managed well – can contribute to a positive workplace culture. It can also improve diversity and inclusion, while broadening the potential talent pool.

    As well as letting people work from home, the report found 77% of participating firms allow staff to adjust their start and finish times. And 5% let their employees work four days instead of five at the same pay. This is commonly referred to as the 100:80:100 model of a four day work week.

    Many businesses gave employees the flexibility to change their start and finish times.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    Four per cent of businesses offered a “compressed working year” – the ability to work the equivalent of 48 weeks in just 40 weeks. Another business was experimenting with letting staff work four years at 80% of salary, and take the fifth year as leave.

    Mercer’s client engagement manager Don Barrera said

    employers need to find the balance between the needs of their employees and the overall business objectives in order to create a benefits strategy that delivers value to all.

    Changing culture

    With flexible work now firmly embedded in many Australian companies, work culture is changing too.

    Just under 60% now define their culture around “work-life balance.” This places greater emphasis on people, but not at the expense of performance.

    This fits with 2021 research identifying positive links between flexibility, employee engagement, productivity and overall performance.

    Workplace Gender Equality Agency research released earlier this year describes flexible work as “the key to workplace gender equality”.

    Other studies have found flexible work increased potential employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

    Flexibility also now extends beyond simply work arrangements. According to the Mercer research, it can include career development, training opportunities, parental leave, part-time work, annual leave, and support for financial wellbeing.

    In recognition of cost-of-living pressures, 65% of organisations now offer health and wellbeing classes and 29% offer financial wellness programs. By broadening the scope of flexibility, businesses can better respond to their workforce’s evolving needs.

    Everyone benefits

    Both employers and employees can benefit from flexibility. For employees, it’s about improving work-life balance, with one-third now willing to forgo a 10% pay rise in favour of flexible, reduced hours, or a compressed work schedule.

    For employers, the benefits are attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a positive workplace culture, and being able to adapt to changing market conditions with a skilled and engaged workforce.

    By understanding the interconnection between these needs, firms can create a work culture that recognises employees have commitments and interests outside work. This can help employees achieve better work-life balance.

    John L. Hopkins 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. More workers are being forced back to the office – yet a new study shows flexibility is the best way to keep employees – https://theconversation.com/more-workers-are-being-forced-back-to-the-office-yet-a-new-study-shows-flexibility-is-the-best-way-to-keep-employees-240649

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank appoints Nnenna Nwabufo as Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    The African Development Bank Group has appointed Nnenna Lily Nwabufo as Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, effective 04 October.

    Nwabufo, a Nigerian national and seasoned executive, brings over 33 years of expertise in financial management, budget planning, human resource management, corporate services, and regional operations.

    Since joining the Bank in 1991, she has held various managerial roles, including Acting Vice President for Corporate Services in May 2015.  In January 2021, she was appointed Director General for East Africa, where she led the Bank Group’s strategic objective of achieving developmental impact in the region’s 13 countries, ensuring the growth of sovereign and non-sovereign operations.

    Nwabufo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and an MBA from Henley Management College in the United Kingdom.

    Commenting on her new role, Nwabufo stated, “I look forward to working closely with the president, the Boards of Directors, fellow senior managers, and our talented staff to continue advancing the Bank’s development mission. Together, we will strengthen partnerships, ensure operational efficiency, and drive sustainable, inclusive growth across Africa.”

    The President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina said: “I am delighted to appoint Mrs. Nnenna Lily Nwabufo as Vice President for the Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery. Nnenna brings deep knowledge of the Bank, vast senior management experience in different parts of the Bank, from finance to human resources, corporate services, budget management, and operations, which will be highly valuable in her new role in charge of country and regional operations and offices. I am confident that Nnenna’s managerial and leadership skills and deep operational experience will support all the Bank’s sector Vice Presidents to deliver and manage their operations and portfolios more effectively on the ground and deepen policy dialogues across countries and regions.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Appointment of Senior Vice President Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The African Development Bank Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, as Senior Vice President, with effect from 4th October 2024.
    Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, a Cameroonian national, was serving as Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery at the Bank.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank appoints Mr. Mtchera Johannes CHIRWA Acting Director for the Water and Sanitation Department

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The African Development Bank has appointed Mtchera Johannes Chirwa Acting Director for the Water and Sanitation Department effective 1 August 2024.
    Chirwa, a Malawian national, is currently Coordinator of the African Water Facility , a Special Fund of the African Development Bank created in 2004 within its Water and Sanitation…

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: AvidXchange Announces Timing of Its Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVDX), a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers, today announced that its third quarter 2024 ended September 30, 2024, financial results will be released on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. AvidXchange will host a conference call at 10:00 AM ET on November 6, 2024, to discuss the company’s financial results.

    The call will be broadcast live via webcast at https://ir.avidxchange.com/. Following the completion of the call, a recorded replay of the call will be available on the AvidXchange Investor Relations website.

    About AvidXchange

    AvidXchange is a leading provider of accounts payable (“AP”) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers. AvidXchange’s software-as-a-service-based, end-to-end software and payment platform digitizes and automates the AP workflows for more than 8,000 businesses and it has made payments to more than 1,200,000 supplier customers of its buyers over the past five years. To learn more about how AvidXchange is transforming the way companies pay their bills, visit http://www.AvidXchange.com.

    Contact:
    Subhaash Kumar
    skumar1@avidxchange.com
    813.760.2309

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Vicor Corporation to Hold Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast on October 22, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vicor Corporation (NASDAQ: VICR) announced today it will hold its third quarter 2024 earnings conference call and webcast on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern). Prepared remarks regarding the company’s financial and operational results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 will be followed by a question and answer period with Patrizio Vinciarelli, Chief Executive Officer, Jim Schmidt, Chief Financial Officer, and Phil Davies, Corporate Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing.

    Results for the third quarter will be released over GlobeNewswire at the close of the NASDAQ Market Session on October 22, 2024, and the press release and a summary of the company’s financial statements will be available shortly thereafter on the Investor Relations page of Vicor’s website.

    Vicor encourages investors and analysts who intend to ask questions via the conference call to register with Notified, the service provider hosting the conference call. Those registering on Notified’s website will receive dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call as well as an email confirmation with the details. Registration may be completed at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. on October 22, 2024.

    For those parties interested in listen-only mode, the conference call will be webcast via a link that will be posted on the Investor Relations page of Vicor’s website prior to the conference call. Please access the website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to register and, if necessary, download and install any required software.

    For those who cannot participate in the live conference call, a webcast replay of the conference call will also be available on the Investor Relations page of Vicor’s website.

    About Vicor

    Vicor Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets modular power components and complete power systems based upon a portfolio of patented technologies. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Vicor sells its products to the power systems market, including enterprise and high performance computing, industrial equipment and automation, telecommunications and network infrastructure, vehicles and transportation, and aerospace and defense electronics.

    http://www.vicorpower.com

    For further information contact:
    Vicor Corporation
    James F. Schmidt
    Chief Financial Officer
    Office: (978) 470-2900
    Email: invrel@vicorpower.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy announces pricing of cash tender offers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 08, 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 the pricing terms of its previously announced separate offers (the “Offers”) to purchase for cash up to US$1,750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its outstanding notes of the series listed in the table below (collectively, the “Notes”).

    The Offers are 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.

    Set forth in the table below is the applicable Total Consideration for each series of Notes, as calculated as of 2 p.m. (Eastern time) today, Oct. 8, 2024, in accordance with the Offer to Purchase.

    Acceptance
    Priority
    Level(1)    		 Title of Notes(2) Principal
    Amount
    Outstanding (in
    millions)    		 CUSIP / ISIN
    Nos. (2)    		 Reference
    Security(4)    		 Reference Yield Bloomberg
    Reference
    Page(4)    		 Fixed Spread (Basis Points)(4) Total Consideration(3)(4)
    1 2.500% Senior Notes due 2031 US$1,000 89352HBC2 / US89352HBC25 3.875% U.S. Treasury due Aug.15, 2034 4.031% FIT1 +35 $887.76
    2 5.000% Senior Notes due 2043 US$625 89352HAL3 / US89352HAL33 4.125% U.S. Treasury due Aug. 15, 2044 4.387% FIT1 +90 $965.85
    3 4.875% Senior Notes due 2048 US$1,000 89352HAY5 / US89352HAY53 4.625% U.S. Treasury due May 15, 2054 4.316% FIT1 +100 $941.07
    4 5.100% Senior Notes due 2049 US$1,000 89352HAZ2 / US89352HAZ29 4.625% U.S. Treasury due May 15, 2054 4.316% FIT1 +95 $977.29
    5 4.750% Senior Notes due 2038 US$500 89352HAX7 / US89352HAX70 3.875% U.S. Treasury due Aug. 15, 2034 4.031% FIT1 +110 $963.02
    6 4.250% Senior Notes due 2028 US$1,400 89352HAW9 / US89352HAW97 3.50% U.S. Treasury due Sept. 30, 2029 3.857% FIT1 +55 $994.82
    7 4.875% Senior Notes due 2026 US$850 89352HAT6 / US89352HAT68 3.875% U.S. Treasury due Jan. 15, 2026 4.140% FIT4 +45 $1,003.36

    _____________

    (1) Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the Offers described in the Offer to Purchase, if the Maximum Purchase Condition is not satisfied with respect to every series of Notes, the Company will accept Notes for purchase in the order of their respective Acceptance Priority Level specified in the table above (with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 7 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level). It is possible that a series of Notes with a particular Acceptance Priority Level will not be accepted for purchase even if one or more series with a higher or lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted for purchase.

    (2) No representation is made 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.

    (3) For each series of Notes in respect of which a par call date is indicated, the calculation of the applicable Total Consideration (as defined below) has been performed to either the maturity date or such par call date, in accordance with standard market convention.

    (4) 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 has been 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 U.S. Treasury reference security as specified in the table above, as quoted on the applicable Bloomberg Reference Page as of 2 p.m. (Eastern time) today, Oct. 8, 2024. See “Description of the Offers—Determination of the Total Consideration” in the Offer to Purchase. The Total Consideration does not include the applicable Accrued Coupon Payment (as defined below), which will be payable in cash in addition to the applicable Total Consideration.

    The Offers will expire at 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on Oct. 8, 2024, unless extended or earlier terminated (such date and time with respect to an Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Offer, the “Expiration Date”). Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on Oct. 8, 2024, unless extended with respect to any Offer.

    For Holders who deliver a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and all other required documentation at or prior to the Expiration Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Documents, the deadline to validly tender Notes using the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) will be the second business day after the Expiration Date and is expected to be 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on Oct. 10, 2024, unless extended with respect to any Offer (the “Guaranteed Delivery Date”).

    Settlement for all Notes tendered prior to the Expiration Date or pursuant to a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be four business days after the Expiration Date and two business days after the Guaranteed Delivery Date, respectively, which is expected to be Oct. 15, 2024, unless extended with respect to any Offer (collectively, the “Settlement Date”).

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

    In addition to the applicable Total Consideration, Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase will receive a cash payment equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date for such Notes to, but excluding, the Settlement Date (the “Accrued Coupon Payment”). Interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offers. 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 Offers are not conditioned on the tender of any aggregate minimum principal amount of Notes of any series (subject to minimum denomination requirements as set forth in the Offer to Purchase).

    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. will act 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. With effect from such termination, any Notes blocked in DTC will be released.

    Holders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes as to when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a beneficial owner in order for that Holder to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in the Offers before the deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and DTC for the submission and withdrawal of tender instructions will also be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase.

    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 are being made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Offers are not being 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 acceptance for purchase of any Notes validly tendered and the expected Expiration Date and settlement dates 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/382e93bc-3de4-4251-b8e5-d81e89cb81a1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hanmi Financial Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings and Conference Call Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanmi Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: HAFC) (“Hanmi”), the holding company for Hanmi Bank, today announced that it will report third quarter 2024 financial results after the market close on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Management will host a conference call that same day, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to discuss the results.

    Investment professionals and all current and prospective shareholders are invited to access the live call on October 22 by dialing 1-877-407-9039 before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, using access code “Hanmi Bank”. To listen to the call online visit the investor relations page of Hanmi’s website at http://www.hanmi.com. The webcast will also be available for replay approximately one hour following the call.

    About Hanmi Financial Corporation
    Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Hanmi Financial Corporation owns Hanmi Bank, which serves multi-ethnic communities through its network of 32 full-service branches and eight loan production offices in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Washington and Georgia. Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. Additional information is available at http://www.hanmi.com.

    Contact
    Romolo (Ron) Santarosa
    Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    213-427-5636

    Lisa Fortuna
    Investor Relations
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    310-622-8251

    Source: Hanmi Bank

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HBT Financial, Inc. to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on October 21, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the “Company” or “HBT Financial”), the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, today announced that it will issue its third quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, October 21, 2024. A copy of the press release announcing the third quarter 2024 financial results and an investor presentation will be made available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.hbtfinancial.com.

    About HBT Financial, Inc.

    HBT Financial, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, and has banking roots that can be traced back to 1920. HBT Financial provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa through 66 full-service branches. As of June 30, 2024, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.4 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion.

    CONTACT:
    Peter Chapman
    HBTIR@hbtbank.com
    (309) 664-4556

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PrairieSky Royalty Announces Conference Call for Q3 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrairieSky will release its Q3 2024 results on Monday, October 28, 2024 after markets close. The news release detailing PrairieSky’s Q3 2024 results will provide operating and financial information. Financial statements along with management’s discussion and analysis will be available on PrairieSky’s website at http://www.prairiesky.com and on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.com.

    A conference call to discuss the results will be held for the investment community on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 beginning at 6:30 am MT (8:30 am ET). To participate in the conference call, you are asked to register at the link provided below. Details regarding the call will be provided to you upon registration.

    About PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.

    PrairieSky is a royalty-focused company, generating royalty revenues as petroleum and natural gas are produced from its properties. PrairieSky has a diverse portfolio of properties that have a long history of generating free cash flow and that represent the largest and most concentrated independently-owned fee simple mineral title position in Canada. PrairieSky common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSK.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
    Investor Relations
    (587) 293-4000

    http://www.prairiesky.com

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/414b59af-1cc6-4caa-8c98-0e69a9ece839

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HAPO Community Credit Union Expands with Acquisition of Community First Bank

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RICHLAND, Wash. and KENNEWICK, Wash., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HAPO Community Credit Union, a leading credit union, and Community First Bank, a trusted provider of financial services in Tri Cities region, jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which HAPO Community Credit Union will acquire Community First Bank. The transaction is structured as a purchase and assumption agreement for HAPO Community Credit Union to acquire and assume substantially all the assets and liabilities of Community First Bank.

    The acquisition of Community First Bank aligns with HAPO’s vision of delivering a broader range of financial products and personalized services while maintaining its core values of member-centricity and community commitment. The acquisition is a strategic move that combines the strengths of both institutions, allowing HAPO to offer an enriched suite of financial products and services while reinforcing the dedication demonstrated by both companies to the Tri Cities and surrounding areas.

    The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both institutions. Following the completion of the transaction, Community First Bank will distribute its remaining assets to its shareholders. When finalized, the combined institution will have approximately $2.9 billion in assets, $2.5 billion in deposits, $2.2 billion in loans, serve more than 220,000 members, and will have 25 branches across Washington and Oregon.

    HFG Trust, a subsidiary of Community First Bank, will be restructured as an independent entity, continuing to engage with clients to deliver holistic financial guidance, ensuring sound advice and meticulous execution of services. Clients can continue to rely on the steadfast leadership and experienced team at HFG Trust as the current management and staffing will remain in place dedicated to being their client’s Financial Partner for Life. In addition, HAPO Community Credit Union will enter a strategic partnership with HFG Trust to give its members an option to utilize HFG Trust’s wealth management and trust services.

    HAPO’s President and CEO, Scott Mitchell, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are excited to unite with Community First Bank in this strategic acquisition. Both HAPO and Community First Bank have long been committed to serving the Tri Cities and surrounding communities. This acquisition will enhance HAPO’s capacity to support local economic growth and address the financial needs of residents and businesses more effectively. We are thrilled to welcome the talented team at Community First Bank and look forward to providing more services and solutions to our members.”

    Community First Bank’s CEO, Eric Pearson, also shared their excitement: “Joining forces with HAPO Community Credit Union represents an exciting and transformative milestone for both our clients and our dedicated team. At Community First Bank, we’ve always placed the highest value on our relationships with our clients and commitment to our loyal team as well as our role in the community. This partnership allows us to elevate the services we provide while staying true to our core values of transparency, trust, and a client-first approach. Together, we are creating a stronger future, delivering unmatched financial solutions, more opportunities for our employees, and deepening our commitment to the communities we serve.”

    Community First Bank clients and HAPO Community Credit Union members should continue to conduct their business as usual. The transaction is expected to be completed in the mid third quarter of 2025, subject to receiving all regulatory approvals, Community First Bank shareholder approval, and other customary closing conditions. As this transition unfolds, HAPO and Community First Bank’s foremost priority is to ensure that members/clients experience uninterrupted service and are kept well-informed every step of the way. Upon approval, all branches of Community First Bank will be integrated into HAPO’s extensive network, reinforcing the combined organizations commitment to maintaining strong relationships with the people that choose to bank at HAPO.

    HAPO Community Credit Union was advised in this transaction by ALM First Analytics, LLC, as exclusive financial advisor, and Honigman, LLP, as legal counsel.

    About HAPO Community Credit Union

    HAPO Community Credit Union, headquartered in Richland, Washington, is a member-focused financial cooperative dedicated to providing high-quality financial services and products. With a commitment to community involvement and personalized service, HAPO strives to help its members achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future. For more information, please visit http://www.hapo.org.

    About Community First Bank

    Community First Bank, headquartered in Kennewick, Washington, is a well-respected local bank known for its commitment to providing personalized banking solutions and supporting community growth. With a strong presence in the Tri Cities area, Community First Bank has been a trusted partner for individuals and businesses seeking tailored financial services. For more information, please visit http://www.cfbhfg.com.

    About HFG Trust

    HFG Trust is headquartered in Kennewick, Washington, where the wealth management firm first opened its offices in 1983. Since then, they have grown the team and services to offer concierge financial services to both individuals and enterprises alike.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Delays and challenges in reaching the EU’s 2030 renewable hydrogen targets – E-001914/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001914/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    The European Court of Auditors has warned that the EU is unlikely to meet its 2030 targets for the production and import of renewable hydrogen. These targets, set under the 2020 hydrogen strategy and the 2022 REPowerEU plan, foresee 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen being produced and a further 10 million tonnes being imported by 2030. Although EUR 18.8 billion has been allocated to hydrogen-related projects, the Court of Auditors considers these targets to be ‘unrealistic’ and based on political will rather than sound analysis.

    The Court also highlights the lack of sufficient demand, which has led to the postponement of many investment decisions, aggravating the ‘chicken and egg’ paradox, in which supply and demand depend on each other. It also stresses that the funding available is scattered across several programmes, making it complex for companies’ to access that funding.

    In view of these challenges, what steps will the Commission take to update the hydrogen strategy and ensure the 2030 targets are achieved?

    Submitted: 2.10.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: All aboard! More clean buses and trains coming to California’s communities most affected by pollution

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 8, 2024

    What you need to know: The state is awarding $206 million in new funding to expand bus and rail services in disadvantaged communities, which face disproportionate impacts from pollution. 

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that Caltrans will award $206 million for 149 local, clean transportation projects to reduce pollution, especially in disadvantaged communities across the state. The funding announced today brings the state’s total investment in these projects to more than $1 billion in the last decade.

    “Thanks to California’s cap-and-trade program, more clean transit is coming to communities impacted most by pollution. With more than $1 billion invested in clean transit in our communities, we’re bettering the health and day-to-day lives of countless Californians.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This funding is possible through the California Climate Investment funds in the Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP), funded by the state’s cap-and-trade program. Over the last decade, LCTOP has provided over $1 billion for over 1,400 projects which expanded bus or rail service, helped transit agencies purchase zero emission vehicles, funded zero emission infrastructure projects, and supported free or reduced transit fare programs. About 96% of this funding has gone to disadvantaged and low-income communities.

    “Caltrans is investing in transit services and infrastructure improvements to enhance and increase travel options in local, disadvantaged communities and help combat climate change,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “The program exemplifies our commitment to ensuring a transportation network that respects the environment and serves all Californians.”

    LCTOP is funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction fund and is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that allocates billions of cap-and-trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. 

    Some of the projects that will benefit from LCTOP funding this year include:

    • Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Metro E-Line Operations: $51.3 million for operations benefitting Metro’s E Line light rail service. The new and expanded transit line serves 29 stations and operates 7 days a week
    • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency – Free Muni for seniors, people with disabilities and youth: $18 million to operate the Free Muni program that reduces or eliminates Muni fares for seniors, people with disabilities and youth
    • Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) – 40 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Project: $10.3 million to purchase 40 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses in support of OCTA’s transition to a zero-emission fleet

    A full list of projects can be found here.

    For more information about California’s transportation investments, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov and build.ca.gov.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 7, 2024

    News In total, California has deployed 284 highly specialized personnel to support hurricane response efforts in recent weeksSACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida this week as a Category 5 hurricane, Governor Gavin Newsom today…

    Oct 7, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s Advisory Council and Million Coaches Challenge are joining forces to train 25,000 youth coaches in California by 2025, setting a new standard for positive youth development and equity in sports. Sacramento, California –…

    Oct 7, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement marking one year since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel:“Today marks the somber anniversary of the horrific massacre of more than 1,200 innocent people — men, women, and children…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory Update: One Night of Lane and Road Closures Scheduled at Sayles Hill Road/Route 146 Intersection on October 12 for Steel Beam Placement

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    For one night only, starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will temporarily close one lane on Route 146 North and detour traffic on Sayles Hill Road where it meets Route 146 in North Smithfield. The closures will create a work zone so heavy equipment can place new steel beams for continued construction of a new flyover bridge RIDOT is building to reduce congestion and make the intersection safer. All roads will reopen by 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 13. This work was rescheduled from October 5.

    The following is a summary of changes expected during this one-night closure period:

    Route 146 North: All through traffic will be reduced to one lane and use a portion of the new flyover bridge RIDOT opened in May. The right lane will remain open for local traffic only to provide access to the residences and businesses along Route 146 North. Access to all residences and businesses will remain for the duration of the closure. There will be no access to Sayles Hill Road. Drivers headed to Sayles Hill Road toward Manville should use the Route 99 or Route 146A exits to detour. Drivers headed to Sayles Hill Road toward Iron Mine Road should use Route 146A to detour.

    Route 146 South: No changes for through traffic or drivers accessing businesses on the west side of the highway corridor or Sayles Hill Road westbound toward Iron Mine Road. Any traffic wishing to turn onto Sayles Hill Road eastbound toward Manville will remain on Route 146 South and reverse direction to Route 146 North or Route 99 North via the I-295 interchange. The traffic signal will remain green for the duration of the work.

    Sayles Hill Road eastbound, west of Route 146: Drivers will detour using Sayles Hill Road to Route 146 South near the Route 146A merge to access Route 146 South. Anyone wishing to go to Route 146 North can follow Route 146 South and reverse direction to Route 146 North via the I-295 interchange.

    Sayles Hill Road westbound, east of Route 146: Drivers will follow detour signage using Route 99 South to Route 146 South, either remaining on Route 146 South toward Lincoln or reversing direction to Route 146 North via the I-295 interchange. Local access between Route 99 and Route 146 will be maintained.

    When fully built in late 2025, the flyover bridge will eliminate the need for any traffic signals for Route 146 through traffic at Sayles Hill Road, the only traffic light on all of Route 146. More than 85 crashes occur each year at this intersection, and it is a source of significant congestion and travel delay.

    The entire Route 146 Project includes greatly needed improvements to the Route 146 corridor, making it safer, improving transit connections, and reducing congestion and vehicle emissions. In addition to the flyover bridge, the project will replace or repair five bridges and repave 8 miles of roadway. Visit http://www.ridot.net/Route146 for more information.

    The $196 million project was funded in part by a $65 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant � the second largest the state ever received � which was secured by Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation. The entire project will be finished in summer 2026.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The Route 146 Project is made possible by RhodeWorks and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at http://www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GUBERNATORIAL PROCLAMATION: Litter-Free Rhode Island’s Take the Pledge Week

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Published on Tuesday, October 08, 2024

    WHEREAS, Rhode Island is known for its natural beauty, which extends across its pristine beaches, green parks, rich forests, vibrant cities, and rural towns, all offering unique contributions to the state’s diverse landscape; and 

    WHEREAS, to protect that beauty, the Governor and First Lady launched the Litter-Free Rhode Island program in 2022 and have since made it a top priority year after year to support cleaner cities and towns and to help beautify Rhode Island so that residents and visitors take pride in their surroundings; and 

    WHEREAS, the Litter-Free Rhode Island program has committed tens of thousands of dollars in microgrant opportunities for environmental projects, clean-ups, and educational materials so that Rhode Islanders and students understand the importance of responsible trash disposal and its connection to improving our state’s overall health; and 

    WHEREAS, the Litter-Free Rhode Island program has worked closely with the state’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services (ETSS), and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) to advance these goals; and 

    WHEREAS, the DOT has hired additional highway crews to address litter build-up on state roads and highways and has collected more than 800,000 gallons of trash and more than 460 tons of large debris to support a better-looking and healthier community; and  

    WHEREAS, the DMV has purchased bags to give to drivers to have in their cars so that they can dispose of litter and displays videos at different DMV locations about the Litter-Free Rhode Island program; and 

    WHEREAS, in partnership with the DOT, Litter-Free Rhode Island has created a “Trashboard” to monitor those clean-ups by DOT highway crews, groundskeepers, microgrant recipients, and volunteers; and  

    WHEREAS, ETSS designed and developed the Litter-Free Rhode Island website, https://litterfree.ri.gov, leveraging the award-winning State of Rhode Island Enterprise Content Management System (eCMS); and 

    WHEREAS, DEM and RIIB have partnered together to administer a microgrant program to help fund clean-ups and clean-up supplies for nearly 100 non-profits, schools, environmental organizations, and community groups so those parties can enhance the quality of life for residents and local ecosystems; and 

    WHEREAS, empowering more Rhode Islanders to get involved and to take pride in their state starts by encouraging good habits that promote cleaner and greener Ocean State communities; and 

    WHEREAS, taking the Litter-Free Rhode Island pledge is a simple, easy way to engage and educate residents so they are actively involved in ways bettering their local parks, playgrounds, beaches, rivers, sidewalks, roads, and more. 

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. McKee, Governor of the State of Rhode Island, do hereby proclaim the week of October 7-11, 2024, as Litter-Free Rhode Island’s Take the Pledge Week and encourage all residents, businesses, schools, organizations, agencies, and families to take the pledge to end litter in our state and leave it better for the next generation of Rhode Islanders. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Price of Tur and Urad in major mandis declines by almost 10% in last three months

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Price of Tur and Urad in major mandis declines by almost 10% in last three months

    Current sowing area for Kharif pulses exceeds last year by over 7% and crop condition is good: Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India

    Centre discusses price of pulses with Retailers Association of India (RAI)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs chaired a meeting with Retailers Association of India (RAI) and major organized retail chains today and discussed the scenario and trends in prices of major pulses. The meeting is timely and significant considering the festive season. Pertinently, mandi prices of most pulses are on declining trend in recent months against improved availability and higher sown area of kharif pulses this year.

    Secretary, Consumer Affairs informed that prices of Tur and Urad in major mandis had declined, on an average, by almost 10% during last three months, but retail prices have not seen similar decline. In respect of Chana, decline in mandi prices have been observed in the past one month, but retail prices continue to increase. She pointed out the diverging trends between wholesale mandi prices and retail prices are indicative of increasingly unwarranted margins that retailers are extracting out of the market dynamics. The trends are being closely tracked and necessary measures will have to be initiated if the divergences are found to be widening.

    The meeting was attended by officials of RAI and representatives from Reliance Retail Ltd., Vishal Mart, D Mart, Spencer and More Retail.

    In respect of availability position, Secretary, Consumer Affairs informed that Kharif Urad and Moong have started arriving in the markets while imports of Tur and Urad from East African countries and Myanmar are arriving steadily to augment the domestic production. The comfortable domestic availability situation is also evident from the fact that the quantity of pulses stock disclosed by big-chain retailers in the stock disclosure portal of Department of Consumer Affairs has been increasing every week.  

    She also pointed out that this year, sowing area for Kharif pulses has exceed last year by over 7% and crop condition has been good. In preparation for Rabi sowing, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has assigned focus plans to each of the major producing States with the objective of increase production and self-sufficiency in pulses. NAFED and NCCF will be involved in farmers registration and seeds distribution among farmers in the upcoming Rabi season, as was done in the Kharif sowing season this year.

    Considering the current availability situation and easing of mandi prices, Secretary asked retail industry to extend all possible support to the Government in its efforts to keep prices of dals affordable to the consumers. In this regard, she invited organized retail chains to coordinate with NCCF and NAFED in the distribution of Bharat Dals, especially Bharat Masur Dal and Bharat Moong Dal, to widen and deepen the coverage and reach of Bharat Dals among consumers.

    ***

    AD/NS

    (Release ID: 2063204) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Meet on World Cerebral Palsy Day organized on 6th October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability) and Multiple Disability organized a National Meet on World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6thOctober 2024. The trust is a statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

    Eminent experts and Professionals in the field of Cerebral Palsy participated in the National Meet as resource persons. Shri K.R Vaidheeswaran, Joint Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Trust delivered the inaugural address, mentioning the need for innovation in the field of Cerebral Palsy to enable persons with cerebral palsy to join mainstream.

    Dr. Neelam Sodhi, MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and founder of North India Cerebral Palsy Association shared her experience on bringing up her son who is a person with Cerebral Palsy and a software expert leading an independent life in Bangalore.

    Dr. Jitendra Kumar Jain, Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon and Chairman, Trishla Foundation, Prayagraj informed important facts and current updates in management of children with Cerebral Palsy. Persons with Cerebral Palsy namely – Mr. Siddharth GJ, Bangalore, a Bank Manager and a Motivational Speaker; Mr. Deepak Parthaasarthy, Chennai, Sports Journalist; and Dr. Ritesh Sinha, Karnal, a Beacon of Resilience and Innovation shared their life journey during the meet.

    Dr. Neeraj Mishra, Occupational Therapist, Dept. of Neurology, G.B Pant Hospital, Delhi addressed the occasion on Handling Children with Cerebral Palsy. There was a panel discussion on ‘The Way Forward Towards Inclusion’ by Mrs. Meenu Arora Mani, Mr. Sawai Singh and Ms. Vinayana Khuranna, all Persons with Cerebral Palsy. The moderator of the panel discussion was Ms. Anuradha from Ability Inclusion and Development (AADI), Delhi.

    The concluding remarks were given by Mr. Avelino Nicolau de Sa, a Person with Cerebral Palsy and a Board Member of the National Trust. The virtual meet was attended by more than 130 participants which includes Board Members of the National Trust, Govt. Officials, Organizations and Professionals working for Persons with Cerebral Palsy etc.

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2063222) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Second Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party observed in Ladakh

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 8:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Expert astro-photographers and amateur astronomers came together at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve between 29 September to 4 October 2024, for the second Star Party.

    The unique event was organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with Department of Wildlife Protection of UT Ladakh, and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and was attended by more than 45 astronomy enthusiasts from across the country.

    Hanle and the surrounding region are host to some of the darkest night skies in India. Hence, the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory, was notified by the Govt. of Ladakh in December 2022, and since then, it has been a major attraction for astro-tourism from across the country.

    “The Indian Astronomical Observatory operated by IIA hosts professional telescopes from our institute as well as those from other organisations, and many more are expected to be built in the future, since this is the best available astronomical site in the country”, said Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA. “We are specially delighted that, through the HDSR project, the Observatory has been connecting with the local communities in a substantial and meaningful fashion. This Star Party, which has attracted so many passionate amateur astronomers, is yet another way in which HDSR brings together the cosmos and the people who love the night sky”, she added.

    HDSR is a science based socio-economic development project, which aims to preserve the darkness of the night sky through various measures to curb light pollution, coupled with an astro-tourism program wherein local villagers have been provided telescopes and trained to be astro-tourism guides or HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors, thereby earning revenue for the local community.

    Hanle holds a special place among the amateur astronomy community in India. The extremely dark sky, along with the exceptionally clear and transparent atmosphere, allows serious astronomy enthusiasts to visually see, as well as photograph, faint celestial objects which cannot be done from other locations. The participants of the Star Party, chosen from more than 200 people who had registered based on their experience and expertise, came from across India, including Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, etc. They brought their telescopes and cameras with them all the way to the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, and carried out their meticulously planned observations in the biting cold of Hanle throughout the four nights.

    To capture the uniqueness of Hanle Dark Sky Reserve for visual observations, a list of 7 visually detectable objects, all of which can be seen best at Hanle, was compiled by Ajay and Neelam Talwar, renowned astro-photographers from Delhi and frequent visitors to Hanle. This “Seven Wonders of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Night Sky” was released by IIA on 29 September, during a day long workshop on amateur astronomy at its Raman Science Centre in Leh. Said Ajay Talwar, “We compiled this list based on our observations from Hanle over many years. The fact that all of these can be seen with the unaided eye, and also require the spectacular skies of Hanle to see them all, will inspire other astronomy enthusiasts who visit here in the future”.

    Many enthusiasts from established associations like Jyotirvidya Parisanstha in Pune, Khagol Mandal in Mumbai, and the Association of Amateur Astronomers of Delhi were also participants in the event. Many lectures were also organised, including a master class on star trails by Vikas Chander, a demonstration on planetary photography by Sona Shukla, and a talk on astronomy inspired art by Rohini Devasher.

    “We decided to have an Open Night on 2 October, so that tourists can take advantage of the numerous amateur telescopes available at the party. We received more than 450 tourists during the Party, who were shown various celestial events by our HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors”, said Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, one of the organisers of the event from IIA.

    Many of these Ambassadors were also participants of the Star Party, which presented an excellent learning opportunity for them in the company of expert astro-photographers.

    “The uniqueness of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve cannot be overstated. The participation of so many amateur astronomers from various parts of India at this Star Party, who came here at substantial personal expense, is a testament to the importance of preserving the night sky in this region,” Dorje Angchuk, Engineer-in-charge of the Indian Astronomical Observatory pointed out.  

     

    The Star Party participants at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, with two HAGAR telescopes in the background.

     

    The Milky Way overlooking the Star Party participants working at their telescopes.

     

    Release of the “Seven Wonders of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Night Sky”, by (left to right) Neelam Talwar, Dorje Angchuk (IIA), and Ajay Talwar.

     

    The Hanle night sky captured by a fish eye lens.

     

    The comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) photographed at the Star Party rising from behind the eastern hills of Hanle in the early morning.  

     

    ****

    NKR/DK

    (Release ID: 2063296) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurates GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Janakpuri, Delhi, today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurates GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Janakpuri, Delhi, today

    Shri Chaudhary asks CBIC to showcase how the Government is helping taxpayers by simplifying tax compliance

    CBIC’s large-scale expansion in office and residential infrastructure reflects growth of the department over the years: CBIC Chairman

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 9:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the state-of-the-art Goods and Services Tax (GST) office building in Nangal Raya, Delhi, today. Representing a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to improve tax administration and enhance public service, this new facility will serve as the official complex for various CGST Delhi formations.

    Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Member GST, Member Tax Policy of CBIC, Principal Chief Commissioner of CGST Delhi Zone, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs Delhi Zone, Director General DG Audit and senior officers of CBIC were also present at the inauguration.

     

    In his address on the occasion, Shri Chaudhary emphasised the critical role of GST infrastructure in Delhi, noting that the city’s strategic location positions it as a vital transit hub for goods flowing to and from neighbouring states. This underscores the necessity for seamless GST implementation to facilitate efficient interstate commerce.

     

    Shri Chaudhary added that while on one hand the integrated tax system simplified the indirect tax framework and broadened the tax base; on the other, it highlighted the urgent need to enhance the operational capacity of central GST structures.

    Shri Chaudhary further elaborated that as a significant contributor to the national exchequer, the effectiveness of GST in Delhi has a direct impact on overall tax revenue and the economic vitality of the country and advised officers to specially ensure in their interactions with MSMEs, that they not only remind them of their obligations but also showcase how the Government is helping them by simplifying tax compliance. The Union Minister of State also advised officers to use simple & clear communication with the taxpayers.

    While delineating the modern and advanced facilities installed in the building, the Union Minister of State stated that such modern facilities are not just about accommodating more officials; they are essential for enabling the department to effectively manage the increasing workload, maintain high service standards, and build an efficient tax administration system. He also appreciated that this new facility will save the government ₹5 crore annually in rental costs — recovering the cost of the building, with interest, in a short period of time.

    In his address of the occasion, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, emphasised that over the past 10 years, CBIC has seen large-scale expansion in office and residential infrastructure, which reflects the growth of the department over the years. In the last 10 financial years (2014-24), approvals have been received for infrastructure projects costing over ₹4,000 crore. Not only have approvals been secured, but the pace of construction on the ground has been unprecedented. He mentioned projects such as NACIN Palasamduram; Office and residential complex at Wadala, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Shri Aggarwal said that all projects are being closely monitored by the CBIC.

    While discussing the GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Shri Aggarwal emphasised that with its advanced facilities, including air-conditioned offices, modern workspaces and 24×7 security arrangements, it will streamline the work of our officers while offering greater convenience to taxpayers. One of the building’s key advantages is its proximity to the taxpayers’ jurisdiction as it is located closer to the vibrant and growing tax base of Delhi West & Delhi South, it will allow taxpayers to interact more easily with departmental officials. The newly established GST Suvidha Kendra inside the office building will further enhance this interface, improving both the ease of business and taxpayer compliance, Shri Aggarwal said.

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2063312) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gross enrolments under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) cross 7 crore mark, with over with over 56 lakh enrolments in current Financial Year 2024-25

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 9:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The total gross enrolments under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have crossed 7 crore, with an enrolment of over 56 lakh in the current Financial Year 2024-25. The scheme is in its 10th year of rollout, and has achieved a big milestone by bringing in the most vulnerable sections of society under the coverage of pension has been made possible with the untiring efforts of all the Banks and SLBCs/UTLBCs.

    The Pension Fund and Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA), in the recent past, has taken several initiatives for awareness creation of the scheme i.e., conducting APY Outreach Programmes at State and District levels, organising awareness and training programmes, publicity through various media channels, releasing a one-pager simple APY flyer/handout

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dangerous escalation in the Middle East – P-001945/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001945/2024
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Kostas Papadakis (NI), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

    Iran’s missile attack on Tel Aviv was an expected retaliatory move in response to Israeli brutality and marks an escalation in the military showdown between the two countries.

    Backed by the US, NATO and the EU, Israel is continuing its genocide against Palestinians, has occupied further territory in Gaza and the West Bank, has invaded the independent state of Lebanon and is continuing its killing spree against political leaders.

    The EU has organised ‘Aspides’, a dangerous military operation in the Red Sea, which the Greek Government is taking part in by sending a warship and hosting the operation headquarters in Larissa.

    How does the EU High Representative/Vice-President view:

    • 1.The fact that the EU military operation ‘Aspides’ provides a justification for the escalation of Israel’s savage project, contributes to the escalation of armed conflict in the wider Middle Eastern region and turns people in the region and Europeans into retaliation targets, with unpredictable consequences?
    • 2.The call for all support to Israel to be withdrawn, for the EU’s ‘Aspides’ operation to be terminated, for the Greek frigate and the other ships that joined the mission to be withdrawn and for a pull-out from the war in the Middle East?
    • 3.The fact that the EU continues to support Israel, citing its commitment to the latter’s security for the sake of stability in the Middle East, when this very same region is in severe turmoil precisely because of Israel’s aggression and the policy pursued by its Government, whose plans are supported by the EU?

    Submitted: 3.10.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye – B10-0099/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Sebastião Bugalho, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Michael Gahler, Luděk Niedermayer, Ana Miguel Pedro, Mirosława Nykiel, Marta Wcisło, Vangelis Meimarakis, Danuše Nerudová, Tomáš Zdechovský, Jörgen Warborn, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Željana Zovko, Miriam Lexmann
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    B10‑0099/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye

    (2024/2856(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous reports and resolutions on Türkiye,

    – having regard to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, which ranks Türkiye 158th out of 180 countries,

    – having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas, on 6 May, 2023, Bülent Mumay, a Turkish journalist and coordinator of the Istanbul bureau of Deutsche Welle Turkish editorial office was sentenced to 20 months in prison for social media posts about a pro-government company’s seizure of Istanbul Municipality’s subway funds; whereas his appeal was rejected, leaving the sentence upheld;

    B. whereas, on August 20, 2024, the Istanbul 26th Regional Court, acting as an appeals court, upheld the sentence and also ordered the Information and Communication Technologies Authority to block access to news reports about the upheld prison sentence;

    C. whereas, the verdict, coupled with repeated censorship, demonstrates the escalating pressure on press freedom in Türkiye and Bülent Mumay’s case not being an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment and censorship targeting Türkiye’s independent media;

    D. whereas Türkiye, as an EU candidate country, is required to uphold the highest standards of democracy, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and the universal right to a fair trial, and strict respect for the principle of presumption of innocence and the right to due process;

    1. Strongly condemns the imprisonment and suspension sentence against Bülent Mumay, which is a thinly veiled attempt to silence critical journalism; calls on the Turkish authorities to immediately release Bülent Mumay, and all arbitrary detained media workers and journalists;

    2. Is deeply concerned for the deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, relentless crackdown on any critical voice, independent media and freedom of expression, particularly around the election periods, and ongoing harassment on press freedom and freedom of expression in Türkiye; deplores the fact that the Turkish Government, with a number of laws, including the 2020 social media law, the 2021 anti-money laundering law and the 2022 disinformation law, has built a complex web of legislation serving as a tool to systematically control and silence journalists;

    3. Calls on the EU to take restrictive measures against individuals involved in artificial persecution of journalists under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime;

    4. Underlines that if not addressed, the deteriorating human rights situation in Türkiye could hamper the “Positive EU-Türkiye agenda” proposed by the European Council;

    5. Calls on the EEAS to adequately support the EU Delegation to Türkiye in intensifying trial observation of detained journalists and media workers, in coordination with representations of EU Member States and like-minded countries, and raising their cases with the authorities at all levels;

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the  Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the President, Government and Parliament of Türkiye.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye – B10-0096/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Vladimir Prebilič, Erik Marquardt, Mélissa Camara, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Leoluca Orlando, Catarina Vieira, Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    B10‑0096/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye

    (2024/2856(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Türkiye, in particular the ones of 13 September 2023 and of 5 May 2022,

    – having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas on 6 May 2023, the journalist Bülent Mumay was given a suspended 20-month sentence because he reported on social media on alleged corruption schemes by a construction company with close links to the government; whereas on 20 August 2024, an appeals court upheld the conviction and ordered internet service providers to block access to news reports related the sentence; whereas Mumay’s only remaining legal recourse is filing an individual application to the Constitutional Court;

    B. whereas Mumay’s case is emblematic of Erdoğan’s systemic pressure on media, which is characterised by legal persecution, censorship, financial pressure, hate speech and threats against journalists, resulting in self-censorship, lack of pluralism and depriving the Turkish public of access to relevant information regarding matters of public interest;

    1. Is appalled that despite a decreased number of jailed journalists, Erdoğan’s decades-long systemic pressure campaign against journalists and critical voices continues and an important number of political prisoners remains; regrets that journalists, including Mumay, live under a constant threat of imprisonment for merely practising their profession;

    2. Urges the Turkish authorities to immediately end their harassment campaign against independent media and critical voices and to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, including Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtaş;

    3. Expresses its deep concern about the political instrumentalisation of the Turkish judiciary and its systemic lack of independence; considers that in the case of Mumay, the judicial system may not be able to provide redress and may instead deliver a verdict that further violates the rights to freedom of expression and information;

    4. Calls on the future HR/VP and the new Commission to put the situation of fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy at the centre of their engagement with the Turkish authorities, to focus on working towards reversing the decades-long erosion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of information, as well as pushing for the immediate implementation of Türkiye’s international obligations as a member of the Council of Europe, in particular for the swift and full implementation of the ECtHR verdicts concerning Kavala and Demirtaş;

    5. Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the EU Delegation in Ankara to publicly condemn Türkiye’s harassment campaigns against independent media and critical voices, and to attend and monitor trials against journalists and political dissidents;

    6. Calls on the Commission to focus EU funding for Türkiye on supporting civil society and independent media;

    7. Calls on the EU and Member States to issue emergency visas and facilitate temporary shelter in the EU for journalists and human rights activists from Türkiye;

    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP and the Government and National Assembly of Türkiye.

    MIL OSI Europe News –