NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Banking: CAF Innovation Series | Accelerating Innovation-Based Economies in the Caribbean

    Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

    Alexander Figueroa
    Chief Operating Officer, Trust of the Americas

     joined The Trust at the end of February 2018 where he is serving as the Chief Operating Officer.  In that capacity, he is responsible for the management and operation of an internal team which supports the areas of finance, business planning, budgeting, human resources, administration and IT.

    Prior to joining The Trust, Alex had worked at the General Secretariat of the OAS. Starting as a field accountant, he worked his way through the ranks and culminated a 17-year career as the Chief, Financial Operations for the OAS where he supervised a staff of 40 and had overall responsibility for the OAS’ financial operations In Washington and at the 29 offices away from Headquarters.

    After leaving the OAS in December 2011, he started a company providing services in accounting, advisory, and taxes. The company’s portfolio included six non-profits among its clients. Alex holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University and is a Certified Governmental Financial Manager (CGFM). The CGFM is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Government Accountants.

    Alex is fluent in both English and Spanish. Dr. Mark Moyou is a Senior Data Scientist at NVIDIA, developing scalable machine learning solutions for top North American retailers. With previous roles at Lucidworks and Alstom Transportation, he brings a wealth of experience in machine learning applications. Dr. Moyou, who holds advanced degrees in Systems Engineering, also actively contributes to the tech community as the host of the Caribbean Tech Pioneers Podcast and the Southern Data Science Conference in Atlanta.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beaver Bank — RCMP charges man with multiple offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has charged a man with multiple offences, including assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, following a disturbance in Beaver Bank.

    On September 26, at approximately 8:15 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a report of an unwanted person outside a home on Sherri Ln. Upon arrival, responding officers confirmed the identity of the man and determined that he was in breach of conditions. When officers advised the man he was under arrest, he fled inside his home, which was nearby, grabbed a bat and returned outside, threatening the officers.

    The man was highly agitated and officers made several attempts to subdue and arrest him, including deploying their conducted energy weapons, before safely taking him into custody. The man and two officers sustained minor injuries during the incident. All three were treated and released by EHS.

    Shawn Michael Deschenes, 51, of Beaver Bank, has been charged with:

    • Assaulting a Peace Officer (two counts)
    • Assaulting a Peace Officer with a Weapon (three counts)
    • Uttering Threats
    • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
    • Resist Arrest
    • Mischief
    • Criminal Harassment
    • Causing Disturbance (two counts)
    • Failure to Comply with a Release Order (two counts)

    Deschenes appeared in Dartmouth Provincial Court on September 27 and was remanded into custody. He will return in court on October 1, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

    File # 24-132543

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI@90 Inter Institution Cricket Tournament

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    To mark the 90th year of its establishment, Reserve Bank of India hosted RBI@90 Inter Institutional Cricket Tournament at Jaipur, Rajasthan from September 21-28, 2024. Teams with Indian players having experience of playing at International and National level participated in the tournament. The tournament was played in the twenty over format.

    The event commenced with Opening Ceremony and Exhibition Match on September 21, 2024. Finals of the tournament was played on September 28, 2024 between SPJ Cargo and Bank of Baroda at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

    Finals started with introduction of both the teams and unveiling of trophy of the tournament. Bank of Baroda won the toss and scored 157 runs. SPJ Cargo chased the target to win the tournament.

    The matches of the tournament were streamed live on the Reserve Bank of India’s YouTube channel.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1180

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The problem with new claims that Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus was co-written by a forgotten dramatist

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gabriel Egan, Professor of Shakespeare Studies, De Montfort University

    Painting of an unknown 21-year-old man, widely supposed to be Christopher Marlowe (1585). Corpus Christi College

    In Shakespeare’s time, about a quarter of all plays were collaboratively written by two or more dramatists. Christopher Marlowe’s classic work Doctor Faustus was first performed in the 1580s or early 1590s but only published in 1604, 11 years after his death. The dramatists Samuel Rowley and William Bird were paid in 1602 to write new additions to the play.

    However, researchers have long suspected that the original play was not written by Marlowe alone. Its broader comic parts, largely in prose, have been thought to be the work of a second writer who never got the credit they deserved.

    Previous research has suggested one of the dramatists Thomas Nashe or Henry Porter. Nashe left us only one play, Summer’s Last Will and Testament (1592). Porter wrote several in collaboration with other dramatists, but only one sole-authored play survives, The Two Angry Women of Abingdon (1599).

    So, can a new computer analysis of texts resolve this question and finally credit the second author of Doctor Faustus?

    In an article in the journal Notes & Queries and a piece in the Guardian, Darren Freebury-Jones describes computer techniques that point to Marlowe’s co-author being Porter. But we have found methodological problems in Freebury-Jones’s approach, and believe the evidence he presents does not support the conclusions he draws from it.

    Computational analysis can certainly generate new knowledge about authorship, but his work is not a convincing example of this burgeoning art.

    Unique matches

    Freebury-Jones’s Notes & Queries article presents tables from a free online dataset, Collocations and N-Grams, created by independent Shakespeare analyst Pervez Rizvi. For 527 plays from the 1550s to the 1650s (pretty much all of those that have survived from this period), the dataset lists all four-word phrases that each play has in common with the other 526.

    But the phrases Rizvi considers most significant are those that appear only in the play under consideration and one other play – known as “unique matches”. For each of the 527 plays, he ranks which other plays have the most unique matches to it.

    If these rare phrases are particular to each dramatist’s idiolect (unique way of speaking), then researchers should, for example, find at the top of the Macbeth table some other plays by Shakespeare. And we do: among the top-ten plays that share the most unique matches with Macbeth are Julius Caesar, Coriolanus, King Lear and Hamlet.

    But while the top-ten list for Macbeth gives grounds for optimism about Freebury-Jones’s method, since four of its plays are Shakespeare’s, the top-ten list for Doctor Faustus, reproduced below, dashes this:

    1. The Taming of a Shrew
    2. A Trick to Catch the Old One
    3. The Devil’s Charter
    4. Albumazar
    5. Caesar and Pompey, or Caesar’s Revenge
    6. The Family of Love
    7. Messalina, the Roman Empress
    8. The Sisters
    9. The Two Angry Women of Abingdon
    10. Tamburlaine

    While Porter is present in this list as the author of The Two Angry Women of Abingdon, Marlowe himself has only one play in it: Tamburlaine (1587) at position ten. If this method were detecting authorship, Marlowe’s other plays should dominate the list, just as the Macbeth list is dominated by Shakespeare plays.

    Moreover, Porter’s play also appears at number ten for unique matches with Macbeth. This suggests the evidence for Porter being a coauthor of Macbeth is almost as strong as for Doctor Faustus – but Freebury-Jones makes no mention of this.

    Illustration from the title page of a 1620 edition of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus.
    John Wright

    Porter can hardly be expected to dominate any top-ten list as Shakespeare does for Macbeth, since he left us only play. In contrast, with his roughly 1 million words of writing, Shakespeare presents a much greater “surface area” to any method that counts rare words or phrases – so he has more opportunities than anyone else to write the rare phrases we are looking for. To compensate for this, Rizvi discounts the significance of matches to authors with large canons.

    Freebury-Jones mentions that the raw counts “are divided by the combined word counts for each pairing”, which is the scaling process Rizvi describes in the notes to Collocations and N-Grams. But nobody knows if this is the right way to scale for different canons or not, because the science of this problem has not been explored.

    Rizvi changed his scaling formula in 2018 at my (Gabriel Egan’s) suggestion. But I did not claim to have solved the problem, and I consider it an open question whether we can derive a fair formula for such scaling.

    Furthermore, Rizvi’s dataset does not distinguish between the plays that Shakespeare wrote alone and those he co-wrote, so his scaling factor treats as Shakespeare’s some substantial writings of other authors.

    Further problems

    This highlights another question with the analysis. In the top-ten list for unique matches with Macbeth are two plays co-authored by the dramatists Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher: The Woman Hater (1606) and Philaster (1620).

    So, what should a researcher do when a play has more than one author? One response is to count matches to Beaumont’s part separately from matches to Fletcher’s part, using the widely accepted divisions of these two plays – as first proposed by Cyrus Hoy, an expert in the English Renaissance stage, in 1958. Alternatively, you could exclude co-authored plays entirely, as many authorship investigators do.

    But Freebury-Jones says nothing about this problem of judging writers by their co-authored works. This consideration bears somewhat on Macbeth too, since many Shakespearians believe the playwright Thomas Middleton wrote about 5%-10% of it.

    So where does all this leave Porter? Freebury-Jones ends his Notes & Queries piece with a cautious claim: “We may reasonably conclude that Henry Porter is a likelier candidate than [Thomas] Nashe for Marlowe’s collaborator on Doctor Faustus.”

    But in speaking to the Guardian, he abandoned this caution. He reports being “astonished by just how close the dramatic language of Doctor Faustus actually was to Porter”, and insists that we must recognise “Porter as the most likely collaborator”.

    It’s possible that Porter did co-write Doctor Faustus. But the problems with Freebury-Jones’s analysis mean that, for now, we still can’t say for sure.


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

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

    – ref. The problem with new claims that Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus was co-written by a forgotten dramatist – https://theconversation.com/the-problem-with-new-claims-that-marlowes-doctor-faustus-was-co-written-by-a-forgotten-dramatist-239968

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Celebrates Grand Opening of Largest Public Project in Mount Vernon’s History

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    09.28.24
    Cantwell Celebrates Grand Opening of Largest Public Project in Mount Vernon’s History
    New regional transportation hub near I-5 will host largest public EV charging station in the U.S.; Sen. Cantwell secured $3 million for project in FY2024 annual appropriations bill
    MOUNT VERNON, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined local officials and community members at the grand opening of the Mount Vernon Library Commons – the largest public project in Mount Vernon’s history.
    “Transit oriented development projects like this create more livable communities,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Come up here, recharge, go to the Co-op, stop at the library — see all the wonderful things in Skagit County.
    This year alone, we’ve been able to provide [$12.5] million from the bipartisan infrastructure bill for the 78 electrical charging stations and more in the future, and the entire building really is an apex of what energy efficiency is. Even the concrete used to bore the foundation took the environment into consideration,” she continued.
    “So it is really, really a great testament to the leadership of this city today […] making this region an even more attractive place to be and live.”
    Following the speaking program, Sen. Cantwell joined the community for a ribbon cutting and tour of the new space; b-roll is available for download HERE.
    Located right off I-5, the Mount Vernon Library Commons will serve as a regional transportation hub, featuring a public library, a young adult STEM center, a community conference center, a commercial kitchen, and charging stations for electric vehicles and electric bicycles. The facility boasts 76 public EV charging spaces and infrastructure to increase capacity by 200 stations, making it the largest public EV charging station in the country.
    The Library Commons was awarded a $12.5 million Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Sen. Cantwell championed. She also secured a $3 million Congressionally Directed Spending request for the Library Commons project in the FY 2024 annual Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The Library Commons project also received a $26.8 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) loan, the first ever TOD loan in the nation, which saved the City of Mount Vernon $3 million.
    The Library Commons is the first publicly bid building in Washington state to be certified to Passive House standards – one of the highest environmental certifications for reduced energy use. The building utilizes solar panels that supply 19-21% of the building’s power demand. 
    Video of the speaking program and b-roll of the ribbon cutting and tour are HERE; photos are HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Administrator Surveys Damage in Florida as Hurricane Helene Response Efforts Continue

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Administrator Surveys Damage in Florida as Hurricane Helene Response Efforts Continue

    FEMA Administrator Surveys Damage in Florida as Hurricane Helene Response Efforts Continue

    WASHINGTON — Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Florida surveying damage and assessing the need for federal resources to support Hurricane Helene response activities. 

    This whole-of-government effort includes the support of more than 2,300 federal personnel and voluntary agencies across six states. More than 800 FEMA personnel are deployed to assist with response efforts and are working to determine the scope of the storm’s impact and coordinate resource support and assistance.

    The Biden-Harris Administration approved emergency declarations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. This type of declaration allows federal resources to begin flowing immediately as damage assessments are conducted to determine what additional resources may be available if a major disaster is declared.

    FEMA’s priority remains providing life-saving and life sustaining support to affected areas. FEMA deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams with more than 1,270 personnel and Swift Water Rescue Capabilities to affected states. Our non-profit partners including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Convoy of Hope, Heart to Heart International and others are actively supporting survivors by providing emergency sheltering, food, water, clean up kits, healthcare supplies and other disaster relief items. Team Rubicon teams are helping to clear roads while the Salvation Army deployed seven mobile feeding units and crews.

    As people begin to assess damage, it is important to continue listening to local officials for instructions and be aware of the possibility of life-threating post-storm hazards. People can download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish languages to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in their area.

    People who need help reconnecting with loved ones missing after the hurricane can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and provide as much detail available to assist operators in potentially locating missing loved ones. More than 540 American Red Cross volunteers are in the affected areas supporting communities with sheltering needs, reunification efforts and post-storm care.

    What People Can Do Now

    • If you evacuated, do not return home until local officials say it is safe to do so.
       
    • Stay out of floodwaters. People experiencing heavy rain and flooding should not wade through flood waters, which can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife, as well as downed powerlines that can electrically charge the water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
       
    • Be safe during an outage. If you are without power, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting.
       
    • Text instead of calling. While cellular service is limited in several areas, it’s easier to get in touch with loved ones by texting instead of calling.
       
    • Use generators safely. If there is a power outage, use generators safely. Always use them outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.
       
    • For people who are beginning to clean up, make sure to document any property damage with photos and video contact your insurance company for assistance and next steps.
       
    • People with a National Flood Insurance Program insurance policy who suffered flood damage can begin filing a claim with a phone call to their flood insurance agent or company.

    Responding to Hurricane Helene is a Whole-of- Community Effort

    Non-profit and charitable organizations are on the frontlines of the response to Hurricane Helene, providing critical support to people and communities. Here are just a few examples of the important work some of these organizations are doing on the ground.

    • American Red Cross (ARC) has more than 540 Red Cross responders deployed to affected areas with another 350 responders in route. As of Saturday morning, at least 1,900 people are in more than 80 shelters. More than 30 ARC Emergency Response Vehicles are supporting and 24 additional vehicles are in route. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information on redcross.org or by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app by texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999.
    • Salvation Army is in Georgia providing meals at six emergency shelters. In Florida, a total of five mobile feeding units are in Tallahassee and 12 are in Perry. The Salvation Army is also responding to requests for cleanup kits and blankets. In North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky, the Salvation Army is responding to requests for meal service to communities affected by the storm. More response information is available at helpsalvationarmy.org.
    • Capacity Path Relief deployed two teams for community support in Florida’s Big Bend and southwest coastal areas and is expanding support to fill requests from numerous counties. Additional teams are collaborating with local EOCs and coordinating with agency and feeding partners. They are also offering mental health support to teams supporting the response.
    • Convoy of Hope is stationed in Perry, Florida and is distributing disaster supplies to survivors and is communicating with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office to provide support as needed.
    • Heart to Heart International (HHI) is in Florida with hygiene kits and pharmaceuticals/healthcare supplies for survivors if needed. 
    • Crisis Cleanup is currently working to help survivors clean up damage from Hurricane Helene. Organizations that would like to help can register at www.crisiscleanup.org/register. 
    • Food for the Poor will deliver five pallets of hygiene kits to Catholic Charities in Saint Petersburg and Tampa, Florida and are deploying disaster kits which include tarps and hygiene kits, women’s care kits and children’s activity kits.
    • Operation Hope is prepared to support survivors with assistance applications, insurance claims, disaster recovery plans and document recovery. Survivors can find information by visiting www.operationhope.org. 

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Vermont Affected by Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Vermont following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred July 29-31.

    “SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Vermont small businesses and residents impacted by this disaster in every way possible under President Biden’s disaster declaration for certain affected areas,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

    The disaster declaration covers Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs):  Franklin, Lamoille, Orange and Washington in Vermont; and Coos and Grafton in 
    New Hampshire.

    SBA’s Business Recovery Center (BRC) is open to assist businesses complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.  Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Business Recovery Center in advance.  The Center will operate as indicated below.  

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)

    Washington County  

    Barre Municipal Auditorium

    20 Auditorium Hill  

    Barre, VT 05641

    Hours:          Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                          Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed:        Sunday

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.688% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Building back smarter and stronger can be an effective recovery tool for future disasters. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.  

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”  

    With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and the SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover.  FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.  Do not wait on the decision for a FEMA grant; apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.  

    Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 25, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 26, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration  

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Additional Recovery Centers in Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties to Assist South Carolinian Affected by Tropical Storm Debby

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it will open Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs)  at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30 at the Wiltown Community Center in Adams Run,  Colleton County Taxpayer Service Center in Walterboro, and the Dorchester County Library, in St. George, to assist South Carolinians with applying for SBA disaster loans for losses due to Tropical Storm Debby that occurred on Aug. 4-22.

    The declaration includes the primary counties of Berkeley and Orangeburg and the adjacent counties of Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Lexington and Williamsburg in South Carolina.

    “When disasters strike, our Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At these centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”  

    Customer Service Representatives are available at the Centers to assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in advance.  The Centers will operate as indicated below.  

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Berkeley County  

    Berkeley County Administration Building

    1003 US-52  

    Moncks Corner, SC 29461  

    Hours:        Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                        Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed:      Sunday

    Permanently Closes: Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Charleston County  

    Wiltown Community Center

    5779 Parkers Ferry Rd

    Adams Runs, SC 29426  

    Opening: Monday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

    Hours:       Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                        Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                        Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

    Closed:      Saturday and Sunday

    Permanently Closes:  Friday, Oct 4 at 4 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Colleton County  

    Colleton County Taxpayer Service Center

    118 Benson St.  

    Walterboro, SC 29488

    Opening:  Monday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

    Hours:        Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                         Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

                         Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed:       Sunday

    Permanently Closes:  Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Dorchester County  

    Dorchester County Library  

    506 North Parlor Ave

    St. George, SC 29477

    Opening:   Monday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

    Hours:        Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                         Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

                         Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed:       Sunday

    Permanently Closes:  Monday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Orangeburg County  

    Bowman Library

    7105 Charleston Hwy    

    Bowman, SC 29018

    Hours:        Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                         Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed:       Sunday

    Permanently Closes:  Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.

    For more information and to apply online visit sba.gov/disaster.  Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 18, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 18, 2025.  

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration  

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Minnesotans have More Time to Apply for Physical Disaster Loans

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it has extended the deadline for survivors of the severe storms and flooding from June 16 through July 4 to file their applications for disaster assistance.  Minnesota residents now have until Oct. 27, to apply for federal disaster loans for physical damage. 

    The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Blue Earth, Cook, Cottonwood, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Itasca, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Rice, Rock, St. Louis, Steele, Waseca and Watonwan in Minnesota, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Aitkin, Beltrami, Brown, Carlton, Cass, Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Koochiching, Lyon, Olmsted, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Scott, Sibley and Wabasha in Minnesota; Dickinson, Emmet, Howard, Kossuth, Lyon, Mitchell, Osceola, Winnebago and Worth  in Iowa; Minnehaha and Moody in South Dakota; and Douglas, Pepin and Pierce in Wisconsin.

    With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and the SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover.  FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.  Do not wait on the decision for a FEMA grant; apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.  

    Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Oct. 27, 2024. The deadline to submit economic injury applications is April 29, 2025.

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration  

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hurricane Helene power outages leave millions in the dark – history shows poorer areas often wait longest for electricity to be restored

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Chuanyi Ji, Associate Professor of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Strong winds from Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Southeast, flooded roads and cut power in multiple states. AP Photo/Mike Carlson

    Hurricane Helene left more than 4 million homes and businesses in the dark across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas after hitting Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 storm late on Sept. 26, 2024. As Helene’s rains moved inland, and mountain rivers caused devastating flooding, officials warned that fixing downed utility lines and restoring power would take days in some areas.

    Electricity is essential to just about everyone – rich and poor, old and young. Yet, when severe storms strike, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities often wait longest to recover.

    That isn’t just a perception.

    We analyzed data from over 15 million consumers in 588 U.S. counties who lost power when hurricanes made landfall between January 2017 and October 2020. The results show that poorer communities did indeed wait longer for the lights to go back on.

    A 10 percentile drop in socioeconomic status in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social vulnerability index was associated with a 6.1% longer outage on average. This corresponds to waiting an extra 170 minutes on average for power to be restored, and sometimes much longer.

    The top map shows the total duration of power outages over eight storms by county. The lower map is a comparison with socioeconomic status taken into account, showing that counties with lower average socioeconomic status have longer outages than expected.
    Ganz et al, 2023, PNAS Nexus

    Implications for policy and utilities

    One likely reason for this disparity is written into utilities’ standard storm recovery policies. Often, these polices prioritize critical infrastructure first when restoring power after an outage, then large commercial and industrial customers. They next seek to recover as many households as they can as quickly as possible.

    While this approach may seem procedurally fair, these recovery routines appear to have an unintended effect of often making vulnerable communities wait longer for electricity to be restored. One reason may be that these communities are farther from critical infrastructure, or they may be predominantly in older neighborhoods where power infrastructure requires more significant repairs.

    Commercial areas are often higher on the priority list for faster power recovery in an outage. This store was still closed for several days during Texas’ widespread outages in 2021.
    Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

    The upshot is that households that are already at greater risk from severe weather – whether due to being in flood-prone areas or in vulnerable buildings – and those who are least likely to have insurance or other resources to help them recover are also likely to face the longest storm-caused power outages. Long outages can mean refrigerated food goes bad, no running water and delays in repairing damage, including delays in running fans to dry out water damage and avoid mold.

    Our study spanned 108 service regions, including investor-owned utilities, cooperatives and public utilities. The differential impact on poorer communities did not line up with any particular storm, region or individual utility. We also found no correlation with race, ethnicity or housing type. Only average socioeconomic level stood out.

    How to make power recovery less biased

    There are ways to improve power recovery times for everyone, beyond the necessary work of improving the stability of power distribution.

    Policymakers and utilities can start by reexamining power restoration practices and power infrastructure maintenance, such as replacing aging utility poles and trimming trees, with disadvantaged communities in mind.

    Power providers already have granular data on power usage and grid performance in their service regions. They can begin experimenting with alternative recovery routines that consider the vulnerability of their customers in ways that do not substantially affect average recovery duration.

    People in some Fort Myers, Fla., neighborhoods still lacked water and electricity more than a week after Hurricane Ian in 2022.
    Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

    For socioeconomically vulnerable regions that are likely to experience long outages because of their locations and possibly the aging energy infrastructure, utilities and policymakers can proactively ensure that households are well prepared to evacuate or have access to backup sources of power.

    For example, the U.S. Department of Energy announced in October 2023 that it would invest in developing dozens of resilience hubs and microgrids to help supply local power to key buildings within communities when the wider grid goes down. Louisiana plans several of these hubs, using solar and large-scale batteries, in or near disadvantaged communities.

    Policymakers and utilities can also invest in broader energy infrastructure and renewable energy in these vulnerable communities. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Justice40 program directs that 40% of the benefit from certain federal energy, transportation and housing investments benefit disadvantaged communities. That may help residents who need public help the most.

    Severe weather events are becoming more common as global temperatures rise. That increases the need for better planning and approaches that don’t leave low-income residents in the dark.

    Chenghao Duan, a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech, also contributed to this article. This article, originally published on Feb. 7, 2024, has been updated with Hurricane Helene’s rising power outage toll.

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

    – ref. Hurricane Helene power outages leave millions in the dark – history shows poorer areas often wait longest for electricity to be restored – https://theconversation.com/hurricane-helene-power-outages-leave-millions-in-the-dark-history-shows-poorer-areas-often-wait-longest-for-electricity-to-be-restored-240001

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM’s guidance in developing Uttar Pradesh to help it reach US$ 1 trillion economy: Shri Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    PM’s guidance in developing Uttar Pradesh to help it reach US$ 1 trillion economy: Shri Goyal

    Double engine government of Centre, Uttar Pradesh to propel India to a US$ 35 trillion economy by 2047: Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal

    Uttar Pradesh led by Shri Adityanath’s industrial policies has become a holistic model of development: Shri Goyal

    Implementation of 4Ds: Decisive leadership, Demand, Demographic Dividend, Democracy made Uttar Pradesh investment friendly: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 28 SEP 2024 8:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his valedictory speech at the 2nd edition of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s efforts in developing Uttar Pradesh will help the state reach US$ 1 trillion economy in the first phase. 

    Shri Goyal noted that the double engine Government of Uttar Pradesh led by Shri Yogi Adityanath under the guidance of the Prime Minister will help India become a US$ 5 trillion economy in the first phase, and will serve as a cornerstone for India to become a US$35 trillion economy and a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Shri Goyal noted that the industrial and other proactive policies implemented by Shri Yogi Adityanath with the visionary goals of the Prime Minister has led the state to become a holistic model of development in the country.

    Highlighting the journey of Make in India program, Shri Goyal said that PM Modi’s vision to initiate this journey on September 25, 2014 to make India a domination nation at the global stage in manufacturing will produce employment and entrepreneur opportunities for the youth.

    Shri Goyal announced that a decision has been taken to celebrate the Anniversary of Make in India with the opening of the UP International Trade Show every year. The Government of India and the UP Government together have constantly prioritised making laws simpler and promote ease of doing business, he said.  He added that the Centre and the UP government in a joint effort are building an industrial smart city in Greater Noida and a total of 20 industrial smart cities are being developed across the country.

    Applauding the success of the trade show in its 2nd edition, Shri Goyal highlighted that over 2,500 exhibitors participated and over a lakh people have already attended in the four-day event from September 25-29, 2024. Shri Goyal further praised Shri Adityanath and the UP government for their efforts in skill development of the youth enabling provision of skilled and talented labour for the companies investing in the state. He said that because of this proactive initiative, migration from the state has significantly reduced with industries receiving a ready talent pool for efficient operations enabling them to expand their business and also making the state investor-friendly. UP government has been successful in not only a holistic development of the state but has also made progress in social infrastructure and human development, he said. 

    Shri Goyal explaining 4Ds – Decisive leadership, Demand, Demographic Dividend and a vibrant Democracy, said that huge investments have poured into Uttar Pradesh because of its implementation by the Centre and the state government.

    Highlighting the successes of first 100 days of PM Modi’s third term, Shri Goyal said that the decisions taken to benefit farmers, to increase minimum wages, build 3 crore homes under the PMAY scheme, provision for health expenditure up to Rs 5 lakh for citizens above 70 years, to built 12 more industrial smart cities and to provide employment to 4 crore youth by spending Rs 2 lakh crore over a period of five years will strengthen the society and benefit every part of the country.

    Speaking about the improvement from 142nd to 63rd in Ease of Doing Business rankings, Shri Goyal said that the continuous efforts led by the Government has led to rise of India’s rankings in Global Innovation Index to 39th spot out of 133 countries.  He continued that the ranking is reflective of the rise in patent filing in the country as well. The Intellectual Property Rights regime has vastly improved over the last decade. From 6,000 patents being filed in 2014 to 1 lakh patents filed last year, shows country’s growth in technology, he said.

    Emphasising the importance of maintaining quality in products, the Union Minister said that India is being recognised as a quality provider of goods and services. We have to ensure that the products we manufacture, the services we provide should be of high quality and buyers should receive this quality with Made in India products, he said.

    The Union Minister said that PM gave the vision of Zero Defect, Zero Effect and to make products of high sustainable quality is the need of this country and the world. He expressed hope that the youth, innovators, and startups with high quality, zero-defect production and sustainable manufacturing practices will propel India to world recognition. Manufacturing and selling of Made in India products within the country and abroad will reduce imports, boost MSMEs, help One District One Product scheme to grow and lead India to be technologically developed nation.

    ***

    AD/VN/AM

    (Release ID: 2059961) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TDSAT seminar calls for creating awareness about existence of Adjudicating Authority for cybercrimes in every state

    Source: Government of India

    TDSAT seminar calls for creating awareness about existence of Adjudicating Authority for cybercrimes in every state

    Chief Justice of Bombay High Court inaugurates the seminar

    Posted On: 28 SEP 2024 5:28PM by PIB Mumbai

     

                   Panaji, 28.09.2024

    A seminar, organised by the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on the theme “Mechanism for Resolution of Disputes in Telecom, Broadcasting & Cyber Sectors” in Goa today has called for vigorous outreach activities by all stakeholders to create awareness among the public about the availability of Adjudicating Officers (AO) for cybercrimes in every state, as the public is largely unaware of the provision to approach the AOs for compensation. Although the victims of cyber crimes file complaints with the cyber police, there is a lack of awareness about the existence of AOs in every state who can exercise jurisdiction over claims for damages up to Rs 5 cr, subject experts, who attended the seminar, said.

         

    The seminar, organised at Hotel Double Tree by Hilton in Arpora, North Goa, today, 28th September, 2024, was inaugurated by Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice, High Court of Bombay. In his inaugural address, Justice Upadhyaya highlighted the importance of tribunals and their origin in Indian legal system. He emphasized that the existence of subject experts along with judicial members in a tribunal strengthens the dispute resolution process in the given specialized sector.

    Justice Navin Chawla, Judge, High Court of Delhi, who was a special guest at the seminar, shared his experience as a practicing lawyer with the TDSAT before his elevation as judge. He highlighted the evolution of TDSAT in the course of the time.

    Justice D.N. Patel, Chairperson, TDSAT, in his Introductory address, talked about the jurisdiction of the TDSAT covering sectors like Telecom, Broadcasting, Cyber, Airport Tariff, Aadhaar, Personal Data Protection etc. and elaborated the kind of disputes that are raised before the TDSAT.

    Justice M.S. Karnik, Judge, High Court of Bombay at Goa, was the Guest of Honour. The seminar was also attended by Justice Kamal R. Khata, Judge, High Court of Bombay, and Justice Valmiki Menzes, Judge, High Court of Bombay at Goa.

    The Business Session was addressed by subject experts and lawyers comprising of Ms. Yashaswini B., IAS, Director, Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa, Adv Kunal Tandon, Adv Payal Kakra, Adv Vibhav Srivastava, Adv Tejveer Singh Bhatia, Adv Himanshu Dhawan, and Adv Jose Elmano Periera, President of Goa High Court Bar Association. Shri Meet Malhotra, Senior Advocate, moderated the session. The experts spoke various topics such as ‘IP TV – A Merger of Telecom and Broadcasting?’, ‘TDSAT’s Role in Ensuring Fair Practices and Quality Service in Broadcasting’, ‘Role of Regulations in Orderly Growth of Broadcasting and Cable Industry’, ‘Dispute Resolution under Cyber Law’, etc.

    Adv Kunal Tandon said that more awareness needs to be created among the public about the availability of the forum of Adjudicating Officers across all states for civil remedies to the victims of cyber offences. Adv Meet Malhotra, the moderator, suggested convening a conference of all AOs under the IT Act by the TDSAT to sensitize them and others regarding the availability of remedies to the victims of cyber offences.

    Justice D.N. Patel, Chairperson, TDSAT, suggested that a mechanism needs to be drawn where registration of any FIR by cyber police station against any cyber offence must be reported to the IT Secretary of the State who also happens to be the Adjudicating Officer under IT Act for consideration of civil remedy to the cyber offence complainant.

    Telecom Lawyers’ Association President Adv Manjul Bajpai, members of the local judiciary, office bearers of the TDSAT, lawyers and representatives of the State government, were also present at the seminar.

    ***

    RB/PK

     

    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2059857) Visitor Counter : 73

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 20th Divya Kala Mela Inaugurated in Pune; ₹2 Crore Loans sanctioned for Divyang Entrepreneurs

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 SEP 2024 9:48PM by PIB Delhi

    A national-level fair dedicated to Divyangjan, the 20th Divya Kala Mela, has been inaugurated today at Pune. It is being organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, and MP Shri Rang Appa Barne.

     

    In this fair, the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC), under its various schemes, has sanctioned loans worth ₹2 crore to Divyangjan, offering them the opportunity to expand their businesses. Additionally, motorized tricycles were distributed to eligible participants, furthering the government’s commitment to improving mobility for Divyangjan.

     

    Governor Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan praised the talent and resilience of Divyangjan, stating, “For the inclusive development of our society, it is essential that we celebrate and support these gifted Divyang entrepreneurs and artists. Their contributions help build a stronger, more inclusive India.” The Governor also highlighted the financial empowerment schemes offered by NHFDC, which provide loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹50 lakh at an interest rate of 4% to 9% annually for income-generating activities. These loans are facilitated through NHFDC’s state channelizing agencies, Punjab National Bank, and regional rural banks across India.

     

    During his address, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the significance of the Divya Kala Mela as a platform for marketing Divyangjan products, underscoring how these fairs contribute to the social and economic empowerment of Divyangjan. “These fairs offer a unique opportunity for Divyangjan to exhibit their skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. To date, around 1,450 participants have taken part in Divya Kala Melas across the country, collectively generating over ₹11.5 crore in revenue. Loans exceeding ₹10 crore have been sanctioned to foster the growth of Divyang businesses,” the Minister stated.

     

     

    The Minister further shared that employment fairs are now being held alongside the Divya Kala Mela, offering greater opportunities for Divyangjan. Of the 1,400 participants screened so far, 370 have been shortlisted, and more than 100 have already received job offers. “In the near future, Divyangjan will find employment in reputable organizations and companies, further advancing their integration into the workforce,” he added.

    Following the successful organization of 19 such Melas across the country, the event aims to empower Divyangjan by providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and entrepreneurial skills. These national fairs, known as Divya Kala Mela, are part of a larger plan to organize similar events in other major cities in the coming months. Each fair prioritizes local Divyangjan, with Maharashtra’s own Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs being highlighted in this Pune edition.

    The Divya Kala Mela is a testament to the government’s effort to economically empower Divyangjan, transforming them into self-reliant entrepreneurs and skilled craftsmen. Allotted stalls are provided free of cost to ensure that Divyangjan can present their work on prestigious platforms in metropolitan areas. More than 100 Divyang artisans, entrepreneurs, and artists from 18 states and union territories are showcasing their products, crafts, and talents at this year’s event.

    Visitors to the fair can not only purchase handmade goods from Divyang entrepreneurs but also indulge in an array of culinary delights from across India. Each evening, from 6 to 9 PM, vibrant cultural performances by Divyang artists are being held, featuring talent from both across India and local Pune artists. The Divya Kala Mela will run until 6th October 2024. The fair is open to all with free entry. On the closing day, a special performance, Divya Kalashakti, will be presented by Divyang artists from across the country, showcasing their remarkable talents.

    The Mela features a total of 60 stalls, along with cultural performances from Divyang artists. These national-level fairs are creating pathways for the global recognition of the skills and capabilities of Divyangjan. An employment fair has also been organized as part of the event, further enhancing opportunities for Divyangjan. Visually impaired artist Rajiv Ranjan hosted the event as anchor, while Shri Naveen Shah, CMD of NHFDC, delivered the vote of thanks.

     

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2060012) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s address at India International School (Deemed to be University), Jaipur (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Right from the time I stepped on the premises. I am energised and surcharged, and why not? Me and Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar are proud parents of a daughter.

    Distinguished members of the faculty, and my dear students, because I’m here for you today. Dr. Ashok Gupta has chosen a subject that has three facets, first is women related to Viksit Bharat.

    Friends, most do not understand the contours of Viksit Bharat, we are aspiring for a Viksit Bharat@ 2047. A great marathon march is on for it.

    All stakeholders are converging. Already in last few years, we have come to a very high level. We are the fifth largest global economy on the planet.

    Globally, Viksit Bharat has not been defined. Viksit nation has not been defined but you have to read into it through several mechanisms and one is per capita income. We have to take our per capita income eightfold to give Bharat the status of a developed nation and for that some fundamentals are required.

    One fundamental is, do we have the right ecosystem? The first element of the ecosystem is hope and possibility.

    There is a mechanism in place where every individual can exploit his or her talent and potential to realise aspirations and dreams and for that, two things are required – one, equality before law. Equality before law, provided by the Constitution had eluded us for long, some people thought they are more equal than others, some thought we are beyond the reach of the law, we are above the law but a big change that has taken place is equality before law is now a ground reality. Privilege pedigree, that special class that carried an idea they have immunity from law are now being rendered accountable to law. That’s a big change. 

    Any society driven by corruption, driven by greasing of the palm, driven by liaison agents, driven by a system that without corruption you cannot get a job or a contract is certainly against the rise of the youth. Corruption eats into the talented, corruption neutralises meritocracy.

    A big change has taken place, power corridors once infested with corrupt liaison elements, those who extra-legally leveraged decision-making, who provided contracts and jobs without merit being a consideration, those corridors have been neutralised. You would have seen now that there is transparent accountable governance in the country and this has been brought about by technological penetration right up to the villages where money is transferred without intermediary.

    Our youth is still seeking something else, yes, and that is they want to be partners, stakeholders, contributors in our journey for Viksit Bharat and the mechanism is number one, education. Education is fundamental, education is the most transformative mechanism of change.

    There can be no change without education, education has to be quality education, education has to be purposeful education.

    Education has to be beyond degree, pursuit of degrees one after another is not the right approach to education and that is why after three decades the country came to have national education policy that allows students full exploitation of their talent. They have been distanced from degree-orientated education.

    It has been focused on skill education, aptitude. Simultaneously you can pursue courses by and large the nation has adopted the national education policy.

     Education brings about equality, education cuts into inequities. Education is a great leveller of societal system, education provides oxygen to democracy.

    If we look into our Vedas, great emphasis was laid on education and participation of women. We lost the way somewhere in between but during that period in Vedas, the Vedic era, the earliest one, women were on the same footing.

    They were policy makers, they were decision makers, they were guiding force. We lost the way somewhere, we are regaining it fast. Even right now we have a system. Come on, don’t cry, you are a boy. Be a man. अब यह बातें पुरानी हो गईं, कहने वाले को भी डर लगने लग गया है। 

    I am saying this only to buttress my point. 

    Now, we cannot dream of a Viksit Bharat without women and without education, women and education are the two wheels of the chariot that will drive the nation.

    Its economy, its development journey and fructify in Viksit Bharat@ 2047, if not earlier.

    The country has seen historic exponential development, economic upsurge unknown to us. The world class infrastructure, our opportunity basket is increasing day by day but I can tell you one thing and global institutions, the IMF, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and all have spoken that India globally is the most happening place.

    Look around any country, we are the best in terms of opportunity and investment.

    An epochal development has taken place, a historic development has taken place, and that is women reservation in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures, Constitution has now provided one-third reservation in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures, this is the minimum, it can go more. Women will not be handicapped in contesting for general seat. Now, imagine a scene, more than one-third women in the Lok Sabha. They will be part of policy-making, they will be part of legislation making, they will be part of executive functions, they will be the driving force. This is the development of the century. The nation tried it for over three decades unsuccessfully but last year, it was a great success. I had the good fortune, privilege, and honour to be in the chair when it was passed in the Council of States, the House of Elders, the Upper House, the Rajya Sabha.

    I have no doubt in saying you are 50% of humanity and in contribution your role is always more than 50% because you are natural repository of sensitive behaviour, sublime behaviour, spiritual conduct and full of warmth and empathy and therefore, I have no doubt that the role of women and education in Viksit Bharat is all important. I am happy that institutions like yours are nurturing it in the right spirit.

    Let me remind you of a great saying of pre-Socratic era philosopher Heraclitus, he said, the only constant in life is change, and then he buttressed it by an instance, that the same person cannot enter the same river twice, because neither the person is the same nor the river is the same.

    So you have to be always ready for change. But then you can’t be in captivity of change, you have to be part of the change which you like, you deserve.

    Let me give you a small illustration, we are having another industrial revolution when it comes to technology. 

    It is changing very fast, It is changing too fast for us to have our feet on the ground. A great challenge, also a great opportunity to keep on learning, be ahead of times, knowledge has to be acquired. I am sometimes pained that we talk about our Vedas, I would especially persuade the Vice-Chancellor to ensure that every student has a look at Vedas.

    The moment you read Vedas you will come to know the rich legacy you have inherited, the kind of wisdom you will find there, knowledge you will find there. On every facet, from health to astronomy, from Physics to Chemistry, you will find everything.

    Focus on that. 

    To be well informed is a necessary condition for a person to be a good person for the nation because first and last, you have to always keep your nation above every other interest.

    Remember my words, in times of need, in times of distress, in times of absolute necessity, in times of survivor like situations, a shortcut is the longest cut. Never ending road so always be on the right path, the path of righteousness, not only you should be on that path. You must exhibit a conduct worth emulation by others, that yes, I will be on the right path. A nation makes a difference by airports, which we have multiplied twice 70 to 147, expressways, ports, buildings, digitisation, internet, affordable housing, gas connections, everything. The quality of the human resource is important, a nation is known by the discipline of its citizens.

    I would appeal to Dr. Ashok Gupta to be gracious enough to accept my invitation for visit of your girl students as my guest to the new building of parliament in Delhi. 

    I will receive you there, if I’m in Delhi and I will try to be in Delhi. I managed to keep my word to the extent possible and I make things possible when it comes to girls.

    ****

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Women and education are the two wheels of the chariot that will drive the nation towards ‘Viksit Bharat’

    Source: Government of India

    Women and education are the two wheels of the chariot that will drive the nation towards ‘Viksit Bharat’

    Education provides oxygen to democracy; great leveller of societal system, says VP

    Women Reservation in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures is epochal development-VP

    Globally India is the most happening place for investment and opportunity-VP

    Opportunity basket in the nation is increasing day by day-VP

    Education should be beyond degree, NEP is equipped to provide quality, purposeful education, underlines Shri Dhankhar

    Vice-President addresses students of India International School in Jaipur

    Posted On: 28 SEP 2024 5:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar today underlined the importance of women education, “We cannot dream of a Viksit Bharat without women and without education. Women and education are the two wheels of the chariot that will drive the nation”, he stated.

    Interacting with the students and faculty members at the India International School in Jaipur today, Shri Dhankhar highlighted the importance of education especially women education and said “Education is the biggest leveller in society and it brings equality and it is a necessity for democracy to flourish in any society. Education brings about equality, education cuts into inequities. Education is a great leveller of the societal system, education provides oxygen to democracy”, he added.

    “If we look into our Vedas, great emphasis was laid on education and participation of women. We lost our way somewhere in between. But during that period in Vedas, the Vedic era, the earliest one, women were on the same footing. They were policy makers, they were decision makers, they were guiding forces”, he further stressed.

    In his address he also praised the recently enacted Women Reservation Bill that mandates one third reservation is Parliament and State Legislatures.  “An epochal development has taken place, a historic development has taken place, and that is women reservation in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures, Constitution has now provided one-third reservation in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures…..They will be part of policy-making, they will be part of legislation making, they will be part of executive functions, they will be the driving force. This is the development of the century”, he added.

    Underlining India as the most happening place globally in terms of investment and opportunity, he stated, “the country has seen historic exponential development, economic upsurge unknown to us. The world class infrastructure, our opportunity basket is increasing day by day. But I can tell you one thing and global institutions, the IMF, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and all have spoken that India globally is the most happening place. Look around any country, we are the best in terms of opportunity and investment”.

    Lauding National education Policy (NEP) for its ability to impart quality and purposeful education, the Vice-President underscored, “There can be no change without education. Education has to be quality education. Education has to be purposeful education. Education has to be beyond degree. Pursuit of degrees one after another is not the right approach to education and that is why after three decades the country came to have a national education policy that allows students full exploitation of their talent. They have been distanced from degree-oriented education. It has been focused on skill education, aptitude. Simultaneously you can pursue courses.” He further appealed to those who have still not adopted the NEP to adopt it.

    Stressing on the role of youth to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’ in 2047, Shri Dhankhar said that elements needed to achieve a developed nation status are present in the country. “There is a mechanism in place where every individual can exploit his or her talent and potential to realise aspirations and dreams”, he added.

    Drawing attention to the equal application of law in the country, Vice-President said, “Equality before law, the provided by the Constitution had eluded us for long, some people thought they are more equal than others, some thought we are beyond the reach of the law, we are above the law but a big change that has taken place is equality before law is now a ground reality. Privilege, pedigree, that special class that carried an idea they have immunity from law are now being rendered accountable to law. That’s a big change!”

    Highlighting the sanitisation of power corridors from corrupt elements in the country, Shri Dhankhar said, “Any society driven by corruption, driven by greasing of the palm, driven by liaison agents, driven by a system that without corruption you cannot get a job or a contract is certainly against the rise of the youth. Corruption eats into the talented. Corruption neutralises meritocracy. A big change has taken place. Power corridors once infested with corrupt liaison elements. Those who extra-legally leveraged decision-making, who provided contracts and jobs without merit being a consideration. Those corridors have been neutralised. You would have seen now that there is transparent accountable governance in the country and this has been brought about by technological penetration right up to the villages where money is transferred without intermediary”.

    Read full text here : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2059854

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2059856) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman Attends the UN General Assembly High-Level Week

    Source: USAID

    The following is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:

    This week, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman traveled to New York City to attend meetings and events during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On Monday, she began her engagements by participating in a panel discussion on AI and the Future of Sustainable Development, hosted by OpenAI and the Center for Global Development. Four nonprofits presented their work with AI, and the panel discussed how the public sector can leverage AI to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all, while mitigating risks such as digital divide and information manipulation. 

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also participated in a ministerial roundtable chaired by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and co-hosted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn, and World Economic Forum President Børge Brende. The meeting brought together key actors to galvanize energy and support for new approaches and partnerships to address forced displacement and advance sustainable development outcomes. Deputy Administrator Coleman emphasized the need to chart a new path forward that brings humanitarian, development, and peace actors together with the private sector and civil society to address the root causes of these trends, reduce humanitarian need, prioritize prevention, and advance and sustain development.

    On Monday evening, the Deputy Administrator delivered remarks at a plenary session of the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting 2024, highlighting the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) initiative – a partnership launched by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2023 to bolster women’s economic security in green and blue sectors. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced more than $392 million in new WISE commitments, including several that advance USAID programs, bringing total WISE commitments to $1.85 billion. Deputy Administrator Coleman then announced that the Skoll Foundation joined USAID’s Climate Gender Equity Fund as the newest donor, and launched a new USAID public-private partnership, called Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains, that integrates women’s empowerment into corporate sustainability approaches together with PepsiCo, Danone, McCormick & Co., Nespresso, and Unilever. 

    On Tuesday, Deputy Administrator Coleman attended the American Leaders Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) event, hosted by the UN Foundation and the Center for Sustainable Development. Deputy Administrator Coleman participated in a fireside chat about the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing the SDGs around the world. 

    The Deputy Administrator also met with Lolwah Rashid al-Khater, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, to discuss ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts in Yemen, Gaza, and Sudan. 

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also attended an investor roundtable discussion to highlight opportunities to partner with the U.S. government through Power Africa, Prosper Africa and the Millenium Challenge Corporation to invest in West African power generation. 

    On Wednesday, the Deputy Administrator participated in the launch of the Private-Sector Humanitarian Alliance, a new public-private initiative the Government of Albania proposed during its presidency of the UN Security Council in September 2023. During the launch, Deputy Administrator Coleman highlighted USAID’s approach in engaging the private sector on humanitarian assistance and applauded the Alliance’s role in pioneering private-sector engagement.  

    Deputy Administrator Coleman also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Mihail Popșoi to reaffirm the United States’ continued commitment to Moldova’s democracy and EU accession path. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed USAID’s support for the growth of the Moldovan economy, as well as both governments’ efforts to expose and counteract ongoing Russian attempts to meddle in Moldova’s upcoming elections. 

    On Wednesday evening, the Deputy Administrator attended President Joe Biden’s Leaders Reception.

    On Thursday, Deputy Administrator Coleman participated in a CEO-level roundtable hosted by Bank of America to discuss current challenges to and opportunities for investing in Ukraine. Deputy Administrator Coleman detailed USAID’s support to key sectors of the Ukrainian economy, including with respect to energy, agriculture, and transportation, and discussed with other panelists insurance availability and the investment landscape. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.28.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 28, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:
     

    • AB 869 by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) – Hospitals: seismic safety compliance.
    • AB 1008 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: personal information.
    • AB 1034 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004: exemption: construction industry employees.
    • AB 1137 by Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-Los Angeles) – Excluded employees.
    • AB 1186 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Restitution fines.
    • AB 1239 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – Workers’ compensation: disability payments.
    • AB 1282 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) – Mental health: impacts of social media.
    • AB 1575 by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) – Public postsecondary education: students codes of conduct: advisers.
    • AB 1807 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) – County of Riverside Citizens Redistricting Commission.
    • AB 1871 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12: social sciences: personal financial literacy.
    • AB 1877 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Juveniles: sealing records.
    • AB 1899 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) – Courts.
    • AB 1905 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) – Public postsecondary education: employment: settlements, informal resolutions, and retreat rights.
    • AB 1913 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) – Pupil safety: child abuse prevention: training.
    • AB 1936 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) – Maternal mental health screenings.
    • AB 1954 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Sexually violent predators.
    • AB 2013 by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) – Generative artificial intelligence: training data transparency.
    • AB 2063 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego) – Health care coverage.
    • AB 2080 by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) – University of California: schools of medicine: report.
    • AB 2085 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – Planning and zoning: permitted use: community clinic.
    • AB 2099 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – Crimes: reproductive health services.
    • AB 2105 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) – Coverage for PANDAS and PANS.
    • AB 2234 by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) – Vehicles: electric bicycles.
    • AB 2284 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – County employees’ retirement: compensation.
    • AB 2295 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) – Crimes: commencement of prosecution.
    • AB 2310 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) – Parole hearings: language access.
    • AB 2326 by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) – Equity in Higher Education Act: discrimination: compliance, regulations, and reports.
    • AB 2395 by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) – California State University: extension programs, special session, and self-supporting instructional programs: revenues.
    • AB 2402 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) – Drink spiking.
    • AB 2407 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) – Public postsecondary educational institutions: sexual harassment complaints: state audits.
    • AB 2473 by the Committee on Education – English Language Learner Acquisition and Development Pilot Program repeal: teacher credentialing authorizations: fingerprints and related information: high school coursework and graduation requirements for pupils participating in a newcomer program.
    • AB 2481 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) – Social media-related threats: reporting.
    • AB 2501 by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) – Water quality control plans: donations and grants.
    • AB 2533 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Accessory dwelling units: junior accessory dwelling units: unpermitted developments.
    • AB 2579 by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) – Inspections: exterior elevated elements.
    • AB 2581 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego) – Healing arts: continuing education: maternal mental health.
    • AB 2628 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) – California State Auditor: internet website.
    • AB 2630 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Pupil health: oral health assessment.
    • AB 2643 by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) – Cannabis cultivation: environmental remediation.
    • AB 2711 by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) – Suspensions and expulsions: voluntary disclosures.
    • AB 2749 by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) – California Health Benefit Exchange: financial assistance.
    • AB 2854 by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) – Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law.
    • AB 2885 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – Artificial intelligence.
    • AB 2925 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Postsecondary education: Equity in Higher Education Act: prohibition on discrimination: training.
    • AB 2929 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Dependents: family finding.
    • AB 2935 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego) – Foster children: consumer credit reports.
    • AB 2995 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Public health: alcohol and drug programs.
    • AB 3030 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – Health care services: artificial intelligence.
    • AB 3218 by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) – Unflavored Tobacco List.
    • AB 3223 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program.
    • AB 3240 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – California Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2021: Cal Grant awards.
    • AB 3259 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Transactions and use taxes: City of Campbell: City of Pinole: County of Solano.
    • AB 3281 by the Committee on Judiciary – Judiciary omnibus.
    • AB 3284 by the Committee on Elections – Elections omnibus bill.
    • SB 268 by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) – Crimes: serious and violent felonies.
    • SB 295 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Board of Pilot Commissioners: surcharge.
    • SB 483 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) – Pupil rights: prone restraint.
    • SB 532 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Parking payment zones.
    • SB 537 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) – City or County of Los Angeles: memorial to forcibly deported Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants.
    • SB 549 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Gaming: Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act.
    • SB 597 by Senator Steven Glazer (D-Orinda) – Building standards: rainwater catchment systems.
    • SB 607 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Controlled substances.
    • SB 691 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Pupil attendance: truancy notifications.
    • SB 707 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024.
    • SB 897 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Pupil attendance: interdistrict attendance: school districts of choice.
    • SB 904 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District.
    • SB 908 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) – Fentanyl: child deaths.
    • SB 957 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Data collection: sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status.
    • SB 969 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Alcoholic beverages: entertainment zones: consumption.
    • SB 988 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Freelance Worker Protection Act.
    • SB 991 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – School districts: Los Angeles Unified School District: inspector general.
    • SB 997 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) –Pupil health: opioid antagonists and fentanyl test strips.
    • SB 1016 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – Latino and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act.
    • SB 1059 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Cannabis: local taxation: gross receipts.
    • SB 1064 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) – Cannabis: operator and separate premises license types: excessive concentration of licenses.
    • SB 1090 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Unemployment insurance: disability and paid family leave: claim administration.
    • SB 1100 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Discrimination: driver’s license.
    • SB 1109 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Cannabis: demographic information of license applicants.
    • SB 1120 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) – Health care coverage: utilization review.
    • SB 1131 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – Medi-Cal providers: family planning.
    • SB 1147 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Drinking water: microplastics levels.
    • SB 1162 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) – Public contracts: employment compliance reports: apprenticeship programs.
    • SB 1166 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Public postsecondary education: sex discrimination reports.
    • SB 1180 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Health care coverage: emergency medical services.
    • SB 1195 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Assessments: advanced placement examinations: fall testing date.
    • SB 1209 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) – Local agency formation commission: indemnification.
    • SB 1223 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) – Consumer privacy: sensitive personal information: neural data.
    • SB 1240 by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) – Public Employees’ Retirement System: contracting agencies: consolidation.
    • SB 1263 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Teacher credentialing: teaching performance assessment: workgroup.
    • SB 1277 by Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) – Pupil instruction: genocide education: the Holocaust.
    • SB 1283 by Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) – Pupils: use of social media.
    • SB 1287 by Senator Steven Glazer (D-Orinda) – Public postsecondary education: Equity in Higher Education Act: prohibition on violence, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination.
    • SB 1288 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) – Public schools: artificial intelligence working group.
    • SB 1300 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) – Health facility closure: public notice: inpatient psychiatric and perinatal services.
    • SB 1350 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Occupational safety and health: definitions.
    • SB 1447 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Hospitals: seismic compliance: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
    • SB 1488 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Outdoor advertising displays: exemptions.
    • SB 1490 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Food delivery platforms.
    • SB 1498 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Cannabis and industrial hemp: advertising: civil action.
    • SB 1504 by Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) – Cyberbullying Protection Act.

     
    The Governor also announced that he has vetoed the following bills:
     

    • AB 1168 by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) – Emergency medical services (EMS): prehospital EMS. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1788 by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) – Mental health multidisciplinary personnel team. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1826 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena) – Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2024. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1949 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – California Consumer Privacy Act of 2020: collection of personal information of a consumer less than 18 years of age. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2095 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego) – Publication: newspapers of general circulation. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2098 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) – California Health Facilities Financing Authority Act: nondesignated hospitals: loan repayment. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2138 by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) – Peace officers: tribal police pilot project. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2279 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Justice Program. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2467 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – Health care coverage for menopause. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2736 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Veterans: benefits. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2936 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Higher Education Reconciliation Act. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3031 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) – LGBTQ+ Commission. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3077 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) – Criminal procedure: borderline personality disorder. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3129 by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) – Health care system consolidation. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 85 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Immigration: case management and social services. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 227 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Unemployment: Excluded Workers Program. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 278 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Elder abuse: emergency financial contact program. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 357 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Vehicles: physician and surgeon reporting. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 907 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Orange County Board of Education: members. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 961 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Vehicles: safety equipment. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 966 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Pharmacy benefits. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 971 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Community colleges: exemption from nonresident tuition fee: resident of a region impacted by war or regional conflict. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1119 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Hospitals: seismic compliance. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1246 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – California Prompt Payment Act: nonprofit organizations. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1299 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) – Farmworkers: benefits. A veto message can be found here.

    For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

    Recent news

    Sep 28, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed a package of bills today to improve life for Californians with disabilities at school, at home, and in the community, and increase transparency in California’s support system for people with intellectual and…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 598 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – San Francisco Bay Area Regional Housing Finance Act: regional and county expenditure plans.AB 653 by Assemblymember Eloise…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News What you need to know: A new cross-agency collaborative will review the battery storage landscape as the technology continues to proliferate throughout California. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a new state-level collaborative to examine…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HIEMA OCTOBER MONTHLY WARNING SIREN TEST

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    HIEMA OCTOBER MONTHLY WARNING SIREN TEST

    Posted on Sep 27, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA

     

    HAWAI‘I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

    KEʻENA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA O HAWAIʻI

     

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    MAJOR GENERAL KENNETH S. HARA

    DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    LUNA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

    JAMES DS. BARROS

    ADMINISTRATOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    KAHU HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

     

     

    MONTHLY SIREN AND EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TEST FOR

    OCTOBER 2024

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

     

    HONOLULU — The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.

     

    During this monthly test, all Statewide Outdoor Warning Sirens will sound a one-minute Attention Alert Signal (steady tone). A test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System is conducted at roughly the same time as the monthly siren sounding, in cooperation with the Hawai‘i broadcast industry. There will be no exercise or drill accompanying the test.

     

    The all-hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for Public Safety is one part of the Hawai‘i Statewide Alert and Warning System used to notify the public during emergencies. If you hear this siren tone in circumstances other than a test, follow emergency information and instructions provided by official government channels. These may be in the form of a local radio or television station broadcast, and/or a cellular Wireless Emergency Alert.

     

    Wireless Emergency Alerts deliver sound-and-text warnings to compatible mobile cellular phones. The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert notifications are sent via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    Emergency management and disaster preparedness information may be found in the front section of telephone directories in most counties as well as online in the “Get Ready” section of ready.hawaii.gov. For the latest information from the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), or to sign up for county alerts, visit ready.hawaii.gov.

    The public may contact emergency management and county civil defense agencies to report siren operation issues through the following numbers.

    City and County of Honolulu: 808-723-8960
     Maui County: 808-270-7285
     Kauaʻi County: 808-241-1800
     Hawaiʻi County: 808-935-0031

     

     

    # # #

     

    Contact:

    1. Kīelekū Amundson

    Communications Director

    808-733-4300 Ext 522

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.27.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 27, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:

    • AB 598 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – San Francisco Bay Area Regional Housing Finance Act: regional and county expenditure plans.
    • AB 653 by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) – Public housing authorities: reports.
    • AB 810 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Postsecondary education: hiring practices: academic, athletic, and administrative positions.
    • AB 846 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Housing programs: rent increases.
    • AB 863 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) – Carpet recycling: producer responsibility organizations: fines: succession: training.
    • AB 892 by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) – Kern County Hospital Authority.
    • AB 1205 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – California State University students: California Promise: Finish in Four and Through in Two.
    • AB 1359 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – California Environmental Quality Act: geothermal exploratory projects: lead agency.
    • AB 1524 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) – Postsecondary education: on-campus access to drug testing devices.
    • AB 1577 by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) – Health facilities and clinics: clinical placements: nursing.
    • AB 1581 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Conservation: Restoration Management Permit Act and California State Safe Harbor Agreement Program Act.
    • AB 1777 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Autonomous vehicles.
    • AB 1801 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Supportive housing: administrative office space.
    • AB 1859 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Coroners: duties.
    • AB 1885 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) – Student Success Completion Grant program.
    • AB 1889 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Conservation element: wildlife and habitat connectivity.
    • AB 1930 by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) – Teaching credentials: Child Development Associate Teacher Permit: renewal.
    • AB 1963 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Pesticides: paraquat dichloride. A signing message can be found here.
    • AB 1976 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Occupational safety and health standards: first aid materials: opioid antagonists.
    • AB 1997 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) – Teachers’ Retirement Law.
    • AB 2004 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – County recorder: recordation of documents.
    • AB 2037 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – Weights and measures: electric vehicle chargers.
    • AB 2047 by Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra) – Public postsecondary education: discrimination prevention.
    • AB 2048 by Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra) – Community colleges: systemic campus reforms: sexual harassment: report.
    • AB 2053 by Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Porterville) – Pupil instruction: abusive relationships.
    • AB 2057 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Associate Degree for Transfer.
    • AB 2068 by Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro) – State agencies: call center work: reporting information.
    • AB 2082 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – State highways: State Route 138: reduction.
    • AB 2107 by Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda) – Clinical laboratory technology: remote review.
    • AB 2109 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Electricity: surcharge exemption: industrial process heat recovery.
    • AB 2136 by Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-Los Angeles) – Controlled substances: analyzing and testing.
    • AB 2165 by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) – Pupil instruction: financial aid application.
    • AB 2181 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) – Juvenile court school pupils: graduation requirements and continued education options.
    • AB 2193 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena) – Hazing: educational institutions: prohibition and civil liability: reports and resources.
    • AB 2196 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Beaver restoration.
    • AB 2229 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – California Healthy Youth Act: menstrual health education.
    • AB 2235 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) – Public contracts: local agencies: wind infrastructure.
    • AB 2258 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) – Health care coverage: cost sharing.
    • AB 2292 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Electrical transmission facilities: certificates of public convenience and necessity.
    • AB 2293 by Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Porterville) – Joint powers agreements: health care services.
    • AB 2304 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) – Unlawful detainer: case records.
    • AB 2346 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) – Organic waste reduction regulations: procurement of recovered organic waste products.
    • AB 2368 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – System reliability and outages.
    • AB 2375 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) – Alcoholic beverages: on-sale general public premises: drink lids.
    • AB 2403 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Community colleges: student equity plan.
    • AB 2440 by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) – 30×30 goal: partnering state agencies: Department of Parks and Recreation.
    • AB 2471 by Assemblymember Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) – Professions and vocations: public health nurses.
    • AB 2503 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) – California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: passenger rail projects.
    • AB 2505 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – Attorneys: pro bono legal services.
    • AB 2509 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Invasive Species Council of California: activities: definitions.
    • AB 2525 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) – State highways: property leases.
    • AB 2527 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – Incarceration: pregnant persons.
    • AB 2580 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – Historical resources.
    • AB 2590 by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) – San Bernardino County Transportation Authority: contracting.
    • AB 2606 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) – California Agave Commission.
    • AB 2613 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) – Jacqueline Marie Zbur Rare Disease Advisory Council.
    • AB 2624 by Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center) – Prisoners: employment: bereavement.
    • AB 2632 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Planning and zoning: thrift retail stores.
    • AB 2633 by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) – California State University: joint degrees: international institutions of higher education.
    • AB 2645 by Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) – Electronic toll collection systems: information sharing: law enforcement.
    • AB 2669 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Toll bridges: tolls.
    • AB 2672 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – California Alternate Rates for Energy program: public housing authority owned or administered Homekey housing facilities.
    • AB 2682 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Santa Clara Valley Open-Space Authority.
    • AB 2696 by Assemblymember Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) – Labor-related liabilities: direct contractor and subcontractor.
    • AB 2697  by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) – Transportation electrification: electric vehicle charging stations: network roaming standards.
    • AB 2723  by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) – The California Cradle-to-Career Data System Act.
    • AB 2729 by Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) – Development projects: permits and other entitlements.
    • AB 2740 by Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center) – Incarcerated persons: prenatal and postpartum care.
    • AB 2754 by Assemblymember Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) – Employment contracts and agreements: sufficient funds: liability.
    • AB 2765 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Public Utilities Commission: reports: telecommunications service: backup electricity.
    • AB 2779 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Independent System Operator: transmission planning.
    • AB 2780 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) – Carrier of Passengers Act of 2024.
    • AB 2851 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Metal shredding facilities: fence-line air quality monitoring.
    • AB 2859 by Assemblymember Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) – Emergency medical technicians: peer support.
    • AB 2866 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Pool safety: State Department of Social Services regulated facilities.
    • AB 2900 by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno) – Small agricultural truck fleet assistance program.
    • AB 2904 by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) – Zoning ordinances: notice.
    • AB 2967 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Teacher Housing Act of 2016: nonprofit organization employees.
    • AB 2975 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) – Occupational safety and health standards: workplace violence prevention plan: hospitals.
    • AB 2984 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) – Fleeing the scene of an accident.
    • AB 2999  by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) – Pupil instruction: homework policy.
    • AB 3012 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – Development fees: fee schedule template: fee estimate tool.
    • AB 3062 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – Fire protection districts: electrical corporations and local publicly owned electric utilities: prescribed or controlled burns: notice requirements.
    • AB 3122 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Streamlined housing approvals: objective planning standards and subdivision applications.
    • AB 3123 by Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-Los Angeles) – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority: board code of conduct: lobbying rules.
    • AB 3138 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – License plates and registration cards: alternative devices.
    • AB 3161 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Health facilities: patient safety and antidiscrimination.
    • AB 3162 by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) – Octopus: aquaculture: prohibition.
    • AB 3190 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Public works. A signing message can be found here.
    • AB 3221 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Department of Managed Health Care: review of records.
    • AB 3227 by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) – California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: stormwater facilities: routine maintenance.
    • AB 3264  by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Energy: cost framework: residential rates: demand-side management programs report: electrical transmission grid study.
    • AB 3275 by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno) – Health care coverage: claim reimbursement.
    • SB 56 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – University of California: transfer of real property.
    • SB 59 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – Battery electric vehicles: bidirectional capability. A signing message can be found here.
    • SB 219 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Greenhouse gases: climate corporate accountability: climate-related financial risk.
    • SB 440 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – Regional Housing Finance Authorities.
    • SB 536 by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Surplus state real property: Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility.
    • SB 552 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Public safety: pools and spas.
    • SB 572 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) – Surplus state real property: community land trusts.
    • SB 583 by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) – Salton Sea Conservancy. A signing message can be found here.
    • SB 675 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Prescribed grazing: local assistance grant program: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.
    • SB 768 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – California Environmental Quality Act: Department of Housing and Community Development: vehicle miles traveled: study.
    • SB 901 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – The military: eligibility.
    • SB 951 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – California Coastal Act of 1976: coastal zone: coastal development.
    • SB 1015 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) – Nursing schools and programs.
    • SB 1098 by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) – Passenger and freight rail: LOSSAN Rail Corridor.
    • SB 1101 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Fire prevention: prescribed fire: state contracts: maps.
    • SB 1137 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) – Discrimination claims: combination of characteristics.
    • SB 1150 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) – Dissolution or nullity of marriage: restoration of former name or birth name.
    • SB 1152 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – State Fire Marshal: fire safety: regulations: lithium-based battery systems: telecommunications infrastructure.
    • SB 1161 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) – Juveniles.
    • SB 1168 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Business entities: Secretary of State: document filings.
    • SB 1177 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Public utilities: women, minority, disabled veteran, and LGBT business enterprises.
    • SB 1181 by Senator Steven Glazer (D-Orinda) – Campaign contributions: agency officers.
    • SB 1183 by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) – Community colleges: registered nursing programs.
    • SB 1210 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – New housing construction: electrical, gas, sewer, and water service: service connection information.
    • SB 1216 by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) – Transportation projects: Class III bikeways: prohibition.
    • SB 1244 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Pupil instruction: dual enrollment: College and Career Access Pathways partnerships.
    • SB 1266 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Product safety: bisphenol.
    • SB 1271 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) – Electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and storage batteries.
    • SB 1289 by Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) – Medi-Cal: call centers: standards and data.
    • SB 1295 by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Automobile insurance: notice of cancellation.
    • SB 1342 by Senator Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) – California Environmental Quality Act: infrastructure projects: County of San Diego. A signing message can be found here.
    • SB 1357 by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) – Housing Authority of the County of Alameda.
    • SB 1382 by Senator Steven Glazer (D-Orinda) – Community and rural health clinics: building standards.
    • SB 1384 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Powered wheelchairs: repair.
    • SB 1415 by Senator Steven Glazer (D-Orinda) – CalWORKs: permanent housing assistance.
    • SB 1458 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act.
    • SB 1493 by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) – Elections.

    The Governor also announced that he has vetoed the following bills:
     

    • AB 359 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena) – Pupil instruction: dual enrollment: College and Career Access Pathways partnerships. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 871 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Safety in employment: conveyances. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1832 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Civil Rights Department: Labor Trafficking Task Force. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1961 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – End Hunger in California Act of 2024. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2061 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Sales and Use Tax: exemptions: zero-emission public transportation ferries. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2104 by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno) – Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2182 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Public works. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2237 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) – Children and youth: transfer of specialty mental health services. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2286 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) – Vehicles: autonomous vehicles. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2381 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – California state preschool programs: reimbursement rates. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2442 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) – Healing arts: expedited licensure process: gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2446 by Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro) – Medi-Cal: diapers. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2513 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Gas stoves and ranges: warning label. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2724  by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) – High school pupils: voter registration. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2725 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Teacher credentialing: administrative services credential: occupational and physical therapists. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2745 by Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Porterville) – Agricultural pests: public nuisance: civil penalty. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3061 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) –Vehicles: autonomous vehicle incident reporting. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3063 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) – Pharmacies: compounding. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3068 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Adaptive reuse: streamlining: incentives. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3142 by Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-Los Angeles) – Los Angeles Community College District: California Center for Climate Change Education. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3160 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – Insurance, income, and corporation taxes: credits: low-income housing. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 254 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – Correctional facilities: media access. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 895 by Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) – Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1067 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) – Healing arts: expedited licensure process. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1213 by Senator Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) – Health care programs: cancer. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1374 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) – Net energy metering. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1391 by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Teachers: preparation and retention data. A veto message can be found here.

    For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

    Recent news

    Sep 27, 2024

    News What you need to know: A new cross-agency collaborative will review the battery storage landscape as the technology continues to proliferate throughout California. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a new state-level collaborative to examine…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – As Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane overnight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) members to the area impacted by the hurricane.   In close coordination with…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News What you need to know: Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed three bills establishing three new state symbols: the Dungeness crab as the state crustacean, the banana slug as the state slug, and the black abalone as the state seashell. Sacramento, California –…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation to strengthen support, opportunities, and safety for Californians with disabilities

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 28, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed a package of bills today to improve life for Californians with disabilities at school, at home, and in the community, and increase transparency in California’s support system for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation today to make California more accessible and inclusive to all people with disabilities and strengthen California’s nation-leading commitment to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can live and thrive in their communities.

    “When we say ‘California for ALL,’ we mean every single person in this state should be able to thrive – and that includes those with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. I’m proud to continue our historic actions to protect vulnerable students, improve statewide supports, and strengthen future opportunities for the disabled community.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Bigger picture

    The bills signed by the Governor build on six years of actions to make the California dream more accessible to people with disabilities. Scores of investments and reforms will improve dyslexia detections, support special education services, and increase access to higher education, housing options, health care affordability, home care and community day services, public safety practices, civil rights protections, and more.

    A priority of the Newsom administration has been supporting the 400,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down Syndrome and autism. A Master Plan for Developmental Services was announced in January to engage the public in modernizing the system for better outcomes for all; public meetings continue in October and a framework will be released in March 2025. This week, the first Comprehensive Dashboard on people served and services provided was unveiled by the Department of Developmental Services. On January 1, 2025, rates paid to service providers will increase and the first quality incentive program will begin. This is the culmination of nearly $2 billion invested in provider rates by the Newsom administration and Legislature since 2022 in response to a landmark rate reform study in 2019.

    What the new laws do

    Create Historic Transparency, Accountability, and Equity in Support Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The State’s regional centers that provide support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will now be subject to the Public Records Act. This change will increase public transparency, accountability for outcomes, and equity of services in all communities. California’s service system is funded with approximately $15 billion annually to support 400,000 people with Down Syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities in their homes, schools, jobs, and communities.

    The state will also begin to review and update biannually the provider rate reform study, beginning in 2025. The updated rate model will be posted on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) website.

    Max Benson’s Law to Protect Vulnerable Students’ Safety and Rights: Prone restraint is a technique that physically or mechanically restrains students in a face down position — one of the most dangerous forms of emergency interventions, which has resulted in severe injuries and even fatalities among students. This new law protects students by prohibiting its use in ALL California schools.

    Jumpstarts Career Pathways for All: Students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will start planning for their post-secondary goals no later than age 16, and possibly as early as they begin high school– up to two years earlier than current law. One in 8 California students have an IEP and will have greater access to higher education and to work opportunities with planning that begins as early in the high school career as deemed appropriate by the student’s IEP team.

    Additional legislation signed today to support the disability community and a more inclusive California for All:

    SB 445 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Glendale) – Special education: standardized individualized education program template: translation.

    SB 483 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-Campbell) – Pupil rights: prone restraint.

    SB 939 by Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Educational equity: school site and community resources: neurodivergent pupils.

    SB 1001 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Oakland) – Death penalty: intellectually disabled persons.

    SB 1197 by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Modesto) – In-home respite services for families caring for children with an intellectual or developmental disability, including foster families.

    AB 438 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-West Covina) – Pupils with exceptional needs: individualized education programs: postsecondary goals and transition services.

    AB 1147 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-San Luis Obispo) – Disability Equity, Transparency, and Accountability Act of 2024.

    AB 1938 by Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Chico) – Special education: inclusion and universal design for learning.

    AB 2423 by Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Visalia) – Developmental services: rates.

    AB 2821 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – Postsecondary education: students with disabilities.

    The Governor previously signed the following bills:

    AB 1885 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-San Luis Obispo) – Student Success Completion Grant program.

    AB 1906 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Gardena) – California Law Revision Commission: persons with disabilities: terminology.

    AB 2173 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-San Luis Obispo) – Special education: emotional disability.

    AB 2541 by Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) — Peace officer training: wandering.

    AB 3291 by the Committee on Human Services – Developmental services.

    Recent news

    Sep 27, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 598 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – San Francisco Bay Area Regional Housing Finance Act: regional and county expenditure plans.AB 653 by Assemblymember Eloise…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News What you need to know: A new cross-agency collaborative will review the battery storage landscape as the technology continues to proliferate throughout California. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a new state-level collaborative to examine…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – As Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane overnight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) members to the area impacted by the hurricane.   In close coordination with…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Africa is Unstoppable! | #UNGA 79 | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Unstoppable Africa presented by the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) is designed to place Africa in its proper spot on the world stage, bringing to focus a roadmap for Africa that is sustainable, inclusive, just, and managed by Africans for Africans. The conference took place during United Nations General Assembly week on 25-26 September 2024. Listen to some of the participants telling us why Africa is unstoppable. The fourth story of IN FOCUS series of UNGA79.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2-qaEPRClM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom convenes state-level experts to collaborate on and advance battery storage technologies

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 27, 2024

    What you need to know: A new cross-agency collaborative will review the battery storage landscape as the technology continues to proliferate throughout California.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a new state-level collaborative to examine battery storage technologies and safety considerations as batteries proliferate in critical infrastructure and everyday life in California. 

    The collaborative brings together multiple state agencies and departments with regulatory and industry expertise, including the California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. 

    Battery storage is a key piece of our state’s clean energy future. As the technology evolves, California is working to advance battery safety and reliability. Working with our state experts, we’ll identify ways to enhance safety while continuing to innovate this vital technology.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The collaborative will review the battery storage landscape for opportunities to improve battery safety, including technology development and best practices for outreach and education, permitting and installation of battery projects, inspection and monitoring practices, and first responder training and safety. The collaborative enhances coordination between state agencies, many of which are already working on these areas.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Sep 27, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – As Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane overnight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) members to the area impacted by the hurricane.   In close coordination with…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News What you need to know: Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed three bills establishing three new state symbols: the Dungeness crab as the state crustacean, the banana slug as the state slug, and the black abalone as the state seashell. Sacramento, California –…

    Sep 27, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – As leaders of Native American tribes from across California gather at the State Capitol to celebrate Native American Day, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed today Native American Day and announced the signing of several bills that advance tribal…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: G-77 Leadership Annual Ministerial Meeting – UN Chief Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Opening remarks by United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, at United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, at G-77 48th Annual Ministerial Meeting.

    ——————————–

    Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
    Let me begin by congratulating Uganda on its leadership of the G77 plus China this year.
    And I want to salute your entire membership.
    For 60 years – year in and year out — the G77 plus China has been on the frontlines for fairness, equality, justice and solidarity.
    You have been the engine driving progress to eradicate poverty, to fight inequalities, to root out injustices in our post-colonial world.
    And you have been shining a spotlight on the need for fundamental reforms of the multilateral system.
    Reforms of the international financial architecture and the Security Council to make them more legitimate and more effective.
    Reforms to make sure our institutions reflect the realities of today’s world and respond to today’s challenges instead of the world and the challenges of 1945.
    We have taken some steps forward with the adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact.
    Of course, not everything we may have hoped for was in the final package.
    But none of the achievements would have been possible without your insistence and persistence. If you allow me an image, if you compare the documents that we approved on Sunday with the continued documents of the G7 and the G77, we have to recognize that they are much closer to the documents of the G77. One 7 makes a lot of difference.
    I commend the G77 plus China for always pushing for maximum ambition and look forward to working with you as we continue pursuing the justice your countries deserve – and our world needs.
    We still have a long way to go.
    Our world is on a knife’s edge.
    Climate chaos is worsening.
    Conflicts are raging.
    Human rights are floundering.
    Inequality and injustice are eroding trust and undermining the social contract of societies.
    The rights of women and girls are being snuffed out.
    Entire economies are drowning in debt.
    The digital divide is fast becoming a gaping chasm.
    And the Sustainable Development Goals are hanging by a thread.
    We need action on a number of fronts in line with what was approved in the Summit of the Future.
    First, financial justice.
    Finance is the fuel to drive progress on sustainable development.
    Yet so many countries remain locked out from accessing capital for essential investments.
    This situation is unsustainable – and a recipe for social unrest.
    That is why we have been pushing for fundamental reforms to the outdated, ineffective and unfair international financial system, and an SDG Stimulus to provide developing countries with the resources they need while seeking medium- and long-term solutions.
    We must keep working to make Multilateral Development Banks bigger, bolder and better, enabling them to massively scale up affordable financing for sustainable development, namely in developing countries.
    We must expand contingency financing through the recycling of Special Drawing Rights that until now have essentially benefitted rich countries and not those that have needed it the most.
    We must promote effective long-term debt restructuring that puts people and planet at the centre.
    And we must keep on working for a more inclusive and effective international tax system. I applaud the Ad Hoc Committee for drafting ambitious and practical Terms of Reference for a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
    Second, climate justice.
    We urgently need supercharged action to reduce emissions and avoid the worst of climate chaos.
    This must be in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances.
    Every country must create new national climate action plans – or NDCs – well ahead of COP30, that align with 1.5 degrees and put the world on track to phase out fossil fuels – fast and fairly.
    G20 countries – which together produce eighty percent of global emissions – have a responsibility to lead. I am working closely with President Lula of Brazil to drive action in the G20.
    And I urge every developing country to make sure new national climate plans double as investment plans and boost sustainable development – harnessing renewables to power prosperity and pull people out of poverty.
    The United Nations is mobilizing our entire system to support these efforts through the Climate Promise initiative.

    Full remarks [as delivered]:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-09-27/secretary-generals-remarks-the-annual-meeting-of-g77-foreign-ministers

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ans48EF5avA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis – Prime Minister Addresses UN General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Terrance Micheal Drew, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, National Security and Immigration, Health, and Social Security of Saint Kitts and Nevis, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1wpz8mwre

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko3_A9AahyY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Explore ceramic-making techniques in Liling of central China’s Hunan

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

    Explore ceramic-making techniques in Liling of central China’s Hunan

    Updated: September 29, 2024 08:05 Xinhua
    Tourists visit a ceramics low-price shopping area in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province, Sept. 26, 2024. Liling of Hunan Province boasts a long history of ceramic production. The city now has more than 650 ceramic production enterprises and nearly 200,000 related employees. In recent years, local ceramic production enterprises have intensified their efforts to improve the making techniques. Some of them have also organized ceramics making experience activities and low-price shopping areas to attract tourists. In the first half of 2024, Liling has received over 4.3 million tourists, with a year-on-year increase of 51.34 percent. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children take part in a ceramics making course in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a ceramics low-price shopping area in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province, Sept. 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a ceramics museum in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Workers make ceramics at a company in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Sept. 26, 2024 shows a view of China ceramics valley in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chen Li, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, makes a ceramic ware in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 27, 2024 shows a view of China ceramics valley in Liling City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rescues Completed, Emergency Supplies Rushed to Western North Carolina Communities Hit by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Rescues Completed, Emergency Supplies Rushed to Western North Carolina Communities Hit by Hurricane Helene

    Rescues Completed, Emergency Supplies Rushed to Western North Carolina Communities Hit by Hurricane Helene
    mseets

    Rescue and recovery operations continue to take place in western North Carolina as resources and aid are brought into the region. While North Carolina Emergency Management officials are working around the clock to support local efforts and coordinate emergency supply drop-offs, communication problems persist in the region and North Carolinians are urged to not travel to the area.

    “The catastrophic devastation to western North Carolina is like nothing we have ever seen,” said Governor Cooper. “Emergency responders are working around the clock coordinating rescues and getting resources to help people with their immediate needs as they work to save lives.”

    Connect with loved ones 

    As of 8pm Saturday, a confirmed 10 North Carolinians have lost their lives due to Helene, with latest was a man who drove his truck on a flooded road. Swiftwater and helicopter rescue crews have rescued more than 200 people since Thursday. 

    Governor Cooper has urged communications providers including cell phone carriers and utilities to restore service as quickly as possible. North Carolina’s emergency management and transportation workers are pushing to open roads and rush supplies as quickly as possible. Utilities and communications are returning in some areas, but it may be days before service is fully restored. 

    Meanwhile, North Carolina residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from outside the state) to report missing loved ones. People in the impacted areas can indicate they are safe by checking in on Facebook crisis response or reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800- ED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations. 

    Emergency response efforts & resources

    Emergency management crews are working with local officials in western North Carolina communities to assess damage and identify needs and find solutions. The State Emergency Operations Center is working around the clock to support locals and deliver supplies and aid.

    Supplying drinkable water is a top priority for emergency crews. Seven water plants in Avery, Burke, Haywood, Jackson, Rutherford, Watauga and Yancey counties are closed, impacting nearly 70,000 households. A total of 17 water plants have reported having no power, and an additional 23 are operating on backup power. There are 50 boil water advisories in effect across western communities. Information on how to safely boil water is available on the CDC website: How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency.

    The Governor has deployed the NC National Guard with 410 troops and 146 vehicles including high water vehicles to help with rescues, transport patients to medical care and deliver personnel and equipment to help with storm response.

    Approximately 630,000 customers in North Carolina remained without power Saturday afternoon with the bulk of them within Buncombe County. Fifteen shelters are currently open and housing approximately 500 people. (See ReadyNC.gov for latest) 

    On Saturday Interstate 26 south of Asheville was opened but remains the only major thoroughfare into the region due to damage to Interstate 40 and other routes. State transportation officials continue to urge people to avoid travel anywhere in western North Carolina as about 390 roads and dozens of main highways remain closed Saturday due to flooding, downed trees, landslides or storm damage. The N.C. Department of Transportation is prioritizing work to reopen interstates, U.S. and state highways before getting to secondary routes, but the department also is working with utility companies and local emergency officials to find alternative routes and to assist in maintaining access to shelters and restoring power.

    State officials report that while many of the rivers and tributaries are still far above flood stage, waters are receding and most are expected to be back to near-normal levels by late Monday.

    For the latest updates and information, check these resources:

    • ReadyNC.gov for power outage and shelter information.
    • DriveNC.gov for road closings and travel conditions.
    • NCDPS.gov/Helene for the latest information on storm response/recovery.
    • https://fiman.nc.gov/#/ Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network for real-time river flood gauge

    ###

    Sep 28, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to deepen win-win cooperation with Peru

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in New York on Friday China is ready to work with Peru to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

    China-Peru relations have long been at the forefront of China-Latin America relations, he said, adding that China values its relations with Peru.

    Wang also said that the Chinese side firmly supports Peru as the host of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.

    He called on both sides to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs and take China-Peru relations to a new level in the new era.

    For his part, Schialer said Peruvian companies are optimistic about the Chinese market, and look forward to strengthening cooperation with China.

    He added that his country welcomes more investment by Chinese businesses in Peru.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN releases $10M emergency humanitarian funds for Lebanon aid

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The acting UN relief chief on Friday allocated 10 million U.S. dollars in emergency funding for the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, which the local UN coordinator described as catastrophic.

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Israeli air strikes continued to affect civilians and civilian infrastructure on the fifth consecutive day of the large-scale military escalation.

    The world body’s humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, called the destruction nothing short of catastrophic, with the surge in violence extending to previously unaffected areas, causing widespread destruction.

    “We are witnessing the deadliest period in Lebanon in a generation, and many express their fear that this is just the beginning,” Riza said.

    He said that in less than a week, at least 700 lives have been lost, thousands have been injured, and nearly 120,000 people have been displaced, with the numbers continuing to rise. Since the beginning of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, more than 1,500 civilians have been killed, and over 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.

    “The United Nations and partners are closely coordinating with the Lebanese Government to support the response efforts,” OCHA said. “We are delivering food, mattresses, hygiene kits, and emergency medical supplies.”

    Riza said that critical funding gaps persist in the areas of shelter repair, food, fuel and coordination, among others. Humanitarian organizations are assessing the amount of funding required to address the increasing number of displaced people and the rising humanitarian needs.

    UN Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya allocated the 10 million U.S. dollars from the world body’s Central Emergency Response Fund.

    The office said the funds are in addition to the 10 million dollars released from the Lebanon Humanitarian fund earlier in the week.

    In Gaza, OCHA warned that displaced people live in abysmal conditions, which could further deteriorate in the upcoming cold and rainy winter weather.

    The United Nations and humanitarian partners recently conducted assessments — Sept. 19 and 22 — in two collective shelters in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis.

    “At both sites, displaced communities live in overcrowded shelters and lack cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, sanitary pads and diapers, as well as clothes and infant formula for babies,” OCHA said.

    The office said the first site was a school turned into a shelter by the UN relief agency known as UNRWA in the Al Bureij refugee camp in Deir al Balah. It was hosting more than 3,500 Gazans.

    “Our teams found people were crammed into classrooms and worn-out tents, with an average of 80 to 100 people per classroom and 40 people per tent,” OCHA said. “Access to clean water and health care is extremely limited. Most residents are eating only one meal per day, with some people going the entire day without eating.”

    The office said the second site was a makeshift camp in Abasan in eastern Khan Younis, hosting 2,500 people, including nearly 1,000 school-aged children.

    “The site is in a flood-prone area, adjacent to a site where garbage is being dumped,” OCHA said. “There are no medical facilities and there is no food support at this site, except for occasional hot meals provided by a charity organization.”

    The office said humanitarian aid movements in Gaza face significant access constraints.

    “Nearly 90 percent of coordinated humanitarian movements between northern and southern Gaza so far in September have been either denied or impeded,” OCHA said.

    In the West Bank, the office said the number of internal movement obstacles deployed by Israeli forces increased by more than 20 percent since June 2023.

    Since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, OCHA said Israeli authorities in the West Bank also imposed movement restrictions, marked by the deployment or maintenance of hundreds of movement obstacles and a general closure that affects Palestinian permit-holders and bars them from accessing East Jerusalem and Israel.

    “The cumulative impact of movement obstacles has been devastating, further entrenching the fragmentation of the West Bank, disrupting access to livelihoods and services for thousands of Palestinians and aggravating the already difficult living conditions there,” the office said.

    OCHA said that health facilities in the West Bank also suffered in the conflict.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that from the Oct. 7 to July 30, there were 527 attacks on health care in the region, including obstruction of access, use of force, detention and militarized searches.

    WHO said the attacks affected 54 health facilities, including 20 mobile clinics and 365 ambulances.

    “These incidents not only hinder access to health care, but also jeopardize the safety of medical personnel and patients,” OCHA said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 6 killed, 10 injured in Pakistan’s helicopter crash

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A chartered helicopter crashed in Pakistan’s northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday afternoon, killing six people on board while injuring ten others, police officials said.

    The incident happened at about 1:00 p.m. local time when a helicopter chartered by a private oil exploration and production company Mari Petroleum crashed in the Shewa area of North Waziristan district of the province, District Police Officer Rokhanzeb Khan told Xinhua.

    Six people, including two Russian pilots of the aircraft, were killed in the unfortunate incident, said the official, adding that ten others sustained injuries, including staff of the private company.

    The incident occurred due to a technical fault in the aircraft immediately after it took off, according to local government officials. The engine of the helicopter caught fire before it hit the ground and crashed, officials added.

    The cause of the technical fault is still unknown and is being investigated by the relevant authorities.

    Following the incident, rescue teams and security personnel reached the area and cordoned it off.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Alibaba’s Taobao introduces Tencent’s WeChat Pay

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Photo taken on July 3, 2020 shows the research center of the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba on the “AIsland” of Zhangjiang Science City in Pudong New Area, east China’s Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Starting Friday, consumers shopping on Alibaba’s Taobao platform can now use Tencent’s WeChat Pay for transactions, according to an official statement from Taobao.

    The new payment option allows users to complete purchases with WeChat Pay, and subsequent updates will enable users to access transaction records and bills directly within the WeChat app, WeChat Pay said.

    Additionally, Taobao and Tmall are set to officially integrate JD Logistics, with the service expected to be available by mid-October. Once live, sellers on Taobao and Tmall will have the option of selecting JD Logistics for shipments.

    JD.com will also introduce services from Cainiao’s delivery network, including Cainiao Express and Cainiao Post, which offers parcel pickup points.

    JD.com is also preparing to add Alipay as a payment option, expected to launch ahead of the Nov. 11 shopping festival. Both companies have confirmed that their logistics and payment cooperation agreements are now in place. 

    The collaboration indicates that Chinese tech companies are moving toward more efficient resource integration and enhanced user experiences, said Liang Qiang, dean of Shantou University’s School of Business.

    The partnership is also aligned with China’s macro policies to advance digital infrastructure and facilitate the dual circulation of domestic and international markets while enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese e-commerce platforms in the global supply chain, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –