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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Security: IPhsa at ICMM: Strengthening Indo-Pacific Health Security

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BRISBANE, Australia  –  

    During the International Committee for Military Medicine (ICMM) 45th World Congress “Military Medicine Shaping Global Health” held in Brisbane from September 22-27, 2024, the Indo-Pacific health security alliance (IPhsa) hosted a session co-chaired by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). This gathering brought together regional and international stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing health security and future collaboration.

    Key session highlights included the announcement of the next IPhsa event in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2025, as well as the continued participation of the African Partnership Outbreak Response Alliance (APORA) in sharing lessons learned. These discussions focused on best practices and expanding partnerships to address health threats in the Indo-Pacific.

    CAPT Jeffrey Bitterman of INDOPACOM opened the session by emphasizing the critical importance of regional cooperation to address evolving health threats, including infectious diseases and natural disasters.

    “By building health security capacity, together, we foster global stability, will cultivate key partnerships and mitigate harmful influences and enhance readiness in our collective interoperability. Collaboration with public health authorities, media organizations and other stakeholders is also crucial for building public trust and health security efforts”. – CAPT Bitterman, U.S. INDOPACOM Command Surgeon.

    He underscored IPhsa’s milestones, such as the 2022 signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation and the 2024 Terms of Reference, which formalized military-civilian partnerships. He highlighted that strengthening preparedness and interoperability across sectors is key to protecting public health and maintaining regional stability.

    A pre-recorded message from Mr. Ludy Prapancha Suryantoro of the World Health Organization emphasized the need for enhanced civil-military collaboration in health emergencies. He introduced the Civil-Military Mapping tool, designed to improve coordination and identify gaps in health emergency preparedness, especially in biosecurity/laboratories, CBRN, one health and disaster response.

    ADF’s AIRCDRE Nicole dos Santos closed the session by reflecting on the significance of global health security as a cornerstone of national and regional safety. She drew upon themes of interconnectedness, referencing the term “Ubuntu” to highlight shared humanity and collective responsibility. AIRCDR dos Santos emphasized the growing convergence of geopolitical, geostrategic, and geoeconomic factors, noting the need for a multilateral, whole-of-government approach to health security. She celebrated IPhsa’s role in fostering collaboration between military and civilian sectors and called for sustained partnerships to face global challenges.

    “Leading to improved global health security, we are very privileged to be a founding member of the alliance, and we look forward to contributing to the development of the Indo Pacific health security alliance over the coming years. As we progress and mature, we would like to welcome more of you to join the alliance and work with us to improve the health security of our region and our world for those who follow.” – AIRCDRE dos Santos, Director General Operational Health – Joint Health Command

    As the session concluded, participants echoed the call for stronger cooperation and looked ahead to the upcoming IPhsa meeting in PNG in 2025, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to bolster regional health resilience.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Honors Law Enforcement Community at NH Congressional Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Concord, NH) – On Friday, New Hampshire’s Congressional delegation honored members of the New Hampshire law enforcement community for exemplary service at the New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Awards (NH-CLEA) ceremony in Concord. You can find photos from the event here.
    “Granite State law enforcement officers put their lives on the line day after day, doing essential work that often goes underappreciated,” said Senator Shaheen. “This year’s recipients have been recognized for their unique and outstanding efforts, often in the face of great danger to themselves, to protect and serve the citizens of New Hampshire. I offer my sincere gratitude for all that they do.”
    “New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep our state safe,” said Senator Hassan. “I was honored to attend the Congressional Law Enforcement Award ceremony tonight and recognize the officers whose extraordinary actions have made an incalculable difference to our communities.”
    “New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty every day to protect us and keep our communities safe,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Tonight’s ceremony is an opportunity for us to express our thanks and gratitude for their selflessness and sacrifices. I want to extend my congratulations to this year’s recipients and their families.”
    “Congratulations to the men and women of law enforcement who were honored this year for going above and beyond to protect and serve our communities,” said Congressman Pappas. “They always stand ready to answer the call, and that’s why it is so critical that we provide our law enforcement with the support, resources, and respect that they have earned.  I’m grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of the New Hampshire law enforcement community which ensures our state has a safe and strong future ahead.”
    The New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Awards were started in 1998. All New Hampshire law enforcement officers – whether they are serving full – or part-time – are eligible to be nominated for recognition from the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation. Awardees are selected by an independent committee of law enforcement officers comprised of current and retired federal, state, county, and local officials.
    At the ceremony, Shaheen, Hassan, and Pappas honored the following law enforcement personnel with certificates of recognition on Friday: 
    2024 Congressional Law Enforcement Award Recipients 
    Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award
    This award recognizes officers who put their lives in harm’s way to help others. The NH-CLEA committee realizes that this is always part of any officer’s duties, but there are times when heroism and sacrifice in extreme circumstances need to be recognized. 
    Conservation Officer Levi Frye (NH Fish & Game) 
    Officer Brian Jenkins (Northumberland PD) 
     Lieutenant Geoffrey Pinard (Goffstown PD)  
    Lieutenant James Mitchell (Goffstown PD) 
    Sergeant Kevin Laroche (Goffstown PD) 
    Sergeant Jonathan Babcock (Goffstown PD) 
    Officer Timothy Chabot (Goffstown PD) 
    Sergeant Forrest Walker (Franklin PD) 
    Officer Christopher Hart (Franklin PD) 
    Officer James DeLuca (Hampton PD) 
    Trooper Philip Sheehy (NH State Police) 
    Trooper First Class Nathan Sleight (NH State Police) 
    Officer Richard W. Bateman Dedication and Professionalism Award
    This award, named in honor of Officer Richard W. Bateman, recognizes law enforcement personnel that go beyond their normal duties in service to others.  
    Officer Jagger Bell (Franklin PD)  
    Dispatch Supervisor Kate Burton (Franklin PD) 
    Dispatcher Ryleigh O’Keefe (Franklin PD) 
    Dispatcher Taylee Wolfe (Franklin PD) 
    Trooper Benjamin Olmstead (NH State Police) 
    Communications Specialist Angelique M. Carter (NH State Police) 
    Marine Patrol Supervisor David Jones (NH Marine Patrol) 
    Marine Patrol Officer Timothy Pinkham (NH Marine Patrol) 
    Detective Wade Brown (Concord PD) 
    Detective Danika Gorham (Concord PD) 
    Sergeant Richard Sprankle (Nashua PD) 
    Officer Adam Anderson (Nashua PD) 
    Border Patrol Agent John Sue (U.S. Border Patrol)
    Associate Service Award
    This award recognizes that fire or rescue personnel as well as civilians have come to the assistance of law enforcement personnel in the course of their duties, at times putting their own lives in harm’s way and deserved recognition by the law enforcement community for their assistance.
    Ms. Christine Lavoie  
    Ms. Suzanne Folsom  
    Career Service Award
    This award recognizes an individual that has, over the course of his or her career, shown an outstanding dedication to law enforcement and their community.
    Mr. Thomas Andross (Grafton County Sheriff’s Office) 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge passengers exceed 20m

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    More than 20 million inbound and outbound passengers have traveled through the Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge so far in 2024, an increase of 86 percent year on year, and exceeding the total volume of the whole of last year, official data released on Friday shows.
    This also marks the first time since the official opening of the bridge that the annual passenger flow has exceeded the milestone of 20 million people.
    This increasing number of Hong Kong and Macao passengers heading north is becoming the main force driving the rapid growth of passenger traffic at the port. Since the beginning of this year, more than 12 million Hong Kong and Macao travelers have entered or left the Chinese mainland via this port, up 83.3 percent year on year, and accounting for over 60 percent of total port passenger traffic during the period, local border inspection authorities said.
    The 55-km bridge links China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the city of Zhuhai in the southern Guangdong Province, and Macao SAR. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Nation ramps up public services to meet rising cultural demand

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Shanghai resident Wang Yanqing, 38, said that her recent experience of trying to secure a spot in the upcoming autumn courses at the Shanghai Resident Night School took her back to university days, when students had to scramble to register for classes online.
    In the blink of an eye, nearly 900,000 eager applicants flooded the system as soon as the night school’s registration portal opened. The most sought-after classes for the autumn session of the school spanned a wide range of disciplines, including archery, baking, leather crafting, popping and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
    Priced at a modest 500 yuan for a series of 12 classes, the Shanghai Resident Night School has gained a reputation for its accessibility and top-quality instructors, establishing itself as the hottest public cultural service hub in the city.
    Catering to people aged 18 to 55, the night school offers courses during the spring and autumn terms. In the ongoing autumn semester, the service has been expanded to include 37 branch campuses and 367 teaching venues, spanning across the city.
    For Wang, who has been learning dance skills at the primary campus of Shanghai Mass Art Center since 2021, the night school represents a vital outlet for personal growth and exploration.
    “Elderly people have their senior universities and children have various art training institutions to choose from. We young people also need some public cultural services to develop our interests and add color to our lives,” says Wang.
    “At the night school, you’ll find courses with solid reviews, awesome teachers and prices that are budget-friendly. It’s also easy to locate a class close to home,” Wang adds.
    In recent years, the country has been actively improving the public cultural service system and expanding the coverage of basic public cultural services.
    The Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization released in July includes plans for enhancing the public cultural service system.
    This includes establishing a mechanism for high-quality cultural resources to reach grassroots levels and enhancing the participation of social entities in the provision of public cultural services.
    Li Guoxin, director of Peking University’s national center for modern public culture research, explained that the resolution highlights the importance of offering higher quality, more efficient, fairer and sustainable public cultural services to grassroots communities. This is aimed at enhancing people’s sense of cultural attainment and happiness.
    In recent years, the Chinese government has actively promoted innovation and reform in public cultural services. Over 35,000 new public cultural spaces have been set up nationwide, including libraries and cultural centers in urban and rural areas, making cultural services more accessible for a wider population, Li added.
    Hefei, capital of Anhui province, has witnessed active expansion of reading spaces since 2017.
    With more than 100 urban reading spaces, urban residents are guaranteed to reach a reading space within a 15-minute walk from their homes.
    Ji Yuanyuan, a resident from Hefei’s economic development zone, said that the reading space has provided a group of full-time mothers like her with a place where “they can temporarily set aside the family’s troubles and worries, and just be themselves”.
    Formerly an entrepreneur who devoted herself to her career, she used to have her parents take care of her children. After her children started primary school, she decided to devote her time to her children and family.
    However, she found that upon returning from the workplace to the family, women easily fell into anxiety. So she initiated a reading club in 2017, where full-time mothers come together to recommend good books to each other and share parenting experiences.
    The club’s gathering place is called Forest Book House, an urban reading space within her community that not only provides residents with reading facilities but also features workshops on calligraphy and handicrafts.
    The book club receives an average of around 400 visitors per day, and last year, it hosted a total of 140,482 readers.
    “We now have over 100 female members and hold events every Thursday afternoon at the Book House,” Ji said.
    “When we meet like-minded people in the space, our anxious feelings fade away, and we feel more uplifted as a whole.”
    In the first half of the year, the urban reading spaces in Hefei received 4.86 million visitors, with 1.115 million books borrowed and 8,983 events hosted, according to Meng Xianlei, an official from the city’s bureau of culture and tourism.
    Meng points out that these reading spaces are constructed by the government, owned by the government and operated by third parties through bidding processes. The separation of ownership and operation rights of public cultural facilities shows the reform measures proposed by the aforementioned resolution on further deepening and advancing Chinese modernization.
    Starting this year, Hefei is transforming these urban reading spaces into public cultural hubs featuring art exhibitions, training seminars, literary salons, film screenings and a range of other services.
    Originally from Guilin in Southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Wang said she has found pleasure and fulfillment in Shanghai’s public cultural amenities, despite the long distance from her hometown.
    The abundance of libraries, art centers and communal spaces has not only enriched Wang’s own life but has also provided a welcoming place for her mother, who recently traveled from Guilin to Shanghai to live with her.
    “She frequents the free movie screenings at the community cultural center near our residence every week. Such public cultural spaces have aided her in swiftly having a social circle in this unfamiliar city,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Takes Executive Action to Make State of Minnesota a Recovery-Friendly Workplace

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz today took executive action to make the State of Minnesota a recovery-friendly workplace. Under Executive Order 24-11, the state will adopt policies and procedures to increase support for employees in recovery. This executive order builds on legislation from the 2023 session establishing a statewide Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative by positioning state government to lead by example.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CalMatters: Laphonza Butler wants you to know she’s your U.S. senator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for California – Laphonza Butler

    By Lynna La
    Ever since Laphonza Butler took herself out of the running for U.S. Senate a year ago — just two weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom picked her to replace the late Dianne Feinstein — she has faded into the background quite a bit. 
    Thursday, to mark one year since the Democrat took the oath of office, her office sent a clear message that she’s busy representing California — and will be until whoever voters pick in November is sworn in to serve until January, and then a full six-year term after that.  
    Butler, in a statement to CalMatters: “I’m proud to represent one of the most racially and ethnically diverse states in America, with a population of young people who have shown up to be the face of change. Their courage, their passion, their drive to lead have fueled me every single day in the Senate…”
    In a series of social media posts, Butler’s office gave some facts and figures on what she’s been up to — 342 votes and much more:
    Read the full article HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Verge: Senator Laphonza Butler thinks supporting Big AI or human workers is a ‘false choice’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for California – Laphonza Butler

    By Lauren Feiner
    Representing California in Congress comes with a unique challenge: navigating national politics while reflecting the interests of the most populous state in the US, including a large constituency from the tech industry. It’s a challenge both current California Sen. Laphonza Butler and Vice President Kamala Harris — who previously held that title — have taken on. And right now, governing the tech world means addressing AI.

    Congress hasn’t made much headway on a national framework for regulating generative AI. But California is the epicenter of the AI industry, home to companies like OpenAI and Google. On the national stage, Harris has acted as an AI czar within the Biden administration, leading discussions with industry players and civil society leaders about how to regulate it. Butler, who has a long history with the VP, is focusing on a specific problem: how AI systems impact labor and social equity.

    Butler spoke with The Verge about balancing the interests of AI companies and the people their products impact, including workers who fear being automated out of a job. “It all starts with listening,” says Butler, a former labor leader. “It starts with listening to both the developers, the communities potentially impacted negatively, and the spaces where opportunity exists.”

    Like many officials, Butler says she wants to help protect Americans from the potential dangers of AI without stifling opportunities that could come from it. She praised both Schumer and the Biden administration for “creating spaces for communities to have [a] voice.” Both have brought in labor and civil society leaders in addition to major AI industry executives to educate and engage on regulation in the space.

    Butler insists lawmakers don’t need to make “false choices” between the interests of AI company executives and the people who make up the workforce. “Listening is fundamental, balancing everyone’s interest, but the goal has to be to do the most good for the most people. And to me, that is where a policymaker will always tend to land.”

    California state Senator Scott Wiener made similar statements about his hotly contested state-level bill, SB 1047. The bill, which would have required whistleblower protections and safeguards for potentially disastrous events at large AI companies, made it all the way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk before being vetoed, with companies like OpenAI warning it would slow innovation. In August, Wiener argued that “we can advance both innovation and safety; the two are not mutually exclusive.” So far, however, lawmakers are struggling to find a balance between the two.
    Read the full article HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 5,358 listed companies on Chinese mainland by end August

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    There were 5,358 companies listed on the Chinese domestic stock market by the end of August 2024, according to the China Association for Public Companies.

    The stock exchanges in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing had 2,268, 2,839 and 251 listed firms, respectively, by end August, data from the association showed.

    State-owned holding and non-state-owned holding companies accounted for 27 percent and 73 percent, respectively, of these listed firms, with manufacturing and information transmission/software/information technology services, as well as wholesale and retail, being the top three sectors in terms of the number of listed companies, the data revealed.

    Three provinces, namely Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, contributed 42.48 percent of the total number of companies listed on the Chinese stock market.

    Nine companies made initial public offerings on the domestic stock market in August, raising a combined total of 5.33 billion yuan (about 761 million U.S. dollars), while 17 companies were delisted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets German Marshall Fund delegation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets German Marshall Fund delegation
    2024-10-04

    On the afternoon of October 4, President Lai Ching-te met with a transatlantic delegation from the German Marshall Fund (GMF). In remarks, President Lai stated that as China continues to intimidate and threaten Taiwan both politically and militarily, Taiwan has continued to increase its defense budget and that it is aiming to strengthen resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy to safeguard regional stability and ensure the sustainable development of democracy. The president stated that we seek to work with other democracies to uphold the democratic umbrella and that he looks forward to further advancing economic exchanges and cooperation with the United States and European Union as we unite to face the threats of authoritarian expansionism.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I welcome the delegation led by GMF Senior Advisor Heather A. Conley. As Typhoon Krathon has been affecting Taiwan these few days, the presence of our esteemed guests from the United States and Europe here today demonstrates your staunch support for Taiwan and the solid stance our transatlantic partners have taken with Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the delegation.
    GMF has long paid close attention to cross-strait issues. For instance, it released a research report on United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. The report pointed out that the resolution does not mention Taiwan and explained to the international community that China has distorted the content of the resolution and improperly linked it with its “one China principle.” I want to take this opportunity to thank Managing Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the GMF Bonnie Glaser for her efforts and support in this regard.
    In recent years, the US has continued to coordinate with its allies to reiterate the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. And the GMF has contributed greatly to garnering support for Taiwan among the transatlantic alliance. For this, I convey my heartfelt appreciation.
    China continues to intimidate and threaten Taiwan both politically and militarily. It is expanding its military presence in the East and South China Seas and attempting to change the rules-based international order. In response, Taiwan has continued to increase its defense budget, established a new defense innovation unit, and set up the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. Our aim is to strengthen resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. By making Taiwan more resilient, we are safeguarding regional stability and ensuring the sustainable development of democracy.
    Indeed, Taiwan is determined to protect democracy. We seek to work with other democracies to uphold the democratic umbrella and avert the threats of expanding authoritarianism. In terms of Taiwan-US military cooperation, I would like to thank former US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis for her tremendous assistance in facilitating the US government’s efforts to accelerate the provision of the defense capabilities Taiwan needs through such avenues as the presidential drawdown authority and Foreign Military Financing program.
    Apart from military cooperation, economic cooperation is also crucial. We hope that Taiwan and the US can resolve the issue of double taxation as soon as possible. This would further enhance our bilateral trade and economic ties. We also look forward to signing a bilateral investment agreement with the EU to further advance economic exchanges and cooperation.
    Facing the threats of authoritarian expansionism, democracies must unite. Only then will we be able to respond with our collective wisdom and strength. Taiwan needs the world, just as the world needs Taiwan. Taiwan will continue working together with our partners in the US and Europe. I look forward to our discussion.
    Senior Advisor Conley then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for giving them his time and mentioning that this three-day visit, which coincided with the typhoon, demonstrated to them in very concrete terms the importance of the whole-of-society resilience. She said that they were also able to take a deep dive into what President Lai’s administration has put forward on the five pillars, the challenges of implementing this ambitious plan, and the importance of local governments and public opinion.
    Noting that the GMF stands for the intersection of democracy, prosperity, and security, and connecting those dots, Senior Advisor Conley remarked how important those connections are in today’s world. She stated that the more complex the international challenges, the more important partners are to helping to solve those problems. That is why the GMF wanted to bring together a transatlantic delegation with colleagues from Europe and the US, she added, who bring together expertise in the technology and economic dimensions of security and civil society. She said that it has been a joy to be with them, to learn together, and to learn from experts in Taiwan as well.
    Senior Advisor Conley said that over the past three days, they have had opportunities to brainstorm, provide new ideas, and take home new ideas, and that they look forward to writing about them and helping and continuing this important dialogue. In closing, on behalf of her colleagues and the GMF, she thanked President Lai for giving them an extraordinary three days of conversation and for making time out of his busy schedule in a week of a natural disaster in Taiwan. 
    The delegation also included former Permanent Representative of Italy to NATO Francesco M. Talò, Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Lieutenant General Rajmund Andrzejczak, GMF Board of Trustees Chair Christopher Schroeder, Special Competitive Studies Project Senior Advisor Joe Wang, and Munich Security Conference Senior Fellow Nico Lange.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 10/07/2024, the deposit auction of the PPC “TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND” will take place

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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

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

    https://www.moex.com/n73776

    Category24-7, MIL-AXIS, Moscow, Moskov Stotsk Exchange, Russians Savings, Russian Federation, Russians Language, Russian economy

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    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 10/07/2024
    Placement currency RUB
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 1,050,000,000.00
    Placement period, days 55
    Date of deposit 10/08/2024
    Refund date 02.12.2024
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 19.00
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 1,050,000,000.00
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Agreement General Agreement
     
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 11:00 to 11:10
    Applications in competition mode from 11:10 to 11:15
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 11:25
       
    Additional terms With the right of early withdrawal of the deposit at a rate of 0.01% per annum

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Unexplained death at Mount Gambier

    Source: South Australia Police

    Limestone Coast police are investigating an unexplained death at Mount Gambier.

    Just before 8am on Saturday 5 October police and emergency services were called to a property on Lake Terrace East after reports a woman was unconscious at the address.

    On police arrival they located a 52-year-old woman who sadly could not be revived.

    Mount Gambier police are speaking with a 53-year-old male who is assisting with enquiries.

    Anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japan’s new PM Ishiba delivers 1st policy speech since taking office

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected Japanese prime minister, gave his first policy speech to parliament on Friday, vowing to restore public trust in politics following a series of scandals and trying to reassure the public amid rising living costs.

    At the beginning of his speech after being elected prime minister earlier this week, Ishiba expressed “deep regret” over a high-profile slush funds scandal which heavily tarnished the image of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

    “I will restore confidence in politics lost over the issue of political funds and will explain to the people more clearly than ever the situation in which Japan finds itself,” Ishiba said. “It is the responsibility of politics to rebuild a safe, secure and prosperous Japan by gaining the understanding and empathy of the people.”

    In terms of economic policy, Ishiba promised to swiftly craft a fresh package of measures to help inflation-hit households struggling to cope with rising prices, with the yen’s depreciation leading to higher import costs.

    “It’s necessary that we provide support to those reeling from rising prices until a virtuous cycle of growth and redistribution is certainly in motion, where pay hikes outpace inflation and companies invest proactively,” Ishiba said.

    The 67-year-old former defense minister set a goal of achieving a 1,500 yen (about 10 U.S. dollars) average minimum hourly wage across the nation by the end of the 2020s, earlier than the previous government’s target. It currently stands at 1,055 yen.

    On energy policy, Ishiba said Japan will ensure the safety of nuclear reactors and create the best energy mix to satisfy growing demand, contrasting with his stance in last month’s LDP presidential election when he argued for the country to reduce its reliance on nuclear power to zero and greater use of renewable sources.

    Regarding diplomacy and security issues, the prime minister expressed his willingness to seek “constructive and stable” ties with China through dialogue, while making bilateral ties with South Korea “more robust and wide-ranging.”

    Sessions in which representatives of the ruling and opposition parties will ask questions in response to Ishiba’s policy statements are expected to be held in the Lower House and the Upper House on Oct. 7 and 8.

    Ishiba has announced his intention to dissolve the Lower House on Oct. 9 for a snap election on Oct. 27. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: First Regional Meeting of UNESCO World Heritage Marine Site Managers in Latin America and the Caribbean

    Source: United Nations

    From 8 to 13 September 2024, the Península Valdés marine World Heritage property in Argentina hosted the inaugural Regional meeting of UNESCO World Heritage marine site managers from Latin America and the Caribbean. The event brought together managers from the 12 UNESCO World Heritage marine sites in the region, alongside experts from UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

    The meeting aimed to foster the exchange of best practices, promote dialogue on shared challenges, and establish collaborative strategies to address critical conservation issues at the regional level. Key topics included the impact of avian influenza on elephant seals, designing sustainable visitor strategies, early detection of invasive species, and the impacts of increasingly warming waters. These discussions were enriched by conservation success stories presented by the site managers, as well as insights provided by invited local and global experts.

    Alongside the working sessions, the managers conducted field visits to Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, to gain firsthand insights into the management of the site’s Outstanding Universal Value. The event also featured community-focused talks aimed at engaging local students, researchers, tourist guides, park rangers, and other stakeholders in discussions about the conservation of Peninsula Valdés. These interactions strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and raised public awareness about the importance of preserving UNESCO World Heritage marine sites in Argentina and the world.

    A key outcome of the meeting was the ‘Declaration of Península Valdés’, in which the gathered managers reaffirmed their commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of UNESCO World Heritage marine sites in Latin America and the Caribbean. The declaration emphasized strengthening governance through participatory, adaptive management plans to address emerging threats like climate change, invasive species, and avian influenza. It highlighted the importance of involving local communities in decision-making, promoting innovative conservation training, and enhancing education to raise awareness about the significance of protecting a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Organisation of the first Regional meeting followed the 5th UNESCO World Heritage Marine Managers Conference that was held in the Wadden Sea World Heritage site (Denmark, Germany, Netherlands) in October 2023.

    The regional meeting was organized in partnership with the Península Valdés World Heritage site management team (Argentina) and UNESCO’s regional office in Montevideo (Uruguay), with financial support from the Provincial Government of Chubut, the Península Valdés management team, and UNESCO’s Montevideo office.

    The World Heritage Centre also expresses its sincere gratitude to the French Biodiversity Office (OFB) for their ongoing support in strengthening the UNESCO Marine World Heritage Network through initiatives of this nature.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by DSJ at media session

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (October 5):

    Reporter: Mr Cheung, because quite a number of overseas judges have resigned, so are you worried about voices concerning the recognition and the credibility of the top courts in Hong Kong? And do you think there is a need to fill up the vacancies as soon as possible?

    Deputy Secretary for Justice: Certainly, we fully recognise the contributions made by the overseas judges in Hong Kong. Several of them left, maybe for different reasons, some for personal reasons and some for other reasons that may not be disclosed to us. I will say that we recognise their contributions. But, as you can see many excellent common law jurisdictions in the world, they do not have such kind of mechanism. The mechanism of overseas judges is a unique feature of our system, but it doesn’t mean that if you do not have overseas judges, you do not have good rule of law, as you can see from the other examples of other jurisdictions all over the world. The appointment of the overseas judges is not the job of the Department of Justice but I am pretty sure that our Judiciary will continue to look for other outstanding judges in overseas jurisdictions. For the Hong Kong people, we should recognise that there are very good remarks made by the other serving overseas judges in Hong Kong and overseas judges who just left, they fully recognise the rule of law in Hong Kong and we must have every confidence in our own rule of law, in our legal system.

    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: WHO approves first mpox diagnostic test for emergency use

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox, marking a significant milestone in expanding global access to mpox testing.

    The approval comes as Africa continues to struggle with limited testing capacity, which fueled the spread of the virus. Over 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported across the continent in 2024, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Nigeria being the most affected.

    In the DRC, only 37 percent of suspected cases have been tested this year, according to the global health agency.

    The test, known as Alinity m MPXV assay, will boost diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where rapid and accurate testing is crucial.

    The Alinity m MPXV assay is a real-time PCR test designed to detect mpox virus DNA from human skin lesion swabs, enabling laboratory and health workers to confirm cases quickly.

    “This first mpox diagnostic test listed under the Emergency Use Listing procedure represents a significant milestone in expanding testing availability in affected countries,” said Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes great achievements in environmental protection over past 75 years

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 5 — China has made remarkable strides in ecological and environmental protection over the past 75 years, increasing the green coverage ratio, improving the system for natural protection areas, better-protecting wildlife species and their habitats, and enhancing air pollution control.

    INCREASING GREEN COVERAGE

    In the early days of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the green coverage ratio of Youyu County, located at the edge of the Maowusu Desert, was less than 0.3 percent.

    Local government and residents’ continuous afforestation efforts over the past seven decades have increased the county’s green coverage ratio to 57 percent. The once “barren land” has become an “oasis in the desert.”

    Youyu County’s story epitomizes China’s national efforts to make the country greener.

    China’s forest coverage rate has increased to over 24 percent from only 8.6 percent around 70 years ago. According to data from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the country has contributed about a quarter of the world’s total new green area since the beginning of this century.

    In 1978, China implemented the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, which has effectively curbed the expansion of desertification and become a “green great wall” to prevent sandstorms, conserve water and soil, and safeguard agriculture in northwest, north and northeast China.

    By 2020, the program saw afforestation of 480 million mu (32 million hectares) of land, the management of 1.28 billion mu of degraded grasslands, and the forest coverage rate increased from around 5 percent in 1978 to about 14 percent in these regions.

    PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY

    After Dinghushan became China’s first nature reserve to preserve primary forest and protect biodiversity in 1956, China gradually established nearly 10,000 natural protection areas at all levels, including nature reserves, forest parks, natural heritage sites and geoparks.

    The country attaches great importance to biodiversity conservation, as evidenced by being among the first countries to sign and ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity.

    In 2021, China established its first national parks, covering a protected land area of 230,000 square km.

    These parks, including Sanjiangyuan National Park, the Giant Panda National Park and Wuyishan National Park, are home to nearly 30 percent of the country’s key terrestrial wildlife species.

    The progress in these national parks has made protecting biodiversity evident when considering the numbers involved.

    The population of the Hainan gibbons, a rare primate that lives in the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, had risen to 37 in 2022 from 13 in 2003. Sanjiangyuan National Park, meanwhile, is now home to more than 70,000 Tibetan antelopes, in sharp contrast to less than 20,000 in the 1990s.

    Official data shows that 90 percent of China’s terrestrial ecosystem types and 74 percent of key protected wild animal and plant species populations are now effectively safeguarded.

    ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

    Environmental protection has been a high priority for China since the State Council convened the first national conference on the issue in 1973.

    Following the introduction of an action plan to prevent and control air pollution in 2013, China became the first developing country in the world to impose large-scale efforts to reduce PM2.5 density.

    The country has seen fast improvement in air quality, with 203 cities, or around 60 percent of the total cities, meeting the air quality standard in 2023, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

    China has also made substantial strides in protecting the water ecology of key river basins, with national water quality continuing to improve.

    According to the ministry, the proportion of surface water bodies nationwide classified as having excellent water quality reached 89.4 percent in 2023.

    This figure surpasses the target set in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) by 4.4 percentage points.

    Using the Yangtze River as an example, 98.5 percent of monitoring sites in the basin achieved excellent water quality in 2023, up 0.4 percentage points year on year.

    Additionally, the number of indigenous fish species recorded in the Yangtze River Basin increased to 227, up by 34 species from 2022. The number of nationally protected aquatic wildlife species rose to 14 in 2023, an increase of three compared to the previous year.

    Official data showed the country’s total investment in environmental pollution control reached 901.4 billion yuan (about 128.64 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022, compared with only 2.5 billion to 3 billion yuan per year in the early 1980s.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dunedin’s northern access restored, highway to Port Chalmers reopening Monday morning, 4.45pm update Saturday

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Access to Dunedin from the north, State Highway 1, was restored early this afternoon, with long queues of traffic making their way north and south as the road opened in both directions.

    There are just three highway routes or sections of routes remaining closed after the torrential rain and flooding of recent days, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    The key one is SH88 in Dunedin between Forsyth Barr Stadium/Parry St and Port Chalmers.  It will reopen at 6 am Monday, although people can expect a slower than usual trip at 30km/hour to keep vibrations to a minimum, single lane around slip sites  managed by Stop/Go, 24/7.

    The other two are SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde, and SH90 Tapanui to Waikoikoi, which has a detour in place.

    Port Chalmers highway, SH88 – reopening Monday 6 am, with restrictions

    The route between Forsyth Barr Stadium/Parry St and Port Chalmers remains closed this weekend with residential and emergency access only and fully staffed checkpoints.

    Geotechnical advice has now been received for the Parry St and Burkes landslip areas which means the clean-up can continue at these sites ahead of the highway reopening, with single lane traffic around slip sites and at reduced speed, from Monday at 6 am.

    There are likely to be significant delays on SH88 on Monday with the new traffic management in place and short delays around the rock scaling/removal work.

    This route could also close at short notice again, depending on how the rockfall remediation/ scaling and clean-up goes.

    https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482713(external link)

    Please note, the informal detour roads above SH88 aren’t suitable for large, heavy or towing vehicles and unless people have an urgent need to travel, they should keep these routes clear also.

    SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde (north of Middlemarch): Remaining closed due to damage to a section of highway from the flood water near the Kyeburn Bridge. Flood water still receding. Delay your travel as this will be an extended closure. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482674(external link)

    SH90 Waikoikoi to Tapanui: Closed due to flooding around the Pomahaka River.  Detour in place and working well. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482705(external link)

    Multiple areas of surface flooding and potholes

    • Speeds will be reduced in many places as the clean-up continues this weekend and into next week. NZTA thanks all drivers for slowing around crews and machinery.
    • Bridge inspections so far show they have held up well, says NZTA.
    • This is likely to be the final flooding-related traffic bulletin for this weekend from NZTA.

    State Highway updates

    Highway conditions for Otago | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

    Local road closures Dunedin and Portobello peninsula

    https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/public-notices/road-conditions-and-closures(external link)

    Otago Emergency Management

    https://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CAD holds youth activity in celebration of National Day (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and enhance young people’s understanding of the aviation development in Hong Kong, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) today (October 5) held an aviation-themed youth activity at its headquarters.
          
         The CAD has all along been committed to enhancing young people’s understanding of Hong Kong aviation industry and inspiring young people’s interests in the industry through organising youth activities, with the aim of nurturing young talents for the industry and hence contributing to the development of our country.
          
         More than 140 participants from seven youth groups, namely the Scout Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association, the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, the Hong Kong Youth Aviation Academy, the Hong Kong Aerospace Leaders Association, the Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol and the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association, participated in the event today. Besides, nearly 30 participants from the Strive and Rise Programme joined the event today. The event offered a variety of activities, including thematic talks on aviation development in Hong Kong, career talks on CAD grades, demonstrations of air traffic control tower simulator and the Aviation Education Path guided tours. 
          
         â€‹ The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu, at the opening ceremony, said that he was very pleased to share the joy of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with the young people at the event. He encouraged members of the youth groups to enhance knowledge on local aviation industry and equip themselves to uphold Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. Mr Liu added that the CAD Aviation Education Path will set up new exhibition galleries with the themes on the “uprising of the two airlines” and the civil aviation development of China (including the development of home-grown aircraft), which will be open to the public upon completion.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested for drug offences

    Source: South Australia Police

    As a result of the public statement made on social media by MP David Speirs in which he reveals he had been arrested, police can confirm that on September 26 2024 Mr Speirs was arrested at Berri and charged with two counts of supplying a controlled substance between August 2 and 3 and on August 9.

    Following this his residential premises was subsequently searched. Mr Speirs was given police bail and will appear in court at a later date.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated teachers on their professional holiday

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated teachers on their professional holiday

    10 hours ago

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated teachers on their professional holiday – Teachers’ Day.

    The Deputy Prime Minister called them “unique people who chose for themselves a noble, responsible and difficult task – teaching and raising children.”

    Today in Russia there are over 1.3 million teaching staff, of which over 1 million are teachers. They share knowledge with students, shape their worldview, motivate, help them think independently, and instill traditional spiritual and moral values.

    “It is especially important today to realize the potential of children, develop their talents, and educate patriotic and socially responsible citizens. This is a national goal set by President Vladimir Putin. And your daily hard work helps us achieve it. Together with you, we are preparing future scientists, engineers, analysts, IT specialists – a generation that will strengthen the technological sovereignty of the country,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    The development of the education system is a priority for the Government. In Russia, the national project “Education” will soon be completed, and a new national project – “Youth and Children” – will begin to operate.

    “We will continue to create a modern educational infrastructure – build schools, colleges and lyceums, equip them with all the necessary equipment,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also said that he himself remembers the life lessons of his teachers with great warmth and gratitude.

    “Dear teachers! Thank you for your loyalty to the profession that you have chosen at the call of your heart. I wish you good health, well-being, creative success and responsive students. Happy Teacher’s Day!” the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52905/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: WHO approves 1st mpox diagnostic test for emergency use

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox, marking a significant milestone in expanding global access to mpox testing.

    The approval comes as Africa continues to struggle with limited testing capacity, which fueled the spread of the virus. Over 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported across the continent in 2024, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Nigeria being the most affected.

    In the DRC, only 37 percent of suspected cases have been tested this year, according to the global health agency.

    The test, known as Alinity m MPXV assay, will boost diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where rapid and accurate testing is crucial.

    The Alinity m MPXV assay is a real-time PCR test designed to detect mpox virus DNA from human skin lesion swabs, enabling laboratory and health workers to confirm cases quickly.

    “This first mpox diagnostic test listed under the Emergency Use Listing procedure represents a significant milestone in expanding testing availability in affected countries,” said Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has allocated 9 billion rubles for the construction and reconstruction of sections that will be part of the M-12 “Vostok” highway

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Order dated October 4, 2024 No. 2750-r

    Document

    Order dated October 4, 2024 No. 2750-r

    9 billion rubles have been allocated for the advanced construction and reconstruction of four sections of highways needed to extend the M-12 “Vostok” highway from Kazan to Yekaterinburg. The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    We are talking about the construction of bypasses of the cities of Nizhnekamsk and Naberezhnye Chelny in Tatarstan, a bypass of the settlements of Isametovo, Verkhneyarkeevo, Layashty, Ishkarovo, Asyanovo in Bashkiria, as well as the reconstruction of two more road sections in the Republic of Tatarstan.

    The decision will allow traffic to be launched on new sections of roads by the end of 2024, which, like the entire M-12 “Vostok” highway, will become part of the “Russia” international transport corridor.

    The signed order is necessary to implement the President’s instruction concerning increasing the pace of construction of the Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod-Kazan high-speed highway and extending it to Yekaterinburg. The head of state gave it following his Address to the Federal Assembly in 2021.

    The issue was considered and approved atGovernment meeting on October 3.

    The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal project “Development of the federal highway network” of the national project “Safe high-quality roads”.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52907/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To the Russian State Symphony Orchestra of Cinematography

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On October 5, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Russian State Symphony Orchestra of Cinematography will be celebrated.

    Dear friends!

    Please accept my sincere congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the Russian State Cinema Symphony Orchestra.

    Over its centuries-long history, the legendary group has become an integral part of the cultural life of our country, giving millions of viewers bright, memorable melodies, many of which have graced the best films of outstanding domestic directors and received popular recognition.

    All these years, your renowned orchestra has made an invaluable contribution to the preservation and popularization of the national musical heritage, continues to develop established traditions, and takes an active part in the implementation of large-scale creative projects. Under the guidance of renowned conductors, talented professionals, infinitely devoted to art, demonstrate the highest level of performing skills, mastery of various styles, genres and trends, honed technique and artistry, which allow them to implement the most daring ideas, master new formats, and create unique programs. Your performances are always popular with the public, become an event and remain in the memory of listeners for a long time.

    I wish you inexhaustible inspiration, further success and prosperity.

    M. Mishustin

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

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

    http://government.ru/gov/persons/151/telegrams/52912/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To Sergei Skripka, People’s Artist of Russia

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the artistic director and chief conductor of the Russian State Symphony Orchestra of Cinematography on his 75th birthday.

    The telegram, in particular, notes:

    “An outstanding conductor, a renowned teacher, you have written many bright pages in the annals of the Russian State Symphony Orchestra of Cinematography, and made a significant contribution to the development of national culture and art.

    For many years, under your leadership, the renowned group has been masterfully performing masterpieces of world classics and modern works of various styles and genres, which have become an integral part of domestic and foreign films.

    I wish you creative success, good health and prosperity.”

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

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

    http://government.ru/gov/persons/151/telegrams/52913/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photos: Rubio Visits Barrier Islands Post-Hurricane Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    Photos: Rubio Visits Barrier Islands Post-Hurricane Helene
    Oct 4, 2024 | Press Releases

    Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with local officials and volunteers from the barrier islands to discuss the storm’s impact and current recovery efforts. 
    Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office.

    Senator Rubio gets a briefing from Gulf Coast barrier island officials.

    Senator Rubio thanks volunteers from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

    Senator Rubio meets with members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Simonton Alerts Public to Charity Scams in Wake of Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    United States Attorney Leigha Simonton issued a public safety alert today advising the public to be vigilant to hurricane relief fraud in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

    “North Texans are some of the most generous people I know,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton, the Northern District of Texas’ chief federal law enforcement officer. “We’ve all been impacted by the devastating images of Helene’s aftermath and are looking for ways to help. The best way to ensure your donations make a difference is to route them through a legitimate charity. Please, be vigilant for scams. Unfortunately, some fraudsters will stop at nothing to make a quick buck – even if it means exploiting a natural disaster and preventing funds from reaching the actual victims who are in need.”  

    On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region and quickly caused major devastation there and across states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others. 

    As we have seen in the wake of previous national disasters, fraudsters will target victims of the storm along with citizens across the country who want to do what they can to assist individuals affected by the storm. 

    Unfortunately, criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating deceiving websites designed to solicit contributions.

    The public should exercise diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. Solicitations can originate from phone calls, texts, social media, e-mail, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, and other similar methods. Before making a donation to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene, individuals should adhere to certain guidelines, including:

    • Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
    • Do not be pressured into making contributions as reputable charities do not use such tactics.
    • Do not respond to any unsolicited communications (e.g., e-mails and texts), and never click links contained within those messages because they may be targeting your personal information, to include bank and credit card account information, and other identifiers such as dates of birth and social security numbers.
    • Rather than clicking on a purported link to a charity, verify its legitimacy by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming whether the organization is a valid charity.
    • Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
    • Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
    • Know that legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services, and their website will normally end in .org rather than .com.
    • Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

    The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to deter, investigate, and prosecute fraud in the wake of disasters. More than 50 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Complaints of fraud may be reported online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm. Complaints may also be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721, a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anderson Road project probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Buildings Department has found the number of steel reinforcements installed at a development project at Anderson Road to be lower than required by the approved plans. Works have been suspended at the site since September 28 to allow investigations.

     

    In response to media enquiries today, the department said it received a report in late August alleging that the steel reinforcements in some structural elements of the project had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance (BO).

     

    The department stressed that it is taking the matter very seriously and has deployed staff to the site four times since early September to inspect site operations, work quality, site safety and more.

     

    During an inspection on September 26, the department found that the number of steel reinforcements installed on six beams located on 29/F of Tower 3 was fewer than that stipulated in the approved plans.

     

    It stressed that there was no obvious danger to the overall structure.

     

    As neither the representative of the registered structural engineer (RSE) nor the representative of the registered contractor (RC) could provide a reasonable explanation immediately that day, the department’s staff met the RSE the following day and requested that he submit a detailed investigation and remedial works report, including carrying out sampling tests to determine whether similar situations existed on other floors of Tower 3 and in other towers.

     

    Additionally, the department requested that site supervision be strengthened, and decreed that works at the site cannot resume until it is satisfied with the report and site supervision arrangements. The department will consider appropriate enforcement action upon receipt of the RSE’s report.

     

    Meanwhile, the department is reviewing superstructure works carried out by the same contractor at seven other private developments and will step up site inspections.

     

    Of the eight private development projects concerned, four were taken over from Aggressive Construction Engineering Limited (ACEL), which was removed from the register of general building contractors in November last year.

     

    The RC involved in the incident was another independent contractor. Under the department’s registration system, an RC must have a suitable authorised signatory (AS) to supervise its works.

     

    The AS of the RC involved in this incident was not the one used by ACEL, the latter AS having failed to have its registration renewed last year.

     

    The Anderson Road development project comprises six multi-storey residential towers. Towers 1, 2 and 3 are 32 storeys high, while Towers 5, 6 and 7 are 24 storeys high.

     

    Superstructure works on all six towers were underway prior to the investigation, with concreting works completed at various levels. Nine single-storey houses will also be built in the development.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Baseball5 event awarded ‘M’ Mark

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Major Sports Events Committee announced today that it has awarded “M” Mark status to the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024, which will be held at the Central Harbourfront Event Space from Monday to next Saturday.

    Major Sports Events Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng said Baseball5, which breaks away from conventional baseball, will provide a thrilling experience for global audiences while contributing to Hong Kong’s local economy and sports development.

    He added that he believes that the event will be an important milestone in promoting the popularity of Baseball5 in the community.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To Alexander Mikhailov, People’s Artist of Russia

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the actor and director on his 80th birthday.

    The telegram, in particular, notes:

    “You have brilliantly played dozens of memorable roles on the stage and in cinema. Films with your participation have entered the golden fund of Russian cinema and are popular with several generations of viewers. You have successfully realized yourself not only as an actor, director and singer, but also as a wonderful teacher. For many years, you have been passing on knowledge and experience to VGIK students, sharing the secrets of your craft.

    I wish you good health and prosperity.”

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

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

    http://government.ru/gov/persons/151/telegrams/52914/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rule of law recognised: Deputy SJ

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said today that Hong Kong people should have every confidence in the city’s legal system given that both serving overseas judges and others who have just left fully recognise the rule of law in the city.

    Mr Cheung also told reporters this morning that he fully recognises the contributions made by the overseas judges in Hong Kong.

    He added: “Several of them left, maybe for different reasons, some for personal reasons and some for other reasons that may not be disclosed.

    Mr Cheung iterated that he is certain that the Judiciary will continue to look for other outstanding judges in overseas jurisdictions.

    “I will say that we recognise their contributions. But, as you can see, many excellent common law jurisdictions in the world, they do not have such kind of mechanism.

    “The mechanism of overseas judges is a unique feature of our system, but it doesn’t mean that if you do not have overseas judges, you do not have good rule of law, as you can see from the other examples of other jurisdictions all over the world.”

    He urged Hong Kong people to have confidence in the city’s rule of law.

    “We should recognise that there are very good remarks made by the other serving overseas judges in Hong Kong and overseas judges who just left; they fully recognise the rule of law in Hong Kong and we must have every confidence in our own rule of law, in our legal system.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –