NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: State Capacity Building Workshop organised by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology organises for Chief Information Security Officers of Uttarakhand Government

    Source: Government of India

    State Capacity Building Workshop organised by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology organises for Chief Information Security Officers of Uttarakhand Government

    Training program will strengthen the cybersecurity posture of government departments;l by enhancing the cyber defense capabilities of state departments

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 11:23AM by PIB Delhi

    A three-day Cyber Security and Best Practices Workshop for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) of the Government of Uttarakhand is being held at the Civil Services Institute, Dehradun, from September 23-25, 2024 for 25 participants from 20+ state departments. The workshop is organized by the Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA), Department of IT, Government of Uttarakhand, in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

    The workshop was inaugurated by Smt. Nitika Khandelwal, IAS, Director, ITDA, who highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding the digital infrastructure and e-governance services of the state. She emphasized the importance of building capacity among government officers to address the evolving cyber threats faced by government departments.

    NeGD’s Cybersecurity Training for CISOs

    This training program is part of the State Capacity Building Series initiated by NeGD, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity preparedness and resilience among state government officials. It focuses on strengthening the cybersecurity posture of government departments by providing CISOs with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and mitigate cyber risks effectively.

    Program Overview:

    The three-day workshop is designed to:

    • Raise awareness on key cybersecurity issues, governance, and risk management frameworks.
    • Equip participants with practical knowledge in network and cloud security, critical for securing state-level e-governance systems.
    • Provide in-depth sessions on data protection, application security, and endpoint security, ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive information across government platforms.
    • Train participants in developing and implementing Cyber Crisis Management Plans (CCMP), enabling departments to respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents.
    • Address identity and access management challenges, enhancing the secure use of digital systems within government departments.

    This hands-on, intensive training will equip over 25 participants from various departments with the tools to create a secure and resilient e-governance ecosystem.

    Key Highlights:

    • The workshop covers a wide array of cybersecurity topics, focusing on protecting critical government infrastructure and enhancing the cyber defense capabilities of state departments.
    • Participants will receive guidance on adhering to national cybersecurity frameworks and standards, ensuring compliance with CERT-In guidelines and relevant legal frameworks.
    • The training includes practical sessions aimed at improving the cybersecurity protocols and strategies adopted by government departments in Uttarakhand.

    The workshop will continue over the next two days, with additional sessions on cybersecurity audits, data governance, and incident response frameworks, further strengthening the participants’ capacity to secure government systems.

    This workshop marks an important step in building a robust cybersecurity framework for the Government of Uttarakhand. It is a part of NeGD’s ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity awareness and build capacities across state governments, contributing to the overall vision of a secure and digitally empowered India under the Digital India initiative.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2058125) Visitor Counter : 66

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Driving Cleanliness: Sanju Devi’s Journey to Sanitation in Patna

    Source: Government of India

    Driving Cleanliness: Sanju Devi’s Journey to Sanitation in Patna

    How One Woman’s Courage Transforms Sanitation and Gender Roles in Her Community

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 11:37AM by PIB Delhi

    Driving Cleanliness: Sanju Devi’s Journey to Sanitation in Patna

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena / Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2058136) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi reviews institute research and development in drone application for fisheries management in ICAR-CIFRI, Kolkata today

    Source: Government of India

    Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi reviews institute research and development in drone application for fisheries management in ICAR-CIFRI, Kolkata today

    Drone based application should reach to the fish farmers for wider utilisation: Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi

    Secretary Dr. Likhi witnesses demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries Application at ICAR – Central lnland Fisheries Research Institute

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 3:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited ICAR- Central lnland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata today for reviewing the institute research and development in drone application for fisheries management. Scientists, State fisheries official, Fishermen and fisherwomen attended the event. During presentation senior officers from fisheries department from states, ministry of civil aviation, NAFED, NCDC, NERMARC, SFAC, retailers, start-ups, fisheries subordinate offices, State Government officials, FFPOs, cooperatives etc. are invited to join through virtual conference.

    During the drone demonstration, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi actively interacted with the fish farmers and fishers, listening to their experiences, success stories and the challenges they face in their daily operations. This interaction provided valuable insights into how modern technology, like drones, can address their needs, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity in the fisheries sector, while also offering a platform for them to voice their aspirations and concerns.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary said that pilot project undertaken by ICAR-CIFRI will open new horizon in fisheries section by providing an effective and promising alternative for transporting fresh fish with less time and minimum human involvement while minimizing stress to the fish. The research and development on fish transportation using drone technology with private partnership would also enable consumers and farmers to have better hygienic fresh fish in the supply chain system, he added.

    Dr. Likhi said that Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) with an outlay of Rs 6000 crore was approved in February 2024 which aims to support formalization of the unorganized fisheries sector by creating a National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) for providing work-based identifies, fish farmers, fish vendors including the fisheries sector microenterprises and small enterprises by 2025. PM-MKSSY, through NFDP, will also facilitate access and incentivize uptake of institutional credit, purchase of aquaculture insurance, strengthen co-operatives to become FFPOs, adoption of traceability, performance grant for adoption of practices that will bring in value-chain efficiencies and safety and quality assurance and job creation, the Secretary added.

     

    The Secretary urged the ICAR-CIFRI and other stakeholders to take step for making these drone based applications reach to the fish farmers and ensure that all can have access to it. He also asked the Fisheries Department to document all these valuable demonstrations and send to the the Ministry so that they can be utilized for creating awareness among the fish farmers across the country.

    In the review meeting, Director, ICAR-CIFRI Dr. B. K. Das elaborately presented the institute achievements and progress made in drone-based technologies. Presentation on application of Drone Technology in fisheries was also made by a start-up.

    Different drone-based technologies viz. sprayer drone, feed broadcast drone and cargo delivery drone were demonstrated by ICAR-CIFRI and star-up companies among more than 100 fishermen and fisherwomen. The pilot project undertaken by ICAR-CIFRI will open new horizon in fisheries section by providing an effective and promising alternative for transporting fresh fish with less time and minimum human involvement while minimizing stress to the fish. The research and development on fish transportation using drone technology with private partnership would also enable consumers and farmers to have better hygienic fresh fish in the supply chain system.

    In Indian fisheries sector, the monitoring and management of aquatic resources faces numerous challenges that hinder effective and sustainable planning for the conservation of aquatic resources. Though the farming system is reforming every day to keep pace with the ever-increasing evolution of modern technologies, the systematic fish transportation for economical utilization of the landed fish lacks the proper scientific methodology, time efficiency and cost-effective means since it is an essential prerequisite for the appropriate development of our fishing and fish processing industries. The long time required for transportation over long distances from remote catch areas and the lack of handling and preservation can cause irreparable damage to the fish and even death, which incurs low market prices and huge losses to farmers.

    In recent times, modern technology such as drone has tremendous potential to deliver vital goods to remote locations, overcoming access barriers and enabling faster delivery.  To explore the potential of drone technology in the fishery sector, the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India assigned a pilot project on “Developing drone technology for live fish transport” to ICAR-CIFRI. The project will be carried out by ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata aiming to design and develop a 100 kg payload drone carrying live fish up to 10 km.

                                                                    ***

    SS

    (Release ID: 2058222) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Textiles conducts comprehensive cleanliness and hygiene campaign under ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024’

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Textiles, through its various subordinate offices, attached, and autonomous bodies, is observing the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2024’ campaign under the theme “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.” This initiative is a part of the nationwide cleanliness drive, inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a cleaner and greener India.

    Jute Corporation of India

    The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) Regional Office in Nagaon took the lead by organizing a free health check-up camp for the Safai Mitras of the Nagaon Municipal Board. This initiative was a gesture of gratitude for the hard work and dedication of Safai Karamcharis, recognizing their essential role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in daily life.

    National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

    At NIFT campuses, street plays, Nukkad Nataks, and reel-making competition skits were organized to raise awareness about cleanliness and hygiene. NIFT students performed with enthusiasm, energizing the campus with creative and impactful performances centered around the theme “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.” These efforts inspired both students and staff to take concrete action towards a cleaner, greener India.

       

     

    Ministry of Textiles Headquarters

    At the Ministry of Textiles Headquarters, a special event under the theme “Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs” was organized. Masks and sanitizers were distributed to Safai Karamcharis to promote personal hygiene and protection, ensuring their health and well-being as they continue to play an indispensable role in keeping workplaces and public spaces clean.

    Textiles Committee

    The Textiles Committee launched a cyber hygiene drive across its headquarters and regional offices. As part of this initiative, antivirus software was installed, and awareness workshops were held to sensitize employees about cyber hygiene. Senior officers also inspected different sections and divisions, ensuring the cleanliness and beautification of the workplace. The initiative aimed to enhance office space management and ensure better cybersecurity practices.

     

    ***

    VN

    (Release ID: 2058223) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to public comments by US Deputy Secretary of State Campbell on UNGA Resolution 2758 and cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA response to public comments by US Deputy Secretary of State Campbell on UNGA Resolution 2758 and cross-strait peace and stability

    Date：2024-09-20
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    September 20, 2024 

    The US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing on “Great Power Competition in the Indo-Pacific” on September 18. In response to a question concerning the fact that Taiwan’s status was not mentioned in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell agreed, pointing out that China was using the resolution as a diplomatic tool to falsely portray Taiwan’s status as illegitimate and that China was conflating its interpretation with its “one China principle” in order to suppress Taiwan. Deputy Secretary Campbell reaffirmed the unwavering US commitment to Taiwan and the long-standing US efforts to preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing that this was a bipartisan consensus. 
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and appreciates that yet another high-level US diplomat has publicly pointed out China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and reiterated bipartisan US support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The comments follow remarks made earlier by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Mark Lambert and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink. 
     
    MOFA is pleased that in addition to the United States, like-minded nations including Australia and the Netherlands have adopted friendly resolutions or motions stating that UNGA Resolution 2758 made no reference to Taiwan. MOFA calls on the international community to jointly take concrete actions to refute China’s misrepresentation of the resolution and oppose its spurious claims of there being an international consensus on its “one China principle.” Taiwan will continue to cooperate with the United States and other like-minded countries and together preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav Launches Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 to Protect the Health and Well-Being of India’s Youth

    Source: Government of India

    Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav Launches Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 to Protect the Health and Well-Being of India’s Youth

    Every year around 13 lakh people lose their lives due to tobacco in India. Tobacco has become a fashion statement among the youth but it can lead to dangerous diseases like cancer: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    “The development of the nation is closely linked to the health of its young population”

    Renowned celebrities, sportspersons and influencers like Aparshakti Khurana, Manu Bhaker, Navdeep Singh, Ankit Baiyanpuria, Gaurav Chaudhary and Janhvi Singh addressed the gathering and shared insightful views

    Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav launched the second edition of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 at a hybrid event held at Lady Hardinge Medical College, here today. He also virtually inaugurated Tobacco Cessation Centres in medical institutions across India. The objective of the campaign is to protect the health and well-being of young people from the harmful effects of tobacco.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said that “every year around 13 lakh people lose their lives due to tobacco in India.” He also cautioned that “tobacco has become a fashion statement among the youth but it can lead to dangerous diseases like cancer.”

    Motivating the youth to prioritize their health over tobacco use, Shri Jadhav stated that “good health is intrinsically related to own as well as closed one’s happiness”. He also highlighted that the development of the nation is closely linked to the health of its young population and urged everyone to pledge to resist and quit tobacco. He also urged elders to take responsibility of ensuring the youth don’t fall into tobacco use.

    He stated that this year’s 60-day campaign prioritizes five key areas:

    1. Increasing public awareness about the dangers of tobacco, particularly among youth and rural communities;
    2. Improving compliance with the revised guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) to keep schools and colleges free from tobacco;
    3. Strengthening the enforcement of tobacco control laws, especially COTPA 2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, to limit youth access to tobacco;
    4. Promoting Tobacco-Free Villages, where communities work together to eliminate tobacco and create healthier environments; and
    5. Boosting social media outreach, using digital platforms to deliver strong messages about the harms of tobacco and the benefits of quitting to young people.

     

     

    All participants took the ‘Say No To Tobacco’ pledge to remain tobacco-free, followed by a photo session featuring students and celebrities. Renowned celebrities, sportspersons and influencers like Aparshakti Khurana, Manu Bhaker, Navdeep Singh, Ankit Baiyanpuria, Gaurav Chaudhary and Janhvi Singh addressed the gathering and shared insightful views.

      

     

    The event witnessed the launch of an educational video by WHO to be released in all schools, sensitizing young students on the detrimental effects of tobacco use. Three important guidelines- Health Workers Guide, SOPs for Villages to be Tobacco Free and the Guidelines for Law Enforcers for Effective Implementation of Tobacco Control Laws 2024 were launched during the occasion. A testimonial video by Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV), a group of cancer survivors sharing their experience of battling cancer due to tobacco use was also run at the event. A bike rally by two famous biking groups – Harley Owners Group and Delhi Bikers Breakfast Run was also flagged off during the event to spread awareness on the campaign.

    The event concluded with the Union Health Ministry officials urging all stakeholders to stay actively involved in the campaign by following its social media channels. The Ministry encouraged everyone to show their support by participating in the campaign’s activities and sharing updates on its progress, helping to amplify the message and reach a wider audience nationwide.

    Background:

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced the first Tobacco Free Youth Campaign last year, on May 31, 2023, in celebration of World No Tobacco Day. The campaign centered around four main strategies: raising public awareness about the dangers of tobacco, promoting the establishment of Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), strengthening enforcement of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2023, and creating Tobacco-Free Villages. The campaign was a huge success, with over 1,42,184 educational institutions and more than 12,000 villages declared tobacco-free. Additionally, COTPA 2003 was strictly enforced, with numerous challans issued.

    Building on this success, this year the Ministry launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 with the aim to motivate young people to resist or quit tobacco use. The campaign will run for 60 days. It will focus on offering educational materials, promoting initiatives such as enforcement drives and IEC activities and establishment of tobacco free villages and educational institutions to encourage a tobacco-free lifestyle among young people across India.

    The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 also emphasizes a ‘whole of government’ approach through an increased partnership and coordination between seven ministries – Ministry of Education, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and Ministry of Tribal Affairs as well as law enforcement units.

    The launch event of the campaign saw the in-person participation of over ­­500 people, and many participants joined online. Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary; Smt. Puniya Salila Srivastava, Officer on Special Duty, MoHFW; Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Smt. V Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, MoHFW; Dr Sarita Beri, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College; Dr. Roderico Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, senior officials from MoHFW, celebrities, influencers, among others. More than 300 school students from nearby Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), NSS volunteers from My Bharat initiative and representatives from civil society organisations also participated in the event.

    Link for the Event: https://youtube.com/live/aosbWe7eNOY?feature=share

    Link for No Tobacco Pledge: https://pledge.mygov.in/say-no-to-tobacco/

    ***

    MV

    HFW/ MoS Tobacco Event /24th September 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2058225) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Limited
    Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Limited
    *****************************************************************************

         ​The Government announced today (September 24) that the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, has appointed or reappointed the following persons as Council members of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Limited for a period of two years, until the conclusion of the company’s Annual General Meeting in 2026. Mr Matt Fung Chi-ho (reappointment)Mr Irons Sze (reappointment)Mr Ivan Wong Siu-kei (reappointment)Ms Candy Chea Shuk-mui (new appointment)

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 18:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government recruitment activities in Beijing and Shanghai wrap up (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKSAR Government recruitment activities in Beijing and Shanghai wrap up (with photos)
    HKSAR Government recruitment activities in Beijing and Shanghai wrap up (with photos)
    *************************************************************************************

         A series of recruitment activities organised by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) in Beijing and Shanghai wrapped up today (September 24), attracting an online and in-person participation of over 1 800 Hong Kong people interested in applying for and learning about civil service posts in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.     Five recruitment talks on the Administrative Officer (AO) and Executive Officer (EO) grades were held at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO), East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Renmin University of China, and China University of Political Science and Law respectively. Most of the attendees were university students with immense interest in the AO and EO grades, and they were keen to ask questions on the relevant grades.     The CSB had specifically arranged for serving AO and EO colleagues who had studied or lived on the Mainland to share their work and personal experiences, and encourage university students to join the civil service. The Principal Assistant Secretary for the Civil Service (Administrative Service), Ms Yen Pun, and the Senior Principal Executive Officer (General Grades), Miss Iris Ma, also introduced the entry requirements, training programmes, examination and interview arrangements, as well as tips on preparing for examinations of the AO and EO grades at the seminars.     In addition, representatives of the CSB participated in the “Gathering with Hong Kong Students and Youth in East China Region to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” organised by the SHETO to introduce the AO and EO grades to the young participants. The aim was to enable them to know more about the work and career prospects of the grades concerned, and encourage them to apply for civil service posts in the HKSAR Government.     The CSB is currently conducting a joint recruitment exercise for the civil service grades of AO, EO II, Assistant Trade Officer II and Transport Officer II. The application deadline is October 4. Eligible applicants are encouraged to seize the opportunity to apply. For details, please visit the CSB’s website at www.csb.gov.hk.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 18:38

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sep 23, 2024 HandyDART Workers Vote to Ratify Contract with Transdev

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Union Wins Pay Increases and Other Improvements

    Vancouver, BC  – HandyDART workers, members of ATU Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, voted to approve a strong collective bargaining agreement with contractor Transdev after reaching the deal last Friday.

    At a September 3 rally attended by ATU International President John Costa and allies, the more than 600 Metro Vancouver HandyDART workers walked off the job after Transdev refused to address the Union’s concerns over, wages, high worker turnover, and the skyrocketing use of taxis at HandyDART.

    “This is a great day for our members to ratify this contract,” said Local 1724 President/Business Agent Joe McCann “Our strike showed the power of fighting for our rights. We are thankful for the outpouring of support from our riders, fellow union members, and elected officials, many of whom walked our picket lines. After months of negotiations, this contract recognizes our members for the heroes they truly are.”

    The new contract includes significant wage increases that address the staffing shortages, and the Union was also able to push back on the use of taxis through creative language on shift scheduling and reporting.

    “It was inspiring to join our HandyDART members on their picket lines. This contract is a testament to their solidarity, resolve, and unity,” said ATU International President John Costa. “It is a win not only for our HandyDART workers but for the seniors and people with disabilities who rely on our members for safe and reliable transportation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Algernon Yau visits Singapore

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau met senior officials and business leaders in Singapore to deepen trade and economic ties, and explore collaboration opportunities during his visit from September 22 to 24.

    ​Mr Yau updated representatives from major business chambers of Singapore on Hong Kong’s latest developments and measures on assisting enterprises in setting up businesses in the city.

    They include the Singapore Business Federation, the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises of Singapore, the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

    He appealed to the Singaporean business sector to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages to explore the vast opportunities in the Mainland market, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    Yesterday, Mr Yau had a lunch meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade & Industry of Singapore Gan Kim Yong to discuss various trade and economic issues, and the regional economic landscape.

    Mr Yau thanked Singapore for supporting Hong Kong’s application for joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

    He noted that Hong Kong always treasures Singapore as a valuable economic partner both on its own and as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) family.

    By joining the RCEP, Hong Kong can contribute to the wider and deeper economic co-operation and integration in the region, Mr Yau added.

    ​The commerce chief also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming to update him on Hong Kong’s latest situation. 

    ​Mr Yau then attended a dinner with Hong Kong entrepreneurs and executives working in Singapore to hear more about their work and lives.

    Today, ​he met Singapore Economic Development Board Chairman Png Cheong Boon to learn about Singapore’s latest developments and exchange views on investment promotion, saying he looked forward to further collaboration between Hong Kong and Singapore in different areas with a view to fostering even closer relations between the two economies.

    Noting that Hong Kong and Singapore have long been enjoying close and cordial bilateral trade and economic relations, Mr Yau highlighted that Singapore is Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner and largest partner among the ASEAN member states in merchandise trade, as well as Hong Kong’s seventh-largest investor and sixth-largest destination of outward investment.

    The commerce chief will return to Hong Kong this evening.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Good employers lauded

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Labour Department today held a ceremony to commend good employers and launch its Good Employee Recognition Campaign.

    The department revealed that 1,596 organisations are signatories to the Good Employer Charter 2024, representing an increase of nearly 70% over the previous version. Among these organisations, 1,002 are authorised to use the “Supportive Family-friendly Good Employer” logo, which denotes commitment to promoting a family-friendly employment culture.

    Moreover, 318 organisations have been signatories for three consecutive terms of the charter, meaning they have consistently had good human resource management practices in place.

    At the ceremony, representatives from three signatories shared their experience in carrying out good human resource management and family-friendly employment practices.

    Meanwhile, employers are being encouraged to nominate employees for the inaugural Good Employee Recognition Campaign, launched to support the Good Employer Charter 2024.

    The campaign allows employers to show recognition and express gratitude for their employees’ contributions. Employers are assessed in terms of their abilities, attitude towards clients, adaptability, team spirit, and sense of belonging to the organisation.

    Nominated employees or teams accredited by the scheme’s panel of judges will each be awarded a Good Employee Commendation Certificate and a lapel pin in recognition of their outstanding performance and contribution.

    Speaking at the event, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun thanked every good employer for implementing flexible work arrangements and offering assistance to employees to enable them to balance their work and personal lives. He said this was conducive to unleashing the potential of the local labour force.

    Mr Sun added that the current-term Government attaches great importance to improving employee benefits, promoting employment, and protecting occupational health and safety. He also expressed hope that different groups in society will continue to support the charter and the Good Employee Recognition Campaign, and work together to foster win-win labour relations, as well as a harmonious and inclusive community.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID and DFC Host Dialogue on Clean Energy Supply Chains as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Africa

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:‎

    Today, on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly, USAID Counselor Clinton White and DFC Deputy CEO Nisha Biswal co-hosted a side event on scaling clean energy supply chains in Africa can catalyze sustainable development and advance clean energy-led growth globally.  

    During the event, Senior Advisor to President Biden for International Climate Policy John Podesta and the DRC Minister of Mining Kizito Pakabomba discussed how to enhance collaboration to spur green industrialization in Africa, building on the success of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

    Today’s event highlighted the vital role that clean energy supply chains play in driving sustainable development across Africa. Participants, including CEOs from clean energy manufacturing companies in Africa and in the United States underscored that by fostering partnerships among governments, the private sector, and civil society, we can harness Africa’s rich natural resources to build a clean energy industrial future that benefits all. The discussions not only focused on the opportunities presented by critical minerals but also addressed the imperative of ensuring that development is equitable, environmentally sustainable, and local. Participants agreed that there is an urgent need for collaboration across the private and public sector to scale clean energy supply chains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman at Transforming Global Humanitarian Response for the 21st Century

    Source: USAID

    DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR ISOBEL COLEMAN: Thank you, Secretary [Antony] Blinken, Foreign Secretary [David] Lammy, Mr. [Ilan] Goldfajn, and Mr. [Børge] Brende for bringing us together today. 

    As you all have emphasized, every year, global humanitarian needs reach record highs. Today, more than 80 percent of the countries where USAID works, encompassing roughly two billion people, are fragile or conflict-affected states. 

    Our humanitarian assistance spending in response to crises has tripled in the last decade, while development assistance has been flat.  

    In other words, we’re dedicating more and more of our resources to responding to crises – instead of investing in long-term efforts to prevent them. 

    This is not sustainable.

    The solution requires all of us – humanitarian, development, and peace practitioners, governments, and the private sector – to more effectively meet the staggering global humanitarian needs while continuing to drive development gains. 

    This is why, in January, USAID launched an Agency-wide initiative to align our humanitarian, development, and peace efforts across our policy, planning, and programming – so that even while responding to crises, we are also making critical investments in long term stability and prevention. 

    We are taking practical steps to change the way we work, such as conducting an information campaign to increase the use of existing award flexibilities, aligning our humanitarian and development strategic planning processes, and co-hosting a global forum with the UK, Germany, the World Bank, UNICEF, and WFP on social protection in fragility and conflict.

    USAID is also leveraging funding from the Global Fragility Act to facilitate the kinds of private investment that can be so pivotal to preventing and more sustainably addressing global humanitarian needs. 

    Today, I am pleased to announce that we have partnered with the US Development Finance Corporation to create a new specialized unit to focus on identifying promising investment opportunities in fragile environments – where investments are often more complicated, riskier, and time-consuming. 

    We are eager to partner with you in catalyzing these critical investments, which align with so many of the goals we’ve discussed today. 

    I commend this group for your commitment to breaking down silos and identifying more sustainable and cost-effective ways to address the staggering global humanitarian needs we face today. 

    USAID is committed to advancing this agenda with you. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID Joins PepsiCo, Unilever, Danone, McCormick & Company, and Nespresso to Launch Collaboration to Advance Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains

    Source: USAID

    Today, USAID joined consumer goods multinational companies PepsiCo, Unilever, Danone, McCormick & Company, and Nespresso in launching a new public-private partnership that aims to accelerate gender equality and enhance environmental sustainability in agricultural supply chains. The new initiative, Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains, aligns with 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 sectors that address climate change. 

    With a planned, collective investment of $50 million to start – including over $11 million of USAID funding – this new agricultural supply chain initiative will help catalyze industry-level change through learning, scaling, and providing evidence on how supporting women in agricultural supply chains can help deliver environmental sustainability goals. The initiative will drive scale by bringing in new organizations and additional funds, with a total target of $90 million over the next five years. 

    In parallel, USAID also welcomed the Skoll Foundation as the newest partner to WISE through its support of the USAID-led Climate Gender Equity Fund – a public-private partnership with Amazon, Reckitt, the UPS Foundation, and the Visa Foundation that seeks to increase access to climate finance for women-led and women-benefiting organizations working at the forefront of climate action. Three of its newest grantees – Altree Capital, The Rallying Cry, and Villgro Philippines – were also announced. 

    Finally, Acumen, Germany, Heading for Change, the Republic of Cyprus, and the United Kingdom announced $339 million in new aligned commitments to advance the WISE Initiative through their independent efforts that advance WISE objectives. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and the U.S. Department of Energy announced $289 million in additional aligned U.S. government commitments to the WISE initiative. In all, today’s announcements total $681 million in direct and aligned commitments – bringing the collective commitment of 33 governments, corporations, foundations, and civil society organizations to a total of over $2 billion towards the WISE Initiative. 

    For more information about the WISE Initiative, please visit ClimateLinks or email wise@usaid.gov.

    Advancing Women for Resilient Agricultural Supply Chains Women in the Sustainable Economy WISE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards more than $7.4 million to continue disaster recovery after California’s severe winter storms in 2023

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $7.4 million to support continued disaster-relief employment and workforce training for California residents affected by severe winter storms that occurred in late 2022 and early 2023. 

    On April 13, 2023, the department announced a National Dislocated Worker Grant of up to $22 million – with an initial award of $7.4 million – for the California Employment Development Department to provide people with temporary jobs focused on debris removal, water damage cleanup and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need after the storm. Funding also supports career and training services.

    Between Dec. 27, 2022, and Jan. 31, 2023, a series of winter storms and atmospheric rivers swept through California and caused damage in 51 of the state’s 58 counties. The storms produced flooding and mudslides, toppled trees, created sinkholes and damaged public and private lands. The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration on Jan. 14, 2023, enabling California to request federal assistance for recovery efforts. 

    Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, and supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide funding assistance to temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels when large, unexpected economic events cause significant job losses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs bipartisan bills to address sideshows and street takeovers

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 23, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed four bills today to help law enforcement crack down on dangerous sideshows and street takeovers. These new laws will hold participants and organizers accountable by providing law enforcement with the tools to seize vehicles involved in these illegal activities.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom signed bipartisan legislation today to impose stricter penalties, increase accountability, and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and street takeovers. These measures mark a step forward in improving road safety across California by addressing the rise of illegal street activities that endanger the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and communities. These new laws provide law enforcement with enhanced tools to more effectively deter illegal activities such as drifting, street racing, and blocking intersections during sideshows and street takeovers.

    “Sideshows are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities. We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these events. Today, we are sending a clear message to anyone considering participating in or attending a sideshow: stricter penalties are in place, including the potential loss of your vehicle.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Communities throughout California report increased sideshow activities and street takeovers. These dangerous events, where people race vehicles and shut down streets to perform stunts, can quickly turn deadly, often leading to accidents, spectator injuries, and other criminal activity, and block roadways and disrupt traffic flow, including access for emergency vehicles.

    Participants, organizers, and spectators be warned

    These new laws expand vehicle impoundment authority for law enforcement, including for spectators and those aiding in illegal speed contests and sideshows, while also standardizing terminology for “sideshows” and “street takeovers” statewide, and targeting reckless driving activities on highways and parking lots.

    Governor Newsom today strengthened California’s ability to improve road safety by signing the following bills:

    • AB 1978 by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) – Vehicles: speed contests
    • AB 2186 by Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Palm Springs) – Vehicles: impoundment
    • AB 2807 by Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) – Vehicles: sideshows and street takeovers
    • AB 3085 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) – Vehicles: removal and impoundment

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Today’s signing follows the Governor’s recent signing of landmark legislation providing law enforcement and prosecutors with additional tools to arrest and prosecute criminals for smash-and-grabs, retail theft, auto burglaries, and other property crime. While California’s crime rate remains near historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.

    Recent news

    Sep 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act, to require every school district, charter school and county office of education to develop a policy limiting the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026….

    Sep 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is launching a campaign to empower one million Californians to take climate action in their communities.  SACRAMENTO – During Climate Week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new state initiative to mobilize one million…

    Sep 22, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills: AB 262 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena) – Children’s camps: safety and regulation.AB 460 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – State Water…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation to limit the use of smartphones during school hours

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 23, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act, to require every school district, charter school and county office of education to develop a policy limiting the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026.

    Sacramento, California – Building on his calls for school districts to restrict the use of smartphones on school campuses, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 3216, the Phone-Free School Act, to require every school district, charter school and county office of education to adopt a policy limiting or prohibiting the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026. Authored by Assemblymembers Josh Hoover, David Alvarez, Josh Lowenthal, and Al Muratsuchi, the bipartisan legislation will support the mental health, academic success, and social wellbeing of California’s students.

    “We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene. This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Reducing phone use in schools is essential for minimizing digital distractions and making space for stronger and more meaningful in-person connections. AB 3216 isn’t only about classroom instruction, it’s about protecting the mental health and social and emotional well-being of California’s kids.”

    First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    How we got here

    In 2019, Governor Newsom signed AB 272 (Muratsuchi) into law, which specified that school districts have the authority to regulate the use of smartphones during school hours. This legislation was a crucial first step in efforts to minimize distractions and foster a more conducive environment for our students to learn. In June, the Governor announced efforts to restrict the use of smartphones during the school day.
     

    Maintaining student safety

    The development of the policies will involve significant stakeholder participation to ensure they are responsive to the unique needs and desires of the local students, parents and educators and must allow students to use their phones in the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger, or as allowed by a teacher, administrator, doctor or the student’s individualized education program. 

    Why this matters

    Excessive smartphone use among youth is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major problem. Common Sense Media found that 97% of students use their phones during the school day for a median of 43 minutes. Combined with the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning about the risks of social media, it is urgent to provide reasonable guardrails for smartphone use in schools.

    Supporting smartphone free classrooms

    Assemblyman Josh Hoover: “I appreciate the leadership of Governor Newsom and our bipartisan coalition of legislators that worked together to make the Phone-Free Schools Act a reality. AB 3216 is a major victory for protecting and improving the mental health and academic outcomes of students across California,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover. “Research continues to demonstrate the potential harms of smartphone use among children. The growing use of these devices in a child’s everyday life can contribute to lower test scores, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. I am proud our state is taking action to limit the use of smartphones during the school day and protect kids from these harms.”

    Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee: “I thank the Governor for signing AB 3216. California school districts should place limits on student smartphone use on campus during school hours, unless approved by teachers or administrators for academic, emergency, or other purposes.  In 2019, I authored Assembly Bill 272, to encourage school districts to consider such limits.  Since then, growing research shows excessive smartphone use not only interfering with learning but also contributing to teenage anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying.  All school districts should develop their own appropriate policy to balance appropriate student use of smartphones at school with curbing the impact of excessive smartphone use on a student’s educational, social, and emotional well-being.”

    State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond: “AB 3216 represents an important opportunity to address the mental health of our students by restricting smartphones in schools. I have directly engaged with our students, parents, and educators as we have explored the need for this important change.  I will continue to make sure that we hear the voices of our young people, their families, and our hardworking school staff as we implement smartphone restrictions across the state.”

    Statewide efforts to support youth mental health

    California is transforming our entire mental health and substance use disorder system, with a special focus on youth. For the youngest Californians, Governor Newsom developed the Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health to provide every Californian aged 0-25 with increased access to mental health and substance use disorder supports. The Master Plan also includes the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a historic investment by the State of California that takes a “whole child” approach to address the factors that contribute to the mental health and well-being of our children and youth.

    Recent news

    Sep 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is launching a campaign to empower one million Californians to take climate action in their communities.  SACRAMENTO – During Climate Week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new state initiative to mobilize one million…

    Sep 22, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills: AB 262 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena) – Children’s camps: safety and regulation.AB 460 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – State Water…

    Sep 21, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to provide more safety, care, and accountability for services that help older adults and their families thrive, as more Californians live longer lives. This action further advances California’s…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Will Seek $45 Million in Additional Welfare Relief for Hawaiʻi Families

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN WILL SEEK $45 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL WELFARE RELIEF FOR HAWAIʻI FAMILIES

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 23, 2024

    The state of Hawai‘i will implement rule changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that are expected to generate an additional $45 million in benefits for Hawai‘i’s struggling families.

    The changes — prompted by a recent study by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) — mean that an extra 13,000 to 14,000 households will be eligible for an average of $3,200 a year in SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps.

    “This is going to provide a huge relief for our working-class families who are struggling with Hawai‘i’s highest-in-the-nation cost of living,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “In identifying a critical opportunity for our SNAP program, UHERO’s research team is enabling us to make much-needed changes to our social welfare system so that families living from paycheck to paycheck can afford to put more food on their tables.”

    In Hawai‘i, SNAP is one of the largest welfare programs available to low-income families. Currently, a family of four can receive as much as $1,759 a month in SNAP benefits. In a typical month, the total value of SNAP benefits in Hawai‘i exceeds $60 million.

    For decades, the SNAP eligibility criteria were controlled by the federal government. Following changes to the program in 2000, states were given more flexibility to adjust the eligibility rules by establishing a program of “broad-based categorical eligibility” (BBCE). Through BBCE, states were able to eliminate asset limits, which prevented households with high savings from receiving SNAP benefits. BBCE also allows states to raise limits on the amount of income households can receive and still qualify for SNAP.

    According to UHERO, eliminating another income criteria known as the “net income limit” will expand the number of Hawaiʻi households receiving SNAP benefits by 13,000 to 14,000. (“Net income” in the SNAP program is defined as the total monthly household income after deducting certain non-food household expenses like rent, utilities, medical costs, childcare costs and others. Before BBCE, households needed to have a net income below the federal poverty line to qualify for SNAP benefits.)

    Also according to UHERO, eliminating this limit will add little overhead: The state only needs to pay half of the additional administrative costs associated with the additional SNAP cases that would result. In 2019, Hawai‘i’s share of SNAP administrative costs was only about 5.6% of the amount of SNAP benefits that the state paid out to Hawai‘i families.

    “This decision has far-reaching implications,” said Dylan Moore, a co-author of the UHERO report. “This change may further increase benefit payments by making it easier for households to understand whether they are eligible for SNAP.”

    The Hawai‘i Public Health Institute’s Social Impact Policy Manager Nate Hix co-authored the report.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: **UPDATE** News Release – Missing Work Furlough Inmate arrested, returned to custody

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    **UPDATE** News Release – Missing Work Furlough Inmate arrested, returned to custody

    Posted on Sep 23, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Sept. 23, 2024

    UPDATE: Missing Work Furlough Inmate arrested, returned to custody

    HONOLULU — O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) work furlough inmate Bobby M. Cotton is back in custody after sheriff’s deputies arrested him at The Queen’s Medical Center Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

    Cotton, 51, failed to return to OCCC Module 20 from his job-seeking pass by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Sheriffs and the Honolulu Police Department were notified.

    Cotton sought medical care at Queen’s Saturday and someone recognized him. Sheriffs were called and sheriff’s deputies subsequently arrested him at the hospital. He was returned to custody at OCCC at approximately 2:25 p.m. Saturday.

    Cotton is serving time for second-degree robbery. He may now face an additional second-degree escape charge. Second-degree escape is a Class C felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison, if convicted.

    Cotton is a community custody inmate in the work furlough program with pass privileges. Community custody is the lowest classification status.

    ### 

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News release on CRB found in Waikoloa

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News release on CRB found in Waikoloa

    Posted on Sep 23, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KIAʻĀINA
                                                                            

    SHARON HURD
    CHAIRPERSON

    HAWAI`I BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

    NR24-28

    September 21, 2024

    COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE FOUND IN WAIKOLOA TRAP

    HONOLULU – A single coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) has been found in a trap this week by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) during routine monitoring in Waikoloa on Hawai‘i Island. This is the first detection of CRB on the island since October 2023 when a Waikoloa resident reported finding a total of six grubs (larvae) in a decaying palm tree stump. The trap that the CRB was found in this week is located about 200 yards from the earlier detection.

    HDOA set 30 traps around Waikoloa and has been conducting routine monitoring with the assistance of volunteer area residents. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee has set additional traps, as has the University of Hawai‘i, whose traps have cameras that allow real-time monitoring.

    The pheromone traps are used for early detection of infestations. The traps do not attract all CRB in the area and are not effective as an eradication method. Surveillance for CRB has been ongoing on all islands, including traps at airports, harbors and other strategic locations.

    HDOA and CRB Response teams are now focusing on eradication efforts in the area where the beetle was found. Initial surveys in the immediate area did not detect obvious signs of CRB damage in palm trees.

    “CRB surveillance on Hawai‘i Island has been ongoing and early detection is key to prevent the establishment of breeding populations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “We ask everyone to keep an eye out for CRB, especially in their compost and mulch piles which are major breeding grounds of the beetle.”

    Residents on all islands are asked to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. An adult beetle is about 2-inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head. CRB grubs live in decomposing plant and animal waste. Adult CRB prefer to feed on coconut and other larger palms and are a major threat to the health of these plants.

    Residents may go to the CRB Response website at:  https://www.crbhawaii.org/ to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378).

    The CRB is a large scarab beetle that was first detected on O‘ahu in 2013. The beetle has since been detected in many neighborhoods on O‘ahu and was detected on Kaua‘i in May 2023, where collaborative eradication efforts continue. CRB grubs were found in Kīhei, Maui, in November 2023, but have not been detected on the island since.

    CRB is a serious pest of palm trees, primarily coconut palms, as the adult beetles bore into the crowns of the palms to feed on the trees’ sap. New unopened fronds are damaged in this way and when fully opened, may break and fall unexpectedly. If CRB kill or damage the growing point of the palm, the tree may die. Secondary fungal or bacterial pathogens may also attack the wounds caused by CRB, thereby killing the tree as well. Tree mortality after CRB attack has been reported to be anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent. Dead trees then become a safety hazard as they may fall unexpectedly after the trunk rots, potentially resulting in bodily injury or property damage.

    CRB is a major pest of palms in India, the Philippines, Palau, Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, Nukunono, American and Western Samoa and Guam. It is still not known exactly how the beetles arrived in Hawai‘i.

    ###

    Media Contact:
    Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
    Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
    Phone: 808-973-9560
    Cell: 808-341-5528
    [email protected]
    http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Biographical notices

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Karen Mollica (BA Honours [Political Science], McMaster University, 2000; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 2003) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003 after completing internships in Guyana and Costa Rica.

    Karen Mollica (BA Honours [Political Science], McMaster University, 2000; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 2003) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003 after completing internships in Guyana and Costa Rica. Her early assignments included serving as coordinator of the Landmine Action Team and as a case officer for several West and Central African countries. She then worked at the Canadian International Development Agency, serving as First Secretary at the High Commission in South Africa and as Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy in Jordan. Upon her return to headquarters in 2019, she was appointed Director of Policy, Planning and Operations for Latin America and the Caribbean, a position she held until 2022. Most recently, she served as Director and Senior Ministerial Advisor in the Office of the Minister of International Development and Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy to the Holy See.

    Ajit Singh (BA [Communications], University of Winnipeg, 2003; BA Honours [Political Science], University of Winnipeg, 2004; MA [International Law], United Nations University for Peace, 2006; JD, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2012) has lived, studied and worked in a multilingual environment in 6 countries on 4 continents. He joined the Government of Canada in 2008 after working in media, education, the United Nations and civil society organizations. He then practised private law in Toronto and was called to the Ontario Bar as a barrister. In 2013, he joined the Privy Council Office in the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat. He subsequently worked at the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat, where he was responsible for relations with Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Latin America, as well as legal files. In 2017, he joined Global Affairs Canada as Deputy Director in the Foreign Policy Planning Division, where he led the Foreign Ministers’ Events team during Canada’s G7 Presidency in 2018. He then worked in the Conflict Prevention, Stabilization and Peacebuilding Division. In 2021, he joined the Department of National Defence as Director of Operations. He returned to the Privy Council Office in 2022, this time to become the first person to hold the position of Director of International Crisis Response.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sailor in the Spotlight – HM1 Jose Navarro

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (Sept. 4, 2024) – Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jose Navarro, 25, from Bremen, Indiana, joined the Navy in 2016 to be part of something bigger than himself. He arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in March 2023.

    “I show up and take care of my Sailors, day in, day out,” said Navarro, who was recently selected as U.S. Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Sigonella’s Senior Sailor of the Quarter. According to his leadership, Navarro has demonstrated exceptional leadership and worth ethic as the Human Resources department leading petty officer.

    Four junior Sailors have benefitted from Navarro’s mentorship; two have been promoted and two have earned college degrees. He has also managed more than 1,000 pieces of correspondence, more than 100 permanent change of station transfer transactions, ten awards boards, five awards ceremonies, and one command physical readiness assessment as the command fitness leader.

    “Petty Officer Navarro’s dedication and achievements exemplify his outstanding performance in his leadership role,” said Lt. Julius C. Wiseman III, human resources department head, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. “Furthermore, he recently achieved the milestone of graduating with a Master of Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport.”

    In addition to his administrative duties, Navarro holds several collateral duties, including: serving as Morale, Welfare and Recreation president; supply officer; assistant command fitness leader; and command, pay and personnel administrator. Navarro feels these roles help the command improve and help Sailors.

    “Serving means making sacrifices to help others,” said Navarro.

    Navarro’s proudest achievement in the Navy is promoting quickly and proving to himself that he can get what he wants if he works hard for it.

    U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella ensures maximum readiness by providing high-quality, safe patient and family-centered care to maximize force health protection for all beneficiaries, to included NATO and transient DoD forces in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet areas of operation.

    NAS Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

    For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassigonella/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: The final cut: crank paper on NZ temperature record gets its rebuttal – warming continues unabated

    MIL OSI – Source: Hot Topic – By Gareth Renowden – Analysis published with permission of Hot-Topic.co.nz

    Headline: The final cut: crank paper on NZ temperature record gets its rebuttal – warming continues unabated

    Way back in the spring of 2014, NZ’s little band of climate cranks somehow managed to get a paper published based on their recalculation of New Zealand’s long term temperature record1. The effort – based on calculations done to support their infamous court case against the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), which they emphatically lost – purported to show that New Zealand’s long term warming rate was only a third of the amount previously calculated. As I pointed out at the time, it was riddled with errors and bad scholarship, but it appeared in the peer-reviewed literature2, and so required a peer-reviewed rebuttal.

    —

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: The Ben Bohane photo that Facebook censored on an article about Indonesia

    Source: Dr David Robie – Café Pacific – Analysis-Reportage:

    Headline: The Ben Bohane photo that Facebook censored on an article about Indonesia

    The original version of this photo, of West Papuan nambas (traditional penis gourds), which was published
    in the weekend edition of the family newspaper Vanuatu Daily Post and then by Asia Pacific Report,
    was deemed to have breached Facebook’s “community standards”. The photo was by award-winning
    photojournalist Ben Bohane, who lives in Vanuatu.

    BEN BOHANE: CHINA? NO, LET’S FACE THE

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: Chinese ‘baseless rumour’, Nauru ‘justice’ for refugees and Fiji diabetes

    Source: Dr David Robie – Café Pacific – Analysis-Reportage:

    Headline: Chinese ‘baseless rumour’, Nauru ‘justice’ for refugees and Fiji diabetes

    David Robie talks on 95bFM about current Pacific issues

    Reuben McLaren of 95bFM talks to Professor David Robie, director of the Pacific
    Media Centre at Auckland University of Technology, on the centre’s Southern Cross radio programme.

    David speaks about various upheavals around the Pacific, including the alleged Chinese military “base plans” for Vanuatu,
    Nauru abolishing its Appeal Court

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: ‘Free media’ week killings – but don’t forget crimes against Papuans

    Source: Dr David Robie – Café Pacific – Analysis-Reportage:

    Headline: ‘Free media’ week killings – but don’t forget crimes against Papuans

    “Save Papuan Journalists” – a theme poster from last year’s May 3 World Press Freedom Day event in Jakarta, Indonesia.
    West Papuan media freedom issues tend to be “lost” in the standard press freedom reports on Indonesia.
    Image: David Robie/Pacific Media Centre

    By David Robie

    MONDAY – just three days before today’s World Press Freedom Day – was the deadliest day for news media in

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: Free media week killings underscore crimes of impunity against journalists

    Source: Dr David Robie – Café Pacific – Analysis-Reportage:

    Headline: Free media week killings underscore crimes of impunity against journalists

    A press freedom protest in the Philippines capital of Manila over the latest killing of a radio
    journalist this week. Image: RSF

     By David Robie
    MONDAY – just three days before today’s World Press Freedom Day – was the deadliest day for news media in Afghanistan
    in 17 years. The killing of nine journalists and media workers among 26
    people who died in dual suicide bomb attacks in Kabul was

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: Nine out of ten targeted by scams, but New Zealanders getting more scam savvy

    Source: BNZ statements

    New research from Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) shows a significant jump in scam activity over the past 12 months, with nine out of ten New Zealanders targeted by a scam, up 13 percent on the same time last year.

    But while the volume of scams has surged, New Zealanders are getting more scam savvy, with only one in ten falling victim.

    The research comes as BNZ launches its annual Scam Savvy Week to raise awareness, help people know how to identify scams, and be safer online.

    BNZ’s Head of Financial Crime, Ashley Kai Fong, says, “While it’s fantastic that New Zealanders are learning to spot the red flags, the sheer volume of scams is a stark reminder for all of us to remain vigilant.

    “All scams require people to do something – whether that’s clicking on a link, engaging in a conversation, or sending money. Ultimately the best defence against scams is you. If you can recognise the signs of a scam, you’re less likely to fall victim. That’s why BNZ has developed tools and resources to help New Zealanders get scam savvy at www.getscamsavvy.co.nz.”

    Businesses getting “con-conscious”  

    Businesses have also improved their ability to identify and avoid scams, with the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) falling victim to scams dropping from 47 percent in 2022 to 34 percent in 2023.

    “Scams are a significant threat to our business community, but these figures show that SMEs are taking the right steps to protect themselves,” says Kai Fong.

    Despite the reduction, businesses are not being complacent. Reporting of scams to banks has seen a marked increase, with 60 percent of businesses scammed in 2023 reporting the incident, compared to 39 percent in the previous year.

    “This underscores the growing awareness among businesses of the importance of swift reporting and robust prevention measures. It’s a clear indication that the business community is recognising the threat posed by scammers,” says Kai Fong.

    More people reporting scams, but further progress needed

    Reporting by individuals also increased with 64 percent of individuals impacted by a scam reporting it, up from 46 percent last year.

    “Reporting scams is a crucial step in fighting fraud,” says Kai Fong. “It provides valuable data to help us understand and combat these threats more effectively, making it harder for scammers to operate.

    “It’s great that Kiwis are increasingly reporting scams, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Too many of us don’t report scams, or even tell loved ones, due to embarrassment or shame, but we need to remember that this is a scammer’s fulltime job.

    “Every minute of every day, they are out there thinking of new ways to take people’s hard-earned money. There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you do experience a scam, and by reporting it, you could be helping someone avoid being scammed in the future.”

    Top three scams 

    Government impersonation scams were the most prevalent over the last 12 months (45%), followed by bank impersonation scams (31%), and fake lottery, prize or grant scams (24%).

    Email was found to be the most common channel for scams (40%), followed by text (34%), and social media (28%).

    “Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, impersonating trusted brands and institutions and exploiting a range of channels to deceive New Zealanders,” says Kai Fong.

    Despite the rise in scams, the research shows that educating New Zealanders to spot and avoid scams is helping to keep them safe.

    “Around two-thirds of those surveyed reported having seen educational material about scam prevention,” he says. “Knowledge is power. We want as many people as possible to get Scam Savvy as the more we know about scams, the better equipped we are to spot and avoid them.”

    Our Scam Savvy tools are available online at www.getscamsavvy.co.nz.

    Top tips to get Scam Savvy

    • Don’t click on links or open attachments sent by someone you don’t know or seem out of character for someone you do know. Hover over links to reveal the actual site.
    • If it doesn’t seem right, call the sender using contact details you already have or that are available on their public website.
    • Urgency is a red flag – scammers will try to rush you.
    • Banks will never ask for your bank account details, password or pin number, nor will they send you an email or text message with a link asking you to log in.
    • Keep your computer and phone security software up to date.
    • If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank as soon as possible.
    • Trust your gut – if it feels wrong, it probably is.

    Scam Savvy Research

    Other key findings from BNZ’s research:

    • One in ten New Zealanders have fallen victim to a scam in the last 12 months, losing money, personal information, bank or card details, or device access
    • Of those that lost money, two thirds (69%) lost under $500, 26 percent between $500 and $5,000, and five percent over $5,000
    • Email is the most common way to have fallen victim to a scam (40%), followed by text (34%), social media (28%), phone calls (18%), online websites (9%) or by someone you know (3%)
      • Those aged 15 – 34 years are more likely to have been targeted via social media (44%)
      • Social media and online website scams are harder for victims to recover stolen money, with 56 percent of victims who were targted via social media and 22 percent of victims targeted via an online website saying they couldn’t recover their money
    • Those over the age of 50 are more likely to be targeted by tech scam calls
    • One in ten males has responded to a dating or romance scam in the last 12 months, significantly higher than females
    • Females are more likely to be more concerned about their personal data online

    Business stats

    • 45 percent of SMEs reported being the target of scam attempts in the last year
    • Of those targeted, one third have responded to a scam attempt, by clicking on a link (15%), or replying to the scam via email, text, or phone call (14%)
    • Almost half (47%) of scam attempts are by email, with another 38% by text message. One third (33%) are by phone calling, with websites (19%) and social media (18%) rounding out the top 5
    • One in five (22%) of SMEs reported falling victim to a scam in the last 12 months
    • 43 percent of businesses that fell for a scam reported a financial loss. Of those, more than half lost less than $500, 38 percent between $501 and $5,000, and 11 percent lost more than $5,000. It is important to note that losses to scams are not just financial, and can include data loss, operational impacts, technical damage and/or reputational damage

    The post Nine out of ten targeted by scams, but New Zealanders getting more scam savvy appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: BNZ scores naming rights partnership with the NZ Breakers; teams up with Kiwi Hoops to grow grassroots basketball

    Source: BNZ statements

    The New Zealand Breakers, the country’s top professional basketball team, are set to embark on a new chapter as the BNZ Breakers, thanks to a new naming rights partnership with the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ). The naming rights partnership was announced in Auckland this morning.

    In addition, BNZ is joining forces with Kiwi Hoops, Basketball New Zealand’s junior basketball programme, to help grow the sport at the grass roots level and foster the next generation of talent. These partnerships come hot on the heels of the bank’s naming rights sponsorship of the BNZ Northern Kāhu women’s basketball team, confirmed last month.

    BNZ CEO Dan Huggins says the bank is thrilled to back the Breakers and further cement its support for the sport. “From nurturing young talent in Kiwi Hoops, to bolstering women’s basketball with the Northern Kāhu, and now backing the premier professional team, the BNZ Breakers, our support is generational.”

    “Through these partnerships, we want to inspire the next generation and provide resources and opportunities that will help grow the sport, promote physical health, and foster a sense of community. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of these partnerships, from the school playground to the professional court.”

    Matt Walsh, majority owner of the Breakers, welcomed the new partnership. “We’re delighted to partner with BNZ, an organisation that shares our passion and commitment to basketball and the positive role it plays in schools and communities across Aotearoa. This partnership will provide us with the support to continue our success on the court and expand our programmes in the community.”

    “Our captain Tom Abercrombie is a shining example of how the Breakers is a pathway for local players to create a career out of basketball.  Tom went to school less than four kilometres from our club headquarters on Auckland’s North Shore and has travelled the world playing across the globe.

    “Next month he will play his record 400th game for the Breakers in our opening game of the season against the Cairns Taipans at Spark Arena.”

    The BNZ Breakers are actively involved in a range of community outreach initiatives, including their Champions Programme, teaching children aged 5-12 years about goal setting, nutrition, active lifestyles, and basketball fundamentals.

    Kiwi Hoops

    Kiwi Hoops is the Basketball New Zealand junior basketball programme. It aims to introduce the sport to young people, foster a love for the game, and develop skills. The partnership with BNZ will support the expansion of the programme, which already reaches 26,000 kids per year, to engage even more young people across New Zealand.

    Dillon Boucher, CEO of Basketball New Zealand, says, “By partnering with BNZ, we can expand our reach and impact, providing more opportunities for young Kiwis to engage with basketball. This partnership will not only help us grow the sport at the grassroots level, but also build a strong foundation for the future of basketball in New Zealand by developing the next generation of players.”

    Huggins concludes, “At BNZ, we’re committed to growing the social, cultural and financial wellbeing of New Zealanders, and believe in the power of sport to bring people together and inspire positive change. We’re proud to be part of the journey of basketball in New Zealand, and we can’t wait to see where these partnerships take us.”

    The post BNZ scores naming rights partnership with the NZ Breakers; teams up with Kiwi Hoops to grow grassroots basketball appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: HY24 Results: Resilient result in subdued economic environment

    Source: BNZ statements

    Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) today announced a statutory net profit of $762 million for the six months to 31 March 2024, a decrease of $43 million or 5.3% on the prior year.

    This reflects continued growth in BNZ’s lending and deposits, and an increase in operating expenses, up $64 million or 11.1%, as BNZ invested in its people and digital capability.

    BNZ CEO Dan Huggins says this is a resilient result in a subdued economic environment and the bank is in a strong position to continue supporting its customers.

    “High interest rates and cost of living pressures continue to impact business and household finances.

    “While easing inflation is encouraging, it is expected to remain outside of the Reserve Bank’s target band until the end of year. Economic conditions are likely to remain challenging until there is a material reduction in interest rates.

    “Supporting our customers through these challenging times remains our top priority.

    “Our teams continue to proactively contact customers who we have identified as potentially needing additional support. For customers feeling under pressure, our message is get in touch.”

    Revenue for the first six months was broadly flat at $1,770 million, while Net Interest Margin dropped by eight basis points on the prior year, reflecting strong competition across the banking sector and a change in deposit mix as customers shifted funds into term deposits to take advantage of higher interest rates.

    Mr Huggins says despite the challenging operating conditions, the bank has maintained momentum across the business.

    “Our team is focused on serving our customers brilliantly every day and supporting their ambitions, whether that’s investing in their business or buying their first, or next, home.”

    “This focus is paying off with more New Zealanders choosing to bank with BNZ.”

    BNZ’s total lending increased $2.4 billion or 2.4% in the first six months, with home lending up $1.1 billion or 1.9% and business lending up $1.3 billion or 3.0%. Total customer deposits increased by $1.5 billion or 1.9%.

    Innovating to make banking simpler and easier

    “We are always looking for new ways to integrate the latest technology into the way we work and how our customers’ bank to enhance their experience and make banking simpler and easier,” says Mr Huggins.

    “We continue to invest heavily in protection measures to help keep our customers safer online, while also delivering digital solutions designed to free up time in their busy lives.

    “Initiatives like our digital onboarding process which makes switching banks easier and faster for new customers by enabling them to open accounts digitally without having to go into a branch.

    “Similarly, Open Banking, which will allow customers to share their data safely with third parties and enable more personalised products and innovative services for customers.”

    BNZ has been leading the market in developing Open Banking APIs, with more than 250,000 BNZ customers already benefiting from secure budgeting and reconciliation tools and alternative payment options.

    “We’re committed to continuing to drive innovation across our business to provide more value to our customers,” says Mr Huggins.

    An unaudited summary of financial information for the six months ended 31 March 2024 follows:.
    .

    The post HY24 Results: Resilient result in subdued economic environment appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –