NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at a Press Gaggle in Lviv

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: I just met with a great group of Ukrainians here at the IT Cluster. This is an innovation hub supported by the Government of Ukraine and by USAID. I have learned from Ukrainian entrepreneurs, and I’ll just give you one example of the kinds of innovations that are happening. 

    Knopka is a member of the IT Cluster here that is revolutionizing medical alert systems. Traditionally, medical alert systems are not wireless. This matters for Ukraine because they would not work during power outages. Power outages have been a real issue for hospitals during the war. So, one Ukrainian entrepreneur here developed a system called “Knopka”. If anything abnormal happens with a patient’s vital signs or the patient indicates that they need care, Knopka sends an alert out to doctors’ and nurses’ phones using cellular data. As long as their phones have some charge left. These doctors and nurses know exactly where to go and who to help us, even when there is no power during the blackout. Knopka technology is 30 percent cheaper than other medical alert systems. While those other systems can often take weeks or even months to install, Knopke’s technology can be installed in just one day. 

    Supported by USAID, Knopka is growing fast. It has already been installed in 30 hospitals in Ukraine and one in Poland, and now Knopka is in talks with hospitals and clinics in Canada and the United States. Those hospitals and clinics are considering acquiring its system, too. Just in the past six months, Knopka’s workforce has expanded from 20 to 35 employees. Knopka’s Founder and CEO said, “Despite the challenges of war, we demonstrate Ukraine’s capacity for innovation and the talent behind it.” 

    So, it is this capacity for innovation that has driven Ukraine’s ability to retain business despite being more than two and a half years into Putin’s brutal invasion. In the tech sector alone, 95 percent of Ukraine’s 5,000 tech companies, including household names like Grammarly and GitLab, have retained their national and global contracts, together powering a full 12 percent of Ukraine’s exports. Since 2022, indeed Ukraine’s tech sector has grown seven percent, contributing $14 billion to Ukraine’s economy.  

    Ukraine’s business leaders in the tech sector and beyond it, are harnessing their creativity and their resilience to lead the country into the future and at USAID, we have been privileged to do what we can to support that effort. Since 2022, we have directly deployed more than $260 million to support businesses in Ukraine, from relocating and restoring the operations of companies on the front lines, to running reskilling programs to train Ukrainians in high demand trades like construction and transportation, to increasing access for businesses and for startups to affordable financing. 

    This support has itself unlocked $232 million in new investments to Ukrainian companies. This helps them expand operations, hire Ukrainians, and this investment allows them to provide much needed tax revenue to support Ukraine’s defense.

    At the same time, we are working closely with our partners in the Ukrainian government to help them shape the business environment. International businesses describe for us the policy and regulatory reforms that they need to be convinced to invest in Ukraine. So, we are working closely with our partners in the Ukrainian government to improve transparency, to reduce opportunities for self-dealing, and to make the judiciary more independent. All of these are critical steps to building confidence that contracts will be honored and investment regulations will be enforced. 

    And finally, we are thrilled to be able to support Ukraine’s ambition to become a global leader in e-governance. As all of you Ukrainians here well know, the revolutionary Diia app that we have supported for years makes it possible for Ukrainians to access all kinds of services. It allows Ukrainian entrepreneurs to register companies, apply for permits, begin procurement processes, and more. By registering on the Diia City platform, Ukrainian and international companies alike, can access benefits that incentivize them to do business in Ukraine – benefits like reduced taxation and legal and financing support. In the first quarter of this year alone, businesses registered on Diia’s City have contributed over four billion Hryvni tax revenue to the Government of Ukraine, that is the equivalent of nearly $100 million. And, these are taxes, of course, that can be used to rebuild schools, to heat homes in winter and to fuel Ukraine’s defense.

    Businesses, like the ones I met with today, are working to build a future where the ingenuity of the Ukrainian people drives progress. Driving that progress not only here in Ukraine, but in places all around the world that will continue to benefit from the products, services, and ideas developed here. 

    Thank you so much, and I look forward to your questions. 

    QUESTION (via translation): How much monetary equivalent has the U.S. government financed in technology in Ukraine and especially western Ukraine?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: We will have to get back to you with the precise figure, especially with the geographic breakdown that you are looking for. But, I am sure someone on the team can provide that. 

    QUESTION (via translation): If you think about long term supporting perspective, where does [the] U.S. government see Ukraine in [the] future? Is it technological? Is it [an] agrarian country? Is it a country of construction?  

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Thank you for that question. As someone who works at an Agency that addresses food insecurity all around the world, I know firsthand the terrible harm that Putin caused by preventing Ukrainian agricultural exports from leaving Ukraine. I saw kids in sub-Saharan Africa who were hungrier because the food prices went up so much because Ukrainian agricultural exports were blocked by Putin’s forces. So, we are in awe of Ukraine’s farmers and its innovators who have found a way, despite the war, to increase agricultural exports now basically to their pre-war levels. And, we recognize that Ukraine’s farmers, as is evidenced by Ukraine’s flag, are foundational to this country’s economy. Ukraine’s agriculture is also a huge part of Ukraine’s identity, and it is a huge part of keeping people fed around the world. 

    But, what is really exciting about what we see in the Lviv IT Cluster is the diversification of Ukraine’s economy. And, seeing the steady growth of IT services as exports in this country, gives us, I think, an indication of where the future can take Ukraine. There are apparently 307,000 tech professionals now in Ukraine, and that is a seven percent increase from last year. Ukraine is becoming famous all around the world for the Diia app. Many citizens in other countries who see the Diia app are very jealous of Ukrainians. The simplicity and the government accountability that makes life better and easier for citizens is something many countries would wish to have. The more people learn in Silicon Valley and elsewhere about the kind of innovation that is happening at a place like this, the more we will see investment and increased exports in IT services.

    We are, of course, also seeing a lot of innovation in other manufacturing sectors. Because of Russia’s brutal attacks, Ukraine has had to innovate in the defense sector. Even drones, which are being manufactured now in Ukraine, have broad civilian appeal for farmers and other sectors around the world. Ukraine is a home to many critical minerals that provides economic opportunity in the future. And, of course, as Ukraine shifts its energy economy to renewables, that will be something, I’m sure, of great interest outside this country.

    My point is not to specify, again, any particular trajectory for Ukraine. It is simply to take note of the incredible innovation and resources that will power Ukraine’s economy in the future. And, of course, it is young people that will drive even more innovation and more ideas of what can come from Ukraine beyond even what I have mentioned today. When I think of all of the innovation that has occurred in Ukraine, just since the full-scale invasion, I marvel at imagining what this country and the Ukrainian people can do in peacetime. And, now Ukraine is more famous than it was before Putin’s full-scale invasion, for the resilience, but also the creativity and innovation of its people. 

    QUESTION: Ms. Power, I’m very thankful for your generous support that USAID has been giving to both private sector, state institutions, and civil society in Ukraine for years. But, I wanted to ask – I know that from my own feelings – I see that USAID is an institution that is caring [for] both people. And, besides funding, both in trends and investments, we do need people, and we do understand that Ukraine, for boosting its innovations and its economy, needs [to] bring people back. We have six to seven million abroad, we have people dying on the front line, and we have a very low birth rate. Is it something that is in your concern, and that USAID would think about, and would think of some special projects to help, somehow, help this situation.

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, this is something, actually, I discussed yesterday with President Zelenskyy. It is absolutely critical for Ukraine’s future that its population here is thriving. It is crucial, for example, that the tech professionals who are being groomed here, see themselves as having a full future here where they don’t feel they need to move to Silicon Valley. 

    What USAID is doing is looking at many of the reasons that Ukrainians feel compelled to leave. So, one of the things I discussed with the President is the safety of schools. USAID has invested in refurbishing and rendering more secure around 10,000 bunkers in schools. In Kharkiv, we’ve actually been involved in building a school that is entirely underground because of the situation there. So, education is one example where, as we think about where to make our investments, we do so thinking about a parent who wants nothing more in the world than to keep their children safe. 

    The other core dimension of our work that is designed, of course, to keep people here or to draw people back, is work on helping the economy grow. When people cannot find work, they go to try to find work somewhere else. So, being very specific about which programs can help create jobs for Ukrainians is another example of this kind of work. 

    But, in the future, when peace comes back to Ukraine, there will be tremendous opportunities for jobs and, of course, for people to experience the safety that they once knew. And, that is when we and the European Union and, of course, the government and the people here will need to be very intentional on how we advertise all the opportunities that will exist in what will then be a stronger economy and a stronger democracy.

    This is why the reforms, tackling corruption, strengthening the judiciary, and making the regulatory environment for business more attractive, none of those reforms can wait. And, if that reform effort can continue to progress, it will make Ukraine, on the other side of war, a place that businesses flock to, even more than we are able to get them to come now.

    The very last thing I would say is the obvious, which is a huge part of ensuring or increasing the likelihood that people stay in Ukraine is that the 50-country coalition continues to support Ukraine’s defense. And, that is why the very significant defense package that President Biden just announced is an important part of the answer to your question. More air defense means that citizens can feel safer and that they are less likely to leave the country. That is why we, in the United States, understand that attracting people to stay in Ukraine is a whole-of-U.S.-government enterprise. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixty-Eight Defendants Charged in Indictment of Dozens of Members and Associates of San Fernando Valley White Supremacist Gang

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    LOS ANGELES – Federal and local law enforcement have arrested 42 members and associates of the SFV Peckerwoods, a San Fernando Valley-based white supremacist street gang, on a 76-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they engaged in a years-long pattern of racketeering activity that included trafficking of drugs – including fentanyl – illegal firearms possession, and COVID-19 benefits and loan fraud, the Justice Department announced today. 

    The indictment unsealed today charges a total of 68 defendants with a score of federal crimes: conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices.

    The 29 defendants arrested today are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Prior to today’s takedown, 13 defendants were already in custody.

    During the investigation, law enforcement seized large quantities of illegal firearms, and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, according to the indictment. 

    “The Peckerwoods’ violent white-supremacist ideology and wide-ranging criminal activity pose a grave menace to our community,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “By allegedly engaging in everything from drug-trafficking to firearms offenses to identity theft to COVID fraud, and through their alliance with a neo-Nazi prison gang, the Peckerwoods are a destructive force. In prosecuting the members of the Peckerwoods criminal organization, our office is carrying out its mission to protect the public from the most dangerous threats.”

    “The Justice Department has dealt a decisive blow to the San Fernando Valley (SFV) Peckerwoods, a violent white supremacist gang that we charge is responsible for trafficking deadly fentanyl and other drugs, committing robberies, and perpetrating financial fraud to fund both their criminal enterprise and that of the Aryan Brotherhood,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “With today’s charges and arrests, the Justice Department, together with our state, local, and federal partners has targeted the heart of this gang’s operations, and we will continue to zero in on the criminal enterprises that endanger our communities.”

    “This operation, led by our Joint Terrorism Task Force, disrupted a racially motivated violent extremist group who engaged in a wide range of criminal activity,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “This case strikes at the heart of our collective mission to rid our communities of the corrosive elements that fuel violence and extremism that greatly impact our way of life. The FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, remains strongly committed to working every day to make sure the people of the Southland remain safe.”

    “The San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, the Aryan Brotherhood and their associates are fused by one thing: hatred,” Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Los Angeles Field Division. “It appears, however, that the business of hate was not enough for them. Driven by greed, they engaged in other crimes, including drug distribution, pushing out deadly fentanyl onto our streets. Operating from corners of the San Fernando Valley, they conducted their crimes within and beyond the 8-1-8 community. Today’s large-scale indictments and arrests reflect our relentless commitment to dismantling criminal organizations that continue to harm our communities.”         

    According to the indictment that a grand jury returned on September 26, the Peckerwoods is a street gang based in communities in the San Fernando Valley whose members engage in a wide variety of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, violent crime, and fraud. As a white supremacist gang, the Peckerwoods at times takes orders from the Aryan Brotherhood, California’s dominant prison-based white supremacist gang, and maintains an alliance with the Mexican Mafia prison gang, which controls most Latino street gangs in California. The Peckerwoods use Nazi tattoos, graffiti, and iconography to indicate their violent white supremacy extremist ideology. These tattoos and iconography include swastikas, the symbol “88”, used by violent white supremacy extremists as code for “Heil Hitler,” and images of Nazi aircraft.

    Members and associates of the gang used social media to share information with each other about their criminal activities and gang rules, to identify gang members in good standing, and to target people who broke the gang’s rules. The social media use included a members-only Facebook group and private, direct messages between the gang’s members and associates. 

    From at least December 2016 to September 2024, Peckerwoods members conducted and participated in the affairs of their criminal enterprise by engaging in violence and threats of violence to preserve and expand the gang’s criminal operations, which promoted a climate of fear. Members and associates of the gang illegally maintained firearms and ammunition in furtherance of these aims.

    To generate revenue for the gang, its members trafficked narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Specifically, lead defendant Claire Patricia Haviland, 62, of Chatsworth, and co-defendants Brian Glenn Ekelund, 53, of Chatsworth, and Brianne Brewer, 38, of North Hollywood, maintained and oversaw drug stash houses where large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs were stored prior to distribution. Haviland and Ekelund allegedly mailed illegal drugs to customers and used applications such as Zelle and CashApp to receive money from drug buyers and send money to their drug sources.

    They also generated revenue via robberies and financial fraud and participated in identity theft schemes. For example, from at least March 2021 to July 2023, defendants Sean Craig Gluckman, 35, of Encino, Maria Anna James, 30, of Canyon Country, and others submitted false and fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to aid businesses harmed by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants – posing as sole proprietors – signed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of individuals incarcerated in California state prisons and collected a portion of the fraudulently obtained proceeds from co-conspirators as payment for their assistance.

    Gluckman in April 2021 submitted an application that falsely stated he was a self-employed “artist/writer” with a gross income of nearly $250,000. Later that month, he obtained a PPP loan in the amount of $20,833. In a separate scheme, Gluckman submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) applications in the names of other people to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to fraudulently obtain jobless benefits.

    “The proliferation of gang related organized crime deteriorates the core of our society,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. “Taking guns out of the hands of gang members and drugs from our streets is just one more step towards reducing this deterioration. Today is yet another example of how local, regional, and federal law enforcement, with a matched dedication, are working together to investigate, apprehend and prosecute criminals.”     

    “When criminal organizations cross jurisdictional lines, it makes conducting investigations and subsequent prosecutions much more difficult,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. “Having our federal law enforcement partners involvement in such cases greatly enhances our ability to protect not only the citizens of our county, but also those of our region of the state.”

    “The DOL-OIG will continue to allocate investigative resources to support our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in the fight against organized crime, particularly when it involves matters within our jurisdiction,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General’s Western Region. “This investigation reinforces our commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s unemployment system.” 

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this matter. Other law enforcement agencies that assisted in today’s takedown are the Simi Valley Police Department; California Highway Patrol; the Glendale Police Department; the Burbank Police Department; the Redondo Beach Police Department; the Beverly Hills Police Department; the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; the United States Marshals Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police; the United States Department of Labor; the Federal Bureau of Prisons; the Los Angeles County Probation Department; the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services; the Pasadena Fire Department; United States Customs and Border Protection; and IRS Criminal Investigation.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Reema M. El-Amamy of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section, Jeremiah M. Levine of the Violent and Organized Crime Section, and Alexander Su of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams. 

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Carbon contracts for difference’ are not a silver bullet for climate action

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Daniel Rosenbloom, Assistant Professor and Rosamond Ivey Research Chair in Sustainability Transitions, Carleton University

    Canadian federal climate policies and investments look increasingly fragile. Could ‘carbon contracts for difference’ help ensure the survival of long-term climate action in Canada? (Shutterstock)

    With the end of the supply-and-confidence agreement and plummeting support for the Liberals, Canada’s climate policy mix is becoming increasingly unstable with the future of everything from investment tax credits to carbon pricing seemingly in flux.

    Given this uncertainty, some industrial emitters have stated they will refrain from making final investment decisions for major emission reducing projects until they receive certain guarantees. Their rationale is that the potential reversal of any climate policy risks the return on investment for their proposed projects.

    Experts have pointed to an obscure mechanism known as a carbon contracts for difference (CCfDs) as an opportunity to allay such concerns.



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    Carbon contracts for difference

    CCfDs are contractual agreements designed to provide price stability for projects that reduce emissions. Under CCfDs, a government entity guarantees a fixed price for the emissions reductions achieved by an industrial project based on established climate policy (for example, the existing or future carbon price).

    If the market price for those reductions falls below this fixed price, the government pays the difference to the project proponents. If the market price exceeds the fixed price, the excess is paid back to the government.

    This type of mechanism is used by a number of governments around the world, including the United Kingdom, and some experts have suggested that a “broad-based contracts for difference program is the key to unlocking billions of dollars of investment in industrial decarbonization.”

    The elegance and deceptive simplicity of this instrument has made it a policy winner in the eyes of many.

    The Canada Growth Fund has allocated up to $7 billion for the issuance of CCfDs to unlock decarbonization projects. In theory, using a CCfD agreement gives an industry partner price stability on investment while the government gets to advance its goals of large emissions reducing projects. Seemingly, a win-win.

    However, growing interdisciplinary research suggests that CCfDs may not always be the obvious win many assume they are.

    Feedback

    There is a long-held understanding in political science that policies produce important feedback patterns that can either reinforce or erode their durability. For example, the social security program in the United States has created a significant voting bloc of beneficiaries that makes it difficult for policymakers to propose cuts to the program.

    Bridging these insights with transition perspectives, my research indicates that harnessing these positive feedbacks can play an important role in building durable climate action.



    Read more:
    What does the end of the Liberal-NDP agreement mean for Canadians?

    In Germany, scholars have found that incentives for new renewable energy (such as in the form of tariffs) helped build coalitions around alternative energy innovations. These coalitions in turn placed pressure upon leaders to ensure continued policy support. Similarly, scholars have shown that industrial policies that support alternative energy innovations and their networks can create positive feedbacks for the climate policy mix.

    Translating these insights to the broad-based use of CCfDs reveals that this instrument risks undermining positive feedbacks or encouraging industrial decarbonization projects with limited ability to contribute to a long-term transition to net-zero.

    Not a perfect solution

    There are three main issues with a CCfD-based approach.

    First, as CCfDs protect the recipient’s bottom line, they are not necessarily incentivized to support existing climate policy. Some experts suggest that a way around this issue is to set the guaranteed price for carbon below the genuine carbon pricing policy. However, it is unclear how low such a discounted price would need to be to maintain positive feedbacks, or if the proposed difference would be sufficient to motivate final investment decisions.

    Second, providing CCfDs for certain emissions reduction projects (such as carbon capture and storage) may inadvertently support industries that have an interest in reversing the direction of climate policy. This focus on opportunities that extend current systems or deliver least-cost emissions reductions reflects a common tendency in policymaking to misunderstand the climate crisis as simply a market failure, and not an issue requiring whole systems change.



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    Third, the time required to issue CCfDs on a case-by-case basis may actually encourage industrial actors to hold off on making final investment decisions until they receive a guarantee, delaying action further.

    What this shows is that while CCfDs may have a targeted role to play in advancing critical emission reduction projects (such as those that unlock systems change in key sectors), policymakers should be wary of relying too heavily on this instrument.

    A more strategic approach is needed that involves charting pathways between where sectors are now and long-term desirable net-zero outcomes — an approach that is being actively advanced by Canada’s Transition Accelerator. A strategic approach would focus support on industries willing to hitch their carts to the future of the climate policy mix and defend climate action no matter who is in office.

    As the Ivey Research Chair in Sustainability Transitions, Daniel Rosenbloom would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Ivey Foundation. Rosenbloom is also a Steering Group member of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network, which is a scholarly network working toward the advancement of transition scholarship.

    – ref. ‘Carbon contracts for difference’ are not a silver bullet for climate action – https://theconversation.com/carbon-contracts-for-difference-are-not-a-silver-bullet-for-climate-action-237437

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California set to provide financial aid to community college students who don’t have a high school diploma

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 3, 2024

    What you need to know: Four million Californians without a high school diploma will be able to access federal financial aid to attend college classes thanks to the Ability to Benefit program – increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and jobs.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom announced today that California Community Colleges were successfully approved by the U.S. Department of Education to enable students without a high school diploma – or the equivalent – to access Title IV financial aid. California Community College’s successful application to participate in the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program means that the four million Californians without a high school diploma will now qualify to access federal financial aid to attend college classes – increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and jobs across the state.

    Students participating in the ATB process will also have support for their education goals, and access to counseling and academic support, including math and writing workshops, tutoring services, accessibility services, and more.

    It’s a duty and a privilege for our state to help students and workers access higher education and pursue fulfilling careers — even without a highschool diploma. In California, we’re working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    In California, 19 percent of adults over 25 do not have a high school degree, as compared to 14 percent for the rest of the country. Education is statistically tied to earning potential, and today’s announcement will help ensure that more Californians are able to access higher-paying jobs by taking community college classes without massive debt. Previously, students without a high school diploma seeking to qualify for an ATB exception had to complete six credits of college classes or pass a qualifying exam to access federal financial aid. The new state process allows these students to meet a streamlined set of criteria instead, simplifying the process to get more aid to more students. 

    California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian: “Our thanks go to Gov. Newsom for partnering on this effort, which represents a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to higher education for all Californians. Our collective efforts aim to create a streamlined and inclusive pathway for individuals seeking to pursue their academic aspirations, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

    Bigger picture

     In August 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Freedom to Succeed executive order to improve access to high-paying and fulfilling careers for students and workers. The Governor’s executive order launched the development of a new Master Plan for Career Education that will help prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow, including high-paying and fulfilling career paths that don’t require college degrees. Additionally, the executive order directed the state to take further steps to reduce barriers to state employment — including eliminating requirements for college degrees unnecessary to job duties.

    Leaders from California’s education and workforce systems and the California Department of Rehabilitation met last week to discuss the Master Plan framework and are on track to deliver the Master Plan by the end of the year.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a new project in San Francisco that will transform a dated Department of Motor Vehicles building into a mixed use building with a modern DMV office paired with 372 new homes, including homes dedicated to…

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know:  The state is decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element following the city’s action breaking state housing law and implementing an illegal shelter ban. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and…

    Oct 2, 2024

    News What you need to know: The Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project breaking ground today will provide 100-year flood risk reduction in the area – up from the existing eight-year level of protection. The Governor has advanced funding and key legislation to move…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “California’s $20 Fast-Food Minimum Wage Is a Win-Win-Win, Research Says”

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 3, 2024

    What you need to know: UC Berkeley economists’ study shows that raising the minimum wage increased incomes for workers, with no job cuts and food prices remaining largely stable.

    SACRAMENTO – A new study published by UC Berkeley’s Institute for Research and Labor Employment confirmed that California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has led to significant benefits for workers, without the devastating consequences that critics predicted. The study found that while wages have risen substantially, there has been no reduction in employment in the fast-food sector. Below are some key takeaways from the research:

    • Wages increased by 18% – For 90 percent of non-managerial workers, wages increased by 18 percent, representing a meaningful bump for workers who have historically been underpaid despite many being the primary breadwinners in their families.
    • No job cuts – The wage increase did not lead to job cuts, despite what critics had said would be a doomsday for the industry.
    • Profit margins were already high – The industry had been benefiting from “​​monopsonistic (higher than competitive) profit margins” which have “absorbed a substantial share of the cost increase.”
    • 15 cents – The cost of menu options rose by only 3.7 percent, which is roughly just 15 cents for a typical $4 hamburger.

    “This study reaffirms that our commitment to fair wages for fast-food workers is not only lifting up working families but also strengthening our economy. The data shows that investing in workers benefits everyone — workers, businesses, and our state as a whole.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Here are some of the news stories that covered this study: 

    In July, California set a record for the most fast food jobs in state history. Since the law went into effect in April, the state has gained 7,400 fast food jobs.

    This study comes after corporate restaurant industry groups pushed out “fake” numbers to make it seem like thousands had been fired because of the wage increase.

    IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 

    New Study Analyzes Impact of California’s $20 Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers

    Sectoral Wage-Setting Policy Yields Higher Pay, No Changes in Job Numbers and Modest Price Increases

    Berkeley, CA –  A new study from the Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics at UC Berkeley offers a careful analysis of the effects of California’s recent minimum wage increase for fast food workers. The policy, which took effect in April 2024 and raised the minimum wage to $20 per hour, marks a significant shift in wage regulation. The study, released as California’s Fast Food Council considers further wage increases in 2025, presents compelling evidence that the $20 hourly wage has significantly raised worker earnings without job losses or concerning price hikes.

    Sectoral Wage-Setting in California leverages novel data on wages and prices at individual restaurants, including over 11,000 reported salaries on Glassdoor. The menu price data come from over 1,500 California restaurants and a similar number in states without recent wage increases. This approach enables the authors to isolate the causal effects of the wage policy from broader market trends.

    Key Findings:

    • 18% Pay Increase: The new wage policy raised average hourly pay by 18 percent, lifting the earnings of workers in large fast food chains, 90 percent of whom previously earned below $20 per hour.
    • Stable Employment: Contrary to fears expressed by restaurant groups, the wage increase did not lead to job cuts. Employment levels remained steady across the fast food industry.
    • Modest Price Increases: Prices of popular menu items rose by 3.7 percent, translating to an increase of just 15 cents for a typical $4 hamburger.

    Consistent with recent minimum wage research, the findings challenge the outdated assumption that significant wage increases lead to job loss. “We find that a carefully implemented sectoral wage floor can raise worker pay without reducing the number of jobs or substantial consumer cost burdens,” says report co-author and Berkeley economics professor Michael Reich. 

    California’s sectoral wage policy experiment is both large-scale and groundbreaking. If deemed successful, it could pave the way for similar policies in other states and industries. Indeed, California is already preparing to roll out a second sectoral wage policy for health care workers. This study, the first to marshal systematic data and rigorous analysis, provides policymakers with a timely, evidence-based assessment of the policy’s effects on wages, employment, and prices.

    To discuss the report findings in greater detail and answer questions about the research methodology, findings, and policy implications, the authors will host a virtual press briefing  tomorrow, October 1. Details below. Read the full report.

    Recent news

    Oct 3, 2024

    News OAKLAND – Today, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, in partnership with the Latino Community Foundation and Prospera recognized Latina Equal Pay Day – underscoring the persistent wage gap faced by Latina workers across the United States. On average,…

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know: Four million Californians without a high school diploma will be able to access federal financial aid to attend college classes thanks to the Ability to Benefit program – increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and…

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a new project in San Francisco that will transform a dated Department of Motor Vehicles building into a mixed use building with a modern DMV office paired with 372 new homes, including homes dedicated to…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Partner Siebel Newsom, Latino Community Foundation, and Prospera highlight growth of Latina entrepreneurship on Latina Equal Pay Day

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 3, 2024

    OAKLAND – Today, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, in partnership with the Latino Community Foundation and Prospera recognized Latina Equal Pay Day – underscoring the persistent wage gap faced by Latina workers across the United States. On average, Latinas in the United States are paid about 51 cents for every dollar paid to a non-Hispanic white man, contributing to significant financial disparities over a lifetime. During today’s event, the First Partner spoke with local Latina entrepreneurs about the wage gap as well as their work to build wealth and opportunity for their families and communities.

    “Latinas are so much of what makes California and this nation thrive, despite continuing to face significant barriers to wealth and opportunity because of the wage and wealth gaps and systemic inequities.

    Latina entrepreneurs, in particular, are a powerful counterforce and pathway for economic growth and community uplift. By supporting Latina entrepreneurs and advocating for equal pay, we can work together to close the Latina wealth gap and create opportunities that enable them to thrive.”

    First Partner Siebel Newsom

    “The Latino Community Foundation is proud to invest in organizations like Prospera, which are empowering Latina entrepreneurs to shape their own futures and California’s economy,” said Sylvia Pérez Cash, Chief Innovation Officer, Latino Community Foundation. “Across our country, Latinas are key drivers of innovation and growth.  It’s imperative that we eliminate the wage gap by valuing all people equally, as Latinas’ contributions are vital to ensuring our communities and economy can thrive.”

    The wage gap affects not only income but also long-term wealth accumulation. Nearly half of Latina mothers are the primary breadwinner in their households, yet nearly 30% of Latina-led households live below the poverty line. Additionally, if the wage and wealth gaps are not closed, Latina’s entering the workforce today could lose up to $1.3 million over the course of a 40-year career.

    “Together, we are building a California where Latina women not only survive, but thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders,” said Claudia Arroyo, Executive Director at Prospera. “Through Prospera’s programs, we break the isolation they face as immigrants and provide them with access to the tools, networks and capital needed to close the wage and invisibility gap, allowing them to generate real economic impact in their communities.”

    Contributors to the gender wage gap include: women’s overrepresentation in lower-paying industries, workplace discrimination, women shouldering the majority of unpaid care responsibilities, a lack of pay transparency, and bias in promotion and leadership opportunities.

    In spite of these challenges, Latinas are a growing force in entrepreneurship, which is key to building wealth. Latina entrepreneurs currently comprise nearly half of all Latino businesses, and Latina-owned businesses have grown by 87% since 2007.

    “As a Latina Entrepreneur, Latina Equal Pay Day reminds me of the importance to create businesses that reflect our values of justice and equity,” said Ingrid Sanchez, Founder of Niños Sanos, Seguros y Felices. “For me, it is not just about numbers but an issue of dignity and respect for the work that we do both in our businesses and our community.”

    First Partner Siebel Newsom has made closing the wage and wealth gaps a top priority through her California for ALL Women initiative. The First Partner launched the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2019, in partnership with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the California Partners Project. This year, First Partner Siebel Newsom released the Equal Pay Playbook through her non-profit the California Partners Project. The Playbook aims to address the wage gap by giving California employers a step-by-step guide for developing a strategic approach to equitable pay that is good for Californians and will help companies attract and retain top talent, boost innovation and productivity, and enhance brand reputation.

    Recent news

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know: Four million Californians without a high school diploma will be able to access federal financial aid to attend college classes thanks to the Ability to Benefit program – increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and…

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a new project in San Francisco that will transform a dated Department of Motor Vehicles building into a mixed use building with a modern DMV office paired with 372 new homes, including homes dedicated to…

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know:  The state is decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element following the city’s action breaking state housing law and implementing an illegal shelter ban. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolinians May Be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    North Carolinians May Be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

    ATLANTA – FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for North Carolinians displaced by Tropical Storm Helene in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

    Individuals and households may be eligible if they cannot return to their disaster-damaged home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency.

    Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Pet fees will only be paid up to the approved limit of assistance for individual rooms. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental. 

    Eligible survivors may stay in participating TSA hotels in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. To locate participating hotels, visit femaemergencyhotels.com/ and enter your FEMA registration number, obtained when you applied for FEMA assistance.  

    An initial eligibility review will be conducted 60-days after the check-in date. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.

    TSA participants may also be eligible for other federal financial help, including Displacement Assistance, Rental Assistance, Home Repair Assistance and other aspects of the Individual Assistance program.

    To apply for assistance, homeowners and renters can:

    • Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
    • Download the FEMA App for mobile devices 
    • Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

    For the latest information on North Carolina’s’ recovery from Hurricane Helene visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    For North Carolinians seeking general information, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    erika.suzuki

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Study subsidies strengthening NSW’s health workforce

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 3 October 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Health

    More than 3,900 students across NSW have already benefitted from the Minns Labor Government’s $120 million investment in tertiary health study subsidies, with all subsidies now awarded for the 2024 calendar year.

    The recipients of the subsidies include 1,840 nursing students, 280 midwifery students, 1,020 allied health, 520 medical students and 262 paramedical students.

    Students beginning their degrees will receive subsidies of $4,000 per year over three years.

    The subsidies, announced as part of the 2023-24 Budget, are also expected to support a further 8,000 healthcare students over the next four years.

    Students seeking to receive the subsidy in 2025 can apply from mid-January 2025 and must be willing to make a five-year commitment to the NSW public health system.

    The subsidies form part of a series of measures introduced by the Minns Labor Government to further strengthen the state’s health workforce, including:

    • Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
    • Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
    • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers
    • Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.

    The full list of 2025 eligible workforce groups will be available in October 2024 on the NSW Health website.

    Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:

    “I am so pleased more than 3,900 people across NSW have already benefitted from our health worker study subsidies.

    “The subsidies help students with costs such as fees, technology, travel, and helps us keep talented people here in NSW, working in the country’s largest public health system.

    “Attracting skilled healthcare workers is a longstanding challenge, and while there is a long way to go rebuilding our healthcare system, we are committed to doing it so that people can access the care they need, when they need it.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “We are shoring up the future of our health workforce in NSW and we’re honouring our election commitment to reducing financial barriers to studying healthcare.

    “When we boost our health workforce we improve health outcomes, it’s as simple as that.

    “It’s encouraging to see such a strong subscription of these subsidies.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indiana Seniors Lose Nearly 38-Millon-Dollars to Fraud

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN—September 29, 2024 – A recent FBI report shows that Indiana seniors lost $37,812,966 to elder fraud schemes in 2023. Indiana ranked 25th on the FBI’s list of 57 scammed states and U.S. territories.

    “Elder fraud schemes exploit the trust and goodwill of older Americans, preying on their vulnerabilities. Common scams include lottery scams, romance scams, and phishing schemes that can lead to significant financial losses,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Fraudsters constantly evolve their tactics so staying informed about the latest scams through events such as this workshop can help protect seniors.”

    On October 8, 2024, the Indianapolis FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBIICAAA) will present—AI Isn’t Sci-Fi: Free Fraud Workshop and Luncheon – a community outreach and education event to help curb fraud in Indiana.

    “Elder fraud is on the rise, impacting our communities, neighbors, and families. This is one of our organization’s main community outreach priorities for 2024,” said Scott Hainey, FBIICAAA president. “Our goal for this event is to help educate and empower older adults in Central Indiana and their families on how to prevent becoming a victim to a fraud scheme.”

    The program’s keynote presenters will be Christopher Knight, forensic accountant with the FBI Indianapolis Field Office, a renowned expert in elder fraud; and Scott Barnhart, director and chief council of consumer protection with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. A panel of experts representing the FBI, Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Secretary of State Office, Medicaid, and the IRS will address audience questions.

    Online registration for this free local workshop and luncheon is open until, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, or by phone 317-731-2289. The workshop will be held at Emmanual Church located at 1640 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, Indianapolis, 46143.

    AI Isn’t Sci-Fi: Free Fraud Workshop and Luncheon is presented by the FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Alumni Association; a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI. Workshop partners included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Alpha Mu Omega Chapter, Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation (INCASE), Emmanuel Church, and Indiana Real Estate Experts.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: One Year Since October 7 Attacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    Q: Are you surprised the conflict in the Middle East is escalating?
    A: It’s been one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Israel, when the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched its brutal assault killing 1,200 people, systematically raping women and taking 250 people hostage, including Americans. Among those taken hostage were elderly people and infants. At least ninety-seven hostages are still believed to be alive in captivity, including two children. Throughout the last year, I’ve worked to keep up the public pressure for their safe return home. Tragically, a month ago, Hamas murdered six Israeli hostages, including an American with dual citizenship. In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a historic fourth appearance before a joint session of Congress. He spoke about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and underscored the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel, the only democracy and our most trusted ally in the Middle East.
    For 12 months, Israel has been fighting Hamas in the Gaza strip, where the terrorist group has embedded itself among the civilian population, urging Gazans not to comply with evacuation warnings, using schools and hospitals as military bases and a United Nations headquarters to provide power to its network of terror tunnels. In response to 11 months of constant missile attacks that have forced 68,000 Israelis to flee their homes, Israel recently launched military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both fronts underscore the danger of appeasement pushed by the Obama and Biden administrations. Iran’s military and financial support for terrorist groups has one goal: to wipe the Jewish people and the State of Israel off the face of the Earth. Israel must be able to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its proxies and I have supported military aid to uphold U.S. leadership for peace in the world.
    Earlier this year, I condemned action by the Biden administration to block or restrict the supply of U.S. ammunition and weapons to Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security and long-term prosperity must be upheld. Terrorism has no place at home or abroad. That’s also why I’ve called upon the Biden-Harris administration to secure our southern border. The open border policies of this administration are putting national security at risk. Hamas and Hezbollah fighters could take advantage of the lax enforcement at our southern border to plan an attack on U.S. soil. The number one responsibility of the federal government is national security. Complacency is not an option. Peace through strength works. The United States must not bow to our adversaries, such as approving reckless nuclear agreements with Iran. Most recently, I joined dozens of my Senate colleagues to condemn proposals that would strip Israel’s right to self defense. As we observe the one-year anniversary of the barbaric attacks against Jewish civilians, America and the community of nations must stand shoulder to shoulder to support Israel’s sovereignty and unite against terrorists plotting to destroy the historic homeland of the Jewish people.
    Q: How are you working to stop antisemitism surging on college campuses?
    A: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I shined a bright light on the rise of antisemitism in the United States during a congressional hearing convened in September. The hearing examined the rising tide of hate crimes in America. Shortly after the attacks last year, I called upon the Biden administration to enforce anti-discrimination laws and protect Jewish students on our college campuses. Since the Oct. 7 attacks, antisemitic threats have spiked, including violent protests, campus encampments and barricades inside of school buildings. Some schools canceled commencement ceremonies to protect public safety. Reports of antisemitic incidents on U.S. college campuses surged 700 percent in the last year. Enough is enough.
    In April, I co-sponsored the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act to help combat antisemitic harassment on college campuses. For decades, I have been a staunch defender of free speech on campus, and our bill would help clarify when lawful speech crosses the line into unlawful harassment in violation of federal law. Before the new school year started, I also co-sponsored legislation that would direct universities and the federal Department of Education to immediately address civil rights complaints if a student experiences violence or harassment on campus because of their heritage. It shouldn’t take an act of Congress for academic leaders to protect students and combat antisemitic hate on their campuses. Our Restoring Civility on Campus Act would hold universities and the U.S. Department of Education accountable to meet their legal obligation to stop discrimination and protect Jewish students on campus. Schools that neglect to address on-campus harassment and violent confrontations towards Jewish students are in violation of federal law. Our bill would strengthen processes for reporting and handling hate-motivated crimes. History shows why the world must have zero tolerance for antisemitism.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy urges Somali parties to stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on all Somali parties to keep up the momentum, strengthen dialogue and unity, and stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue.

    In remarks at the UN Security Council briefing on Somalia, Dai Bing, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, noted that in recent years, Somalia has made important headway in national reconstruction and peace and security, and both the UN and African Union (AU) missions have entered a critical transition period.

    “At this important stage, the support and assistance of the international community cannot relax,” Dai said.

    He emphasized three points — maintaining the overall situation of political stability; strengthening the foundation of security transition; and advancing UNSOM (UN Assistance Mission in Somalia) transition in an orderly manner.

    Underscoring that the Somali federal government has maintained communication with the governments of federal member states and reached important consensus on the constitution, elections, and political parties, the ambassador said, “We expect all Somali parties to keep up the momentum, strengthen dialogue and unity, and stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue.”

    He stressed that China has consistently supported the efforts of the Somali government to safeguard national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and called on the international community to support the country in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, and provide guarantees for Somalia to embark on the path of long-term and stable development.

    Dai noted that in the next phase, ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) will transition into a new AU mission, and expressed the hope that Somalia, the AU, the UN, and others will strengthen their communication and coordination to reach consensus on new mission arrangements and to ensure the smooth progress of the relevant work.

    “Under-funding is an important challenge to AU missions’ mandate performance,” he said, calling on the European Union and other traditional donors to maintain their funding for the new mission and continue to contribute to the security and stability of Somalia. Dai also urged the Security Council to respond to the initiative of the AU and actively study various effective options to provide sustainable and predictable financial support for the new mission.

    Noting that the Somali government has repeatedly called for the transition of UNSOM to a UN country team, and has recently submitted a two-year transition proposal to the Security Council, the ambassador called on the council to use this as a base and, in line with Somalia’s national development priorities, adjust and streamline UNSOM’s mandate, with a view to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.

    “China supports the peace and development process in Somalia, as well as the enhancement of Somalia’s capacity for autonomous development, counter-terrorism, and stability. We will continue to provide support to international peacekeeping operations in Somalia,” Dai said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Adjusted policies motivate realty sales

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Fueled by favorable policies, China’s residential real estate market witnessed an uptick in inquiries and viewings over the first three days of the National Day holiday. Experts have predicted a country-wide market revival marked by increased transactions, with first-tier cities leading the trend.

    They said recent policy adjustments that eased restrictions on leveraging, along with previous measures such as ensuring the delivery of pre-sale properties and the 300 billion yuan ($42.7 billion) loan to State-owned enterprises for affordable housing projects, are crucial for stabilizing the market. However, further support from the central bank may still be required to sustain the momentum.

    “Our phones rang non-stop the day new policies were announced, as they captured the attention of numerous potential homebuyers,” said Wu Libin, sales manager at house-letting agency 5i5j in Beijing, adding that inquiries are still coming in.

    Another sales manager in Beijing E-Town told Beijing News on Tuesday that transactions worth 125 million yuan had been completed and more than 100 families had visited the development area since Beijing announced its policies on Monday.

    There was a rush of inquiries elsewhere too. In Guangzhou, Guangdong province, a housing sales center in Liwan district extended its office hours and stayed open throughout the night following Guangzhou’s policy announcement on Sunday.

    By Monday noon, the number of visitors to the sales center had surged by 200 percent compared to usual levels, according to Jimu News. A staff member surnamed Liu said while some buyers jumped at the chance to buy following the policy announcement, others had opted for a wait-and-watch approach.

    Shenzhen in Guangdong province and Shanghai also reported a rise in the number of visitors to various sales offices. Latest data from a research center of realty agency Leyoujia revealed a nearly 40 percent surge in pre-owned home transactions at Leyoujia sales centers on Monday compared to the previous day — the highest since February 2021. New home transactions also hit a two-year high. Xinmin Evening News revealed that multiple sales offices in Shanghai are fully booked for house viewings next week.

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said on Sunday that cities, especially first-tier cities, should utilize policies and adjust housing purchase restrictions based on local conditions.

    The same day, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen all made significant policy changes. Shanghai streamlined its purchase restrictions, notably reducing the threshold and initial payment costs. Among first-tier cities, Guangzhou was the first to completely remove home purchase restrictions. Shenzhen also lifted such restrictions in several areas.

    On Monday, Beijing also announced measures such as further reducing interest rates on existing housing loans and lowering the minimum down payment for personal housing loans.

    Yan Yuejin, vice-president of the Shanghai-based E-House China R&D Institute, said the new policies in the four major cities, in conjunction with financial policies from the People’s Bank of China, are timely, precise and comprehensive, playing a positive role in stabilizing the real estate market.

    “All of the four first-tier cities have modified their purchase restrictions in response to new market demands, continuously optimizing relevant policies to better support the release of reasonable housing consumption demands. Other cities nationwide are expected to follow suit, indicating a period of comprehensive policy relaxation,” Yan said.

    “China’s real estate market is anticipated to witness a wave of transactions in the fourth quarter, potentially seeing a favorable trend of both increased sales volume and prices.”

    Charlie Zheng, chief economist at Samoyed Cloud Technology Group Holdings, took a more cautious stance. He said that while the property market had previously experienced an overall decline in sales, the introduction of positive policies could halt this trend in cities particularly with strong demand and population influxes. However, a combined effort of existing policies and potentially further increased loan support from the central bank could be necessary for a nationwide rebound in the realty market in the future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Down and under pressure: US and UK artists are taking over Australian charts, leaving local talent behind

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Kelly, PhD Candidate, University of Technology Sydney

    Shutterstock

    Missy Higgins’ recent ARIA number-one album, The Second Act, represents an increasingly rare sighting: an Australian artist at the top of an Australian chart.

    My recently published analysis of Australia’s best-selling singles and albums from 2000 to 2023 shows a significant decline in the representation of artists from Australia and non-English-speaking countries.

    The findings suggest music streaming in Australia – together with algorithmic recommendation – is creating a monoculture dominated by artists from the United States and United Kingdom. This could spell bad news for our music industry if things don’t change.

    Who dominates Australian charts?

    In 2023, Australia’s recorded music industry was worth about A$676 million, up 10.9% year on year.

    Building a strong local music industry is important, not only to support diverse cultural expression, but also to create jobs and boost Australia’s reputation on a global stage.

    When Australian artists succeed, this attracts global investment, which in turn stimulates all aspects of the local music industry. Conversely, a weak music economy can lead to global disinvestment, thereby disadvantaging local companies, artists and consumers.

    My research shows how the rise of music streaming – which became the dominant format for Australian recorded music sales in 2017 – has had a noticeable impact on the diversity of artists represented in the ARIA top 100 single and album charts.

    In the year 2000, the top 100 singles chart featured hits from 14 different countries. By contrast, only seven countries were represented in 2023.

    The percentage of Australian and New Zealand artists in the top 100 single charts declined from an average of 16% in 2000–16 to around 10% in 2017–23, and just 2.5% in 2023.

    Album share also declined from an average of 29% in 2000–16 to 18% in 2017–23, and 4% in 2023.

    This chart shows changes in diveristy in the ARIA top 100 albums chart over 22 years.
    Author provided

    Similarly, the proportion of artists from outside the Anglo bloc of North America, the UK and Australia/New Zealand declined from an average of 11.1% in 2000–16 to 7.3% in 2017–23 – while album share declined from 5% in 2000–16 to 2.3% in 2017–23.

    My study also found representation of Indigenous artists remained low, but stable, over the period studied – and in line with population ratios.

    Concetration of power

    The findings suggest the decline in Australian and non-Anglo representation in the ARIA top 100 charts is linked.

    Some economists and academics have argued easier access to independent music and global distribution via streaming will lead to greater diversity in music. But this hasn’t been the case in Australia, at least as far as chart-topping artists are concerned.

    The global recorded music industry has consolidated in recent years. In the early 2000s there were five major music labels. Currently there are just three: Universal, Sony and Warner.

    Last year, these three labels were responsible for more than 95% of the Australian top 100 single and album charts. Meanwhile, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube make up an estimated 97% of the Australian streaming market.

    These concentrations of power allow a handful of record labels and distributors to have a disproportionate influence over music design, production, distribution and governance – thereby limiting opportunities for diversity.

    The need for new policy

    My findings align with European research that found markets with a strong cultural differentiator of language are showing increased national diversity with streaming.

    However, countries without a distinctive language are being increasingly dominated by global music production. In Australia’s case, we’re becoming reliant on the star-making machinery of the US.

    Recently, Australia’s live music crisis came under scrutiny at a federal government inquiry, which highlighted the significant power imbalance between artists and multinational promoters.

    As I and many others have suggested, targeted cultural policies are necessary to combat our highly concentrated and US-dependent market.

    Relying on labels and streaming platforms will do little to preserve and promote our nation’s unique musical and cultural identity.

    Previous employment at Sony Music, Universal Music, Inertia Music. ARIA Chart Committee member 2005-2017. Employment at these labels ceased by 2017. No continued professional relationship with any of the companies.

    – ref. Down and under pressure: US and UK artists are taking over Australian charts, leaving local talent behind – https://theconversation.com/down-and-under-pressure-us-and-uk-artists-are-taking-over-australian-charts-leaving-local-talent-behind-239822

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Get on board: make this summer your safest boating season yet

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Get on board: make this summer your safest boating season yet

    Published: 4 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Minister for Transport

    NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have joined forces on NSW waterways, calling on the public to put safety first this boating season, which begins this Labour Day long weekend.

    With a hot summer predicted, the state’s water rescue agencies are on high alert for a busy boating season ahead.

    The start of the boating season aligns with National Safe Boating Week, a week long initiative with a focus on lifejacket wear, care and servicing. All boaters are encouraged to always wear a lifejacket, make sure everybody on board is wearing one, and remember it can only save your life if you’re wearing it.

    Over the last five years, there have been 13 boating-related fatalities on Hunter waterways, with nine of those found to not be wearing a lifejacket.

    Statewide, there were 61 coastal drownings along the state’s coastline last financial year, with life savers undertaking 4,489 surf rescues.

    Leading into the season launch NSW Maritime kicked off the school holidays with Operation Get On Board, a two-day statewide safety and education blitz to help boaters prepare for the months ahead on the water.

    NSW Maritime has conducted 33,265 vessel safety checks in the Hunter over the past five years.

    While the majority of boaters have been doing the right thing, the top 3 offences in the Hunter over the last five years have been:

    • License offences or unregistered vessels – 1478
    • Lifejacket non-compliance – 1239
    • Improper or no safety equipment on board – 969

    All boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW before spending a day on the water.

    Logging On provides peace of mind for boaters and their families, knowing that dedicated volunteers will keep watch for their safe return. It is quick and easy to Log On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.

    For more on boating safety visit, https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment/equipment-checklist

    Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

    “New South Wales is the best place in the world to get out on the water, but popular waterways are busy waterways and we have to work hard to remind every skipper and their passengers safe.

    “Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so give them a proper once over and check all your safety gear is on board before you set out on the water.

    “Last summer, Boating Safety Officers carried out around 35,000 vessel safety checks across the state and lifejacket non-compliance was the number one offence, accounting for 30 per cent.

    “Sadly, there have been six boating related fatalities this financial year, and five of whom were not wearing a lifejacket.

    “A lifejacket can only save you if you’re wearing it. So if you step into a boat, pop on a lifejacket. It’ll keep you safe.”

    Police Minister Yasmin Catley said:

    “Police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and will not tolerate any dangerous and anti-social behaviour this boating season.

    “Officers will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits.

    “We want everyone to get home safely, so we remind skippers that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel – it is vital that everyone has a fitted lifejacket, as it could save a life.”

    Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

    “As the weather warms up and people flock back to our waterways, it’s important that boat users check they have enough life jackets on board and make sure their vessels are seaworthy.

    “Our Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dedicate their time to keeping water users safe, and communities need to do their bit by logging on and off with Marine Rescue NSW so volunteers know they are on the water.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 03, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 543,858.34 6.23 1.11-6.65
         I. Call Money 10,590.81 6.45 5.10-6.55
         II. Triparty Repo 375,564.65 6.17 5.60-6.45
         III. Market Repo 156,369.88 6.36 1.11-6.65
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,333.00 6.50 6.50-6.50
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 391.79 6.34 6.00-6.50
         II. Term Money@@ 1,187.75 – 6.60-7.30
         III. Triparty Repo 737.00 6.32 6.25-6.40
         IV. Market Repo 3,291.51 6.56 6.50-6.60
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Thu, 03/10/2024 1 Fri, 04/10/2024 48,120.00 6.49
    3. MSF# Thu, 03/10/2024 1 Fri, 04/10/2024 636.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 03/10/2024 1 Fri, 04/10/2024 181,857.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -229,341.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 20/09/2024 14 Fri, 04/10/2024 25,002.00 6.52
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Tue, 01/10/2024 3 Fri, 04/10/2024 93,815.00 6.49
      Mon, 30/09/2024 4 Fri, 04/10/2024 1,000.00 6.49
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,249.79  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -59,023.21  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -288,364.21  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 03, 2024 986,487.06  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 04, 2024 1,005,433.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 03, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on September 06, 2024 427,689.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad            
     Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1218

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Navy Unit in Singapore Recognizes Guyana, Brooklyn Native as Top Sailor

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Once a young boy from Brooklyn, petty officer first class Jamal Thompson’s journey began with the dreams of his Guyanese parents who sought freedom, democracy, and prosperity in New York City. As he grew up, he found solace in the cheers for the New York Yankees and the rhythm of music from Nas. Venturing south to Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia, he not only found love in meeting his future spouse, but also discovered his calling by joining the U.S. Navy. Fast forward seven years, Brooklyn’s finest, Thompson, stood tall as he was honored with the prestigious title of the 2023 U.S. Navy Sailor of the Year (S.O.Y.) for Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73) in Singapore. Equipped with a no-nonsense New York state of mind, Thompson was unanimously recognized as S.O.Y. by senior leaders for operating as a personified Swiss Army knife, successfully balancing five jobs simultaneously in a single calendar year.
    “I’m honored to be the CTF-73 Sailor of the Year, yet, I take more pride in serving and caring for my Sailors,” said Thompson. “Whether it is ensuring their award recognition or helping them achieve their goals, I’m there to serve and support. Whether their ambitions are to be a chief petty officer, a commissioned officer, or to transition to the corporate world, I take pride in helping junior personnel reach their professional goals, whether in the Navy or after.”
    Thompson practices what he preaches, as in 2023, he operated as second in command for CTF-73’s human resources (admin) department, where he approved hundreds of urgent travel claims for personnel. He also served as a victim’s advocate for the command’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program while operating as the then-elected president of the non-profit first class petty officer association (FCPOA). Thompson continued setting the example by also leading weekly early morning group fitness sessions for fellow Sailors and Marines through a program called Sailor 360, and stood over 100 hours of security watch — often on nights and weekends.
    “Sailor 360 coordinator is my favorite collateral duty because I can impact the entire command with just 30 minutes of morning fitness,” said Thompson. “It’s a great way to let our hair down because of the physicality of the workouts before we all start the workday. I never waste anyone’s time because I truly enjoy helping co-workers improve themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
    The six-foot four Brooklynite who grew up in a predominantly Caribbean-cultured household, credits his unmatched work ethic to his upbringing and “humble beginnings, where I saw a lot of people financially struggle,” he said.
    According to the American Forces Network (AFN), Thompson is among the approximately 19 percent of Hispanic Americans currently serving in the Armed Forces today. Cuban-born Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro echoed this year’s theme, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together’, when he said, “Hispanic Americans have had a profound and positive influence on our country. As we discover more of these stories and honor their ultimate impact, we enrich our understanding and strengthen our collective identity.”
    Thompson identifies as Guyanese-American or Afro-Latino, with his collective South American, Caribbean, and North American identities making him the man he is today. A man whose profound influence is strengthening the U.S. Navy by investing in his fellow Sailors in Southeast Asia.
    When Thompson isn’t juggling multiple roles, he says he likes to enjoy the sights and tastes of Singapore with his spouse and young children because “it reminds me of home with the train system and the melting pot of different cultures. You can walk the streets of downtown and hear countless different languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, French, Japanese, or English. Singapore feels a lot like New York.” Thompson says he also enjoys the Lion City’s spicy Indian cuisine as it “reminds me of the food I ate growing up like Roti and Chicken Curry,” he said.
    While Thompson is more than 15,000 kilometers from the Big Apple and over 17,000 kilometers from South America, he says childhood lessons from his heritage are always with him, regardless of his geographic location. Thompson says he was taught, “Haz con los demás, lo que te gustaría que te hicieran a ti, or in other words, ’Just pay it forward.’ We don’t need to backstab or belittle to get ahead in the workplace. If you continue to work hard to the best of your ability, everything will work itself out.”
    Thompson is living proof of how the U.S. Navy is strengthened by the diversity and inclusion of our people from the rich tapestry of the United States. Thompson plans to continue his humble servant-style leadership at his forthcoming duty station in Spain where he aspires to promote to the rank of chief petty officer.
    For more information on Sailors and Marines like Thompson serving in Singapore, visit https://www.clwp.navy.mil/

    [END]

    Date Taken: 09.23.2024
    Date Posted: 10.04.2024 00:10
    Story ID: 482499
    Location: SG
    Hometown: BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, US
    Web Views: 5
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, U.S. Navy Unit in Singapore Recognizes Guyana, Brooklyn Native as Top Sailor, by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Managing Director’s Opening Remarks: 2024 Michel Camdessus Central Banking Lecture

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    Washington, DC

    September 20, 2024

    Excellencies, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Welcome to the IMF, and welcome to the eleventh annual Michel Camdessus Lecture—our signature lecture series on central banking.

    Let me also welcome our speaker today: the President of the European Central Bank, Madame Christine Lagarde. Christine’s extraordinary professional standing and personal charisma have earned her remarkable prominence, respect and admiration all over the world. She needs no introduction — least so here, at the IMF. Welcome home, Christine!

    During your years at the helm you led the Fund through turbulent times — the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, and the Euro area sovereign debt crisis.

    And you steered the Fund to adapt to a changing world — by broadening the institution’s perspective on the macro-criticality of inequality, governance, gender, and climate; and by making sure the quotas reform is advanced, so the Fund can better represent its membership. During COVID the social spending floors introduced in 2018 made a material difference in Fund support to the membership. 

    I am immensely grateful for the fortune to come after you and advance your legacy. I am also a direct beneficiary of your relentless pursuit of breaking new ground for women — first woman-chair at Baker McKenzie, first woman-Minister of Economy and Finance in France, first woman-Managing Director of the Fund, first woman-President of the ECB. I can vouch from experience that when you break the glass ceiling it is so much easier for the next woman to come!

    Of course, another indelible mark you left at the Fund is the creation of the Michel Camdessus Lecture series!

    So, on behalf of all of us here today: thank you for your friendship, leadership, and exceptional contributions to our entire membership. And thank you for gifting us the Camdessus Lecture series and coming to give one today.

    Cautious Optimism about a Soft Landing

    Before I turn the floor to you, let me briefly reflect on developments in the world since last year’s Camdessus Lecture.

    This has been a year of determined action of central banks — of synchronized tightening of monetary policy to address the surge of global inflation. Not popular, but necessary.

    Despite of it, inflation remained stubbornly high and it generated in some places concern about the effectiveness of monetary policy.

    Fast forward to today, and we are clearly in a better place.

    Inflation has declined significantly, to or near target in many economies. It is the result of resolute actions of central banks, as well as fading supply shocks. The forces of monetary policy transmission have re-asserted themselves in the end.

    We are in a better place, but we can’t be complacent. First, in many countries, services inflation is persistent, and inflation could yet tip upwards.

    Second, in more shock-prone environment, we simply don’t know what surprise may hide around the corner. Since COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has become clear central banks need to scan the horizon beyond monetary and financial sector developments.

    Above all, as we know central bankers face a balancing act. They must ensure that inflation sustainably returns to target — and remain there — while avoiding the risk of excessively tight policies. This is particularly important in a world faced with a low growth/high debt conundrum.

    Yet, we can be reasonably confident we have entered the “last mile” in the fight against inflation, allowing most central banks to enter an easing cycle—with ECB in June and the Fed this week marking the most important developments.

    Over the last year at the Fund we have been on the side of the “softlanders” — a win against inflation without a sharp global downturn. In fact, while clearly weaker than we would want, economic activity has been remarkably resilient: we are projecting global growth to be more than 3 percent this and next year.

    Structural shifts and Monetary Policy

    So what next? The fight against inflation has come against the backdrop of four and a half years of extraordinary challenges for central banks.

    And while inflation is retreating, rates are going down and recession appears unlikely, challenges will abound. We are living in a more shock-prone world, a world in which geopolitical considerations turn into geo-economic fragmentation, and a world of tremendous structural shifts due to the green and digital transformation.

    In this new world, central banks must be vigilant to the potential for shocks to unleash powerful inflationary forces and create difficult tradeoffs.

    And they must grapple with ongoing structural changes in the financial sector and the broader economy.

    We must urgently invest in understanding how the growing importance of non-bank financial institutions could affect the transmission of monetary policy and create new tradeoffs between price and financial stability.

    As you do in ECB (and we do at the Fund), we need to recognize the rapid increase of climate-related financial stability risks and the tremendous growth and jobs potential of greening the economy.

    We must manage the gains and the disruptions of AI, which could provide a major impetus to productivity growth but also increase inequality if not accompanied by supportive policies. And we need to monitor how further advances in digitalization transform the financial landscape. Digital assets, including central bank digital currencies, stand out as potential game changers.

    Last but not least, the conduct of fiscal policy is and will remain relevant to the job of central bankers — complicated by the higher levels of public debt.

    Christine, in such a rapidly changing environment, your lecture on structural shifts and monetary policy could not be more timely.

    With your exceptional career, you are uniquely positioned to consider the future of monetary policy strategies and toolkits, both conventional and unconventional.

    You have often said that your experience as an elite athlete in the French synchronized swim team helped define your managerial style. You have embraced collaborative leadership. You value discipline, endurance and strategic planning.

    And you always act with grace under pressure. These are all essential qualities for a central banker — especially one blessed to do the job in such interesting times!

    We look forward to hearing your insights on “Setbacks and Strides Forward: Structural Shifts and Monetary Policy in the Twenties.”

    The floor is yours!

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/20/sp092024-managing-director-opening-remarks-11th-michel-camdessus-central-banking-lecture

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU entered the top 10 of the rating of universities for technological entrepreneurship by the Expert Analytical Center

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    This week, the analytical center “Expert” published annual rating universities that are leaders in technological entrepreneurship. NSU is among the top 10 strongest universities in this indicator. Among other leading universities, there are mainly those located in Moscow.

    Since 2016, the Expert AC has been annually assessing the publication activity of Russian universities, their ability to create and implement innovations, and generate local and global technology entrepreneurs.

    The 2024 Techpred-50 study covers 863 local technology startups founded by 1,127 entrepreneurs between 2014 and 2023, headquartered in about 60 cities in Russia, as well as 2,303 startups from 2,367 entrepreneurs founded abroad during the same period. The study included universities with at least 5 active startups in Russia.

    In this edition of the rating, the selection of universities in the top 50 was carried out on a point scale of Effectiveness, which took into account the assessment of local and foreign startups from graduates of Russian universities according to several parameters.

    As an experimental approach to assessing the university’s potential for generating technology entrepreneurs, indicators of the university’s participation in federal competitions and selections, the region’s potential, as well as the presence of a large innovative infrastructure, which includes, for example, modern campuses built within the framework of a federal project, were used.

    Associate Professor of the Department of Management, Head of the Master’s Program “Innovative Entrepreneurship and Management” Faculty of Economics Elena Alyabina, Head of the Novosibirsk State University, commenting on the results of the rating, noted that in 2024 the methodology for calculating the rating of universities-leaders of technological entrepreneurship has changed somewhat: a block of “Local startups” of companies with headquarters in Russia has been added.

    — Despite this, NSU has once again entered the top ten. It is stability that distinguishes NSU from some economic universities that have only recently entered the ranking, — Elena emphasized.

    Technological entrepreneurship is successfully developing at NSU. Thus, at the moment, more than 50 startups founded by university students have received 1 million rubles each for the implementation of projects from the Innovation Assistance Fund; 24 teams have become residents of the Akadempark of the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok.

    — In my opinion, the secret of NSU’s success is in the combination of formal and informal approaches to the development of technopreneurial education. We have learned to integrate acceleration programs into the curricula for training students in various areas, to form mixed teams of “physicists” and “lyricists,” and to involve active technology entrepreneurs in teaching. NSU has formed a productive innovation infrastructure, represented by Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, Startup studio, with many student initiative associations with a business focus,” noted Elena.

    NSU has been implementing this for several years now Master’s program “Innovative Entrepreneurship and Management”. It introduces disciplines related to product management that are useful for tech entrepreneurs, and also develops cooperation with NSU Advanced Engineering School. In addition, many entrepreneurial courses are built into the curricula of various bachelor’s degree programs. NSU also prepares and defends theses in the “Startup as a Diploma” format. At the same time, the number of teams is increasing: in 2023 and 2024, it is 2 times larger than the first graduating class in 2022.

    — The plans include involving more students in project activities, where kids can try themselves in the role of a startup team member and understand how close this development trajectory is to them. There are ideas on how to extend the “campus courses” approach to faculties that have not yet been covered. Another promising area is involving schoolchildren: students SUNC NSU are already creating interesting projects that win at the International Scientific Student Conference from a technological point of view. By adding an entrepreneurial component to them, you can get a reserve for future startups, – Elena added.

    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://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/education/ngu-entered-top-10-rating-of-universities-technological-entrepreneurship-ats-expert/

    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 Translation: Government of Canada passes legislation to seize massive opportunity of offshore wind energy for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    October 3, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada

    The offshore renewable energy sector offers exceptional economic opportunities for Canada, with the offshore wind market alone expected to attract $1 trillion in investment by 2040. Canada is working in partnership with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to seize these unprecedented economic opportunities and create jobs in Atlantic Canada.

    Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, received Royal Assent today. Developed in collaboration with the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, this legislation will help unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy to create thousands of jobs, while attracting billions of dollars in investment and opening new economic opportunities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

    By harnessing the extraordinary wind resources found off the Atlantic coast, Canada will be able to establish itself as a leading supplier of clean energy, including clean hydrogen that countries like Germany are looking to purchase, while continuing to decarbonize its electricity grids. This legislation will help advance the priorities established through the regional energy and resource tables. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly to seize the opportunities presented by clean energy.

    The Government of Canada is working with the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop offshore renewable energy resources, enabling the provinces to build on their strengths and accelerate the growth of the offshore wind sector in a responsible and safe manner. Nova Scotia has already passed similar legislation; Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.

    Canadian businesses and workers are well positioned to take advantage of the immense economic opportunity that clean energy represents in Atlantic Canada and beyond. This new legislation underscores Canada’s commitment to ensuring prosperity, unlocking new opportunities in the clean energy sector, growing the economy, creating thousands of jobs, and strengthening environmental protection in Canada.

    Quotes

    “The adoption of the bill C-49“This legislation allows Atlantic Canada to take advantage of the unprecedented economic opportunities presented by offshore renewable energy. This new legislation will strengthen the economy, create thousands of jobs and attract billions of dollars in investment to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. None of this would have been possible without the close collaboration of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia Premiers Andrew Furey and Tim Houston and Atlantic Canadian Parliamentarians, who advocated for this project and stood up for the interests of the citizens of both provinces.”

    The Honourable Jonathan WilkinsonMinister of Energy and Natural Resources

    “This new legislation will play an important role in achieving Nova Scotia’s offshore wind goals. There are many investors interested in harnessing our wind energy and producing clean energy for green hydrogen and other uses. With Bill C-49 now passed, along with our similar provincial legislation, we are well positioned to grow our offshore wind sector in collaboration with our federal partners, starting with our first call for proposals next year.”

    The Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy for Nova Scotia

    “This new legislation ensures that the necessary measures are in place to unlock opportunities in the offshore renewable energy sector; provides a financial regime that will ensure maximum economic return to Newfoundland and Labrador; and facilitates joint management of the offshore area while leveraging the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board’s extensive expertise in managing offshore projects.”

    The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology for Newfoundland and Labrador

    “It was an honour to sponsor a bill of such economic and environmental importance to my province. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this new legislation, which opens up unprecedented opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and all of Canada.”

    The Honourable Iris G. PettenSenator, Newfoundland and Labrador

    Quick Facts

    This law establishes a common regulatory and management framework for the exploitation of offshore renewable energy.

    The adoption of Bill C-49 amends the laws implementing the agreements. The new law:

    provides a framework for the development of offshore renewable energy; changes the name of the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board to the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator; changes the name of the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board to the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator; expands the mandates of both bodies to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects; better aligns the implementing legislation with the Impact Assessment Act; provides tools to support the Government of Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and modernizes the land tenure provisions of the agreement implementing legislation as they relate to offshore petroleum development.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    Natural Resources CanadaMedia Relations343-292-6100media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy CaturaoPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources613-795-5638cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Follow us on LinkedIn

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Case Note 324485 [2024] NZPrivCmr 3 – Council publishes personal information online in connection with resource consent application

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    Background

    A woman applied to her local council for a necessary resource consent for her property. As part of this process, there were several emails between the woman and the Council containing her personal information, including the fact she was on a disability benefit. The council uploaded all the email correspondence alongside her resource consent application to its website.

    The woman discovered her information was online and had been accessed by another person, who used that information to complain about her in court proceedings. The woman complained to our Office about the collection and disclosure of her personal information.

    The principles applying to this case

    This complaint raised issues under principles 3 and 11 of the Privacy Act. Principle 3 requires agencies to be open about the collection of personal information, telling people at the time of collection why it is being collected and how it will be used. Principle 11 prevents agencies from disclosing personal information unless one of the exceptions are operating.

    Also relevant is section 24 of the Act. This section says that where another law allows or prevents personal information from being used or disclosed in a particular way, this will override any obligations under the Privacy Act to the extent they conflict.

    OPC’s investigation

    OPC’s investigation found the Council had breached principles 3 and 11 of the Privacy Act.

    The Council said section 35(5)(g) of the Resource Management Act (RMA) required it to publish information relating to resource consent application. It also advised the application form advised the information “on the form” will be stored on a public register, and details about consents that have been applied for and issued by Council would be made available to the public.

    We did not consider the notice on the resource consent application was sufficient to inform the public that all email correspondence above and beyond the application itself would be published, and therefore had breached principle 3. In any case, the application was submitted by the woman’s agent three months after the Council had published the email correspondence online, meaning the notice reasonably could not apply to information collected outside of the application.

    We also found while there was an override in the RMA for the Council to publish the application itself, along with the associated evidence documents, we did not consider the override extended to the email correspondence with sensitive details. The Council was not able to rely on any of the exceptions in principle 11 for the publication of the email correspondence.

    We issued our preliminary view to the Council and asked it what steps it would be willing to take to resolve this matter.

    The Council apologised to the woman. It agreed to remove all the irrelevant email correspondence from its website, and to redact any unnecessary personal information in the information which needed to remain online, including the woman’s contact details. The woman advised she was seeking financial compensation for the harm she had experienced. OPC used shuttle negotiation to reach a financial settlement between the parties.

    The Council also agreed to review its processes and update its privacy statement around the publication of resource consent applications, so future applicants would be aware of the public nature of these documents.

    Commentary

    Where agencies are relying on statutory overrides to publish information online, we caution them to carefully understand the scope of what is required by that Act. In this case, the Council had published sensitive personal information online without considering whether the RMA actually required this. If the use or disclosure of personal information is not covered by the other legislation, an agency must then comply with its obligations under the Privacy Act.

    Agencies must also meet their obligations under principle 3, even where an override may be operating. Being transparent about what information is going to be made publicly available, means that individuals can choose what information they want to provide, and can choose, for example, to use an agent to submit the application so their personal contact details would not be public. This autonomy is crucial to allowing individuals to retain control of their personal information.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event.

    “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and animals across Southland and in Otago in an already challenging year,” Mr McClay says.

    “Torrential rain over the past 24 hours has caused further flooding, exacerbating already sodden conditions. With parts of Southland receiving more than 200 per cent of average September rainfall.”

    The Government is working with sector groups and the local Otago and Southland Rural Support Trusts to roll out more support for farmers, growers, and rural communities in Southland and Otago. 

    “This targeted support will include using a local co-ordinator to help organise recovery and wellbeing events. 

    “It’s important we help farmers and growers who have shown great resilience through these weather events, by providing additional specialised advice or access to wellbeing support where needed,” Mr McClay says.

    “The prolonged effects of this wet and cold weather take a toll on our hard-working rural communities, and I encourage people to check-in with their family, neighbours, staff, and to ask for help if you, or someone you know, needs it.”

    The medium-scale adverse event classification covers the entire Southland region and the Clutha District in Otago, but conditions in other areas continue to be monitored closely.

    Mr Patterson says today’s funding comes on top of extra annual funding of $250,000 announced for Rural Support Trusts in June, ensuring additional support for farmers facing personal, financial, and weather-related challenges.

    “Our extra funding provides the Rural Support Trust with continued confidence to respond quickly to situations, like what we’re seeing in the lower South Island. 

    “We will continue to assess whether further support is needed as the full extent of damage from these events becomes more apparent over the coming weeks,” Mr Patterson says.

    Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

    Helpful links and numbers:

    • DairyNZ: 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 432 479 69)
    • Beef + Lamb New Zealand: 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352)
    • Federated Farmers: 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646)
    • Farmers who require wellbeing support can contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 787 254

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Passes Legislation to Seize the Enormous Economic Opportunity Offshore Wind Presents for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 3, 2024                                                             Ottawa, Ontario             Natural Resources Canada

    The offshore renewable energy sector presents a generational economic opportunity for Canada, with the global offshore wind market alone forecast to attract one trillion dollars in investment by 2040. Canada, in partnership with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, is working to seize this unprecedented economic opportunity and create jobs for Atlantic Canadians.

    Today, Bill C-49: An Act to amend the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, received Royal Assent. Developed in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, this legislation will help unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy, to generate thousands of jobs while attracting billions in investment and creating new economic opportunities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

    By harnessing the world-class wind resources in the Atlantic offshore, we are positioning Canada as the leading supplier of clean energy, including the clean hydrogen countries like Germany are looking to buy, while continuing to decarbonize our electricity grids here at home. This legislation advances the priorities identified through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, including seizing the opportunity clean energy presents.

    The Government of Canada is working with the Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop offshore renewable energy resources, enabling the provinces to capitalize on their existing strengths and accelerate offshore wind development safely and responsibly. Nova Scotia has already adopted mirror legislation, with Newfoundland and Labrador expected to do the same in the coming weeks.

    Canadian workers and businesses are well positioned to seize the enormous economic opportunity clean energy presents, in Atlantic Canada and beyond. Today’s legislation underscores Canada’s commitment to deliver prosperity, create new clean energy opportunities, strengthen the economy, create thousands of jobs and better protect Canada’s environment.

    Quotes

    “Bill C-49 enables Atlantic Canada to seize the generational economic opportunity presented by offshore renewable energy. It will strengthen the economy, enable the creation of thousands of jobs and attract billions in investments in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. These opportunities would not have been possible without the close collaboration of the Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, Andrew Furey and Tim Houston, and Atlantic Canada’s Members of Parliament, who fought and delivered for the people of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.” 

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

    “Bill C-49 is important to Nova Scotia meeting its offshore wind targets. Investors are lining up to harness our wind power and produce clean energy for green hydrogen and other uses. Now that this bill has passed, along with our own provincial mirror legislation, we are well on our way to developing our offshore wind industry hand in hand with our federal partners, starting with issuing our first call for bids next year.”

     

    The Honourable Tory Rushton
    Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, Government of Nova Scotia

    “Bill C-49 ensures the necessary measures are in place to support offshore renewable energy opportunities; allows for a fiscal regime that provides the maximum economic returns to Newfoundland and Labrador; and furthers joint management of the offshore area while building upon the extensive expertise the C-NLOPB has in managing offshore projects.”

    The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
    Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

    “I was honoured to sponsor a bill of such significant economic and environmental importance to my province. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of Bill C-49, as this historic bill presents a generational opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole.”

    The Honourable Iris G. Petten, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador,

    Senate of Canada

    Quick facts

    • This legislation establishes a joint management regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy development

    • Bill-49 includes amendments to the Accord Acts that:

      • establish the framework to develop offshore renewable energy;
      • change the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER);
      • change the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator (C-NLOER);
      • expand the mandates of the CNSOER and the C-NLOER to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects;
      • improve alignment between the Accord Acts and the Impact Assessment Act (IAA);
      • provide tools to support the Government of Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and
      • modernize the land tenure regime for offshore petroleum development.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Natural Resources Canada
    Media Relations
    343-292-6100
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    613-795-5638
    cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Follow us on LinkedIn

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Statement by Vice President Kamala  Harris on ILA and USMX  Agreement

    Source: The White House

    Tonight the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance came together to reach a tentative agreement that reopens the East Coast and Gulf ports, and I want to applaud all involved for their efforts. This step indicates progress toward a strong contract and represents the power of collective bargaining. As I have said, this is about fairness – and our economy works best when workers share in record profits. Dockworkers deserve a fair share for their hard work getting essential goods out to communities across America.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rural News – Support welcomed for southern farmers – Federated Farmers

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is welcoming the announcement of extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.
    Up to $50,000 in additional Government support is being provided for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event.
    Federated Farmers Otago president Luke Kane says the funding is a morale boost for farmers going through a very tough time.
    “I think wellbeing support for farmers is where this funding is best directed right now, because we’re really battling down here and the mood is low.
    “Unless someone can give us 10 days of sunshine, then helping farmers with that valuable mental health support is what we need most.
    “We’re just hoping this weather will pass quickly, the water will subside, and this might be the end of what’s been a very hard six weeks for big chunks of our provinces.
    “There are certainly some issues here and Rural Support Trust’s work will be really, really important in the coming weeks.”
    Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says the Government’s announcement means a lot to farmers on the ground.
    “It’s so helpful just to know we’re being thought of – that’s huge for morale.
    “Sometimes you just need to know that the rest of the country knows what you’re going through.”
    Herrick says the extra Government funding will enable Rural Support Trust to continue helping farmers through trying times.
    “At the end of the day, it’s not so much financial support that farmers need right now – it’s mental health support, and that’s what Rural Support Trust are there for.
    “Once the water goes down and things dry out a bit, that’s when farmers will really need the help. That’s when things will hit home.”
    Federated Farmers is working closely other agencies and monitoring the situation in Otago and Southland today.
    It encourages any farmers who need help to contact Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254, Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646, their milk supply companies, DairyNZ and/or Beef + Lamb. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Doorstop at the RFDS Bundaberg base

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: It’s great to be here today, the RFDS is such an iconic part of Queensland, and the service they provide. I was in Cloncurry recently and I understand the history of the RFDS in the north west of the state, but to see this facility in Bundaberg, which expands that iconic status and the important service they provide is excellent. This training facility is going to ensure that the RFDS can continue to service the needs of Queenslanders living in regional, rural and remote areas, quite often at their toughest time. We know that there’s skills challenges when it comes to aviation, so for the RFDS to have their own facility to provide that training, we’re really pleased that the Federal Government could provide financial support through the Hinkler Regional Deal, but I’d also like to acknowledge the support and the work of the RFDS to fundraise for their contribution as well. Their hard work shows how meaningful they are to the Queensland community, given they enjoy such strong support across the state.

    JOURNALIST: What does it mean to have this facility in Bundaberg?

    CHISHOLM: It’s a really exciting opportunity for Bundaberg. Obviously to have the RFDS have a base here is important, but this will also generate economic income when it’s used by other people who want to make use of the training facilities. I think that’s the great thing about it. We know what it will do for the RFDS, but the opportunity it provides for other people to come and use their training facilities here, which will ensure that we can expand those skills that are so necessary across the country.

    JOURNALIST: How important is it to have a facility like this in a regional centre?

    CHISHOLM: It’s absolutely fantastic, and the Federal Government is really pleased to support important social infrastructure projects in a regional town like Bundaberg. I know that Bundaberg is such a great place to live and work, but we want to ensure that it continues to be the case, and a facility like this will ensure that a young person growing up in Bundaberg will be able to have the opportunity to come here, see what’s possible in the local community, and let’s hope that one of them will go on to be one of the next pilots for the RFDS.

    JOURNALIST: When it comes to selecting the location for this. Is there any reason that it was in Bundaberg? Was it the central location? What was the reason behind that?

    CHISHOLM: It was obviously work that was done as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, which started under the previous government, but we were really pleased to honour that commitment, and I wanted to acknowledge the support of the Bundaberg Regional Council in ensuring that they had this land available for the RFDS as well. So, it really is a good contribution – Federal Government, council working together– but obviously the RFDS are integral to something like this happening.

    JOURNALIST: What is the Federal Government’s buy in for this project? The CEO of the RFDS Queensland section has already said that considerable funding was received from the federal level. How is the Federal Government able to assist this venture?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, $14.9 million of Federal Government money was set aside to contribute to this. But I think the impressive thing is, that the RFDS was able to contribute $10 million. There are other philanthropic organisations who are able to contribute as well, and I think that just shows you how much the RFDS means to the people of Queensland. The fact that people would come and support it from the community, and it really is something that the Federal Government is proud to support, but it wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the RFDS and their philanthropic supporters.

    JOURNALIST: Yeah, this is quite a unique facility. What are your impressions so far?

    CHISHOLM: It’s absolutely amazing, it’s something that is completely world class. And it’s going to obviously benefit the RFDS by providing more training facilities, but it’s also going to ensure that we can train more pilots in general. And that’s a really good thing in a place like Australia, which is so far and wide – we really do rely on aviation. So, to have more training facilities is going to be an important national asset as well.

    JOURNALIST: Just from a Federal Government perspective, what are some of the other benefits that you can see, not just from the fact that it’s going to be able to help an organisation like RFDS continue its work, but from another angle, not just the pilot angle? What do you think is some of the other benefits for communities?

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM: As I’ve mentioned, there’s going to be people that come and use this facility from outside, so it’s going to provide an economic boost. I’m also the Assistant Minister for Education, and I think about the young school children who are going to come through this facility and be inspired to go on and become a pilot. Hopefully that’s for the RFDS, but it might be for other organisations. And that’s really exciting that some young person in Bundaberg is going to get that opportunity because they’ll be able to come and see it in their local community. So, I think there’s so many benefits that it’s going to bring, and I’m really pleased that the Federal Government was able to provide that support.

    JOURNALIST: You were just having a look inside the simulator. What did you think?

    CHISHOLM: It’s absolutely amazing, it is mind blowing what is possible. And when you think about how the RFDS started with John Flynn, I don’t think he could envisage where we’d be 100 years later with a facility like this in Bundaberg, and the role the RFDS plays across the state and the country is absolutely phenomenal.

    JOURNALIST: Did it give you the want to get in there and give it a go yourself?

    CHISHOLM: I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to have a go at being a pilot. Obviously, this is a much safer way to do it, and I certainly enjoyed the opportunity to have a look at it and get an understanding of the opportunity that it’s going to provide, which is absolutely fantastic. Thanks everyone.

    JOURNALIST: Great, thank you.

    CHISHOLM: Good to see you all.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Doorstop – RFDS Bundaberg Base

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: It’s great to be here today, the RFDS is such an iconic part of Queensland, and the service they provide. I was in Cloncurry recently and I understand the history of the RFDS in the north west of the state, but to see this facility in Bundaberg, which expands that iconic status and the important service they provide is excellent. This training facility is going to ensure that the RFDS can continue to service the needs of Queenslanders living in regional, rural and remote areas, quite often at their toughest time. We know that there’s skills challenges when it comes to aviation, so for the RFDS to have their own facility to provide that training, we’re really pleased that the Federal Government could provide financial support through the Hinkler Regional Deal, but I’d also like to acknowledge the support and the work of the RFDS to fundraise for their contribution as well. Their hard work shows how meaningful they are to the Queensland community, given they enjoy such strong support across the state.

    JOURNALIST: What does it mean to have this facility in Bundaberg?

    CHISHOLM: It’s a really exciting opportunity for Bundaberg. Obviously to have the RFDS have a base here is important, but this will also generate economic income when it’s used by other people who want to make use of the training facilities. I think that’s the great thing about it. We know what it will do for the RFDS, but the opportunity it provides for other people to come and use their training facilities here, which will ensure that we can expand those skills that are so necessary across the country.

    JOURNALIST: How important is it to have a facility like this in a regional centre?

    CHISHOLM: It’s absolutely fantastic, and the Federal Government is really pleased to support important social infrastructure projects in a regional town like Bundaberg. I know that Bundaberg is such a great place to live and work, but we want to ensure that it continues to be the case, and a facility like this will ensure that a young person growing up in Bundaberg will be able to have the opportunity to come here, see what’s possible in the local community, and let’s hope that one of them will go on to be one of the next pilots for the RFDS.

    JOURNALIST: When it comes to selecting the location for this. Is there any reason that it was in Bundaberg? Was it the central location? What was the reason behind that?

    CHISHOLM: It was obviously work that was done as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, which started under the previous government, but we were really pleased to honour that commitment, and I wanted to acknowledge the support of the Bundaberg Regional Council in ensuring that they had this land available for the RFDS as well. So, it really is a good contribution – Federal Government, council working together– but obviously the RFDS are integral to something like this happening.

    JOURNALIST: What is the Federal Government’s buy in for this project? The CEO of the RFDS Queensland section has already said that considerable funding was received from the federal level. How is the Federal Government able to assist this venture?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah. So as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, $14.9 million of Federal Government money was set aside to contribute to this. But I think the impressive thing is, that the RFDS was able to contribute $10 million. There are other philanthropic organisations who are able to contribute as well, and I think that just shows you how much the RFDS means to the people of Queensland. The fact that people would come and support it from the community, and it really is something that the Federal Government is proud to support, but it wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the RFDS and their philanthropic supporters.

    JOURNALIST: Yeah, this is quite a unique facility. What are your impressions so far?

    CHISHOLM: It’s absolutely amazing, it’s something that is completely world class. And it’s going to obviously benefit the RFDS by providing more training facilities, but it’s also going to ensure that we can train more pilots in general. And that’s a really good thing in a place like Australia, which is so far and wide – we really do rely on aviation. So, to have more training facilities is going to be an important national asset as well.

    JOURNALIST: Just from a Federal Government perspective, what are some of the other benefits that you can see, not just from the fact that it’s going to be able to help an organisation like RFDS continue its work, but from another angle, not just the pilot angle? What do you think is some of the other benefits for communities?

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM: As I’ve mentioned, there’s going to be people that come and use this facility from outside, so it’s going to provide an economic boost. I’m also the Assistant Minister for Education, and I think about the young school children who are going to come through this facility and be inspired to go on and become a pilot. Hopefully that’s for the RFDS, but it might be for other organisations. And that’s really exciting that some young person in Bundaberg is going to get that opportunity because they’ll be able to come and see it in their local community. So, I think there’s so many benefits that it’s going to bring, and I’m really pleased that the Federal Government was able to provide that support.

    JOURNALIST: You were just having a look inside the simulator. What did you think?

    CHISHOLM: It’s absolutely amazing, it is mind blowing what is possible. And when you think about how the RFDS started with John Flynn, I don’t think he could envisage where we’d be 100 years later with a facility like this in Bundaberg, and the role the RFDS plays across the state and the country is absolutely phenomenal.

    JOURNALIST: Did it give you the want to get in there and give it a go yourself?

    CHISHOLM: I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to have a go at being a pilot. Obviously, this is a much safer way to do it, and I certainly enjoyed the opportunity to have a look at it and get an understanding of the opportunity that it’s going to provide, which is absolutely fantastic. Thanks everyone.

    JOURNALIST: Great, thank you.

    CHISHOLM: Good to see you all.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Joint Statement: Tunisia is Not a Place of Safety for People Rescued at Sea

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In view of the rampant human rights violations against migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Tunisia, especially those who are Black; Tunisia’s lack of an asylum system; the Tunisian government’s crackdown on civil society, judicial independence, and the media; and the impossibility of fairly and individually determining nationalities or assessing the protection needs of migrants and asylum seekers while at sea, it is clear that Tunisia is not a safe place for the disembarkation of people intercepted or rescued at sea. The ongoing cooperation between the European Union (EU), EU member states, and Tunisia on migration control which includes reliance on the possibility to disembark people rescued or intercepted at sea in Tunisia – similar to previous cooperation with Libya – is contributing to human rights violations.

    European policies to externalize border management to Tunisia are supporting security authorities who are committing serious violations. They are also obstructing people’s rights to leave any country and to seek asylum, containing refugees and migrants in countries where their human rights are at risk. Moreover, disembarkation in Tunisia can endanger individuals and expose them to serious harm, and further puts refugees and migrants at high risk of collective expulsion to Libya and Algeria, which can violate the principle of non-refoulement. The establishment on 19 June 2024 of the Tunisian Search and Rescue Region (SRR), called for and supported by the European Commission, risks becoming another tool to violate people’s rights rather than a legitimate fulfillment of the responsibility to protect safety at sea. Mirroring its cooperation with Libya, the EU and its member states’ engagement with Tunisia may have the effect of normalizing serious violations against people seeking protection and undermining the integrity of the international search and rescue system by twisting it to serve migration control purposes. 

    As humanitarian and human rights organizations, we call on the EU and its member states to terminate their cooperation on migration control with Tunisian authorities responsible for serious human rights violations at sea and in Tunisia. Search and rescue NGOs and commercial ships should not be instructed to disembark anyone in Tunisia. 

    Widespread and repeated violations of human rights

    Findings from Tunisian and international organizations, as well as UN bodies, over the past two years indicate that Tunisia cannot be considered a ‘Place of Safety’ for people intercepted or rescued at sea, most notably Black people as defined by the 1979 SAR Convention, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and UN bodies.

    Despite being party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, Tunisia has no national asylum law or system. People who enter, stay in, or exit the country irregularly are criminalized by law. Following interceptions at sea or after arbitrary arrests on Tunisian territory, Tunisian authorities have repeatedly abandoned refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in the Tunisian desert or remote border regions with Libya and Algeria. These practices can amount to unlawful collective expulsions, demonstrate a total disregard for refugees’ and migrants’ right to life, and may violate the principle of non-refoulement. People expelled face the risk of serious human rights violations in Libya and onward expulsions from Algeria to Niger. According to reports citing information from the UN, Tunisian security forces have notably rounded up people presumed to be irregular migrants on land and directly transferred them to Libyan authorities, who subsequently subjected them to arbitrary detention, forced labour, extortion, torture and other ill-treatment, and unlawful killings.

    According to the accounts of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers documented by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, OMCT, and Alarm Phone, Tunisian authorities at sea have committed abuses and put lives at risk during boat interceptions – including by high-speed manoeuvers threatening to capsize the boats, physical violence, firing tear gas at close range, and colliding with the boats – followed by a failure to systematically ensure individualized assessments of protection needs at disembarkation. Tunisian authorities have also subjected refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to torture and other ill-treatment in the contexts of disembarkations, detention, or collective expulsions.

    At the same time, several international and local organizations, human rights defenders and lawyers have reported an alarming deterioration of civil liberties and fundamental rights in Tunisia, impacting both the migrant population and Tunisian citizens.. Since 2021, the country has witnessed a significant rollback of human rights, characterized by a dismantling of institutional safeguards for their protection, an erosion of judicial independence and a clampdown on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. The disembarkation in Tunisia of Tunisian nationals intercepted or rescued at sea, which could include people fleeing persecution, torture or other serious harm and intending to seek asylum abroad, could effectively deny the right to seek asylum to those in need of international protection. 

    The European Union’s complicity in human rights abuses

    Despite the documented human rights violations by Tunisian authorities, the EU and its member states have stepped up their support for Kais Saïed’s administration. Through the Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2023, the EU promised Tunisia 1 billion Euros, including 105 million EUR dedicated to border and migration management, effectively in exchange for preventing sea departures towards Europe, which includes people in need of protection. With the implementation of a Tunisian Search and Rescue Region (SRR), the Tunisian government has met a long-standing priority set by the EU. While on the one hand this represents a formal step towards the fulfillment of Tunisia’s responsibility to protect life at sea, the reality is that European Rescue Coordination Centers (RCC) will now refer boats in distress within the Tunisian SRR to the Tunisian RCC, reinforcing a gradual disengagement of EU actors in favor of actors with a poor human rights record.

    By supporting an increased role for the Tunisian Coast Guard (National Guard) – without any human rights benchmarks or monitoring system in place, nor arrangements to ensure that rescued people are disembarked in a place of safety which cannot be Tunisia – the EU is contributing to a risk of further serious human rights violations at sea and in Tunisia against refugees and migrants and people at risk of persecution in the country.

    Humanitarian space for search and rescue (SAR) NGOs will also be further curtailed, if European RCCs instruct SAR NGOs to liaise with the newly established Tunisian MRCC for disembarkation, which they may refuse to respect the principle of non-refoulement. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has noted that vessels at sea are not the appropriate place for determining protection needs. Under international maritime law, states have the primary responsibility for coordinating rescues within their SRRs and for arranging disembarkation in a place of safety, which may be another state.

    European support of human rights violations must end

    These developments follow the pattern witnessed in Libya since 2016. In addition to material, technical and political support, the EU and Italy supported the establishment of a Libyan SRR and MRCC, thus leading to a transfer of SAR responsibility to the Libyan Coast Guard and increased pullbacks and disembarkations in Libya, all while being aware that this would expose refugees and migrants to a serious risk of horrific and deadly violations in Libya. Both the Italian government and EU institutions have not only continued this cooperation, but sought to extend it to other countries, including in Tunisia.

    We therefore urge the EU and its member states to:

    • Call on Tunisian authorities to end human rights violations against refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, including urgently with regards to life-threatening and unlawful collective expulsions.
    • Call on Tunisian authorities to end the crackdown on civil society.
    • Ensure that SAR NGOs and commercial ships are not instructed to disembark people they rescue at sea in Tunisia, given the risks of human rights violations there, and given that fair individual assessments concerning these risks cannot be made at sea. Tunisia cannot be considered a place of safety for people rescued at sea under applicable international law.
    • Terminate financial and technical support to Tunisian authorities responsible for serious human rights violations in relation to border and migration control.

    Afrique-Europe Interact

    Alarme Phone Sahara (APS)

    All Included Amsterdam

    Amnesty International

    Associazione per gli Studi Giuridici sull’Immigrazione (ASGI)

    Association CALAM 

    Association for Justice, Equality and Peace

    Association Lina Ben Mhenni

    Association Marocaine d’aide des Migrants en Situation Vulnérable (AMSV) 

    Association pour la promotion du droit à la différence (ADD)

    Association Sentiers-Massarib

    Association tunisienne de défense des libertés individuelles

    Aswat Nissa

    Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF)

    BAOBAB EXPERIENCE

    Campagna LasciateCIEntrare – MaipiuCIE

    Carovane Migranti  

    CCFD-Terre Solidaire

    Chkoun? Collective

    Comité de Sauvegarde de la LADDH

    Comité pour le respect des libertés et des droits de l’Homme en Tunisie (CRLDHT)

    CompassCollective 

    Damj – l’Association Tunisienne pour la justice et l’égalité

    Dance Beyond Borders

    EMERGENCY

    Fédération des Tunisiens pour une Citoyenneté des deux Rives (FTCR)

    Fédération Internationale pour les Droits Humains (FIDH)

    Forum Tunsien pour les Droits Economiques et Sociaux (FTDES)

    FUNDACION SOLIDAIRE

    Human Rights Watch

    Intersection pour les droits et les libertés

    iuventa-crew

    L’association Tunisienne pour les Droits et les Libertés (ADL)

    La Cimade

    LDH (Ligue des droits de l’Homme)

    Maldusa

    Médecins Sans Frontières

    MEDITERRANEA Saving Humans

    Melting Pot Europa

    migration-control.info project

    Migreurop 

    Missing Voices (REER)

    Mission Lifeline International e.V.

    PRO ASYL Bundesweite Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Flüchtlinge e.V.

    r42-SailAndRescue

    Reclaim the Sea

    Refugees in Libya – APS

    Refugees Platform In Egypt (RPE) منصة اللاجئين في مصر

    Resqship

    SALVAMENTO MARITIMO HUMANITARIO -SMH

    SARAH Seenotrettung gUG 

    Sea-Eye e.V.

    Sea-Watch e.V.

    Search and Rescue Malta Network 

    Seebrücke 

    SOS Humanity e.V.

    SOS MEDITERRANEE

    Statewatch

    Union des diplômés-chômeurs (UDC)

    United4Rescue – Gemeinsam retten e.V.

    Univ. of Southern California Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic

    Watch the med Alarm Phone

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ethiopia lauds Chinese investors for boosting economy, jobs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), a public enterprise overseeing the country’s manufacturing sector, has praised Chinese investors for their significant contributions to Ethiopia’s economy and job creation through their operations in the nation’s industrial parks and first free trade zone.

    According to a statement released by the corporation Wednesday, IPDC Chief Executive Officer Fisseha Yitagesu made this remark during discussions with potential Chinese investors keen on entering Ethiopia’s industrial parks.

    Chinese investors form the largest group of foreign investors in the 13 industrial parks and the recently established Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone, which the IPDC manages, Yitagesu said. He added that over 40 Chinese companies operate at full capacity within these parks, creating more than 25,000 jobs, primarily for Ethiopian youth.

    As Africa’s second-most populous country, Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to deepening its cooperation with China in industrial park development, with the long-term goal of becoming the continent’s manufacturing hub. Recently, the Ethiopian government invited Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to explore opportunities for producing and assembling EVs in the country.

    Yitagesu encouraged Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia’s industrial parks and free trade zone, as the Ethiopian government is focusing on strengthening its manufacturing sector. He also noted the incentive packages and support available to potential investors, which aim to ensure a smooth and swift start to operations for Chinese companies.

    The IPDC, he said, will continue providing support and oversight throughout the investment process.

    According to recent IPDC data, hundreds of local and foreign investors are active in Ethiopia’s industrial parks, many of which were developed by Chinese firms. These facilities have generated both permanent and temporary jobs for over 100,000 Ethiopians.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: We invite you to the advanced track of the Acceleration program “Healthy Life Technologies 2.0”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The State University of Management and LAB Business Studio LLC are opening enrollment for the advanced track of the Healthy Life Technologies 2.0 Acceleration Program.

    Both students and graduates of Russian universities who completed their bachelor’s, specialist’s, master’s or postgraduate studies no earlier than 2022 are invited to participate.

    The advanced track program will have 3 key areas:

    Business model, competencies and pitch Market, data and analytics Thinking and readiness for responsibility

    Over the course of 6 weeks, participants will be able to check the completeness of the team and distribute areas of responsibility, focus the product on market needs, confirm the presence of a large market for the product, choose a suitable investment strategy, prepare a professional pitch deck and data room.

    Participation in the program is free. The number of places is limited.

    The accelerator will be held online, the in-person final will take place at the Boiling Point of the State University of Management on December 7, 2014.

    Applications are accepted until October 9 via the link. The decision on the team composition will be made on October 14, and the accelerator is scheduled to start on October 21, 2024.

    Additional information can be found on the official website of the project.

    The acceleration program is being implemented with the financial support of the ANO “National Technology Initiative Platform”.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/4/2024

    Технологии здоровой жизни 2.0»….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/yaSE_A58TI.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b8%d0%b3%d0%bb%d0%b0%d1%88%d0%b0%d0%b5%d0%bc-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b4%d0%b2%d0%b8%d0%bd%d1%83%d1%82%d1%8b%d0%b9-%d1%82%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%ba-%d0%b0%d0%ba%d1%81%d0%b5%d0%bb/”>

    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.

    We invite you to the advanced track of the Acceleration program “Healthy Life Technologies 2.0”

    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: HSE to Expand Cooperation with Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Develop Advanced Solutions

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The Higher School of Economics hosted the Day of Acquaintance between the University and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI). The parties presented their research and analytical projects and outlined areas for joint work. The task of scientists and experts is to increase efficiency and accelerate the implementation of breakthrough scientific developments in a wide range of areas – from economic forecasts to neuroprosthetics.

    First Vice-Rector, Director Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Leonid Gokhberg, opening the meeting, noted that the focus of the cooperation between the university and ASI is neurotechnology, development of regions and cities, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, etc. The university has strong teams of scientists in many disciplines, modern databases on various aspects of the country’s socio-economic development have been formed, Leonid Gokhberg emphasized. HSE teachers and research staff annually publish more than 3 thousand articles in leading world journals, including 40% of all Russian reports on artificial intelligence at international A* conferences, and also carry out more than 600 research projects.

    HSE is one of the most important partner universities for the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, which has the potential to develop breakthrough solutions, which is extremely important for ASI, said Georgy Belozerov, Deputy Director General of ASI. “We are not a financial institution, we do not allocate money, but we help overcome administrative barriers that can hinder the emergence and implementation of new initiatives,” he said. Georgy Belozerov believes that an important task of ASI is to identify and scale up successful regional practices and transfer advanced experience to other territories.

    During the meeting, representatives of ASI and HSE presented promising projects. Thus, Director of the Center for Creative Economy Development of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Ekaterina Cherkes-zade believes that the creative economy can become one of the key drivers of the country’s development. “We are striving to build a new block of the economy so that artists in Russia are not hungry, so that creative industries influence the social sphere and related industries,” she said. Among the possible joint areas of work, Ekaterina Cherkes-zade highlighted strategies and forecasts for the development of creative industries until 2030 and 2036 and the creation of regulations aimed at stimulating the creative economy.

    Director of the ASI National Ratings Center Mikhail Utkin noted: “The main objective of our ratings is not to rank, but to offer the best solutions.” Currently, the center, in cooperation with the HSE, is improving methods in accordance with new challenges, including refining indicators and algorithms for their calculation. A promising task for joint efforts is the creation of an evidence-based information base.

    HSE representatives spoke about fundamental and applied projects. Director of the HSE ISSEK Center for Strategic Forecasting Mikhail Goland reported on the preparation of the report “Scenarios for the Development of the Russian Economy in the Context of Geopolitical Turbulence” dedicated to the analysis of possible scenarios for the development of key areas of the economy and social sphere for the period up to 2030-2036. The report is updated annually, it is registered as know-how, and access to it is provided under a license. A number of large state and private companies have already acquired the corresponding licenses. Along with the report, HSE specialists regularly prepare accompanying materials, including reviews of Russian and foreign forecasts, unique databases, specialized consensus forecasts based on a survey of more than 500 leading Russian experts, and quarterly reviews of the Russian economy and social sphere in 14 key areas. Access to all of this analytics is provided to businesses on a commercial basis.

    HSE Director for Regional Cooperation Natalia Ryazantseva recalled that HSE projects are being implemented in 62 regions of Russia. The university has implemented 250 urban and regional development projects, created integrated systems for monitoring and forecasting key indicators of the socio-economic development of regions and cities. They objectively reflect the development of entrepreneurship and human potential, demographic processes and the situation on the labor market. Particular attention was paid to projects for the integrated development of territories. Striking examples of the university’s developments were the renovation projects of Norilsk and the expansion of its green and park areas, as well as the creation of a health quarter on the basis of the National Center of Medicine in Yakutsk.

    Deputy Director of the HSE ISSEK Pavel Rudnik added: “Machine learning and big data analysis methods play an increasing role in our research on regional development. Thus, to assess a wide range of socio-economic development indicators in an automated mode, we actively use the ISSEK system for intelligent analysis of large volumes of dataiFORA“.

    Director Center “Russian Cluster Observatory” ISSEK HSE Evgeny Kutsenko reported that his team has been systematically studying innovations in regions and cities since 2012. Thus, in September of this year, the third issue was presented at the forum “Cloud Cities. Forum on the Future of BRICS Cities”Innovative attractiveness ranking of world cities — HSE Global Cities Innovation Index 2024, covering more than 1,000 agglomerations in 144 countries. By collecting data on 90 different indicators, it was possible to fully cover three areas: technological development, creative industries and the quality of the urban environment. Among the longest-running studies of the center, he also named the Rating of Innovative Development of Subjects of the Russian Federation, the 9th issue of which was published in August of this year. Among the landmark works, the Atlas of Economic Specialization of Russian Regions, the Rating of Creative Regions of Russia, reports on creative specializations of Russian cities, import dependence of Russian subjects and the potential for their cooperation with the EAEU countries in the industrial sphere, as well as monitoring of entrepreneurial activity were noted.

    Deputy Director Institute “Development Center” HSE University Sergey Smirnov reported that the institute is completing the development of a database of regional forecast indicators up to 2030, comparable with the overall forecast for Russia. The nowcasting method is used for current forecasts, and longer-term forecasts are developed based on the production function.

    Director Geodata Center Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Technologies, National Research University Higher School of Economics Tatyana Aniskina spoke about the rating of regions by the level of climate risks, which assesses the risks and probability of natural disasters. Another major area was the assessment and support of climate projects aimed at increasing carbon absorption through afforestation.

    Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics scientific research and development Igor Sokolov spoke about neurocognitive research, including the development of clinical neurotechnologies for preserving cognitive functions. Currently, the HSE neurocluster has an international team of researchers and unique scientific equipment, including an automated system of non-invasive brain stimulation with the ability to synchronously record brain biocurrents and eye movement. A system of evidence of the influence of the urban environment on the physical and mental health of residents is being developed, which will make it possible to develop indices of the psychological well-being of the city. HSE scientists have created a neuroorthosis based on the principles of neurofeedback to restore motor functions of the upper limb in children with congenital or traumatic motor disorders, allowing for faster return of arm and hand functions. These developments can be extended to adults. According to Igor Sokolov, it is necessary to develop proposals in cooperation with the ASI to change the legal regulation of experimental medicine, which, on the one hand, will make it possible to expand the clinical base for the development of technologies, and on the other, will allow people in need of the latest treatment methods to receive modern medical care. “Everything is done in accordance with the HSE motto ‘Not for school, but for life’,” he is confident.

    At the end of the meeting, Georgy Belozerov emphasized that many of HSE’s developments could become the basis for creating specific solutions, and proposed supplementing the cooperation plans and intensifying coordination in areas where HSE and ASI are conducting projects on similar topics. “The list of areas of our activity is not limited to the topics discussed today; during the discussion, I sketched out several dozen ideas. We have great potential for cooperation, and together with the agency team, we will continue to develop initiatives in the format of bilateral cooperation,” Leonid Gokhberg 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://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/expertise/969586992.html

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –