NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Global: As an ethical hacker, I can’t believe the risks people routinely take when they access the internet in public

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christopher Patrick Hawkins, Lecturer in Cyber Security and Computer Science, University of Staffordshire

    In the modern world we are all constantly connected, but this comes with risks. As most cybersecurity specialists will tell you, the biggest vulnerability in any system is the user – whether at home or work.

    The most common ways in which hackers break into systems are via attacks on users such as phishing, rather than by breaching technical infrastructure. As much as 94% of all malware is delivered via email, while phishing is the primary means of attack in 41% of all incidents. This risk is also increasing, with 75% of security experts reporting an overall rise in cyberattacks year on year in 2023.

    Many corporate IT teams have been spending heavily on training users to be more wary of such attacks. However, this has tended to focus on best practice in the workplace. In public areas, where people’s guards might be lowered, it’s quite a different story.

    I’ve recently seen several examples of this for myself. As a certified ethical hacker with years of experience in cybersecurity and contributing to cybercriminal investigations, I can’t tell you how easy it is for these kinds of situations to be exploited by bad actors.

    In the first incident, I was in a shop buying some household items. While I queued, staff were asking customers for email addresses to send them e-receipts for their items.

    This might sound innocent, and it’s surely better for the environment than paper receipts, but it could easily be exploited by a savvy hacker who might be listening. Combined with contextual information such as location, item and cost, they could craft a phishing email that would probably fool most people. It could be an invite to complete a feedback survey, for instance, or a discount code for their next visit to the same store.

    On another occasion I was at a live concert. While we waited for the show to begin, an individual in front of me was browsing his phone. From observing for just a short time, I ascertained his name, job, address, vehicle, phone number and even bank balance. Again, this could have been used by a hacker in a number of malicious ways, including posing as the individual to steal their identity or even coercing them to act against their employer, say by threatening to reveal sensitive information.

    We therefore all need to be mindful of the information that we are exposing to strangers when we are in public. Equally, we need to think about what devices we are using, and what we are connecting them to.

    Unsecured network risks

    While at the same concert, I saw numerous people connecting to the stadium wifi, which was totally unprotected and required no authentication. When you log in to an unsecured network, it exposes your device to risks such as evil twin attacks.

    Evil twin attacks involve the attacker creating a wifi hotspot, which can be set to any name they choose, such as “stadium wifi 2” or whatever. When an unprotected device connects to this network, the attacker can potentially steal the data they are transmitting.

    It can also be used for other nefarious purposes such as snooping on confidential networks, injecting malware into downloads or “man-in-the-middle” attacks in which the hacker poses as the other person in a communication, again usually to steal information.

    People can be exposed to similar threats on unsecured networks through another hacking ruse known as packet sniffing. This is where a hacker uses a program to monitor the data moving over the network and steal information.

    Connecting now …
    Alexander Supertramp

    You can avoid these risks by logging in from a virtual private network (VPN), not that I saw anyone doing that at the concert. More generally, people can protect themselves from identity theft by, for instance, having anti-phishing systems in their inboxes.

    However, the easiest defence of all is to be alert to the risks and take sensible precautions in public. By protecting your data and devices, no matter where you are, you can avoid becoming one of the victims.

    Christopher Patrick Hawkins does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. As an ethical hacker, I can’t believe the risks people routinely take when they access the internet in public – https://theconversation.com/as-an-ethical-hacker-i-cant-believe-the-risks-people-routinely-take-when-they-access-the-internet-in-public-240599

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UPDATE: Hurricane Milton Emergency Resources And Declarations – As of 1:00 PM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    UPDATE: Hurricane Milton Emergency Resources And Declarations – As of 1:00 PM

    Washington, October 8, 2024

    NAPLES, Fla. – Tomorrow, Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a major hurricane.

    The office of Congressman Byron Donalds is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and is actively coordinating storm preparations alongside federal, state, and local partners. The Congressman and his team stand ready to support our Southwest Florida community and ensure all necessary resources are available. Please see below for the latest emergency resources and declarations:

    Southwest Florida Formal Evacuation Declarations:

    Southwest Florida Shelters Open To Public:

    • Collier County General Population Shelters (OPENING AT 4:00 PM):
    • Collier County Special Needs Shelter (OPENING AT 2:00 PM):
      • Palmetto Ridge High School (Pet-Friendly) – 1655 Victory Lane
        • NOTE: For Registered Special Needs Clients and Caregivers.
    • Lee County (OPEN NOW):

    Emergency Hotlines:

    Local Government Operations:

    School Closures:

    Live Cameras:

    Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Operations:

    State of Florida – Uber Partnership:

    Attention Residents of Fort Myers Beach:

    • LeeTran bus routes to Fort Myers Beach as currently SUSPENDED.
    • Lee County Utilities have SUSPENDED water service to Fort Myers Beach.
    • 24 Hour General Curfew will go into effect at 10:00 PM TONIGHT.
    • Your Hurricane Re-entry Pass must be TEAL – Old passes will not work.
    • Once the storm passes, if you need assistance with re-entry, beginning at 7:00am on Thursday morning staff will be at two locations to hand out passes:
    • Town Staff will be located at re-entry points to check for re-entry passes – If you do not have one, you will not be allowed on Island. 

    Weather Updates:

    Other Emergency Resources:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tackling the UK’s housing crisis means addressing one key problem: affordability

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Anand, Professor of Economics, The Open University

    Jevanto Productions/Shutterstock

    The UK government has serious ambition when it comes to solving England’s housing crisis. Shortly after the 2024 general election, it pledged to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.

    It’s a big plan which could help improve the quality of life of millions of people. But is such an ambitious target plausible? Or has the government created a rod for its own back, and embarked on an economic mission that is doomed to failure?

    For, at the heart of this mission is a political desire to shape the direction of the economy. And to succeed, this desire needs to be matched with a clear understanding of the economic reality at the heart of the UK’s housing crisis – a reality that is all about affordability.

    To be successful, housing policies aimed at helping those on lower incomes need to address this head on. But the government’s emphasis so far has been on “zoning” (allowing houses to be built on land which was previously protected), or speeding up the planning process and tackling nimbyism. All of these factors are distractions from the main and simple point – that too many people simply cannot afford to buy, or even rent, a decent home.

    And while there has been some suggestion that a bigger proportion of new housing projects need to be affordable, details have been scant.

    Instead, most of the talk has been about “greybelt zones”, where planning permission will be granted more easily and quickly to create new opportunities for house building. But it is far from clear this will help to bring down – or even stabilise – the costs of housing.

    Obtaining planning permission is a small fraction of that total cost. And when these permissions are granted, the value of land rises. The landowner makes money, but the hopeful future house buyer or tenant gains nothing, other than the fact there are extra houses on the market.

    Imposing a requirement for higher proportions of affordable housing from building companies might be the single most effective thing the government can do. However, those companies may then increase their margins on the larger houses they plan to sell. And higher prices for bigger homes raises demand – and then prices – for smaller ones.

    If the government wants to tackle the affordability issue by increasing supply, it should note that just over half the costs of new housing are down to expensive construction. The use of modern pre-fabricated methods to help reduce those costs is still relatively low in the UK.

    Sweden uses this approach for over 80% of its new house building, and a faster switch (with government persuasion) to more affordable building methods in the UK could be beneficial.

    An expensive business.
    Clare Louise Jackson/Shutterstock

    More new towns have also been promised. They’re not a bad idea, but building them takes a very long time, so any contribution they make to the housing crisis will take years (decades even) to be seen.

    Local knowledge

    The government has already announced a series of house-building targets for local areas as part of its five-year plan. But this adds a further complication, in a classic example of regional planning being done from Westminster instead of locally. How do they know that these houses will be built where people actually want to live?

    For a good sense of where people do want to live, the government could immediately turn to housing associations – private, non-profit making organisations that already provide low-cost housing to millions. There might be some mileage in seeking to boost their stock by encouraging – and even underwriting – further borrowing by them.

    Typically, housing associations charge significantly lower rents as they are not focused on making a return for shareholders, and their long-term stability attracts lower borrowing costs. If the government’s promised increase in the UK’s housing stock leads to an expansion in the housing association sector, this could make a meaningful contribution to limiting the rents paid by those on lower incomes – and enhancing the potential for them to eventually buy a genuinely affordable home.

    But for many others, the biggest hurdle over the coming years will be mortgage rates. Even if interest rates come down gradually over the next five years, this is unlikely to make much difference to those who cannot afford a mortgage. And it won’t happen quickly enough to conjure up 1.5 million new homeowners in five years.

    It seems doubtful then, that the government will reach its target, however laudible. But if it is to stand a chance, it needs to be thoughtful in its economics. Merely setting targets and expressing frustration when they are not met – as they are unlikely to be – is not enough.

    Paul Anand owns shares in Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Barratt Development and Rathbones Global Opportunity Fund.
    He is a professor at the Open University and research associate at Oxford University.

    – ref. Tackling the UK’s housing crisis means addressing one key problem: affordability – https://theconversation.com/tackling-the-uks-housing-crisis-means-addressing-one-key-problem-affordability-239051

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF (BUYO) Lists on NYSE: Applying Private Equity Selection Criteria To Public Equities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“KraneShares”), a global asset management firm known for its innovative exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today announced the launch of the KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF (Ticker: BUYO) on the New York Stock Exchange.

    BUYO seeks to track the performance of the Man Buyout Beta Index, which is designed to apply the key return drivers of PE/buyout funds to public equities. The fund employs a systematic approach to select a portfolio of small to mid-cap stocks from the Russell 2500 Index, targeting industries favored by PE firms and companies that are similar in size and display similar company-specific characteristics as those in traditional PE funds. The BUYO ETF targets companies with the following characteristics:

    1. Belong to sectors favored by PE funds, including Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, and Health Care
    2. Filters for companies with characteristics favored by PE funds, including strong free cash flow yield, higher operating margins, cash discipline (lower CapEx, ability to repay debt), and top-line growth among dozens of other signals

    As a starting point, the Russell 2500 Index without filtering holdings for PE-like return drivers is already highly correlated to the Preqin Private Equity ex-Venture Capital Index, with a 75.3% historical total return correlation since 2008.1 BUYO is designed to potentially have an even greater correlation and deliver a return profile similar to that of traditional buyout funds longer term.

    “BUYO offers investors a unique way to access companies with characteristics that private equity firms find attractive, but with the liquidity and transparency of an ETF,” said Kevin Orr, Managing Director and Head of Strategic Partnerships at KraneShares. “By leveraging Man Group’s research and expertise on buyout target attributes, BUYO aims to capture the potential value creation associated with private equity strategies while remaining fully invested in public equities.”

    “Our research indicates that many of the same methodologies that buyout funds use to target private takeover candidates can be applied to the public equity market to achieve similar results,” said John Lidington, who is a Co-Portfolio Manager covering liquid private equity at Man Numeric, which is acting as sub-advisor to BUYO. “We developed the approach underlying the Man Buyout Beta Index to provide an opportunity to harness the key return drivers powering PE funds, which are typically expensive and have historically been difficult to access for many investors. The approach helps identify potentially undervalued companies that in many cases may become public to private takeout targets in the future.”

    Major endowments typically allocate 20-40% of their portfolios to private equity, with some top institutions like Ivy League Universities reaching as high as 36.7% of their total investment.2 However, historically, there have been high barriers to entry to traditional PE funds, such as long placement and lockup periods and high investment minimums and fees.

    “We believe BUYO offers a compelling solution for various investor profiles,” said Jonathan Shelon, Chief Operating Officer of KraneShares. “BUYO may be appropriate for institutional investors seeking potential liquid beta to the PE buyout asset class while awaiting placement in traditional PE funds. It may also be attractive to investors seeking highly correlated liquid alternative exposure to the PE market or investors looking to diversify their portfolios by implementing a more endowment-like asset allocation that includes a healthy weighting to PE-like strategies.”

    “We are excited to combine Man Numeric’s investment expertise – by acting as a sub-advisor to BUYO – with KraneShares’ ETF product development, marketing, and distribution capabilities,” said Gregory Bond, CEO of Man Numeric.

    KraneShares will host a webinar with John Lidington introducing the KraneShares Man Buyout Beta ETF (Ticker: BUYO) on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Investors interested in attending the webinar can register here.

    About Man Group

    Man Group is a global alternative investment management firm focused on pursuing outperformance for sophisticated clients via our Systematic, Discretionary and Solutions offerings. Powered by talent and advanced technology, our single and multi-manager investment strategies are underpinned by deep research and span public and private markets, across all major asset classes, with a significant focus on alternatives. Man Group takes a partnership approach to working with clients, establishing deep connections and creating tailored solutions to meet their investment goals and those of the millions of retirees and savers they represent. Headquartered in London, we manage $178.2 billion* and operate across multiple offices globally. Man Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker EMG.LN and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Further information can be found at http://www.man.com.

    *As of 30 June 2024

    About KraneShares

    KraneShares is a specialist investment manager focused on China, Climate, and Alternatives. KraneShares seeks to provide innovative, high-conviction, and first-to-market strategies based on the firm and its partners’ deep investing knowledge. KraneShares identifies and delivers groundbreaking capital market opportunities and believes investors should have cost-effective and transparent tools for attaining exposure to various asset classes. The firm was founded in 2013 and serves institutions and financial professionals globally. The firm is a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI).

    Citations:

    1. Source: Preqin Ltd and analysis by Man Group as of 8/31/2024, correlation calculated from 1/1/2008 to 3/31/2024.
    2. Data from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, “What a Tough Private Equity Environment Could Mean for University Endowments,” as of 7/17/2024.

    Definitions:

    Beta: Beta measures an investment’s volatility relative to the market and is used to quantify its risk. It’s calculated as the slope of a security’s returns regressed against a benchmark market index.

    Index Definitions:

    Preqin Private Equity ex-Venture Capital Index: The Preqin Private Equity ex-Venture Capital Index represents the returns on committed capital in private equity partnerships. It includes the amount of money invested in these partnerships and the returns that outstanding commitments would generate if invested risk-free.

    Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds’ full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting: https://kraneshares.com/buyo/. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

    Risk Disclosures: 

    Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its stated objectives. Indices are unmanaged and do not include the effect of fees. One cannot invest directly in an index.

    This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change. Certain content represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results; material is as of the dates noted and is subject to change without notice.

    The Underlying Index uses Numeric models in its methodology, which depend on various data sources that may be inaccurate or incomplete, rendering the models potentially unreliable. Historical market data may not predict future price movements, and unusual market events can lead to unexpected outcomes. Models may also have hidden biases and could incur losses if actual events diverge from their assumptions. Additionally, performance may be affected by software issues or programming errors. While the Underlying Index aims to reflect private equity performance and risk like private equity buyout funds, there is no guarantee that public equities will achieve this exposure or that the models will effectively provide it.

    The Fund may invest in derivatives, which are often more volatile than other investments and may magnify the Fund’s gains or losses. A derivative (i.e., futures/forward contracts, swaps, and options) is a contract that derives its value from the performance of an underlying asset. The primary risk of derivatives is that changes in the asset’s market value and the derivative may not be proportionate, and some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity and counterparty risk. The Fund is subject to liquidity risk, meaning that certain investments may become difficult to purchase or sell at a reasonable time and price. If a transaction for these securities is large, it may not be possible to initiate, which may cause the Fund to suffer losses. Counterparty risk is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative.

    The Fund is new and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. If the Fund does not grow in size, it will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a trading halt. Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. The Fund’s assets are expected to be concentrated in a sector, industry, market, or group of concentrations to the extent that the Underlying Index has such concentrations. The securities or futures in that concentration could react similarly to market developments. Thus, the Fund is subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect that concentration. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility. BUYO is non-diversified.

    ETF shares are bought and sold on an exchange at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. However, shares may be redeemed at NAV directly by certain authorized broker-dealers (Authorized Participants) in very large creation/redemption units. The returns shown do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Beginning 12/23/2020, market price returns are based on the official closing price of an ETF share or, if the official closing price isn’t available, the midpoint between the national best bid and national best offer (“NBBO”) as of the time the ETF calculates the current NAV per share. Prior to that date, market price returns were based on the midpoint between the Bid and Ask price. NAVs are calculated using prices as of 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

    The KraneShares ETFs and KFA Funds ETFs are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO), 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, which is not affiliated with Krane Funds Advisors, LLC, the Investment Adviser for the Funds, or any sub-advisers for the Funds.

    For media inquiries, please contact: info@kraneshares.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Systems Engineer Noosha Haghani Prepped PACE for Space

    Source: NASA

    Throughout the life cycles of missions, Goddard engineer Noosha Haghani has championed problem-solving and decision-making to get to flight-ready projects.
    Name: Noosha HaghaniTitle: Plankton Aerosol Clouds and Ecosystem (PACE) Deputy Mission Systems EngineerFormal Job Classification: Electrical engineerOrganization: Engineering and Technology Directorate, Mission Systems Engineering Branch (Code 599)

    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard?
    As the PACE deputy mission systems engineer, we solve problems every day, all day long. An advantage I have is that I have been on this project from the beginning.
    Why did you become an engineer? What is your educational background?
    I was always very good at math and science. Both of my parents are engineers. I loved building with Legos and solving puzzles. Becoming an engineer was a natural progression for me.
    I have a BS in electrical engineering and a master’s in reliability engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. I had completed all my course work for my Ph.D. as well but never finished due to family obligations.
    How did you come to Goddard?
    As a freshman in college, I interned at Goddard. After graduation, I worked in industry for a few years. In 2002, I returned to Goddard because I realized that what we do at Goddard is so much more unique and exciting to me.
    My mother also works at Goddard as a software engineer, so I am a second-generation Goddard employee. Early on in my career, my mother and I met for lunch occasionally. Now I am just too busy to even schedule lunch.
    Describe the advantages you have in understanding a system which you have worked on from the original design through build and testing?
    I came to the PACE project as the architect of an avionics system called MUSTANG, a set of hardware electronics that performs the function of the avionics of the mission including command and data handling, power, attitude control, and more. As the MUSTANG lead, I proposed an architecture for the PACE spacecraft which the PACE manager accepted, so MUSTANG is the core architecture for the PACE spacecraft. I led the team in building the initial hardware and then moved into my current systems engineering role.
    Knowing the history of a project is an advantage in that it teaches me how the system works. Understanding the rationale of the decision making we made over the years helps me to better appreciate why we built the system way we did.
    How would you describe your problem-solving techniques?
    A problem always manifests as some incorrect reading or some failure in a test, which I refer to as evidence of the problem. Problem solving is basically looking at the evidence and figuring out what is causing the problem. You go through certain paths to determine if your theory matches the evidence. It requires a certain level of understanding of the system we have built. There are many components to the observatory including hardware and software that could be implicated. We compartmentalize the problem and try to figure out the root cause systematically. Sometimes we must do more testing to get the problem to recreate itself and provide more evidence.
    As a team lead, how do you create and assign an investigation plan?
    As a leader, I divide up the responsibilities of the troubleshooting investigation. We are a very large team. Each individual has different roles and responsibilities. I am the second-highest ranking technical authority for the mission, so I can be leading several groups of people on any given day, depending on the issue.
    The evidence presented to us for the problem will usually implicate a few subsystems. We pull in the leads for these subsystems and associated personnel and we discuss the problem. We brainstorm. We decide on investigation and mitigation strategies. We then ask the Integration and Test team to help carry out our investigation plan.
    As a systems engineer, how do you lead individuals who do not report to you or through your chain of command?
    I am responsible for the technical integrity of the mission. As a systems engineer, these individuals do not work for me. They themselves answer to a line manager who is not in my chain of command. I lead them through influencing them.
    I use leadership personality and mutual respect to guide the team and convince them that the method we have chosen to solve the problem is the best method. Because I have a long history with the project, and was with this system from the drawing board, I generally understand how the system works. This helps me guide the team to finding the root cause of any problem.
    How do you lead your team to reach consensus?
    Everything is a team effort. We would be no where without the team. I want to give full credit to all the teams.
    You must respect members of your team, and each team member must respect you as a leader. I first try to gather and learn as much as possible about the work, what it takes to do the work, understanding the technical aspects of the work and basically understanding the technical requirements of the hardware. I know a little about all the subsystems, but I rely on my subsystem team leads who are the subject matter experts.
    The decision on how to build the system falls on the Systems Team. The subject matter experts provide several options and define risks associated with each.  We then make a decision based on the best technical solution for the project that falls within the cost/schedule and risk posture.
    If my subject matter experts and I do not agree, we go back and forth and work together as a team to come to a consensus on how to proceed. Often we all ask many questions to help guide out path. The team is built on mutual respect and good communication. When we finally reach a decision, almost everyone agrees because of our collaboration, negotiation and sometimes compromise.
    What is your favorite saying?
    Better is the enemy of good enough. You must balance perfectionism with reality.
    How do you balance perfectionism with reality to make a decision?
    Goddard has a lot of perfectionists. I am not a perfectionist, but I have high expectations. Goddard has a lot of conservatism, but conservatism alone will not bring a project to fruition.
    There is a level of idealism in design that says that you can always improve on a design. Perfection is idealistic. You can analyze something on paper forever. Ultimately, even though I am responsible for the technical aspects only, we still as a mission must maintain cost and schedule. We could improve a design forever but that would take time and money away from other projects. We need to know when we have built something that is good enough, although maybe not perfect.
    In the end, something on paper is great, but building and testing hardware is fundamental in order to proceed. Occasionally the decisions we make take some calculated risk. We do not always have all the facts and furthermore we do not always have the time to wait for all the facts. We must at some point make a decision based on the data we have.
    Ultimately a team lead has to make a judgement call. The answer is not in doing bare minimum or cutting corners to get the job done, but rather realizing what level of effort is the right amount to move forward.
    Why is the ability to make a decision one of your best leadership qualities?
    There is a certain level of skill in being able to make a decision. If you do not make a decision, at some point that inability to make a decision becomes a decision. You have lost time and nothing gets built.
    My team knows that if they come to me, I will give them a path forward to execute. No one likes to be stuck in limbo, running in circles. A lot of people in a project want direction so that they can go forward and implement that decision. The systems team must be able to make decisions so that the team can end up with a finished, launchable project.
    One of my main jobs is to access risk. Is it risky to move on? Or do I need to investigate further? We have a day-by-day risk assessment decision making process which decides whether or not we will move on with the activities of that day.
    As an informal mentor, what is the most important advice you give?
    Do not give up. Everything will eventually all click together.
    What do you like most about your job?
    I love problem solving. I thrive in organized chaos. Every day we push forward, complete tasks. Every day is a reward because we are progressing towards our launch date.
    Who inspires you?
    The team inspires me. They make me want to come to work every day and do a little bit better. My job is very stressful. I work a lot of hours. What motivates me to continue is that there are other people doing the same thing, they are amazing. I respect each of them so much.
    What do you do for fun?
    I like to go to the gym and I love watching my son play sports. I enjoy travel and I love getting immersed in a city of a different country.
    By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 4 foundational ways that AI is transforming government

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: 4 foundational ways that AI is transforming government

    Of the many ways you might measure the potential value of AI on governments, one statistic jumps out. According to Gartner®, 2027 spend on AI software by use case, digital government services, is projected to reach USD41.8 billion in 2027. That tops all other industry sectors, with banking coming in second at USD28.2 billion.1 This represents a significant shift in priorities, as governments recognize the potential of AI to enhance public sector efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.

    As Microsoft’s global government lead, I am inspired that so many agencies and organizations are not hedging their bets with AI, as was sometimes the case with prior waves (cloud computing and the rise of mobility come to mind). Instead, many governments are taking thoughtful early steps to explore AI and invest in early innovation.

    Microsoft for Government

    Achieve your mission with Microsoft.

    How AI is transforming government IT

    At Microsoft for Government, our job is to help governments make the most of their AI investments with best-in-class solutions that are tailored to their unique needs and brought to life through our global network of technology partners. Since the advent of generative AI in late 2022, we have worked closely with a wide array of agencies and organizations to develop targeted use cases designed to improve everything from citizen services to cybersecurity.

    This level of innovation is even more impressive considering the unique pressures facing governments. Leaders must deliver results within constrained budgets and limited resources, respond to shifts in societies and workforces, and protect some of the most heavily cyber-attacked data and systems in the world.

    Here’s a brief look at four essential areas where AI is helping to empower customers and reshape the impact of government around the world.

    1. Delivering personalized experiences

    Unproductive interactions with automated call centers and outdated websites are the bane of many constituents’ relationships with their government agencies. Well-intended at the core, too many of these services fail to connect with constituents, recognize their needs, and deliver useful information in a timely way.

    Generative AI is revolutionizing these resources with self-service portals and contact centers that provide modern, user-friendly digital experiences. The combination of natural language processing (which enables machines to understand and generate human language), and semantic search (which goes beyond simple keyword matching to comprehend the meaning of a query) makes it possible to readily create chatbots and agents that interact smoothly with people and reason over vast amounts of data to instantly provide solutions.

    An amazing example is a chatbot in India called Jugalbandi, built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Jugalbandi has bridged the nation’s vast linguistic divide by understanding spoken and typed questions, then responding in the user’s local language, all on widely used mobile devices. By covering 10 of India’s 22 official languages and 171 government programs (so far), it makes important information more accessible and reduces cost and friction for constituents and employees alike.

    2. Empowering the government workforce

    Ensuring that employees can focus on meaningful work is key to government success. In public service, many people are motivated by the opportunity to help others and solve important societal challenges. When subpar technology solutions create inefficiencies and cause unintended problems, productivity and morale suffer.

    Government workers, like employees everywhere, welcome services and solutions that reduce friction, keep them connected, and make them more productive. Solutions that use generative AI’s unique predictive analytics and forecasting capabilities can help employees improve their decision-making and overall efficiency.

    In the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) DWEA) built a new Business Requirement Document Generator using Microsoft Azure AI Services that enables employees to enter minimal information and easily generate important documents. Trained on 500 billion parameters, it proactively suggests required information and fills in gaps and other important information. What used to take one week can now be done in one day, including reviews. Complementing the solution, the Authority also boosted productivity by adopting Microsoft 365 Copilot, which is proving invaluable in helping employees to work faster and effectively, notably on research tasks.

    3. Modernizing government operations

    In many organizations and agencies, the journey to cloud computing has been hindered by important considerations unique to government, including cost, security, and a reliance on legacy systems which are often regarded as so critical that they can’t be modernized, despite being slow, complex, and vulnerable. As cloud and AI solutions become more mature and available, however, the barriers to modernization are dropping, while the price of inaction only rises.

    Generative AI’s code generation capabilities (which empower non-developers to readily create AI applications) make it possible to manage critical workloads in the cloud, while gaining new benefits in flexibility, scalability, and resilience across agencies. This can unlock critical data stuck in silos and drive better decision-making for officials who, for example, can make more informed decisions on proposed legislation. Likewise, for citizens, it can turn the process of obtaining a building permit into a productive interaction with a helpful virtual agent, rather than a gauntlet of arcane rules and regulatory snags.

    When Gamle Oslo realized that a district manager needed to log into 25 different systems to find relevant data for the city’s kindergarten services, they decided to build a unified data platform using Microsoft Fabric. The solution collects and analyzes all of the district’s data on housing, employment, health care, and public services, which had formerly been disconnected. Unified data with Fabric has improved many processes and opened the door to new benefits and insights, including setting the stage for new AI innovation.

    4. Securing data and protecting resources

    More than any other industry sector, governments are prime targets for cyberattacks. According to Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report for 2023, 53% of attacks worldwide focused on government organizations and critical infrastructure2. Over the last 18 months, public sector organizations have seen a 150% increase in cyberattacks3 due to the combination of escalating geo-political conflicts and increasing financial motivations.

    This dangerous threat landscape urgently requires governments to improve their ability to safeguard critical systems, enhance data protection, and maintain compliance with a host of regulations. Making the challenge even more difficult for governments is the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity staff. Worldwide, there is a shortage of 4 million cybersecurity professionals4, and the problem can be worse for governments, who often struggle to attract and retain talent.

    Cloud and AI technology can help level the cybersecurity playing field in a number of important ways. First, the Microsoft Cloud platform provides built-in security and resilience, reflecting our commitment to making security and compliance our top priority. Also, our comprehensive security offerings help an organization craft its own strategy using end-to-end products and tools. And finally, Microsoft Copilot for Security uses generative AI to empower security analysts to rapidly assess an organization’s security posture and create actionable insights and solutions at much greater speed than current approaches.

    When the Dominican Republic’s National Cybersecurity Center (CNCS) recognized increases in both frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, they responded by modernizing the government’s information system and in national critical infrastructure. Their comprehensive approach included adopting a variety of Microsoft solutions to monitor, analyze, manage, and respond to cyber threat cases across the country. The benefits of modern cybersecurity were soon evident, as the event correlation system running on Microsoft Sentinel established relationships between indicators of compromise four times faster than earlier approaches.

    See AI in government for yourself

    Beyond these transformational benefits, the explosion of AI innovation in government is also advancing the move to modern cloud and data platforms, which is not only essential for enabling AI but also delivers broader benefits in efficiency, productivity, and security.

    The insights and examples shared here only just scratch the surface of what our customers are creating and learning. We’re discovering new and amazing things on a daily basis, and we invite you to become engaged.

    To see for yourself and learn more:

    • Attend the Microsoft AI Tour—a free, one-day event with experts, industry leaders, and peers to explore how AI can drive growth and create lasting value. Events are happening worldwide through March 2025.
    • Visit us at Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, November 5–7, 2024. I will present on the topic of “Next-Gen Tech Leading the New Urban Era​,” and other Microsoft for Government sessions will be presented by Kathleen Mitford, Kirk Arthur, Jeremy Goldberg, Doug Priest, and Hannah Prior.
    • To discover how the city of Madrid is innovating to become a smarter, more sustainable city, download the new SmartCitiesWorld City Profile. And for a discussion of the new profile, including a new AI-driven virtual assistant, register for a SmartCitiesWorld webinar on October 22, 2024.

    Sources:

    1Gartner, Compare AI Software Spending in the Government Industry, 2023-2027, By Daniel Snyder, James Ingham, Inna Agamirzian, 27 March 2024. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    2Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2023

    3Statista, December 2023

    4ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, November, 2023

    Didier Ongena

    Global Government Lead, Microsoft

    Didier Ongena leads Microsoft’s Worldwide Public Sector Government team, focused on helping customers realize transformational impact through technology. He and his team help customers address global challenges such as sustainability, mobility, the energy crisis, healthcare, education, and more. They are eager to add value to government agencies worldwide.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Announce More Than $2.2 Million in Federal Funding for Behavioral Health Education Programs Based in Alexandria, Richmond, and Harrisonburg

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, both D-VA, announced $2,225,710 in federal funding for education programs based in Alexandria, Richmond, and Harrisonburg to train behavioral health professionals to address substance use disorders, students’ mental health, and racial disparities in access to mental health treatment. The funding is being allocated by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for which the senators have consistently supported robust and continued funding.
    “Helping those who struggle with behavioral health needs starts with adequately funding programs to recruit, educate, and train the first responders and behavioral health professionals who will be on the front lines,” said the senators. “This over-$2.2 million in grant funding will help us do that, and we will continue to do all that we can to bring resources to Virginia to support the mental health of our communities.”
    The funding will be allocated as follows:
    $1,924,595 to the Alexandria-based Foundation for The Advancement of Human Systems via the Minority Fellowship Program to recruit, train and support master’s- and doctoral-level students in behavioral health care professions to address services disparities for racial and ethnic minority populations. 
    $199,939 to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to recruit and train first responders in rural areas on how to provide trauma-informed, recovery-based care for people with substance use disorders (SUD), and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (COD), in emergency situations.
    $101,716 to Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg to strengthen mental health services for college students, including increasing protective factors that promote mental health, as well as reducing risk factors for suicide.
    Warner and Kaine have long advocated for federally-funded resources for Virginians who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine announced $3.5 million in federal funding to expand mental health and substance abuse disorder services at community health centers. In August 2023, Warner and Kaine announced $1.4 million in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to expand access to mental health care in Virginia. In December 2022, Warner and Kaine announced $1 million in federal funding from SAMHSA to expand the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline in Virginia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Connected Learning Ecosystems: Educators Learning and Growing Together

    Source: NASA

    3 min read

    On August 19-20, 53 educators from a diverse set of learning contexts (libraries, K-12 classrooms, 4-H afterschool clubs, outdoor education centers, and more) gathered in Orono, Maine for the Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) biannual Connect, Reflect, & Plan Connected Learning Ecosystems (CLEs) Gathering. These gatherings are meant to foster meaningful connections and collaborations and shared knowledge and confidence building amongst educators within the LENE network.

    NASA Science Activation’s Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) is a network of education partners across the Northeastern United States, led by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. These partners are dedicated to creating and linking communities of in and out of school educators, Connected Learning Ecosystems (CLEs), who are committed to empowering the next generation of climate stewards.

    The focus of this gathering was to provide educators the time, experiences, connections, and space to explore ways they can prepare the youth and communities they work with to build resilience in the face of climate change. Educators participated in sessions around local asset mapping, climate mental health, positive youth development, building STEM skills through games and fieldwork, and planning forward around coastal flooding and sea level rise. Each session was followed by time to debrief, reflect, and plan both in their regional CLEs as well as with statewide partners. The value of NASA assets and connection to local issues was woven throughout many experiences during this gathering. LENE’s CLE Resource Drive has a growing list of phenomena-based NASA assets that has been curated based on the interests of their network over time. The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program’s GLOBE Observer tree height app was part of the Ash Protection community science protocol and many NASA assets enhance the educator-guided planning forward experience guide that youth practice the difficult, real-life conversations about theconsequences of sea level rise as they think about ways they can plan for a resilient future in the face of rising seas and coastal flooding.

    Sara King from the Rural Aspirations Project (Hancock/Midcoast CLE) had this to say: “Before I first joined the CLE, I viewed STEM professionals to be separate from myself for the most part because I did not feel very confident in my abilities in all parts of STEM. I feel more comfortable with data and technology, engineering, and science practices now.”

    One educator said that their highlight from the gathering was, “[o]pportunities to meet with other teachers and educators and librarians to share ideas about how we can pool our resources and reach more students.” These educators left with draft learning projects ready for refinement and review, renewed dedication and motivation for the school year, and new perspectives to lead them into continued conversations and partnership with their CLE peers as they meet throughout the year.

    Learn more about Learning Ecosystem Northeast’s efforts to empower the next generation of environmental stewards at https://www.learningecosystemsnortheast.org. The Learning Ecosystems Northeast project is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AB94A and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

    The August 2024 Connect, Reflect & Plan Connected Learning Ecosystem Gathering crew (educators and project partners from across Maine and even one California partner).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Flooded industrial sites and toxic chemical releases are a silent, growing threat in hurricanes like Milton and Helene

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By James R. Elliott, Professor of Sociology, Rice University

    An industrial storage tank overturned by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C., shows the power of fast-moving floodwater. Sean Rayford/Getty Images

    Hundreds of industrial facilities with toxic pollutants are in Hurricane Milton’s path as it heads toward Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded communities across the Southeast.

    Milton, expected to make landfall as a major hurricane late on Oct. 9, is bearing down on boat and spa factories along Florida’s west-central coast, along with the rubber, plastics and fiberglass manufacturers that supply them. Many of these facilities use tens of thousands of registered contaminants each year, including toluene, styrene and other chemicals known to have adverse effects on the central nervous system with prolonged exposure.

    Farther inland, hundreds more manufacturers that use and house hazardous chemicals onsite lie along the Interstate 4 and Interstate 75 corridors and their feeder roads. And many are in the path of the storm’s intense winds and heavy rainfall.

    Black dots indicate facilities in EPA’s 2022 Toxic Release Inventory within Hurricane Milton’s projected impact zone.
    Rice University Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience, CC BY-ND

    Helene’s heavy rainfall in late September 2024 flooded industrial sites across the Southeast. A retired nuclear power plant just south of Cedar Key, Florida, was flooded by Helene’s storm surge.

    In disasters like these, the industrial damage can unfold over days, and residents may not hear about releases of toxic chemicals into water or the air until days or weeks later, if they find out at all.

    Yet pollution releases are common.

    After Hurricane Ian broadsided Florida’s western coast in 2022, runoff that included hazardous materials from damaged storage tanks and local fertilizer mining facilities, in addition to millions of gallons of wastewater, was visible from space, spilling across the coastal wetlands into the Gulf of Mexico. A year earlier, Hurricane Ida triggered more than 2,000 reported chemical spills.

    During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, floodwater surrounded chemical facilities near Houston. Some caught fire as cooling systems failed, releasing huge volumes or pollutants into the air. Emergency responders and residents, who didn’t know what risks they might face, blamed the chemicals for causing respiratory illnesses.

    Many types of toxic material can spread, settle and change the long-term health and environmental safety of surrounding communities – often with little notice to residents. Our team of environmental sociologists and anthropologists has mapped hazardous industrial sites across the country and paired them with hurricanes’ projected impact maps to help communities hold nearby facilities accountable.

    Major polluters on Gulf Coast at high risk”

    The risks from industrial facilities are most obvious along the U.S. Gulf Coast, where many major petrochemical complexes are clustered in harm’s way. These refineries, factories and storage facilities are often built along rivers or bays for easy shipping access.

    But those rivers can also bring storm surge flooding that can raise the ocean by several feet during hurricanes. The storm surge from Helene was over 10 feet above ground level in Florida’s Big Bend and over 6 feet in Tampa Bay. With Milton, forecasters warning of a 10- to 15-foot storm surge at Tampa Bay.

    A boom surrounds flooded railcars to try to contain leaks at a chemical plant in Braithwaite, La., after Hurricane Isaac in 2012.
    AP Photo/David J. Phillip

    A recent study found evidence of two to three times more pollution releases during hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico than during normal weather from 2005 to 2020.

    The effects of these pollution releases fall disproportionately on low-income communities and people of color, further exacerbating environmental health risks.

    Why residents may not hear about toxic releases

    The statistics are disconcerting, yet they get little attention. That is because hazardous releases remain largely invisible due to limited disclosure requirements and scant public information. Even emergency responders often don’t know exactly which hazardous chemicals they are facing in emergency situations.

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires major polluters to file only very general information about chemicals and on-site risks in their risk management plans. Some large-scale fuel storage facilities, such as those holding liquefied natural gas, are not even required to do that.

    These risk management plans outline “worst-case” scenarios and are supposed to be publicly accessible. But, in reality, we and others have found them difficult to access, heavily redacted and housed in federal reading rooms with limited access. The reason local officials and national scientific review panels often give for the secrecy is to protect the facilities from terrorist attack.

    Oil storage tanks and industrial facilities line the Houston Ship Channel, which is vulnerable to storm surge from Gulf of Mexico hurricanes.
    AP Photo/David J. Phillip

    Adding to this opacity is the fact that many states – including those along the Gulf – suspend restrictions on pollution releases during emergency declarations. Meanwhile, real-time incident notifications from the National Response Center – the federal government’s repository for all chemical discharges into the environment – typically lag by a week or more,

    We believe this limited public information on rising chemical threats from our changing climate should be front-page news every hurricane season. Communities should be aware of the risks of hosting vulnerable industrial infrastructure, particularly as rising global temperatures increase the risk of extreme downpours and powerful hurricanes.

    Mapping the risks nationwide to raise awareness

    To help communities understand their risks, our team at Rice University’s new Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience investigates how industrial communities in flood-prone areas nationwide can better adapt to such threats, socially as well as technologically.

    Our interactive map shows where elevated future flood risks threaten to inundate major polluters that we identify using the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory.

    The U.S. has several hot spots with clusters of flood-prone polluters. Houston’s Ship Channel, Chicago’s waterfront steel industries and the harbors at Los Angeles and New York/New Jersey are among the biggest.

    Three of the biggest hot spots, where large numbers of industrial facilities with toxic materials face elevated future flood risks, are in the Northeast, the northwestern Gulf Coast and the southern end of the Great Lakes.
    Rice University Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience, CC BY-ND

    But, as Helene revealed, there can also be great concern in less obvious spots. Inland, particularly in the mountains, runoff can quickly turn normally tame rivers into fast-rising torrents. The French Broad River at Asheville, North Carolina, rose about 12 feet in 12 hours during Helene and set a new flood stage record.

    When hurricanes and tropical storms are headed for the U.S., our interactive maps show where major polluters are located in the storm’s projected cone of impact. The maps identify hazardous flood-prone facilities down to the address, anywhere in the country.

    Knowledge is the first step

    Knowing where these sites are located is only the first step. Often, it’s up to communities themselves, many of them already overexposed and historically underserved, to raise concerns and demand strategies for mitigating the health, economic and environmental risks that industrial sites at risk of flooding and other damage can pose.

    These discussions can’t wait until a disaster is on the way. By knowing where these risks may be, communities can take steps now to build a safer future.

    This article, originally published Sept. 30, has been updated with Hurricane Milton.

    James R. Elliott receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Renewable Energy Lab.

    Dominic Boyer receives funding from the National Science Foundation, NOAA and Texas Sea Grant.

    Phylicia Lee Brown has nothing to disclose.

    – ref. Flooded industrial sites and toxic chemical releases are a silent, growing threat in hurricanes like Milton and Helene – https://theconversation.com/flooded-industrial-sites-and-toxic-chemical-releases-are-a-silent-growing-threat-in-hurricanes-like-milton-and-helene-239977

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will the Earth warm by 2°C or 5.5°C? Either way it’s bad, and trying to narrow it down may be a distraction

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonny Williams, Climate Scientist, University of Reading

    Getty Images

    Climate change is usually discussed in terms of rising temperatures.

    But scientists often use a different measure, known as “equilibrium climate sensitivity”. This is defined as the global mean warming caused by a doubling of pre-industrial carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere.

    We use this measure to describe the range of potential temperature increases on longer timescales, and to compare how well climate models reproduce observed warming.

    But the predicted range of rising temperature has remained stubbornly wide, somewhere between 2°C and 5.5°C of warming, as assessed in several generations of reports issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This is despite concerted efforts to narrow it down.

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has assessed Earth’s climate sensitivity in each of its reports.
    IPCC, CC BY-SA

    Measuring long-term climate sensitivity is central to future predictions, but we are already seeing the effects of warming across the world with extremes in weather, even at the low end of the range. We argue efforts to boil down Earth’s response to climate change to one number may be unhelpful.

    The continued uncertainty could be seen as a failure of climate models to converge on the correct value. Using equilibrium climate sensitivity as a metric for “precisely” predicting the amount of warming expected from a given amount of greenhouse gases is, at best, ambiguous.

    History of climate sensitivity

    About a century before the first computational estimates of Earth’s climate sensitivity were published in 1967, the Swedish physicist and 1903 Nobel laureate Svante August Arrhenius was the first to estimate values at 4-6°C.

    Since the early efforts to model Earth systems, computer simulations have steadily increased in complexity. The first models only simulated the atmosphere, but they have evolved to include vegetation, processes in the ocean and sea ice.

    While undoubtedly beneficial to the understanding of fundamental science, each of these added processes has introduced uncertainties in the models’ warming response.

    Indeed, given the level of complexity (which differs between models) and resolution of some current models, it is not surprising the estimates of climate sensitivity differ so much.

    Self-enforcing feedbacks

    Climate feedbacks are central to our argument that equilibrium climate sensitivity is poorly defined. An example of this is the relationship between ice volume and reflectivity.

    As highly reflective ice melts on land or sea, the underlying surface is exposed and less sunlight reflected back into space. This increases the amount of warming for a given amount of greenhouse gases. It’s what scientists refer to as a positive feedback loop.

    Another such self-enforcing feedback concerns potentially large climate impacts from the release of methane from tropical wetlands and permafrost melt.

    Atmosphere models can’t account for this alone, and when they are coupled with an ice-sheet or sea-ice model, the estimate of climate sensitivity changes.

    Melting permafrost, such as seen here on Svalbard, represents a climate feedback loop, increasing the amount of warming for a given amount of greenhouse gases.
    Getty Images

    Overheated arguments

    It quickly became apparent when studying some recent climate model results that some simulations are producing equilibrium climate sensitivity ranges noticeably higher than before.

    In some models, this has been linked to larger self-enhancing cloud feedbacks and how aerosols are represented.

    There has been some hesitancy to trust the results produced by these models. They are considered “too hot”.

    But we feel these high equilibrium simulations still have value. While we are not arguing they are correct, they force us to consider the what-if situation of very high climate sensitivity, where a doubling of CO₂ would result in warming of 5°C or higher. We know the impact on our environment would be devastating.

    Some view high equilibrium climate sensitivity as more consistent with warmer climates in the past, but others have questioned this.

    There are several reasons why past climate sensitivity may differ from modern conditions. We may be in a different phase of Earth’s orbital cycles or the balance between volcanism and weathering.

    Of course, we should treat all scientific results with caution, but the potential insights gained for uncertain futures are of particular importance when climate change is already being felt across the globe.

    Where to from here?

    We are continually improving our understanding of the climate – how it has changed in the past and how we think it may change in the future. Equilibrium climate sensitivity has consequently become the single solution we are seeking from climate models, even though the precise value will arguably never be known.

    Equilibrium climate sensitivity is undoubtedly a convenient way of distilling future projections. However, it is important not to over-rely on an idealised quantity, because its utility as a useful comparative measure of climate models can give the false impression of a lack of progress in understanding.

    There is similarity with the common misconception of a 50% probability of rainfall in a weather forecast, which is often misinterpreted as forecasters not knowing whether it will rain or not.

    Communicating uncertainty in projections of future climate conditions is a “wicked” problem. But we risk losing perspective of Earth’s system response by focusing on the effort to make climate models agree on one measure. This is not the answer future generations need.

    Jonny Williams receives funding from the Deep South National Science Challenge.

    Georgia Rose Grant receives funding from MBIE Strategic Science Investment Fund.

    – ref. Will the Earth warm by 2°C or 5.5°C? Either way it’s bad, and trying to narrow it down may be a distraction – https://theconversation.com/will-the-earth-warm-by-2-c-or-5-5-c-either-way-its-bad-and-trying-to-narrow-it-down-may-be-a-distraction-229497

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Family members sent to prison for sex trafficking women in cantina backroom

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    HOUSTON – A Mexican national illegally residing in Houston and a relative have been sentenced following their convictions of several sex trafficking crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Maria Botello-Morales, 57, and her son Edgar Adrian Botello, 31, Houston, pleaded guilty in 2023.

    U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen has now imposed a 280-month-term of imprisonment for Botello-Morales, while Botello received a total of 180 months. Restitution will be determined at a later date. Not a U.S. citizen, Botello-Morales is expected to face removal proceedings following her imprisonment, while Botello will serve 15 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Both will also be ordered to register as sex offenders.

    “Cantina cases shine a light on a unique form of trafficking where mostly undocumented women are sexually exploited for the financial benefit of the traffickers,” said Hamdani. “These individuals stole the American dream from the victims. This form of trafficking takes advantage of the fear these victims live in and we are grateful for the hard work of the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in bringing them justice.”

    “TABC is proud to work with the Office of the U.S. Attorney and our other partners in the effort to end human trafficking in Texas,” said TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly. “We join our fellow Texans in denouncing this heinous crime and reaffirming our pledge to help free the victims of human trafficking.”

    At the time of the pleas, Botello-Morales admitted to sex trafficking with force, fraud or coercion and conspiracy to do so as well as sex trafficking of a minor. Botello pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking with force, fraud or coercion, two counts of sex trafficking of adults as well as possession of child pornography.

    In 2007, Botello-Morales recruited a minor female from Mexico. She caused the minor to engage in commercial sex and took payment directly from the commercial sex buyers.

    Botello-Morales ran Puerto Algre with Botello and others from 2015 to 2020. Puerto Algre was a cantina where numerous females were forced to engage in commercial sex in backrooms built specifically for that purpose. Botello-Morales, Botello and others threatened and intimidated these victims with violence to manipulate them into engaging in commercial sex for their own financial benefits.

    The victims reported they started at the bar as waitresses. However, Botello-Morales soon told them they had to engage in commercial sex. If they refused, she threatened them with violence.  

    Some witnessed violence and weapons at the bar and in the back area where the sex acts occurred. Each described how they had to take customers to the backrooms through a door and hidden from view of the bar. They were given a condom wrapped in a paper towel, were to spend no more than 15 minutes in the room and charge approximately $70. On the way out, they had to turn the money over to whoever was guarding the room.

    During the investigation, one victim also explained when she refused to come to work, Botello-Morales sent someone to physically assault her.

    The victims explained that Botello, who regularly carried a weapon, was the enforcer. He would also pass out the condoms and collect the money. During the execution of a search warrant at the home Botello-Morales and Botello shared, law enforcement found several loaded firearms in his room along with a computer containing child pornography.

    Another co-conspirator, Esteban Toribio, 65, Houston, pleaded guilty June 17 and held the liquor license for the bar. Toribio reported the conduct to authorities in an attempt to help him gain control of the cantina. Also convicted in relation to the conspiracy was Arian Botello, 26, the nephew of Botello-Morales.

    Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    TABC and HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department (HPD) as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack prosecuted the case.

    HTRA law enforcement includes members of the HPD; FBI; HSI; Texas Attorney General’s Office; IRS-Criminal Investigation; Department of Labor (DOL); DOL – Wage and Hour Division; Department of State; Federal Air Marshals; TABC; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Rangers; Texas Parks and Wildlife; Social Security Administration – OIG; Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as well as police departments in Houston Independent School District (ISD), Conroe ISD and Missouri City; Harris County constables offices – Precincts one and four; sheriff’s offices in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Waller counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Galveston counties. They work in coordination with victim service providers such as YMCA, United Against Human Trafficking and Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners.

    Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Ministerial Appointments: 8 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

    • Seema Malhotra MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education, in addition to her current role as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Home Office.

    • Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education, in addition to her current role as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Wales Office.

    • Lord Cryer as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).

    In addition, the Prime Minister has appointed the following as Government spokespersons in the House of Lords:

    • The Rt Hon the Baroness Smith of Malvern as a Government spokesperson for Equalities, in addition to her current role as a Minister of State (Minister for Skills) in the Department for Education.

    • Lord Collins of Highbury as a Government spokesperson for Equalities, in addition to his current role as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ministerial Appointments: 8 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

    • Seema Malhotra MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education, in addition to her current role as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Home Office.

    • Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education, in addition to her current role as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Wales Office.

    • Lord Cryer as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).

    In addition, the Prime Minister has appointed the following as Government spokespersons in the House of Lords:

    • The Rt Hon the Baroness Smith of Malvern as a Government spokesperson for Equalities, in addition to her current role as a Minister of State (Minister for Skills) in the Department for Education.

    • Lord Collins of Highbury as a Government spokesperson for Equalities, in addition to his current role as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Republicans once championed immigration in the US. Now, under Trump, an ugly nativism has been normalised

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Prudence Flowers, Senior Lecturer in US History, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Flinders University

    It might seem surprising today in the era of Donald Trump, but Republicans in the United States once championed immigration and supported pathways to citizenship for undocumented Americans.

    In January 1989, Ronald Reagan’s final speech as president was an impassioned ode to the immigrants who made America “a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas”.

    Contrast this with Trump, who has normalised dehumanising rhetoric and policies against immigrants. In this year’s presidential campaign, for instance, he has referred to undocumented immigrants as “animals” who are “poisoning the blood of our country”.

    Both Trump and his vice presidential running mate, JD Vance, also repeated a false story about Haitian “illegal aliens” eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

    Perhaps most troubling, Trump has pledged to launch “the largest deportation operation in the history of our country”, if he’s elected.

    Immigration policies throughout history

    Nativism, or anti-immigrant sentiment, has a long history in American politics.

    In 1924, a highly restrictive immigration quota system based on racial and national origins was introduced. This law envisaged America as a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant nation.

    However, there was no restriction on immigrants from the Western Hemisphere. The agricultural and railroad sectors relied heavily on workers from Mexico.

    In 1965, the quota system was replaced by visa preference categories for family and employment-based migrants, along with refugee and asylum slots.

    Then, as violence and economic instability spread across Central America in the 1970s, there was a surge in undocumented immigration to the US.

    Scholar Leo Chavez argues that in the late 1980s and early 1990s, an alarmist “Latino threat narrative” became the dominant motif in media discussions of immigration.

    This narrative was frequently driven by Republican politicians in states on the US-Mexico border, who derived electoral advantage from amplifying voter anxieties.

    The growing popularity of this negative discourse coincided with a significant increase in income inequality – a byproduct of neo-liberal policies championed by Reagan and other Republicans.



    Read more:
    Before Trump, there was a long history of race-baiting, fear-mongering and building walls on the US-Mexico border

    A dramatic shift in Republican rhetoric

    In the early-to-mid 20th century, Democrats were often the party that supported restrictive immigration and border policies.

    However, most Republicans at the national level – strongly supported by business – tended to endorse policies that encouraged the easy flow of workers across the border and increased levels of legal immigration.

    Prominent conservative Republicans also rejected vilifying rhetoric towards undocumented Americans. They presented all immigrants as pursuing opportunities for their families, a framing that emphasised a shared vision of the American dream. In this telling, their labour contributed to the economy and America’s growth and prosperity.

    George H. W. Bush And Ronald Reagan debate immigration in a Republican primary debate in 1980.

    Reagan, the most influential conservative of the late 20th century, opposed erecting a border wall and supported amnesty over deportation.

    Reagan also strongly supported bipartisan immigration reform. In 1986, Congress passed an immigration act that increased border security funding, but also ensured 2.7 million undocumented immigrants, primarily of Latino background, were able to gain legal status.

    Twenty years later, President George W. Bush and Republican Senator John McCain lobbied for a bipartisan bill that would have tightened border enforcement while simultaneously “legalising” an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants. It was narrowly defeated.

    This vocal support for immigrants by leading Republicans was striking because for much of the period between the late 1980s and the early 2000s, a majority of Americans actually wanted immigration levels reduced.

    Then, around 2009, a dramatic shift in political rhetoric took place. The Tea Party movement brought border security and “racial resentment” towards immigrants centre stage, challenging conservative Republicans from the populist right.

    As a result, more and more Republicans began to voice restrictionist and xenophobic rhetoric and support legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.

    What’s surprising, though, is the number of undocumented immigrants in the US was actually declining at this time, from 12.2 million in 2007 to 10.7 million in 2016.

    Donald Trump and the new nativism

    In this worsening anti-immigrant climate, Trump descended a golden escalator in mid-2015 to launch his presidential campaign.

    In his speech that day, immigration was front and centre. Trump vowed to “build a great wall” and accused Mexico of sending “rapists” and “criminals” to America.

    His speeches during the presidential campaign were marked by frequent anti-Mexican assertions and calls for Islamophobic visa policies. This hostile stance on immigration was central to his victory in both the Republican primaries and the general election against Hillary Clinton.

    Once in office, Trump then adopted a “zero tolerance” stance towards undocumented immigration. His administration pursued a heartrending family separation policy that split children and their undocumented parents at the border. This approach was celebrated on conservative media outlets such as Fox News.

    During his presidency, he also reduced legal immigration by almost half, drastically cut America’s refugee intake, and introduced bans on people from Muslim-majority countries.

    Policy expert David Bier concluded the goal of Republican lawmakers had shifted:

    It really looks like the entire debate about illegality is not the main issue anymore for Republicans in both chambers of Congress. The main goal seems to be to reduce the number of foreigners in the United States to the greatest extent possible.

    Indeed, Trump’s vision of the nation had overtly racial overtones.

    In one 2018 meeting, he asked why America should accept immigrants from “shithole countries” like Haiti, El Salvador or the African continent. His preference was for Norwegian migrants.

    Immigration as a major election theme

    From 2021–2023, undocumented US-Mexico border crossings surged due to natural disasters, economic downturns and violence in many Latin American and Caribbean nations. Many of the recent arrivals are asylum seekers.

    Though the numbers have fallen sharply in 2024, immigration and the border are still one of the top issues for voters across the political spectrum. The issue is particularly important in the key swing state of Arizona.

    In 2024, Trump’s central immigration promise was encapsulated by the beaming delegates waving signs calling for “Mass Deportations Now” at the Republican National Convention.

    The Trump-Vance ticket has blamed undocumented immigrants for almost every economic and social problem imaginable. The two candidates present them as a dangerous and subversive “other” that cannot be assimilated into mainstream American culture.

    Yet Trump, as both president and candidate, has worked to prevent the passage of border security legislation. Turmoil on the border benefits him.

    And his nativism now encompasses all forms of immigration – he has pledged to curb legal channels for people to enter the country, as well.

    All of this rhetoric has had a dramatic impact on public opinion. Between 2016 and 2024, the number of people supporting the deportation of undocumented immigrants jumped from 32% to 47%.

    In July 2024, 55% of Americans also said they wanted to see immigration levels decrease, a 14-point increase in one year.

    Many Americans do not perceive immigration as a source of vitality and renewal as they had in the past. Instead, reflecting Trump’s language, they are viewing immigrants as an existential threat to the country’s future.

    Prudence Flowers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Republicans once championed immigration in the US. Now, under Trump, an ugly nativism has been normalised – https://theconversation.com/republicans-once-championed-immigration-in-the-us-now-under-trump-an-ugly-nativism-has-been-normalised-239836

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Announce more than $2.2 Million in Federal Funding for Behavioral Health Education Programs Based on Alexandria, Richmond, and Harrisonburg

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, both D-VA, announced $2,225,710 in federal funding for education programs based in Alexandria, Richmond, and Harrisonburg to train behavioral health professionals to address substance use disorders, students’ mental health, and racial disparities in access to mental health treatment. The funding is being allocated by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for which the senators have consistently supported robust and continued funding.
    “Helping those who struggle with behavioral health needs starts with adequately funding programs to recruit, educate, and train the first responders and behavioral health professionals who will be on the front lines,” said the senators. “This over-$2.2 million in grant funding will help us do that, and we will continue to do all that we can to bring resources to Virginia to support the mental health of our communities.”
    The funding will be allocated as follows:
    $1,924,595 to the Alexandria-based Foundation for The Advancement of Human Systems via the Minority Fellowship Program to recruit, train and support master’s- and doctoral-level students in behavioral health care professions to address services disparities for racial and ethnic minority populations. 
    $199,939 to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to recruit and train first responders in rural areas on how to provide trauma-informed, recovery-based care for people with substance use disorders (SUD), and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (COD), in emergency situations.
    $101,716 to Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg to strengthen mental health services for college students, including increasing protective factors that promote mental health, as well as reducing risk factors for suicide.
    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long advocated for federally-funded resources for Virginians who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine announced $3.5 million in federal funding to expand mental health and substance abuse disorder services at community health centers. In August 2023, Warner and Kaine announced $1.4 million in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to expand access to mental health care in Virginia. In December 2022, Warner and Kaine announced $1 million in federal funding from SAMHSA to expand the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline in Virginia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Newsome, Associate Professor in Global Ecology, University of Sydney

    You don’t have to look far to see what climate change is doing to the planet. The word “unprecedented” is everywhere this year.

    We are seeing unprecedented rapidly intensifying tropical storms such as Hurricane Helene in the eastern United States and Super Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam. Unprecedented fires in Canada have destroyed towns. Unprecedented drought in Brazil has dried out enormous rivers and left swathes of empty river beds. At least 1,300 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj in Mecca as temperatures passed 50°C.

    Unfortunately, we are headed for far worse. The new 2024 State of the Climate report, produced by our team of international scientists, is yet another stark warning about the intensifying climate crisis. Even if governments meet their emissions goals, the world may hit 2.7°C of warming – nearly double the Paris Agreement goal of holding climate change to 1.5°C. Each year, we track 35 of the Earth’s vital signs, from sea ice extent to forests. This year, 25 are now at record levels, all trending in the wrong directions.

    Humans are not used to these conditions. Human civilisation emerged over the last 10,000 years under benign conditions – not too hot, not too cold. But this liveable climate is now at risk. In your grandchild’s lifetime, climatic conditions will be more threatening than anything our prehistoric relatives would have faced.

    Our report shows a continued rise in fossil fuel emissions, which remain at an all-time high. Despite years of warnings from scientists, fossil fuel consumption has actually increased, pushing the planet toward dangerous levels of warming. While wind and solar have grown rapidly, fossil fuel use is 14 times greater.

    This year is also tracking for the hottest year on record, with global daily mean temperatures at record levels for nearly half of 2023 and much of 2024.

    Next month, world leaders and diplomats will gather in Azerbaijan for the annual United Nations climate talks, COP 29. Leaders will have to redouble their efforts. Without much stronger policies, climate change will keep worsening, bringing with it more frequent and more extreme weather.

    Bad news after bad news

    We have still not solved the central problem: the routine burning of fossil fuels. Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases – particularly methane and carbon dioxide – are still rising. Last September, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere hit 418 parts per million (ppm). This September, they crossed 422 ppm. Methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, has been increasing at an alarming rate despite global pledges to tackle it.

    Compounding the problem is the recent decline in atmospheric aerosols from efforts to cut pollution. These small particles suspended in the air come from both natural and human processes, and have helped cool the planet. Without this cooling effect, the pace of global warming may accelerate. We don’t know for sure because aerosol properties are not yet measured well enough.

    Other environmental issues are now feeding into climate change. Deforestation in critical areas such as the Amazon is reducing the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon naturally, driving additional warming. This creates a feedback loop, where warming causes trees to die which in turn amplifies global temperatures.

    Loss of sea ice is another. As sea ice melts or fails to form, dark seawater is exposed. Ice reflects sunlight but seawater absorbs it. Scaled up, this changes the Earth’s albedo (how reflective the surface is) and accelerates warming further.

    In coming decades, sea level rise will pose a growing threat to coastal communities, putting millions of people at risk of displacement.

    Accelerate the solutions

    Our report stresses the need for an immediate and comprehensive end to the routine use of fossil fuels.

    It calls for a global carbon price, set high enough to drive down emissions, particularly from high-emitting wealthy countries.

    Introducing effective policies to slash methane emissions is crucial, given methane’s high potency but short atmospheric lifetime. Rapidly cutting methane could slow the rate of warming in the short term.

    Natural climate solutions such as reforestation and soil restoration should be rolled out to increase how much carbon is stored in wood and soil. These efforts must be accompanied by protective measures in wildfire and drought prone areas. There’s no point planting forests if they will burn.

    Governments should introduce stricter land-use policies to slow down rates of land clearing and increase investment in forest management to cut the risk of large, devastating fires and encourage sustainable land use.

    We cannot overlook climate justice. Less wealthy nations contribute least to global emissions but are often the worst affected by climate disasters.

    Wealthier nations must provide financial and technical support to help these countries adapt to climate change while cutting emissions. This could include investing in renewable energy, improving infrastructure and funding disaster preparedness programs.

    Internationally, our report urges stronger commitments from world leaders. Current global policies are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

    Without drastic changes, the world is on track for approximately 2.7°C of warming this century. To avoid catastrophic tipping points, nations must strengthen their climate pledges, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

    Immediate, transformative policy changes are now necessary if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

    Climate change is already here. But it could get much, much worse. By slashing emissions, boosting natural climate solutions and working towards climate justice, the global community can still fend off the worst version of our future.

    Thomas Newsome receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is immediate past-president of the Australasian Wildlife Management Society and President of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

    William Ripple receives funding from the CO2 Foundation and University of Oregon donor Roger Worthington.

    – ref. Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century – https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-peril-disaster-lies-ahead-as-we-track-towards-2-7-c-of-warming-this-century-240549

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A deep reverence for the king

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

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

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

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

    Serving the people

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Australian dream

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Tashi Dema does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

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

    US Senate News:

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF Growing Convergence Research awards advance innovation across disciplines

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The U.S. National Science Foundation Growing Convergence Research (NSF GCR) awards are fostering deep integration across disciplines and pushing the boundaries of current research paradigms. The awards bring together experts from multiple science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to tackle complex challenges across various topics, including national security, energy and STEM education.  

    “These awards require that researchers work across traditional disciplinary boundaries and leverage the expertise of different fields to drive innovation and discovery,” said Alicia J. Knoedler, head of the NSF Office of Integrative Activities. “Learning and practicing collaboration between and among disciplines are critical skills that investigators and teams need to develop. NSF’s investments through these awards reinforce the importance of capacity building to perform convergence in research and training.”  

    The NSF GCR program supports high-risk, cutting-edge research and helps to cultivate a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists. Projects are inspired by a societal grand challenge or a fundamental research question at the forefront of STEM. By growing novel collaborations and cross-disciplinary training, these awards will empower researchers to think outside the box and develop innovative approaches to scientific inquiry. This advances the frontiers of knowledge and paves the way for breakthroughs that can benefit society. 

    The awardees and short descriptions are listed below:  

    • Rooted in Nature: Bioinspired Design of Sustainable Seeding Methods to Improve Forest Regeneration – University of California, Berkeley, Cornell University, Syracuse University and The Pennsylvania State University 

      Forest regeneration is essential for combating climate change. Challenges like limited seed availability and time-consuming seedling cultivation hinder forest restoration efforts. This project will integrate expertise in material science, engineering, ecology and other areas to create biodegradable, self-burying seed carriers for efficient, lower-cost aerial seeding. The researchers will investigate seed carrier designs applicable to different ecosystems. The team will also develop new ways of evaluating and improving the effectiveness of the seeding techniques. This research will boost forest restoration, providing economic advantages and enhancing ecological resilience. 
       

    • Non-Equilibrium Electrochemical Plasma Catalysis for Distributed Electrified Ammonia Synthesis – Princeton University, Duke University and Rutgers University–Newark 

      Ammonia is a fuel for green power generation and a medium for energy storage and transport. It is also vital to food production as a key agricultural fertilizer. Traditional ammonia synthesis is energy-intensive and produces carbon dioxide. It also relies on fossil fuels and high-pressure catalysis. This project aims to advance the development of new electrified reactors that produce green ammonia with renewable electricity from atmospheric nitrogen and water. These reactors can help decarbonize chemical plants and address challenges in renewable energy storage. The project team will use novel integration across disciplines to create a nonequilibrium electrochemical plasma catalysis system for ammonia synthesis from water, nitrogen and electricity. Its success will be an innovation in nonequilibrium green chemical manufacturing. 
       

    • Engineering, SocioEconomic and Environmental Convergence of Ocean Wave Energy Research for Remote Coastal Communities – University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Virginia Tech, East Carolina University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

      In some rural coastal and island areas, electricity must be transported over long distances, and the supply is less robust, creating a challenge that hinders socioeconomic growth. Ocean waves along U.S. coastlines offer abundant energy resources, and over 200 concepts have been proposed for generating electricity from wave energy. Researchers from this project will examine which of the proposed concepts are most practical for island and coastal communities from engineering and socioeconomic perspectives. They will validate the most promising concepts through community engagement and ocean tests. The project integrates engineering, environmental and social sciences experts and an external advisory board with community end users and commercial developers to implement a convergent, community-engaged approach to this research challenge. 
       

    • Mineral Detection of Dark Matter – Virginia Tech, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and University of North Florida 

      Dark matter plays an important role in the formation of galaxies and the universe’s evolution, but it has proven very difficult to detect directly. This project will integrate engineering, physics, geoscience and materials science to establish whether evidence of interactions between dark matter and ordinary matter can be found through “mineral detection.” Researchers will explore whether crystals in rocks can be used to look for evidence of interactions with dark matter over geological timescales. The team aims to develop a new path for advancing understanding of what dark matter is. 
       

    • Towards a Physics-Inspired Approach to Computation on Encrypted Data – Boston University, University of Central Florida and Cornell University 

      Harnessing the wealth of electronically stored data for applications with societal value raises security and privacy concerns that are likely to hinder progress and return on investment in an artificial intelligence-powered economy. This project will combine ideas and tools from physics, mathematics and computer science to explore a new paradigm for circuit obfuscation in cryptography and establish the security and efficiency of encrypted operator computing. The research team aims to accelerate the development of trusted, low-overhead tools that enable computation directly on encrypted data so that, for example, confidential data can be shared with an untrusted party who can extract insights from the data without having access to the unencrypted data. 
       

    • The Other Plastic Problem: Quantifying and Predicting Impacts of Plastic Additives Across Levels of Biological and Social Organization – Duke University and The Pennsylvania State University 

      Plastic pollution is widespread and harms various species. One major gap in knowledge is the combined biological impact of the many chemicals added to plastics to tailor their properties. Plastic additives are chemicals that are included within plastic polymers to enhance function. These additives include over ~10,000 chemicals and include known endocrine disruptors, pro-inflammatory agents and mutagens. Addressing this research challenge requires integrating expertise across molecular and cell biology, environmental chemistry and toxicology, materials science, policy and other fields. This project will allow an integrated research team to develop and employ novel approaches for analyzing the effects of plastic additives on cells, organisms and ecological communities; ground-truth product use and additive exposures; and evaluate mitigation strategies. The project also aims to engage stakeholders to reduce plastic pollution and empower underrepresented students in STEM to take action. 
       

    • GCR: Towards a Convergent Understanding of the Dynamics of Uncertainty in Individuals and Groups with a Focus on STEM Education – Tufts University 

      Developing a systematic understanding of how people manage ambiguity, uncertainty and confusion (AU&C) is a complex challenge. This project integrates social sciences, data sciences and engineering to build new capabilities for studying AU&C management in the context of STEM learning. This will allow researchers to understand how to enable students to productively engage with AU&C in STEM. The research team will develop novel methods for collecting and analyzing student data using a multimodal approach, including behavioral, linguistic and physiological sensing. Using these methods, researchers will investigate the individual and group dynamics of AC&U within STEM learning environments, with the long-term goal of producing new educational practices that embrace complexity and uncertainty. In this, the project aims to bridge the disconnect between how science is taught and the practice of STEM professionals. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Advises Changes to the Executive Government Organization Act

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 8, 2024

    Manitoba Government Advises Changes to the Executive Government Organization Act

    Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt has been named acting minister of education and early childhood learning in addition to her current role, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. 

    “Minister Schmidt is a high performer who I know will do great work for Manitoba students,” said Kinew. “I look forward to Minister Altomare’s return and in the meantime, Manitoba parents can trust our government to continue investing in schools and kids’ futures.”  

    Schmidt will perform ministerial duties on behalf of Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare, who will temporarily be away from work for medical reasons, noted the premier. 

    Additionally, Mike Moyes, the member of the legislative assembly for Riel, was appointed as the legislative assistant for both environment and climate change, and education and early childhood learning. 

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Early Learning and Childcare consultation

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council’s Early Learning and Childcare Consultation is now live, and we want to hear from those living across Highland. The survey is open until Monday 28 October 2024 and can be filled out here.

    The survey is about Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) services, and includes questions for families who:        

    • are currently using ELC,
    • have used ELC in the past,
    • are not currently using any ELC services.

    Those who have already contributed to the survey from the North area do not require to resubmit, your feedback will be considered, however it does offer the opportunity for those from the North area that may have missed out at the beginning of the summer to contribute now.

    Co-chomhairleachadh Tràth-ionnsachaidh is Cùraim-chloinne

    Tha Co-chomhairleachadh Tràth-ionnsachaidh is Cùraim-chloinne Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd a-nis beò, agus tha sinn airson cluinntinn bho dhaoine a tha a’ fuireach air feadh na Gàidhealtachd. Tha an t-suirbhidh fosgailte gu Dihaoine 4 Dàmhair 2024 agus faodar a lìonadh an seo.

    Tha an t-suirbhidh mu sheirbheisean Tràth-ionnsachaidh is Cùraim-chloinne (TIC), agus tha ceistean ann do theaghlaichean:

    • a tha a’ cleachdadh TIC an-dràsta,
    • a tha air TIC a chleachdadh roimhe,
    • nach eil a’ cleachdadh seirbheisean TIC sam bith an-dràsta.

    Chan fheum muinntir na Sgìre a Tuath an t-suirbhidh a lìonadh a-rithist ma tha iad air a lìonadh mar-thà. Ach, tha cothrom ann dhaibhsan nach do lìon an t-suirbhidh as t-samhradh, freagairtean a thilleadh a-nis.

    8 Oct 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NEW ANALYSIS HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

    Source: Australian Education Union

    New analysis from Jim Stanford, Economist and Director, Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute, has highlighted the large economic, social, and fiscal benefits from funding public schools to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard.

    The analysis, Leaving Money on the Table: Foregone Economic Gains from Continued SRS Underfunding, reveals the economic costs of the Albanese government’s current offer to states and territories of a 2.5% increase in its SRS contribution, to 22.5 %, instead of a full 25%.

    Australian Federal President Correna Haythorpe says: “While we know that increasing investment in public schools is critically important for teachers, students and families, this analysis highlights the economic benefits to the Albanese Government and the nation, and it profiles the real costs of a failure to provide a full 25%.”

    Jim Stanford finds that by increasing its SRS contribution from 20% to 25%, the Commonwealth would offset about half of the current funding gap for public schools (with the rest resulting from state funding shortfalls). Increasing Commonwealth support to 25% of the SRS would generate significant benefits, including:

    ● Total GDP gains of $7.1 to $9.9 billion annually after 20 years

    ● Over 17,000 new jobs

    ● $2.7 billion in GDP gains from expanded public school activity

    ● Improvements in school completion rates of between 1.5 and 2.5 percentage points.

    ● Cumulating improvements in wage income of $1.0 to $1.7 billion annually after 20 years, and cumulating improvements in GDP from higher labour productivity of $2.3 to $3.7 billion over the same time

    ● Ultimate social and fiscal savings of $2.0 to $3.5 billion annually

    ● A net fiscal gain for the overall government revenue of $1.2 to $3.0 billion

    However, the Albanese government has currently offered only to fund 22.5% of the SRS. Should the government continue to refuse to increase its share to a full 25%, the costs will not only be borne by public schools, teachers and students, but by the nation, which would be deprived of many of the significant economic benefits outlined above.

    A continuing 2.5% gap in the SRS share would squander:

    ● Total GDP gains of $3.5 to $4.9 billion annually, a long term economic payoff 2.7 to 4 times bigger than the annual investment

    ● Approximately 8,400 new jobs

    ● $1.3 billion in lost annual GDP gains from expanded public school activity

    ● Improvements in school completion rates of 0.8-1.2 percentage points

    ● Foregone improvements to wage income of $500 to $800 million after annually 20 years, and foregone GDP improvements from higher labour productivity worth $1.1 to $1.8 billion

    ● $1.0 to $1.7 billion in foregone social savings annually through lower welfare andhealth costs

    ● Lost net fiscal benefits for the overall government sector of $0.6 to $1.5 billion

    The paper concludes:

    “In short, government effectively ‘profits’ from fully funding public schools” and that:

    “The failure to fully fund public schools is clearly a case of false economy. The relatively small amounts of money ‘saved’ in the near term, are more than offset by long-run underperformance according to numerous indicators: school attainment and completion, productivity, GDP, and fiscal balances. The Commonwealth government is leaving money on the table, with its failure to fully meet SRS funding requirements.

    “This is money the federal government is quite literally leaving on the table, through its continued underfunding: governments’ own revenue position will ultimately be weakened, not strengthened, by refusal to fully fund public schools.”

    This is a wake up call to the Albanese Government. Investing in public schools not only delivers high quality teaching and learning experiences for students and staff but it is good for the nation. There is much to be lost if governments fail in these negotiations. The cost for Australia’s students and for the economy are untenable.

    ENDS

    MEDIA CONTACT:

    Bayley Mitchell, 0448 751 556 Consultant, SOCIETY

    Melissa van der Haak – 0484 674 958 Senior Client Lead, SOCIETY

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smucker Congratulates Manheim Community Farm Show on 70th Anniversary

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

    Manheim, PA – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) visited the Manheim Community Farm Show this week to congratulate and celebrate their 70th Anniversary. Rep. Smucker presented Farm Show President Glenn Stoltzfus with a copy of remarks entered into the official Congressional Record to honor this milestone.

    “I would like to congratulate the Manheim Community Farm Show on their 70th Anniversary. I want to thank the Board of Directors and the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure this event is a success. Our agricultural heritage is at the heart of our community, and I thank all our farmers and this year’s competitors who ensure that heritage continues to thrive. I wish the Manheim Community Farm Show many more years of success!” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

    While attending the Farm Show, Smucker and partner Fair President Glenn Stoltzfus participated in the annual “Celebrity” Corn Hole Tournament. Smucker and Stoltzfus placed second in the tournament, losing in the finals match to winners Manheim Borough Police Chief Jason Riggle and Manheim Central School District Superintendent Dr. Ryan Axe.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

    9nong/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

    First, what are UTIs?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is Uromune?

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

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

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

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

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

    How can I access it?

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

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

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

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

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

    Other options in the pipeline

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

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

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

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

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

    No magic bullet, but there’s reason for optimism

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

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

    Iris Lim does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

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

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

    Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock

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

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

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

    Our working conditions amount to modern day slavery.

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

    What is data labelling?

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

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

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

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

    China is also becoming another global hub for data labelling.

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

    Cutting corners

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

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

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

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

    Low wages, dangerous working conditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Making AI supply chains ethical

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Ganna Pogrebna does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

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

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

    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

    Businesses at odds with the research

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

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

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

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

    What a new national survey found

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

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

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

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

    Mercer’s client engagement manager Don Barrera said

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

    Changing culture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Everyone benefits

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

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

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

    John L. Hopkins does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: WTO Chairs Programme expands academic network to under-represented regions

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Following the addition of these five universities, the programme’s network will comprise a total of 40 Chairs. This expansion is anticipated to strengthen the impact of regional and global initiatives within the network and to promote deeper collaboration and knowledge sharing among academics, policymakers and trade experts.

    The five selected institutions will join the programme’s next four-year cycle, which is slated to begin in 2025. They will contribute to the programme’s research, curriculum development and outreach and will benefit from mentoring provided by other Chairs to ease their integration into the network. They will also engage in collaborative events, conferences and seminars to extend the academic and practical impact of their work on trade policies at the national and international levels.

    The fourth cycle of the WTO Chairs Programme also marks a transition to a more frequent admission of institutions into the network to further the global reach and impact of the programme. Greater synergies with the WTO’s other technical assistance activities are also anticipated.

    This expansion builds on the WTO’s longstanding efforts to ensure that academic institutions play a crucial role in shaping trade policy and deepening the understanding of the multilateral trading system. Funded by France, Austria, the Republic of Korea and Australia, the WTO Chairs Programme has grown from strength to strength as it seeks to address current and emerging global trade challenges.

    The selection of universities follows a rigorous review process of applications led by the WTO Chairs Programme Academic Advisory Board.

    More information about the Chairs Programme is available here.

    Selected institutions

    Member

    Academic Institution

    Dominican Republic

    Universidad Iberoamericana

    Nigeria

    Nnamdi Azikiwe University

    Qatar

    Hamad Bin Khalifa University

    Togo

    Université de Lomé

    Vanuatu

    National University of Vanuatu

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: African Development Bank Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for Elevating Gender Equality to the National Level, Raise Questions on the Treatment of Women Human Rights Defenders and on Human Tra

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the tenth periodic report of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with Committee Experts commending the State for elevating the issue of gender equality to the national level, while raising questions on its treatment of women human rights defenders, and how it was combatting human trafficking.

    Jie Xia, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the Committee commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for elevating the issue of gender equality to the national level through domesticating the Convention, developing a law on gender equality, and developing a national action plan and strategy on gender equality, among other measures. 

    A Committee Expert said the Committee had received several names of female human rights defenders who had been poorly treated by the Government and the judiciary.  Could the State party outline recent efforts to review and amend any existing laws, regulations, or decrees that may unduly restrict freedom of expression to ensure that these legal frameworks complied with international human rights standards, including the Convention? What measures was the State taking to investigate the disappearance, maltreatment and deaths of female human rights activists? 

    Another Expert said the Lao People’s Democratic Republic continued to be a renowned source of origin for migrant workers as well as increasingly becoming a country of transit and destination for sexual exploitation and human trafficking.  What were some of the key policies that the National Steering Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking had introduced and implemented in terms of effective anti-trafficking measures?  How was the implementation of the national plan on anti-trafficking carried out?  How did the State ensure that the security forces were working effectively to address the prevalence of trafficking within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone? 

     

    The delegation said the Committee operated on reports from non-governmental organizations, which were often exaggerated.  It was important to look at the reality in the country, rather than organizations that operated reports, which sometimes fit the category of disinformation.  For example, regarding the cases of the so-called female human rights defenders, they were not human rights defenders. They had organised propaganda against the State and had violated criminal law, and were therefore prosecuted and imprisoned. 

    The delegation said a national commission on human trafficking had been established at the provincial, district and national levels.  Focus was directed to the protection of victims.  Trainings were conducted for law enforcement staff on how to identify victims of trafficking, how to refer their cases, and how to further protect them.  The Women’s Union had expanded the shelter services to six provinces in the country. There was a police headquarters located within the Golden Triangle to prevent violations of human rights. Companies operating in this area were encouraged to ensure their staff received medical examinations. 

    Introducing the report, Chansoda Phonethip, Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union and Vice President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, and head of delegation, said the promotion and protection of women’s rights were at the core of the Government policy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  In 2019, the National Assembly adopted the law on gender equality, which introduced a wide range of measures to address gender disparities across various sectors.  Under this law, gender-based discrimination was classified as a criminal offense. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was dedicated to eliminating child marriage through strengthening legal and administrative frameworks, investing in education, and encouraging communities to collectively address the challenges posed by harmful practices such as early marriage and pregnancy. 

    In closing remarks, Ms. Phonethip thanked the Committee for the dialogue, which helped the Lao People’s Democratic Republic fulfil its obligations under the Convention. The Committee’s insights were instrumental to advancing the rights of women and girls in the country.  The State welcomed any support from the international community to help in meeting its obligations under the Convention. 

    Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, Committee Vice Chair, thanked the delegation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee, which helped it to better understand the situation of women and girls in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

    The delegation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was comprised of representatives from the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Lao Women’s Union; and the Permanent Mission of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s eighty-ninth session is being held from 7 October to 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 9 October to consider the fifth periodic report of Saudi Arabia (CEDAW/C/SAU/5).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the tenth periodic report of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (CEDAW/C/LAO/10).

    Presentation of Report

    CHANSODA PHONETHIP, Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union and Vice President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, and head of delegation, said the promotion and protection of women’s rights were at the core of the Government policy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  All citizens, regardless of sex, had equal rights in political, economic, social and family life, in compliance with the principles and norms of the Convention. The Government had implemented supportive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a key challenge for the country.  These included financial subsidies which particularly targeted unemployed individuals and women factory workers, with a total of 61,511 people benefitting from these initiatives.  The Government also introduced two national agendas, one focusing on addressing economic and financial difficulties, and the other on combatting drug trafficking. 

    In 2019, the National Assembly adopted the law on gender equality, which introduced a wide range of measures to address gender disparities across various sectors. Under this law, gender-based discrimination was classified as a criminal offense.  Over 50 laws had been revised and newly adopted over the past five years, including those aimed at improving women’s rights and ensuring gender equality. The Government had made great efforts to provide legal aid free of charge for disadvantaged people, as outlined in the law on lawyers, and the decree on legal aid.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic actively maintained three national mechanisms for promoting gender equality and empowering women. These included the Government, represented by the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children; the mass organization, represented by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union; and the legislature, represented by the National Assembly’s Women’s Caucus. 

    The Government remained committed to reviewing and strengthening its legal frameworks to further enhance protection from violence, particularly through the law on the protection and development of women and the law on the protection of the rights and interests of children.  The State had strengthened its national mechanisms for assisting women and girls who were victims of violence by adopting the “No Wrong Door” approach, ensuring that victims could access essential services, including healthcare, legal aid, and coordinated case management.  Counselling and protection centres had also been extended to five provinces.

    Awareness raising on gender-based violence was conducted and legal information and resources, such as handouts, posters and brochures on violence were widely distributed. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was dedicated to eliminating child marriage through strengthening legal and administrative frameworks, investing in education, and encouraging communities to collectively address the challenges posed by harmful practices such as early marriage and pregnancy.  The Government undertook a national study on early marriage and pregnancy, which would guide the formulation of policies and action plans to effectively tackle these issues.  The Government was also committed to protecting and supporting children affected by early marriage, ensuring their successful reintegration into society.  The State was dedicated to preventing human trafficking, with a strong focus on vulnerable groups, particularly women in border regions and high-risk communities. 

    Despite advancements made, the representation of female members in the Ninth National Assembly did not meet the set target of 30 per cent.  In response, the Government was actively undertaking a comprehensive review to identify the underlying factors contributing to this decline, particularly focusing on the various barriers that women faced in attaining high-ranking positions.  The outcomes of this study would serve to address these challenges and promote the participation of women in the upcoming elections for the Tenth National Assembly in 2026.  On the other hand, the number of female members of Provincial People’s Assemblies was higher than the set target.  Most recently, three women were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, a historical moment in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic army. 

    The Government was actively promoting healthier lifestyles by raising awareness about sanitation, nutrition, and comprehensive pre- and post-natal care for women. Recent data reflected a significant decrease in the maternal mortality rate, now at 36.6 per 100,000 live births.  Ms. Phonethip said in 2026, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic would celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of its ratification of the Convention. While significant achievements had been made in more than four decades, there were still challenges to overcome. It was hoped that the constructive dialogue with the Committee would produce meaningful outcomes. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    JIE XIA, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, thanked the State party for sending a high-level delegation.  The Committee welcomed positive measures taken by the State party since 2018 to advance the status of women, promote gender equality, and eliminate discrimination against women.  The Committee commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for elevating the issue of gender equality to the national level through domesticating the Convention, developing a law on gender equality, and developing a national action plan and strategy on gender equality, among other measures. 

    It was noted that the Criminal Code penalised discriminatory acts based on gender.  Had there been any actions taken to directly penalise gender-based discrimination?  How many cases had been brought under article 204?  The Committee commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for domesticating the Convention; what measures had been taken to advance this process?  Could the judiciary apply the relevant laws in its rulings?  How many trainings had covered the Convention?  Could up to date information be provided on efforts made to implement the law on gender equality and the third national strategy on gender equality?  Did the State party encourage mediation through legal means?  How was it ensured that people did not escape legal sanctions by taking advantage of mediation? 

    A Committee Expert said the State party had repeatedly declared it was not able to establish a human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles.  What obstacles did the State party face in this regard?  If a female leader wished to establish a federal liberal party for the upcoming elections, would this be allowed?  If not, why not? 

    There were reports that the Government severely restricted non-governmental organizations. Women rights groups were confined to working through the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union, which was a State body.  The Penal Code was also used to prosecute activists and restrict freedom of assembly. The Committee had received several names of female human rights defenders who had been poorly treated by the Government and the judiciary?  Could the State party outline recent efforts to review and amend any existing laws, regulations, or decrees that may unduly restrict freedom of expression to ensure that these legal frameworks complied with international human rights standards, including the Convention?  What measures was the State taking to investigate the disappearance, maltreatment and deaths of female human rights activists?  Was there a public site where detailed statistics related to sex and gender were published annually? 

    Another Expert commended the State party for its initiatives, including training programmes for women in leadership roles.  However, the Committee was concerned that the State party had not instituted temporary special measures to improve specific situations for women and girls.  What was the State party’s concerns regarding the use of temporary special measures?  What steps had been taken to demonstrate the values of temporary special measures and to provide explanations to the general public on the failure to employ these measures?  Would the State party consider the adoption of temporary special measures to fulfil the rights of disadvantaged women and ensure their participation in all areas of life?  What steps was the State party taking to collaborate with stakeholders, including civil society, to implement temporary special measures? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Penal Code provided for the criminalisation of discrimination against women, and stated that anyone who discriminated against women due to gender would be punished, including by deprivation of liberty and fines.  There had been no cases enacted in the courts so far. The Government paid attention to the functioning of the mediation unit.  It was important to prioritise this mechanism to help avoid people going to the courts, which took time.  Harmony and non-confrontation were important in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. This was why the Government placed significant importance on the functioning of the village mediation unit. Anyone dissatisfied with the outcome of the mediation unit could escalate it to the courts. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was preparing for the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review early next year, and was working hard in this regard.  Several recommendations pertained to the Convention, which was a key focus of the Government.  The State was also preparing for the forthcoming visit of the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights in November this year.  Law dissemination campaigns were conducted to people in the provinces.  The budget reflected the implementation of the law on gender equality. 

    The delegation said the Government recognised the importance of national human rights institutions.  The Paris Principles had been studied carefully and research had been conducted on examples of such institutions in different countries.  Workshops had been organised, including with Commissioners from India, Indonesia and Myanmar, to learn how their national human rights institutions worked.  The State had different mechanisms in place and a new commission would involve increased resources.  There were established human rights focal points in each sector and issues could be conveyed through them.  Sometimes, taskforces were established to investigate particular human rights issues. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was trying to strengthen the current mandates of what they had now. Only 118 Member States of the United Nations had established human rights commissions; in Asia, this number was only 15. 

    The Committee operated on reports from non-governmental organizations, which were often exaggerated.  It was important to look at the reality in the country, rather than organizations that operated reports, which sometimes fit the category of disinformation.  For example, regarding the cases of the so-called female human rights defenders, they were not human rights defenders. They had organised propaganda against the State and had violated criminal law, and were therefore prosecuted and imprisoned.  They used the pretext of freedom of expression to violate the law.  Freedom of expression had limits; it was not absolute. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic planned to conduct an economic survey.  From 2017, the State had made efforts to improve existing databases throughout the sectors.  The Government had made efforts to mobilise women to take part in elections. Capacity training was provided to women. An action plan was in place to empower women to hold leadership positions in the commerce sector.  Women were present in all branches of the economy. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert was pleased to hear that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was considering establishing a human rights institution; how long would this process take? How many cases related to gender-based discrimination were conducted in the State party before the courts in the last five years, and how did they end?  It was sad to hear about the State’s general position regarding human rights defenders.  However, it was pleasing to hear the Criminal Code was being reviewed to enhance freedom of expression; how long would this review process take? 

    Another Expert asked what were the concerns and challenges the State faced in regard to using temporary special measures to advance the rights of women in the country? Could these measures be used to reallocate resources to women? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said it was not practical for the State to provide a timeline on establishing a national human rights institution, as they were learning from other countries and strengthening existing mechanisms.  In some cases, people misused and abused human rights treaties, using freedom of expression as a pretext.  In the case of one woman in prison, she had used propaganda to distort information and criticise the Government.  Every 10 years, the Government amended the Constitution and focused on articles which were relevant.  Next year, the Government would organise a population Census which would be gender disaggregated.  This would be used to prepare the next five-year development plan. 

    There were plans to increase the number of women in Government by 2026.  A survey would be conducted to determine why there were decreasing numbers of female parliamentarians.  Regarding temporary special measures, there were challenges in human and financial resources, as well as changing the mindsets of some people who still discriminated against women.  There were few cases of gender discrimination in the courts due to the use of the peaceful mediation resolution, which prevented cases from going to the courts. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had yet to promulgate a national action plan for women, peace and security, in accordance with the Committee’s recommendations.  Would the State consider including the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on women’s security in the plan?  Would the impact of militarisation be addressed?  What was being done to address harmful stereotypes of women and girls, particularly in rural areas?  Would the law on domestic violence be revised to address cybercrime against women and scams against impoverished women?  It was concerning that there was no specific law against spousal rape.  Would affirmative consent be included as an essential component of rape?  Economic turmoil had led to an increase in domestic violence and child marriage. How would economic policies take the most vulnerable into account?  What steps had been taken to assess the impact of the economic crisis on women? 

    Another Expert commended the State’s efforts to address trafficking in persons, including through the enactment of the 2016 anti-trafficking law and the inclusion of article 215 in the 2018 Penal Code, which criminalised both sex and labour trafficking.  The national plan on anti-trafficking in persons combatting and prevention phase III (2021-2025) and the establishment of the National Steering Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking were positive steps.  However, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic continued to be a renowned source of origin for migrant workers as well as increasingly becoming a country of transit and destination for sexual exploitation and human trafficking. What were some of the key policies that the Committee had introduced and implemented in terms of effective anti-trafficking measures?  How was the implementation of the national plan on anti-trafficking carried out? 

    Concerns persisted around the prevalence of trafficking within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.  Sources reported the sale and trafficking of girls as young as 13 and 14 to China increasingly happening unrestricted through flourishing internet trade.  How did the State ensure that the security forces were working effectively to address such challenges?  What specific actions were being taken to combat the impunity in the Special Economic Zone?  How did the Government plan to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and judiciary personnel to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions in trafficking cases? 

    It was positively noted that under the national plan of action on anti-trafficking in persons, a temporary shelter for victims of trafficking in persons was established. Did the State party have any plans to strengthen survivor services and increase resources as well as expand the capacity of shelters, legal aid services, and vocational training programmes, particularly in provinces with higher trafficking risks and women and girls from rural and ethnic minority communities?  Given that many trafficking cases involved border crossings, how was work done with cross-border countries to strengthen the approach against trafficking?  Did the State’s COVID-19 response plan address the heightened risk of trafficking? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was translating the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ women, peace and security plan and would disseminate this.  The State’s national plan of action for 2026 to 2030 was being drafted, and women, peace and security would be integrated into this.  Workshop seminars were organised to look at the traditional practice. To ensure gender equality, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union had made efforts to develop guidelines for domestic violence and promote the reproductive health of women. Projects had been piloted in six provinces in the country. 

    A national commission on human trafficking had been established at the provincial, district and national levels.  Focus was directed to the protection of victims.  The Government focused on preventing trafficking in persons, particularly for women working in factories and those living in remote villages.  The Government also organised anti-human trafficking days in July each year, at the central and local levels.  Trainings were conducted for law enforcement staff on how to identify victims of trafficking, how to refer their cases, and how to further protect them. 

    The Women’s Union had expanded the shelter services to six provinces in the country.  After being rescued, victims were referred to the Union and were provided with shelter and mental and physical support, and they were then reintegrated back into society.  Work was done with the Ministry of Justice to ensure victims could receive justice and the traffickers could be prosecuted.  From June 2024, professional training had been provided for more than 600 people in the area of human trafficking.  There was a police headquarters located within the Golden Triangle to prevent violations of human rights.  Companies operating in this area were encouraged to ensure their staff received medical examinations.  The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had developed a legal framework on human trafficking.

    Rape was clarified within the Penal Code; however, the element of affirmative consent was not present. The State needed to explore this option and conduct studies in this regard.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic had made efforts to cooperate within the multilateral framework and on bilateral mechanisms with neighbouring countries. 

    In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, more than 200,000 people had been infected by COVID-19. More than 60,000 had died of the virus. The country still faced the continuing impact of COVID-19, and was in the process of recovering.  The country had been faced with economic and financial difficulties, as well as natural disasters and climate change.  The Government had taken concrete measures to address this situation, including for women, to ensure no one was left behind. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for making equality a driver towards peace.  The number of women in parliament had improved to 22 per cent, and there was a parliamentary commission, which was positive.  However, parity meant 50/50; it needed to be seen as a relevant solution to poverty.  In the absence of political pluralism, how could the electoral base be expanded to ensure women had access to political parties and leadership?  How could it be ensured that there was a large-scale effort to ensure women had access to voting and being candidates?  How could these developments be accelerated?  What initiatives could be undertaken to ensure real parity for women in the life of the party and the central congress?  What role could the Women’s Union play to train candidates and create momentum?  What could be done to support civil society?  What initiatives could be taken to help women participate in a more effective way?  How was it ensured that ethnic minorities could participate in local development? 

    Another Expert underscored the importance of documentation as proof of nationality. The guide to birth registration and other measures were well noted.  Was information on birth registration from provinces gathered on an annual basis?  What had the percentage increase in registration been?  What target had been reached as of today?  What were the key challenges and what incentives were being considered for the still unregistered 30 per cent?  Was disaggregated data on registrations available?  What measures and incentives were taken to improve birth registration and encourage ethnic minority groups and rural women to register births?  How was the documentation system used to track the State party’s migrant women population?  Could stateless children or children born to immigrant women obtain the nationality of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic?  How many had been granted nationality so far? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said female diplomats in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic played an impressive role in the country’s foreign affairs work.  In 2024, out of 914 diplomats working in the Ministry, 322 were female diplomats, representing 32.5 per cent.  Of 27 ambassador posts, five were women, which was equivalent to 19 per cent.  Of three minister posts, one was a woman.  When there were opportunities such as scholarships, the policy now stated these should be offered to female diplomats first.  This month, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union had successfully completed hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Women Entrepreneurs’ Conference 2024.   

    The Ministry of Home Affairs had carried out many activities to raise awareness of birth registration, including printing, publishing and distributing information. If a child was born to stateless parents who had fully integrated into the Lao People’s Democratic Republic culture, the child could obtain nationality on request.  There were several conditions, including speaking the language and respecting the Constitution.  These laws aimed to reduce statelessness.  There were not many stateless people in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed that the State party was making efforts to increase the enrolment of girls and women in education.  However, there was a significant gender gap in non-traditional fields, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics. What concrete measures had been taken to ensure parents understood the importance of sending girls to schools? How was the effectiveness of gender-sensitive curricula ensured in order to change gender stereotypes from an early age?  What were the specific measures to increase the access of girls to education? 

    What were the plans to provide necessary education in native languages?  What steps were being taken to improve the infrastructure and resources in schools in remote areas?  What steps were being taken to ensure quality access to education for all women and girls with disabilities?  How would the State party sustain the school lunch programme in rural and remote areas?  How was the issue of child marriage monitored and addressed?  Parents needed to understand that education was important for girls; maybe training and awareness raising was needed for the parents. 

    Another Expert said that since the 1990s, the State party had made efforts to increase women’s participation in the labour market.  Yet despite this, women’s participation had steadily declined since 2012. The gender pay gap in the capital showed that 52 per cent of women employed took home only 77 per cent of men’s average wages.  What were the legislative measures for ensuring equal pay and equal and just working conditions?  What was the State’s assessment of the sharp decrease in women’s participation in the labour market, and what was being done to combat this?  How would these plans target women in vulnerable groups?  What policies were in place to protect migrant women workers?  What were the measures provided under the sexual harassment law? 

    A Committee Expert said the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had approved a decree to establish health insurance which was positive.  One of the key issues recognised by the Government was HIV/AIDS. What were the main results of efforts taken to prevent HIV/AIDS?  What steps had been taken to adopt HIV/AID legislation to expand access to services and combat discrimination?  Could updated information on rural women be provided, including access to services? What was the main reason for the criminalisation of abortion?  What were the main barriers which women and girls in poverty faced when accessing health services?  What access did women in detention have to reproductive health services?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said a group of parents had been created in primary schools to enable them to understand the importance of education.  Lunch boxes had been created for poor students and those who lived in rural areas, which had seen an increase in school enrolment.  A new curriculum had been developed for the schools and teachers had been trained on this.  Scholarships were provided to poor students and job training was provided to give students access to the labour market.  The law on disability aimed to protect the rights of those with disabilities. Within this law, children with disabilities could access educational facilities, the same as anyone else. Special equipment was provided to help these children receive an education.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic provided tools for developing skills in the labour market. 

    The delegation said a national action plan had been implemented to combat HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.  In addition to reducing the stigma, the 161 HIV/AIDS centres provided counselling services, with 11 centres providing treatment.  Testing kits for HIV detection were distributed within the communities.  Poor women could give birth in public hospitals free of charge.  In each detention centre, there were medical staff on hand to provide healthcare to detainees.  Other statistics would be provided in writing. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert commended the State party’s efforts to expand social protection coverage. Despite institutional efforts, feminised poverty persisted, and women continued to face great difficulties in gaining access to economic, social and cultural activities.  Could comprehensive data be provided on how women had benefitted from the small and medium enterprise law?  What targeted policies and measures existed to increase access to finances for women?  What gender-specific outcomes existed to demonstrate effectiveness and uptake in the banking sector? 

    What steps were being taken to adopt specific legislation on women’s rights to land? How could women’s roles at village and community levels be increased?  Could updated information be provided on measures taken to allow women in the informal sector to access benefits?  What was the impact of national and international cooperation programmes?  What plans existed to develop opportunities for women in sports?  How strong was the country’s economic, social and cultural framework on gender commitment? 

    Another Expert noted the different actions taken by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to integrate gender equality into different sectors, including in agriculture and fisheries, to benefit rural women and other marginalised groups. However, there were clear gender gaps in the implementation of Government policies.  What concrete actions would the State party consider taking to ensure the effective implementation of Government initiatives to benefit vulnerable women?  How was gender-responsive climate financing integrated in the national budget?  What concrete steps had been taken to increase rural and other vulnerable women’s access to quality social services? 

    The Committee had received reports of indigenous people evicted from their ancestral land. What steps was the Lao People’s Democratic Republic taking to preserve ancestral land and mitigate the gendered impact of the climate crisis?  What concrete steps were being taken to protect the Hmong people from forceful evictions from their land?  What concrete steps were being taken to provide compensation to women evicted from their land? 

    A Committee Expert said the Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic called for the independence of the judiciary.  How was the Supreme Court trained on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary? Did women human rights defenders have access to free legal counsel?  How were the village chiefs who were trained to implement the laws monitored?  It was understood that customary laws were part of a traditional system, but these might be outdated in 2024 and could create a stigma for women.  Women were often abandoned with their children in a time of profound economic crisis. Would the State consider social security and childcare arrangements? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said a law existed in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic which defined the right for individual or legal entities to use land, without any discrimination on the grounds of gender.  These were part of the efforts to promote women’s access to land.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was in the process of transforming the economy to make it digitalised.  The State had joined the international community in the Global Digital Compact.  Social protection efforts gave women in vulnerable situations top priority. Women were covered as a target group under the Government policy under the Sustainable Development Goals.  The issue of land was very important as many women were engaged in agriculture.  For this reason, the Government aimed to ensure women had access to land.  The Government had a legislative framework on the law of land. 

    Within the legal system of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a foreigner could not own land, but had the right to use the land.  The country prioritised the need for foreign investors to protect the environment.  Foreign entities did not own 50 per cent of land in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 

    A committee had been appointed to implement the climate action plan.  Human resources were allocated to implement this plan. Trainings on national disasters were provided in the provinces.  The national disaster preparedness plan had been piloted. Gender equality was mainstreamed across policies in all sectors.  A vaccination campaign was conducted to help prevent communicable disease.  Guidelines were developed to help increase the quality of health coverage. 

    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union was in the process of revising the law on the protection of women.  Specific rights had been added, including for the labour market.  The Government issued a decree on lifelong learning in 2020 to develop a policy for rural women and girls to have access to education. 

    Agriculture was the basis of the economy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  A group of female farmers had been established which provided benefits, including generating income for their families. Currently, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic did not have a specific law on anti-discrimination.  However, the Government had adopted the law on gender equality.  Civil and criminal proceedings were required to be conducted on the basis that all civilians were equal before the law. 

    Campaigns were organised around land ownership to ensure all women understood their rights when it came to inheriting land, as well as the importance of putting their name on the land title.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic categorically rejected the allegations of forced evictions.  Before being relocated, people were extensively consulted. 

    Closing Remarks

    CHANSODA PHONETHIP, Vice President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Women’s Union and Vice President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children and head of delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue, which helped the Lao People’s Democratic Republic fulfil its obligations under the Convention.  The Committee’s insights were instrumental to advancing the rights of women and girls in the country.  The Lao People’s Democratic Republic would address the challenges highlighted by the Committee.  The State welcomed any support from the international community to help in meeting its obligations under the Convention. 

    ESTHER EGHOBAMIEN-MSHELIA, Committee Vice Chair, thanked the delegation for the constructive dialogue with the Committee, which helped it to better understand the situation of women and girls in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CEDAW24.024E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Round Table Conference on IPR and Commercialization in Ayush Systems organised

    Source: Government of India (2)

     Round Table Conference on IPR and Commercialization in Ayush Systems organised

    Integration of traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation

    Global Partnerships in the last decade led to tremendous Growth in the Ayush Manufacturing Sector: Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ayush

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 7:00PM by PIB Delhi

    A Round Table Conference focusing on “Intellectual Property, Regulatory Framework, and Commercialization Aspects in Traditional Knowledge of Ayush Systems” was organised by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in collaboration with the School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur here today. The conference gathered leading experts from academia, government, and industry to address the critical challenges and opportunities in protecting and advancing traditional knowledge in Ayush systems.

    The event was graced by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, as the Chief Guest. Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University, Haryana, Prof. Anupam Srivastava, Head of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at NIA, Jaipur, Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from the School of Biotechnology, JNU were among other dignitaries who graced the event.

    In his address, Prof. Kotecha emphasized the essential role of research and teaching in Ayurveda and how these pillars drive the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) agenda in traditional medicine.

    Highlighting the Ministry’s initiatives to strengthen Ayush systems, he said, “The evolving digital ecosystem and the generation of scientific evidence are crucial for advancing the Indian system of medicine. We integrate traditional wisdom with modern technologies to protect intellectual property and foster innovation.” Prof. Kotecha praised the Ayurveda Biology Program at JNU for its forward-thinking approach, which contributed to the modernisation and internationalisation of Ayurveda research.

    He also elaborated on India’s collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), focusing on developing global standards for traditional medicine. He credited these initiatives for contributing to India’s burgeoning Ayush manufacturing sector, which has witnessed tremendous growth over the past decade. Prof. Kotecha stressed that the collaboration between academia and industry is critical to further enhancing the global competitiveness of Ayush products while ensuring the protection of traditional knowledge through appropriate IPR frameworks.

    Prof. (Vaidya) Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Shri Krishna Ayush University, Haryana, was the Guest of Honor at the conference. He underscored the need for greater cooperation among all Ayush agencies to address common challenges in research and commercialisation. “A molecular understanding of traditional medicine and developing research tools specific to Ayush systems are essential. Moreover, we must include IPR as a core subject in postgraduate courses to prepare future scholars for the challenges ahead,” he remarked.

    Addressing a session, Prof. Anupam Srivastava, Head of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at NIA, Jaipur, traced the evolution of Ayush systems from the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) to the establishment of the Ministry of Ayush. He emphasized the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library’s (TKDL) critical role in protecting India’s traditional medicinal knowledge from biopiracy. He proposed a six-month course on IPR, specifically tailored to the needs of Ayush professionals, to address gaps in intellectual property awareness.

    Prof. Rupesh Chaturvedi from the School of Biotechnology, JNU, spoke on the importance of protecting traditional knowledge in India and globally. He stressed the need to bridge research gaps to facilitate the commercialisation of Ayush products. “The proprietary issues surrounding Ayush systems can only be resolved through dedicated research and innovation. We must safeguard our traditional knowledge while ensuring its global integration,” he said.

    The conference concluded with a series of panel discussions that brought together leaders from Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. These sessions explored the creation and protection of intellectual property for Ayush innovations, the necessary regulatory frameworks, and strategies for commercialisation and benefit sharing.

    This conference marked a pivotal moment in addressing Ayush systems’ regulatory and intellectual property challenges. The discussions centred on crafting a shared vision to strengthen research, policy frameworks, and educational initiatives promoting India’s traditional knowledge globally. The event also fostered collaborations to advance Ayush systems’ contributions to global healthcare.

    As India continues to assert its leadership in traditional medicine, the dialogue initiated at this conference will catalyse further advancements in research, commercialisation, and intellectual property protection in the Ayush sector. The Ministry of Ayush remains committed to ensuring that Ayush systems continue to grow as an integral part of global healthcare solutions.

    ****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2063258) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –