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Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI USA: After 60 Years, Nuclear Power for Spaceflight is Still Tried and True

    Source: NASA

    Editor’s Note: Originally published on June 21, 2021.

    Six decades after the launch of the first nuclear-powered space mission, Transit IV-A, NASA is embarking on a bold future of human exploration and scientific discovery. This future builds on a proud history of safely launching and operating nuclear-powered missions in space.

    “Nuclear power has opened the solar system to exploration, allowing us to observe and understand dark, distant planetary bodies that would otherwise be unreachable. And we’re just getting started,” said Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “Future nuclear power and propulsion systems will help revolutionize our understanding of the solar system and beyond and play a crucial role in enabling long-term human missions to the Moon and Mars.”

    From Humble Beginnings: Nuclear Power Spawns an Age of Scientific Discovery

    On June 29, 1961, the John’s Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory launched the Transit IV-A Spacecraft. It was a U.S. Navy navigational satellite with a SNAP-3B radioisotope powered generator producing 2.7 watts of electrical power — about enough to light an LED bulb. Transit IV-A broke an APL mission-duration record and confirmed the Earth’s equator is elliptical. It also set the stage for ground-breaking missions that have extended humanity’s reach across the solar system.

    Since 1961, NASA has flown more than 25 missions carrying a nuclear power system through a successful partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE), which provides the power systems and plutonium-238 fuel.

    “The department and our national laboratory partners are honored to play a role in powering NASA’s space exploration activities,” said Tracey Bishop, deputy assistant secretary in DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy. “Radioisotope Power Systems are a natural extension of our core mission to create technological solutions that meet the complex energy needs of space research, exploration, and innovation.”

    There are only two practical ways to provide long-term electrical power in space: the light of the sun or heat from a nuclear source.

    We couldn’t do the mission without it. No other technology exists to power a mission this far away from the Sun, even today.

    Alan Stern
    Principal Investigator, NASA’s New Horizons Mission to Pluto and Beyond

    “As missions move farther away from the Sun to dark, dusty, and harsh environments, like Jupiter, Pluto, and Titan, they become impossible or extremely limited without nuclear power,” said Leonard Dudzinski, chief technologist for NASA’s Planetary Science Division and program executive for Radioisotope Power.

    That’s where Radioisotope Power Systems, or RPS, come in. They are a category of power systems that convert heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238 fuel into electricity.

    “These systems are reliable and efficient,” said June Zakrajsek, manager for NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems Program office at Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “They operate continuously over long-duration space missions regardless of sunlight, temperature, charged particle radiation, or surface conditions like thick clouds or dust. They’ve allowed us to explore from the Sun to Pluto and beyond.”

    RPS powered the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package. They’ve sustained Voyager 1 and 2 since 1977, and they kept Cassini-Huygens’ instruments warm as it explored frigid Saturn and its moon Titan.

    Today, a Multi-Mission Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) powers the Perseverance rover, which is captivating the nation as it searches for signs of ancient life on Mars, and a single RTG is sustaining New Horizons as it ventures on its way out of the solar system 15 years after its launch.

    “The RTG was and still is crucial to New Horizons,” said Alan Stern, New Horizons principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute. “We couldn’t do the mission without it. No other technology exists to power a mission this far away from the Sun, even today.”

    New Horizons carries seven scientific instruments and a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. The spacecraft weighs 1,060 pounds.
    NASA/JHUAPL

    Great Things to Come: Science and Human Exploration

    Dragonfly, which is set to launch in 2028, is the next mission with plans to use an MMRTG. Part of NASA’s New Frontiers program, Dragonfly is an octocopter designed to explore and collect samples on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, an ocean world with a dense, hazy atmosphere.

    “RPS is really an enabling technology,” said APL’s Zibi Turtle, principal investigator for the upcoming Dragonfly mission. “Early missions like Voyager, Galileo, and Cassini that relied on RPS have completely changed our understanding and given us a geography of the distant solar system…Cassini gave us our first close-up look at the surface of Titan.”

    According to Turtle, the MMRTG serves two purposes on Dragonfly: power output to charge the lander’s battery and waste heat to keep its instruments and electronics warm.

    “Flight is a very high-power activity. We’ll use a battery for flight and science activities and recharge the battery using the MMRTG,” said Turtle. “The waste heat from the power system is a key aspect of our thermal design. The surface of Titan is very cold, but we can keep the interior of the lander warm and cozy using the heat from the MMRTG.”

    As the scientific community continues to benefit from RPS, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate is investing in new technology using reactors and low-enriched uranium fuel to enable a robust human presence on the Moon and eventually human missions to Mars.

    Astronauts will need plentiful and continuous power to survive the long lunar nights and explore the dark craters on the Moon’s South Pole. A fission surface power system could provide enough juice to power robust operations. NASA is leading an effort, working with the DOE and industry to design a fission power system for a future lunar demonstration that will pave the way for base camps on the Moon and Mars.

    NASA has also thought about viable ways to reduce the time it takes to travel to Mars, including nuclear propulsion systems.

    As NASA advances its bold vision of exploration and scientific discovery in space, it benefits from 60 years of the safe use of nuclear power during spaceflight. Sixty years of enlightenment that all started with a little satellite called Transit IV-A.

    News Media ContactJan WittryNASA’s Glenn Research Center

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Currently Ranked 2nd in National Electric Vehicle Sales in 2024

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis announced that according to the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, Colorado is now ranked as 2nd in the nation in electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2024. 

    “Colorado is now second in the nation in electric vehicle sales and we are proud to see the impact that Electric Vehicles are having on our air quality, while saving Coloradans money. Colorado is breaking down barriers to accessing EVs by making them more affordable across the state. While second is a great place to be, we will continue pushing to be number one,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Last week, Governor Polis and EV industry leaders gathered at Tynan’s Nissan in Aurora to celebrate some of the country’s lowest EV costs. 

    Widespread EV adoption is an important strategy to achieve Colorado’s climate goals and protect air quality. The state is well on its way to meeting its ambitious target of 940,000 EVs on Colorado roads by 2030, with EVs already making up more than 23% of new car sales this year and 27.8% of sales during the most recently reported quarter. 

    All Coloradans are currently eligible for a $5,000 state tax credit for purchasing or leasing a new EV (battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric) with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) under $80,000, and an additional $2,500 for EVs with an MSRP under $35,000. The $5,000 state tax credit is available through the end of this year, before decreasing to $3,500 starting in 2025. 

    Income-qualified Coloradans exchanging an eligible old or high-emitting vehicle can also take advantage of a $6,000 rebate through the Vehicle Exchange Colorado Program for a new EV purchase or lease and a $4,000 rebate for a used EV purchase or lease. 

    In addition, Coloradans may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for a new EV lease, and for the purchase of certain EV models that meet specific manufacturing requirements. A $4,000 federal tax credit is available for used EV purchases and leases. Xcel Energy also offers EV rebates for income-qualified customers, totaling $5,500 for new EV purchases and leases and $3,000 for used vehicles. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Money to Advance Zero-Emission Homes in New York

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $10 million is now available to advance new zero-emission homes in New York State. The Building Better Homes – Zero Emission Homes for Healthier Communities program incentivizes the design, construction and marketing of new clean and resilient single-family homes and townhomes and provides training and technical support to builders and developers. Advancing zero-emission new construction across the state will reduce emissions, improve indoor air quality, and create healthy, comfortable and resilient living environments for all New Yorkers.

    “New homes built to the latest clean energy and efficiency standards will ensure greener, healthier housing is available to all New Yorkers while helping pave the way toward a more sustainable future,” Governor Hochul said. “This investment is another part of the State’s comprehensive strategy to transform the new construction market, curb emissions, and ensure fewer homes and buildings rely on fossil fuels.”

    The Building Better Homes – Zero Emission Homes for Healthier Communities Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), provides funding on a first come, first served basis to builders and developers that commit to designing, constructing and growing market awareness and demand for new zero emission single-family homes and townhomes. Projects must meet performance requirements and third-party certification criteria that address clean energy, above code energy efficiency, and resiliency, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that remain operable during power outages or include backup power sources that can be used in the event of a power outage.

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Bringing builders and developers resources to advance zero-emission new construction is at the heart of Governor Hochul’s commitment to build homes that are healthy, comfortable, and maximize consumer control over energy use. This program continues NYSERDA’s long history of working with the market to bring the latest in energy and efficiency measures to more New Yorkers.”

    The base incentive per home is up to $7,000 and up to $4,000 for townhomes. Homes located in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group, will be eligible for the higher incentive amount with an additional $1,000 offered per project in these areas. Funding is also available for Passive House training of staff and contractors to help develop the expertise needed to effectively incorporate these standards into new homes.

    Applications for a single home, townhome or multiple homes and townhomes within a housing subdivision will be accepted through December 31, 2025, by 3 p.m. ET or until funds have been exhausted. For more information on this opportunity, including eligibility requirements, please visit NYSERDA’s website.

    This program is part of the Building Better Homes Initiative, which is designed to advance market awareness of zero-emission building practices and provide resources that can be distributed to consumers about the benefits of them. Benefits to consumers include improved indoor air quality, reducing the potential for asthma and allergies, and more comfortable living, all resulting from modern, high-performance appliances, such as induction cooktops, convection ovens, and clothes washers with integrated heat pump dryers.

    Zero-emission homes are also more likely to operate seamlessly during power outages due to incorporating passive resiliency and survivability measures. With more than 10,000 new homes being built per year in New York State, working with the home building market to reduce emissions is critical to making progress toward the State’s climate and energy goals, including the Governor’s goal to achieve two million climate-friendly homes by 2030.

    Buildings are one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State, and through NYSERDA and utility programs, more than $6.8 billion is being invested to decarbonize buildings. By improving energy efficiency in buildings and advancing statewide installations of onsite storage, renewables, and electric vehicle charging equipment, the State will reduce its carbon emissions and advance toward the ambitious target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 TBtu by 2025, the equivalent of powering 1.8 million homes.

    This program is funded through the State’s Clean Energy Fund (CEF).

    New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments, are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – Talen Energy to Report Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on November 14, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reflects Update to Previously Announced Date to Accommodate Schedules in the Investor Community, New Event Links Included

    HOUSTON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talen Energy Corporation (“Talen”) (NASDAQ: TLN) plans to release its third quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, November 14, 2024, before market open. President and Chief Executive Officer Mac McFarland and Chief Financial Officer Terry Nutt will discuss the financial and operating results during an earnings call at 10:00 a.m. EST (9:00 a.m. CST) on November 14, 2024.

    To listen to the earnings call, please register in advance for the webcast here. For participants joining the call via phone, please register here prior to the start time to receive dial-in information. For those unable to participate in the live event, a digital replay of the earnings call will be archived for approximately one year and available on Talen’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.talenenergy.com/news-events/events.

    About Talen
    Talen Energy (NASDAQ: TLN) is a leading independent power producer and energy infrastructure company dedicated to powering the future. We own and operate approximately 10.7 gigawatts of power infrastructure in the United States, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power and a significant dispatchable fossil fleet. We produce and sell electricity, capacity, and ancillary services into wholesale U.S. power markets, with our generation fleet principally located in the Mid-Atlantic and Montana. Our team is committed to generating power safely and reliably, delivering the most value per megawatt produced and driving the energy transition. Talen is also powering the digital infrastructure revolution. We are well-positioned to capture this significant growth opportunity, as data centers serving artificial intelligence increasingly demand more reliable, clean power. Talen is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit https://www.talenenergy.com/.

    Investor Relations:
    Ellen Liu
    Senior Director, Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@talenenergy.com

    Media:
    Taryne Williams
    Director, Corporate Communications
    Taryne.Williams@talenenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this communication, or incorporated by reference into this communication, are forward-looking statements. Throughout this communication, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or other forms of these words or similar words or expressions or the negative thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions concerning, among other things capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, hedging, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this communication. All of our forward-looking statements include assumptions underlying or relating to such statements that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and are subject to numerous factors that present considerable risks and uncertainties.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ninth Africa Energy Market Place (AEMP) held in Dar es Salaam ahead of key Africa Heads of State Energy Summit scheduled for 28 January in Tanzania

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, October 23, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Further to an April 2024 pledge by the Presidents of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the World Bank to bring electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030, the Tanzanian port city of Dar es Salaam has been selected to host an Africa Heads of State Energy Summit on 28 January 2025.

    The summit will convene heads of state and government, ministers, international and regional organisations, and other partners, including the private sector, to agree on a common set of reforms required to support Africa’s overall objective of “achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy by 2030.” This objective aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    This announcement was made by Dr Kevin Kariuki, Africa Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth during the opening of the 9th Africa Energy Market Place (AEMP).

    AEMP is a policy dialogue and investment delivery platform created by the African Development Bank as part of the New Deal on Energy for Africa, the transformative partnership to light up and power Africa by 2025. By bringing together governments, the private sector, and development partners, it works to scale up investments in the African energy sector

    In his remarks, Dr Kariuki praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership and personal commitment to Tanzania’s, and Africa’s, universal access to modern energy. He observed that increased and accelerated access to modern energy will hasten Tanzania’s economic development. “Accelerated universal access to energy will catalyse Tanzania’s economic development and guarantee an expedited well-lit, powered, prosperous and sustainable energy future for all Tanzanians,” he said.

    Jointly organised by the African Development Bank Group and Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, the AEMP took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on the 16th and 17th  of October 2024, under the theme Delivering the Clean Cooking Initiatives and National Energy Access Goals.  It was officiated by Dr Doto Mashaka Biteko, Tanzania’s deputy prime minister and minister of energy.

    Deputy Prime Minister Biteko expressed optimism regarding the AEMP’s potential for policy dialogue, noting that, “Hosting the 9th Africa Energy Market Place is timely as we prepare for the Africa Heads of State summit which aims to bring together African presidents, the private sector and development partners to facilitate investments to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa.”

    He said he hoped the discussions at AEMP would shape the executive sessions of the upcoming January summit.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: TAG Oil Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Units

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAG Oil Ltd. (TSXV:TAO, OTCQX:TAOIF, and FSE:T0P) (“TAG Oil” or the “Company”) announces pricing of its previously announced $10 million marketed public offering of units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $0.17 per Unit (the “Offering”).

    Certain members of management and directors of the Company intend to participate alongside investors in the Offering.

    The Offering is being led by Research Capital Corporation, as lead agent and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of agents, including Beacon Securities Limited, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Haywood Securities Inc., Ventum Financial Corp. and Tennyson Securities (collectively, the “Agents”).

    Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (“Common Share”) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share (a “Warrant Share”) at an exercise price equal to $0.25 per Warrant Share at any time up to 24 months following the closing of the Offering.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to advance appraisal and development activities in the Western Desert, Egypt, at both the Badr Oil Field and strategic new 512,000-acre concession and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Activities to be advanced with the proceeds include executing re-entry work on multiple existing wells to recomplete and/or drill a sidetrack into existing conventional oil reservoirs, the drilling of new vertical delineation wells in the unconventional Abu Roash “F” (ARF) resource play targeting high intensity natural fractured areas, and the planning of the next horizontal well with multi-stage frac.

    In addition, the Company plans to also complete a third-party resource report on the new strategic 512,000-acre concession that is in the process of being acquired and conduct a potential strategic joint venture partnership process.

    The Company has granted the Agents an option, exercisable in whole or in part, at the sole discretion of the Agents, at any time, from time to time, for a period of 30 days from and including the closing of the Offering, to purchase from the Company up to an additional 15% of the Units sold under the Offering, and/or the components thereof, on the same terms and conditions of the Offering to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes.

    The Offering is expected to close on or about the week of November 13, 2024, or such other date as the Company and the Agents may agree. Closing of the Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the securities regulatory authorities and the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The Company will file an amended and restated preliminary short form prospectus for up to 58,823,529 Units at the price of $0.17 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $10 million (the “Amended and Restated Preliminary Prospectus”) with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Québec) amending and restating the preliminary short form prospectus filed on October 21, 2024 setting out the terms of the Offering. The Amended and Restated Preliminary Prospectus will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Units are being offered in each of the provinces of Canada (except Québec) and may be offered in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an appropriate exemption from the registration requirements under applicable U.S. law, and outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis. Prospective investors should read the Amended and Restated Preliminary Prospectus and other documents the Company has filed before making an investment decision.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    About TAG Oil Ltd.

    TAG Oil (http://www.tagoil.com/) is a Canadian based international oil and gas exploration company with a focus on operations and opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

    For further information:

    Toby Pierce, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: 1 604 609 3355

    Email: info@tagoil.com
    Website: http://www.tagoil.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tag-oil-ltd
    X: https://twitter.com/tagoilltd

    Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Offering and the timing in respect thereof, participation by management of the Company in the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Exchange, the filing of the Amended and Restated Preliminary Prospectus and the proposed completion of a third party resource report.

    Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of TAG Oil. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “schedules”, “prepares”, “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur. All statements that describe the Company’s plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company’s management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company’s periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by TAG Oil that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. TAG Oil disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding TAG Oil’s business contained in TAG Oil’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on TAG Oil and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review TAG Oil’s filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

    TAG Oil provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

    Exploration for hydrocarbons is a speculative venture necessarily involving substantial risk. The Company’s future success in exploiting and increasing its current reserve base will depend on its ability to develop its current properties and on its ability to discover and acquire properties or prospects that are capable of commercial production. However, there is no assurance that the Company’s future exploration and development efforts will result in the discovery or development of additional commercial accumulations of oil and natural gas.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Potential loss of a historic site in Oviedo: European funding for soil decontamination at the old gas and electricity factory – E-002113/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002113/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Estrella Galán (The Left)

    Just as the platform Fábrica de Gas e Ideas and the municipal group IU-Convocatoria por Oviedo have warned, the planned renovation works at the old gas and electricity factory in Oviedo — including its demolition and decontamination — could lead to the loss of a historic site and of the opportunity to restore it. The entire premises would then be handed over to public use, as Rome, Athens and Glasgow have already done.

    In the urban speculation project that threatens the conservation and restoration of this site, which holds irrefutable cultural value, a schedule of works is to be carried out by the private company Ginkgo Advisor to decontaminate the soil and water.

    Given that this decontamination must be done in full compliance with the relevant EU legislation and that the demolition, besides entailing an enormous loss of cultural heritage, could result in health repercussions:

    • 1.Has the European Commission been informed of the planned renovation of the old factory?
    • 2.Could the Commission clarify if it has granted European funds for any part of the special plan to renovate the interior of the gas factory in Oviedo?
    • 3.Is the Commission aware that the company Ginkgo Advisor is receiving European funds to decontaminate the site at issue?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    Last updated: 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia – RC-B10-0133/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Rasa Juknevičienė, François‑Xavier Bellamy, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, David McAllister, Sebastião Bugalho, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Daniel Caspary, Loucas Fourlas, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Raphaël Glucksmann, Udo Bullmann, Matthias Ecke, Francisco Assis
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Emmanouil Fragkos, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Assita Kanko, Marion Maréchal, Aurelijus Veryga, Geadis Geadi, Rihards Kols, Bert‑Jan Ruissen, Charlie Weimers
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Nathalie Loiseau, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Moritz Körner, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia

    (2024/2890(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan, Armenia and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh,

    – having regard to the relevant documents and international agreements, including but not limited to the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Alma-Ata Declaration of 21 December 1991,

    – having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights of 1950, ratified by Azerbaijan in 2002 and to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,

    – having regard to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict,

    – having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 22 April 1996 between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part[1],

    – having regard to the statements by the European External Action Service spokesperson of 29 May 2024 on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and of 3 September 2024 on early parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan,

    – having regard to Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution 2527 (2024) of 24 January 2024 entitled ‘Challenge, on substantive grounds, of the still unratified credentials of the parliamentary delegation of Azerbaijan’,

    – having regard to the Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions of the Election Observation Mission to the Early Presidential Elections held on 7 February 2024 and to the Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions of the International Election Observation Mission to the Early Parliamentary Elections in Azerbaijan held on 1 September 2024,

    – having regard to the report of 29 March 2023 by the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance on Azerbaijan and to the memorandum of 21 October 2021 by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights on the humanitarian and human rights consequences following the 2020 outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh,

    – having regard to the orders of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023, of 6 July 2023 and of 17 November 2023 on the request for the indication of provisional measures for the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v Azerbaijan),

    – having regard to Rules 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the choice of Azerbaijan’s capital Baku as the venue for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), scheduled to take place from 11 to 22 November 2024, has sparked controversy, notably owing to Azerbaijan’s worsening human rights record, as well as recent and blatant violations of international law, including aggressive behaviour towards its neighbour Armenia; whereas respect for fundamental human rights and civil society participation are enshrined in the host country agreement through which the Azerbaijani Government committed to uphold these rights; whereas in the lead-up to this major international conference, the Azerbaijani authorities have intensified their repression of civil society organisations, activists, opposition politicians and the remaining independent media through detentions and judicial harassment; whereas corruption and a lack of judicial independence further undermine governance;

    B. whereas civil society organisations list over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, including Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Tofig Yagublu, Ilhamiz Guliyev, Aziz Orujov, Bahruz Samadov, Akif Gurbanov and many others; whereas there are credible reports of violations of prisoners’ human rights, including detention in inhumane conditions, torture and refusal of adequate medical care;

    C. whereas prominent human rights defender and climate advocate, Anar Mammadli, has been in pre-trial detention since 30 April 2024 on bogus charges of conspiracy to bring illegal foreign currency into the country and his health has deteriorated significantly while in custody; whereas Gubad Ibadoghlu, a political economist, opposition figure and one of the finalists for the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, was arrested by Azerbaijani authorities in July 2023 and remained in detention until 22 April 2024, when he was transferred to house arrest; whereas his health has deteriorated significantly since his arrest, as a result of torture, inhumane detention conditions and refusal of adequate medical care, thus endangering his life; whereas the health of Gubad Ibadoghlu’s wife, Irada Bayramova, continues to deteriorate as a result of the physical violence she suffered during her detention by the Azerbaijani authorities; whereas on 4 December 2023 human rights activist Ilhamiz Guliyev was arrested on politically motivated charges a few months after he gave an anonymous interview to Abzas Media about the alleged police practice of planting drugs on political activists;

    D. whereas for more than a decade and with increasing determination, Azerbaijani authorities have been reducing space for civil society, arbitrarily closing down non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and arresting or forcing into exile civil society representatives; whereas in recent years, the Azerbaijani authorities have imposed increasingly stringent restrictions on civil society organisations; whereas activists, journalists, political opponents and others have been imprisoned on fabricated and politically motivated charges;

    E. whereas according to human rights defenders, crackdowns on civil society have occurred around other major international events hosted by Azerbaijan, including Eurovision 2012 and the European Games 2015;

    F. whereas the Azerbaijani regime appears to extend its repressive actions beyond its borders; whereas the ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression in Azerbaijan is also reflected in reports of transnational repression and reprisals against family members of detainees; whereas, since 2020, Mahammad Mirzali, an Azerbaijani dissident blogger, has been the target of several assassination attempts in France; whereas, on 29 September 2024, Vidadi Isgandarli, a critic of the Azerbaijani regime living as a political refugee in France, was attacked in his home and succumbed to his injuries two days later; whereas the Azerbaijani authorities have also engaged in politically motivated prosecutions of EU citizens, as seen in the case of Théo Clerc, prompting at least one Member State to formally warn its citizens against travelling to Azerbaijan owing to the risk of arbitrary detention;

    G. whereas Azerbaijan has implemented a systematic policy of bribing officials and elected representatives in Europe in order to downplay Azerbaijan’s human rights record and to silence critics, as part of a widely used strategy described as ‘caviar diplomacy’; whereas some cases have been investigated and some of those involved have been prosecuted and convicted by national courts in several EU Member States;

    H. whereas a number of European Court of Human Rights decisions have found that Azerbaijan has violated human rights; whereas according to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, more than 320 court judgments against Azerbaijan have not yet been executed or have been only partially implemented, which is the highest number among all state parties to the European Convention on Human Rights;

    I. whereas on 3 July 2024, the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) publicly denounced Azerbaijan’s ‘refusal to improve the situation in the light of the Committee’s recommendations’ and the ‘persistent lack of cooperation of the Azerbaijani authorities with the CPT’;

    J. whereas the PACE decided in January 2024 not to ratify the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation, noting its ‘very serious concerns as to …[Azerbaijan’s] respect for human rights’; whereas the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe noted that its Monitoring Committee’s rapporteurs were not allowed to meet with people who had been detained on allegedly politically motivated charges, and that the Azerbaijani delegation refused to allow the rapporteur for the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights to visit the country;

    K. whereas according to the Election Observation Mission led by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), the early presidential election held on 7 February 2024 took place in a restrictive environment and was marked by the stifling of critical voices and the absence of political alternatives; whereas Azerbaijan held early parliamentary elections on 1 September 2024 in what the OSCE/ODIHR-led International Election Observation Mission described as a restrictive political and legal environment that did not enable genuine pluralism and resulted in a contest devoid of competition; whereas in the period leading up to the parliamentary elections, several government critics were detained;

    L. whereas media legislation in Azerbaijan has become increasingly repressive, with the February 2022 media law effectively legalising censorship; whereas several other laws affecting the media also violate the country’s international obligations with regard to freedom of expression and press freedom; whereas public criticism of the authorities is subject to severe penalties;

    M. whereas according to Reporters Without Borders, virtually the entire media sector in Azerbaijan is under official control, with no independent television or radio broadcasts from within the country, and all critical print newspapers shut down; whereas the authorities continue to suppress the last remaining independent media and repress journalists who reject self-censorship; whereas Azerbaijan has intensified its repression against the remaining independent media, such as Abzas Media, Kanal 13 and Toplum TV, through detentions and judicial harassment;

    N. whereas the Azerbaijani laws regulating the registration, operation and funding of NGOs are highly restrictive and arbitrarily implemented, thus effectively criminalising unregistered NGO activity; whereas Freedom House’s 2024 index ranks Azerbaijan among the least free countries in the world, below Russia and Belarus;

    O. whereas gas contracts between Gazprom and SOCAR for the delivery of one billion cubic metres of gas from Russia to Azerbaijan between November 2022 and March 2023 have raised significant concerns about the re-export of Russian gas to the European market, particularly in the context of the signed memorandum of understanding on the strategic partnership in the field of energy; whereas the EU aims to reduce European dependence on Russian gas, but this agreement could be seen as undermining that goal, as Russian gas would still be flowing into Azerbaijan, thus potentially freeing up Azerbaijani gas for increased re-export to the EU; whereas there are also worrying reports of Russian gas being rebranded as Azerbaijani for sale in the EU;

    P. whereas Azerbaijani leaders have engaged in anti-EU and anti-Western rhetoric; whereas Azerbaijan has intensified its disinformation campaigns targeting the EU and its Member States, with a specific focus on France; whereas Azerbaijan has actively interfered in European politics under the guise of ‘anti-colonialism’, notably in overseas countries and territories such as New Caledonia;

    Q. whereas in addition, in September 2023, after months of the illegal blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan launched a pre-planned, unjustified military attack on the territory, forcing over 100 000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia, which amounts to ethnic cleansing; whereas as a result, Nagorno-Karabakh has been almost entirely emptied of its Armenian population, who had been living there for centuries; whereas this attack represents a gross violation of human rights and international law, a clear breach of the trilateral ceasefire statement of 9 November 2020 and a failure to uphold commitments made during EU-mediated negotiations;

    R. whereas the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh lost their property and belongings while fleeing the Azerbaijani military push in 2023 and have been unable to recover them since; whereas actions amounting to ethnic cleansing have continued since then; whereas the EU has provided humanitarian aid to people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh; whereas credible reports confirm the organised destruction of Armenian cultural and religious heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh; whereas Azerbaijani leaders and officials repeatedly use hate speech against Armenians;

    S. whereas both Azerbaijan and Armenia are bound by international humanitarian law and the Third Geneva Convention protects prisoners of war from all forms of torture and cruel treatment; whereas reports indicate that 23 Armenian prisoners are currently being held in Azerbaijani prisons without adequate legal representation, including eight former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, some of whom have received long prison sentences;

    T. whereas in February 2023, the EU deployed the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) to observe developments at the international border with Azerbaijan; whereas Azerbaijan has refused to cooperate with EUMA and the mission has been the target of disinformation by Azerbaijani authorities and government-controlled media; whereas the Azerbaijani leadership continues to make irredentist statements with reference to the sovereign territory of Armenia; whereas the Azerbaijani army continues to occupy no less than 170 km2 of the sovereign territory of Armenia;

    U. whereas Armenia and Azerbaijan have engaged in negotiations on a peace treaty, the normalisation of their relations and border delimitation, both before and after the 2023 attack on Nagorno-Karabakh; whereas, despite mediation efforts by the EU and others, no peace agreement has been signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia; whereas, although both governments have stated that they are close to an agreement, recent remarks by the Azerbaijani president raise concern about Baku’s willingness to find a compromise to conclude the negotiations;

    V. whereas the EU fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Azerbaijan and Armenia and actively supports efforts towards a sustainable peace agreement between the two countries, achieved by peaceful means and respecting the rights of the population concerned;

    W. whereas since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Azerbaijan has deepened its relations with Russia, including political and economic ties, as well as increased cooperation between their intelligence services; whereas Russia has openly backed Azerbaijan in its aggressive behaviour towards Armenia;

    1. Strongly condemns the domestic and extraterritorial repression by the Azerbaijani regime against activists, journalists, opposition leaders and others, including EU nationals, which has noticeably intensified ahead of COP29; urges the Azerbaijani authorities to release all persons arbitrarily detained or imprisoned on account of their political views, to drop all politically motivated charges and to cease all forms of repression, both within and beyond Azerbaijan; recalls in this context the names of Tofig Yagublu, Akif Gurbanov, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, human rights defenders and journalists, including Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali and Elnara Gasimova, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Avaz Zeynalli, Elnur Shukurov, Alasgar Mammadli, Ilhamiz Guliyev and Farid Ismayilov, as well as of civil society activists arrested after March 2024 such as Anar Mammadli, Farid Mehralizade, Igbal Abilov, Bahruz Samadov, Emin Ibrahimov and Famil Khalilov; expresses deep concern about the environment of fear that this has created inside the country, leaving civil society effectively silenced;

    2. Reiterates its call for the Azerbaijani authorities to drop all charges against Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and allow him to travel abroad, unhindered and to the country of his choice, to reunite with his family, to receive the medical care he urgently needs and attend the Sakharov Prize ceremony in Strasbourg in December 2024; calls on Azerbaijan to ensure that he receives an independent medical examination by a doctor of his own choosing and to allow him to receive treatment abroad; calls on all EU representatives and individual Member States to actively support the release from house arrest of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and insist on his release in every exchange with the Azerbaijani authorities;

    3. Demands that freedom of the press and expression be guaranteed and that media organisations not be restricted; calls, therefore, on the Azerbaijani Government to release journalists working for Abzas Media and Toplum TV, including Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifqizi and Alasgar Mammadli;

    4. Considers that Azerbaijan’s ongoing human rights abuses are incompatible with its hosting of COP29; urges EU leaders, in particular Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to use COP29 as an opportunity to remind Azerbaijan of its international obligations and to meaningfully address the country’s human rights record in their interactions with the Azerbaijani authorities, including by calling for the unconditional release of all persons arbitrarily detained or imprisoned on account of their political views and by requesting to meet with political prisoners while in the country; calls for the EU and its Member States to do their utmost to ensure that United Nations Climate Change conferences are not hosted in countries with poor human rights records;

    5. Reminds the Azerbaijani authorities of their obligations to respect fundamental freedoms, and calls on them to repeal repressive legislation that drives independent NGOs and media to the margins of the law; calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to repeal repressive legislation on the registration and funding of NGOs to bring them into line with Venice Commission recommendations;

    6. Recalls that the 1996 EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which is the legal basis for bilateral relations, is based on respect for democracy and the principles of international law and human rights and that these have been systematically violated in Azerbaijan;

    7. Reminds the Azerbaijani Government of its international obligations to safeguard the dignity and rights of detainees, ensuring that they receive adequate medical care, are detained in humane conditions and are protected from any mistreatment; calls on the Azerbaijani Government to swiftly comply with long-standing recommendations of the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on the subject of the widespread recourse to physical ill treatment – including, on occasion, torture – by the police in Azerbaijan; calls on the Azerbaijani Government to implement all the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights;

    8. Reiterates its call for EU sanctions to be imposed under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime on Azerbaijani officials who have committed serious human rights violations; calls on the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to request meetings with political prisoners in Azerbaijan;

    9. Insists that any future partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan be made conditional on the release of all political prisoners, the implementation of legal reforms and the overall improvement of the human rights situation in the country, as well as on Azerbaijan demonstrating its genuine readiness to faithfully engage in the negotiation of a peace agreement with Armenia and to respect the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians;

    10. Calls for the EU to end its reliance on gas exports from Azerbaijan; calls on the Commission to suspend the 2022 memorandum of understanding on the strategic partnership in the field of energy and to act accordingly;

    11. Reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Azerbaijan and Armenia and strongly supports the normalisation of their relations based on the principles of the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders, in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration; reiterates its demand for the withdrawal of Azerbaijan’s troops from the entirety of Armenia’s sovereign territory; calls on Azerbaijan to unequivocally commit to respecting Armenia’s territorial integrity; highlights that Azerbaijan’s connectivity issues with its exclave of Nakhchivan should be resolved with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia; reiterates its position that the EU should be ready to impose sanctions on any individuals and entities that threaten the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Armenia;

    12. Condemns any military aggression, use of force or hybrid threats against Armenia, as well as foreign interference and attempts to destabilise the political situation in Armenia; welcomes, furthermore, the decision to adopt the first assistance measure under the European Peace Facility in support of Armenian armed forces and calls for the cooperation between Armenia and the EU to be further reinforced in the field of security and defence; welcomes the actions undertaken by several Member States to provide defensive military support to Armenia and urges the Member States to consider similar initiatives; welcomes the new momentum in bilateral relations between the EU and Armenia, which is strongly supported by the authorities in Yerevan; calls on the Commission and the Council to actively support Armenia’s desire for increased cooperation with the EU;

    13. Expresses its support for the activities of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) and underscores the important role it plays; reiterates its concern regarding the repeated smear campaigns originating from Azerbaijan against EUMA; calls on EUMA to continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation on the ground, provide transparent reporting to Parliament and actively contribute to conflict resolution efforts; calls for the EU and its Member States to strengthen EUMA’s mandate, increase its size and extend its duration;

    14. Supports all initiatives and activities that could lead to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement; calls on Azerbaijan to demonstrate genuine efforts to this end; warns Azerbaijan that any military action against Armenia would be unacceptable and would have serious consequences for the partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU; welcomes the Armenia-Azerbaijan joint statement of 7 December 2023 on confidence-building measures; welcomes the progress made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process, which has led to an agreement on several sections of the border; encourages both sides to take further steps on the remaining sections; calls for the EU to cease all technical and financial assistance to Azerbaijan that might contribute to strengthening its military or security capabilities; calls on the Member States to freeze exports of all military and security equipment to Azerbaijan;

    15. Calls for the full implementation of all orders issued by the International Court of Justice, including the order of 17 November 2023 indicating provisional measures regarding the safe, unimpeded and expeditious return of people who fled Nagorno-Karabakh; recalls that the decision to host COP29 in Baku was made after Azerbaijan failed to comply with the above-mentioned International Court of Justice order as well as those of 7 December 2021 and of 22 February 2023; reiterates its call for independent investigations into the abuses committed by Azerbaijani forces in Nagorno-Karabakh; reiterates its call on the Azerbaijani authorities to allow the safe return of the Armenian population to Nagorno-Karabakh, to genuinely engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue with them, to provide robust guarantees for the protection of their rights, including their land and property rights, the protection of their distinct identity and their civic, cultural, social and religious rights, and to refrain from any inflammatory rhetoric that could incite discrimination against Armenians; urges the Azerbaijani authorities to release all 23 Armenian prisoners of war detained following Azerbaijan’s retaking of the Nagorno-Karabakh region;

    16. Reiterates its call for the EU institutions and the Member States to continue to offer assistance to Armenia to deal with the refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh; calls for the EU, in this regard, to provide a new package of assistance to Armenia to help the Armenian Government address the humanitarian needs of refugees; welcomes all efforts by the Government of Armenia to provide shelter and aid to the displaced Armenians;

    17. Expresses deep concern regarding the preservation of cultural, religious and historical heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh following the massive exodus of its Armenian population; urges Azerbaijan to refrain from further destruction, neglect or alteration of the origins of cultural, religious or historical heritage in the region and calls on it instead to strive to preserve, protect and promote this rich diversity; demands the protection of the Armenian cultural, historical and religious heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh in line with UNESCO standards and Azerbaijan’s international commitments; insists that Azerbaijan allow a UNESCO mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and grant it the necessary access;

    18. Deplores steps taken by Azerbaijan towards the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus, which are against international law and the provisions of UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984); calls on Azerbaijan to respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and to not invite the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus to any meetings of the Organization of Turkic States;

    19. Condemns Azerbaijan’s repeated attempts to denigrate and destabilise Member States, including through the so-called Baku Initiative Group; condemns in particular its support for irredentist groups and disinformation operations targeting France, especially in the French departments and territories of New Caledonia, Martinique and Corsica; recalls that these methods were used against Germany in 2013; denounces the smear campaigns targeting Denmark; regrets the smear campaign aimed at damaging France’s reputation by calling into question its capacity to host the 2024 Olympic Games, launched by actors suspected of being close to the Azerbaijani regime;

    20. Condemns the arbitrary arrests of EU citizens based on spurious accusations of espionage and their disproportionate sentencing;

    21. Strongly condemns the public insults and direct threats made by Azerbaijani diplomatic or government representatives, or members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, targeting elected officials of EU Member States; demands, in this regard, that access to EU institutional buildings be denied to the Azerbaijani officials concerned until further notice;

    22. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Armenia, the Director-General of UNESCO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Confirmation hearings – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    The designated candidates of the von der Leyen Commission will be heard by the relevant EP committees from 4 to 12 November. Candidates will give an opening speech and answer members’ questions.

    ENVI is responsible, alone or jointly, for the hearings of:

    Executive Vice-Presidents-designate:

    • Teresa Ribera (ES): Clean, Just and Competitive Transition (12.11)
    • Stéphane Séjourné (FR): Prosperity and Industrial Strategy (12.11)

    Commissioners-designate:

    • Jessika Roswall (SE): Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy (5.11)
    • Olivér Várhelyi (HU): Health and Animal Welfare (6.11)
    • Hadja Lahbib (BE): Preparedness, Crisis Management, Equality (6.11)
    • Wopke Hoekstra (NL): Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth (7.11)

    ENVI is invited to the hearings of:

    • Apostolos Tzitzikostas (EL): Sustainable Transport and Tourism (4.11)
    • Christophe Hansen (LUX): Agriculture and Food (4.11)
    • Dan Jørgensen (DK): Energy and Housing (5.11)
    • Costas Kadis (CY): Fisheries and Oceans (6.11)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Integration between Public and Private sectors is crucial to future growth, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Integration between Public and Private sectors is crucial to future growth, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    AI and BharatGen: Paving the Way for Inclusive Digital Transformation in India

    National Learning Week Session Emphasizes Collaborative Approach to Transform India’s Technological Landscape

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Integration between Public and Private sectors is crucial to future growth, emphasized Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in a pivotal session during the National Learning Week, jointly organized for all level of employees of all the Science Ministries and Departments.

     

    The Union Minister highlighted how the convergence of public sector requirements, private sector innovations, and government efforts is shaping the next phase of technological advancement in the country. Referring to BharatGen, India’s indigenously developed large language model (LLM), and the growing role of AI in governance, Dr.Jitendra Singh stressed that such collaborative efforts are vital to drive innovation, improve public service delivery, and ensure India remains competitive in the global AI landscape. The Minister noted that harnessing private sector expertise, combined with government initiatives like BharatGen and AI applications, will pave the way for scalable, inclusive, and efficient solutions for the nation’s diverse needs.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh further highlighted that the government’s role in this integration is to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, supports startups, and ensures that technological advancements align with national priorities. “When public demands meet private sector creativity, and government policies facilitate growth, we can achieve scalable and sustainable solutions that benefit the entire country,” the Minister stated. He praised the ongoing collaboration between the public sector and private enterprises in areas like AI and LLMs, which are vital for India’s competitive edge in the global tech landscape.

    The session also saw participation from Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Abhay Karandikar, Secretary Biotechnology Dr Rajesh Gokhale and Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr.M.Ravindran, who echoed Dr.Jitendra Singh’s views on the need for a united approach to ensure sustainable growth and innovation across sectors.

    BharatGen, an indigenously developed large language model (LLM) tailored for Indian languages, was the focal point of a session organized for employees of the Science Ministries as part of the National Learning Week. The session delved into the practical applications of BharatGen across various sectors, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize public service delivery and enhance citizen engagement. By using India-centric data, BharatGen can generate high-quality text and speech outputs in multiple Indian languages, making it a key tool for promoting digital inclusion in the country.

    Experts highlighted how BharatGen can be applied to sectors such as governance, healthcare, and education, helping bridge linguistic gaps and making digital services accessible to a larger segment of India’s population. The model’s ability to understand and respond in regional languages ensures that AI technology is not limited to English speakers, providing a more personalized experience for users. BharatGen’s applications can range from AI-driven customer support for government services to real-time translations and speech-to-text functionalities.

    One of the key takeaways from the session was BharatGen’s role in promoting India’s technological independence. Unlike global AI models, BharatGen prioritizes Indian languages and cultural contexts, addressing the unique challenges faced by the country. This AI model aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring that India retains control over its digital resources while empowering startups, industries, and public institutions to build on the BharatGen framework for various innovations.

     

    In a dedicated session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) during National Learning Week, employees from the Science Ministries were introduced to the transformative potential of AI in governance and public service delivery. The session highlighted how AI could be used to improve decision-making processes, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance citizen-centric services. By leveraging AI technologies, government departments can increase efficiency, reduce human error, and create more responsive systems to meet the evolving needs of the public.

    The session emphasized the ethical and responsible use of AI, particularly in safeguarding data privacy and maintaining transparency in government functions. Experts outlined the importance of developing AI frameworks that ensure fairness and accountability, particularly when dealing with sensitive data in sectors such as healthcare and governance. Participants were encouraged to explore AI applications in areas like predictive analysis for policy-making and automating routine tasks to focus on more strategic issues.

    A key highlight of the session was the importance of building AI models suited to India’s unique requirements. By focusing on regional languages and culturally relevant contexts, AI can better serve India’s diverse population. The participants were urged to continuously upgrade their AI skills, ensuring that India remains competitive globally while fostering innovation and inclusivity in public services.

    Concluding the session, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, emphasizing that such collaborations are not just beneficial but necessary for India’s long-term growth. He expressed confidence that with sustained efforts and a shared vision, India will continue to lead in technological advancements that are both inclusive and forward-looking.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AI to be instrumental in realizing Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047: Minister Hardeep S Puri at ENRich 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    AI to be instrumental in realizing Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047: Minister Hardeep S Puri at ENRich 2024

    Potential economic impact of AI is immense; AI adoption can generate Rs 33.8 Cr of economic value in country by 2030: Hardeep Puri

    Shri Puri highlights role of AI in Transformation of Energy Sector

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 6:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Addressing the ENRich 2024, KPMG’s Annual Innovation and Energy Conclave, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the energy sector. With the theme “AI for Energy,” the Minister described the convergence of AI and energy as both timely and transformative, marking a critical step in shaping the future of the industry. He emphasized that AI is set to revolutionize operations, drive efficiency, and accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape.

     

    The Minister highlighted how AI is rapidly being adopted across industries and will be instrumental in realizing the  Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

    Focusing on the oil and gas sector, Shri Puri shared how AI and generative AI (GenAI) are optimizing operations by leveraging real-time data and insights. He pointed out that international oil companies are making significant investments in AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon future.

    Shri Puri noted that the Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the energy domain are also harnessing AI and Machine Learning (ML) to improve safety, security, and operational efficiencies at various locations. Through advanced tools like demand forecasting, customer analytics, and pricing analytics, AI is enhancing the overall customer experience in the energy sector.

    In the upstream oil and gas sector, the Minister said, AI-enabled mechanisms such as deep learning are being used to analyze complex seismic data for identifying potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. Additionally, he said, AI-based prediction of drilling complications and real-time optimization of drilling parameters has proven effective in improving drilling efficiency and reducing operational costs.

    Shri Puri noted the comprehensive integration of AI tools across the energy value chain, from upstream exploration and production to midstream storage and downstream refining and distribution. He observed that this shift marks a departure from the traditional engineering mindset that has long dominated the industry.

    As an example, he pointed to the modernization of India’s National Data Repository, now upgraded to a cloud-based platform. This platform supported by a government investment of Rs. 7,500 crore, enables instant access to seismic and production data, he noted.

    Citing research by J.P. Morgan, the Minister discussed the potential of generative AI to increase global GDP by $7–10 trillion over the next three years, leading to a major boost in workforce productivity and reshaping the global economy.

    Shri Puri further emphasized that India, with its growing economy, youthful population, and thriving tech ecosystem, is poised to benefit greatly from AI. Reports suggest that AI adoption could contribute at least Rs. 33.8 lakh crore to India’s economy by 2030, he said.

    He also highlighted the success of the Universal Connectivity and Digital India initiatives, which have driven a dramatic increase in internet subscribers from 251.59 million in 2014 to 954.40 million in 2024, achieving a CAGR of 14.26%.

    The Minister applauded KPMG’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship and support the start-up ecosystem through initiatives like “ENRich Labs” for innovation and co-creation with the industry.

    Highlighting India’s booming start-up ecosystem, the Minister noted that India is now the world’s third-largest hub for unicorn start-ups, following the USA and China, with a combined valuation of approximately USD 350 billion. He emphasized that these start-ups are reshaping the Indian economy and transforming markets.

    Stressing on the oil and gas sector, Shri Puri shared that Oil and Gas PSUs have set up startup funds totaling Rs. 505 crore. So far, 287 start-ups have received funding, with Rs. 271 crore already disbursed to promote innovation and growth in the sector.

    The Minister also talked about the Avinya’25, launched recently based on the overwhelming success of Avinya’24. The initiative aims to encourage entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, and students to propose innovative solutions that can shape the future of the energy sector. The application period for Avinya’25 opened on 30thSeptember 2024, with a submission deadline of 2ndDecember 2024. Shri Puri urged everyone to actively participate and contribute to the event’s success

    Shri Puri concluded by urging stakeholders to explore the untapped potential in India’s energy sector, stressing the importance of sustainable business practices that align with societal and environmental goals.

    ****

    MN

    (Release ID: 2067399) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary to felicitate WorldSkills 2024 winners tomorrow

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and MoS, Ministry of Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary to honor the outstanding achievements of the Indian delegation at the WorldSkills 2024 competition during a  Felicitation Ceremony in New Delhi tomorrow.

    India has made a remarkable mark on the global stage at WorldSkills 2024 at Lyon in France, by winning four Bronze medals in different categories. These are: Ashwitha Police in Patisserie and confectionery; Dhrumil Kumar Dhirendra Kumar Gandhi and Sathyajith Balakrishnan in Industry 4.0; Joethir Adithya Krishnapriya Ravikumar in Hotel Reception and Amaresh Kumar Sahu in Renewable Energy category.

    In addition, the Indian delegation earned 12 Medallions of Excellence, a testament to their exceptional skills and consistent performance across various trades. India’s performance at WorldSkills 2024 was a strong showing on the global stage, with the country competing against other global giants like China, Japan, Germany, and the USA.

    The event will also be graced by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, and Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC, Sector Skill Council Experts and Industry/Academia Partners for WorldSkills 2024.

    WorldSkills Lyon 2024 saw more than 1,400 participants from over 70 countries competing in diverse skill categories, and the Indian competitors stood its ground among the best in the world, showcasing their talent and innovation in front of an international audience. India competed in 52 skills against countries like China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Columbia, Denmark, France, UK, South Africa, Switzerland, USA, etc.

    The Indian contingent’s success at WorldSkills 2024 is a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a global skills leader. Winning the Bronze medal in Patisserie and Confectionery in France, the global epicenter of fine pastry and baking, is an extraordinary achievement. It signifies India’s rising prowess in culinary arts, proving that Indian talent can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in a country renowned for its mastery in this craft.

    India’s 12 Medallions of Excellence at WorldSkills 2024 highlight the nation’s prowess across a range of traditional and emerging skills, from Mechatronics and Cyber Security to Jewellery and Beauty Therapy. These achievements underscore India’s leadership in both innovation-driven fields like Additive Manufacturing and Web Technology, as well as craftsmanship in areas like Cabinet Making and Cooking.

    The success of the Indian competitors at WorldSkills 2024 is a testament to the rigorous preparation and industry support they received throughout their journey. Each participant underwent extensive training, supported by industry experts, mentors, and the best-in-class infrastructure provided by organizations across various sectors.

    ****

    PSF/DK

    (Release ID: 2067389) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Participation in Hearing of Commissioner-designate Dan Jørgensen – Tuesday 5.11.24 – Committee on Regional Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Dan Jørgensen_Commissioner-designate 2024.jpg © European Union, 2024, CC BY 4.0

    The Committee on Regional Development will participate in the hearing of Dan Jørgensen organised by the two responsible committees: the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
    The portfolio of the Danish Commissioner-designate is Energy and Housing.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fund for the protection and development of the frontier regions of countries bordering Ukraine, Belarus and Russia – E-002090/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002090/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marta Wcisło (PPE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE), Jacek Protas (PPE), Nils Ušakovs (S&D), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Benoit Cassart (Renew), Ewa Kopacz (PPE), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Krzysztof Hetman (PPE), Roberts Zīle (ECR), Lucia Yar (Renew), Reinis Pozņaks (ECR), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Krzysztof Brejza (PPE), Mirosława Nykiel (PPE), Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), Vilis Krištopans (PfE), Adrian-George Axinia (ECR), Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (PPE), Andrzej Buła (PPE), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Rihards Kols (ECR), Andrzej Halicki (PPE), Dariusz Joński (PPE), Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz (PPE), Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (S&D), Bartosz Arłukowicz (PPE), Magdalena Adamowicz (PPE), Michał Szczerba (PPE), Adam Jarubas (PPE), Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak (PPE), Janusz Lewandowski (PPE), Michał Wawrykiewicz (PPE), Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (PPE), Borys Budka (PPE)

    Europe is facing an unprecedented combination of internal and external threats undermining EU citizens’ security. Military, economic and security challenges are greatest in the EU’s border regions, causing depopulation, investor outflow, business bankruptcies and unemployment rates of up to 16 %. Eastern EU areas have become a buffer zone of the Union. Polish regions such as Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, and others in countries bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine bear the whole burden of threats while simultaneously protecting all Member States. These frontier regions have become the EU’s poorest areas. The European Union, as a values-based community, must take immediate and targeted action.

    • 1.Following the Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 and the overall political consensus on the need to strengthen European security and resilience, what specific measures does the Commission envisage to help the regions bordering Ukraine, Russia and Belarus that are bearing the greatest burden of war in Europe?
    • 2.Using the example of the Just Transition Fund, and taking the solidarity principle as a basis, is the Commission working to establish a specially dedicated fund to support these regions?
    • 3.Can the Commission undertake a study into the positive effects that the creation of such a protection and development fund could have on economic activities and industrial and infrastructure planning, as well as on the broader safety of the EU’s borders?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify Energy Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify Energy Corp. (“Amplify” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AMPY) announced today that it will report third quarter 2024 financial and operating results after the U.S. financial markets close on November 6, 2024. Management will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. CT on November 7, 2024 to discuss the Company’s results. Interested parties are invited to participate in the conference call by dialing (877) 550-1707 (Conference ID: AEC3Q24) at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. A replay of the call will be available by phone at (800) 654-1563 (Access Code: 10171254) for a fourteen-day period following the call.

    About Amplify Energy

    Amplify Energy Corp. is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation and production of oil and natural gas properties. Amplify’s operations are focused in Oklahoma, the Rockies (Bairoil), federal waters offshore Southern California (Beta), East Texas / North Louisiana, and the Eagle Ford (Non-op). For more information, visit www.amplifyenergy.com.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Jim Frew — SVP & Chief Financial Officer
    (832) 219-9044
    jim.frew@amplifyenergy.com

    Michael Jordan — Director, Finance and Treasurer
    (832) 219-9051
    michael.jordan@amplifyenergy.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Powering Communities: Building Resilience in Estes Park, CO

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    In Estes Park, Colorado, the threat of wildfires, high winds, and flooding has put the local electric grid at risk. To ensure critical infrastructure like the hospital remains powered, Platte River Power Authority in partnership with the State of Colorado Energy Office and the Grid Deployment Office is installing an innovative battery storage project. This project aims to strengthen the grid and help Estes Park power through future severe weather events. Learn more about how this community is taking action to secure its energy future.

    #EstesPark #BatteryStorage #Resilience #ColoradoEnergyOffice #PlatteRiverPowerAuthority #EstesParkPower

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMfxEPnl1OA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Leads Legislation to Streamline Federal Permitting Process  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act to address the current federal permitting system plagued with ambiguous, time-consuming, and costly policies. Permit by rule is proposed as a more efficient alternative, allowing for specific written standards and streamlined approval processes.

    “Under four years of the Biden administration’s failed leadership, our permitting process is woefully backlogged and incredibly difficult to navigate,” said Lummis. “The federal permitting process has become years-long, which discourages investment and innovation all together. Implementing permit by rule processes will streamline approvals and help us address backlogs.”

    “All too often, the federal permitting process is slow, expensive, and confusing,” said Budd.“That is why President Trump directed federal agencies to consider a ‘permit by rule’ system in his day one Unleashing American Energy Executive Order. Now Congress should make this policy permanent to reduce bureaucratic delays and compliance costs, and create a transparent and predictable regulatory environment. I’m proud to partner with Senator Lummis and Representative Maloy in this effort to implement a ‘permit by rule’ system to federal permitting.” 

    “Utah is growing rapidly,” said Maloy. “Unfortunately, executive agencies are often excruciatingly slow at granting permits, delaying critical projects that support rapid growth– especially in states like Utah where the majority of the land is federally controlled. The time is now to reform and streamline the permitting processes. I’m excited to see that President Trump, by executive order, has already directed his administration to begin that reformation– including through Permit by Rule– and I look forward to working with Senator Lummis and Senator Budd on advancing this bill.” 

    Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) also cosponsor this legislation. 

    Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

    Full text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ② Health AI: Integrated Wellness Solutions for Smarter Health Management

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forums on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Health AI session, experts shared insights into how AI technologies are shaping the future of daily health management.
     
     
    Samsung Electronics is leveraging AI technology to enhance its comprehensive health solutions, delivering more meaningful and personalized health experiences.
     
    To understand how Samsung’s AI ecosystem is poised to transform the future of wellness, Samsung Newsroom observed the second Tech Forum session, titled “The Role of Technology for a Healthier Life.”
     
    ▲ (From left to right) Dr. Vanessa Hill, Dr. Hon Pak, Dr. Patrick O’Connor, Emily English and Dr. Kyu Rhee
     
     
    Healthy Living Starts With a Holistic Approach
    Moderator Dr. Vanessa Hill, an award-winning science communicator and sleep scientist, started the discussion by providing insights into the practical utility of today’s health technology.
     
    While advancements such as wearable devices, health apps and telehealth platforms have made health management more accessible, the sheer volume of information can lead to confusion — making it easy to overlook critical insights amid an overwhelming sea of data.
     
    ▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor from the University of Georgia
     
    “The issue is not the amount of data but the fragmentation,” said Dr. Patrick O’Connor, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Mary Frances Early College of Education, University of Georgia. “The key is to bring the scattered data together to create a comprehensive understanding, as health requires a holistic approach due to the interconnectedness of so many factors.”
     
    “As a sleep scientist I know the importance of gathering health data around the clock. Identifying abnormalities in metrics like heart rate, temperature or even snoring during sleep is key to not only unlocking better sleep, but better overall health,” said Dr. Hill, who emphasized that sleep is the foundation of holistic health.
     
     
    Personalized Care Through Various Health Metrics and Continuous Tracking
    The discussion also explored the importance of adding new health metrics to track, and monitoring those metrics in a continuous manner.
     
    ▲ Dr. Kyu Rhee from the NACHC
     
    “Continuous health monitoring of physical activity, sleep, nutrition and stress should become new, additional vital signs for users and health professionals,” said Dr. Kyu Rhee, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “Combining this essential health data with clinical data powered by AI insights has the potential to transform the health system by improving health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and empowering patients, their caregivers and healthcare teams.”
     
    ▲ Dr. Hon Pak from Samsung Electronics
     
    One health metric receiving a substantial amount of attention from both Samsung and the digital health industry in general is blood glucose.
     
    “Blood glucose is an area Samsung has been deeply invested in, and we’ve made significant progress in developing CGM-integrated nutrition coaching as well as enhancing non-invasive technologies for tracking blood glucose levels,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, sharing the company’s roadmap for blood glucose management and end-to-end (E2E) healthcare experiences. “These advancements are all part of our work to deliver more proactive and preventive disease detection solutions to everyone, helping lower healthcare burdens on people, their families and society at large.”
     
    ▲ Emily English, a BSc nutritionist
     
    “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to health and nutrition, it’s a journey that requires a holistic understanding of yourself,” said Emily English, a BSc nutritionist. “Wellness technology is helping provide a full 360-view of your life. New solutions that offer easy access to health metrics like blood glucose will offer a more holistic understanding of our bodies and revolutionize the way we manage our everyday health.”
     
     
    Ushering in the Era of Personalized Health Insights
    The discussion touched on how AI can translate tracked health data into actionable and meaningful insights.
     
    ▲ The Tech Forum discussion on Health AI
     
    In an effort to consolidate disparate data onto a single platform, Samsung has collaborated with Dr. O’Connor’s research team to develop Energy Score — a feature that enhances the digital healthcare experience. “New AI-enabled features like Energy Score have become a jumping off point for broader health innovations,” explained Dr. Pak. Calculated based on health indicators such as activity levels, sleep, heart rate during sleep and heart rate variability during sleep, Energy Score exemplifies how wearable devices and AI can support a holistic and personalized approach to health and wellness management.
     
    ▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor describes Energy Score.
     
    “Monitoring overall readiness might benefit from minimally invasive brain sensing technology,” said Dr. O’Connor. “Today, we are able to leverage non-invasive technology, the available science and AI to generate an Energy Score, helping translate complex data into an intuitive and understandable index.”
     
    Dr. Pak also teased Samsung’s upcoming plans to expand the AI capabilities of Energy Score to include nutrition, mental health and even mobile usage patterns — offering users deeper and more comprehensive insights into their overall well-being.
     
    The Health AI session underscored the importance of a holistic approach to health management, highlighting the potential of personalized health experiences powered by continuous health monitoring. As AI becomes an indispensable partner in modern wellness, Samsung’s innovative technology is set to drive a new era of tailored and comprehensive health solutions.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Innovation – A robot cleaning up the Hofvijver in The Hague

    Source: The Hague

    And a new electric boat cleans up the bigger pieces of waste in the canals

    The Hague, the Netherlands, 24 January 2025 — The Municipality of The Hague has launched a pilot project to keep the historic Hofvijver plastic-free. Using the remote-controlled Jellyfishbot, plastic and other litter are being efficiently removed from this iconic body of water in the heart of the city.

    The initiative was introduced following an increase in complaints about litter in the Hofvijver, the famous lake located in front of the Dutch parliament buildings. The pilot project, which began at the end of 2024 and will run for one year, aims to determine the effectiveness of the Jellyfishbot in improving water quality. If successful, the technology may be deployed to other locations in the city, such as canals, where it could assist in cleaning water surfaces and even mapping underwater areas and quay walls. This project is led by the Urban Management team of the Municipality of The Hague, which is dedicated to enhancing the local living environment throughout the city.

    Alderman Robert Barker (Animal Welfare, Outdoor Space, and Environment) stated: “Unfortunately, too much waste still ends up in the Hofvijver. This is bad for the water quality and all plants and animals in and around the water. That is why we do our best to keep this historic piece of water in the middle of the city clean. This innovative robot can make a great contribution to that.”

    Stella Polaris

    Alongside the Jellyfishbot project in the Hofvijver, another new boat is now being used to clean up larger debris in the city’s waters. The service vessel is deployed for monitoring and maintenance purposes, retrieving large objects such as reels and planks from the water, and installing signs or mirrors when necessary. The previous service vessel, named Die Haghe, was built in 1986 and featured a Hatz diesel engine. The use was no longer viable due to CO2 emissions and height restrictions preventing it from passing under movable bridges. As a result, a new electrically powered service vessel, Stella Polaris, has been introduced. This eco-friendly boat can navigate all inner waters of The Hague and is stationed at its dedicated berth in the Poolsterhaven.

    Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (Energy Transition, Mobility and Raw Materials): “It is important that we keep our beautiful city clean, not only for nature, but also for our residents. This innovative technology offers us the opportunity to dispose of waste effectively and sustainably.”

    Read the full story about cleaning up the waters in The Hague on Stories of Purpose from The Hague:  https://storiesofpurpose.thehague.com/impact/robot-mission-jellyfishbot-cleaning-hofvijver

    About The Hague & Partners  

    The Hague & Partners is the official marketing & acquisition organisation for the promotion of The Hague, focused on residents, visitors, conferences, businesses, and institutions. www.thehague.com  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Reintroduces Resolution to Fight Back Against President Trump’s Day-One Withdrawal of United States from Paris Climate Agreement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Resolution Text (PDF)
    Washington (January 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-author of the Green New Deal resolution and member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today introduced the We Are Still In resolution with 21 colleagues to express support for continued work on every level to achieve the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement, in response to President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the agreement through a day-one executive order. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) is leading a similar effort in the House.
    The We Are Still In resolution signals ongoing support for U.S. climate ambition by leaders in Congress, who are continuing to work with and highlight local, state, regional, Tribal, and nongovernmental climate partners. The resolution underscores significant climate and clean energy actions taken by local and state governments, critical investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and widespread support for the Paris climate agreement garnered through the America is All In coalition. With President Trump’s withdrawal, the United States joins Iran, Yemen, and Libya as the only countries in the world not party to the Paris climate agreement.
    “Over the past four years, the United States has supercharged its international climate leadership with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate and clean energy investment in history, which has already created more than 400,000 jobs and unleashed $420 billion in clean energy investments nationwide. By withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, President Trump is attempting to sacrifice our leadership on the world stage and put our livable future at risk—all for the benefit of Big Oil billionaires,” said Senator Markey. “But our national climate agenda doesn’t live or die by President Trump’s pen, which is why I am reintroducing the We Are Still In resolution, signaling that climate action will continue to create good-paying jobs and a healthy environment regardless of our official stature within the Paris climate agreement. To our international allies: when it comes to fighting the climate crisis by your side, we still mean business.” 
    “The climate crisis unfolding before our eyes is already costing the U.S. tens of billions of dollars every year, which is why Congress has passed historic investments over the past four years to transition to a clean energy economy, slow climate change, and create good-paying jobs. Legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act demonstrated America’s commitment and leadership to the rest of the world. President Trump’s irresponsible decision to pull out of the Paris agreement sends a shameful signal to our allies and adversaries alike, showing that the U.S. is turning its back on the health and safety of our planet. This ill-considered decision puts us at a competitive disadvantage to adversaries like China and will certainly lower global ambitions to tackle climate change with the seriousness and urgency it demands,” said Congressman Schneider.
    Cosponsors include Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
    The resolution is endorsed by Union of Concerned Scientists and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
    On November 4, 2020, the first Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Paris climate agreement. The Biden administration re-entered the United States back into the agreement in January 2021. In December 2024, the Biden administration released an updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris climate agreement, which established an emission-reduction target of 61 to 66 percent below 2005 levels by 2035.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Large-Scale Nuclear Training Exercise to Take Place in Schenectady, New York

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

    From January 26-31, 2025, a large-scale, multi-agency nuclear incident training exercise will take place in the vicinity of Schenectady, New York, and surrounding counties of Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady. The training exercise will not pose any risk to area residents; the public does not need to be alarmed by training-related activity, including the presence of military personnel and aircraft, and people in protective equipment.

    The Departments of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and state and local partners will conduct the exercise in several areas of Schenectady and Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties as part of a series of regularly scheduled U.S. government biannual exercises. Similar trainings have been conducted in various regions across the United States since 2012.

    The general areas in which the training exercise will take place include areas around Albany Airport to Stratton Air National Guard Base to northern Saratoga County. 

    Several local and state law enforcement, fire, emergency management, and public health agencies will also be participating in the training, including the New York State Police, Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady County Sheriff’s Offices and the Albany Police Department.

    Exercise participants will conduct operations in personal protective equipment to simulate realistic conditions. It will also include aircraft from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    The exercise is an opportunity for participating entities to practice and enhance operational readiness to respond in the event of a nuclear incident in the United States or overseas.

    Due to the sensitive nature of the capabilities being implemented, the training activities are not open to the public or media.

    Again, the training exercise will not pose any risk to the public.

    Media inquiries may be directed to:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Leads Multistate Coalition to Defend NHTSA’s Fuel-Economy Standards for Passenger Vehicles and Trucks

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND — On behalf of California and leading a multistate coalition of 15 attorneys general, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an amicus brief in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)’s fuel-economy standards for passenger cars, light trucks, and heavy-duty trucks. The NHTSA standards are designed to enhance fuel efficiency for vehicles and benefit consumers across the country. Currently, Republican-led states and oil industry groups are not only challenging these federal fuel-economy standards but also using their lawsuit to attack California’s unrelated zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards. The amicus brief explains why that attack on state-law emission standards—designed to reduce smog-forming and planet-warming air pollution—has no place in a challenge to federal-law fuel efficiency standards.

    “Efficient vehicles and clean vehicles should not be partisan issues. Yet, we continue to see politically motivated attacks,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We are at a critical juncture in protecting our people and the environment, and that’s why, I, alongside attorneys general nationwide, are unwavering in our commitment to defend these standards that will better protect our communities.”

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) requires NHTSA to prescribe Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards at the “maximum feasible” average fuel economy level that manufacturers can achieve. These standards are intended to conserve fuel, which, in turn, saves consumers money at the pump, insulates the U.S. from global oil price instability, and reduces the impact of oil consumption on public health and the environment. Last June, NHTSA announced updated standards for model years 2027 to 2031 requiring automakers to achieve higher fuel efficiency across their fleets of cars as well as light and heavy-duty trucks. NHTSA projects that the 2027-31 standards will save consumers nearly $23 billion in fuel costs by reducing gasoline consumption by about 70 billion gallons, which will also prevent 710 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through 2050.

    In trying to undo those fuel-economy standards, the challengers argue NHTSA is required to develop CAFE standards as if the millions of electric vehicles that automakers sell do not exist. That fiction would lead to artificially low, do-nothing standards, and NHTSA was right to reject it. The challengers also fault NHTSA’s model of the auto industry for recognizing that automakers are already selling electric vehicles at levels consistent with California’s ZEV standards. The challengers have used NHTSA’s modeling as an excuse to attempt to shoehorn into their lawsuit a claim that California’s ZEV standards are unlawful based on a baseless theory that courts rejected over a decade ago.  

    California’s ZEV standards are a critical component of California’s vehicle emissions program that protects Californians against the health and environmental effects of vehicle exhaust pollutants including ozone, particulate matter, and toxic emissions. These emission standards have nothing to do with federal fuel-economy standards, and the Clean Air Act explicitly allows California to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The Clean Air Act also allows other states to adopt those standards for themselves if they choose.

    In the amicus brief, the coalition expresses support for NHTSA’s stringent fuel-economy standards while defending California’s ZEV standards against the challengers’ improper collateral attack. Specifically, the amicus brief highlights that a federal rule challenge is the wrong place to attack state laws.

    Attorney General Bonta leads the attorneys general of Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia in filing this amicus brief. 

    A copy of the amicus brief can be found here.

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Unreasonably high electricity prices – E-002091/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The issue of energy prices is of crucial importance both for the competitiveness of European companies and for the wellbeing of citizens.

    The Commission has been assessing the root causes for the high electricity prices in Southeastern Europe and has engaged bilaterally with the respective Member States.

    The Commission is in continuous discussions with Member States to support the implementation of adequate tools to respond to price spikes, without interfering with the proper functioning of the wholesale markets and the necessary investment needed for the energy transition.

    These tools include mobilising non-fossil flexibility, reducing demand during critical hours, increasing cross-border capacities, and protecting consumers .

    The existing internal market rules allow Member States to introduce all such measures, and the Commission is committed to support the Member States in their design.

    The Commission also underlines the importance of using existing interconnections between Southeastern Europe and the rest of Europe efficiently, and is engaging with some Member States to support the maximisation of the use of existing interconnections.

    European Union funding, in particular from the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy, is available for cross-border projects of common interest.

    The facility has notably provided funding for the electrical interconnection between Greece and Bulgaria that was commissioned in 2023.

    The Commission will actively work on affordability of energy. In this regard, already in the first 100 days of its mandate, the incoming Commission plans to adopt the Clean Industrial Deal, including an Action Plan for Affordable Energy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – AntiNero programme in Greece – E-002676/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is closely monitoring the implementation of the AntiNero programmes, which are part of the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan (measure ID: 16849).

    The Commission is in regular contact with the Greek authorities to ensure that the investment is implemented within the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) timeframe and according to the conditions set out in the annex to the Council Implementing Decision[1].

    As the RRF is a performance-based instrument, the Commission only pays out the amounts to each country when they have achieved the agreed milestones and targets towards completing the measures included in their plan.

    In relation to the Antinero programmes, Greece has currently fulfilled milestone 61 for awarding contracts for AntiNero programmes I and II, concerning the upgrade of 37 500 ha of degraded forest ecosystems.

    Future milestones and targets will be assessed at the time of their corresponding payment requests. The Greek authorities have not informed the Commission of any allocation of these grants towards other initiatives such as the ‘Saving Energy in Businesses — Changing my business’ energy system’ project.

    Should a programme be implemented in or nearby a Natura 2000 site so that it is likely to have a significant effect thereon, Greece will also need to verify wherever an appropriate assessment is required in line with the provision of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive[2].

    Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law, including verifying individual cases of potential breach of the relevant rules or taking the necessary steps for enforcement, and the appropriate measures to address any matter that has arisen.

    In its role as the guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will monitor the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

    • [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11858-2024-ADD-1/en/pdf
    • [2] OJ L 206, 22/07/1992, p. 7-50.
    Last updated: 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government e Marketplace sets new benchmark; crosses ₹ 4 Lakh Crore GMV within 10 months of FY 24-25

    Source: Government of India

    Government e Marketplace sets new benchmark; crosses ₹ 4 Lakh Crore GMV within 10 months of FY 24-25

    Services segment accounts for 62% of total GMV; Central Government entities emerge as key procurers

    GeM achieves milestone of processing 49,960 orders in a single day

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has surpassed the last years’ historic high Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹ 4 lakh crore within 10 months of the current Fiscal Year 2024-25 (FY). As on 23rd January, 2025, GeM has clocked a GMV of ₹4.09 Lakh Crore, which marks a growth of nearly 50% over the corresponding period last FY.

    In terms of segment-wise GMV, the services segment accounted for ₹ 2.54 Lakh Crore (62% of the total GMV), whereas product segment accounted for ₹1.55 Lakh Crore (38% of the total GMV).

    The swift growth of the services segment on GeM in FY 24-25 has significantly fuelled the portal’s upward growth trajectory. With an emphasis on expansion of bouquet of services offerings on GeM, 19 new service categories have been introduced on the portal in FY 24-25. Remarkably, services segment has grown by almost 100% in comparison to the corresponding period in previous FY. By facilitating procurement of specialised services like printing of debit cards, bulk email services, dark fibre leasing, operations management of data centres and more, the platform has enabled government entities to source from reliable vendors resulting in significant efficiency gains. 

    Central Government entities have been the key contributors to the marked increase in GeM GMV in this FY. The ministries of Coal, Defence, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Power & Steel were the top five procurers on GeM. With transacted order value of nearly ₹ 1.63 Lakh Crore, the Ministry of Coal has emerged as the top procurer, with more than 320 high-value bids, worth approximately ₹42,000 Crore, placed for Handling and Transport Services by Coal PSUs.

    GeM has emerged as a trusted platform not only for procurement of everyday essentials like ration, stationery office equipment etc., but also very high end & complex items such as advanced technology systems, missile components etc.

    Through continuous simplification and reforms, GeM portal has successfully facilitated over 2.59 Crore orders with a GMV of more than ₹11.64 Lakh Crore since inception. During the current FY, GeM also registered another historic feat by processing 49,960 orders in a single day, exemplifying the seamless efficiency and robustness of the GeM ecosystem and its rapid adoption by all stakeholders.

    GeM portal’s ability to streamline complex procurement processes, alongside its ability to handle high-volume transactions, has cemented its position as a trusted and indispensable tool for government entities. With an ever-growing network of 1.6 Lakh + government buyers and over 22.5 Lakh sellers and service providers, GeM is poised to continue driving efficiencies and fostering innovation in the public procurement sector for years to come.

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    Abhisekh Dayal/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2095901) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) signs MoU to Establish Centre of Excellence on Energy Transition in Hyderabad

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition (CoEET). The CoEET will be housed at TERI’s Institute of Energy Transition (IoET) at its campus in Hyderabad.

    The MoU signing ceremony took place at Hyderabad, in the esteemed presence of Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, and Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, BEE, TERI, and the Government of Telangana were also in attendance.

    This collaboration is a significant step toward advancing India’s energy transition efforts and fostering sustainable development. The Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition is envisioned as a world-class knowledge hub designed to promote research, innovation, and capacity-building in energy transition technologies and policies. With its foundation rooted in collaboration among corporates, industries, and academia, the Centre will facilitate groundbreaking advancements in technology development, assessment, and adoption. By fostering partnerships with national and international organizations, the Centre aims to enhance India’s capabilities in addressing energy transition challenges and developing solutions that align with global sustainability goals.

    The CoEET will conduct comprehensive research and studies across various sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote the adoption of low-carbon technologies. Its scope will include exploring innovative solutions for emission reductions in industries, MSMEs, buildings, transport, power, and mining sectors. The Centre will also focus on advancing energy-efficient technologies such as motors, HVAC systems, advanced boilers, smart manufacturing, and waste heat recovery systems. Furthermore, the Centre will support the formulation of policy and regulatory recommendations for building codes, energy performance standards, and appliance labeling while promoting circular economy practices and integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and real-time energy monitoring.

    As part of its mandate, the Centre will contribute to enhancing energy efficiency in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems to minimize losses and support India’s energy security goals. TERI’s Institute of Energy Transition will oversee the operational management of the Centre, with governance provided by a board comprising representatives from TERI, BEE, and the Ministry of Power. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has committed to providing financial support of ₹5 crores annually for five years to facilitate the establishment and functioning of the Centre. TERI will contribute its existing infrastructure at its Hyderabad campus and lead the operational activities to achieve the Centre’s objectives.

    The CoEET stands as a testament to the power of partnerships between government bodies and research institutions in tackling global climate challenges. By advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and building capacity, the Centre is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s transition toward a sustainable and resilient future.

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    JN/SK

    (Release ID: 2095900) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – ENVI Exchange of views with the Polish Council Presidency – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    On January 23 ENVI held an exchange of views with Paulina Henning-Kloska, Polish Minister of Climate and Environment. The debates are expected to focus on the priorities of the Polish Council Presidency.

    From 1 January to 30 June 2025, Poland held the presidency of the Council of the EU. The Polish Presidency defined 7 thematic priorities, with ENVI-relevant policies addressed, particularly under its priorities on Energy transition and a Competitive and resilient European agriculture. The exchange of views started with a presentation by Ms. Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Polish Minister of Climate and Environment, followed by rounds of questions raised by the Members.

    Denmark will take over from Poland on 1 July 2025 and will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until 31 December 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IEW 2025 to be Second Largest Energy Event Globally: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep S Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 5:14PM by PIB Mumbai

     

    Mumbai, 24th January, 2025

    India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, spanning over 1 lakh Sq mts, will be the second-largest energy event globally, event in terms of participation, exhibition space, and sessions said Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in Mumbai today.

    Scheduled to be held from February 11-14, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, IEW 2025 promises unparalleled global participation from Ministers, CEOs, and industry leaders, setting new benchmarks in the energy sector. 

    While interacting with media, the Minister highlighted the Clean Cooking Ministerial to be hosted on the sidelines of IEW 2025. This event will serve as a vital platform to strengthen collaborative efforts for accelerating the global adoption of clean cooking solutions. India’s highly successful Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) will take centre stage, showcasing valuable insights and best practices as a global template for addressing energy access challenges. 

    IEW 2025 is set to achieve remarkable growth in scale and participation compared to previous editions. The exhibition space will expand by 65% to 28,000 square meters, while the number of conference sessions will increase to 105, and global delegates will exceed 70,000. Over 500 speakers, including key international voices, will participate, reflecting the growing global significance of the event. The conference will also host 10 country pavilions from leading nations such as the U.S., UK, Russia, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands, alongside eight thematic zones focusing on hydrogen, renewables, biofuels, and petrochemicals. 

    The event will see participation from 20+ Foreign Energy Ministers or Deputy Ministers, along with Heads of International Organizations and 90 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies. This reflects India’s rising influence in shaping the global energy transition dialogue. Shri Puri also highlighted initiatives to engage youth and innovators, with leading IITs, startup platforms like “Avinya“ and “Vasudha,” and 500 students from Delhi/NCR participating to showcase innovation and technology-driven solutions. 

    A key highlight of IEW 2025 is the focus on compelling themes, including energy security, just and orderly transitions, collaboration, resilience, capacity building, and digital advancements. The event’s Clean Cooking Ministerial will further amplify India’s leadership role in ensuring access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions, reinforcing its global commitment to energy equity. 

    With its unparalleled scale and focus on innovation, India Energy Week 2025 is poised to position India at the forefront of global energy transitions and strengthen its role as a catalyst for change in the energy sector.

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    MN/PK

     

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

    (Release ID: 2095851) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Meets with Energy Secretary Nominee Chris Wright

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met today with Chris Wright, whom President Trump has nominated to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. Please see photo below.

    This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.

    Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 12 Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Business Email Compromise Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 12-count indictment alleging conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering against 12 individuals for defrauding multiple victims in a nationwide scheme.

    The indictment alleges that the defendants listed below were involved in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded the victims out of millions of dollars. These types of fraud target both companies and individuals.

    • Demani Jawara Bosket, 50, of Saluda
    • Nkem Ajoku 55, of Pflugerville, Texas
    • Walter Clayron Ruff Jr., 51, of Gaston
    • Tanya Lawshawn Bosket, 51, of Saluda
    • Jahbir Rolando Fowle, 45, of Charlotte, North Carolina
    • Anthony Jerome Savage, 46, of Charlotte, North Carolina
    • Micheal Raymond Bevans-Silva, 38, of Savannah, Georgia
    • Carlise Raymion Roland, 32, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Daniel Alexander Edwards, 51, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Danny Heard II, 41, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Raymone Tyshay Scott Sr., 48, of Jacksonville, Florida,
    • Jamian Joshaun Butler, 45, of Jacksonville, Florida,

    The perpetrators of these types of frauds typically employ the use of “spoofed” emails that appear to be the genuine email address of a legitimate business or banking institution. In reality, the email address is a slight variation of the true email address, and the victim is instead communicating with perpetuators of the scheme.

    The indictment alleges that the defendants accessed the victims’ computer systems to monitor email communications for potential financial transactions and bank transfers.  The defendants used this information to identify the victims’ points of contact, financial accounts, communications, and business practices. The defendants then used spoofed emails to impersonate internal personnel, business partners, vendors, or other interested parties. The defendants would then initiate payments or direct financial transfers to bank accounts they controlled. The defendants then shared and intermixed the stolen funds between their own bank accounts, before sending a portion of the money out of the country. The defendants are alleged to have victimized multiple individuals and businesses, including construction companies, private equity firms, title companies, and law firms in South Carolina, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Japan.

    The defendants face a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment and fines of $1,000,000. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. before the Honorable Paige J. Gossett.

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Secret Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lothrop Morris and T. DeWayne Pearson are prosecuting the case. 

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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    MIL Security OSI –