NewzIntel.com

Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CBDT notifies Rules and Forms for Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas (DTVSV) Scheme, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    CBDT notifies Rules and Forms for Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas (DTVSV) Scheme, 2024

    The Scheme to come into force with effect from 1st Oct. 2024

    DTVSV Scheme provides for lesser settlement amounts for a ‘new appellant’ in comparison to an ‘old appellant’

    Posted On: 21 SEP 2024 1:40PM by PIB Delhi

    In pursuance of the announcement in Union Budget 2024-25 by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024 (referred as DTVSV, 2024) to resolve pending appeals in the case of income tax disputes. The said Scheme shall come into force with effect from 1st Oct. 2024.

    The DTVSV Scheme, 2024 was enacted vide Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024.  Further, the Rules and Forms for enabling the Scheme have also been notified vide Notification No. 104/2024 in G.S.R 584(E) dated 20.09.2024.

    The DTVSV Scheme provides for lesser settlement amounts for a ‘new appellant’ in comparison to an ‘old appellant’. The DTVSV Scheme also provides for lesser settlement amounts for taxpayers who file declaration on or before 31.12.2024 in comparison to those who file thereafter.

    Four separate Forms have been notified for the purposes of the DTVSV Scheme. These are as under:

    1. Form-1: Form for filing declaration and Undertaking by the declarant
    2. Form-2: Form for Certificate to be issued by Designated Authority
    3. Form-3: Form for Intimation of payment by the declarant
    4. Form-4: Order for Full and Final Settlement of tax arrears by Designated Authority

    The DTVSV Scheme also provides that Form-1 shall be filed separately for each dispute provided that where appellant and the income-tax authority, both have filed an appeal in respect of the same order, single Form-1 shall be filed in such a case.

    The intimation of payment is to be made in Form-3 and is to be furnished to the Designated Authority alongwith proof of withdrawal of appeal, objection, application, writ petition, special leave petition, or claim.

    Forms 1 and 3 shall be furnished electronically by the declarant. These Forms will be made available on the e-filing portal of Income Tax Department i.e. www.incometax.gov.in.

    For detailed provisions of the DTVSV Scheme, 2024, section 88 to section 99 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024 may be referred to alongwith Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Rules, 2024.      

    This is another initiative by the Government towards litigation management.

    CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NOTIFICATION

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2057271) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government’s Commitment to Renewable Energy Gets a Significant Boost: CEA concurred two more Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (2500 MW)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Government’s Commitment to Renewable Energy Gets a Significant Boost: CEA concurred two more Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (2500 MW)

     CEA Advances Indigenous Energy Storage Solutions for Tomorrow’s Grid, Meeting Future Needs

    Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    In a landmark step towards realizing India’s renewable energy goals, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is making significant strides in addressing the growing need for large-scale energy storage in the nation’s power grid.

    In line with its commitment to ensuring a sustainable energy future, CEA has achieved another major milestone by concurring two more Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra viz. 1500 MW Bhavali PSP being developed by JSW Energy Ltd. and 1000 MW Bhivpuri PSP being developed by Tata Power Co. Ltd.

    These PSPs are concurred with the support of the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS) and were concurred within 10 days of completion of the DPRs i.e. the date on which the complete DPRs were submitted on the ONLINE portal by the developers.

    The project developers of these PSPs have indicated that they will fast track the commissioning and complete them in 44 to 46 months i.e. by 2028. These PSPs will collectively provide a storage capacity of more than 15 GWh (Gigawatt hours). This large-scale energy storage is crucial for meeting the peak demand during non-solar hour in addition to inertia to the grid, leading to grid stability. It will help in faster renewable energy integration, and supporting the transition to a greener energy system.

    CEA targets to concur atleast two PSPs each month during the current year depending upon the completion of the DPRs by the developers. During 2024-25, CEA has targeted to concur 15 Hydro PSPs of 25,500 MW capacity, out of this 4 PSPs of 5,100 MW capacity have already been concurred. 

    Under ease of doing business, CEA has developed an ONLINE portal “Jalvi-store” which will bring more transparency in processing of the chapters at pre DPR stage of PSPs. Further, some chapters have been done away with for expeditious concurrence of the DPRs. The check list is also incorporated in guidelines of PSPs which gives clarity on the information needed for respective chapters. GSI and CWC have made multiple teams for faster clearances of design chapters of PSPs. 

    The approval of these projects, spearheaded by private developers, underscores the growing role of the private sector in driving India’s energy transition. This marks a shift towards a collaborative energy ecosystem where public and private sectors converge to achieve national goals. This partnership will accelerate progress towards India’s renewable energy targets. CEA is confident that these projects will play a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and sustainability of India’s electricity grid, paving the way for a robust and resilient energy future.

    *****

    Sushil Kumar

    (Release ID: 2057568) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launchpool Lists WATCoin (WAT) with 1.57 Billion WAT tokens for to Lock Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Mocacoin (MOCA)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is set to list WATCoin (WAT), providing eligible users the opportunity to lock BTC, ETH, and MOCA in exchange for a share of 1,571,000,000 WAT. This promotional event will commence on September 20, 2024, at 10:00 (UTC) and run for ten days, allowing participants to maximize their holdings during this period.

    WATCoin (WAT) is part of a rapidly growing gaming ecosystem on the TON blockchain, boasting over 80 million lifetime users. It has one of the highest user retention rates among leading Telegram games, exceeding 25%. WATCoin is incubated by GAMEE, a mobile studio with a decade of experience and backing from notable names such as Animoca Brands and Binance Labs. Additional investment has been secured from Pantera, Kingsway, and TON Ventures, alongside a grant from the TON Foundation. WATCoin aims to be the primary platform for all TON projects within the Animoca portfolio and its partners. It has previously collaborated with projects like Notcoin and Blum, indicating its potential to accumulate value through its expanding network of partnerships.

    The locking period for this promotion spans from September 20, 2024, at 10:00 (UTC) to September 30, 10:00 (UTC). Participants can select from three distinct locking pools based on their preferred assets: BTC, ETH, or MOCA. Each pool has specific maximum and minimum locking limits, with the WAT allocation distributed based on the participant’s locked volume in proportion to the total locked volume within that pool.

    The BTC locking pool offers a total airdrop of 744,000,000 WAT, with a maximum limit of 2 BTC and a minimum limit of 0.0001 BTC. Users’ airdrop shares will be calculated based on their contribution to the overall BTC pool volume. Similarly, the ETH pool provides another 744,000,000 WAT for distribution, with a maximum of 15 ETH and a minimum of 0.002 ETH required for participation. The third option, the MOCA locking pool, features a total airdrop of 83,000,000 WAT, accommodating a maximum of 2,000,000 MOCA and a minimum of 50 MOCA. The airdrop distribution method ensures that participants receive a fair share according to their asset allocation in each pool.

    Hourly snapshots of participants’ locked volumes will be taken, with the airdrops distributed accordingly. For instance, if a user locks their assets at 10:46 AM, the volume is confirmed at 11:00 AM, and the airdrop is then distributed at 12:00 PM. This continuous distribution process allows for efficient and timely reward allocation. Participants have the flexibility to unlock their assets at any point during the promotion, with locked assets being automatically returned upon unlocking.

    WATCoin’s launch on Bitget Launchpool signals a step forward for TON’s gaming ecosystem, showcasing its potential for growth and value generation within the blockchain gaming space.

    For more information on WAT tokens, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 100+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team).

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5cfb082-cae5-484e-b9cc-6273256f4ba3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: United Christian Hospital appeals to public for missing patient

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

         â€‹A spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following appeal today (September 23) regarding a patient leaving the hospital without notification:

         An 80-year-old male patient with dementia was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of UCH at around 9pm yesterday (September 22) by ambulance. While waiting for consultation, the patient left the Accident and Emergency Department without notification at around 11.30pm.

         Security guards were deployed to search for the patient within the hospital compound and in the vicinity. The hospital also made a report to the Police for assistance. The patient is yet to be located. The hospital is very concerned about the incident and will fully cooperate with the Police in order to locate the patient.

         The patient is about 1.6 metres tall, with short white hair and has a slim build. CCTV footage showed that the patient was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, black trousers and black shoes when he left. The hospital appeals to the public to contact the hospital at 3949 4002 or the Police if they know the whereabouts of the patient.

         The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advance Incident Reporting System.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why are the violins the biggest section in the orchestra?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney

    Manuel Nägeli/Unsplash, FAL

    As the largest section of the orchestra, sitting front and centre of the stage performing memorable melodies, it’s easy for violinists to steal the limelight. Ask any violinist why there are so many in an orchestra, and we’ll often reply, tongue-in-cheek: “obviously it’s because we’re the best”.

    The real answer is a bit more complex, and combines reasons both logistical and historical.

    How we got the modern orchestra

    During the Baroque period between around 1600 and 1750, the composition of the orchestra was not standardised, and often used instruments based on availability. Monteverdi’s opera L’Orfeo, which premiered in 1607, is one of the earliest examples of a composer specifying the desired instrumentation.

    The size of the orchestra also varied. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote for and worked with ensembles of up to 18 players in Germany. At Palazzo Pamphili in Rome, Corelli directed ensembles of 50–80 musicians – and, on one notable occasion to celebrate the coronation of Pope Innocent XII, an ensemble of 150 string players.

    The modern-day violin was also developed around this time, and eventually replaced the instruments of the viol family. The violin has remained a staple member of the orchestra ever since.

    Philippe Mercier, 1689 or 1691–1760, Franco-German, active in Britain (from 1716), The Sense of Hearing, 1744 to 1747, Oil on canvas.
    Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, B1974.3.19.

    Music of this period was created on a smaller scale than much of the repertoire we hear today, and often placed a strong focus on string instruments. As the orchestra became more standardised, members of the woodwind family appeared, including the oboe, bassoon, recorder and transverse flute.

    During the classical period from around 1730 to 1820, orchestral performances moved from the royal courts into the public domain, and their size continued to grow. Instruments were organised into sections, and bowed strings formed the majority.

    Composers began to use a wider range of instruments and techniques. Beethoven wrote parts for the early double bassoon, piccolo flute, trombone (which was largely confined to church music beforehand), and individual double bass parts (where previously they had often doubled the cello part).

    Marco Ricci, 1676–1729, Italian, active in Britain (1708–10; 1711–16), Rehearsal of an opera, ca. 1709, Oil on canvas.
    Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, B1981.25.523.

    During the romantic period of the 19th century, composer Hector Berlioz, author of a Treatise on Instrumentation and Modern Orchestration (1841), further developed the symphony orchestra by adding instruments such as the tuba, cor anglais and bass clarinet.

    By the end of the 19th century, many orchestras reached the size and proportions we recognise today, with works that require more than 100 musicians, such as Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

    What’s size got to do with it?

    As increasing numbers of performers and instruments became standard in orchestral repertoire, ensembles became louder, and more string players were needed to balance the sound. The violin is a comparatively quiet instrument, and a solo player cannot be heard over the power of the brass.

    Having violinists at the front of the stage also helps the sound reach the audience’s ears without competing to be heard over the louder instruments.

    The typical layout of the orchestra has not always been standard. First violinists (who often carry the melody) and second violinists (who typically play a supportive role) used to sit opposite each other on stage.

    US conductor Leopold Stokowski rearranged the position of the first and second violinists during the 1920s so they sat next to each other on the left of the stage. This change meant the voices of each string section were arranged from high to low across the stage.

    This change was widely adopted and has become a standard setup for the modern orchestra.

    Stokowski is known for experimenting with the layout of the orchestra. He once placed the entire woodwind section at the front of the orchestra ahead of the strings, receiving widespread criticism from the audience and musicians. The board of the Philadelphia Orchestra allegedly said the winds “weren’t busy enough to put on a good show”.

    Sound, texture and timbre

    String players do not need to worry about lung capacity or breaking for air. As such, violinists can perform long melodic passages with fast finger work, and our bows allow for seemingly endless sustain. Melodies written for strings are innumerable, and often memorable.

    Having several violinists play together creates a specific sound and texture that is distinct from a solo string player and the other sections of the orchestra. Not only is the sound of every violin slightly different, the rate of each string’s vibration and the movement of each player’s bow varies. The result is a rich and full texture that creates a lush effect.

    Today, symphony orchestras are expected to perform an incredibly diverse range of repertoire from classical to romantic, film scores to newly commissioned works. Determining the number of violinists who will appear in any given piece is a question of balance that will change depending on the repertoire.

    A Mozart symphony might require fewer than ten wind or brass players, who would be drowned out by a full string section. However, a Mahler symphony requires more than 30 non-string players – meaning far more string players are needed to balance out this sound.

    Room for experimentation

    Notable exceptions to the orchestra’s standard setup include Charles Ives’ 1908 The Unanswered Question for string orchestra, solo trumpet and wind quartet spread around the room; Stockhausen’s 1958 Gruppen, pour trois orchestres, in which three separate orchestras perform in a horseshoe shape around the audience; and Pierre Boulz’s 1981 Répons featuring 24 performers on a stage surrounded by the audience, who are in turn surrounded by six soloists.

    Despite experimentation, the placement and number of instruments in an orchestra has remained relatively standard since the 19th century.

    Many aspects of the traditional orchestra’s setup make sense. However, many of the orchestra’s habits come down to tradition and perhaps unconscious alignment with “just the way things are done”.

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

    – ref. Why are the violins the biggest section in the orchestra? – https://theconversation.com/why-are-the-violins-the-biggest-section-in-the-orchestra-236596

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: 4 killed, many injured in mass shooting in US Alabama

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At least four people were killed and many others injured in a mass shooting Saturday night in downtown Birmingham, in the U.S. state of Alabama, police said.

    Birmingham police said the shooting occurred in Birmingham Five Points South, an entertainment district near the University of Alabama, just after 11 p.m. local time (0400 GMT Sunday).

    Police said multiple people fired several shots at a group of people. When police officers arrived at the scene, they found three people — two men and one women — were dead. A fourth victim later died in hospital.

    At least four of the gunshot victims have life-threatening injuries, and the rest have “various injuries,” police said.

    As of Sunday morning, no one was in custody, and police said they do not have a motive for the shooting at this time.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New Zealand Chinese Immersion Day highlights cultural show, donated books

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Chinese Immersion Day highlighted cultural show and donated Chinese books in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Sunday.

    The Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch donated children’s books in Chinese and books about traditional Chinese culture to the Christchurch Library, as part of the nationwide celebration of the New Zealand Chinese Language Week, which started on Sunday.

    Consul General He Ying told the donation ceremony that the annual book donation started more than five years ago, and these books have been widely received by the Chinese community and Kiwis in Christchurch.

    The city libraries need diverse language books as part of a wide range of books offered, said a statement from the library, adding the donated books have been wonderful gifts for the community to enjoy.

    The Chinese Immersion Day highlighted performance of traditional Chinese music, lion dance and various Chinese language and culture activities, such as calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese knots making, Chinese painting, fan making, tea art, traditional Chinese medicine consultation, and fun language workshops and games.

    The Chinese Immersion Day was jointly held by the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch Central Library, and the New Zealand Chinese Language Teachers Association (Canterbury).

    The Chinese Language Week is a Kiwi-driven initiative launched in 2014 after the Maori Language Week and the Pacific Language Week.

    New Zealand has more than 260,000 people of Chinese origin. The number of primary and secondary school students in New Zealand learning Chinese was nearly 70,000 before the global pandemic, according to New Zealand’s Ministry of Education. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Concert held to mark 75th anniversary of China-Poland diplomatic ties

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

    WARSAW, Sept. 22 — A concert was held here on Sunday night to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Poland.

    Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Poland, the concert was performed by musicians from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, together with Polish musicians.

    Sun Linjiang, Chinese ambassador to Poland, said that music has played an important role in promoting cultural cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding between China and Poland.

    Nearly 400 guests from the two countries enjoyed such well-known pieces as “Blooming Flowers and Full Moon,” “I Love You, China,” “Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon,” and “Chopin: Fantaisie Impromptu, op. 66.”

    The performance earned rounds of applause from the audience.

    Joanna, a Polish member of the audience, said that she was very happy to see the Chinese art troupe come to Poland, and she expressed the hope that cultural exchanges between the two countries will become richer in the future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kunqu Opera is a hard act to follow

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Kunqu Opera performers perform at China Institute in Manhattan, New York, the United States, Jan. 8, 2023. (Photo by Ziyu Julian Zhu/Xinhua)

    In Peking University Hall on Sept 13, an air of reflective nostalgia and vibrant enthusiasm enveloped a lecture by Pai Hsien-yung, a distinguished Chinese-American writer, playwright and director.

    Pai, 87, a pivotal figure in modern Chinese literature and theater, took the stage to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the youth edition of the Kunqu Opera, The Peony Pavilion, which he produced and adapted. This adaptation of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) classic, originally penned by Tang Xianzu, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Kunqu Opera and contemporary youth culture. The lecture not only commemorated two decades of artistic endeavor but also highlighted the enduring relevance of this timeless tale.

    Pai’s lecture also opened the latest performances of the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion, which was staged for three days at Peking University from Sept 14 to 16. About 6,000 tickets were sold.

    “Time flies. It’s been 20 years since we premiered the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion. I am back here today, sharing this production with young people, just like what we did two decades ago,” Pai says. “I am a writer and I never expected that my life would be associated with Kunqu Opera closely for such a long time. I consider myself a volunteer in protecting and promoting the ancient art form, which is so sophisticated and beautiful that it would be a great regret if we didn’t keep it alive and let it be appreciated by a wider audience.”

    One of the oldest traditional opera forms still performed in China, Kunqu Opera was born in the region of Kunshan in today’s Suzhou, Jiangsu province. It has distinguished itself by the virtuosity of its rhythmic patterns and exerted a dominant influence on other recent forms of opera in China, such as Peking Opera, which is over 200 years old. It is hence known as the mother of all Chinese operas.

    Combining songs performed in the Suzhou dialect, graceful body movements, martial arts and dance, Kunqu Opera uses a great variety of gestures to express specific emotions.

    For Pai, there is a reason why Kunshan was the birthplace of Kunqu Opera. “It’s just like Western opera was born in Italy because the Italian language is rhythmic. Kunqu Opera was born in Kunshan because of the local dialect’s musicality and expressiveness,” he says.

    In 2008, UNESCO inscribed Kunqu Opera on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2001). This recognition put Kunqu Opera in the international spotlight at the same time as it began to experience a domestic revival. The youth edition of The Peony Pavilion was the fruit of a collaboration between the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu and Pai. Premiering in Taipei in 2004 and staged at Peking University in 2005, the production has been considered a major contributor to the development and revival of the art form.

    With more than 500 performances across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as in countries such as Greece, the United Kingdom and the United States, it has been watched by a combined worldwide audience of about 800,000. The shows were also staged at more than 40 Chinese universities at that time, which allowed Kunqu Opera to witness a surge in popularity, especially among young people.

    In 2006, 2009 and 2016, the production returned to Peking University with shows and workshops. In 2009, appealing to the rising number of Kunqu Opera lovers, Pai, along with the university, initiated and launched a project, Inheritance Program of Kunqu Opera, to train young amateur fans. The school also launched an elective course on the art form, which, according to Peng Feng, dean of the university’s School of Arts, is one of its most popular courses among students.

    Born in Guilin, South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Pai moved to Shanghai with his family during wartime and later settled in Taiwan. He recalls that his enthusiasm for the art form started at the age of 9 when he watched a performance by Peking Opera masters Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) and Yu Zhenfei (1902-93) in Shanghai in 1946.

    “I can still remember that performance, an excerpt, The Interrupted Dream, from The Peony Pavilion, that is still widely performed today. Because of the two Peking Opera artists’ fame, tickets sold out fast and the audience was excited,” Pai says.

    “People had been looking forward to Mei’s return and the show was phenomenal,” Pai adds. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), Mei, who specialized in nandan (man performing female roles), stopped performing for eight years, refusing to entertain the invaders and growing a moustache to show his determination. Nandan roles are a practice forged in feudal times when women were forbidden to take the stage.

    Pai as a child didn’t understand what Kunqu Opera was all about; he was only impressed by the art form’s beauty and the warm feedback of the audience. Gaining his degree in English literature from a local university and his master’s degree in literary theory and creative writing at the University of Iowa, Pai became a professor of Chinese literature at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and lived there for over three decades until his retirement in 1994. His many works include Taipei People and New Yorkers.

    It was in 2002, when Pai was invited to give a lecture on Kunqu Opera in Hong Kong, that he was inspired to produce the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion. Kunqu Opera faced a great challenge back then from modern life, and few people went to theaters to watch the old art form. “I wanted to let young people enjoy the beauty of Kunqu Opera. I wanted to build up a profound dialogue between the past and the present,” Pai says.

    For his lecture in Hong Kong, Pai not only narrated the history and cultural significance of Kunqu Opera but also had young performers display the singing and movements of The Peony Pavilion, an innovation that was widely praised by the students.

    The original play, known for its intricate portrayal of love and longing, was a cornerstone of Chinese literature and drama. A beautiful young woman named Du Liniang falls in love with Liu Mengmei, a handsome scholar she meets in her dream. She wakes up and finds that her longing for the man is so strong that it gradually causes her to fall ill and die. After her death, she persuades the judge of the underworld to grant her permission to return as a ghost to find him. She eventually finds Liu, who is temporarily staying at her family temple where she is buried. Their powerful love brings Du back to life, and they live happily ever after.

    “The Peony Pavilion is just like William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which is timeless and embraced by different cultures. The difference is that Chinese people love a happy ending, so the couple conquered death and reunited,” Pai says.

    His version was specifically tailored to resonate with a younger audience, infusing the classic narrative with elements that appeal to modern sensibilities while preserving its historical essence. He invited Kunqu Opera actor Yu Jiulin and actress Shen Fengying to play the roles of Liu and Du, both in their 20s in 2004, similar in age as the targeted audiences.

    The original version tells the story in 55 acts, spanning eight hours in total. To appeal to the contemporary audience, Pai narrowed it down to 27 acts.

    Pai talked about the personal stories he encountered from audience members over the years, especially the exciting moments when the production toured four universities in the US in 2006. “We toured the US for a month. I was worried about the response of the audiences, whether they would be able to enjoy the old Chinese art form. To my surprise, our tickets sold out and our performances received long standing ovations,” Pai say.

    “For many, both the Chinese and Western audiences, the play was a gateway to discovering the complexities and beauty of Kunqu Opera, while for others, especially our creative team members and our then young performers, it was a profound reminder of the timeless nature of the story and the everlasting appeal of Kunqu Opera.”

    According to Weng Guosheng, one of the directors of the youth edition of The Peony Pavilion, Pai’s adaptation took bold steps to modernize the presentation of the play, incorporating innovative staging techniques, contemporary music elements, and a focus on themes that speak directly to today’s youth. “Pai’s approach was both respectful and revolutionary, maintaining the soul of the original, while introducing new dimensions to enhance its appeal to younger generations,” Weng says.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red flags hoisted at Shek O Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Red flags hoisted at Shek O Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach
    Red flags hoisted at Shek O Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach
    *******************************************************

    Attention TV/radio announcers:Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 23) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     
    Ends/Monday, September 23, 2024Issued at HKT 11:02

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red flags hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Attention TV/radio announcers:

    Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
     
         Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
     
         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 23) that according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/forecast_system.html), the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index for Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District is 4, which means the predicted water quality at these beaches is “Very Poor” due to potential transient water quality fluctuations caused by heavy rain. Red flags have been hoisted, and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath glows with kindness this Art Week

    Source: Auckland Council

    In an algorithm-meets-art collaboration, artist Shannon Novak and iion have programmed Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath to deliver happiness for Art Week.

    See below for more about Art Week 2024.

    This innovative artwork, commissioned by Auckland Council, is called Random Acts. It will shine in movement, colour and light from 7.30pm to 6.30am every day from 4 to 13 October.

    Shannon Novak says it began with the Art Week theme of ‘happiness’. His practice focuses on growing positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQI+ communities which aligns well with the Art Week theme.

    “For this commission, I wanted to connect with the wider population – beyond LGBTQI+ communities. We explored how the essence of random acts of kindness could be expressed through this interactive lightwork. The algorithm sees the palette of lighting lift as people pass and connect with each other,” he says.

    Hayley Wolters of Auckland Council Public Art encourages you to experience Random Acts on Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath on your way to and from the city centre for Art Week from 4 until 13 October.

    “As someone moves along the Lightpath, the lights change from magenta to a colourful display in response to their movement, and as people pass each other the colours merge and intensify expressing positivity as people connect,” she says.

    Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson explains that the lights on The Lightpath are similar to those on the Auckland Harbour Bridge in that they can be programmable to change colour but they can also increase their effect for different experiences like this.

    “This time, our programmed lights will respond positively to people as they pass by. This is a much-loved pathway and I’m pleased to see it included in Art Week. It’s always great to be part of something that makes you smile and this extraordinary public space and artwork will do just that,” she says.

    Art Week 2024

    Art Week is delivered by Heart of the City, and proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

    There are over 70 pop up exhibitions, events, music, galleries, art and light installations, free art walks, artist talks, workshops and more between Friday 4 and Sunday 13 October 2024.

    Late Night Art is happening on Thursday 10 October 2024 between 5pm and 9pm. It will feature over 40 exhibitions, events, installations, markets, performances, workshops and activations across the city centre.

    To celebrate the gathering of people in the city centre during Late Night Art, Random Acts will be activated in two ways – in light effects on The Lightpath and also in person. Actual random acts of kindness will be shared with people along Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath and in city centre streets and spaces in an evening of art and mindfulness.

    See the full Art Week line-up here: heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek 

    Photos by Jasper Johnstone Auckland Council.

    Q & A: Shannon Novak

    Can you explain how Random Acts came about?

    My work focuses on growing positive mental health outcomes for queer communities in Aotearoa, so the Art Week theme of ‘Happiness’ directly linked into research and work I’ve been doing for many years. I decided to extend this beyond queer communities, to growing positive mental health outcomes for all people. Research shows that engaging in random acts of kindness not only helps brighten someone’s day, but also boosts your own happiness.

    Have you worked with light as a medium before in your practice?

    Yes, from day one. I initially used sunlight at school where I created miniature greenhouses using different coloured glass. I then began experimenting with transparent coloured vinyl on various surfaces with sunlight and artificial light, then later interactive sculpture using LED’s.

    Can you explain how you and your collaborator David Hayes have used technology to express this idea of ‘random acts’?

    This pattern for Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath is designed to make use of the interactivity of the lights. When movement on the pathway is captured by motion sensors it causes the lights around them to flare up in a certain hue, saturation and speed. The lighting design then takes on a life of its own as people cross each other on the path, almost like creating a call and response.

    You have included a performative aspect to this work. What is it and why have you done this?

    A team of people will be distributing badges with an image of the lights on the pathway during Late Night Art. The idea was to take the work from the abstract into the literal, to reinforce and increase opportunities for happiness and kindness. This activity also highlights The Lightpath as an integral, influential, connective artery into the heart of the city.

    How will it make people feel? What will people experience?

    Random Acts aims to make kindness the norm. In this case, people will experience a direct connection with someone they may not know in a safe and non-threatening way. Hopefully, this will make both people smile and feel positive. If people are feeling alone or unhappy this small act of a smile may cheer them up and they may feel less alone and appreciate that people show care for others.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stellar line up for Broken Hill NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Seniors

    Broken Hill seniors will be ringing in the festive season this November with singing sensations Amy Lehpamer from the musical & Juliet, Arlo Sims, Liz Player and Emily Kate, from The Voice, and Will Skarpona from the Conservatorium of Music.

    The stars will feature in two free concerts as part of the NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts taking place at the Broken Hill Civic Centre on Thursday 28 November 2024 at 10am and 1pm.

    The regional concerts are an annual highlight of the Christmas period and an opportunity for seniors to get together to enjoy a spectacular show and sing along to festive favourites.

    Broken Hill is one of three regional centres this year to host the NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts, with other shows taking place in Cessnock and Moree.

    The concerts are part of the NSW Government’s wider celebration of seniors and their contributions, that include the annual Seniors Festival, Gala Concerts and Expo. Our vision is that all people in NSW experience the benefits of living longer and enjoy opportunities to participate in, contribute to and be included in their communities.

    Free tickets to the NSW Seniors Concerts will be available from Tuesday 15 October 2024. For further information go to: seniorsfestival.info/christmasconcerts

    Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

    “The annual Seniors Christmas Concerts bring the spirit of the festive season to regional NSW, featuring some of our best talent and fresh new faces.

    “The NSW Government is proud to deliver these free shows to seniors which are sure to put them in the mood to celebrate the season.

    “It’s our thank you for all your contributions, so mark the date in your diaries and get your friends and family together for an entertaining show.”

    Performer Will Skarpona said:

    “I can’t wait to bring some seasonal cheer to Broken Hill with the Seniors Christmas Concerts.

    “We have a solid line up of talent performing all the songs seniors know and love in a show that is sure to thrill and delight. The theme of this year’s show is ‘Time to shine’. We cannot wait to see you there.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The night shift: 24-hour economy strategy puts needs of night-time workers first

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Workers on the night shift represent one in five, or 21% of workers in NSW – or more than 870,000 people.

    The refreshed NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy, A New State of Night, outlines the work and programs of the Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner as it expands its remit to support night-time economies across the state, rather than just in Greater Sydney.

    The strategy will move beyond a focus on the hospitality and entertainment economy to one that supports a myriad of night workers – such as nurses, doctors, paramedics, police, drivers, retailers, cleaners, security guards and workers in manufacturing and construction across the state.

    Despite the essential nature of their roles, these people are often in less secure work, are often paid less and have fewer transport options, fewer childcare options, reduced safety and less retail and food options. Improving their experience requires a whole-of-government effort.

    Recent research has revealed people in NSW working between the hours of 6pm and 6am is forecast to grow by between 5% and 13% by 2031, implying a structural shift in the way the NSW economy operates, with a larger proportion of people working during the night.

    The NSW Government has been working to support the state’s night-time economy and improve vibrancy by changing regulation and legislation that constrains businesses. The second tranche of the Government’s vibrancy reforms coming later this year will propose to remove more red tape and provide greater support for special events and hospitality and live music venues.

    This strategy places a strong emphasis on data collection to inform policy development to ensure the NSW Government, local councils and private sector partners can effectively balance the night-time revival, safety and public amenity.

    An example of how the strategy will work in action is how the NSW Government supporting workers in the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, one of the state’s most concentrated night workforce areas, with 4500 night-time workers. The precinct is open around the clock and home to three hospitals, a major university and five medical research centres.

    Workers across the precinct and the wider community will benefit from a raft of programs designed to enhance safety and activation including:

    • $600,000 for Spot On, through the Permit/Plug/Play and Open Streets programs, to support collaboration across local businesses to unlock the potential of public streets and spaces
    • $400,000 in Community Improvement District funding backing businesses to get organised, with government, and make the most of their public spaces and local character to draw more visitors and more life to their district.
    • $200,000 for Heart of Randwick in the Uptown program, to support greater collaboration between the health and education campuses, businesses and the council to amplify its night-time offerings
    • The precinct also recently received $500,000 in Safer Cities funding, to improve lighting and safety particularly for workers going to and from work after dark.

    Other night-time worker centres include Port Kembla, a manufacturing hub with over 3,500 night-time workers.

    In Liverpool, the Health and Academic Precinct employs around 4,500 night-time workers.

    Another focus will be the new Western Sydney Airport precinct which will run 24/7 and will grow to employ around 200,000 people.

    As part of the strategy, the Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner will consult across industry to identify the pain points and bring a whole-of-government approach to solving these issues.

    For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/24-hour-economy/24-hour-economy-strategy.

    Minister for Roads, Music and the Night-time Economy and Minister for Jobs, John Graham said:

    “Night-time workers make up 21% of the NSW workforce. They play an important role in our communities and economies. They are nurses, doctors, paramedics, police, drivers, retailers, cleaners, security guards and workers in manufacturing and construction. They are often paid less and have less secure work.

    “This growing group of essential workers deserves safe environments and adequate services. They should be able to get a coffee before they start work or a decent meal when they finish.

    “Meeting their needs represents an enormous opportunity for the night-time economy. But this requires us to plan as well for the night as we do for the day.”

    “This strategy has an emphasis on data to both measure results as well as design better policy interventions.

    “We will continue to work alongside industry, businesses, councils and communities across NSW to ensure our state’s night-time economy reaches its true potential.

    “Our goal is to highlight our state as a safe and exciting night-time destination – not just for people looking for a great night out but for the people working hard to keep our state running at night.”

    24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

    “The Strategy we have developed is purposefully ambitious, but it is also full of practical ideas, solutions and strategic opportunities to bring our vision to life.

    “We know that people, especially night workers, want more amenity and safety at night – especially with the industry expected to grow by 5% to 13% by 2031. This includes activating outdoor spaces, diversity of offerings and safe, accessible transport.

    “We know that positive outcomes are possible when State Government, local councils and industry line up behind one plan. And with our work now extending across the State, it’s appropriate we have a strategy that continues to unite stakeholders to ensure NSW is as vibrant at night, as it is during the day.”

    Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill said:

    “The Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct operates 24/7, with staff across emergency, wards, portering, catering, and support services always ready to serve.

    “We are working with the Precinct partners and district to improve our streetscapes and make better connection to our local communities. We are grateful for the Community Improvement District and Uptown Programs that enable us to make the Precinct safer and more vibrant for our workforce, students and local communities.”

    South Eastern Sydney Local Health District CEO Tobi Wilson said:

    “At the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, there are staff onsite 24 hours a day 365 days a year from those ready for us in the emergency departments to ward staff, porters, catering and support staff.

    “We are working with the Precinct partners and district to improve our streetscapes and make better connection to our local communities. We are grateful for the Community Improvement District and Uptown Programs that enable us to make the Precinct more vibrant for our workforce, students and local communities.”

    Background

    Research conducted in 2024 by SGS Economics & Planning on behalf of the Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner found:

    • The top industry by the number of night-time employees is Health Care and Social Assistance, with approximately 166,000, followed by
    • Accommodation and Food Services and Arts and Recreation Services, with around 155,200.
    • The Transport, Postal and Warehousing sector employs approximately 90,500 people during night-time hours, closely followed by
    • Retail Trade with 87,100 workers.
    • The Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner will consult with industry to understand the key challenges and barriers with government to develop appropriate policy measures and initiatives to sustainably develop night-workforce participation.

    The 24-hour Economy Strategy will serve as the NSW Government’s new blueprint to cement NSW as a safe, worldclass nightlife destination for visitors, locals and workers alike.

    The refreshed strategy’s five key pillars are:

    • An Enabling Regulatory Framework – Regulatory and legislative amendments aimed at bringing back vibrancy to enable diverse, sustainable and safe night-time economies across NSW.
    • Vibrant Coordinated Precincts and Places – Fostering collaboration among businesses, councils and other stakeholders to support precinct building and place-based economies.
    • Night-time workers, culture and industry collaboration – Collaborate across government and industry to support night-time workers, businesses, and cultural entrepreneurs to thrive in the 24-hour economy.
    • Safety, Mobility, Access and Inclusion – Enabling ease of movement to and from precincts while championing the wellbeing and safety of all within the night-time economy.
    • Authentic Storytelling – Celebrating the unique stories of our districts and promoting the experiences they offer to locals, visitors and workers.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address to the Indian Diaspora, New York, USA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 3:58AM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Namaste U.S.! Now even our “Namaste” has gone multinational, transitioning from local to global, and it’s all because of you. Every Indian who holds Bharat close to their heart has made this possible.

    Friends, 

    You’ve come here from far and wide. Some faces are familiar, while others are new. Your love is a great honour for me. I recall the days when I wasn’t a PM, wasn’t a CM, wasn’t a leader at all. Back then, I used to come here as an inquisitive traveller, eager to see and understand this land, carrying many questions in my mind. Even when I held no official position, I had already toured almost 29 states in America. Later, when I became a CM, I continued connecting with you through technology. As a PM, too, I’ve received immense affection and warmth from you. In 2014, it was Madison Square; Sam Jose in 2015; Houston in 2019; Washington in 2023; and now New York in 2024, and each time, you surpass the last record.

    Friends, 

    I’ve always recognized the strength of the Indian diaspora. Even when I held no official post, I understood it, and I understand it today. You have always been Bharat’s strongest brand ambassadors for me. That’s why I call you the ‘Rashtradoot’ (nation’s emissaries). You’ve connected America to Bharat and Bharat to America. Your skills, talent, and commitment are unparalleled. Though you’ve crossed seven seas, no ocean is deep enough to separate you from the Bharat that resides in your hearts. What Maa Bharti has taught us, we can never forget. Wherever we go, we treat everyone like family. Embracing diversity, living it, and integrating it into our lives—these are our values, embedded in our very being. We are from a country with hundreds of languages and dialects, home to every religion and sect. Yet, we move forward as one and united. In this very hall, some speak Tamil, others Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, or Gujarati. Our languages may differ, but our spirit is one: “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Victory to Mother Bharat), the spirit of Indianness. This is our greatest strength in connecting with the world. These values naturally make us ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend). As our scriptures say, तेन त्यक्तेन भुंजीथा: meaning those who sacrifice are the ones who truly enjoy. We find happiness by doing good to others and by sacrificing.  Wherever we live, this spirit remains unchanged. We contribute maximum to the societies we live in. In America, be it as doctors, researchers, tech professionals, scientists, or in other professions, you’ve soared high, and the world has witnessed it.  Just a short while ago the T-20 Cricket World Cup was held here and the USA team played amazingly, and the world has also seen the contribution of the Indians living here in that team.

    Friends, 

    For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but I believe AI stands for America-India. This America-India spirit is the AI power of the new world, elevating Bharat-America relations. I salute all of you, the Indian diaspora. 

    Friends, 

    Wherever I go in the world, I hear nothing but praise for the Indian diaspora from every leader. Just yesterday, President Biden invited me to his home in Delaware. His warmth and hospitality were truly touching. This honour is for 140 crore Indians, for your hard work, for the millions of Indians living here. I extend my gratitude to President Biden and to all of you. 

    Friends, 

    The year 2024 is crucial for the world. On one side, we see conflicts and tensions among nations, while on the other, some countries are celebrating democracy. Bharat and America are together in this celebration of democracy. Elections are upcoming here in the U.S., while Bharat has already held its elections. These elections in Bharat were the largest in human history. You can imagine: almost double the number of voters as the total population of the U.S., and more voters than the entire population of Europe! So many people cast their votes in Bharat. When we see the scale of Bharat’s democracy, it fills us with pride. A three-month-long polling process, 15 million polling staff, over a million polling stations, more than 2,500 political parties, more than 8,000 candidates, thousands of newspapers in different languages, hundreds of radio stations, TV news channels, millions of social media accounts, lakhs of social media channels—all of this makes Bharat’s democracy vibrant. It’s an era of expanding freedom of expression, and our electoral process undergoes scrutiny at this level.

    And friends, 

    This long election process has led to something unprecedented in Bharat this time. What happened? What happened? What happened? ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—), ‘Abki Baar – ’ (This time again—)!

    Friends, 

    Our government has been re-elected for the third time. This hadn’t happened in Bharat in the last 60 years. The mandate the people of Bharat has given us is huge and significant. In this third term, we have even greater goals to achieve. We must move forward with three times the strength and three times the speed. You’ll remember one word: PUSHP (flower). Yes, consider it a lotus, I have no objections. PUSHP, and I define this PUSHP. P for Progressive Bharat, U for Unstoppable Bharat, S for Spiritual Bharat, H for Humanity First Bharat, and P for Prosperous Bharat. Together, these five petals of PUSHP will shape a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

    Friends, 

    I am the first Prime Minister of Bharat born after independence. During the freedom struggle, millions of Indians dedicated their lives to Swaraj (self-rule). They didn’t think of their personal interests or comfort zones; they forgot everything and fought against the British. Some were hanged, some were shot, some endured torturous imprisonment, and many spent their youth in jail.

    Friends, 

    We couldn’t die for our country, but we can surely live for it. Dying wasn’t in our destiny, but living is our destiny. Right from day one, my mind and mission has been clear. I couldn’t give my life for ‘Swaraj’ (independence), but I decided to dedicate my life to ‘Suraj’ (good governance) and a ‘Samridh’ (prosperous) Bharat. A large part of my life was spent wandering across the country for years. Wherever I found food, I ate; wherever I found a place to sleep, I slept. From the shores of the ocean to the mountains, from deserts to snow-covered peaks, I met people from every region, got to know and understand them. I gained first-hand experience of my country’s life, its culture, and its challenges. Though my path was different, destiny brought me into politics. I never imagined becoming a Chief Minister, but I became Gujarat’s longest-serving CM for 13 years. I remained Gujarat’s Chief Minister for 13 years and then people promoted me to Prime Minister. But the lessons I learned traveling through the country have shaped my governance model, both at the state and central levels. Over the past 10 years, the success of this governance model is evident to you and the world. And now, with great trust, the people of Bharat have given me a third term. I approach this third term with three times the sense of responsibility.

    Friends, 

    Today, Bharat is one of the world’s youngest nations. Bharat is filled with energy and dreams. Every day, new records are being set. Every day, new news. Just today, we received great news: Bharat won gold in both men’s and women’s categories at the Chess Olympiad. But let me tell you one more thing, which will require even more applause. For the first time in nearly 100 years, this has happened! The whole country and every Indian is proud of our chess players. There’s another AI driving Bharat. And what is that? It is A for Aspirational and I for Bharat: Aspirational Bharat. This is our new energy. The aspirations of millions of Indians are driving Bharat’s growth. Every aspiration is giving rise to new achievements, and every achievement is fuelling new aspirations. In just one decade, Bharat has risen from the 10th to the 5th largest economy. Now every Indian wants Bharat to quickly become the third-largest economy. Today, a large section of Bharat’s population has seen their basic needs met. Over the past 10 years, crores of people have gained access to clean cooking gas, piped water, electricity, and toilets. These crores of people now aspire to a better quality of life.

    Friends,

    Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want roads; they want magnificent expressways. Now, the people of Bharat don’t just want rail connectivity; they want high-speed trains. Every city in Bharat aspires to have metro services, and every city wants its own airport. Every citizen, whether from a village or a city, wants world-class facilities, and we are seeing the results of these aspirations. In 2014, only 5 cities in Bharat had metro services; today, 23 cities have metros. Bharat now has the second-largest metro network in the world, and it is expanding every day.

    Friends,

    In 2014, only 70 cities in Bharat had airports; today, more than 140 cities have airports. In 2014, fewer than 100 gram panchayats had broadband connectivity; today, more than 200,000 panchayats have it. In 2014, Bharat had around 140 million LPG consumers; today, the number has risen to over 310 million. What used to take years to accomplish is now being completed in months. There is a new confidence in Bharat’s people, a determination to reach their goals. Development in Bharat is becoming a people’s movement, and every Indian is becoming an equal partner in this movement of development. They believe in Bharat’s success and in its achievements.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat is a land of opportunities. Bharat no longer waits for opportunities; Bharat creates opportunities. Over the past 10 years, Bharat has prepared a new launching pad for opportunities in every sector. Look at this – just in the last decade, and this will make you proud, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. How did this happen? It happened because we changed the old mindset and approach. We focused on empowering the poor. We connected more than 500 million people to the banking system, provided more than 550 million people with free medical treatment up to 500,000 rupees, gave over 40 million families proper housing, and through collateral-free loans, we provided millions of people with ease of credit. Many such initiatives helped people lift themselves out of poverty, and those who have emerged from poverty today form the neo-middle class, which is driving Bharat’s development at a faster pace.

    Friends,

    We have prioritized women-led development alongside women’s welfare. The crores of houses built by the government have been registered in the name of women. Out of the crores of bank accounts opened, more than half were in women’s names. Over the past decade, 10 crore Indian women have joined the Micro Entrepreneurship Scheme. Let me give you another example. We are making significant efforts to integrate agriculture with technology in Bharat, and today, drones are being used extensively in farming. While drones may not be new to you, what might surprise you is this: do you know who is taking responsibility for them? It’s rural women. We are training thousands of women to become drone pilots, and this remarkable technological revolution in agriculture is being driven by rural women.

    Friends,

    The areas once neglected have now become national priorities. Bharat is more connected today than ever before. You may be astonished to learn the current size of Bharat’s 5G market. Would you mind if I told you? Today, Bharat’s 5G market is larger than that of the United States, and this achievement has been made within just two years. Now, Bharat is working on Made-in-India 6G. How did this happen? It happened because we devised policies to advance this sector. We invested in Made-in-India technology, affordable data, and mobile phone manufacturing. Today, nearly every major mobile brand in the world is Made in India. Bharat is now the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. There was a time, before my tenure, when we were importing mobile phones; today, we are exporting them.

    Friends, Bharat no longer lags behind. Now, Bharat creates new systems and leads the way. Bharat has introduced the world to a new concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI has promoted equality and become a powerful tool in reducing corruption. Bharat’s UPI is now capturing the world’s attention. While you may have a wallet in your pocket, in Bharat, people have both physical wallets and e-wallets on their phones. Many Indians no longer carry physical documents, as they now use DigiLocker. When travelling to airports, they seamlessly use DigiYatra. This has become the launching pad for digital public infrastructure, innovation, job creation, and every related technology.

    Friends,

    Bharat will not stop now, nor will it slow down. Bharat envisions a future where as many global devices as possible operate on Made-in-India chips. We have made the semiconductor sector the foundation of Bharat’s accelerated growth. In June last year, Bharat announced incentives for the semiconductor industry, and just a few months later, the foundation stone for Micron’s first semiconductor unit was laid. To date, five such units have been approved in Bharat. The day is not far when you will see Made-in-India chips here in America as well. This small chip will elevate Bharat’s journey towards development to unprecedented heights, and that’s Modi’s promise.

    Friends,

    The resolve and commitment towards reforms in Bharat today are unprecedented. Our Green Energy Transition Programme is a prime example of this. Despite accounting for 17 percent of the world’s population, Bharat’s contribution to global carbon emissions is only 4 percent. We played no part in harming the planet. In fact, compared to the rest of the world, our impact is nearly negligible. We, too, could have fuelled our growth by relying on carbon emissions, but we chose the path of green transition, guided by our deep-rooted respect for nature. As a result, we are investing heavily in solar, wind, hydro, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy. Bharat was the first country in the G20 to achieve the Paris climate goals. Since 2014, our solar energy capacity has increased by over 30 times. We are working to make every home in the country a solar-powered home. To achieve this, we have launched an extensive rooftop solar mission. Today, our railway stations and airports are transitioning to solar energy. From homes to streets, Bharat has embarked on a journey towards energy-efficient lighting. These efforts are generating a large number of green jobs in Bharat.

    Friends,

    21st-century Bharat is advancing through education, skills, research, and innovation. You are all familiar with the name Nalanda University. Not long ago, Bharat’s ancient Nalanda University was revived in a modern form. Today, it’s not only the university but also the spirit of Nalanda that is being reborn. We are creating a modern educational ecosystem that attracts students from across the globe to come to Bharat and study. Over the past 10 years, something remarkable has happened in Bharat. In this period, one new university has been built in Bharat every week, two new colleges have been established every day, and one new ITI has opened each day. In a decade, the number of IIITs has risen from 9 to 25, IIMs from 13 to 21, and AIIMS has tripled to 22. The number of medical colleges has nearly doubled in the same period. Today, even the world’s top universities are coming to Bharat. Bharat is now renowned. The world has long witnessed the power of Indian designers; now it will witness the brilliance of ‘Design in India’.

    Friends,

    Today, Bharat’s partnerships are expanding globally. Previously, Bharat followed a policy of Equal Distance, but now it embraces a policy of Equal Proximity. We are also becoming a strong voice for the Global South. You may have noticed that, due to Bharat’s initiative, the African Union was granted permanent membership at the G20 Summit. Today, when Bharat speaks on the global stage, the world listens. Not long ago, when I said, “This is not the era of war,” the gravity of the statement was understood worldwide.

    Friends,

    Whenever there is a crisis anywhere in the world, Bharat is one of the first to respond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we sent vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries. Whether it was an earthquake, a cyclone, or a civil war, we were among the first to offer assistance. This is a reflection of the values and teachings passed down by our ancestors.
    Friends,

    Bharat is emerging as a new catalyst on the global stage, and its influence will be felt across all sectors. Bharat’s role will be crucial in accelerating global growth, promoting global peace, advancing climate action, closing the global skills gap, driving innovation, and stabilising the global supply chain.

    Friends,

    For Bharat, power and capability are symbolised by “ज्ञानायदानायचरक्षणाय”, meaning knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, and power is for protecting. Therefore, Bharat’s priority is not to impose its dominance but to enhance its influence. We are not like fire that burns; we are like the sun’s rays that provide light. We do not seek to dominate the world but to contribute to its prosperity. Whether it’s promoting yoga, advocating for superfood millets, or championing the Mission LiFE vision (Lifestyle for the Environment), Bharat is prioritizing human-centric growth alongside GDP-centric growth. I urge you all to promote Mission LiFE as much as possible here. Small changes in our lifestyle can have a significant positive impact on the environment.

    You may have heard, and perhaps some of you have already participated, in a movement that’s gaining momentum in Bharat. Across the country, people are planting a tree in honour of their mothers (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam). If your mother is alive, plant a tree along with her. If she is no longer with us, plant a tree in her memory – carry a picture of her with you and plant a tree. This movement is taking place in every corner of Bharat, and I encourage all of you to initiate a similar campaign here. This will not only honour the mothers who gave us life but also our Mother Earth.

    Friends,

    Bharat today dreams big and pursues those dreams with determination. The Paris Olympics concluded just a few days ago, and the next host will be the USA. Soon, you will also witness the Olympics being held in Bharat. We are making every possible effort to host the 2036 Olympics. Whether in sports, business, or entertainment, Bharat has become a centre of global attraction. Today, Indian leagues like the IPL rank among the world’s top leagues, and Indian films are making waves internationally. Bharat is also soaring in global tourism. There is a growing interest in celebrating Indian festivals across different countries. I notice that people in cities everywhere are now learning Garba for Navratri—this reflects their love for Bharat.

    Friends,

    Today, every country seeks to learn more about Bharat. I have something else that will bring you joy. Just yesterday, America returned 300 ancient inscriptions and statues to Bharat, some as old as 1,500 to 2,000 years, which had been stolen from Bharat So far, the United States has returned around 500 such artefacts to Bharat. This is not just about the return of a few items; it is a tribute to our rich heritage spanning thousands of years. It is a matter of pride for Bharat and for all of you. I am deeply grateful to the US government for this gesture.

    Friends,

    The partnership between Bharat and the United States is growing stronger by the day. Our collaboration is for the benefit of the world. We are enhancing cooperation across all sectors, and your convenience has been taken into account as well. Last year, I announced that our government would open a new Consulate in Seattle, which has now become operational. I had also sought your suggestions for the opening of two more consulates, and I am pleased to inform you that, based on your feedback, Bharat has decided to open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles.

    I am also delighted to announce the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Chair for Tamil Studies at the University of Houston. This will further help in propagating the philosophy of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar to the world.

    Friends,

    This event of yours has truly been remarkable. The cultural programme that took place here was fantastic. I have been informed that thousands of people wished to attend this event, but the venue proved to be too small. I apologise to those whom I couldn’t meet today. I look forward to meeting all of you next time, at another venue on another day. However, I know the enthusiasm will remain the same, and the passion will remain undiminished. May you all stay healthy and prosperous, and continue to strengthen the India-US friendship. With these wishes, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you all!

    Join me in saying:

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Many thanks.

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Festival vibes at NMIT’s Open Day

    Source: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

    NMIT welcomed over 1500 visitors to their Open Day on Saturday 21 September, with some travelling from across the country to learn more about programmes on offer and to explore the Nelson campus.
    The NMIT Open Day brought the four campuses from around Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island) together to share what’s on offer at NMIT and celebrate its partnerships with local industry and the community.
    Food, music, entertainment and stalls all contributed to the festival vibe. Tutors and industry professionals held demonstrations, showcased state-of-the-art equipment and talked to potential learners about the pathways from studying to a career.
    The different study areas created an array of hands-on experiences for visitors, including decorating cakes, changing a car tyre, abseiling down a building, designing a digital artwork, hopping in an Air Force helicopter or rescue boat, or being pampered with a hair treatment.
    Dr Susannah Roddick, Director Academic and Teaching, said the day was a huge success.
    “The sun came out and so did the community! It was fantastic to see so many people flooding the campus, enjoying the entertainment, chatting to tutors and exploring our facilities and services.”
    Susannah said prospective learners and their whānau appreciated the access to tutors, learner support services, industry experts and the campus.
    “When considering future study options, it really helps to talk directly to a tutor about all sorts of details like class sizes, entry requirements and timetables. Having our community and industry partners, like Air New Zealand, Cawthron Institute and Findex, present on the day also gives people a good picture of career opportunities following graduation.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cartwright’s minions caught lying about Rob Bresnahan

    Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    September 20, 2024

    Congressman Cartwright’s minions got caught running an ad about Rob Bresnahan that was so misleading that the ad was pulled off the air.

    “Do-nothing Congressman Cartwright and his minions have nothing else to run on except lies and distortions about Rob Bresnahan. None of Cartwright’s desperate lies will hide the fact that Rob has worked to grow a successful business that provides 150 good-paying union jobs to the people of Pennsylvania.” — NRCC Spokesman Mike Marinella

    Read more from Broad & Libertyhere or see excerpts below.

    Pelosi-allied PAC hits Bresnahan with another unfounded claim, stops ad
    Broad and Liberty
    Bradley Vasoli
    September 20, 2024

    House Majority PAC (HMP), the political outfit that recently mischaracterized northeastern Pennsylvania congressional candidate Rob Bresnahan’s (R) abortion stance, just ran another inaccurate advertisement. 
     
    The new ad was so misleading about Bresnahan, currently running in the 8th Congressional District against Democrat incumbent Matt Cartwright, that Bresnahan was able to get the ad canceled from airing.
     
    The video depicts several costumed, prop-toting narrators taking turns bemoaning what they see as the Republican’s professional shortcomings. One young man holding a skateboard says, “Rob Bresnahan was handed the keys to his family fortune as a teenager.” Then a twenty-something male in a matte cap and gown complains, “Most of us get diplomas; Bresnahan was given a company.” 
     
    But no evidence suggests anyone gave Exeter-based Kuharchik Construction to Bresnahan. Yes, Bresnahan’s grandfather started the electrical contracting firm and Bresnahan became its CFO when he was nineteen. Nevertheless, long before the candidate launched his congressional bid, he attested to buying the entity from his grandparents after graduating college.
     
    In a March 2022 appearance on the On the Stacks podcast, Bresnahan recalled purchasing the company only after meeting his grandmother’s condition that he receive “a four-year college degree from an approved university of her choosing.” He graduated from the University of Scranton in 2012 and, according to his attorney’s missive to TV broadcasters, bought the family business at a fair-market rate. He was no longer “a teenager” like the ad said he was. 
     
    “In fact, he purchased a debt-laden business and turned it into a successful operation, something HMP certainly doesn’t want viewers to know,” lawyer Jessica Johnson of the Holtzman Vogel firm wrote to station executives. “This advertisement is, at best, ignorant, and, at worst, intentionally deceitful. Regardless, it cannot be permitted to continue to air on your stations or elsewhere. With so much at stake this election, voters at the very least deserve to be told the truth about their candidates.”
     
    Incidentally, the ad’s comment that “most of us get diplomas” also doesn’t jibe with local reality; no county in the district has a majority college-graduation rate for adults aged 25-64. Post-secondary degree-holders comprise 43 percent of that demographic in Lackawanna, 38 percent in Pike, 38 percent in Luzerne, 37 percent in Monroe and 31 percent in Wayne. Bresnahan, at any rate, has a diploma, despite the video insinuating that he doesn’t.
     
    This isn’t the first time HMP put an erroneous anti-Bresnahan spot on the airwaves. In late summer, the PAC released a TV ad stating the candidate wanted to “pass a national abortion ban [with] no exceptions,” something he went on record opposing on August 14. HMP didn’t answer a request for comment before Broad + Liberty published that story nor did the committee respond to an inquiry about the newer ad depicting Kuharchik’s ownership transfer as a gift. 
     
    […]

    Read more here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Climate Pledge Arena to pay $477K in penalties, refunds as a result of AG Ferguson’s hidden fee investigation

    Source: Washington State News

    Court order ensures concertgoers who paid fee get money back with an additional $10

    SEATTLE — Climate Pledge Arena will pay $477,917 in penalties and refunds as a result of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s investigation into a hidden fee the arena charged thousands of Washingtonians.

    From February 27, 2023, to July 22, 2023, Climate Pledge added a 3% fee to food and beverage purchases made at the arena. They did not disclose the fee in any way before customers made their purchase, in violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act. The Attorney General’s investigation revealed the company charged the fee on approximately 183,000 transactions over the course of 37 events, bringing in $162,917.16. The legally binding agreement is subject to court approval.

    As a condition for resolving his case, Ferguson required that Climate Pledge:

    • Conclude a class action lawsuit resulting in full restitution to all Washington consumers who were harmed, to be administered through a claims process, subject to court approval;
    • Pay affected customers who file a claim an additional $10 for their inconvenience and loss of their money in addition to the full refund;
    • Pay $315,000 to the Attorney General’s Office to pay for the cost of bringing the case, future enforcement work and, if necessary, cover claimants’ additional $10 payment if the $162,917.16 is insufficient; and
    • Disclose all fees it charges customers in the future.

    “Washington law is simple: If you charge a fee, you must clearly disclose that fee before someone pays it,” Ferguson said. “Climate Pledge was not doing that. Now they are paying the price. If you believe a company is charging hidden fees in Washington, contact my office.”

    Ferguson opened his investigation following a KIRO news story about the fee. State law requires companies to clearly disclose all added fees and charges to Washingtonians before they charge them. Instead, the fee was not disclosed at the arena kiosks or in digital payments. Attendees only learned about the fee if they asked for a receipt for their transaction.

    The arena stopped charging the fee following the KIRO story and the Attorney General’s Office confirmed the arena is not currently charging the fee. The court order ensures the arena does not charge any fees without appropriately informing people. If the arena does, the Attorney General’s Office can go to court for any violations.

    Assistant Attorney General Dan Davies handled the case for Washington.

    Honest Fees Initiative

    Companies caught charging hidden fees have paid more than $9.6 million as a result of Ferguson’s Honest Fees Initiative.

    Ferguson is calling on Washingtonians to check their bills, and, if they believe they contain hidden fees, to file a complaint at the Attorney General’s website here.

    Follow these easy steps to check your bill:

    1. Review your bill carefully for additional fees and taxes. Pay special attention to fees that appear to be government-imposed. Though they may appear to be, that may not be the case.
    2. Compare your bill against the advertised purchase price. Is it different? Were fees added on without being disclosed to you when you signed up?
    3. If you see a fee that was not included in the initial purchase price, or that you believe is deceptive, contact the Washington Attorney General’s Office at www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint.

    Ferguson took the first major action as part of the initiative in December 2019, when global technology company CenturyLink paid $6.1 million to the State of Washington for adding charges to customer bills without accurately disclosing those fees, and failing to provide discounts that their sales agents had promised customers. In July 2020, Frontier Communications Northwest paid $900,000 to Washington to resolve an Attorney General’s Office investigation that found Frontier did not adequately disclose fees when advertising and selling its products, and misled subscribers about internet speeds it could provide. Later in July 2020, Charter Communications paid nearly $1 million for failing to disclose its “Broadcast TV Surcharge” to customers who ordered the company’s services online. In March 2021, Bothell-based TV and broadband internet provider Wave paid $900,000 to more than 23,000 customers who ordered the company’s services online and more than $300,000 to the Attorney General’s Office.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Brionna Aho, Communications Director, (360) 753-2727; Brionna.aho@atg.wa.gov

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul Addresses Phones in Schools

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered remarks on phones in schools at NYSUT’s “Disconnected” Conference in Albany.

    VIDEO of the event is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

    AUDIO of the Governor’s remarks is available here.

    PHOTOS of the event will be available on the Governor’s Flickr page.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Thank you. Yes, this is an extraordinary gathering of people that we could not have foreseen. When we started to talk about this a year ago, a few enlightened people came forward, people like Melinda, but others were not so sure we could take on something so bold and audacious. But that’s right up my alley. I like to do that. The issues that others say are too hard to tackle and move on, I say, bring them on.

    But when I have allies like NYSUT and Melinda Person, and all the others gathered here, our school board members, our PTA, our school superintendents, our districts, our principals, parents – I can say there’s no stopping us.

    We could not have imagined, just a year ago, a day like today. Absolutely not. And to have so many people here willing to stand up and do what is right – I want to acknowledge some of my colleagues in government. I notice that Senator Shelley Mayer has joined us here, Senator Mayer. Assemblymember Pat Fahy has joined us, Pat Fahy. I saw Harvey Epstein here coming up from the city, Harvey, great to see you as well.

    The easiest thing in life is doing nothing. But when it comes to our kids on an issue like we’re talking about today, doing nothing is simply not an option. When I took office, I vowed change. I had seen that our mental health system here in the State of New York had languished from neglect. Forgotten. No one talked about it. But yet, New Yorkers were suffering. And you know who was suffering the most? Our kids.

    I can guarantee that every adult in this room does not wake up thinking about the pandemic anymore. COVID is in the rearview mirror for you. My friends, after listening to countless young people, it is still having an effect on their mental health today. What they went through for a year, a year and a half, two years, has profoundly impacted their quality of life and their well-being. We have to acknowledge that. We have to acknowledge that these kids are suffering.

    And I made a commitment to transform New York’s mental health system. And we do it, we don’t go halfway. We boosted funding by $1 billion to show our commitment. Investing in more psychiatric beds and services, and setting aside millions of dollars to help kids with programs: suicide prevention efforts, eating disorder care, peer to peer programs. But you know what was so important to me? Was the school-based mental health clinics that — when I was growing up, or my kids who are now adults were growing up — you wouldn’t have thought you needed. But today, we need them.

    And we listened to the kids, we listened to parents, and I could not ignore the trends that were emerging beyond the pandemic. What else was having such a detrimental effect on our kids’ mental health? And we learned that coinciding with the pandemic was the rise in addictive algorithms, intentionally designed by social media companies to grab your child, your student, and hold them — hold them captive.

    Every generation has struggles. I’m a former teenage girl. I know it’s not the easiest time in life. I raised a teenage girl. I’m still around to talk about it. And we’re very close now, okay? And none of this is news to you, but the parents and teachers of today are wrestling with something that is unprecedented. And you see this. All of you.

    I’m not telling you something that those of you who are in constant communication with our kids, our teachers, our administrators, our school boards, you know what I’m talking about. You are on the front lines. And I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with NYSUT and educators to say that, first of all, we have to make sure there’s sufficient funding for our schools overall.

    We have increased school aid. We have increased school aid by over $5 billion in two years, the largest funding increase in history and fully funding Foundation Aid for the first time ever. Tier 6 retirement benefits there to help our teachers. Overhauling the reading curriculum.

    I listened to Melinda, I listened to Randi Weingarten, I listened to Mike Mulgrew about how we’re teaching in our schools, why we’re teaching reading, and phonics based on a system that was put in place 20 years ago and is not successful. So, I don’t mind reaching into the world and saying we can do better.

    All these investments have been made with one sole purpose: to do what’s best for our kids. But listen, there’s something else going on. What we had to do was address these algorithms aggressively because I’ll never forget one of the round tables I did locally with a number of high school students. They were describing to me what they were going through, and I felt as a mom, more than anything. My heart was breaking, because this young woman said to me, “We can’t put down the phones in schools. We can’t do it. You have to save us from ourselves.”

    This was a cry for help. It hits you right here when you’re a mom, you’re a parent, you’re a teacher who cares. You can’t ignore that. What she was referring to was the fact that she’d be ostracized. That she had to know that the kids were talking about what she was wearing that day or what she was saying, what she was doing in school or their meeting in the lavatory – she needed to be connected because if you weren’t, you were a social outcast. But just imagine a world where no one has the phone with them. No one is an outcast. No one has to worry about being bullied when they should be paying attention to their teacher in the front of the classroom. This is the world we’re talking about. The anxiety, the depression, the sadness that never seems to go away. I have close family members, I’m watching them, spiraling. They need help.

    So, we took on the social media companies. Not an easy task. I’ll tell you that right now, not for the faint of heart. But I said to them, with all these threats of litigation against us, you’re going to lose in court. Get out of the courtroom, and get into my conference room. We can work on this together. We don’t have to be adversarial, because I guarantee your corporate leadership, your CEOs, your employees also see what’s going on with the product you’re creating. And there must be limitations on this. Leave our children alone. Let them get some sleep at night. Don’t be bombarding them 24 hours a day with messaging that they did not ask for.

    That’s the whole nature of this. They’re taking information about your child, your student, and monetizing their mental health by bombarding them with advertising and messaging over and over again. They can go to social media sites if they want to. They can go to support groups. They can go where they want to go. But this is about them being on the receiving end of something they did not ask for.

    We changed the law. I thank our legislators. I thank Nily Rozic, I thank Andrew Gounardes, those two leaders for being champions and for standing with me and our Attorney General, Tish James. Last October we did a press conference with our teachers and everybody. And we said, we are going to make sure that New York leads. We’re going to be number one in the nation in terms of how far we are willing to go because the costs are so high if we do nothing. Online privacy – you should not be capturing information about our kids and selling it. You should not be hitting them during nighttime hours and parents should be able to be aware and turn off the addictive algorithms. You cannot send them this information anymore. And we got it through.

    The regulations being worked on and the rest of the nation is paying attention. Look at Instagram this past week. I’m not saying they went all the way. They have some more to do, but at least they took that step that everybody told me a year ago was impossible. “Wait, how will we ever know whether it’s someone under 18 or not? We don’t have the ability to do that. So, we cannot limit our activity with kids under 18.” I said, “Really? You’re tech companies, you know how to figure this out.” Surprise. They figured it out. And that’s what they did this week. I need others to do that.

    So, we’re looking at this. We’re looking at the Surgeon General report on how children are held captive. Three hours is dangerous, the average is five. I’m listening to teachers, 72 percent who say across the country this is a huge distraction. The teachers I met in person who said, “I’m in competition. I’m trying to teach, I’m trying to engage, make eye contact, have a relationship with these kids because that’s how I can create a bond. And they’re not even looking at me. I’m tired of this, this is getting too hard.”

    Those are direct quotes from teachers who want to do their jobs. We have to help them as well. So let me say this. We are doing something. We’re taking on the tech giants. They’re starting to come around. We need Washington to do more. You’ll hear more about that. And I thank Randi Weingarten for being a national leader on this and being our champion in Washington, D.C. Thank you, Randi. Thank you.

    But the cell phone in schools issue: I will tell you this, this has been an evolution for me personally. My kids were in middle school during Columbine, right? This is when you have that sense of security shaken to the core that something could happen to your child when they’re out of your watch. Something devastating. A shooting. A mass shooting. I was listening to a lot of people who thought that you need to have that connection all day long, just in case something happens. And I realized my first thought was wrong.

    When I listened to law enforcement who said, if there is a crisis on the school grounds, there is a shooter running loose. The last thing you want happening is for your child to be looking at their cell phone, maybe videoing, sending messages, trying to go viral, and not paying attention to the adult in the room who is trained to get them to safety.

    All I needed to hear was that from multiple members of law enforcement, and I said, you know what, you’re right. And I also want our kids to grow up free from this influence throughout the day. I can’t help what happens after hours, Mom and Dad, that’s up to all of you. We need to do more. We need to set the example as well. Let’s set the example as well.

    When it comes to the school day, I want our kids to be kids again. I want them to talk to each other in the hallways. I want them to yell and talk to each other in the schoolyard, I want them to communicate during lunchtime. I want them to develop the interpersonal relationships that are not occurring right now, because I’ve said this many times, our number one job is to raise adults, not raise kids. Our job is to raise adults, fully functioning adults who emerge from childhood with the social skills that they develop in school settings. They’re being denied that now, because the cell phone has taken over human interaction.

    We can stop this now. We can work with the kids who’ve already had to deal with the stress and the anxiety and all those pressures. We can help them, but wouldn’t it be fantastic to know that their younger siblings will enter a very different world, closer to our childhoods, when you went out and kicked a ball, you talked to someone on the phone for fun, you got together and went to the movies.

    Your world was not taken into a device. We owe that to our kids, my friends. We owe that to them. Let’s right the wrongs of the past, when nobody had the courage to stand up and say, this has gone too far. We do not have leaders, like Melinda Person and everybody in this room, say enough is enough. Let’s let our kids have a childhood free from this interference, this disruption.

    I guarantee they’ll be able to emerge fully functioning in technology, go to the tech jobs, all the opposition I’m hearing, I can find an answer and say, no, this is more important. My question is this: are you with me when it comes to saving our children right here and right now? Are you with me?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India to host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit early next year, covering the entire gamut of Media and Entertainment industry

    Source: Government of India

    India to host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit early next year, covering the entire gamut of Media and Entertainment industry

    WAVES would position India as an unparalleled global powerhouse in the M&E landscape says Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of I&B

    ‘Create in India’ Challenge Season 1of WAVES thrown open, Shri Jaju exhorts youth to participate in large numbers

    Posted On: 20 SEP 2024 5:08PM by PIB Hyderabad

    The Government of India is gearing up to host the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) early next year from 5th to 9th February to bolster India’s Media & Entertainment industry and extend its global influence.

    Speaking at a roadshow to promote WAVES at the Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) in the city today, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju said that WAVES would be the first-ever global summit covering the entire gamut of Media and Entertainment industry. Participating in the event, Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Department of IT, Electronics & Communications of Government of Telangana said that the state has a curated ecosystem to promote innovations in this sector and would be glad to take it to the national level.

     

    Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju briefing about WAVES summit in Hyderabad

     

    Shi Jaju said that WAVES would see a close coordinated efforts between the M&E industry and technology. WAVES aims to be a premier forum, fostering dialogue, trade collaboration and innovation within the evolving M&E industry landscape. The Summit will convene industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, attract trade to India, and shape the sector’s future.

    Earlier in the day Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju met the Film Associations and the industry leaders of the AVGC sector. In the meeting organised by the CBFC Regional office of Hyderabad, he promised strict implementation of punitive measures against piracy faced by the film industry. Shri Jaju also assured Government support to the gaming industry stakeholders.

     

    Shi Jaju said that WAVES would see a close coordinated efforts between the M&E industry and technology. WAVES aims to be a premier forum, fostering dialogue, trade collaboration and innovation within the evolving M&E industry landscape. The Summit will convene industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, attract trade to India, and shape the sector’s future.

    Earlier in the day Secretary I&B Shri Sanjay Jaju met the Film Associations and the industry leaders of the AVGC sector. In the meeting organised by the CBFC Regional office of Hyderabad, he promised strict implementation of punitive measures against piracy faced by the film industry. Shri Jaju also assured Government support to the gaming industry stakeholders.

    Meeting of film associations and AVGC sector stakeholders being addressed by Shri Sanjay Jaju

    and Shri Jayesh Ranjan

    Sh Ajay Dhoke, GM of NFDC and CEO of WAVES, Sh Rajendra Singh, CEO of CBFC,

    Smt Shifali Kumar, RO and Shri Rahul Gowlikar EO from   CBFC Hyderabad participated in the meeting.

     

    ****

    *****

    (Release ID: 2057050) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) Receives Royalty Payment for Ownership Stake in Listerine Antiseptic

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Naples, FL, Sept. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), a diversified holding company, is pleased to announce the receipt of a royalty payment derived from its ownership stake in Listerine® Antiseptic (Mouthwash), a globally recognized brand in oral hygiene.

    As part of its strategic portfolio, Music Licensing, Inc. holds a valuable interest in the Listerine® brand, which continues to perform exceptionally well in the marketplace. The latest royalty payment reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to maximizing shareholder value through diversified asset holdings, including high-profile consumer goods.

    “We are proud of the steady revenue stream generated from our stake in Listerine® Antiseptic,” said Jake P. Noch, CEO of Music Licensing, Inc. “This payment not only highlights the strength and reliability of our diverse portfolio but also underscores our ability to create sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders.”

    Music Licensing, Inc. continues to pursue strategic investments in both the entertainment and consumer goods sectors, further reinforcing its position as a leader in intellectual property and royalty-based assets.

    About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (ProMusicRights.com) 

    Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) formed in the United States. Its licensees include notable companies such as TikTok, iHeart Media, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others. Pro Music Rights holds an estimated market share of 7.4% in the United States, representing over 2,500,000 works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, as well as artificial intelligence (A.I.) created music.

    Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) owns royalty stakes in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and musical works by artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and numerous others.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

    Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

    This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

    Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

    This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication

    Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com

    SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Portfolio Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Octopus AIM VCT plc
    Portfolio Update

    The investment portfolio of Octopus AIM VCT plc (the “Company”) as at 20 September 2024 is as follows (the valuations being the unaudited valuations, at bid price, as at 31 July 2024):

    Portfolio Company Sector Book cost (£’000) Movement in valuation (£’000) Fair Value
    (£’000)
    Breedon Group plc Construction & Building 859 5,316 6,175
    Hasgrove plc1 Unquoted Investment 88 5,666 5,754
    Judges Scientific plc Electronic & Electrical 256 3,737 3,993
    Learning Technologies Group plc Support Services 1,051 2,288 3,339
    Popsa Holdings Ltd1 Unquoted Investment 1,590 1,596 3,186
    Craneware plc Software & Computer Services 183 2,964 3,147
    Mattioli Woods plc Specialty & Other Finance 529 2,599 3,128
    Brooks Macdonald Group plc Specialty & Other Finance 746 2,287 3,033
    IDOX plc Software & Computer Services 353 2,622 2,975
    GB Group plc Software & Computer Services 505 2,360 2,865
    Netcall plc Telecommunication Services 308 2,445 2,753
    Intelligent Ultrasound Group plc Engineering & Machinery 2,156 49 2,205
    PCI-Pal plc Software & Computer Services 1,294 909 2,203
    Equipmake Holdings plc Electronic & Electrical 2,121 41 2,162
    Beeks Financial Cloud Group plc Software & Computer Services 450 1,676 2,126
    Vertu Motors plc General Retailers 1,265 639 1,904
    Next Fifteen Communications Group plc Media & Entertainment 453 1,402 1,855
    Maxcyte Inc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 1,035 694 1,729
    Diaceutics plc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 930 648 1,578
    Animalcare Group plc Food Producers & Processors 306 1,224 1,530
    SDI Group plc Electronic & Electrical 179.00 1,249 1,428
    Pulsar Group plc Software & Computer Services 678 515 1,193
    EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc Health 767 413 1,180
    Abingdon Health plc Medical Equipment and Services 1,615 (467) 1,148
    GENinCode plc Medical Equipment and Services 2,001 (876) 1,125
    Gamma Communications plc Telecommunication Services 274 789 1,063
    Itaconix plc Industrial 1,588 (529) 1,059
    Eden Research plc Industrial 1,620 (573) 1,047
    Sosandar plc General Retailers 1,853 (806) 1,047
    Verici Dx plc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 1,551 (587) 964
    Nexteq plc Technology Hardware 507 429 936
    Strip Tinning Holdings plc Loan Notes Electronic & Electrical 900 – 900
    Cambridge Cognition Holdings plc Health 1,075 (216) 859
    Haydale Graphene Industries plc Chemicals 1,857 (1,025) 832
    Gear4music Holdings plc General Retailers 529 148 677
    TPXimpact Holdings plc Support Services 979 (317) 662
    Oberon Investments Group plc Investment Banking & Brokerage Services 864 (220) 644
    Cranswick plc Food Producers & Processors 606 37 643
    Ricardo Construction & Building 602 33 635
    Wise Industrial 606 7 613
    Feedback plc Software & Computer Services 1,500 (896) 604
    GSK plc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 603 (32) 571
    Ilika Electronic & Electrical 1,058 (509) 549
    DP Poland plc Leisure & Hotels 1,016 (519) 497
    Restore plc Support Services 256 233 489
    Gooch & Housego plc Electronic & Electrical 422 60 482
    RWS Holdings plc Support Services 143 316 459
    MyCelx Technologies Corporation Oil Services 1,470 (1,014) 456
    Bytes Technology Group plc Software & Computer Services 489 (42) 447
    Mears Group plc Support Services 139 304 443
    Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc Health 284 148 432
    Velocity Composites plc Engineering & Machinery 799 (404) 395
    Creo Medical Group plc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 1,471 (1,118) 353
    Northcoders Group plc Software & Computer Services 380 (63) 317
    Alusid Limited1 Unquoted Investment 300 – 300
    Crimson Tide plc Software & Computer Services 567 (283) 284
    JTC plc Investment Banking & Brokerage Services 248 36 284
    Ixico plc Health 1,046 (794) 252
    Rosslyn Data Technologies plc Software & Computer Services 969 (759) 210
    Tan Delta Systems plc Electronic & Electrical 453 (252) 201
    Libertine holdings plc Industrial Engineering 3,000 (2,805) 195
    Gelion plc Electronic & Electrical 1,140 (951) 189
    Rosslyn Data Technologies plc (convertible loan) Software & Computer Services 180 – 180
    ENGAGE XR Holdings Software & Computer Services 1,879 (1,709) 170
    KRM22 plc Software & Computer Services 681 (511) 170
    LungLife AI Inc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 2,079 (1,925) 154
    Staffline Group plc Industrial Support Services 334 (192) 142
    Strip Tinning Holdings plc Electronic & Electrical 506 (397) 109
    XP Factory plc Leisure & Hotels 988 (882) 106
    TheraCryf plc Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Marijuana Producers 1,050 (952) 98
    Enteq technologies plc Oil Services 1,032 (960) 72
    1Spatial plc Support Services 300 (235) 65
    DXS International plc Software & Computer Services 300 (255) 45
    Fusion Antibodies plc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 745 (717) 28
    Tasty plc Leisure & Hotels 516 (498) 18
    Genedrive Plc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 217 (206) 11
    Trackwise Designs plc Electronic & Electrical 1,934 (1,934) –
    Cloudified Holdings Limited Software & Computer Services 900 (900) –
    Airnow plc1 Unquoted Investment 1,257 (1,257) –
    Microsaic Systems plc Engineering & Machinery 1,384 (1,384) –
    Rated People Ltd1 Unquoted Investment 354 (354) –
    ReNeuron Group plc Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 1,485 (1,485) –
    Sorted Group Holdings Plc Software & Computer Services 763 (763) –
    The British Honey Company plc General Retailers 1,321 (1,321) –
    The Food Marketplace Ltd1 Retailers 300 (300) –
    Eluceda Limited1 Pharmaceuticals & Biotech 300 (300) –

    Since 31 July 2024 Octopus AIM VCT plc has made £1.2 million investments and £0.1 million disposals. 

    Unless otherwise stated, all the investments set out above: 

    – are not quoted on regulated markets; 
    – represent equity investments except in the case of Osirium which include investment through loan stock; and 
    – are in portfolio companies incorporated in the UK with the exception of: 

    Cloudified Holdings Limited – British Virgin Islands 
    ENGAGE XR Holdings plc – Republic of Ireland 
    JTC plc – Jersey 
    LungLife AI Inc – USA
    MyCelx Technologies Corporation – USA 
    Breedon Group plc – Jersey 
    MaxCyte Inc – USA 

    1 Denotes unlisted company 

    Current Asset Investments (unaudited) 

    Portfolio Company  Book cost (£’000) Fair Value (£’000)
    FP Octopus Microcap Growth Fund  7,518 9,233
    FP Octopus Multi Cap Income Fund  4,051 5,027
    FP Octopus Future Generations Fund  1,878 1,907
    JPMorgan Sterling Liquidity Fund  9,000 9,000
    BlackRock ICS Sterling Liquidity Fund   9,046 9,046
    HSBC Sterling Liquidity Fund  9,040 9,040

    Since 31 July 2024 there has been no investments or disposals from the current asset investments. 

    The capitalisation of Octopus AIM VCT plc as at 31 July 2024 was as follows:  

    Shareholders’ Equity    £’000s
    Called up Equity Share Capital  2,018
    Legal reserves  18,065
    Other reserves  96,300
    Total   116,383

    There has been no material change to the capitalisation since 31 July 2024. 

    For further information please contact:

    Rachel Peat
    Octopus Company Secretarial Services Limited
    Tel: +44 (0)80 0316 2067
    LEI: 213800C5JHJUQLAFP619

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EverCommerce Announces Changes to Its Board Of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Sept. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverCommerce Inc. (Nasdaq: EVCM) (the “Company”), a leading provider of SaaS solutions for service SMBs, announced today the appointment of Alexi Wellman to its Board of Directors, effective Monday, September 23, 2024.

    “We are excited to welcome Alexi to our Board of Directors,” said EverCommerce CEO and Chairman of the Board Eric Remer. “Alexi brings extensive experience in operations, financial management, accounting and audit processes and corporate governance that will serve us well in pursuing our growth strategy.”

    Upon joining the EverCommerce Board, Ms. Wellman will serve on the Company’s Audit Committee, bringing substantial expertise from her roles as CEO and CFO of Altbaba, Inc., vice president of finance and global controller at Yahoo Inc., CFO of Nebraska Book Company and practicing CPA and audit partner at KPMG LLP.

    Ms. Wellman also serves on the Board of Directors for public companies including ESS Tech, Inc. (NYSE: GWH) and Werner Enterprises (Nasdaq: WERN), where she is the Chair of both Boards’ Audit Committees.

    “I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors at EverCommerce and apply my financial and governance experience to the Company’s mission of simplifying and empowering the lives of its SMB service business customers,” said Ms. Wellman.

    Alongside this appointment, EverCommerce is also announcing that current Board member Debby Soo will be leaving the Company’s Board, effective October 31, 2024.

    “The Board of Directors, EverCommerce leadership and I thank Debby for her contributions over the past three and a half years,” said Remer. “We appreciate the insight and expertise she brought to the Company.”

    About EverCommerce 

    EverCommerce (Nasdaq: EVCM) is a leading service commerce platform, providing vertically-tailored, integrated SaaS solutions that help more than 690,000 global service-based businesses accelerate growth, streamline operations, and increase retention. Its modern digital and mobile applications create predictable, informed, and convenient experiences between customers and their service professionals. With its EverPro, EverHealth, and EverWell brands specializing in Home, Health, and Wellness service industries, EverCommerce provides end-to-end business management software, embedded payment acceptance, marketing technology, and customer experience applications. Learn more at  EverCommerce.com.

    Investor Contact

    Brad Korch
    SVP and Head of Investor Relations
    720-796-7664
    IR@evercommerce.com

    Media Contact
    Jeanne Trogan
    VP of Communications
    512-705-1293
    Press@evercommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Clover Leaf Capital Corp. Announces Adjournment of Special Meeting of Stockholders on Proposed Business Combination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, FL and KANSAS CITY, KS, Sept. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clover Leaf Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: CLOE) (“CLOE” or “Clover Leaf”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, and Digital Ally, Inc. (Nasdaq: DGLY) (“Digital Ally”) today announced that on September 20, 2024, Clover Leaf convened and then adjourned, without conducting other business, its special meeting of its stockholders in lieu of its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting” ) to 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time on Friday, September 27, 2024. At the meeting, stockholders of Clover Leaf will be asked to vote on proposals to approve, among other things, its proposed initial business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Kustom Entertainment, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Kustom Entertainment” or the “Company”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Clover Leaf, CL Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clover Leaf (“Merger Sub”), Yntegra Capital Investments LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and Digital Ally, Inc., a Nevada corporation and the sole stockholder of the Company (“Digital Ally”). There is no change to the location, the record date, the purpose or any of the proposals to be acted upon at the Meeting.

    As a result of this change, the Meeting will now be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 27, 2024 via the live webcast at https://www.cstproxy.com/cloverlcc/bc2024. Also as a result of this change, the deadline for holders of Clover Leaf’s Class A common stock issued in Clover Leaf’s initial public offering to submit their shares for redemption in connection with the Business Combination, is being extended to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The record date for Clover Leaf’s stockholders to vote in the Meeting remains July 24, 2024.

    Clover Leaf plans to continue to solicit proxies from stockholders during the period prior to the Meeting. Only the holders of the Clover Leaf’s common stock as of the close of business on July 24, 2024, the record date for the Meeting, are entitled to vote at the Meeting.

    If any Clover Leaf stockholder has any questions or need assistance, such stockholder should (i) reach out to his, her or its broker or (ii) contact Morrow Sodali LLC, Clover Leaf’s proxy solicitor, for assistance via e-mail at CLOE.info or toll-free call at 800-662-5200. Banks and brokers can place a collect call to Morrow Sodali LLC at 203-658-9400 or email at CLOE.info@investor.morrowsodali.com.

    About Kustom Entertainment, Inc.

    Kustom Entertainment, Inc., a recently formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Digital Ally, will provide oversight to currently wholly-owned subsidiaries TicketSmarter, Kustom 440, and BirdVu Jets.

    TicketSmarter offers tickets to more than 125,000 live events ranging from concerts to sports and theatre shows. TicketSmarter is the official ticket resale partner of over 35 collegiate conferences, over 300 universities, and hundreds of events and venues nationally. TicketSmarter is a primary and secondary ticketing solution for events and high-profile venues across North America. For more information on TicketSmarter, visit www.Ticketsmarter.com.

    Established in late 2022, Kustom 440 is an entertainment division of Kustom Entertainment, Inc., whose mission it is to attract, manage and promote concerts, sports and private events. Kustom 440 is unique in that it brings a primary and secondary ticketing platform, in addition to its well-established relationships with artists, venues, and municipalities. For more information on Kustom 440, visit www.Kustom440.com.

    Kustom Entertainment operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries TicketSmarter, Inc. (“TicketSmarter”), Kustom 440, Inc. (“Kustom 440”), and BirdVu Jets, Inc. (“BirdVu Jets”). Following the closing of the Business Combination, TicketSmarter, Kustom 440, and BirdVu Jets will combine their management teams and focus on concerts, entertainment and garnering additional ticketing partnerships, as well as using existing sponsorships and sports property partnerships to develop alternative entertainment options for consumers.

    About Clover Leaf Capital Corp.

    Clover Leaf Capital Corp. is a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

    For more information, contact:

    Stanton E. Ross, CEO
    Info@kustoment.com
    Info@cloverlcc.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, CLOE’s and Kustom Entertainment’s expectations with respect to the proposed business combination between CLOE and Kustom Entertainment, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the transaction, the implied valuation of Kustom Entertainment, the products offered by Kustom Entertainment and the markets in which it operates, and Kustom Entertainment’s projected future results. Words such as “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside CLOE’s and Kustom Entertainment’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause actual future events to differ materially from the expected results, include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of CLOE’s securities, (ii) the risk that the transaction may not be completed by CLOE’s business combination deadline, even if extended by its stockholders, (iii) and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by Clover Leaf; (iv) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the adoption of the agreement and plan of merger (“Merger Agreement”) by the stockholders of CLOE, (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, (vi) the failure to obtain any applicable regulatory approvals required to consummate the business combination; (vii) the receipt of an unsolicited offer from another party for an alternative transaction that could interfere with the business combination, (viii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Kustom Entertainment’s business relationships, performance, and business generally, (ix) the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition and the ability of the post-combination company to grow and manage growth profitability and retain its key employees, (x) costs related to the business combination, (xi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Kustom Entertainment or CLOE following the announcement of the proposed business combination, (xii) the ability to maintain the listing of CLOE’s securities on the Nasdaq prior to the business combination, (xiii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed business combination, and identify and realize additional opportunities, (xiv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which Kustom Entertainment operates, (xv) the risk that demand for Kustom Entertainment’s services may be decreased due to a decrease in the number of large-scale sporting events, concerts and theater shows, (xvi) the risk that any adverse changes in Kustom Entertainment’s relationships with buyer, sellers and distribution partners may adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations, (xvii) the risk that Changes in Internet search engine algorithms and dynamics, or search engine disintermediation, or changes in marketplace rules could have a negative impact on traffic for Kustom Entertainment’s sites and ultimately, its business and results of operations; (xviii) the risk that any decrease in the willingness of artists, teams and promoters to continue to support the secondary ticket market may result in decreased demand for Kustom Entertainment’s services; (xix) the risk that Kustom Entertainment is not able to maintain and enhance its brand and reputation in its marketplace, adversely affecting Kustom Entertainment’s business, financial condition and results of operations, (xx) the risk of the occurrence of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks, disease epidemics or pandemics, severe weather events and natural disasters, (xxi) the risk that because Kustom Entertainment’s operations are seasonal and its results of operations vary from quarter to quarter and year over year, its financial performance in certain financial quarters or years may not be indicative of, or comparable to, Kustom Entertainment’s financial performance in subsequent financial quarters or years; (xxii) the risk that periods of rapid growth and expansion could place a significant strain on Kustom Entertainment’s resources, including its employee base, which could negatively impact Kustom Entertainment’s operating results; (xxiii) the risk that Kustom Entertainment may never achieve or sustain profitability; (xxiv) the risk that Kustom Entertainment may need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which many not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (xxv) the risk that third-parties suppliers and manufacturers are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations, (xxvi) the risk that Kustom Entertainment is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property, (xxvii) the risk that the post-combination company’s securities will not be approved for listing on Nasdaq or if approved, maintain the listing and (xxviii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the proxy statement and/or prospectus relating to the business combination, including those under the “Risk Factors” section therein and in CLOE’s other filings with the SEC. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Kustom Entertainment and CLOE assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Important Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the transaction, CLOE has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which includes a proxy statement to be distributed to holders of CLOE’s common stock in connection with CLOE’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by CLOE’s stockholders with respect to the transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, as well as a prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Kustom Entertainment’s stockholder in connection with the transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety because they contain important information about CLOE, Kustom Entertainment and the transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by CLOE through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: 1450 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2520, Miami, FL 33131.

    Participants in Solicitation

    CLOE and Kustom Entertainment and their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers and other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of CLOE is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 22, 2024. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, are included in the proxy statement/ prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the transaction. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed business combination. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public-Interest Groups Defend FCC’s Broadcast-Ownership Rules Promoting Competition, Diversity and Localism on Air

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    WASHINGTON — On Friday, six public-interest, media-reform, media-justice, and labor organizations joined to file an amicus curiae brief defending the Federal Communications Commission’s broadcast ownership rules against an industry challenge in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    The six groups are Common Cause, the Communications Workers of America-National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians, Free Press, the Future of Music Coalition, the musicFIRST Coalition, and the United Church of Christ Office of Communication, Inc. (“UCC Media Justice”). All of these entities have long participated in FCC proceedings and court cases on this issue. Attorneys Cheryl Leanza and Rachel Stillwell authored and filed the brief on the groups’ behalf.

    The FCC’s media-ownership rules are designed to promote competition, viewpoint diversity, ownership diversity, and the delivery of local content by broadcast stations licensed to serve communities all across the United States. A series of deregulatory decisions the agency has made over the last two decades has significantly pared back these rules. The FCC undergoes a congressionally mandated review of these regulations every four years.

    Prior legal challenges from both industry groups and public-interest organizations have played out in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. This time, the broadcast industry brought its suit in a different circuit. Broadcasting conglomerates and the trade groups representing them argue that the Biden FCC should eliminate more of the few ownership limits that remain on the books.

    As today’s amicus brief explains, broadcast lobbyists suggest that their businesses should no longer be regulated because people already have access to the same kinds of content on the internet. The broadcasters’ assertion, the brief says, would “leave out of the picture the many Americans who do not fit their vision of a life lived completely online, consuming only national news and culture.” As the filing notes, millions of people in the United States still need to or choose to rely primarily on free broadcasting services for local news, cultural content, and emergency information that broadcast outlets distribute more reliably than internet sources.

    Free Press Vice President of Policy and General Counsel Matt Wood said:

    “As always, the broadcast industry wants to have its cake and eat it too. Lawyers for giant media conglomerates argue that free and over-the-air local broadcasting remains a unique and special service, yet also insist that their industry should be completely unfettered from any common-sense ownership limits because of competition from internet sources. They can’t have it both ways. For broadcasting to remain a source of diverse and truly local content—serving populations that national and homogenized news sources so often ignore—the Federal Communications Commission must retain its rules preventing a single company from dominating the airwaves or owning quite literally every broadcast outlet in the same city.”

    United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry Policy Advisor Cheryl Leanza said:

    “Broadcast media is unique: Local television engenders more trust, more local news, and thus more local engagement on everything from elections to community needs. Local radio is an important means to preserve and enliven local culture. Previous FCC decisions permitting vast consolidation have been disastrous—for the court to reverse the most recent FCC decision to keep the remaining rules and close loopholes would be even more so. In line with multiple other federal court decisions, the Eighth Circuit should reject any hint that each iteration of the quadrennial-review process mandates further consolidation.”

    Common Cause Director for Media and Democracy Ishan Mehta said:

    “In this era of media consolidation, we need local television and radio stations to provide a much-needed avenue for the public to hear diverse voices as they seek to make informed decisions at the ballot box. When media outlets are owned by a small number of corporations, it narrows the available perspectives and stifles the investigative journalism that our democracy depends on. We ask the court to preserve the FCC’s role in protecting diversity and furthering competition to ensure a healthy media ecosystem for all Americans.”

    NABET-CWA President Charlie Braico said:

    “Locally owned broadcast television and radio stations and the jobs they create are critical to the well-being of our communities. Consolidation in the media industry and Wall Street’s downsizing and stripping of local news operations for profits, along with the ‘narrowcasting” of information on the internet, has left Americans more isolated and divided than ever. The FCC’s ability to enforce local broadcast ownership rules is critical to preventing further harm.”

    Future of Music Coalition Director Kevin Erickson said:

    “Radio is a medium uniquely equipped to uplift the voices of diverse local communities expressed through diverse American musical traditions. Sadly, as we’ve seen over the years, ownership consolidation has empowered large companies and private equity firms to move away from the live and local emphasis that makes AM/FM radio special, replacing regional character with narrow formats and repetitive playlists presented by robots. We’re proud to join with a diverse array of groups in defending the FCC’s important role in protecting ownership diversity and healthy competition.”

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hezbollah confirms senior leader killed in Israeli airstrike

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday night mourned the acting commander of its Elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Akil, who was killed earlier in the day by an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

    “Today, the great jihadist leader Ibrahim Akil joined the procession of his brothers, the great martyr leaders, after a blessed life full of jihad, work, wounds, sacrifices, risks, challenges, achievements, and victories,” read a statement released by Hezbollah.

    Meanwhile, the local MTV channel reported that the body of Akil was found along with seven other members of Hezbollah’s Elite Radwan Force.

    The channel reported earlier that the whole command committee of the Elite Radwan Force was meeting in the building that was targeted by the Israeli airstrike.

    Civil defense teams are still searching for bodies under the rubble.

    According to the Health Ministry, the Israeli airstrike has killed 14 people and injured 66 others.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 12 killed, 66 injured in Israeli airstrike on Beirut

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A firefighting plane extinguishes fires caused by rocket attacks from Lebanon, near northern Israeli border with Lebanon, on Sept. 20, 2024. Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhua)

    Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

    The Israeli strike hit a building in the Jamous area of Dahieh, a Beirut suburb. Rescue teams were clearing rubble to find casualties, the ministry said.

    Local TV footage showed extensive damage and chaos in the densely populated neighborhood. Lebanese media reported the strike targeted Ibrahim Akil, a Hezbollah Jihad Council member.

    Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Akil was killed along with other senior commanders in the Lebanese group during the operation. However, Hezbollah has not disclosed any information about Akil’s situation.

    Earlier Friday, the Israeli military said about 120 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, triggering alarms in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Safed, and Upper Galilee. Some were intercepted, with debris causing fires. No injuries in Israel have been reported.

    Lebanese military sources reported Israeli airstrikes hit six locations in southern Lebanon, while artillery shelled 11 border towns earlier in the day.

    Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following two explosions from communications devices in Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931.

    Lebanon’s government denounced the explosions as a sovereignty violation and sought an urgent UN Security Council meeting. Hezbollah blamed Israel for targeting its units and vowed retaliation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red flags hoisted at Pui O Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Attention TV/radio announcers:

    Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

         Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 21) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red flags hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Red flags hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach
    Red flags hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach
    *************************************************

    Attention TV/radio announcers:Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 21) that due to inclement weather, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:29

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –