NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK “It humanises politics” hear what members had to say about Learn with the Lords Day | House of Lords

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Members help students engage with the work of the House of Lords through our Learn with the Lords programme.

    Hear from Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Lord Haskel, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle and Baroness Fookes about why they take part in the programme and why they feel it’s important for young people to get involved with @UKParliament and democracy.

    Find out more about Learn with the Lords https://learning.parliament.uk/en/learn-with-the-lords/

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #LearnWithTheLords #Education #Schools

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4LcHgnnciA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Pedagogical Start”: Intern Training Begins at Polytechnic University

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important task of the university’s personnel policy is the development and systematic implementation of fundamentally new tools and mechanisms for the professional development of the teaching staff. Starting from this academic year, the Polytechnic University Four career paths have been introduced: teacher-researcher, teacher-mentor, teacher-practitioner and intern.

    Last week, the training of interns under the Pedagogical Start program began. 75 young specialists began studying the basics of pedagogical activity and teaching methods with subsequent practice. The interns included final-year students and postgraduates who have been working at the university since the beginning of this academic year as educational and auxiliary or engineering personnel. The allocation and financing of full-time positions for interns is carried out from the university’s centralized fund. Each intern is assigned a mentor – an experienced teacher.

    At the organizational meeting with interns and their mentors, the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities, Chairperson of the Selection Committee of the Faculty of the Faculty, Lyudmila Pankova, spoke about the specifics and features of training interns.

    Formation of the career trajectory of interns is aimed at creating additional conditions for attracting, retaining and developing young promising specialists with high potential at our university. Through planned training of interns through the system of training and mentoring, in a year the university receives a formed young specialist, ready for teaching and research activities, possessing pedagogical experience and planning his professional development at the university, – noted Lyudmila Vladimirovna.

    During this academic year, interns will undergo a special professional retraining program and enter the classroom with their mentors. Interns will also undergo an assessment of universal competencies on the presidential platform of the ANO “Russia – Country of Opportunities”.

    The retraining program “Pedagogical Start” includes several thematic modules devoted to the history and development trends of higher education, regulatory framework for educational activities, psychological and pedagogical training, visualization technologies, design of educational resources in a digital educational environment, rhetoric, as well as practices of using artificial intelligence as a teaching tool.

    An important element of the training program for interns is their internship, which includes attending classes with leading teachers of the structural unit where the intern works, developing and conducting practical classes with subsequent discussion of the results with their mentor, and creating an electronic educational resource for their course.

    The modules of the “Pedagogical Start” program are designed so that interns can quickly integrate into the Polytechnic’s teaching community. For example, the first classes include an introduction to the history of our university and a visit to the museum, and the basics of public speaking will be mastered using a specialized VR complex, explained Elena Zima, head of the retraining program and director of the Education Quality Center.

    In the second part of the organizational meeting, representatives of the PPS competition committee discussed topics of interest to interns, their mentors and those responsible for the implementation of personnel policy at the institutes. The employment procedure was covered by the Head of the Personnel Department Maria Pakhomova. Secretary of the PPS competition committee Olga Kalinina answered questions regarding the specifics of the entry conditions and the planned results of the intern’s career trajectory.

    After the organizational meeting, Lyudmila Pankova gave the interns the first lecture under the retraining program on the topic of “Modern trends in education.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/education/pedagogical-start-at-the-polytechnic-training-trainees-has begun/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ashcroft Participates in Security Summit – Vows to Maintain Election Integrity in Missouri

    Source: US State of Missouri

    For immediate release:                 October 10, 2024

    Contact:                                         JoDonn Chaney, Communications Director

                                                            (573) 526-0949

    Jefferson City, Mo. — Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft returned yesterday from a two-day election security summit in Omaha, NE, put on by the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE) headquartered at the University of Nebraska.

    Ashcroft and four other secretaries of state, Nebraska’s Bob Evnen, Iowa’s Paul Pate, Kansas’ Scott Schwab, and South Dakota’s Monae Johnson, met together to discuss election and cybersecurity issues in preparation for the upcoming November election.

    “We run elections for the people of the states; we run elections for our government because it is how ‘we the people’ decide that our Republic will move forward,” Ashcroft said. “No matter who wins or loses, or which issues pass or fail, at the end of the day, the American people can rest assured knowing that they were a part of the decision process and that their votes counted and that the votes made a difference.”

    The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) presented information to the secretaries as several states, including Missouri, have received threats and “suspicious packages” of recent. The federal agency provides election officials with security assessments and scenarios to help prepare for a variety of possibilities that could including ransomware, physical threats – including de-escalation and anti-active shooter incidents, and threats from foreign adversaries (such as Russia, Iran and China). 

    “It was good to come together in person; to share ideas,” Ashcroft said. “It is our job as the chief election official in our respective states to make sure elections are safe, secure and accurate for everyone participating in the process.”

    Missouri has 116 local election authorities who work to make sure elections run smoothly across the state. Election information, as well as ballot issues, can be found at GoVoteMissouri.com.

    —30—

    Visit http://www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: NXP Semiconductors Announces Conference Call to Review Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) today announced it will release financial results for the third quarter 2024 after the close of normal trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on Monday, November 4, 2024. The company will host a conference call with the financial community on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

    Earnings Conference Call Details 
    Interested parties may pre-register for the webcast or obtain a user-specific access code to join the live conference call.

    A replay of the call will be available via webcast for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call.

    About NXP Semiconductors 

    NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP’s “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $13.28 billion in 2023. Find out more at http://www.nxp.com.

    For further information, please contact: 

    NXP-CORP 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UN – World Day Against the Death Penalty (10 Oct. 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    On this 22nd World Day Against the Death Penalty, France reiterates its opposition to this cruel, unjust and inhumane punishment everywhere and in all circumstances.

    The abolition of the death penalty is steadily making headway around the world. But 51 nations continue to apply it.

    At the last UN General Assembly, France and its partner countries presented their biennial resolution calling for a moratorium on executions with the ultimate aim of abolishing the death penalty.

    On December 10, 2023, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, President Macron announced that France would host the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in 2026.

    France calls on all nations to sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at abolishing the death penalty.

    On this symbolic day, France honors the memory of Robert Badinter, who passed away on February 9.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Beat Jans at ministerial meeting in Luxembourg

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Bern, 10.10.2024 – On 10 October, Federal Councillor Beat Jans attended a meeting of justice and home affairs ministers of the (EU and) Schengen states in Luxembourg. The talks focused on better protection of the external border, internal border controls and the need for reform in relation to the EU’s return policy.

    These are priority issues for the Schengen states this year. The Hungarian Council presidency focused the ministerial meeting agenda on the protection of the external border, in particular the digitalisation of processes and systems, and the implementation of interoperability.

    Federal Councillor Beat Jans stressed that external border protection was only one element of a functioning Schengen area and that challenges such as secondary immigration, Dublin transfers and internal border controls must also be addressed. External borders should also be strengthened through better cooperation with third countries. In this regard, the head of the FDJP referred to Switzerland’s positive experience with migration partnerships, which served the interests of all parties involved and ensured that fundamental rights were guaranteed.

    Mr Jans welcomed the discussion on return policy initiated by the Council presidency. He emphasised that there was a need to reform legislation in the area of return policy and argued in favour of Schengen states having greater room for manoeuvre in returning dangerous individuals. He was open to the suggestion that voluntary return to Afghanistan and Syria and the associated expansion of operational support from Frontex should be discussed in European bodies.

    Bilateral meetings

    In Luxembourg, Mr Jans held his first talks with the new French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau. He spoke with the new Greek Migration and Asylum Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, about cooperation on migration as part of Switzerland’s second contribution to selected EU states. Switzerland is providing support in Greece for projects to strengthen migration management and to accommodate vulnerable refugees. Mr Jans was briefed by Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl on the latest asylum policy decisions in Norway. He discussed internal border controls with Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

    Address for enquiries

    FDJP Communication Service, info@gs-efd.admin.ch, T +41 58 462 18 18

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Justice and Police
    http://www.ejpd.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor approves up to $10M in initial funding to support disaster recovery jobs, training for North Carolina after Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the approval of up to $10 million in initial emergency grant funding to North Carolina to support disaster-relief jobs and training services in 25 counties to help respond to Hurricane Helene.

    On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm and quickly moved inland, pushing through Georgia and the Carolinas as a tropical storm. The storm brought the worst flooding in a century to North Carolina, resulting in more than 100 deaths and wiping out entire towns with catastrophic mudslides and floodwaters. More than one million customers lost power and over 100,000 customers remained without power more than a week after the storm. 

    “The Employment and Training Administration is committed to ensuring workers in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene have access to grant funding and assistance,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez. “This Dislocated Worker Grant provides critical support by providing jobs to affected workers while helping North Carolina in its recovery efforts.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued an emergency declaration on Sept. 26, 2024, and a major disaster declaration on Sept. 28, 2024, enabling the state to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in the following 25 counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

    The National Dislocated Worker Grant – supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 – allows the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions to provide people with temporary disaster-relief jobs for cleanup and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to address immediate, basic needs for those displaced by Hurricane Helene. The funding also enables the state to provide training and services to individuals in the affected communities. 

    The department’s Employment and Training Administration oversees National Dislocated Worker Grants, which expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that lead to significant job losses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four More Georgia Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Four More Georgia Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    Four More Georgia Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    ATLANTA – Homeowners and renters in Dodge, Hancock, Thomas and Warren counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene can now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

    FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Previously, Appling,  Atkinson, Bacon,  Ben Hill,  Berrien, Brooks,  Bryan,  Bulloch, Burke,  Butts,  Camden, Candler,  Charlton,  Chatham, Clinch,  Coffee,  Colquitt, Columbia,  Cook,  Echols, Effingham,  Elbert,  Emanuel, Evans,  Glascock,  Glynn, Irwin,  Jeff Davis,  Jefferson, Jenkins,  Johnson,  Lanier, Laurens,  Liberty,  Lincoln, Long,  Lowndes,  McDuffie, Montgomery,  Newton,  Pierce, Rabun,  Richmond,  Screven, Tattnall,  Telfair,  Tift, Toombs,  Treutlen,  Ware, Washington,  Wayne and Wheeler counties were authorized for assistance to households.

    There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App,  call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The FEMA Helpline is open every day and help is available in most languages. 

    The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024.

    What You’ll Need When You Apply

    • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
    • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
    • Your Social Security number.
    • A general list of damage and losses.
    • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
    • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

    If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    minh.phan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    FEMA Administrator Criswell Remains in Florida to Survey Storm Damage with Local Officials 

    WASHINGTON – The joint federal and state emergency response and damage assessments are underway today as Hurricane Milton moves out of Florida. FEMA encourages everyone in the affected areas to continue following the directions of state and local officials, only returning home when told to do so. While the immediate danger from the storm has passed, conditions on the ground require Floridians to take extreme caution as they begin their recovery.

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida with state and local officials assessing the impacts of the storm. 

    “Because of President Biden’s swift approval of the pre-landfall emergency declaration, we were able to deploy some of our search and rescue teams to help in those counties that were impacted by the tornados,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We have over 1,000 federal responders that have been in the state supporting the response and recovery efforts, and not just from Helene, but also the recovery efforts from Ian, Idalia and Debby. Once we know more about the impacts of Milton, we can move in more resources to support them at the state’s request.”

    Commodities, volunteer agencies, response assets and federal personnel are being coordinated through the FEMA Region 4 Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. Both facilities are activated on 24-hour operations to support the state.

    • Several FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams have been deployed to various parts of the state to assist with requests for assistance immediately after the storm. 
    • Ten federal search and rescue teams are in the state to assist survivors. 
    • FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams are conducting operations near Orlando and Tampa. Assets including planes, helicopters and boats from the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard are positioned to support the state’s efforts.  
    • Millions of bottles of water and meals are at air bases and logistics sites in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina for rapid deployment should the state request additional supplies, in addition to tarps and sheeting for interim home repairs. FEMA and the state have been in close coordination to pre-position federal resources to best support their needs.
    • Healthcare System Assessment Teams are onsite in Florida to work with state officials to assess the storm’s impacts to hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other healthcare facilities. 
    • As of Thursday morning, more than 280 shelters were open overnight throughout the state with more than 83,000 people.

    Stay Safe After the Storm

    • DO NOT enter your damaged home if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or if authorities have not declared it safe to return. If your home has received significant flood damage, ensure that the electricity is off and that you are wearing appropriate safety gear before entering.  
    • NEVER use generators indoors. Carbon monoxide has no smell or color and can be deadly. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home.
    • Stay out of floodwater. Walking or driving through flood waters is extremely dangerous. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as wild or stray animals, human and livestock waste, and chemicals that can lead to illness. 
    • If you do not feel safe in your home, a list of emergency shelters, including those that can accommodate people who need assistance and those who have pets, can be found at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster.
    • If you need help with damages caused by Hurricane Milton, call Florida’s Crisis Cleanup hotline at 844-965-1386.
    • You can also call 833-GET-HOPE for free assistance and resources such as food, household goods, or debris removal. Hope Navigators stand ready to listen and help.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Asphalt resurfacing for section of SH2 in Dannevirke

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A section of State Highway 2 (SH2) in Dannevirke will be closed to northbound traffic for 4 days, while the road is resurfaced later this month.

    This asphalt resurfacing work will take place on SH2 Stanley Street, between Denmark Street and Miller Street from Tuesday 29 October.

    During day-time work hours, a detour will be in place for northbound traffic; southbound traffic will continue to flow freely on SH2. The detour is suitable for all vehicle types.

    Crews will be working from 6.30am to 5pm each day between Tuesday 29 October and Friday 1 November (weather permitting).

    During these work hours, northbound traffic will be detoured via Rawhiti Street, Queen Street, Allan Street and onto Cole Street, before rejoining SH2.

    A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place for southbound traffic near the worksite. Outside of work hours, SH2 will be open with a reduced speed limit in place.

    This resurfacing work will improve the durability and long-term condition of this section of road. A one-way daytime closure allows crews to complete the work as efficiently and safely as possible while keeping traffic moving, and minimising ongoing disruption and long delay times.

    Resident and business access remains and northbound road users are advised to follow the detour to get to your destination. The detour is expected to add less than 5 minutes to journey times.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this important road renewal work.

    We know that a well-maintained state highway network promotes safety and improves options for moving people and freight. 

    Other works underway or coming up on SH2

    • State Highway 2, rebuild: Work has begun on a section of SH2 at Matamau, near Factory Road, north of Dannevirke. Stop/go will be in place each day for about 4 weeks, finishing on 30 October.
    • State Highway 2, resurfacing: Asphalting works are underway on SH2 near the Mangatera Stream Bridge, north of Dannevirke. Stop/go is in place at night, with works expected to finish on Saturday 12 October.
    • State Highway 2, rebuild: From 31 October – 28 November, road rebuild work will take place on SH2 in Papatawa, north of Ball Road, between Woodville and Dannevirke. Daytime stop/go will be in place.

    More information about SH2 Dannevirke works

    For more information about the 2024/2025 road maintenance season, please visit:

    NZTA’s Manawatū-Whanganui maintenance and operations webpage

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eighteen Individuals and Entities Charged in International Operation Targeting Widespread Fraud and Manipulation in the Cryptocurrency Markets

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

    First-ever criminal charges against financial services firms for market manipulation and “wash trading” in the cryptocurrency industry

    BOSTON – Eighteen individuals and entities have been charged for widespread fraud and manipulation in the cryptocurrency markets. Charges were unsealed in Boston against the leaders of four cryptocurrency companies, four cryptocurrency financial services firms (known as “market makers”) and employees at those firms.

    Four defendants have pleaded guilty, another defendant has agreed to plead guilty, and authorities apprehended three other defendants in Texas, the United Kingdom and Portugal this week. More than $25 million in cryptocurrency has been seized and multiple trading bots responsible for millions of dollars’ worth of wash trades for approximately 60 different cryptocurrencies have been deactivated.

    According to the charging documents, the defendants who created cryptocurrency companies made false statements about their cryptocurrencies (“tokens”) and executed sham trades in those tokens (“wash trades”) to create the appearance of trading activity that would make the tokens look like good investments. These deceptive tactics allegedly attracted new investors and purchasers, which resulted in an increase in the tokens’ trading prices. The defendants are then alleged to have sold their tokens at the artificially inflated prices, a fraud commonly known as a “pump and dump.” The largest of these cryptocurrency companies, Saitama, at one point had a multi-billion-dollar market value.

    The cryptocurrency companies also allegedly hired financial services firms ( “market makers”) to wash trade their tokens in exchange for payment. As one market maker defendant, who has agreed to plead guilty, described the practice to a prospective client: the “objective on the secondary markets” is to find “other buyers from the community, people you don’t know about or don’t care about” because “we have to make [the other buyers] lose money in order to make profit.”

    Three market makers—ZM Quant, CLS Global and MyTrade—along with their employees are charged with allegedly wash trading and/or conspiring to wash trade on behalf of NexFundAI, a cryptocurrency company and token created at the direction of law enforcement as part of the government’s investigation. A fourth market maker, Gotbit, its CEO, and two of its directors are also charged for perpetrating a similar scheme.

    Specifics regarding the defendants and conduct are detailed in Attachment A below.

    “This investigation, the first of its kind, identified numerous fraudsters in the cryptocurrency industry. Wash trading has long been outlawed in the financial markets, and cryptocurrency is no exception. These are cases where an innovative technology – cryptocurrency – met a century old scheme – the pump and dump. The message today is, if you make false statements to trick investors, that’s fraud. Period. Our Office will aggressively pursue fraud, including in the cryptocurrency industry,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy. “These charges are also a stark reminder of how vigilant online investors must be and that doing your homework before diving into the digital frontier is critical. People considering making investments in the cryptocurrency industry should understand how these scams work so that they can protect themselves.”

    “What the FBI uncovered in this case is essentially a new twist to old-school financial crime. ‘Operation Token Mirrors’ targeted nefarious token developers, promoters, and market makers in the crypto space. What we uncovered has resulted in charges against the leadership of four cryptocurrency companies, and four crypto ‘market makers’ and their employees who are accused of spearheading a sophisticated trading scheme that allegedly bilked honest investors out of millions of dollars,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI took the unprecedented step of creating its very own cryptocurrency token and company to identify, disrupt, and bring these alleged fraudsters to justice.”

    If you bought or sold any of the tokens referenced below, please fill out this form.

    The Securities & Exchange Commission has filed civil complaints alleging violations of the securities laws in relation to the conduct at Gotbit, CLS, ZM Quant, Saitama and Robo Inu. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Legal Attachés (Madrid and London), Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria European Network of Fugitive Active Search Team (ENFAST), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office and the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.  

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.  

    ###
     

    ATTACHMENT A

    The following individuals and entities have been charged in U.S. District Court in Boston, Mass.:

    Aleksei Andriunin, Fedor Kedrov, Qawi Jalili, Gotbit Consulting LLC (Gotbit) – According to court documents, Gotbit was a well-known “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry. Aleksei Andriunin, 26, of Russia and Portugal, was Gotbit’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder. Andriunin was arrested on Oct. 8, 2024 in Portugal and awaits extradition. Fedor Kedrov, of Russia, was Gotbit’s Director of Market Making. Qawi Jalili, of Russia was Gotbit’s Director of Sales. Gotbit, Kedrov and Jalili are each charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud. Andriunin is also charged in a separate criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    It is alleged that between 2018 and 2024, Gotbit provided market manipulation and wash trading services to several cryptocurrency companies, including companies located in the United States. Gotbit allegedly made wash trades worth millions of dollars on behalf of clients and received tens of millions of dollars in proceeds for these illicit services. In a 2019 interview published online, Andriunin allegedly described how he developed a code to wash trade and artificially inflate cryptocurrency trading volume. Andriunin allegedly kept track of Gotbit’s market manipulation, including with spreadsheets that compared “Created Volume” from wash trades with naturally occurring “Market Volume.” Gotbit’s employees, including Jalili and Kedrov, allegedly described these wash trading tactics to prospective clients and how to avoid detection. Jalili and Kedrov also allegedly provided these services to multiple cryptocurrencies, including the Saitama and Robo Inu cryptocurrencies.

    Riqui Liu, Baijun Ou, ZM Quant Investment LTD (ZM Quant) – ZM Quant was a “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that allegedly advertised illicit market manipulation services to clients. Riqui Liu, 26, of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, was an employee of ZM Quant. Baijun Ou, 32, of Hong Kong, was also an employee of ZM Quant. ZM Quant, Liu and Ou are each charged in a superseding indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    According to court documents, ZM Quant allegedly advertised a “trading bot” that could “create volume.” ZM Quant employees allegedly discussed these illicit services with clients through Telegram messages and during video teleconferences. For example, as alleged in the charging documents, during a video teleconference in March 2024, Liu and Ou described how ZM Quant would trade “maybe ten times per minute or twenty times a minute” to “increase the trading volume” and “pump the price.” Liu and Ou also described how ZM Quant allegedly used multiple trading wallets to avoid having the trading look “fake.” It is further alleged that ZM Quant provided market manipulation services for multiple cryptocurrency companies, including Saitama and NexFundAI.

    Andrey Zhorzhes, CLS Global FZC, LLC (CLS) – CLS was a “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that allegedly advertised illicit market manipulation services to its clients. Andrey Zhorzhes, of the United Arab Emirates, was an employee of CLS. Both CLS and Zhorzhes are charged in an indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    It is alleged that Zhorzhes described to a prospective client how CLS’s algorithm generated trading volume on multiple cryptocurrency exchanges, as follows: 

    • “We have an algorithm that . . . basically does self-trades, buying and selling.”
    • “The idea of volume generation is . . . so the token looks organic and looks live and people get interested in trading it.”
    • “It’s very hard to track. . ..We’ve been doing that for many clients.”
    • “I know that it’s wash trading and I know people might not be happy about it.”

    Zhorzhes and other CLS traders allegedly provided these market manipulation services for NexFundAI.

    Liu Zhou, MyTrade MM – MyTrade MM was another “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry that advertised illicit market manipulation services to its clients, including “pump and dump” consulting services and “wash trades” facilitated by “bots.” Liu Zhou, 39, of China and Canada, was the founder of MyTrade MM. Zhou is charged and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud.

    MyTrade MM’s clients had access to a dashboard on MyTrade MM’s website through which clients specified the desired amount of daily wash trades on identified cryptocurrency exchanges. MyTrade MM’s dashboard described the service as “Volume Support” and allowed for millions in wash trades per day for each client cryptocurrency, for example:

    In conversations with purported promoters of NexFundAI, Zhou allegedly described MyTrade MM as superior to “CLS” and “Gotbit” because those market makers “keep clients in the dark” and “control the pump and dump,” which means “they can do inside trading easily.” Zhou allegedly also described the various purposes for wash trading, including showing “continuous trading activity every hour”; generating large enough trading volumes for cryptocurrency exchanges to waive listing fees; and executing “pump and dumps.” According to court documents, Zhou further described that the “objective on the secondary markets” was to find “other buyers from the community, people you don’t know about or don’t care about” because “we have to make [the other buyers] lose money in order to make profit.”

    Manpreet Kohli, Haroon Mohsini, Nam Tran, Max Hernandez, Russell Armand, Vy Pham, Saitama LLC (Saitama) – Saitama was a cryptocurrency company, originally incorporated in Massachusetts in August 2021.

    Manpreet Kohli, 43, of the United Kingdom, was the CEO of Saitama. Kohli was arrested in the United Kingdom on Oct. 7, 2024 and is awaiting extradition. Haroon Mohsini, 37, of Texas, also worked at Saitama. Mohsini was arrested on Oct. 7, 2024 in the Southern District of Texas. Nam Tran, 32, of Vietnam, worked at Saitama and is currently in Vietnam. Kohli, Mohsini and Tran are each charged in a superseding indictment with wire fraud, market manipulation, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, commit market manipulation and conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business. Max Hernandez, 36, of Massachusetts, and Russell Armand, 42, of Texas, also worked at Saitama and are charged separately and have both pleaded guilty to market manipulation and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Vy Pham, 32, of California, is also charged for conduct at a different cryptocurrency company but, as part of that guilty plea, admitted to certain conduct involving Saitama.

    Saitama allegedly purported to create a series of products that could be used with its token and, at its peak, boasted a market value of $7.5 billion. Saitama’s leadership allegedly made a variety of false public statements, including that Saitama’s business plan had been reviewed by regulators, that its leadership was not selling the Saitama tokens they owned and that the Saitama token was coded in a way that prevented market manipulation. According to charging documents, in reality Saitama’s leadership was actively manipulating the market for the Saitama token and secretly selling their Saitama tokens for tens of millions in profits.

    Saitama’s market manipulation campaign allegedly began in or about July 2021, when leadership coordinated a series of small purchases spread across multiple cryptocurrency wallets. These trades were coordinated on Telegram, where Armand allegedly explained that the goal was to “create an illusion of massive buys and new holders” to “incite ppl [people] to buy 
    more…W[e] want list of small buys to look like it’s mor[e] buyers. That’s the idea.” Saitama’s leadership allegedly confirmed their purchases to one another, discussed how they were successfully getting others to purchase the Saitama cryptocurrency and exchanged “pump it” memes and GIFs:

    Thereafter, the Saitama leadership allegedly paid several market makers to wash trade the Saitama cryptocurrency on cryptocurrency exchanges, including BitMart, LBank and XT.com. The market makers that Saitama paid allegedly included ZM Quant and Gotbit.

    Robo Inu Finance (Robo Inu) – Robo Inu was a cryptocurrency company and token that Vy Pham created after she left Saitama in 2021. Pham has been charged and agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation, to commit wire fraud and to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Pham founded and promoted Robo Inu from the United States. Like Saitama, Robo Inu allegedly purported to create a series of products that could be used with its cryptocurrency. Beginning in or about 2022, Robo Inu allegedly paid Gotbit to artificially inflate the trading volume of the Robo Inu token through wash trades on cryptocurrency exchanges such as Bitmart.

    Michael Thompson, VZZN – VZZN was a cryptocurrency company and token that Armand created after he left Saitama in 2023. Michael Thompson, 50, of Virginia, also worked at VZZN. As with Armand, Thompson is charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit market manipulation. VZZN allegedly purported to be a video streaming service that could be used with the VZZN token. While promoting that service, Armand and Thompson allegedly also made misleading public statements about VZZN and artificially inflated the trading volume of the VZZN token through wash trades.

    Bradley Beatty, Lillian Finance LLC (Lillian Finance) – Lillian Finance was a cryptocurrency company and token founded by Bradley Beatty, 48, of Florida. Beatty is charged in an indictment with wire fraud. Lillian Finance allegedly purported to use blockchain technology in the healthcare industry and to use a portion of proceeds generated from token sales for charitable purposes. Beatty allegedly made a series of false statements about Lillian Finance to attract investors, for example, that he was a defense contractor and that he had addressed Congress on the topic of cryptocurrency. Thereafter, it is alleged that Beatty generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds from retail sales of the Lillian Finance token and misappropriated a portion of Lillian Finance’s profits that were supposed to be used for charity.

    The charge of market manipulation provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $5 million or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense and forfeiture. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, market manipulation and/or to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 to twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with President Zelensky of Ukraine

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    10 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome this evening.

    The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s most immediate military, financial and humanitarian needs as well as the forthcoming diplomatic initiatives and the pathway to bring an end to the conflict. The President of the Council of Ministers reaffirmed Italy’s support, also as G7 Presidency, for Ukraine’s legitimate defence and for the Ukrainian people. This comprehensive support will continue at both bilateral and multilateral level in order to put Kyiv in the best position possible to build a just and lasting peace.
        
    Italy will continue to do its part also in the future reconstruction of Ukraine and in this regard the President of the Council of Ministers announced the dates for the next Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in Rome on 10 and 11 July 2025.

    [Press statements]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Charged in Elder Fraud Conspiracy That Defrauded Elderly Victim of Over $400,000

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

    BOSTON – A South Boston man has been arrested and charged in connection with a scheme that defrauded a 75-year-old man from Berkshire County, Mass., of approximately $420,000.

    Urvishkumar Vipulkumar Patel, 21, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Patel was arrested on Oct. 7, 2024 and subsequently released by the Court on conditions including GPS monitoring and orders that he remain in Massachusetts.

    According to the charging documents, in or around June 2024, the victim received a pop-up message on his computer claiming that his computer was frozen. The message contained a phone number, which the victim believed to be associated with Microsoft, and directed the victim to call for assistance. The victim then called the phone number listed in the pop-up and allegedly spoke with an individual before being transferred to another individual who called himself, “Sam Wilson.”

    It is alleged that Wilson claimed to be a federal agent with the U.S. Treasury Department and purported to confirm the victim’s name and address. When the victim stated that was not the correct address, Wilson provided additional addresses until the victim identified his correct address. Wilson then allegedly told the victim that the victim’s name and address were listed as being involved in a money laundering scheme and that the “Treasury” showed a number of houses had been purchased in the United States and Russia in the victim’s name. Wilson allegedly told the victim that he was going to help him get out of this trouble and would speak to a judge but that, in the meantime, the victim needed to safeguard his money from being further implicated in the supposed money laundering scheme. Specifically, Wilson allegedly told the victim he should withdraw cash from his bank and send it to the Treasury Department, where it would be kept in a lock box until the victim was cleared of the scheme. Wilson also allegedly cautioned that the bank would not let the victim withdraw all of his money at once – directing the victim to make the withdrawals in smaller amounts and send it to Wilson at the “Treasury” in installments.

    On approximately five separate occasions over the course of three months, the victim withdrew and provided approximately $420,000 in cash to several individuals he believed to be associated with “Sam Wilson.” On each occasion, Wilson asked the victim how much he could withdraw from his bank account, directed the victim to place the cash in a taped box with the victim’s own name and address written on it. Wilson also allegedly told the victim a specific date and time at which he would send a courier for the cash. On each occasion, the courier would pull alongside the curb in front of the victim’s house, lower one of the passenger side windows and provide a prearranged “PIN” passcode to the victim. The victim would then place the box of cash into the courier’s vehicle who would then drive away.  

    The victim’s sister reported this activity to law enforcement on Oct. 1, 2024. According to the charging documents, on Oct. 7, 2024, Patel served as the courier waiting outside of the victim’s home and was approached by an undercover officer posing as the victim. It is alleged that, after receiving the prearranged “PIN” passcode from Patel, the undercover officer placed the box into Patel’s vehicle and Patel quickly drove away. He was immediately apprehended.

    At the time of his arrest, Patel was allegedly driving a rental car and was actively engaged in a WhatsApp call on his cell phone. Patel allegedly told law enforcement that he had been collecting packages for weeks at the direction of another individual in exchange for payment. Patel also allegedly told law enforcement that he would deliver each package to a prearranged location before receiving his payment.

    The investigation remains ongoing. Members of the public who believe they are victims of a cybercrime – including elder fraud scams, cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and business email compromise fraud scams – should contact USAMA.CyberTip@usdoj.gov. To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10a.m.- 6p.m. EST.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the North Adams Police Department and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jordan — IMF Staff Conclude Article IV Discussions and Reach Staff Level Agreement on the Second Review under the Extended Fund Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 10, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Jordanian authorities have reached a staff level agreement on the second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). All commitments for the second review under the program have been met, demonstrating the authorities’ steadfast commitment to sound macro-economic policies and continued progress on reforms.
    • Jordan continues to show resilience and maintain macro-economic stability, despite the headwinds caused by the intensifying conflict in the region. Jordan’s economy is expected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2024 and 2.5 percent in 2025. However, strong and timely international support remains important to help Jordan face the external headwinds, and to continue to shoulder the cost of hosting a large number of Syrian refugees.
    • Bringing the Jordanian economy onto a higher growth trajectory is essential to create more jobs and raise prosperity. This requires accelerating structural reforms, while maintaining macro-economic stability, and making significant progress in implementing the authorities’ Economic Modernization Vision.

    Amman: A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Ron van Rooden, visited Amman during September 30–October 10, 2024, for discussions on the 2024 Article IV consultation and the second review under the arrangement under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which was approved by the IMF’s Executive Board on January 10, 2024 (Press Release).

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. van Rooden issued the following statement:

    “We are pleased to announce that the IMF team and the Jordanian authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the second review of the authorities’ economic reform program supported by the EFF arrangement, approved in January of this year. Program performance continues to be strong, despite a challenging external environment. All quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks for the second review were met and steady progress is being made toward achieving the program’s overall objectives, including good progress toward meeting benchmarks for future reviews. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s management and the Executive Board. The completion of this review will make another SDR 97.784 million (about US$131 million) available, out of the previously approved program size of SDR 926.370 million (about US$1.2 billion).  

    “Jordan continues to show resilience and maintain macro-economic stability, despite the headwinds caused by the intensifying conflict in the region. This resilience is the result of the authorities’ continued pursuit of sound macro-economic policies and reform progress. The recent upgrades to Jordan’s credit ratings, the first in over 20 years, testify to the credibility of the authorities’ economic policies.

    “Nonetheless, as the conflict continues and widens, it is having a larger impact on Jordan’s economy than anticipated at the outset of the program. The economy is projected to grow by 2.3 percent this year, with weaker domestic demand offset by a stronger performance in net exports. Growth is projected at 2.5 percent for 2025. Inflation remains low, at 2 percent, thanks to the Central Bank of Jordan’s (CBJ) firm commitment to monetary stability and safeguarding the exchange rate peg. The financial sector remains healthy and well capitalized. The current account deficit is projected to narrow to 4.4 percent of GDP this year, helping to further build the CBJ’s reserve buffers, and to widen slightly to 4.7 percent of GDP in 2025.

    “Government revenues have been adversely affected this year by the weaker domestic demand, as well as a sharper-than-expected drop in the prices of key export commodities. The authorities have taken strong actions to offset the revenue shortfall to contain this year’s central government budget deficit. With this, the authorities are committed to limit this year’s central government primary deficit (excluding grants and transfers to public utilities) to 2.9 percent of GDP, up slightly from 2.7 percent of GDP in 2023. Together with measures taken to limit the operational losses of the utility companies and continued surpluses of the social security system, the overall general government primary deficit (excluding grants) is expected to remain broadly unchanged this year, at 1.3 percent of GDP, compared to 1.4 percent in 2023, and public debt to be contained at just over 90 percent of GDP by end-2024.

    “The authorities are firmly committed to continue to implement sound macro-economic policies to maintain stability and to advance structural reforms needed to further strengthen the resilience of Jordan’s economy and to improve people’s living standards, as envisaged also in their Economic Modernization Vision. Notably, fiscal policy aims to reduce public debt to 80 percent of GDP by 2028 to ensure fiscal sustainability, by advancing a gradual fiscal consolidation, including limiting the central government primary deficit (excluding grants and transfers to the public utilities) to 2 percent of GDP in 2025. With further efforts to improve the finances of the public utilities and continued surpluses of the social security system, the overall general government primary deficit (excluding grants) will be reduced by 1.1 percent of GDP to 0.2 percent of GDP. The CBJ’s monetary policy will continue to be underpinned by its firm commitment to the exchange rate peg to the US dollar and to maintain low inflation, and the CBJ stands ready to undertake policy adjustments as necessary to credibly safeguard monetary and financial stability.

    “The authorities are determined to step up the pace of structural reforms to achieve stronger growth and generate more jobs, which is particularly important given that unemployment remains high, particularly among the youth and women. Reforms will focus on improving the business environment, to attract more investment, by enhancing competition and labor market flexibility, while further strengthening the social safety net. Efforts will also focus on streamlining regulation and digitalization of government services, including tax and customs administration.  

    “The staff team is grateful to the authorities for the candid and constructive discussions. The team met with Prime Minister Hassan, Minister of Finance Shibli, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Toukan, Minister of Economic Affairs Shehadeh, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan Al-Sharkas; and other Ministers and senior government and CBJ officials.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/10/pr-24366-jordan-imf-staff-conclude-aiv-discussions-and-reach-sla-on-2nd-rev-under-eff

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pine Grove — Lunenburg RCMP investigating robbery involving man who was hitchhiking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg District RCMP is seeking information from the public about a robbery near Pine Grove.

    On October 7, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Lunenburg District RCMP responded to a report of a robbery from a man who was hitchhiking on Pinegrove Rd. Investigators learned that a white Chevrolet Malibu stopped near the man and the male driver approached him. The driver took the man’s bag, placed it in the trunk, and fled in the car.

    The last known direction of travel for the Malibu was northwest on Hwy. 10 toward New Germany.

    The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries related to this incident.

    The male driver was described as 5’11” with a smaller build, and had short, dark messy hair and a mustache. He was wearing sneakers, jeans, and a green and black plaid short-sleeved shirt. He was also said to have a South Shore accent.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information that may identify the driver is asked to contact Lunenburg District RCMP at 902-634-8674. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New councillor elected to St Michael’s ward

    Source: City of Coventry

    Cllr Sanjida Jobbar (left) is congratulated by Council Chief Executive Dr Julie Nugent

    Sanjida Jobbar has been elected as the new councillor for St Michael’s ward after winning a by-election last night.

    The election was held following the resignation of David Welsh, who had served the ward since 2010.

    Labour’s Cllr Jobbar won with a 572 majority, beating Dave Nellist of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition into second place with 49% of the vote. Turnout was 11.15%

    View the full results on the Council’s website.

    Friday, 11th October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Reed Leads Tour of Latino-Owned Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    CENTRAL FALLS, RI – In an effort to highlight the Ocean State’s vibrant Latino culture, restaurants, and small businesses, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today teamed up with the City of Central Falls and the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and lead a special walking tour along Broad Street in Central Falls.
    The theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15.  It is a time to appreciate and celebrate the colorful cultures, rich histories, and diversity of the nation’s Hispanic population whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
    The special walking tour: “Un recorrido por los negocios hispanos que impulsan y elevan a nuestras comunidades” (“A tour of hispanic businesses that fuel and uplift our communities”), featured several small businesses, both new and long-standing establishments, and amplified ventures that are helping power the local economy forward while also giving back to their neighbors.
    “The theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month is about shaping the future.  As we saw during today’s walking tour, Mayor Rivera, the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Central Falls’ diverse small business community have embodied that theme through their actions, advocacy, and commitment to their neighbors,” said Senator Reed.  “I will continue to stand with Rhode Island’s vibrant and diverse Hispanic and Latino communities to ensure that the future of our state remains strong, prosperous, and welcoming to all who want to plant their roots here.”
    “Central Falls celebrates the rich cultural contributions of our Latino and Hispanic communities and is home to many Latino-owned small businesses that make our city vibrant,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera.  “Thank you, Senator Reed, for your incredible partnership and support for Latino communities across Rhode Island, and to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for ensuring these businesses have the resources they need to succeed.”
    At the beginning of the tour, Senator Reed joined Mayor Rivera, Oscar Mejias, and members of the community for lunch at La Hacienda Restaurant, a family-owned restaurant dishing out authentic Salvadoran Mexican cuisine. The group then visited a host of local businesses that help the community celebrate together, eat together, and join together.
    The tour included stops at Krystal’s Flower Shop, a small business providing specialty floral arrangements and decorations for celebrations and ceremonies; Esperanza Convenience Store; Tony’s Shoe Service; Rossell’s Beauty Salon, a community institution that has been a fixture on Broad Street for nearly 30 years; and Elsy Nutrition, a family-owned small business promoting the importance of good nutrition.
    Hispanic or Latino residents now make up 18 percent of Rhode Island’s population, up from 12.4 percent in 2010, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau.  The Ocean State has long been home to thriving Colombian, Dominican, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, and Mexican communities among others, each with its own unique traditions and identities within the Hispanic community that all contribute to Rhode Island’s shared culture and heritage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Responds to Hurricane Milton in Florida as it Continues Coordinated Recovery Across Six States Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Responds to Hurricane Milton in Florida as it Continues Coordinated Recovery Across Six States Affected by Hurricane Helene

    FEMA Responds to Hurricane Milton in Florida as it Continues Coordinated Recovery Across Six States Affected by Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell continues to lead the federal government’s coordinated recovery across six states affected by Hurricane Helene, while FEMA remains simultaneously focused on the immediate response to Hurricane Milton in Florida.

    The agency was assisting the state of Florida to prepare prior to Hurricane Milton’s landfall. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida with local officials assessing the impacts of the storm. Commodities, volunteer agencies, response assets and federal personnel are being coordinated through the FEMA Region 4 Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. Both facilities are activated on 24-hour operations to support the state.

    Resources and personnel have also remained in the states affected by Hurricane Helene to provide immediate long-term support. As these comprehensive recovery efforts continue, more than $344 million in federal disaster assistance has gone into the hands of Helene disaster survivors. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is in North Carolina today to meet with state and local leaders, and members of the FEMA workforce supporting response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. These engagements follow his visit to North and South Carolina last week with President Biden.

    President Joseph R. Biden has approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App.

    Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across affected states impacted by Helene and the response to Milton.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56148″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/bc76a25a1cbb1cdf82f0b1c70612bb41.jpg?itok=95kdKLOD” alt=”Caption: Tallahassee, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Administrator is leading the federal response to Hurricane Milton at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Tallahassee, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Administrator is leading the federal response to Hurricane Milton at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center.
    TALLAHASSEE, Florida – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks with Florida’s emergency management team at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center.  (source: FEMA)
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56089″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/3ec38dff94d421b29e9b738c3e2fd7e4.jpg?itok=g-b1UW6a” alt=”Caption: Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division distribute food and water to residents in Asheville, N.C.,” class=”image-style-large”>
    Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division distribute food and water to residents in Asheville, N.C.,
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56153″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/62d2e63814faa422a6617faf9f64c4cb.jpg?itok=l9vCm5A0″ alt=”Caption:

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas visited the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Emergency Operations Center to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas visited the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Emergency Operations Center to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56146″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/f303bf0f0d79b0a081336926e095b1fd.jpeg?itok=nLrjmb7g” alt=”Caption:

    Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Urban Search and Rescue is prepared and ready to respond to Hurricane Milton.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Urban Search and Rescue is prepared and ready to respond to Hurricane Milton.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56143″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/bb201edc491b02876939951937d6a29a.jpg?itok=MrXKeK6K” alt=”Caption:

    Orlando, Fla – Power restoration trucks and other equipment are pre-staging ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Orlando, Fla – Power restoration trucks and other equipment are pre-staging ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56101″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/91804c58d1d2deaf450c6704c7a25190.jpg?itok=xkPZYW-3″ alt=”Caption:

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Hooks visits the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center to provide support to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Hooks visits the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center to provide support to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56099″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/687e96e97136b77ee9df8c0ebb725ba9.jpg?itok=FAx5yq2S” alt=”Caption: Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith visits FEMA Corps members supporting Hurricane Helene response and recovery.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith visits FEMA Corps members supporting Hurricane Helene response and recovery.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56114″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/803bc2e74d88047e766de87fab89911c.jpg?itok=cizykDdV” alt=”Caption: Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks visits Greenville’s Emergency Operations Center to meet with the leadership to discuss the stabilization progress for the County. Deputy Hooks met with Greenville County Emergency Management’ Director Jessica Stumpf, Deputy Director Pierce Womack, Greenville City Fire Chief Brian Horton, Division Chief David Hindman, South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson, alongside FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Brett Howard.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks visits Greenville’s Emergency Operations Center to meet with the leadership to discuss the stabilization progress for the County. Deputy Hooks met with Greenville County Emergency Management’ Director Jessica Stumpf, Deputy Director Pierce Womack, Greenville City Fire Chief Brian Horton, Division Chief David Hindman, South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson, alongside FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Brett Howard.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56069″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/6dab3be35910de73fb3062ae41c6060e.jpg?itok=MCkazuYu” alt=”Caption:

    Newport, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2024) – Volunteers open large distribution points for Hurricane Helene survivors to receive food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies, pet food, diapers and emotional support at Crossroads Community Church in Newport, Tenn.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Newport, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2024) – Volunteers open large distribution points for Hurricane Helene survivors to receive food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies, pet food, diapers and emotional support at Crossroads Community Church in Newport, Tenn. 

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Milton plows across US Florida, leaving at least 10 dead

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hurricane Milton hit the southeast U.S. state of Florida overnight with strong winds, destructive tornadoes and heavy rain, leaving at least 10 dead and millions of people without power as of Thursday afternoon.

    Police officers and National Guard members clear a downed tree after Hurricane Milton strikes on Davis Island, Tampa City, Florida, the United States, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Photo credit: City of Tampa)

    Milton made its landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm and weakened to Category 1 as it plowed quickly across central Florida.

    St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry confirmed five fatalities as a result of tornadoes spawned by hurricane.

    “This has been a tragic 24 hours,” he said at a press conference.

    “Numerous homes and structures across St. Lucie County, including the City of Port St. Lucie and unincorporated areas, suffered significant damage,” said the county in an earlier news release.

    “As Hurricane Milton makes its way into the Atlantic, St. Lucie County Emergency Management officials strongly encourage residents to stay off the roads and stay inside until it has been deemed safe to do so,” said the release, adding that unnecessary traffic or bystanders will hinder response and recovery efforts.

    Three people were confirmed died in Volusia County, including one person killed after a tree fell, according to NBC News.

    In addition, two storm-related fatalities occurred in City of St. Petersburg, the news outlet reported.

    Over 135 residents from the Great American Assisted Living facility in Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the county seat of Hillsborough County, were rescued by responders, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X Thursday morning that over 3 million households were without power.

    He noted that more than 50,000 linemen were in the state working to restore power as efficiently and safely as possible while law enforcement officials and first responders were engaged in rescue missions throughout impacted areas.

    The Florida National Guard has activated over 6,500 service members for Hurricane Milton response operations, according to an update released by the governor’s office.

    U.S. President Joe Biden also wrote on X urging people impacted by Hurricane Milton to “stay inside and off the roads.”

    “Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions,” he said, adding that “Help is on the way.”

    The U.S. National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center warned that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the coast from east-central Florida northward to southern Georgia, where a storm surge warning remains in effect.

    Heavy rainfall across the central to northern Florida Peninsula through Thursday morning continues to bring the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat. Damaging hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will continue for a few more hours in east-central and northeastern Florida, according to the agency.

    Milton is the fifth hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast so far in 2024, with three of them striking Florida. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to Aspen Medical Foundation annual report launch, Canberra

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, on whose traditional lands we meet, and pay respect to all First Nations people here today.

    Thank you to Glenn Keys and his team for the invitation to address you and launch Aspen Medical Foundation’s first annual report.

    Some starting presumptions. If you’re here today, it is highly probable you’re a friend to the Foundation, perhaps as a contributor to its initiatives, or as a beneficiary of them.

    I will also presume you appreciate the role played by smart, innovative philanthropy in modern society.

    The role of reimagining what’s possible.

    This annual report demonstrates how Aspen Medical Foundation’s contributions have done just that.

    I was particularly moved by the story of Dr Tahni Derbin, one of the Foundation’s First Nations scholarship recipients, who graduated last year from Griffith University with a medical degree.

    Dr Derbin’s example highlights the resonance of philanthropy. How helping an individual can create changes that reverberate through communities to uplift, transcend and inspire.

    Working across 3 pillars of First Nations Health, Disability Health and Indo‑Pacific Health – the Aspen Medical Foundation has focused on big impacts.

    Since its establishment in 2008, the foundation has provided a way for Aspen Medical’s shareholders to allocate a percentage of profits to charitable causes – generating social impact and public good from the success of the company.

    Across a range of the Foundation’s initiatives I see a common thread – a goal of inspiring health care workers and young doctors to build community resilience and lasting human impact.

    It shows a belief that people might ultimately be the best health solution. Producing grounded, networked and well‑trained health workers and health advocates is an investment in human potential well beyond the direct recipients.

    Ambassadors who can change behaviour and build health knowledge in their day to day relationships as well as their professional lives, reaching across their extended families and their community.

    It’s a broad community based approach which sets of ripples of influence that go beyond purely medical outcomes.

    One of the best examples of this ripple effect is the Maalpa Young Doctors for Life program. This program, running in Perth and the South West regions of Western Australia, aims to turn students into health ambassadors. It takes students aged between 9 and 12 and gives them culturally appropriate teaching on how to set their own ‘health destiny’ and improve the outcomes for their family.

    The students are shown practical and hands‑on skills by Aboriginal elders, doctors and paramedics across a range of personal hygiene, mental health and nutrition – and this gives them the authority to shape better habits around them.

    This is a program deeply rooted in First Nations culture and it’s a charming and subtle approach to improving health among family groups in the region.

    But the foundation is also able to react quickly to global challenges, funding life‑enhancing prosthetics to victims of the catastrophic conflict in the Ukraine.

    These subtle and agile approaches to big problems show philanthropy at its smartest and most compassionate.

    Doubling giving by 2030

    Two years ago, when the Albanese government committed to double philanthropic giving by 2030, we envisaged ourselves as one participant in a partnership that also included the business, philanthropy and non‑profit sectors.

    That’s why we asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a once‑in‑a‑generation inquiry to examine the policy framework supporting philanthropy.

    The result was the Future Foundations for Giving report, which contains short‑ and long‑term recommendations to improve conditions for giving.

    What we’ve already done

    As many of you know, the government has been laying the foundations to improve conditions for giving.

    These changes are a clear signal of the government’s commitment to sectoral reform.

    We’ve made regulatory changes so the system works for charities, not against them.

    For example, we reduced red tape by giving the ATO responsibility of the deductible gift recipient application process for environmental organisations, harm‑prevention charities, cultural organisations, and overseas aid organisations.

    These types of charities will now spend fewer resources meeting requirements and more on pursuing charitable purposes.

    Second, we created a new deductible gift recipient category for ‘community foundations’. These are charities that directly support local and regional communities across Australia. The guidelines for the ‘community charity’ deductible gift recipient category will be made available for public consultation this year and I encourage everyone to have their say.

    Third, we gave new powers and resources to the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission. It can now publish information about investigating misconduct allegations, which will improve transparency and accountability in the charity sector.

    Fourth, we established the not‑for‑profit–led Blueprint Expert Reference Group to identify priority areas for reform.

    The group is developing a blueprint to capitalise on the strengths and the experiences of not‑for‑profits around the country to chart a path to a better‑connected Australia.

    Closing remarks

    Let me finish by saying that I am sure you, like me, are excited to see what comes next from Aspen Medical Foundation. As well as from other philanthropic organisations like yours that are shaping the pathway to doubling giving by 2030.

    I am sure many of you are thinking about what comes next now that the Productivity Commission’s inquiry has been published.

    The double‑giving goal is not just a government objective – it’s a shared objective.

    I’d like to suggest that everyone asks themselves the same question. ‘How can I contribute to that goal?’

    The Productivity Commission’s recommendations, alongside the data contained in this first Annual Report, present Aspen Medical Foundation with the opportunity to ponder that question.

    And by taking the right steps, Dr Tahni Derbin will have many more fellow scholarship recipients and graduates working at her side by 2030.

    Thank you.

    References

    Aspen Medical Foundation (2024), Impact Report 2023/24, p 12.

    Aspen Medical (12 July 2024) Aspen Medical Foundation and Alcoa Foundation partner to being program empowering kids to become ‘Young Doctors’ to Western Australia [media release].

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific Trade Invest NZ releases New Zealand Market Insights for Pacific exporters

    Source: Pacific Trade Invest NZ

    Pacific Trade Invest NZ has released four new market insights to support primary produce exporters in the Blue Pacific. These succinct, fact-packed documents provide essential information on New Zealand’s import requirements, helping businesses navigate the export process more effectively.

    The latest Market Insights cover Coconut, Mango, Pineapple, and Tahitian Lime. They are available as A4, two-sided quick fact sheets, or in comprehensive reports spanning 20 pages. These resources offer a detailed look into each product’s market entry requirements and serve as valuable tools for Pacific exporters.

    The reports are available by logging into the Blue Pacific Portal on the PTI NZ website, where a free account can be set up for full access to these and other critical trade resources: https://pacifictradeinvest.com/en/blue-pacific-portal/

     

    For direct links to each insight, visit:

     

    ABOUT PACIFIC TRADE INVEST NZ

    • Is part of the Pacific Trade Invest Global Network of offices operating in Sydney, Australia; Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Geneva, Switzerland and Auckland, New Zealand.
    • An agency of Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
    • Supports the 16 Forum Island countries and Territories: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plaid Leader sets sights on government with vision for healthier Wales

    Source: Party of Wales

    Plaid leader promises a government with both immediate impact and a vision for long-term change toward a healthier, wealthier Wales

    Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS will today address his party’s Annual Conference in Cardiff, criticising 25 years of Labour leadership and spelling out his vision for a healthier and wealthier Wales.

    Rhun ap Iorwerth MS will set out Plaid Cymru’s commitment to “break the cycle of short-term thinking which shortchanges Wales”. On key issues of the economy, education and health, he’ll promise action to implement immediate improvement but set out the need for longer term change that Wales desperately needs.

    In health that means a pledge that under a Plaid Cymru Government, spending on preventative health measures will increase every year.

    He will also announce that a Plaid Cymru Cabinet would include a Minister for Public Health, “ensuring a truly national mission of creating healthier lives which in turn deliver substantial savings.”

    Describing the NHS as “born on Labour’s watch” with a promise of a “rebirth under a Plaid Cymru government” Rhun ap Iorwerth MS is expected to say:

    “My government will break the cycle of short term thinking which shortchanges Wales.

    Unlike Eluned Morgan, I will acknowledge that some things are  broken but more importantly I’ll be determined that nothing is beyond repair.

    My government will not consider issues in isolation. Silo working helps no one when one decision so often affects another.

    Unlocking our economic potential will need major improvements in education attainment, but another bedrock of a healthy economy is a well Wales – its people active in body and mind.

    This year, as waiting lists grew – Labour for some inexplicable reason cut the amount it spends on preventative health policies.

    Friends, this is short-term thinking with long term pain guaranteed. It feeds the problem as opposed to solving it, putting further pressure on front line staff, filling our hospitals with ever sicker patients.

    Plaid Cymru will reverse the thinking, it’s something I’m determined to do , ensuring the NHS is fit for its centenary celebrations and beyond.”

    The Plaid leader will launch a new approach to preventative health as part of wider NHS changes by saying:

    “For too long, Labour’s priority has been managing people’s pain but I want to keep people healthy and I can announce that in the first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru government we will bring forward a new budget – based on the principles of a healthier, wealthier Wales – with a promise that spending on preventative health measures will increase every year

    No more sticking plaster, no more blaming the individual, no more passing the buck.

    This is grown-up government – taking responsibility, empowering people and protecting the NHS.

    And we have an enormous task ahead of us. On improving the NHS estate, we’ll go further than the last 8 Labour Health Ministers, clearing the emergency maintenance backlogs over the duration of the next Senedd term. Only this week, a critical incident was declared at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend because of serious long-term damage to its roof. We have to have an NHS estate fit for purpose!

    We’ll introduce a target focused cancer contract for every patient and reform the governance of the NHS, bringing standards back where they should be and waiting lists down.

    And with a new Minister for Public Health, we’ll put the ‘N’ back in the NHS – ensuring a truly national mission of creating healthier lives which in turn deliver substantial savings.

    Our treasured National Health Service – born on Labour’s watch, given a rebirth by the Plaid Cymru government I will lead.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the conflicts in the Middle East dramatically escalate, could Iran acquire a nuclear bomb?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    As Israel continues its assault on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran appears increasingly backed into a corner.

    Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran’s proxy network have focused on a number of objectives: eliminating key Hezbollah leaders, destroying their weapons and other military sites, and targeting large numbers of fighters and sympathisers.

    Hezbollah has undoubtedly been weakened over the past few weeks, which presents a dilemma for Iran. Could this sustained pressure on its main militant proxy group push Iran towards finally acquiring a nuclear weapon?

    Iran’s deterrence strategy

    The use of armed proxy networks as a deterrence strategy is a well-known approach employed by countries worldwide.

    Iran has successfully adopted this strategy for decades, starting with Hezbollah in Lebanon and extending to Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, various Iraqi militant factions, and Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    This strategy has allowed Iran to project power in the region and counter pressure from the United States, Israel and their allies, while deterring any direct military confrontation from its adversaries.

    Both Iran and Israel have until recently appeared reluctant to engage in a full-scale war. Instead, they have adhered to certain rules of engagement in which they apply pressure on each other without escalating to all-out conflict. This is something neither side can afford.

    Iran has long avoided direct confrontation with Israel, even when Israel has targeted its groups in Syria and assassinated several Iranian nuclear scientists over the past few decades.

    Recently, however, this strategy has shifted. Feeling the impact of Israel’s prolonged assaults on its proxy network, Iran has responded by launching two direct missile attacks against Israel in the past six months.

    This indicates that as pressure on Iran’s proxies intensifies, Tehran may increasingly resort to alternative strategies to reestablish effective deterrence against Israel and its Western allies.

    Some analysts believe Israel may now be gaining what is called “escalation dominance” over Iran. As one group of experts has explained, this happens when one combatant escalates a conflict

    in ways that will be disadvantageous or costly to the adversary while the adversary cannot do the same in return, either because it has no escalation options or because the available options would not improve the adversary’s situation.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a “harsh response” to Iran’s latest missile attack against Israel in early October. This could push Iran further towards changing its deterrence strategy, particularly if Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    Calls for a new nuclear strategy

    With pressure growing on Iran’s leaders, the regime is now openly discussing whether to declare a military nuclear program.

    This would represent a major shift in Iranian policy. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes, with no intention of developing a military component. The US and its allies have contested this assertion.

    On October 8, the Iranian parliament announced it had received draft legislation for the “expansion of Iran’s nuclear industry”, which will be discussed in parliament. The nature of this expansion is not yet known – it’s unclear whether it will include a military program. However, recent statements by Iranian officials suggest such an agenda.

    Kamal Kharrazi, a senior politician and member of the Expediency Discernment Council, a high-ranking administrative assembly appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, forewarned of a reconsideration of Iran’s nuclear program. In an interview in May, he said:

    Iran’s level of deterrence will be different if the existence of Iran is threatened. We have no decision to produce a nuclear bomb, but we will have to change our nuclear doctrine if such threat occurs.

    Calls in Iran for a revision of the country’s defence doctrine are growing louder. This week, nearly 40 lawmakers wrote a letter to the Supreme National Security Council, which decides on Iran’s general security policy. They demanded the council reconsider the current nuclear policy, noting that Khamenei’s fatwa forbidding the production of a nuclear bomb could be subject to change due to current developments.

    In the same vein, Ayatollah Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of the Islamic revolution and former Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini, called last week for “enhancing the level of deterrence” against Israel. Iranian media interpreted this as referring to nuclear weapons.

    There have also been reports speculating that an earthquake in Iran last week could actually have been a nuclear bomb test.

    However, the US has said there is no evidence yet that Iran is moving towards building a nuclear weapon.

    Revived nuclear deal increasingly unlikely

    In 2015, Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany and the European Union. This deal allowed it to pursue a civilian nuclear program with certain restrictions on its critical nuclear facilities. In exchange, the US and its allies agreed to lift sanctions on Iran.

    However, the US withdrew from the deal under then president Donald Trump in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Since then, Iran has barred several international inspectors from monitoring some of its nuclear sites.

    It is now believed to be just weeks away from producing enough weapons-grade material to build a bomb.

    Efforts to revive the nuclear negotiations have not gone far in recent years, though Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has suggested his government would be willing to engage again with the West and resume the talks.

    Yet, if Israel carries out an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities in retaliation for last week’s missile attack, as has been speculated, Iran may deem it necessary to opt for the weaponisation of its nuclear program instead.

    If Iran declares a military nuclear program, it would do so with the expressed intention of restoring a deterrence balance with Israel that could prevent a full-scale war. Israel is believed to possess nuclear weapons, but has never confirmed it.

    However, such a decision is likely to have dire implications for both Iran and the region.

    It would undoubtedly lead to more international pressure and US sanctions on Iran, making it even more isolated. And it could spark a nuclear arms race in the region, as Saudi Arabia has already pledged to pursue a nuclear arsenal if Iran develops one.

    Shahram Akbarzadeh receives funding from Australian Research Council. He is affiliated with Middle east Council on Global Affairs (Doha).

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

    – ref. As the conflicts in the Middle East dramatically escalate, could Iran acquire a nuclear bomb? – https://theconversation.com/as-the-conflicts-in-the-middle-east-dramatically-escalate-could-iran-acquire-a-nuclear-bomb-240893

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard announces port openings following Hurricane Milton, warns impacted communities to exercise caution

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/10/2024 09:30 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Office: 904-714-7606/7607
    After Hours: 786-393-4138
    PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

     

    10/10/2024 09:07 PM EDT

    MIAMI — The Coast Guard reminds mariners and residents of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to remain vigilant following Hurricane Milton, Thursday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Milton plows across US Florida

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Hurricane Milton hit the southeast U.S. state of Florida overnight with strong winds, destructive tornadoes and heavy rain, leaving at least 10 dead and millions of people without power as of Thursday afternoon.

    Police officers and National Guard members clear a downed tree after Hurricane Milton strikes on Davis Island, Tampa City, Florida, the United States, on Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/City of Tampa]

    Milton made its landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm and weakened to Category 1 as it plowed quickly across central Florida.

    St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry confirmed five fatalities as a result of tornadoes spawned by hurricane.

    “This has been a tragic 24 hours,” he said at a press conference.

    “Numerous homes and structures across St. Lucie County, including the City of Port St. Lucie and unincorporated areas, suffered significant damage,” said the county in an earlier news release.

    “As Hurricane Milton makes its way into the Atlantic, St. Lucie County Emergency Management officials strongly encourage residents to stay off the roads and stay inside until it has been deemed safe to do so,” said the release, adding that unnecessary traffic or bystanders will hinder response and recovery efforts.

    Three people were confirmed died in Volusia County, including one person killed after a tree fell, according to NBC News.

    In addition, two storm-related fatalities occurred in City of St. Petersburg, the news outlet reported.

    Over 135 residents from the Great American Assisted Living facility in Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the county seat of Hillsborough County, were rescued by responders, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X Thursday morning that over 3 million households were without power.

    He noted that more than 50,000 linemen were in the state working to restore power as efficiently and safely as possible while law enforcement officials and first responders were engaged in rescue missions throughout impacted areas.

    The Florida National Guard has activated over 6,500 service members for Hurricane Milton response operations, according to an update released by the governor’s office.

    U.S. President Joe Biden also wrote on X urging people impacted by Hurricane Milton to “stay inside and off the roads.”

    “Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions,” he said, adding that “Help is on the way.”

    The U.S. National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center warned that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the coast from east-central Florida northward to southern Georgia, where a storm surge warning remains in effect.

    Heavy rainfall across the central to northern Florida Peninsula through Thursday morning continues to bring the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat. Damaging hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will continue for a few more hours in east-central and northeastern Florida, according to the agency.

    Milton is the fifth hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast so far in 2024, with three of them striking Florida. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-led resolution on women’s rights wins broad support at UNHRC

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

    Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, speaks during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 9, 2024. A resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by consensus on Wednesday during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. [Photo/Xinhua]

    GENEVA, Oct. 10 — A resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by consensus on Wednesday during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

    Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, introduced the draft resolution. It was co-submitted by China, Denmark, France, Kenya, and Mexico, and received widespread support, with 112 countries backing the initiative as co-sponsors.

    Chen noted that the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, marking a historic milestone in the development of women’s rights globally.

    While acknowledging the significant progress in women’s social status over the past three decades, Chen emphasized that challenges remain in fully realizing the goals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The resolution aims to revitalize the declaration’s spirit, reflecting the shared ambition to accelerate gender equality and strengthen international cooperation in tackling these persistent challenges.

    During the adoption of the resolution, representatives from countries including France, Finland, Gambia, Sudan, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Argentina, and Japan affirmed that the declaration’s spirit continues to guide global efforts to promote and protect women’s rights.

    China has also proposed convening a Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

    The 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is held in Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korean author Han Kang wins Nobel Prize in Literature

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy Mats Malm announces the laureate of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    South Korean author Han Kang has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced on Thursday.

    The announcement made Han the first South Korean writer to win this prestigious honor. The academy praised her “for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”

    Anders Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Literature, commended Han’s “physical empathy for the vulnerable, often female lives” of her characters.

    “She has a unique awareness of the connections between body and soul, the living and the dead, and in a poetic and experimental style, has become an innovator in contemporary prose,” Olsson said.

    Her novel The Vegetarian, which won the 2016 International Booker Prize, remains her most internationally recognized work. She has also written several other acclaimed works such as Human Acts, The White Book, and Greek Lessons.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global trade to increase 2.7% in 2024: WTO report

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A logo of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is seen in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 5, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The volume of global merchandise trade is expected to increase by 2.7 percent in 2024, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said in an update of the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics released on Thursday.

    This prediction is slightly higher than the WTO’s earlier forecast of 2.6 percent made in April.

    According to the report, global merchandise trade experienced an upward trend in the first half of 2024, showing a year-on-year increase of 2.3 percent. This growth is expected to be followed by further moderate expansion throughout the remainder of the year and into 2025.

    Global real gross domestic product growth at market exchange rates is projected to remain steady at 2.7 percent in both 2024 and 2025, the report said.

    The WTO noted that by mid-2024, inflation had decreased sufficiently to enable central banks to cut interest rates. This decline in inflation is expected to increase real household incomes and stimulate consumer spending, while lower interest rates should encourage firms to boost their investment spending.

    The report also cautioned that diverging monetary policies among major economies could result in financial volatility and shifts in capital flows as central banks lower interest rates. This situation may make debt servicing more difficult, especially for poorer economies.

    “We are expecting a gradual recovery in global trade for 2024, but we remain vigilant of potential setbacks, particularly the potential escalation of regional conflicts like those in the Middle East,” WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said.

    The impact could be most severe for the countries directly affected, but it may also indirectly influence global energy costs and shipping routes, she said, calling for continuous efforts to foster inclusive global trade.

    “It is imperative that we continue to work collectively to ensure global economic stability and sustained growth, as these are fundamental to enhancing the welfare of people worldwide,” she said.

    The report forecasts a decline in exports in Europe by 1.4 percent and a decrease in imports by 2.3 percent in 2024. European exports have been negatively impacted by the region’s automotive and chemicals sectors.

    Meanwhile, exports in Asia for this year are expected to grow by 7.4 percent, outpacing other regions. Driven by manufacturing powerhouses such as China, Singapore and South Korea, the region’s exports rebounded strongly in the first half of this year.

    The short-term outlook for services trade is more optimistic than that for goods trade, with an 8-percent year-on-year growth in the U.S. dollar value of commercial services trade recorded in the first quarter of 2024. The report added that statistics indicate this relatively strong growth is likely to continue into the second quarter for services trade.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: China Mobile and Huawei Scoop Best 5G Voice Innovation Award for 5G New Calling at Network X

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Mobile and Huawei Scoop Best 5G Voice Innovation Award for 5G New Calling at Network X

    [Paris, France, October 11, 2024] The 5G New Calling solution, a groundbreaking joint innovation from China Mobile and Huawei, was recognized with the prestigious Best 5G Voice Innovation Award at the Network X annual award ceremony. This achievement is a testament to the solution’s outstanding technical innovation and far-reaching market influence, underscoring the strength of the partnership between the two industry leaders. By pushing the boundaries of 5G voice services, this joint innovation will advance the intelligent transformation of voice communications in the global 5G era.
    A marquee annual event in the global communications industry, Network X gathers top-tier telecom operators, pioneering technology innovators, and influential decision makers from around the world. The awards presented at the event represent a badge of honor, recognizing and celebrating outstanding innovations in a wide range of communications sectors. By acknowledging and showcasing such innovations, these awards not only inspire further innovation, but also drive the growth and prosperity of the global communications industry as a whole.
    China Mobile and Huawei win Best 5G Voice Innovation Award at Network X

    As 5G technologies continue to gather momentum, the traditional landscape of voice services is giving way to a more intelligent and diverse range of communication experiences. The 5G New Calling solution is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to establish a comprehensive multimodal communications platform. This innovative platform seamlessly integrates various communication modes, including voice, text, images, and gestures, and takes things to the next level by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as Real-Time Translation, Visualized Voice Calling, and Real-Time Voice Driven Avatar. The end result is unparalleled calling experiences for users.
    One of the standards set out in 3GPP’s Release 18, 5G New Calling redefines operators’ basic communication services with three revolutionary features: ultra-high-definition clarity, intelligence, and interactivity. New Calling is a major breakthrough in the voice industry, marking a leap forward in service intelligence for the 5G era. China Mobile has been blazing a trail in taking advantages of New Calling’s new market opportunities. Notably, by September 2024, the carrier had over 20 million subscribers to their New Calling services. This not only underscore the vast market potential of the 5G New Calling industry, but also highlight the technological prowess and market leadership of the partnership between Huawei and China Mobile.
    As Feng Shaorui, Head of China Mobile International France, accepted the award, he underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation-driven development, with a specific focus on integrating intelligence into its products. Emphasizing the significance of industry collaboration, Mr. Feng highlighted China Mobile’s strong partnerships with leading companies like Huawei, with whom they will continue to collaborate to develop New Calling as a platform-like product that seamlessly integrates with users’ dialing pads. By harnessing the power of intelligence, China Mobile is poised to elevate its products to all-new heights.
    Chen Haiyong, President of the CS&IMS Domain of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, pointed to the significance of the groundbreaking achievement by Huawei and China Mobile in building the world’s first commercial 5G New Calling network. As well as significantly enhancing the calling experiences and communication efficiency for users, this pioneering effort also leaves a lasting impact on the global market. Looking ahead, Huawei plans to build upon this success by creating intelligent service entry points based on users’ dialing pads, with the goal of empowering operators to unlock new business opportunities and drive success.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: China Mobile and Huawei Scoop Best 5G Voice Innovation Award for 5G New Calling at Network X Oct 11, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Mobile and Huawei Scoop Best 5G Voice Innovation Award for 5G New Calling at Network X
    Oct 11, 2024

    [Paris, France, October 11, 2024] The 5G New Calling solution, a groundbreaking joint innovation from China Mobile and Huawei, was recognized with the prestigious Best 5G Voice Innovation Award at the Network X annual award ceremony. This achievement is a testament to the solution’s outstanding technical innovation and far-reaching market influence, underscoring the strength of the partnership between the two industry leaders. By pushing the boundaries of 5G voice services, this joint innovation will advance the intelligent transformation of voice communications in the global 5G era.
    A marquee annual event in the global communications industry, Network X gathers top-tier telecom operators, pioneering technology innovators, and influential decision makers from around the world. The awards presented at the event represent a badge of honor, recognizing and celebrating outstanding innovations in a wide range of communications sectors. By acknowledging and showcasing such innovations, these awards not only inspire further innovation, but also drive the growth and prosperity of the global communications industry as a whole.
    China Mobile and Huawei win Best 5G Voice Innovation Award at Network X

    As 5G technologies continue to gather momentum, the traditional landscape of voice services is giving way to a more intelligent and diverse range of communication experiences. The 5G New Calling solution is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to establish a comprehensive multimodal communications platform. This innovative platform seamlessly integrates various communication modes, including voice, text, images, and gestures, and takes things to the next level by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as Real-Time Translation, Visualized Voice Calling, and Real-Time Voice Driven Avatar. The end result is unparalleled calling experiences for users.
    One of the standards set out in 3GPP’s Release 18, 5G New Calling redefines operators’ basic communication services with three revolutionary features: ultra-high-definition clarity, intelligence, and interactivity. New Calling is a major breakthrough in the voice industry, marking a leap forward in service intelligence for the 5G era. China Mobile has been blazing a trail in taking advantages of New Calling’s new market opportunities. Notably, by September 2024, the carrier had over 20 million subscribers to their New Calling services. This not only underscore the vast market potential of the 5G New Calling industry, but also highlight the technological prowess and market leadership of the partnership between Huawei and China Mobile.
    As Feng Shaorui, Head of China Mobile International France, accepted the award, he underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation-driven development, with a specific focus on integrating intelligence into its products. Emphasizing the significance of industry collaboration, Mr. Feng highlighted China Mobile’s strong partnerships with leading companies like Huawei, with whom they will continue to collaborate to develop New Calling as a platform-like product that seamlessly integrates with users’ dialing pads. By harnessing the power of intelligence, China Mobile is poised to elevate its products to all-new heights.
    Chen Haiyong, President of the CS&IMS Domain of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, pointed to the significance of the groundbreaking achievement by Huawei and China Mobile in building the world’s first commercial 5G New Calling network. As well as significantly enhancing the calling experiences and communication efficiency for users, this pioneering effort also leaves a lasting impact on the global market. Looking ahead, Huawei plans to build upon this success by creating intelligent service entry points based on users’ dialing pads, with the goal of empowering operators to unlock new business opportunities and drive success.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –