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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England visit promotes strength of partnership work in hitting housing targets Sheffield welcomed Homes England to the city so development partners could come together and see progress on the latest projects and discuss future opportunities. 26 September 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Sheffield welcomed Homes England to the city so development partners could come together and see progress on the latest projects and discuss future opportunities.

    Homes England Chief Executive Officer Peter Denton visited five sites across Sheffield alongside senior Sheffield City Council representatives and other development partners. The visit was arranged to see first-hand some of the developments that either have recently been completed or are ongoing and has been achieved by those multiple partners.

    The visit was born from the ongoing work of the Sheffield Together Housing Growth Board, which is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield City Council and includes Homes England, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Sheffield Property Association and the South Yorkshire Housing Partnership.

    This partnership is key for the area in bringing housing experts together to find ways of hitting housing targets and making sure the demand for good quality, safe, affordable homes across Sheffield is met.

    The group visited three different housing sites last Monday (16th September) as well as the newly opened largest purpose-built food hall in Europe, Cambridge Street Collective – which has recently been crowned British Food Hall of the Year 2024 at the British Street Food Awards.

    The trip culminated in a stay at Sheffield city centre’s latest hotel development at the Radisson Blu – part of the ongoing Heart of the City II development.

    The first visit of the day was at the Capital & Centric-developed Eye Witness Works, the former cutlery factory in the city centre’s Devonshire Quarter.

    Here, Sheffield City Council Chief Executive Kate Josephs joined Mr Denton and representatives of Homes England and Capital & Centric to tour the development of apartments and town houses and see some of the new properties available to rent for families and professionals in the city centre.

    After a walk across Sheffield city centre which took in the Pound’s Park development, the visit stopped at Cambridge Street Collective to see the thriving food hall up and running that has recently been crowned British Food Hall of the Year 2024 at the British Street Food Awards.

    WATCH: Homes England visit highlights the benefits of partnership working in hitting targets

    From here, the next stop was the Together Housing development on Meadowsweet Close and Sorrel Way, just off Ferrars Road in Tinsley.

    Here, Council leader, Cllr Tom Hunt, ward councillors, local MP Clive Betts and Homes England representatives were shown around the development by Together Housing Chief Executive Kevin Ruth and other members of the housing association to see how partnerships such as this can build affordable housing for those in Sheffield that need it.

    Finally, Cllr Hunt and the Council’s Chair of the Housing Committee, Cllr Douglas Johnson, met the visit at the Citu-built Little Kelham affordable housing site off Alma Street in Kelham Island to see a range of new affordable homes being built in partnership with Great Places for city residents near to the city centre.

    The visit was a chance to show how, together, partnerships can help regeneration and development projects deliver, increase the number of affordable homes and bring housing and economic growth opportunities to Sheffield.

    Cllr Douglas Johnson, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Housing Committee, said:

    “The range of partners is really important because the truth is that no single body can produce the amount of new housing that we need in this country right now.

    “We need councils, housing associations, Homes England and private developers to all contribute towards this bigger goal of good quality and imaginative housing for the future so that everyone can have a home they can afford.”

    Kate Josephs, Sheffield City Council’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

    “We’re really proud of the partnership work we’ve led through the Council, with Homes England, with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, with housing associations and the Sheffield Property Association.

    “The Sheffield Together Housing Growth Board is all about delivering the homes we need in our city. Together with all our partners, we are pushing ahead to meet our housing targets and provide great new places for people to live in our city.”

    Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:

    “Across the city we are working hard to increase the number of new homes in our city. Everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. Good quality homes are fundamental for enabling everyone to live happy, healthy lives.

    “It is great to see new housing developments being completed across our city. I am excited to see more homes being developed in the coming months and years ahead.”

    Kevin Ruth, Chief Executive Officer of Together Housing, said:

    “It was great to be part of Homes England’s tour of Sheffield and to meet so many people who are as passionate about driving support and investment into the city as we are at Together Housing.

    “The growing need for affordable housing is affecting so many in the region, which is why we were thrilled to have Peter Denton and Sheffield City Council members visit our newest housing community in Sheffield to see first-hand the impact of investment. We welcome the prospect of more opportunities for developing communities in the region and hope to see the steps that are being taken to do so, continue.”

    Sheffield City Council is in the midst of agreeing its new Housing Strategy for the next 10 years, which is in its draft stage having gone through two rounds of public consultation this year. The final Strategy is planned to be brought before the Council’s Strategy & Resources committee meeting this autumn for full approval and ratification.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Architectural competition winner crowned for Wolverhampton’s St George’s neighbourhood

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This summer saw City of Wolverhampton Council join forces with social impact developer Capital&Centric and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to challenge competing teams of renowned architects to put forward their ideas to turn the 5 acre former Sainsbury’s site and historic St George’s Church into a new neighbourhood for the city.

    The team made up of Mikhail Riches and Periscope practices has been crowned the winner.

    Locals flocked to a Dragon’s Den style public consultation event at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls in July, where each of the 4 teams (made up of 12 collaborating architect practices) pitched their ideas, with people able to give their opinions on their favourite. The competition was overseen by Angela Brady, a former RIBA President.  

    Angela Brady OBE said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for architects to be in competition together, working as a team with other architects to reinvent this disused part of Wolverhampton. All teams came up with vibrant ideas, which made it really hard to pick a winner. 

    “The Mikhail Riches and Periscope team had the edge with their vision, particularly with its retrofitting of the Sainsbury’s building in such an imaginative way. Also the 3 distinct zones they pitched could really create a great future for the area. 

    “This sort of collaboration between Council, developer, RIBA competitions office and architects I think allows a more joined up end result and is a model that other areas should follow.”

    The winning submission proposed a vibrant and varied neighbourhood of sustainable new homes, as well as lush outdoors spaces; boulevards and green streets; shops, cafes and bars; and community spaces.

    They proposed to retain and repurpose parts of the former Sainsbury’s building – in turn saving embodied carbon. The practices have also put the St George’s Church at the heart of the community, surrounding it with new public squares for pop up cultural events, intimate courtyards and social spaces for people to come together.

    The winning design will form the basis of the evolving St George’s masterplan, with a pre planning application submission to follow later this year.

    The announcement comes as part of Wolverhampton’s annual Business Week, that this year explores the power to boost economic growth through housing. St George’s also features as one of the major opportunities in the council’s Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “St George’s is a fantastic opportunity to create a game changing neighbourhood of which the city can be proud. It’s a critical part of our citywide plan to unlock investment in considered development that delivers much needed homes and new opportunities for our communities.

    “The architects teams all produced outstanding design proposals and we are relishing the opportunity to work with the winners, Mikhail Riches and Periscope, to further develop their ideas.

    “It is fitting that this news comes during Wolverhampton’s Business Week, with its flagship event, the Business Breakfast, focusing on economic growth through housing, and we believe St George’s provides the opportunity to set a new design benchmark for brownfield regeneration in the city.”

    Developers Capital&Centric are leading delivery of the St George’s site, drawing on their experience of repurposing historic spaces and building standout new neighbourhoods across the UK, all with an acute focus on social impact. With a competition winner now selected, their next step will be to draw up more detailed designs.

    John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “From start to finish the St George’s architectural competition has been inspiring, from the variety of designs the architect teams put forward, to the people that came out to have their say on the options. The decision was a tough one, but the design by Mikhail Riches and Periscope is a deserved winner. 

    “St George’s is a standout opportunity to take a redundant city site and turn it into something special for the community – retaining some of the existing buildings whilst creating interesting and welcoming new spaces where people want to spend time. We’ll be spending the next few weeks looking over the winning design with the team of architects and the council to fine tune the plans, so it’s primed for us to submit a phenomenal pre-planning application submission.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welfare not warfare: Labour must scrap disgraceful nuclear weapons

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Sep 2024 Peace

    Labour claim they can’t afford to give pensioners the winter fuel allowance or scrap the two-child benefit cap, while giving the nuclear weapons programme a bottomless pit of money

    More in Peace

    Speaking on the UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie has urged the Labour government to scrap the Trident nuclear weapons system and use its funding to reinstate the winter fuel payment, scrap the two-child benefit cap and build a fairer, greener future.

    Since entering office, the Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched a new wave of austerity, cutting the winter fuel payment for pensioners and upholding the cruel two-child benefit cap and rape clause which were introduced by the Tories. However, the Scottish Greens are calling for the UK government to use the money it is pouring into nuclear weapons to reverse these brutal austerity measures.

    Speaking on International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie said: “Nuclear weapons are an obscene moral evil that should have no place in 21st-century society. Yet, there are still vast numbers of warheads scattered across the planet, and hundreds of them are based here in Scotland on the Clyde.

    “The Labour government claim that they cannot afford to give pensioners the winter fuel allowance or scrap the two-child benefit cap, yet they are yet again marching lockstep with the Tories in committing to giving the nuclear weapons programme a bottomless pit of money.

    “The eye-watering sums that are being poured into nuclear weapons would be far better spent lifting children and families out of poverty and tackling the climate crisis, which is the greatest security threat we face.

    “But even if Trident had no cost implications, keeping it would still be totally immoral. There can never be any justification for weapons which are only capable of indiscriminate mass killing, or the brutal legacy such as those left by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago.

    “If we want to take a stand for global peace, we must lead by example. I look forward to the day when an independent Scotland can rid nuclear weapons from our waters and fully commit to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder of man in Haringey

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of a man, whose body was found in a Haringey flat, have charged a man.

    Police were called at about 21:45hrs on Friday, 20 September, following concerns for the occupant of an address in Moselle Avenue, N22.

    Officers attended and forced entry into the flat, where they discovered the man deceased.

    He has been named as 40-year-old Marvin Dickson. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

    On Sunday, 22 September a 36-year-old man, Dante Forrest (15.09.88), of Moselle Avenue, N22, was arrested in the Edmonton area on suspicion of murder.

    He was charged with murder on Wednesday, 25 September and will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 September.

    Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation. A special post-mortem examination held on Sunday, 22 September, found Martin’s cause of death to be blunt force trauma.

    Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 and quote reference CAD 8320/20Sep. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Council of State presents its ambitious plan for purchasing power and opposes the so-called 12% tax initiative

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French

    Press release from the Council of State

    Published on September 24, 2024

    Partners

    Tax strategy for individuals

    The Council of State presented today its tax reform strategy intended to support, along with other measures, the purchasing power of the people of Vaud. This “Purchasing Power Plan” aims to redistribute nearly 270 million francs per year to the population by 2027 and represents nearly one billion francs cumulatively over the entire current legislature. It is part of the major balances constructed in the legislative program and constitutes one of the most ambitious cantonal tax reforms for individuals, comprising progressive and financially absorbable measures. This plan serves as an indirect counter-project to the popular initiative “Tax cuts for all: restoring purchasing power to the middle class” – deemed excessive – and which the Council of State opposes.

    Since the beginning of the legislature, the Council of State has taken several measures to strengthen public benefits to the population that have a direct or indirect impact on purchasing power and improving the quality of life: pricing policy for mobility, professional training in the field of health and social policy. In this last area, family allowances will increase from 2025.

    In a context where the financial outlook has deteriorated (inflation, successive crises, deterioration of federal finances), the Government wishes to maintain the major balances forged in its legislative programme and proposes to the Grand Council to reject the initiative for a 12% tax cut which, with an estimated impact of around half a billion francs per year in tax revenue reduction, would have too significant an effect on cantonal finances and services to the population. The attractiveness of a canton is not only measured by its taxation, but also by the range and quality of services provided to the population by its public services.

    By presenting its Purchasing Power Plan, the Government is today making its fiscal commitments a reality. This plan has three ambitious objectives:

    Firstly, reduce the tax burden on Vaud taxpayers; secondly, improve the tax attractiveness of the Canton of Vaud in order to attract new taxpayers; thirdly, guarantee the financing of public policies and services to the population.

    The Purchasing Power Plan is made up of a series of measures, some of which have already been submitted to the Grand Council and others will be submitted shortly. Thus, nearly 270 million francs will be indirectly redistributed to the people of Vaud by 2027, or nearly one billion francs cumulatively over the entire current legislature. Specifically, the Council of State is proposing to the Grand Council a reform aimed at reducing income tax by a total of 5% and wealth tax by 5% by the end of the legislature. It also proposes raising tax thresholds and improving the framework conditions for inheritances and donations, in order to promote family inheritance and the transfer of businesses to direct descendants. These measures are in addition to the increase in the deduction for health insurance premiums, the deduction for childcare costs, and the reduction in the taxation of movable assets, all of which will come into force in 2023.

    An amendment to the law on the effects of the tax shield is planned, as is, for companies, an amendment to the directive on the estimation of unlisted securities for the purposes of wealth tax (working tool).

    In a long-term vision aimed at promoting purchasing power, the Council of State is also launching work to reform the tax scales on income and wealth, targeting the middle class, subject to the completion of individual taxation at the federal level.

    The Purchasing Power Plan is ambitious and serves as an indirect counter-project to the popular initiative “Tax cuts for all: restoring purchasing power to the middle class” which the Council of State opposes. Indeed, while it shares the will and objective of the initiators to improve the purchasing power of the people of Vaud, the Council of State considers that progressive and financially absorbable measures are preferable. The Government considers that the initiative for a 12% tax cut would harm the balance of public finances if accepted, which is why it invites the Grand Council in its notice to reject it.

    Information and Communication Office of the State of Vaud

    Press information only

    Downloads

    PDF version of the press release

    Other press releases

    This page allows you to find all the press releases published since 1997 by the Council of State, the departments of the cantonal administration, the Grand Council and the Judicial Order. Its shortcut is http://www.vd.ch/communiques. The press releases distributed by other State institutions are available on the following pages:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French

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    vd.ch
    News
    Decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024

    Published on 26.09.2024

    The decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024 are online.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: The United States and Partners Mobilize $517 Million to Support Democratic Openings Around the World

    Source: USAID

    Today, USAID Administrator Samantha Power, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, convened bilateral partners, democratic reformist government leaders, philanthropic partners, and civil society to collectively announce over $517 million to support countries experiencing democratic openings globally.

    On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government deepened its commitment to supporting democratic “bright spots” by working with Congress to announce over $73 million towards USAID’s Democracy Delivers Initiative. Administrator Power also announced that Guatemala will join the Initiative, following Fiji’s entry in June, as both countries experience historic windows of democratic opportunity. With this announcement, the Democracy Delivers Initiative now supports Armenia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Malawi, Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Leaders from these countries joined the event to highlight their countries’ democratic progress and to welcome new investments and collaborations furthering democratic resilience.

    As part of the U.S. commitment, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced over $348 million in newly committed transactions in Moldova, Tanzania, and Zambia, bringing their total investment to over $2.38 billion for projects in Democracy Delivers countries since 2022. The Inter-American Foundation also announced $3.3 million in new investments in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

    Administrator Power announced that like-minded partners – including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom – jointly committed to supporting democratic openings throughout their development and diplomatic agendas and to bolstering information resilience. 

    Expanding the Democracy Delivers Commitment to Action launched at UNGA in 2023, philanthropic partners announced new commitments totaling up to $92.4 million to support Democracy Delivers countries and objectives. As an anchor partner and host for the 2024 event, Ford Foundation announced $8 million to support democratic opportunity, including in Guatemala. The following foundations also made commitments: The Rockefeller Foundation, Chandler Foundation, Focus Central America, Hilton Foundation, Luis von Ahn Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Skoll Foundation, Tinker Foundation, Vodafone Foundation, and WINGS.

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Administrator Power launched the Democracy Delivers Initiative in 2022 to bring together a multi-stakeholder coalition of partners and surge resources to countries undergoing moments of democratic renewal to help deliver tangible, lasting progress for citizens. By prioritizing responsiveness to citizen needs and enhancing transparency and accountability, these commitments will strengthen government reform efforts and facilitate improvements to public services. 

    Continuing the momentum of the Summit for Democracy process and building upon previous Democracy Delivers events, the gathering underscored the United States’ continued commitment to convening the world’s democracies in order to galvanize sustained collective action and ensure that democracy delivers opportunity and dignity for all.

    We encourage all organizations to join us.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at the Democracy Delivers Event

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Thank you. It is wonderful to be here with so many friends and co-conspirators and people who stand for dignity and democracy every day. I feel incredibly privileged, honestly, to be a part of this initiative. 

    I could have no better partner in Darren Walker, our incomparable anchor partner in the Democracy Delivers Initiative – the co-host for the second year in a row. Some of you know that Darren will be departing from his leadership role at Ford [Foundation]. None of us can imagine the thought of him not performing this role. He is such a giant in supporting civil society, in supporting human dignity, individual dignity around the world. But, we were thrilled, Darren, to think of what you will do next and the difference you will make in whatever walk of life you pursue. You are a walking catalyst for change, and we feel incredibly grateful to you and to the Ford Foundation for all that you do everyday. So, thank you. 

    Thanks to everybody here who’s joining, as well as all of those online. This is a club that we wish more people wanted to be a member of – a gathering of nations who are pursuing really tough political reforms and who are doing so in the face of even tougher economic headwinds often.

    Two years ago, we first brought this group together amidst a wave of very familiar pessimism, talk of authoritarians emboldened, and democracies under attack. And, honestly, in looking back, too often this pessimism over recent years has overshadowed the bright spots of democratic progress springing up in many places around the world. And, they will always spring up because citizens will never relent when their dignity is denied and when they lack agency over their futures. So, we have seen it: citizens standing up, demanding change, and electing leaders who they were trusting to deliver on that promise. 

    Of course, if we did not focus on these movements – as I think traditionally, we really had not sufficiently – we weren’t focusing on them as movements and as reform engines. Then, it was also very unlikely we were going to focus our support on them in an intentional way. And, that, as we have seen, is a critical mistake. Because often democratic reformers come into office facing really, really significant challenges: entrenched corruption, weak institutions, often debt burdens that prevent them from making the investments that their people need and that their people expect. For reformers to have a fighting chance of delivering on the change that their people demand, they need allies. And, that is fundamentally what this network is about. 

    So, Secretary [Antony] Blinken and I, on behalf of President [Joe] Biden, launched the Democracy Delivers Initiative to help provide the support these reformers need. Secretary Blinken today, unfortunately, just got pulled into an urgent obligation with President Biden and is sorry to be missing us today. But, he – and we – take note of the fact that since 2022, in the short time this Democracy Delivers Initiative has been underway, USAID alone has increased our funding for the original cohort of nine Democracy Delivers countries by over $300 million. That is an increase of over 38 percent.

    At the same time, we knew all along that the true power of this initiative would be bringing others on board to surge support to these democratic bright spots as well. Because the beauty of democratic progress is that it creates opportunity for all. So, at this event, back in 2022, we rallied companies to invest in countries experiencing democratic openings, knowing that improvements in the rule of law, increased transparency, and unleashed innovation make democracies ideal places for private investment.  

    At this event, then a year later and a year ago, in 2023, we rallied philanthropies, many represented here today, to focus their giving, their investments in these places as well, knowing that democratic openings create opportunities to drive change that endures – in partnership with leaders who are not standing in the way of progress they see as somehow threatening, but instead championing and seeking to scale good ideas. 

    This year, the third of these meetings, we are pleased to be joined by other bilateral government partners who, like us, see the opportunity that democratic openings create and are committed to supporting them in their own foreign policy and in their own assistance. I am pleased to announce that today we are releasing a joint statement endorsed by 12 countries so far: Australia, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Most of these partners are here with us today, committing all of us in this statement to elevating attention to democratic renewal around the world, and committing to look at the ways in which they can increase support across sectors as we work together to make these openings not just moments but movements. 

    This approach is particularly important now as we continue to see new, promising democratic bright spots emerge. 

    And so, just this past June, we welcomed Fiji to the Democracy Delivers Initiative, following on the heels of the first peaceful transfer of power in Fiji’s history which occurred nearly two years ago. And, today, I’m thrilled as well now to announce that Guatemala will be the newest country joining the cohort. 

    Earlier this year, I traveled to Guatemala for the inauguration of President [Bernardo] Arévalo who’s joining us here today. The anti-democratic forces who had been working for months to prevent the president-elect from taking power tried every procedural maneuver that they could to deny the will of the Guatemalan people, delaying the inauguration for nearly ten hours – was it ten hours? But who was counting? And casting into doubt – genuinely casting into doubt – the peaceful transfer of power. But, the people of Guatemala insisted that their will be respected, and they prevailed. After midnight, technically, the day after the inauguration was supposed to occur, President Arévalo finally took the oath of office to an electric crowd chanting, “sí se pudo” – yes, we did.

    Now, as president Arévalo attempts to overcome those same undemocratic forces to deliver on the change that he promised, many of our partners are already surging support. Just to name a few – and you’ll get to hear from others later on – the Inter-American Foundation is helping Guatemala invest in providing the economic opportunities and security that citizens need to build their futures at home. The Tinker Foundation is investing in Guatemala’s education system. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Focus Central America are each investing in Guatemalan civil society organizations advancing democracy and justice. 

    Today, we are going to hear from President Arévalo and other leaders who are taking on extraordinary odds to deliver change for their people. And, we are going to hear commitments that partners around the world are making to support this progress. We have many partners with us. So, to make sure we stay on time and can hear from everyone, our timekeeper, Jacob, will help us stay on track – including helping me stay on track. 

    And, to kick us off, I am pleased to announce that USAID will commit an additional $73 million to support democratic development in Democracy Delivers partner countries. This is on top of our programming that we are doing across sectors that many of you are familiar with. But, this new funding is going to support priorities like energy security in Armenia; job growth in Guatemala and Tanzania; public service delivery in Ecuador, Malawi, and Zambia; and democratic governance and anti-corruption efforts in the Dominican Republic, the Maldives, Moldova, and Nepal. And, in recent months, we’ve announced nearly $6 million to support inclusive democratic systems, sustainable local food production, and climate adaptation in Fiji.

    And now, I would like to introduce the President of Fiji, President [Wiliame] Katonivere. Last year, I had the chance, sir, to visit Fiji and to officially establish USAID’s Mission there on the ground. Next week, USAID Deputy Administrator Isabel Coleman, will be leading an interagency delegation to Fiji and other Pacific Islands to continue strengthening our collaboration.

    Let me officially welcome you and the people of Fiji to this Democracy Delivers Initiative. The floor is yours.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tereos fined for failure to comply with CMA merger procedures

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA has found that Tereos failed to comply with a requirement to produce information in connection with its recent investigation into Tereos’ deal with T&L Sugars.

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a fine of £25,000 on Tereos SCA and Tereos United Kingdom and Ireland Limited (together Tereos) for failing to provide relevant information in relation to the T&L Sugars/Tereos merger inquiry.  

    As part of the CMA’s phase 2 investigation, a notice was sent to Tereos under section 109 of Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act) requiring the production of certain minutes and internal documents in relation to its board and corporate governance. Tereos responded to the notice, however, following further enquires by the CMA it was found that Tereos failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide a full response.  

    In particular, the CMA Inquiry Group found that Tereos’ interpretation of the scope of the notice was unjustifiably narrow and untenable when viewed in the context of the object of the merger inquiry and that the failure was capable of having an adverse impact on the CMA’s investigation.    

    In order to reach sound decisions that benefit consumers and the UK economy as efficiently as possible, it is essential that the CMA is able to gather all the evidence it requires. Parties must therefore comply, on time and in full, with requests for information from the CMA during an investigation.

    Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group which led the investigation, said: 

    It’s important that firms respect the UK merger review process – which includes providing all the information we need to promptly progress our investigation.  

    Firms and their advisers must not apply their own narrow, artificial interpretation of our formal information gathering requirements– as Tereos has done so here. Had they responded properly then Tereos could have avoided this fine altogether.

    Currently, where there is a failure to comply, without reasonable excuse, with a requirement of a notice under section 109 of the Act, the maximum fixed penalty the CMA is able to impose is £30,000. This is due to increase to 1% of the total value of a business’s worldwide turnover once amendments introduced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) come into force.  

    For more information, visit the T&L Sugars / Tereos merger inquiry page.

    Notes to editors:   

    1. A copy of the full notice is available via the case page. 

    2. Tereos was represented in the CMA’s investigation by its solicitors, Squire Patton Boggs.  

    3. The CMA received and considered the documents relevant to the notice under section 109 of the Act from Tereos in advance of clearing the merger on 3 September 2024.  

    4. Where a party fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with investigatory requirements such as a notice requiring the production of documents, the CMA may impose an administrative penalty on that party. The CMA has published guidance Administrative penalties: Statement of Policy on the CMA’s approach (CMA4) on the CMA’s approach and powers in relation to imposing administrative penalties. A draft version of an updated version of the guidance, incorporating changes by the DMCCA was recently consulted on and the CMA is currently analysing feedback following the consultation closing on 23 August 2024. 

    5. The DMCCA received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. It is currently anticipated that the relevant parts (Part 2, section 143(1) and Schedule 10 paragraph 17) of the DMCCA which relate to the amount of a penalty that can be imposed by the CMA under section 111 of the Act will enter into force in December 2024 or January 2025. These amendments to the Act increase the maximum penalty amount that can be imposed on a business for not complying, without reasonable excuse, with a notice under section 109 from £30,000 to 1% of the annual worldwide turnover in the case of a fixed penalty and from £15,000 to 5% of the daily worldwide turnover of the business in the case of a daily amount.  

    6. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on the situation between Lebanon and Israel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Joint Statement by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar.

    The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.  

    It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.

    Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.  

    Thus we call for an immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement consistent with UNSCR 1701, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza

    We call on all parties, including the Governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately consistent with UNSCR 1701 during this period, and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement.  

    We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Interim Director of Housing Transformation

    Source: City of Salford

    Salford City Council has announced the appointment of Alan Caddick to the post of Interim Director of Housing Transformation. 

    Alan joins the council having held a similar role at a local authority in the North East. Previously in his career, he served as the Director of Housing for two of the London authorities and was the Director of Housing and Residential Growth at Manchester City Council. It is also a welcome return for Alan who worked for the council some years ago in the role of Lead Officer for the Charlestown and Lower Kersal New Deal for Communities. 

    Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty said “Alan brings with him an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience of the housing sector, within local authorities, so I’m looking forward to working with him to deliver the quality affordable housing our residents and communities deserve.

    Alan said “I am really pleased to be rejoining Salford City Council. Salford is a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work and visit, so I am looking forward to being a part of the team that helps to transform our communities and provide a range of housing opportunities for all of our residents”.

    “Across the city the demand for suitable housing remains one of our main priorities and I am looking forward to the challenges, and the opportunities that we will encounter as the renaissance of our communities continues.”

    Share this

    Date published
    Thursday 26 September 2024

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Immediate measures to step up safeguards against African swine fever from Europe

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The mitigation measures will help to prevent the spread of ASF across the border, protecting the pig sector worth over £8 billion to the UK economy 

    Immediate measures have been introduced to protect pig farmers and industry from an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. 

    ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease in pigs and wild boar that can be transmitted through infected meat, but poses no risk to human health. The new safeguarding rules will help protect UK livestock by mitigating its spread across the border to the UK.  

    To safeguard the UK’s pig and farming industries, personal imports of pork and pork products from the EEA (European Economic Area), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland will be banned from tomorrow (Friday 27th September), unless such products are manufactured and packaged to EU commercial standards and weigh less than a maximum of 2kg. 

    An outbreak of ASF could have a significant impact on the UK’s £8 billion pig industry, as well as its annual pork and pork product exports worth £600 million. It is estimated that an outbreak could cost the UK between £10 million to £100 million.  

    Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:  

    African swine fever is a deadly disease wreaking havoc in Europe.   

    These new measures will protect British pig farmers and pork products, preventing infected meat from being brought over the border and threatening our biosecurity.

    The UK has never had an outbreak ASF, and commercial meat imports are routinely checked at the border to ensure infected goods do not reach UK shores. 

    Preventing an outbreak of ASF in the UK remains one of Defra’s key biosecurity priorities, and it keeps policy on personal meat and dairy imports under constant review, as well as works closely with devolved governments on contingency planning and preventing an incursion from infected goods. 

    Those found to bring pork or pork products illegally may be fined up to £5,000 in England. Products will be seized and destroyed on arrival.  

    Defra is investing £3.1 million to Dover Port Health Authority for 2024/25 to help Border Force tackle illegal meat imports and keep African Swine Fever out of Great Britain.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Tomorrow Street Selects Nile to Join its Scaleup X Programme with Vodafone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif. and LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nile, a pioneer in an entirely new generation of wired and wireless LAN solutions for the enterprise, and Tomorrow Street, a joint venture between Vodafone and Luxembourg’s national technology incubator, Technoport, today announced that Nile has joined Tomorrow Street’s Scaleup X programme, which is designed to help bring the next generation of strategic suppliers into Vodafone through an accelerated selection process.

    Tomorrow Street selected Nile for its potential to give Vodafone’s enterprise customers a new generation wired and wireless Local Area Network (LAN) delivered as a service, with complete zero-trust network access security, zero up-front expense, and the industry’s only performance guarantees for coverage, capacity, and uptime. Nile’s innovative approach to AI-driven network automation also dramatically reduces the burden of network operations for service providers’ managed services teams and enterprise IT customers.

    “In evaluating new solutions to be included in our 2024 cohort of scaleup companies, the Nile Access Service stood out for its innovative approach to providing connectivity for today’s enterprises,” said Neil Cocker, a Tomorrow Street company director and Head of Scouting. “Nile’s fresh take on automation, security, operational intelligence, and billing make for an intriguing proposition.”

    Tomorrow Street provides access to relevant fast-growing scaleups with innovative commercialised solutions that have the potential to scale across large corporations. Scaleup partners are selected in close co-operation with Vodafone experts and senior stakeholders to offer an established range of technology solutions that accelerate digital transformation and create new revenue opportunities for businesses like Nile and its customers.

    “We’re thrilled to partner with Tomorrow Street to deliver a new vision of the enterprise network,” said Pankaj Patel, Nile’s CEO and co-founder. “The Nile Access Service is ideal for service providers like Vodafone, as it provides a complete wired and wireless LAN offering that enables service providers to strengthen their relationships with their enterprise customers but doesn’t add to their operational burden.”

    Nile is participating in two events being held by Tomorrow Street in October 2024. The first is in Luxembourg on 16-17 October 2024 and will include Procurement leaders and decision-makers from Vodafone Procurement & Connectivity Co. The second will occur in London at Vodafone’s HQ on 24 October 2024, with key stakeholders and technology leaders from Vodafone Group.

    About the Nile Access Service
    The Nile Access Service is powered by a new approach for securing enterprise networks that combines built-in zero-trust security for the campus, cloud native software delivery, AI, and automation with a high-performance wired and wireless LAN in an “as-a-Service” offering. The Nile Access Service was built from the ground up to prevent lateral movement cyber attacks while completely automating the network lifecycle management process. This complete service offering is a comprehensive package including hardware and software components, 24/7 support, and zero upfront capital expense, all of which are backed by the industry’s only performance guarantees for availability, coverage, and capacity.

    To learn more about the Nile Access Service, visit https://nilesecure.com/solutions/nile-access-service

    About Nile
    Nile is disrupting the enterprise network market by building natively secure connectivity that modernises IT operations with a new AI networking architecture, delivering enterprise networks entirely as a service. For the first time in the industry, the Nile Access Service integrates zero-trust security and offers performance guarantees for connectivity, coverage, and availability. With Nile, IT organisations close the gap between their digital aspirations and legacy realities with superior connectivity that reduces the burden on critical IT resources. For more information, visit nilesecure.com/solutions/nile-access-service.

    About Tomorrow Street
    Tomorrow Street is an innovation centre that accelerates leading-edge technology through scaling late-stage startups. Tomorrow Street is a joint venture between Vodafone and Luxembourg’s technology incubator, Technoport. Its innovation centre hosts and supports the next generation of strategic suppliers to Vodafone and is a technology hub that attracts entrepreneurs and talent to the fast-growing tech sector in Luxembourg.
    Tomorrow Street’s latest programme Scaleup X is designed to connect Vodafone with fast-growing post-series A scaleups and select the next generation of strategic suppliers enabling new customer propositions and accelerating digital transformation.

    For further information, visit http://www.tomorrowstreet.co.

    Media Contacts:
    Nichols Communications for Nile
    Jay Nichols
    +1 408-772-1551
    jay@nicholscomm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Receives Commitment for Strategic Investment from Rob McEwen of C$1.5 Million as Part of Previously Announced Brokered Private Placement Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (“Westhaven” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce, further to its press release dated September 25, 2024 announcing a $5,000,000 brokered best efforts offering (the “ Marketed Offering”) with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the “Agent”) acting as agent, the Agent has received overnight a commitment from Rob McEwen for participation in the Marketed Offering as a subscriber.

    As previously announced, the Company entered into on September 25, 2024, an agreement with the Agent to act as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with the Marketed Offering to raise gross proceeds of C$5,000,0000 from the sale of the following:

    • 10,000,000 units of the Company (each, a “Unit”) at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 from the sale of Units; and
    • gross proceeds of up to C$3,500,000 from the sale of any combination of (i) common shares of the Company that will quality as “flow-through shares” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a “Traditional FT Share”) at a price of C$0.175 per Traditional FT Share and (ii) flow-through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (each, a “Charity FT Unit”, and collectively with the Units and Traditional FT Shares, the “Offered Securities”) at a price of C$0.22 per Charity FT Unit.

    Rob McEwen has agreed to make a strategic investment of C$1.5 million in Offered Securities, through his private holding company Evanachan Ltd. Mr. McEwen is the founder and former Chairman of Goldcorp, is currently the Executive Chairman and largest shareholder of McEwen Mining Inc. and is a member of the Mining Hall of Fame.

    Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (“NI 45-106”), the Offered Securities will be offered for sale to purchasers in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan (the “Canadian Selling Jurisdictions”) pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the “Listed Issuer Financing Exemption”). The Offered Securities are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada.

    The Agent was granted the option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Marketed Offering, to sell up to an additional C$1,000,000 in any combination of Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units at their respective offering prices (the “Agents’ Option” and together with the Marketed Offering, the “Offering”).

    Any Units and Charity FT Units sold in excess of gross proceeds of C$5,000,000 as well as the Traditional FT Shares (collectively, the “Non-LIFE Securities”) will be offered by way of the “accredited investor” and “minimum amount investment” exemptions under NI 45-106 in the Canadian Selling Jurisdictions, or in the case of the Units, also in offshore jurisdictions and the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The Non-LIFE Securities will be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Traditional FT Shares and the Charity FT Units will be used for Canadian exploration expenses on the Company’s mineral projects in British Columbia and will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures”, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Qualifying Expenditures”), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2025 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2024 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on or around October 15, 2024, or such other date as the Company and the Agent may agree, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The Company will pay to the Agent a cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offering (the “Agents’ Commission”). In addition, the Company will issue to the Agent warrants of the Company (each warrant, a “Broker Warrant”), exercisable for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date, to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to C$0.15 per Common Share.

    There is an amended offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company’s profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at http://www.westhavengold.com. Prospective investors should read this amended offering document before making an investment decision.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors
    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Gareth Thomas”

    Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director

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

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade discovery on the Shovelnose project in Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls ~60,950 hectares (609.5 square kilometres) with four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose property is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at http://www.westhavengold.com

    Forward Looking Statements:

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expectations with respect to the Offering, including the proposed participation by Mr. McEwen and the size of that participation; the use of proceeds of the Offering; completion of the Offering and the date of such completion. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: that the Offering may not close within the timeframe anticipated or at all or may not close on the terms and conditions currently anticipated by the Company for a number of reasons including, without limitation, as a result of the occurrence of a material adverse change, disaster, change of law or other failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Offering; the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Company’s plans may be adversely affected by the Company’s reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Company’s exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Company’s operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Company’s future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Company’s securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company’s projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company’s operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Company’s other public filings available at http://www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this offering document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s address at the 83rd CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations at the NASC Complex, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 26 SEP 2024 3:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Good morning, all of you. 

    It could not have been more delightful for me, everyone present in this room is a role model for me. Your contributions are spinal, your contributions in silence are resonating with the last man in the last row, your efforts are changing Bharat. A great occasion for me to be here, this is a very distinguished premium platinum category that is defining the growth history of Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity. 

    Professor Ajay K. Sood, rightly honoured with the civilian distinction of Padma Shri, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, his address though brief on account of constraints of time, was illuminating. He indicated synergetic stance being generated with all stakeholders to ensure sustainability of the rise of Bharat. 

    Dr. K. Radhakrishnan his lecture will be a feast to intellect, team excellence, team itself in hears excellence, team is something which is harmonious. Harmony doesn’t mean keeping your point of view to yourself, harmony means having enough space to voice the other’s point of view. It is heard with respect, not rejected by drop of a hat. Team excellence is the ultimate sublime evolution of it, then, Indian Space Odyssey and your life lessons.

    I have instructed my team to record it, I will have a look at it, as will millions, through our platform in Rajya Sabha and Parliament. 

    Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, normally we say, the man is always in the move, gone are those days, she is always on the move, always in action, with passion, mission, and execution. 

    I very fondly remember the visit I had where she was there, I had the occasion to see for myself how the aviation landscape of skilling will be changed by what her team has created. I had the occasion to visit Dehradun and another institute in her absence, we are proud of her because she sacrificingly gives credit to everyone except herself. I was greatly touched by this reflection of Indian civilisational ethos.

    Dr. G. Mahesh he is a Chairperson of the CSIR Foundation Day Celebration, we are gratified and honoured by the presence of those who laid the firm foundations of CSIR who headed it as DGs Dr. Mashelkar is present here. 

    Dr. Samir Brahmachari  is amongst us but science is all about finding out. Everyone present here, particularly in the front row, is to be respected by us. Because like education, education never ends when you leave an institution, education is life long learning same they may have left legally CSIR but their bond continues. 

    I must mention the Central Electronics Limited chairperson, Mr. Jain, for one reason, the honourable minister, who is very passionate about this sector, he wanted to come, I dissuaded him please won’t, he was preoccupied unavoidably.

    Distinguished scientists, researchers, staff, and esteemed audience, my greetings to the entire scientific community in the country, we are beholden to this category for the contributions they have made to make a Viksit Bharat which is before us today. This day is a special day, not just for CSIR alone. This is a very special day for the nation because if we go into our historical perspective, we will find that ages ago, our Bharat had scientific prowess. We were global leaders, we were the centre of the globe when it came to scientific knowledge, the kind of discoveries and inventions that were made by us made the world proud, we lost our way somewhere, we are regaining that way. 

    It is your foundation day, but it is integrally connected with the firm foundations of Bharat, you are firming up those foundations of the most vibrant, functional democracy on the planet. You are firming up the foundations of a nation that is on the rise as never before, and this rise is unstoppable, the rise is incremental, and the destination of a developed nation by 2047 will be realised, if not earlier.

    What I see here is your activities and activities of your sister’s concerns.  It is an endorsement that we are on the way to regaining our past pristine glory in the world of science. As I said, your contributions are in silence, I am using the word “silos” in a positive sense, your activities are in silos, but they physically, positively, and affirmatively impact the lives of 1.4 billion people.

    CSIR can be defined as a catalyst scientifically and imaginatively for Ras. C for catalyst, S for scientifically, I for imaginatively, and R for rashtra. 

    Distinguished audience, it is my great honour and privilege, and it will forever be etched in my memory, that I am associating with the 83rd Foundation Day of CSIR. This is an occasion to commemorate and commend the past achievements, and also to look ahead, unfold a roadmap to be more significantly involved with the nation’s rise and global rise, because Bharat stands for Vasudev Kutumbakam.

    A journey that started in 1960, when I was in class four, and where we have come, is a recognition of the hard work you all have done. I am fully aware of the headwinds you face, the air pockets you endure, the difficult terrain you negotiate, and, on occasions, the lack of due recognition therefore an ecosystem existed earlier where you were contributing, but recognition was not forthcoming in the right form. Soothing to note that, in the last few years, recognition for the scientific community has increased. It has increased in several ways, including the government’s serious focus on it. The Prime Minister’s heart and soul are deeply connected to the scientific community. His belief in your power, prowess, and capacity to generate, at global level, those aspects of science which matter to humanity is evident. I am sure, therefore, that we are in good times.

    Now, there is an ecosystem in place where our scientists can fully exploit and expand their energy, exploit their talent, and contribute to the nation by unleashing their innovative skills. I was not surprised, because that was my expectation, but I was in disbelief when I went through the thematic exhibition, amazing things are happening. Imagine if, from bamboo, you can have wooden flooring. Imagine if, from bamboo, you can have something which far superior or equivalent to sagon teak wood and sagon teak wood life is 4 decades or so. It helps the farmer, and it creates wealth. I am making a reference only to only one, there were many such things, I was greatly touched. 

    These developments reaffirm my confidence, and the confidence of the nation, that Bharat is a factor to reckon with globally. Your tremendous accomplishments have emboldened me to assert that, in research and development, it is matter of time when we will be having our due share at the moment, we are on way to it., much remains to be done. Several energies have to converge, they have to converge diligently, they have to work togetherness and in tandem, there has to be the right amount of fiscal input.

    I am so glad that the Principal Scientific Advisor that is uppermost in his mind, you may not be aware, and it may not have been covered in the media, but he is your star batsman when it comes to securing everything for your scientific community. 

    Let me make a brief reference to the Union Budget 2024-25. He must have put his foot down, I am sure of it when the budget is formed, there are always too many claimants. He fought for your segment, got the due, and it can only be incremental henceforth. It emphasises the budget. Innovation, Research and Development, and Anusandhan – the National Research Foundation has been started. I leave it at that; you know it when a beginning is made, even by a toddler, it takes shape over the years, unstoppably. My congratulations to him, for being your advocate with the government, you are an able advocate. I am so glad. 

    The growth engine of the nation, any nation in the world, is driven by science and technology and this is fuelled by research and development, this makes the focus on research and development of paramount importance. I call upon you from this platform to come forward and generously invest in research and development. I look forward to the day when our corporates will figure in the top 20 global corporates that invest in research and development at the moment, there is none, that doesn’t mean our corporates are not doing enough, they are doing enough. In automobile and in information technology, much is being done but looking at our nation’s size, its potential, its position, and the growth trajectory on which it is, our corporates need to come forward to engage in research and development.

    The investment in research and development is lasting and this, distinguished audience, please note, has another cutting edge: soft diplomacy, if you get something, nations flock to you. We have that power, research and development is so integrated with security these days therefore, investment is for the nation. Investment is for growth. Investment is for sustainability. 

    I am concerned about one aspect in particular, and that aspect, fortunately for me, was voiced in a survey by CSIR, the sample size was 3,000. We must not do lip service to research and development, our contribution has to be substantial, the result has to be substantial, not cosmetic or superficial. We cannot just take pride in saying so much for research and development. The one doing research or development in academic institutions should not be in pursuit only of academic information. Research is not a simulation. Research is research, and I therefore appeal to everyone concerned to have SOP for it. Invest in that human resource or institution that can authentically engage in research and development. The two are separate, when I went to one of the IITs – all IITs are doing well, I am not naming the IIT for that reason – I was amazed that research and development were excellent, it was being done by professors and students. So, we will have to be on guard that merely because physical resources are committed, we cannot take pride, saying, “Oh, I have spent so much for research and development.”

    Investment in research and development, distinguished audience, has to be correlated to tangible outcomes and there are people in the front row who can evaluate what is a tangible outcome. 

    Friends, there is enough to say, but I will conclude by focusing on the state of the nation, state of the nation today is beyond my dreams. I never imagined it. I did not conceive of the earth as it is today, I did not have that contemplation. I am referring to 1989, when I was elected to the Lok Sabha. In 1990, I was a union minister. I will focus on four aspects. 

    One, we went to Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, as a member of the Council of Ministers. We stayed at a hotel near Dal Lake, everything was dull, not even twenty souls could be seen on the road, a state of dejection and hopelessness and it was declared in the Rajya Sabha, which I preside as chairman, that last year, two crore tourists went to Jammu and Kashmir. Where is the figure of twenty? Two crores, article 370, a temporary article of the constitution – the only article labelled as temporary was taken by some people, including those who had taken oath under the constitution to be permanent. It is no longer there.

    Second, I suffered the pain because, as a student, हमें पढ़ाया गया था कि भारत सोने की चिड़िया है। As a minister, I had the occasion to see our gold physically airlifted, to be placed in two Swiss banks to sustain our fiscal credibility, because our foreign exchange was around one billion US dollars. Now it is more than six hundred billion US dollars, mind you. We are getting things back rather than giving. I suffered the pain then when the World Bank and IMF would give us not advisories or advice, but peremptorily direct us: “Do this, otherwise…”  and now the same institutions, IMF says, India is a favourite global destination of investment and opportunity. World Bank says, digitisation of India and its penetration that happened in six years is otherwise not achievable in four decades or more. We are a role model, according to the World Bank, of digitisation, that happened there.

    Another aspect was that we had a system where corruption was rampant in power corridors, nothing could catalyse without a middleman, your pedigree was a password to opportunity and a job or a contract. Now power corridors are fully sanitised, the middleman has disappeared from the one-sixth of humanity, at least. Do we see middlemen around? No. All transactions are taking place digitally, without human interface. That is the change I never imagined. This change I am seeing myself. We were living in an era where there was privilege pedigree.some thought law was not for them, they were immune to law. They were not accountable to law, it was a concept not known to them but now, the privileged pedigree is feeling the heat of law and why not? Equality before the law is an inalienable facet of democracy. How can we call a nation a democratic nation if some people pass away more equal than others? That is the benefit to young minds and as a result of that, our youth are energised.

    The fourth point I wish to make is about the economy. I can’t even tell you the size of the Indian economy in 1990 was smaller than the city of London or Paris. Imagine. A decade ago, we were counted amongst the fragile five nations. A cliff hanging economy, a concern to the global community. Now we are a robust economy, we are amongst the five great economies of the world, we are the fifth largest, on the way to becoming the third, ahead of Japan and Germany, in two years. Our economic rise is like a plateau, affecting everyone. 

    In all this, the contribution of science is there, technology is there, corruption would have been there, Transparent, accountable governance would not have been there unless there was technology. Digitisation and penetration would not have happened but for democracy. People are adept at technology, they may not be very literate, but they know how to use the internet, how to avail themselves of services. This means the Great Marathon March for Viksit Bharat@2047. You are the major stakeholders. You may not be that visible on the screen, but you are the driving force of it. You will have to be contributing 24X7. 

    My best wishes to you, CSIR exemplifies excellence, academic brilliance and cutting-edge research. In the near future, we will doubtlessly see Bharat emerging as a global pioneer in the domains of science and technology that will help us script a new chapter in our growth story.

    Thank you so much.

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2058962) Visitor Counter : 5

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Concludes Her Visit to New York for the UN General Assembly High-Level Week

    Source: USAID

    The following is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:

    Administrator Samantha Power began her third day at the UN General Assembly High-Level Week with a meeting with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille. They discussed USAID’s ongoing efforts to support the people of Haiti and the transitional government. Administrator Power underscored USAID’s strong commitment to partnerships focused on building a more stable and prosperous Haiti. The Administrator and the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Administrator Power and Prime Minister Conille also emphasized the need for timely renewal of HOPE/HELP trade preferences. 

    Administrator Power co-chaired a roundtable discussion with UK Development Minister Anneliese Dodds on Houthi detentions of UN, NGO, and diplomatic staff in Yemen. Participants included high-level officials from the UN and a range of governments. Participants emphasized their shared resolve to press for the immediate release of the detainees using all diplomatic channels, reassess programming, and reaffirm their commitment to supporting the people of Yemen.

    Administrator Power met with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s Interim Government. They discussed the strong support of the U.S. for the people of Bangladesh, including through the personal engagement of President Biden and the recent signing of a more than $200 million development agreement with the Interim Government. Administrator Power and Chief Advisor Yunus discussed labor rights and reforms, and Administrator Power reaffirmed USAID’s commitment to offering a range of support in advancing development, strengthening governance, expanding trade, and creating greater opportunities at a critical moment in Bangladesh. 

    At USAID’s flagship Democracy Delivers event, Administrator Power announced a mobilization of $517 million, including $73 million through USAID and the Department of State, in support of countries experiencing democratic openings. Administrator Power announced that Guatemala will join the Agency’s Democracy Delivers Initiative, which now supports Armenia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Malawi, Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Leaders from these countries joined the event to highlight their countries’ democratic progress and to welcome new investments and collaborations furthering democratic resilience. Like-minded government partners committed to elevate attention to democratic openings around the world, and philanthropic partners announced new commitments to support democratic development across the Democracy Delivers cohort of countries.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ADM DINESH K TRIPATHI, CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO GREECE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 26 SEP 2024 1:46PM by PIB Delhi

    Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), is on a four day official visit to Greece from 26 to 29 Sep 24. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to further consolidate bilateral defence relations between India and Greece, with a focus on enhancing Naval Cooperation.

    During the visit, the CNS will engage in bilateral discussions with senior Greek defence officials, including Mr Ioannis Kefalogiannis, Deputy Minister of Defence, Vice Admiral Dimitrios E Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HGNS), Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, Deputy Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

    The discussions are expected to cover a broad spectrum of defence cooperation areas, particularly maritime security, joint training initiatives, and exploring avenues for future operational collaboration between the two navies.

    As part of his visit, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi shall be visiting the Salamis Bay, the base of the Hellenic Naval Fleet as well as the Hellenic Naval Academy. Through demonstrations and visits to Hellenic naval assets, the Hellenic Navy has planned to introduce Greece’s naval capabilities and training methodologies to the CNS.

    The Hellenic Navy Chief shall be hosting the Indian CNS onboard the renowned Georgios AVEROF, the Hellenic naval museum ship, offering him a glimpse into Greece’s rich maritime history and naval heritage.

    The visit underscores the strong naval relations between India and Greece, which include joint exercises, port visits, and capacity-building initiatives. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s engagements in Greece are expected to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two navies, ensuring enhanced collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

    *****

    VM/SPS                                                                                           

    (Release ID: 2058940) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal concludes 3-day visit to Australia

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 26 SEP 2024 4:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal concluded his productive 3-day visit to Australia (23-26 September, 2024) today.

    The Minister co-chaired the 19th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting with Senator The Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia at Government House in Adelaide on August 25, 2024. Discussions focussed on areas of cooperation and economic priorities for India and Australia; implementation of Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) initiatives; progress on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations etc.   The Ministers reiterated the target of achieving AUD 100 billion bilateral trade by 2030. They also discussed enhancement of cooperation at multilateral and other regional forums- G20, IPEF and WTO, including the Domestic Services Regulation issue.

    At the Joint Press Conference after the meeting, the Minister announced the opening of an Investment, Trade, Technology and Tourism (ITTT) office in Sydney which will have representatives of Invest India, NICDC, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation and DGFT, including industry bodies like CII and FICCI. Minister Farrell announced a new grant of AUD 10 million for Australian businesses, organisations and universities to boost cooperation with India. Under the new grant, AUD 5 million will be extended to Australian organisations working on projects that boost trade and innovation, cultural ties and community leaders, and a further AUD 5 million for scholars and fellowships to support Australian universities to host Indian students in their research, on shared challenges.

    Both sides agreed that the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiatives are complementary and present opportunities to both sides to work together. In this context, Minister mentioned that India marked yesterday, the 10th anniversary of Prime Minister’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at scaling domestic manufacturing in India. The initiative had created employment opportunities, boosted Indian exports and improved the lives of millions of people in India.

    The Governor of South Australia, The Hon Frances Adamson AC, hosted a lunch for Minister and the accompanying delegation at the Government House. The lunch was attended by The Hon Joe Szakacs MP Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Local Government of South Australia and Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, reflecting the strong bipartisan support to India-Australia partnership.

    Later in the day, Minister Goyal accompanied by Minister Farrell visited the Australian Space Agency at Lot Fourteen Innovation precinct where they interacted with Australian space companies, including, Space Machine Company, which is working with New Space India Limited (NSIL) to launch the largest satellite built in Australia onboard an Indian Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. This Mission, named MAITRI exemplifies the close friendship between the two countries and marks a significant milestone in the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    The Minister’s visit will impart further momentum to the enhanced economic and commercial engagement between India and Australia. The visit allowed both sides to review progress of CECA and implementation of ECTA initiatives. In addition, several interactions with Australian and Indian businesses in Sydney will lead to enhancement of trade and investment ties between the two countries.

     

    ***

     

    AD/VN/CNAN

    (Release ID: 2059007) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Two-Thirds of Healthcare Organizations Hit by Ransomware – A Four-Year High, Sophos Survey Finds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OXFORD, United Kingdom, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, today released a sector survey report, “The State of Ransomware in Healthcare 2024,” which revealed that the rate of ransomware attacks against healthcare organizations has reached a four-year high since 2021. Of those organizations surveyed, two-thirds (67%) were impacted by ransomware attacks in the past year, up from 60% in 2023. The rising rate of ransomware attacks against healthcare institutions contrasts with the declining rate of ransomware attacks across sectors; the overall rate of ransomware attacks fell from 66% in 2023 to 59% in 2024.

    Alongside an increase in the rate of ransomware attacks, the healthcare sector reported increasingly longer recovery times. Only 22% of ransomware victims fully recovered in a week or less, a considerable drop from the 47% reported in 2023 and 54% in 2022. In addition, 37% took more than a month to recover, up from 28% in 2023, reflecting the increased severity and complexity of attacks.

    “While we’ve seen the rate of ransomware attacks reach a kind of “homeostasis” or even declining across industries, attacks against healthcare organizations continue to intensify, both in number and scope. The highly sensitive nature of healthcare information and need for accessibility will always place a bullseye on the healthcare industry from cybercriminals. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have learned that few healthcare organizations are prepared to respond to these attacks, demonstrated by increasingly longer recovery times. These attacks can have immense ripple effects, as we’ve seen this year with major ransomware attacks impacting the healthcare industry and impacting patient care,” said John Shier, field CTO, Sophos.

    “To combat these determined adversaries, healthcare organizations must adopt a more proactive, human-led approach to threat detection and response, combining advanced technology with continuous monitoring to stay ahead of attackers.”

    Additional findings from the report include:

    • Ransom Recovery Costs Surge: The mean cost of recovery in a healthcare ransomware attack was $2.57 million in 2024, up from $2.2 million in 2023 and double the 2021 cost
    • Ransom Demands vs Payments: 57% of healthcare institutions that paid the ransom ended up paying more than the original demand
    • Root Cause of Attack: Compromised credentials and exploited vulnerabilities were tied for the number one root cause of attack, each accounting for 34% of attacks
    • Backups Targeted: 95% of healthcare organizations hit by ransomware in the past year said that cybercriminals attempted to compromise their backups during the attack.
    • Increased Pressure: Organizations whose backups were compromised were more than twice as likely to pay the ransom to recover encrypted data (63% vs. 27%)
    • Who Pays the Ransom: Insurance providers are heavily involved in ransom payments, contributing in 77% of cases. 19% of total ransom payment funding comes from insurance providers

    The latest Sophos report on real-world ransomware experiences explores the full victim journey, from attack rate and root cause to operational impact and business outcomes, of 402 healthcare organizations. The results for this sector survey report are part of a broader, vendor-agnostic survey of 5,000 cybersecurity/IT leaders conducted between January and February 2024 across 14 countries and 15 industry sectors.

    Learn More About Ransomware

    Read the full State of Ransomware in Healthcare 2024 report on Sophos.com for additional global findings and data by sector.

    About Sophos

    Sophos is a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and incident response services and a broad portfolio of endpoint, network, email, and cloud security technologies. As one of the largest pure-play cybersecurity providers, Sophos defends more than 600,000 organizations and more than 100 million users worldwide from active adversaries, ransomware, phishing, malware, and more. Sophos’ services and products connect through the Sophos Central management console and are powered by Sophos X-Ops, the company’s cross-domain threat intelligence unit. Sophos X-Ops intelligence optimizes the entire Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem, which includes a centralized data lake that leverages a rich set of open APIs available to customers, partners, developers, and other cybersecurity and information technology vendors. Sophos provides cybersecurity-as-a-service to organizations needing fully managed security solutions. Customers can also manage their cybersecurity directly with Sophos’ security operations platform or use a hybrid approach by supplementing their in-house teams with Sophos’ services, including threat hunting and remediation. Sophos sells through reseller partners and managed service providers (MSPs) worldwide. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at http://www.sophos.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Sep 26, 2024 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 260600

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0100 AM CDT Thu Sep 26 2024

    Valid 261200Z – 271200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR COASTAL
    AREAS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA…GEORGIA…AND SOUTH CAROLINA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Several tornadoes will be possible later today into tonight, in
    association with Hurricane Helene. The greatest threat is expected
    from parts of Florida into southeast Georgia, the Midlands and Low
    Country of South Carolina, and southern North Carolina.

    …FL/GA into the Carolinas…
    Hurricane Helene is forecast to move north to north-northeast and
    accelerate across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, with landfall
    expected in the Florida Big Bend region this evening. See NHC
    forecasts and advisories for more information. Increasing low-level
    flow/shear associated with Helene’s large wind field will overspread
    the Florida Peninsula this morning, southeast Georgia and parts of
    SC by this afternoon, and eventually into parts of NC later tonight.
    Low-level hodographs will become quite large, with 0-1 km SRH
    increasing into at least the 250-500 m2/s2 range. This will support
    tornado potential with any low-topped supercells that are able to
    develop and persist within Helene’s rain bands.

    Due to Helene’s large size and fast forward speed, a broad region
    from Florida and Georgia northward into the Carolinas will see some
    risk for tornadoes. During the day, Helene’s rain bands will
    overspread the FL Peninsula, with other outer bands potentially
    moving inland across parts of GA/SC and eventually NC through
    tonight. The Enhanced Risk has been maintained and expanded somewhat
    from extreme northeast FL into coastal GA/SC, where multiple
    low-topped supercells will be possible within an increasingly
    favorable environment. Some tornado potential will spread into parts
    of NC later tonight, with the northern extent of the primary tornado
    threat still somewhat uncertain and dependent on Helene’s forward
    speed and track.

    …Hudson Valley vicinity into southern New England…
    An upper low will move eastward across southern Quebec and adjacent
    portions of New England today. Strong large-scale ascent will aid in
    the development of convection during the afternoon from southern New
    England into the Hudson Valley. Lapse rates will be weak and
    buoyancy modest at best, but enhanced mid-level flow through the
    base of the upper low will support moderate to strong deep-layer
    vertical shear. Consequently, a few stronger storms capable of gusty
    winds are possible, but confidence in sufficient destabilization is
    too low for severe probabilities at this time.

    ..Dean.. 09/26/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft helped Penza Zoo repair polar bear enclosure

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    With the support of Rosneft, the Penza Zoo renovated the walking enclosure for the polar bear named Bely.

    The work lasted about a month, during which the floor covering of the site was completely replaced: the old screed was removed, the concrete abutment of the pool bowl was restored, the site was covered with soil, treated with concrete contact, and a self-leveling floor was installed, onto which a particularly strong polyurethane paint was applied.

    During the construction work, the polar bear exhibit was closed to visitors, and the White Bear was kept in the feeding enclosure. After the repairs, the bear was released onto the renovated site.

    Preservation and protection of the polar bear population is one of the main areas of Rosneft’s environmental program. Since 2013, Rosneft has been caring for all polar bears living in Russian zoos. Currently, the Company patronizes 34 polar bears in 16 zoos in the country, providing them with care, feeding, veterinary support, as well as updating their enclosures and conducting scientific research. With the support of Rosneft, special toys have been developed to increase the physical activity of animals. Several types of products made from particularly durable plastic are sent to zoos every year.

    Reference:

    Rosneft is conducting research on polar bears as a bioindicator species of Arctic ecosystems. During this time, several large-scale expeditions have taken place, during which specialists have studied the migration routes, numbers and distribution density of these polar predators, and have also conducted various analyses of biological samples.

    In September, with the support of Rosneft, an expedition to study and monitor the polar bear population took place on the northwestern coast of the Taimyr Peninsula and the islands of the Kara Sea. Scientists from the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences conducted a full-scale census of the distribution of the number of endangered animals during the ice-free period.

    The field work is being carried out as part of Rosneft’s biodiversity conservation program, called Tamura. It is being implemented by the Company’s Arctic Research Center. From 2024 to 2027, research is planned on the Taimyr Peninsula of reindeer, birds, and fish in the mouth of the Yenisei River. A total of ten expeditions will be conducted over four years.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft September 26, 2024

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

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

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220847/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Park tennis courts in Lancaster and Morecambe set for £79,632 facelift Lancaster City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have today announced a partnership..

    Source: City of Lancaster

    Lancaster City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have today announced a partnership to invest in and refurbish public park tennis courts in Lancaster.

    New life will be breathed into two park tennis venues at Palatine Recreation Ground in Lancaster and Happy Mount Park in Morecambe. The £79,632 renovation will ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community. 

    The project is part of a nationwide investment delivered by the LTA and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open-up the sport to many more people.

    This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

    Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to open-up the sport to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women and girls.

    Lancaster City Council will also work with the LTA to organise weekly, free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience – with equipment provided – meaning anyone can play tennis without needing to find someone else to play with or have their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition. 

    Following the completion of renovation works, all courts and sessions will be available to book online via the LTA website http://www.lta.org.uk/play/

    Work on both sites is expected to start in January 2025 and be completed by May 2025.

    Lancaster City Councillor Joanne Ainscough, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environmental Services, said: “The investment is fantastic news for our district. Parks are vital spaces in our community to support health and wellbeing and the Parks Tennis Project will be a much-welcomed enhancement. We are looking forward to working with the LTA on the project, which will enable local people to gain access to refurbished courts, play tennis and get active.”

    Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Lancaster City Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Lancaster City Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”

    Last updated: 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak inspected the exhibition display of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex as part of the Russian Energy Week

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak inspected the exhibition display of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex at the site of the International Forum “Russian Energy Week” (REW)

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak inspected the exhibition display of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex at the site of the International Forum “Russian Energy Week” (REW)

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak inspected the exhibition display of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex at the site of the International Forum “Russian Energy Week” (REW)

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak inspected the exhibition display of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex at the site of the International Forum “Russian Energy Week” (REW)

    September 26, 2024

    Alexander Novak and participants of the International Forum “Russian Energy Week” (REW) exhibition of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex

    September 26, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak inspected the exhibition display of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex at the site of the International Forum “Russian Energy Week” (REW)

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak inspected the exhibition display of equipment and technologies for the fuel and energy complex at the site of the international forum “Russian Energy Week” (REW). He visited the stands of the United Energy Company, the energy complex of the Moscow government, Mosgaz, the Institute of Oil and Gas Technological Initiatives (INTI), Rosstandart, TD Vzlyot, Transneft, “Gas Stations and Logistics – Innovative Solutions for Business Management”, Pipe Metallurgical Company, as well as the exposition of companies from China.

    At the JSC OEK stand, the Deputy Prime Minister was shown a branded Moskvich electric car with a charging station, energy-efficient LED smart lights with built-in lamp control modules, which are currently being installed in Moscow, as well as architectural and artistic lighting devices that transform the facades of the capital’s buildings at night.

    The Mosgaz site displays samples of the latest Russian gas distribution equipment and heat supply sources – from design and documentation development to 3D modeling and production of finished products. The gas workers’ exposition features models of a gas control station, a boiler room, and a mobile boiler room.

    INTI has established itself as an effective mechanism in import substitution and achieving technological sovereignty of Russia. Its task is to approve and further apply professional standards in the production and procurement activities of oil and gas companies together with representatives of business and government. The institute is also working on the implementation of “road maps” for import substitution adopted within the framework of the Coordination Council for Import Substitution of Oil and Gas Equipment in accordance with the formed action plan.

    At the Rosstand, Alexander Novak was shown a model of a laboratory that is part of a universal reference testing center designed to test various products, including electrical equipment, using climatic and resource tests and technical means for electromagnetic compatibility parameters.

    TD Vzlet, a Russian developer and manufacturer of devices and systems for metering the flow of liquids, thermal energy and gases, demonstrated the latest models of flow meters for gas metering at REN.

    The Transneft site features the latest anti-corrosion equipment that ensures the operation of freight and pipeline transport.

    At the stand “Gas stations and logistics – innovative solutions for business management”, Alexander Novak was shown digital solutions for modern gas stations in three areas: logistics, equipment monitoring and gas station management system.

    The stand of the companies from China presents products and technical solutions from 15 companies of the friendly country in the petrochemical and gas chemical industry, including equipment, parts and service solutions.

    The Pipe Metallurgical Company demonstrated technologies for thermochemical impact on unconventional oil-bearing horizons. This is a well assembly complex for the extraction of hard-to-recover reserves. The solution, developed entirely in Russia, will significantly increase the percentage of hydrocarbon extraction and the profitability of developing hard-to-recover reserves.

    In total, the exhibition features stands from 34 participants from various regions of Russia, the Republic of Belarus and China.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52800/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Applications now open for residents to get a free one-tonne community salt bag

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Residents across Aberdeen can now apply for a free one-tonne community salt bag to treat icy roads and pavements in their neighbourhood during the winter months.

    The applications have been opened earlier than normal this year and, although it has been an unusually warm September, winter is fast coming and the deadline for applying for the one-tonne community salt bags is 31 October, 2024, after which applications will not be processed.

    The scheme is designed to help communities help themselves when winter starts and in addition, there will again be big community salt bins in strategic locations around the city.

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The weather has just turned autumnal and winter will be here before we know it.

    “As always, the Council’s gritting teams will be working hard to treat roads and pavements, often under challenging conditions. On icy days, almost half of Aberdeen’s roads and the city’s busiest pavements on Union Street are treated before 7.30am.

    “Unfortunately though, Council staff can’t be everywhere all the time. There are 620 miles of roads in Aberdeen, slightly more than the distance from the city to Paris, and 1,242 miles of pavements, the distance from here to Rome. That’s why the one tonne community salt bag scheme and yellow salt bins are so important – they help local communities to help themselves.”

    The one-tonne community salt bags, like the salt provided in grit bins, will be for use only on public areas. A secure and accessible area, like a driveway, would have to be available for storing the one-tonne community salt bags.

    Any residents or groups which would like a one-tonne bag should apply via One-tonne salt bags | Aberdeen City Council before 31 October. The community salt bags are delivered free of charge and are removed at the end of winter.

    The locations for the big community salt bins are Bridge of Don (Laurel Drive), Garthdee (Asda car park – next to recycling facilities), Torry (Girdleness Road), Union Row, Crown Terrace (next to bins), Justice Street (next to recycling bins), Seaton Drive (car park on entry to Seaton Walk), Regent Court (car park), Northfield (Byron Square), Hilton (at the top of Anderson Road, next to Stewart Park), Rosemount (Leadside Road), Kingswells Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Craibstone Park & Ride (west car park), Bridge of Don Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Countesswells Road, Dyce (Asda car park-next to recycling facilities), Fernhill Drive (near Fernhill Road), Johnston Gardens North (at turning area), Tillydrone (Pennan Road beside the library).

    More information about gritting routes and winter maintenance from Aberdeen City Council is available from http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/winter 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Notice of the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election published

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Nominations open tomorrow (Friday 27 September) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election.

    The by-election is being held following the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur. 

    On Thursday 14 November, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to select a new councillor to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston and has a current electorate of 19,226.

    A Formal Notice of Election was published today explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register. 

    Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

    In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Monday 14 October.

    Chris Highcock, Depute Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said:

    The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for Colinton/Fairmilehead. I would urge all citizens in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.

    Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.

    Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 14 November. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

    People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.
    Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

    The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 29 October 2024, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 30 October 2024, and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 6 November 2024.

    Published: September 26th 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Online survey for stakeholders of demersal fisheries in Celtic Sea and Western Channel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched an online survey to seek views on future management of demersal fisheries in Celtic Sea and Western Channel.

    MMO is leading development of the Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) which covers demersal stocks in English and Welsh waters in ICES areas 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h.

    The FMP covers demersal species such as pollack, cod, monkfish/anglerfish, nephrops and skates and rays.

    This online survey will help improve our understanding of the fisheries, including gaps in data, current issues and potential future management measures.

    This survey will close on 31 January 2025.

    Data collected from respondents will be used in the development of the FMP, which will subsequently go to public consultation and is due to be published by the end of 2025.

    Anonymised and combined responses to this survey will be summarised with the published FMP documents.  Please check out our privacy notice which explains how your data will be collected, stored and used.

    Please email the FMP team at FMP@marinemanagement.org.uk if you would like any further information on this FMP.

    Start now

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK constrains Russia’s future LNG plans 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has sanctioned 5 ships and 2 entities involved in the Russian Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) sector. 

    • The UK has sanctioned 5 ships and 2 entities involved in the Russian Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) sector. 

    • This is the first time the UK is using its new ship specification power to target LNG vessels directly. 

    • Today’s action builds on efforts alongside allies to bear down on Russia’s attempts to bolster its future energy revenues – the most critical source of funding for Putin’s war in Ukraine. 

    The UK has today, 26 September, taken decisive action to sanction 5 vessels and 2 associated entities involved in the shipping of Russian LNG, including from Russia’s flagship Arctic LNG 2 project. 

    LNG is an important source of funding for Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine. Russia has plans to expand its LNG revenues, aiming to grow their global LNG market share from 8% to 20%.  

    Earlier this year, the UK sanctioned Arctic LNG 2, alongside our allies in the US and EU. Since then, the project has been forced to slash production. Today’s action builds on this by targeting ships and entities involved in the Russian LNG sector, which engage with projects important to Russia’s future energy production. 

    The UK has now sanctioned 15 vessels and entities involved in the Russian LNG sector and we will continue to bear down on this important source of funding for Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.   

    The vessels sanctioned today are: 

    • PIONEER (IMO 9256602) 

    • ASYA ENERGY (IMO 9216298) 

    • NOVA ENERGY (IMO 9324277) 

    • NORTH SKY (IMO 9953523) 

    • SCF LA PEROUSE (IMO 9849887)  

    We are also sanctioning the following entities associated with the vessels: 

    • OCEAN SPEEDSTAR SOLUTIONS OPC – The operator and manager of PIONEER and ASYA ENERGY. 

    • WHITE FOX SHIP MANAGEMENT – The operator and manager of NORTH SKY  

    Notes to Editors  

    • Ships specified under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 are prohibited from entering a port in the UK, may be given a movement or a port entry direction, can be detained, and will be refused permission to register on the UK Ship Register or have its existing registration terminated.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: This year, more than 70 modern elevators were installed in the capital’s medical institutions

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Specialists from the city services complex have installed more than 70 modern elevators in the capital’s medical institutions. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “As part of the implementation of city programs, this year 21 elevators were replaced in clinics undergoing major repairs, and 52 elevators whose service life had reached the end of their service life were replaced in operating hospitals. Healthcare facilities are equipped with new elevator equipment that fully meets safety requirements. The replacement of elevators in hospital buildings was carried out in stages so that employees and patients would not experience difficulties when moving between floors,” noted Petr Biryukov.

    Elevators were updated in the City Clinical Hospital (CCH) named after F.I. Inozemtsev, City Clinical Hospital No. 29 named after N.E. Bauman and City Clinical Hospital named after S.S. Yudin.

    Lifts for medical institutions are characterized by high load capacity and increased door openings, which allows transporting patients on gurneys and intensive care beds. The cabins are made of high-strength stainless steel, resistant to constant treatment with antiseptics, and are equipped with high-precision stopping systems.

    For visitors with limited mobility and patients with hearing and vision impairments, handrails, a device for voice announcements and buttons with Braille alphabet are provided.

    The elevators have ventilation and disinfecting UV recirculators, they are equipped with an uninterruptible power supply system and a special evacuation mode: in an emergency, the elevator does not stop, but goes down to the nearest floor and opens the doors. All parts and components are domestically produced, which simplifies maintenance.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144505073/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from President Joe  Biden on U.S. Support for  Ukraine

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    I am proud to welcome President Zelenskyy back to the White House today. For nearly three years, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom from Russian aggression, and it has been a top priority of my Administration to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail. In that time, Ukraine has won the battle of Kyiv, reclaimed more than half the territory that Russia seized at the start of the war, and safeguarded its sovereignty and independence. But there is more work to do. That is why, today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war. 
    Today, I am announcing that: 
    I have directed the Department of Defense to allocate all of its remaining security assistance funding that has been appropriated for Ukraine by the end of my term in office. As part of this effort, the Department of Defense will allocate the remaining Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds by the end of this year. I also have authorized $5.5 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority to ensure this authority does not expire, so that my Administration can fully utilize the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine and then replenish U.S. stockpiles.
    The Department of Defense is announcing $2.4 billion in security assistance through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements.
    To enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, I have decided to provide Ukraine with the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition.
    To further strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, I have directed the Department of Defense to refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery and to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles. This builds on my decision earlier this year to divert U.S. air defense exports to Ukraine, which will provide Ukraine with hundreds of additional Patriot and AMRAAM missiles over the next year and will help Ukraine defend its cities and its people. 
    To build the capacity of Ukraine’s air force, I have directed the Department of Defense to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, including by supporting the training of an additional 18 pilots next year.
    To counter Russian sanctions evasion and money laundering, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Secret Service have taken action today to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network, in coordination with international partners. The United States will continue to raise the costs on Russia for its war in Ukraine and to deprive the Russian defense industrial base of resources.
    I will convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month to coordinate the efforts of the more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
    Through these actions, my message is clear: The United States will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: AFRICA/SUDAN – Humanitarian situation out of control in El Fasher besieged for more than five months

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – Five months of siege and fighting have exhausted the population of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, considered the last stronghold of the Sudanese armed forces in the region (see Fides 5/5/2024), controlled almost entirely by the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of General Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. Over one and a half million people are at risk in the city besieged since April-May and in the nearby refugee camp of Zamzam, 15 km south of El Fasher, where about 260 thousand children live, and where malnutrition rates are out of control. The soldiers of a division of the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and militiamen from various local armed groups who oppose the RSF have barricaded themselves in the city. A coalition of heterogeneous forces united only by their common opposition to the RSF but who have so far managed to hold their own against Dagalo’s men. Last week the city was hit by a violent RSF offensive which was barely repelled by the defenders with heavy losses on both sides as shown by satellite photos showing recently dug earth mounds, likely evidence of the construction of mass ditches. Faced with the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in El Fasher, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (a body established in 1987 by the then Organization of African Union, now the African Union) has launched an appeal to stop the fighting. “The African Commission condemns in the strongest terms the atrocities perpetrated against civilians in the context of the ongoing fighting in El Fasher, putting in grave danger the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have found shelter in the city” reads a statement on September 21. “The African Commission calls on the parties to the conflict to cease all acts of violence against civilians and to fully respect the principles of discrimination, necessity and proportionality of international humanitarian law.” The Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations in Sudan has also called on the UN General Assembly to take action by the international community to end the Sudanese conflict that broke out in April 2023. “Sudan is experiencing a man-made food crisis of historic proportions, largely caused by the actions and decisions of the parties to the conflict, in violation of international humanitarian law,” the NGOs said. “As of August 2024, more than 25 million people across Sudan are facing severe acute food insecurity and at least 755,000 people facing catastrophic levels of hunger could die in the coming months without urgent and decisive action by the international community,” they said. Over 10 million people have fled their homes since the conflict broke out in April 2023, making Sudan the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, affecting over 5 million children and over 2 million people, who have crossed borders into neighboring countries. Some health facilities report five child deaths a day. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 26/9/2024)Share:

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

    MIL Translation OSI