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Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI Global: From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nick Freeman, Reader in Late Victorian Literature, Loughborough University

    Readers need to be imaginative rather than being startled by jump scares. zef art/Shutterstock

    Ever since its inception with Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto (1764), a delirious mixture of violent death and familial conspiracy, gothic literature has been a restless cultural form, constantly mutating and assuming new guises but always exploring the darker side of life. Sometimes, its fashions are those of the historical moment. Sometimes they are initiated by a book enjoying unprecedented commercial success.

    One of these was Thomas Harris’s The Silence of the Lambs (1988). After the film adaptation scooped five Oscars in 1991, the deviant genius became the villain of choice for gothic films and novels. For a time, the violent merging of the crime thriller with the “body horror” of 1980s cinema ensured that the genre was dominated by such characters. Usually (though not always) men with high IQs, elevated artistic taste and ingenious ways of torturing and killing their fellow human beings, Hannibal Lecter and his ilk became modern icons.

    In the wake of such influences, crime novels (and films) got bloodier and horror novels grew longer. John Connolly’s first novel, EveryDeadThing (1999), for example, spent 470 pages documenting the murderous activities of a serial killer who mutilated his victims in the style of Renaissance anatomical drawings.

    In recent years however, there has been a reaction against these excesses. So-called “quiet horror” has become increasingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Perhaps taking its name from a 1965 collection of short stories by Stanley Ellin, which was literally called “quiet horror”, this is a genre that prizes suspense and subtlety over graphic bodily violence.

    The novelist Selena Chambers characterises quiet horror as exploring “the unexplained, the suppressed, the supernal [otherworldly], the material, the cosmic, and the secular … everything we cannot see, or verbalise and fail to feel concretely”. As she implies, suggestion is crucial.

    Readers need to be patient and imaginative, sensitive to the nuances and implications of language and willing to respond to spooky ambiguities rather than being startled by jump scares or “gross out” imagery.

    Slasher movies usually treat their characters as no more than fodder for the next brutal killing. Quiet horror, by contrast, takes character development far more seriously and imbues its stories with greater psychological depth. This in turn can enhance readers’ involvement. Put simply, those who dislike “splatter fiction” are more likely to care what happens to a well-rounded, sympathetic character than a stereotypical US teenager about to be put under a steam hammer.

    Women and quiet horror

    Female novelists have been at the forefront of this style of writing since the Victorian period. Elizabeth Gaskell’s tales, including The Old Nurse’s Story (1852), a chilling tale of a family curse, are foundational works.

    A long line of women writers have explored how the familiar, the domestic, the marital and the homely can be imbued with subtle terrors, from loneliness and isolation to paranoia, alienation, captivity and psychological trauma.

    The haunted house does not need to contain a typical ghost. From Elizabeth Bowen’s The Demon Lover (1945) to Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House (1959), to Sarah Waters’ The Little Stranger (2009) and beyond, the complex and fraught relationships between a dwelling and its occupants have frequently engaged women writers’ imaginations.

    The continuing success of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black (1983) in its literary, theatrical and cinematic incarnations has helped ensure that quiet horror, particularly tales which recall the golden age of the ghost story a century or so ago, are once again much in vogue. This can be seen in the bestselling novels of Michelle Paver, such as Dark Matter (2010) and in anthologies such as The Haunting Season (2021).

    At the same time, readers are increasingly rediscovering forgotten practitioners of the genre. One such figure is Elizabeth Walter (1927-2006). As a writer (and the editor of Collins Crime Club for 30 years from the mid-1960s) Walter recoiled from sadistic violence, cardboard characterisation and haphazard plotting.

    Shirley Jackson was a master of ‘quiet horror’.
    Wiki Commons, CC BY

    After five collections of stories, beginning with Snowfall and Other Chilling Events (1965), she retired from writing supernatural fiction in the mid-1970s as the traits she didn’t like were becoming dominant within Anglo-American gothic. Many of her stories are set in the border country between England and Wales and draw upon folklore and a sensitivity to landscape to create creepily unnerving works such as The Sin Eater (1967) and Telling the Bees (1975).

    I edited a collection of Walter’s writing titled Let a Sleeping Witch Lie (2024). Spanning the ten years from Snowfall to her final collection, Dead Woman and Other Haunting Experiences (1975), the stories within anticipate some elements of Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins novels which also involve Welsh border settings, supernatural elements, and police procedural, though they lack Rickman’s religious dimension.

    There is no sense of providence at work in Walter’s borderlands, only ancient and mysterious menace. Marriages tend to be unhappy, families harbour terrible secrets, and the old ways continue to overshadow the present. Fifty years since her final collection, Walter’s work might be more relevant than ever before.

    Quiet horror has never really been away, but it seems to finding a new audience, one which both looks to its past and relishes its present.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. From a scream to a whisper – ‘quiet horror’ novels are making a comeback – https://theconversation.com/from-a-scream-to-a-whisper-quiet-horror-novels-are-making-a-comeback-241945

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Remarks at the High-Level Segment of COP16 on Biodiversity [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Presidente Petro,

    Gracias por acoger esta importante sesión, aquí en Cali – un microcosmos de la rica biodiversidad de nuestro planeta.

    Excelencias, queridos amigos,

    La naturaleza es vida.

    Y, sin embargo, estamos librando una guerra contra ella.

    Una guerra donde no puede haber vencedores.

    Cada año, vemos las temperaturas subir más y más.

    Cada día, perdemos más especies.

    Cada minuto, vertemos un camión de basura de desechos plásticos en nuestros océanos, ríos y lagos.

    No se equivoquen.

    Así es como se ve una crisis existencial.

    Ningún país, rico o pobre, es inmune a la devastación provocada por el cambio climático, la pérdida de biodiversidad, la degradación de la tierra y la contaminación.

    Estas crisis ambientales están entrelazadas. No conocen fronteras.

    Y están devastando ecosistemas y medios de vida, amenazando la salud humana y socavando el desarrollo sostenible.

    Los motores de esta destrucción están arraigados en modelos económicos obsoletos, que alimentan patrones insostenibles de producción y consumo.

    Y se ven multiplicados por las desigualdades – en riqueza y poder.

    Cada día que pasa, nos acercamos más a puntos de inflexión que podrían alimentar más hambre, desplazamientos y incluso conflictos armados.

    Ya hemos alterado el 75% de la superficie terrestre y el 66% de los océanos.

    Queridas amigas y queridos amigos,

    La biodiversidad es aliada de la humanidad.

    Debemos pasar de saquearla a preservarla.

    Como he dicho una y otra vez, hacer las paces con la naturaleza es la tarea definitoria del siglo XXI.

    Ese es el espíritu de la Declaración de hoy de la Coalición Mundial por la Paz con la Naturaleza:

    Un llamado a la acción para mejorar los esfuerzos nacionales e internacionales hacia una relación equilibrada y armoniosa con la naturaleza – protegiendo la naturaleza y conservando, restaurando, utilizando y compartiendo de manera sostenible nuestra biodiversidad global.

    Un llamado a reconocer el conocimiento vital, las innovaciones y las prácticas de los Pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes, los agricultores y las comunidades locales.

    Un llamado por la vida.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace with those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Notre mission à Cali est claire : accélérer le progrès pour la biodiversité ; mobiliser les ressources nécessaires ; et renforcer le rôle des peuples autochtones, des personnes d’ascendance africaine et des communautés locales.

    Nous pouvons – et nous devons – sauvegarder les écosystèmes qui nous font vivre et maintenir les objectifs climatiques à notre portée.

    Tout autre chemin est impensable.

    Il en va de la survie de la planète – et de la [nôtre].

    Choisissons avec sagesse.

    Choisissons la vie.

    Faisons la paix avec la nature.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****

    [All-English]

    President Petro,

    Thank you for hosting this important session, here in Cali – a microcosm of our planet’s rich biodiversity.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Nature is life.

    And yet we are waging a war against it.

    A war where there can be no winner.

    Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher.

    Every day, we lose more species.

    Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes.

    Make no mistake.

    This is what an existential crisis looks like.

    No country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.

    These environmental crises are intertwined. They know no borders.

    And they are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods, threatening human health and undermining sustainable development.

    The drivers of this destruction are embedded in outdated economic models, fueling unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

    They are multiplied by inequalities – in wealth and power.

    And with each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement, and even armed conflicts.

    We have already altered 75% of the Earth’s land surface and 66% of its ocean environments.

    Dear friends,

    Biodiversity is humanity’s ally.

    We must move from plundering it to preserving it.

    As I have said time and again, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

    That is the spirit of today’s Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature:

    A call for action to enhance national and international efforts towards a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature – protecting nature and conserving, restoring and sustainably using and sharing our global biodiversity.

    A call to recognize the vital knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous people, people of African descent, farmers and local communities.

    A call for life.

    Excellencies,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    We are in Cali to accelerate progress, commit resources, and elevate the role of Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    We can – and we must – save the ecosystems that sustain us and keep our climate goals within reach.

    The alternative is unthinkable. 

    The survival of our planet — and our own — is on the line.

    Let us choose wisely.

    Let us choose life.

    Let us make peace with nature.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Remarks at the High-Level Segment of COP16 on Biodiversity [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations – English

    residente Petro,

    Gracias por acoger esta importante sesión, aquí en Cali – un microcosmos de la rica biodiversidad de nuestro planeta.

    Excelencias, queridos amigos,

    La naturaleza es vida.

    Y, sin embargo, estamos librando una guerra contra ella.

    Una guerra donde no puede haber vencedores.

    Cada año, vemos las temperaturas subir más y más.

    Cada día, perdemos más especies.

    Cada minuto, vertemos un camión de basura de desechos plásticos en nuestros océanos, ríos y lagos.

    No se equivoquen.

    Así es como se ve una crisis existencial.

    Ningún país, rico o pobre, es inmune a la devastación provocada por el cambio climático, la pérdida de biodiversidad, la degradación de la tierra y la contaminación.

    Estas crisis ambientales están entrelazadas. No conocen fronteras.

    Y están devastando ecosistemas y medios de vida, amenazando la salud humana y socavando el desarrollo sostenible.

    Los motores de esta destrucción están arraigados en modelos económicos obsoletos, que alimentan patrones insostenibles de producción y consumo.

    Y se ven multiplicados por las desigualdades – en riqueza y poder.

    Cada día que pasa, nos acercamos más a puntos de inflexión que podrían alimentar más hambre, desplazamientos y incluso conflictos armados.

    Ya hemos alterado el 75% de la superficie terrestre y el 66% de los océanos.

    Queridas amigas y queridos amigos,

    La biodiversidad es aliada de la humanidad.

    Debemos pasar de saquearla a preservarla.

    Como he dicho una y otra vez, hacer las paces con la naturaleza es la tarea definitoria del siglo XXI.

    Ese es el espíritu de la Declaración de hoy de la Coalición Mundial por la Paz con la Naturaleza:

    Un llamado a la acción para mejorar los esfuerzos nacionales e internacionales hacia una relación equilibrada y armoniosa con la naturaleza – protegiendo la naturaleza y conservando, restaurando, utilizando y compartiendo de manera sostenible nuestra biodiversidad global.

    Un llamado a reconocer el conocimiento vital, las innovaciones y las prácticas de los Pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes, los agricultores y las comunidades locales.

    Un llamado por la vida.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace with those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Notre mission à Cali est claire : accélérer le progrès pour la biodiversité ; mobiliser les ressources nécessaires ; et renforcer le rôle des peuples autochtones, des personnes d’ascendance africaine et des communautés locales.

    Nous pouvons – et nous devons – sauvegarder les écosystèmes qui nous font vivre et maintenir les objectifs climatiques à notre portée.

    Tout autre chemin est impensable.

    Il en va de la survie de la planète – et de la [nôtre].

    Choisissons avec sagesse.

    Choisissons la vie.

    Faisons la paix avec la nature.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****

    [All-English]

    President Petro,

    Thank you for hosting this important session, here in Cali – a microcosm of our planet’s rich biodiversity.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Nature is life.

    And yet we are waging a war against it.

    A war where there can be no winner.

    Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher.

    Every day, we lose more species.

    Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes.

    Make no mistake.

    This is what an existential crisis looks like.

    No country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.

    These environmental crises are intertwined. They know no borders.

    And they are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods, threatening human health and undermining sustainable development.

    The drivers of this destruction are embedded in outdated economic models, fueling unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

    They are multiplied by inequalities – in wealth and power.

    And with each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement, and even armed conflicts.

    We have already altered 75% of the Earth’s land surface and 66% of its ocean environments.

    Dear friends,

    Biodiversity is humanity’s ally.

    We must move from plundering it to preserving it.

    As I have said time and again, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

    That is the spirit of today’s Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature:

    A call for action to enhance national and international efforts towards a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature – protecting nature and conserving, restoring and sustainably using and sharing our global biodiversity.

    A call to recognize the vital knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous people, people of African descent, farmers and local communities.

    A call for life.

    Excellencies,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    We are in Cali to accelerate progress, commit resources, and elevate the role of Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    We can – and we must – save the ecosystems that sustain us and keep our climate goals within reach.

    The alternative is unthinkable. 

    The survival of our planet — and our own — is on the line.

    Let us choose wisely.

    Let us choose life.

    Let us make peace with nature.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA’s Agricultural Research Technology Center Breaks Ground in Davis, CA

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    USDA’s Agricultural Research Technology Center Breaks Ground in Davis, CA

    Contact: Amaani Lyle
    Email: Amaani.Lylew@usda.gov

    DAVIS, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 — Advances in crop production and preservation are poised for new digs as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) broke ground today for a modernized facility to consolidate labs that are currently located at the University of California, Davis.

    The Agricultural Research and Technology Center (ARTC) is a cutting-edge facility that will include customized laboratories, greenhouses and capacity for scientists as part of the ARS’s ongoing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, water scarcity, emerging pests, and increasing global need in support of a resilient agricultural production system.

    The two-story 59,000 square foot building will house four ARS research units: Crops Pathology and Genetics, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health, National Clonal Germplasm Repository – Tree Fruit and Nut Crops and Grapes, and Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems.

    Collectively, these units improve the health, sustainability, and profitability of agricultural production and natural resources in California and the Western United States.

    “The building will be a nexus for scientists to investigate plant diseases, plant genetic resources, conventional and advanced plant breeding methods, soil health, invasive species management and myriad other areas driven by long-term agricultural research and climate-informed decision-making strategies,” said Dr. Simon Liu, ARS Administrator.

    A rendering of the new Agricultural Research and Technology Center in Davis, California. (Image courtesy of Burns & McDonnell)

    Collaborations between ARS, USDA’s chief in-house research agency, and UC Davis began in 1956 with the location of the Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit (CPGRU) led by ARS Plant Pathologist, Dr. Austin Goheen, on campus to research grape viruses.

    ARS scientists have since fanned across several UC Davis departments, including Plant Pathology, Viticulture and Enology; Entomology and Nematology; Plant Sciences; and Land, Air and Water Resources, which has facilitated many collaborations that have benefited various stakeholders in industries that include almond, walnut, rice, and grapes.

    ARS’s presence on campus has since grown to over 30 scientists with supporting staff across the four research units and the Western Human Nutrition Research Center.

    Strong collaborative research efforts between university extension specialists, farm advisors, and faculty will continue with the move to the ARTC.

    “This research will benefit growers, commodity groups, agricultural businesses, and U.S. consumers who rely on ARS to find solutions to agricultural and environmental problems,” said Dr. Amisha Poret-Peterson, CPGRU Acting Research Leader. “It’s incredible to celebrate current and future cooperative research among ARS, groundwater sustainability agencies, UC Davis researchers, and stakeholders in diverse specialty realms such as tree nut, rice, and beekeeping industries.”

    ARS remains committed to nationwide infrastructure modernization, empowering researchers to address agricultural challenges from animal science and crop production to climate change and sustainable farming practices.

    Notable speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included:

    • Dr. Simon Liu, ARS Administrator
    • U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, California 4th Congressional District
    • Dr. Tara McHugh, ARS Pacific West Area Director
    • Dr. Amisha Poret-Peterson, Acting Research Leader, CPGRU
    • Dr. Glenda Humiston, Vice President, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 
    • Dr. Helene Dillard, Dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thompson Okanagan communities receive over $725,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and support sustainable tourism

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Government of Canada is making investments in tourism across British Columbia to attract visitors and drive local economic growth

    October 29, 2024 – Kelowna, British Columbia – PacifiCan

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities. In the Thompson Okanagan, tourism business owners, operators and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions. 

    Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $727,500 in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan. This funding will help enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities and promote sustainable tourism in B.C.’s southern interior.

    As part of today’s announcement, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation is receiving $250,000 in funding to restore the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Naramata. Revitalizing the tunnel will preserve a vital piece of B.C.’s rail heritage, connect communities across the Okanagan, and attract more visitors to the region. Originally built for trains, the tunnel will soon be a pathway for hikers and cyclists, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to access and explore this early 20th-century landmark. 

    Silver Star Freestyle Club is receiving $250,000 to create a state-of-the-art freestyle ski and snowboard training park at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon. This new facility will feature specialized equipment, including a landing airbag and a variety of terrain features to accommodate athletes of all skill levels. The project is expected to elevate the resort’s global reputation as a top destination for year-round activities, provide provincial, national and international snow sport training opportunities, and draw more visitors to the region.

    Other investments included in today’s announcements are:

    • $65,000 for Hunters Range Snowmobile Association to upgrade its grooming equipment and trail infrastructure in Enderby for an improved rider experience
    • $162,500 for Wine Growers British Columbia Society to create a user-friendly trip planning resource on its website

    More details about the organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder here.

    Projects like the ones announced today deliver memorable experiences for Canadian and international visitors alike. They create jobs, grow the local economy, enrich communities, and put B.C. on the map as a destination of choice.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Thompson Okanagan communities receive over $725,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and support sustainable tourism

    Source: Government of Canada News

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities.

    Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $727,500 in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan. This funding will help enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities and promote sustainable tourism in B.C.’s southern interior.

    The projects announced today are:

    Hunters Range Snowmobile Association
    $65,000

    Funding will allow Hunters Range Snowmobile Association, a non-profit that manages and operates the snowmobile trails on Hunters Range in Enderby, to upgrade its grooming equipment and trail infrastructure. This project will improve the organization’s snowmobile experiences, attract more visitors, and promote outdoor recreation in rural communities.

    Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation
    $250,000

    Funding will be used to restore the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Naramata. Revitalizing the tunnel will preserve a vital piece of B.C.’s rail heritage, connect communities across the Okanagan, and attract more visitors to the region. Originally built for trains, the tunnel will soon be a pathway for hikers and cyclists, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to access and explore this early 20th-century landmark.

    Silver Star Freestyle Club
    $250,000

    Funding will help create a state-of-the-art freestyle ski and snowboard training park at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon. This new facility will feature specialized equipment, including a landing airbag and a variety of terrain features to accommodate athletes of all skill levels. The project is expected to elevate the resort’s global reputation as a top destination for year-round activities, provide provincial, national and international snow sport training opportunities, and draw more visitors to the region.

    Wine Growers British Columbia Society
    $162,500

    PacifiCan funding will be used to create a user-friendly trip planning resource on the WineBC website. This online platform will help visitors to discover wineries and other small businesses across all nine wine regions. The project will boost local tourism, draw visitors to the region during the off-season, and enhance B.C.’s reputation as a top wine destination.

    Related products

    Haley Hodgson
    Senior Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
    haley.hodgson@kpc-cpr.gc.ca

    Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn

    Toll-Free Number:     1-888-338-9378
    TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired):     1-877-303-3388

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Announces $21.2 Million in USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Memphis-based MidSouth Development District will receive $21,250,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program for a project providing sustainable improvements to agricultural land with its partners in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County in Arkansas; and DeSoto County in Mississippi.

    The project aims to enhance ecosystem health by establishing diverse habitats on the edges of production sites across the six counties, supporting ecosystem services that reduce synthetic inputs and improve water and soil quality. This approach will increase biodiversity, providing natural pest control and pollination, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “Mid-South agriculture and the livelihoods it supports are a critical foundation of our regional economy and promoting biodiversity is an important goal. Applying best practices for sustainable and environmentally protective farmland use with the help of this substantial funding will be an economic boon to our region, its workers, and its plants and animals.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Georgia Farmers, Ranch Hands May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    Georgia Farmers, Ranch Hands May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    ATLANTA – Georgia farmers and ranch hands whose tools or equipment were damaged by Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4–20, 2024, may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA assistance is available to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment and items required for employment or for self-employment.Coverage for Tools and EquipmentFamily-owned farms typically have a variety of equipment needed to conduct business. These include, but are not limited to, tractors, plows, seeders or planters, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers and utility vehicles. These items are all potentially eligible for FEMA disaster assistance if the applicant can show that they were damaged by the disaster, the applicant does not have another working item that can meet this need, and the loss of the item was not covered by insurance. Crops and livestock are not “tools and equipment” because they are the products of a farming operation, whereas tools and equipment are the means of production.Ranch hands may be eligible for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment not covered by insurance when they can show these items are required by their employer.Assistance is based on a need to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment, items required by an employer as a condition of employment or required for education. This includes disaster-damaged tools and equipment, or other items required for a specific trade or profession that are not provided or supplied by the employer, including a computer.Many of these items have substantial costs, but it is important to remember that assistance for uninsured or underinsured occupational tools is limited to the maximum amount of Other Needs Assistance an applicant may receive. Additional assistance to help meet these needs may also be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency offers Livestock Assistance, Farm Loans and help for farmland damage and crop losses. Visit Disaster Assistance Programs (usda.gov) to learn more.How To Apply for FEMA Individual AssistanceVisit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema.gov/drc.Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.Download and use the FEMA app.FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
    larissa.hale
    Tue, 10/29/2024 – 17:38

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Helps U.S. Fish and Wildlife Spawn Lake Trout at White River National Fish Hatchery 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    BETHEL, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, joined representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to tour the White River National Fish Hatchery (NFH) and discuss the importance of the hatchery’s collaborative efforts to conserve and protect Vermont’s fish, ecosystem, and wildlife. At the event, Senator Welch also helped the USFWS spawn lake trout. 
    “The White River National Fish Hatchery plays a vital role in repopulating fish populations and protecting them from invasive species in Vermont, across the U.S. and around the world. I’m incredibly grateful to those who worked so hard to rebuild this facility after Tropical Storm Irene and will continue to do what I can in Washington to support the hatchery,” said Senator Welch. 
    The White River National Fish Hatchery facilitates collaboration between the states of Vermont, New York, and the province of Quebec through the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative, as well as with other conservation organizations, to address the challenges overfishing, agricultural runoff, development, and dams pose to fish who need to migrate to naturally spawn. 
    Following extensive damage from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011, the hatchery was decommissioned for 5 years. Since reopening in 2016, the hatchery has renewed its work to raise landlocked Atlantic salmon and lake trout to support restoration efforts in Lake Champlain and the Great Lakes.  
    View photos from the event below: 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: You can keep your ghosts and ghouls – the ‘Cordyceps’ fungus creates real-life zombies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne

    annguyen87, Shutterstock

    I have never really been interested in ghosts, mummies or zombies, not even at Halloween. But as October 31 approaches each year I am reminded of a biological tale involving all three. It’s the real-life horror story of a flesh-eating, brain-warping fungus from the genus Cordyceps, which inspired the zombie-apocalypse video game and TV series The Last of Us.

    Worldwide, there are hundreds of species of Cordyceps. Most of them prey on insects. They’re famous for hijacking the brains of some ants. Once the fungus takes over, it directs the ant to climb to a high point on a plant and then bite down on the stem or twig in a macabre death grip. The reproductive structures of this parasitic fungus will soon burst out of the ant’s head, spreading its spores to infect another unsuspecting host.

    But the species with which I am most familiar (Cordyceps gunnii) doesn’t attack ants – it parasitises insects such as rather large “ghost” caterpillars. This species doesn’t force its victims to climb, but takes control when they are buried in the soil.

    You might spot a grotesque-looking dead caterpillar pushing up through the earth as if rising from the grave, with a large fungal growth emerging from its head. Some are about the size of an adult finger, but cream and dark brown in colour. It is truly a thing that could trigger nightmares.

    ‘Zombie’ Parasite Cordyceps Fungus Takes Over Insects Through Mind Control | National Geographic.

    Consuming the ghostly host

    Unsuspecting insects become infected with Cordyceps when they eat them by mistake, or when spores attach to their bodies.

    The caterpillar of the Australian ghost moth (Abantiades labrynthicus) tends to burrow straight down into the soil to graze on roots of gum trees and some other species related to eucalypts. So it probably picks up the fungus as it burrows into the earth. The fungus then penetrates the exoskeleton or digestive tract of the insect with a thin, needle-like tube.

    Once inside the caterpillar, the fungus starts to grow rapidly. It produces very fine threads (hyphae) that spread through the body of the insect, replacing its structure. The fungus expands to fill the available space, assuming ultimate control. Exactly how the fungus takes control of the insect brain is not fully understood, but we know the fungus produces a range of chemicals that influence the brain in a way that meets the environmental and reproductive needs of the fungus.

    The caterpillar is doomed as soon as the fungus starts to grow inside it. After being taken over by another life form, the zombie caterpillar dies. All of this happens out of sight, under the soil surface.

    But Cordyceps is not done with the caterpillar just yet. It consumes all the resources the insect can offer, then pushes antler-like reproductive structures out through the caterpillar’s head. These spore-producing structures can be more than 10cm long. They’re clearly visible above ground, but can be hard to spot as they look a bit like a twig. Wind carries the spores to infect more unwary caterpillars.

    These fungus-filled caterpillars are now fully mummified. Nothing remains of the caterpillar but a brittle exoskeleton.

    As the reproductive structures dry and wither, they gently tug on the mummy to which they are still attached. If the soil is dry, the now empty exoskeleton of the caterpillar emerges from its hole. As it does so, the fungal reproductive structures are often lost and all you see remaining is the empty husk.

    The Last of Us: Could it happen? Infectious disease doctor explains cordyceps (UC Davis Health).

    Half animal, half vegetable

    Members of the genus Cordyceps boast the unusual common name of vegetable caterpillars. This strange name comes from a belief, which persisted until the 1800s, that the caterpillars had somehow transformed from insects to fungi, or from animal to plant.

    This was a much debated and widely written about example of transmutation, a theory that was not uncommon in pre-Darwinian times. It was not until the early 1900s that the true, full and gruesome nature of the relationship between Cordyceps and its insect victims was revealed.

    On the lookout for Cordyceps

    Cordyceps gunnii is the most commonly seen species of vegetable caterpillar in southeastern Australia, found in several states.

    Another less conspicuous species, the fawn vegetable caterpillar, Cordyceps hawkesii, occurs along Autralia’s east coast, often under wattles, but is even harder to see. Naturalists hunting for this vegetable caterpillar often find they have already inadvertently trampled over it before they spot it.

    Yet another species, Cordyceps taylori, can also be regularly seen emerging from large ghost moth caterpillars in Victoria. When the husks of these dead, mummified caterpillars appear to emerge from their holes in the ground, they look particularly striking.

    The classification of these vegetable caterpillar fungi is still being debated by experts. It is likely not all are closely related. Some are now placed in a new genus, Ophiocordyceps, but regardless of the name, they are all capable of making zombies and mummies of their victims.

    You can join in the process of hunting for and mapping these elusive species through citizen science projects such as he Great Aussie Fungi Hunt or iNaturalist Australia.

    Traditional medicines and the vegetable caterpillar

    As Halloween approaches, you may be wondering whether humans need worry about being zombified and mummified by Cordyceps fungi. Could the naturalists hunting the vegetable caterpillars become the hunted? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, the opposite is true – these macabre creatures have a long history in traditional medicine.

    Cordyceps sinensis, a Chinese vegetable caterpillar very similar to C. gunnii, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern research shows there may be benefits from its use (or extracts from it) in treatments associated with autoimmune responses. While the fungus has been cultivated for about 40 years, naturally growing, wild fungi can be very expensive as they are still relatively rare and difficult to find. A kilogram can retail for A$30,000, driving a fungal gold rush across the Himalayas.

    Members of the genus Coryceps, or more correctly the Ophiocordyceps genus, have been around for more than 45 million years. Despite their depiction in The Last of Us, humans have nothing to worry about. The fungi are quite particular about their victims. But if you are a certain species of ant or ghost moth, then Halloween may take on a whole new meaning.

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

    – ref. You can keep your ghosts and ghouls – the ‘Cordyceps’ fungus creates real-life zombies – https://theconversation.com/you-can-keep-your-ghosts-and-ghouls-the-cordyceps-fungus-creates-real-life-zombies-241901

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences

    Source: Australian Treasurer

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

    Economist John Crawford started his public service career in the 1940s working under Nugget Coombs in the Department of Post‑War Reconstruction (Miller 2007, Uhr 2006).

    After taking a strong interest in agriculture, tariffs and trade in his academic studies, Crawford became the director of the Department’s rural and regional planning divisions (Powell & Macintyre 2015).

    Those planning divisions evolved into the Bureau of Agricultural Economics which would serve as the Commonwealth agency responsible for examining proposals for settling returned soldiers on productive farms.

    With Crawford as the inaugural director, the Bureau would assess ‘the suitability of climate and soil, the adequacy of the farm areas and likely economic viability of the farms’ (Powell & Macintyre 2015).

    It was a significant task because no one wanted to repeat the costly mistakes of the 1920s where nearly 12,000 soldier settlers abandoned their farms within a few years.

    But Crawford saw greater potential for the Bureau.

    He proposed broader functions such as studies on the outlook for primary industries, land use investigations and research to promote certain commodities (Powell & Macintyre 2015).

    The Bureau of Agricultural Economics, Crawford and its broader functions transferred to the Department of Commerce and Agriculture in 1946.

    Through various departmental leadership roles, Crawford went on to be one of the great public administrators of his generation.

    John Crawford is the only economist ever to be recognised as the Australian of the Year, winning the award in 1981 for his work as ‘one of the foremost architects of Australia’s post‑war growth’ (Australian of the Year n.d) (I can’t help noting in passing that we’re probably due for another economist to take the top gong).

    Meanwhile, the Bureau has broadened its economic knowledge base and has added names to its title over the years as it merged with other research agencies (ABARES n.d).

    Some 80 years and dozens of outlook conferences later, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences continues to uphold John Crawford’s best traditions.

    In his words, providing a ‘fact‑finding service’ and providing ‘the material and critical analyses of problems with which policy can be better made’ (Crawford 1952).

    Recognising the ongoing importance of your work, our government announced additional funding in last year’s Budget to help:

    • improve regional data sources
    • collect information on low‑emissions technology, and
    • examine the effect of emissions policies on agriculture and regions (DAFF 2023).

    Concentrating on competition in agriculture

    As a kid who attended an agricultural high school, I’ve always been fascinated by farming. But competition is my primary reason for being here today.

    Since at least the days of Adam Smith, economists have spruiked the virtues of competition (Leigh 2022).

    Industries with plenty of competitors tend to deliver better prices, more choices and stronger productivity growth.

    Uncompetitive markets tend to deliver higher prices, lower wages, less choice, and less innovation. A lack of competition leads to problems that can be difficult to undo.

    Today, I will talk about one problem that has only become worse in the recent decades: market concentration.

    When I took on the competition portfolio, a friend issued me a challenge: ‘How many Australian industries can you name that are not dominated by a few big firms?’ (Leigh 2024a).

    It’s a tough ask.

    Applying the rule of thumb that a market is concentrated if the largest 4 firms control one‑third or more, research by Adam Triggs and I found over half of the industries in the Australian economy are concentrated markets (Leigh & Triggs 2016).

    Indeed, many people asked to take on my friend’s challenge might well answer ‘farming’. And it turns out that for many commodities – though not all – farming is quite competitive.

    A straightforward source of market concentration data are the annual industry estimates produced by IBIS World. They estimate the market share of the top 4 firms for several hundred industries.

    A round‑up of IBIS World data on the market share of the largest 4 companies in parts of the agricultural supply chain shows farmers are often caught in the middle.

    Upstream, farmers deal with concentrated markets for their inputs.

    The largest 4 companies in fertiliser manufacturing in Australia have a combined market share of 62 per cent (IBIS World 2024a).

    The largest 4 in hardware and building supplies retailing control about 49 per cent of the market (IBIS World 2024b).

    And the market share for garden supplies retailing is about 33 per cent for the largest 4 firms (IBIS World 2024c).

    Downstream, farmers deal with concentrated markets for processing, freight and retailing.

    According to IBIS World industry reports, there is concentration in fruit and vegetable processing, with the largest 4 companies holding about 34 per cent of the market (IBIS World 2023).

    For meat processing, market share of the largest 4 companies is 44 per cent with JBS Australia, Thomas Food International and Teys Australia being the dominant players (IBIS World 2024d).

    For rail freight transport, the 4 largest including Aurizon and Pacific National have a combined 64 per cent market share (IBIS World 2024e).

    For shipping freight transport in Australia, the market share of 2 companies – ANL and Maersk – amounts to about 85 per cent (IBIS World 2024f).

    When it comes to supermarkets and grocery stores in Australia, it is well documented that Coles and Woolworths account for two‑thirds of the market (IBIS World 2024g).

    These figures show that the agricultural supply chain is highly concentrated at the national level.

    However, for many farmers, their options are even more limited than these figures suggest, as transport costs and risk of spoilage further limit the commercially viable options available to them.

    To further illustrate the point about farmers being caught in the middle, today I will draw on case studies from a series of reports where concerns have been raised about market concentration harming farmers.

    And I will finish by outlining our actions to improve competition laws, to revitalise competition policy in Australia and to make the economy more productive.

    Digging in

    First, we should never underestimate the importance and efficiency gains of farm equipment and machinery.

    Historian James Burke argues the entire modern world is the result of the plough (Harford 2017).

    Increasing farm productivity meant communities could build up a surplus of food, people could settle in one place and everyone’s job no longer had to be finding food (Leigh 2024b).

    Knowing where your next meal was coming from allowed craftspeople to specialise, it allowed trade to flourish, and it allowed people to think about improving the world around them.

    Any list of top Australian inventions typically includes Richard Bowyer Smith and his brother Clarence’s invention in 1876 of the stump‑jump plough (Dictionary of Biography n.d).

    These days, we are no longer talking about the humble plough.

    We are talking about a billion‑dollar farm machinery industry consisting of hi‑tech harvesters, tractors and seeding machinery (DAFF 2022).

    John Deere has more software development engineers than mechanical design engineers (Patel 2021).

    For farmers, machinery represents a significant capital investment involving upfront and ongoing costs (ACCC 2021).

    But many Australian farmers feel they have no genuine choice or ability to shop around.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s 2021 market study found farm machinery markets are concentrated at the manufacturer and dealership levels (ACCC 2021).

    Compared to car manufacturers, agricultural machinery makers have greater ability to leverage their market share in new sales to reduce competition in the market for servicing, repairs and parts.

    Warranties restrict the purchaser to a single authorised dealer for servicing and repairs.

    And tech restrictions mean independent repairers or farmers can’t access the parts, manuals and diagnostic software they need to carry out repairs.

    In short, farmers have few choices when buying machinery but even less choice when servicing or repairing that equipment.

    The Productivity Commission further examined difficulties accessing repair data as part of the right to repair inquiry (PC 2021).

    It agreed restrictions harm farmers through higher repair prices, reduced access and choice, and greater financial risks from repair delays.

    The Productivity Commission recommended the government intervene by introducing a repair supplies obligation on agricultural machinery.

    This would require manufacturers to provide access to repair information and diagnostic software tools to machinery owners and independent repairers on fair and reasonable commercial terms.

    As you may know, I have advocated for the need for access to service and repair information over many years.

    In July 2022, I launched Australia’s first right to repair law, the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme.

    The government is currently monitoring how this scheme is operating for the benefit of independent repairers and consumers.

    Extending right to repair to other sectors, such as agriculture, is a good thing for the economy, businesses and consumers.

    I am pleased there have been negotiations between Australian farmers and the farm machinery industry to consider putting in place a voluntary right to repair arrangements for the sector.

    I encourage parties to continue those negotiations as voluntary arrangements are a great opportunity to foster collaboration and flexibility and can often lead to innovative and effective outcomes.

    Seeds of doubt

    Seeds are the next input I want to cover.

    The US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service examined the seed sector as part of its paper on concentration and competition in agribusiness (MacDonald J et al. 2023).

    The 2023 paper found the seed sector ‘has become highly integrated with agricultural chemicals and more concentrated, with fewer and larger firms dominating supply’.

    Using 2021 annual report data, it said Bayer, ChemChina’s Syngenta Group, Corteva and BASF were the biggest players in global sales for seeds and agricultural chemicals.

    The Economic Research Service found seed prices rose significantly as markets became more concentrated but said the evidence was mixed on the influence of other factors.

    Between 1990 and 2020, the average seed price went up by 270 per cent and the average price for genetically modified varieties rose 463 per cent (MacDonald J et al. 2023).

    Despite the higher seed costs, the paper said it could be argued that genetically modified varieties resulted in ‘significant productivity gains to farmers’.

    It also said higher seed prices may have supported research and development with the number of patents for new crop varieties doubling compared to earlier decades.

    Still, there are not many other industries where the price of a key input has grown fivefold in thirty years.

    Mergers have changed the global seed and farm chemical industry in recent years, and questions remain about what it means for prices and innovation in the long term.

    Sour competition grapes

    Wine grapes arrived with the first fleet in 1788 as cuttings collected en route by Captain Arthur Phillip.

    They were planted at Sydney Cove but withered and died without producing any fruit.

    Which is why it’s called the Rum Rebellion, not the Chardonnay Coup.

    Nevertheless, a fledging wine industry struggled to its feet through booms and busts of the 1800s and by the turn of the century had taken root.

    In the most recent year for which statistics are available, Australia exported 621 million litres of wine (Wine Australia 2024). That figure exceeds domestic wine sales, estimated at 444 million litres.

    There are more than 2,000 wineries and approximately 6,000 grape growers across our 65 wine growing regions.

    They have over 160,000 full and part‑time employees.

    But while the terroir may be good, the vineyard not a level playing field.

    A wine grape market study completed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in 2019 found a highly concentrated industry (ACCC 2019).

    Issues in the supply chain included a lack of competition, potential unfair contract terms, a lack of price transparency, and imbalanced risk allocation in favour of winemakers over grape growers.

    The largest 1 per cent of winemakers accounted for over 80 per cent of wine production.

    Four retailers account for over 80 per cent of sales by value in the domestic retail liquor market.

    The 5 largest winemakers account for an estimated 87 per cent of volume in the Australian wine export market.

    And the trend has been towards even greater consolidation of large winemakers in recent years.

    Change is never easy in agricultural industries subject to boom‑and slump cycles of over production in the good times and consolidation in the bad.

    In 2021 the ACCC found that commercial practices in the wine grape industry had improved since their 2019 report but warned that regulatory action may be necessary without further reforms in payment times and transparency.

    Industry is taking steps to improve transparency but there is still work to be done to ensure a fair and functioning wine, grape and retail market.

    In August, we appointed former competition minister Craig Emerson to lead an independent impact analysis of the wine and grape sector’s regulatory options (Collins 2024).

    Dr Emerson’s report will examine fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation.

    Competition beef

    Those problems are not unique to the grape and wine industry.

    In 2023, the National Farmers Federation released an issues paper criticising the lack of transparency and competition across Australia’s agricultural supply chains (NFF 2023).

    The National Farmers Federation said reduced competition meant farmers weren’t receiving the incomes they deserved with long‑term consequences for competitiveness, economic and environmental sustainability and profitability.

    Those concerns echoed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s cattle and beef market study of 2017. That study found evidence that conflicts of interest regularly arise in saleyard transactions when buyers bid for livestock on behalf of multiple clients, and when agents represent both a cattle seller and a cattle buyer in the same transaction (ACCC 2017).

    The report pointed out that cattle auctions have characteristics that make it easier for cartels to develop, including repeated interactions with the same auctioneers, who are often linked by social networks that make it easier to ‘punish’ auctioneers who break away from agreed anti‑competitive bidding practices. Other problematic behaviours included the exclusion of rival agents, and a lack of transparency around saleyard weighing protocols.

    There is a cyclical element to many concerns about competitiveness in the market structure of the Australian cattle and beef industry.

    An ongoing concern is the impact on producers of market concentration and buyer power during tough times, such as droughts.

    Seasonal and cyclical fluctuations in supply can also affect the profitability of meat processors, dampening incentives for new entrants and reducing competition through mergers or acquisitions of incumbents.

    The 2017 report found that the top 5 Australian processors account for around 57 per cent of total cattle slaughter (ACCC 2017).

    A follow‑up report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 2 years later found that the industry had taken some steps towards improving transparency in dealings between processors and farmers, but, again, there was still work to do (ACCC 2019).

    Super concentrated

    Another highly concentrated part of the agricultural supply chain in Australia are supermarkets.

    Coles and Woolworths account for about 67 per cent of national retail sales (Mulino 2024, ACCC 2024 p147).

    Only 2 OECD countries – New Zealand and Norway – have a greater market share of sales controlled by 2 supermarkets (ACCC 2024 p148).

    Earlier this year, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics handed down an excellent report on the inquiry into promoting economic dynamism, competition and business formation.

    The Committee received evidence on the high market share in the supermarket sector, profit margins, and the power imbalance in the relationship between the major supermarkets and farm‑gate producers.

    The report said: ‘Many agricultural suppliers are at risk of that power imbalance being used to negotiate outcomes that affect profitability and, therefore, the capacity and willingness to invest.’

    At the same time as the Parliamentary inquiry, our government is taking action on several fronts.

    Food and Grocery Code of Conduct

    First, we are making sure the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct is working effectively and fairly.

    The voluntary Code was introduced in 2015 to improve behaviour in the way supermarkets deal with suppliers – including growers where they supply directly to supermarkets.

    Dr Craig Emerson’s independent review found the Code is ‘needed to address persistent bargaining power imbalances between supermarkets and their smaller suppliers’ (Emerson 2024).

    Dr Emerson made 11 recommendations for improving the Code and the government announced in June that it will adopt them all (Treasury 2024a).

    The Code will be made mandatory with Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and Metcash subject to million‑dollar penalties for serious breaches.

    There will be improvements to the dispute resolution mechanisms. There will be a pathway for anonymous complaints from suppliers and whistle‑blowers, and guards against retribution by supermarkets.

    We released exposure drafts for consultation in September and we aim to introduce legislation into the Parliament later this year.

    Supermarket inquiry

    Second, we understand more needs to be done to achieve a competitive and sustainable food and grocery sector.

    So, we directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to undertake a 12‑month inquiry into supermarket pricing.

    It allows the watchdog to conduct a deep dive into competition and pricing practices in the supermarket sector for the first time in more than 15 years.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s interim report released in September said, ‘Australia’s supermarket industry is changing’ but remains ‘highly concentrated’ (ACCC 2024).

    In the era of online shopping, loyalty programs and data technology, Coles and Woolworths have expanded their share of take‑home food and grocery sales by a combined 3.7 percentage points since 2006–07.

    Supermarkets have also expanded into broader ‘ecosystems’ beyond grocery retailing but in highly complementary areas such as advertising and data analytics, pet products, telco and insurance services (ACCC 2024 p161).

    As well as conducting consumer surveys as part of the inquiry, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission held 7 roundtables to listen to farmers and fresh produce wholesalers.

    Although no conclusions have been made, the interim report highlighted concerns from fresh produce suppliers about information asymmetries, power imbalances and specific practices that have enabled supermarkets to transfer disproportionate risk and cost onto suppliers.

    In the next phase of the inquiry, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will undertake 14 case studies to examine supermarket profit margins and how profits are distributed in the supply chain.

    And it will hand a final report to the government in February 2025.

    CHOICE retail reports

    Third, we announced funding for consumer group CHOICE to produce quarterly reports on retail grocery prices.

    The CHOICE reports will compare grocery prices at different retailers, highlighting those charging the most and the least.

    We have already seen the first 2 ‘basket of goods’ quarterly reports using data from March and June to help consumers make informed decisions about what they’re buying and where they shop (Leigh 2024c).

    Other measures

    Earlier this month, the Australian Government announced around $30 million in additional funding to the ACCC to crack down on misleading and deceptive pricing practices and unconscionable conduct in the supermarket and retail sectors.

    This will strengthen the ACCC’s ability to proactively monitor behaviour and investigate concerns about supermarkets and retailers falsely justifying higher prices.

    In addition to this crackdown, the Treasurer will work closely with states and territories through the Council on Federal Financial Relations to reform planning and zoning regulations, which will help boost competition in the supermarket sector by opening up more sites for new stores (Albanese 2024).

    Strengthening protections against unfair contract terms

    Unfair contract term protections are another area where we have already made improvements.

    Unfair contract terms are terms that are clearly lopsided – for example by allowing the more powerful party to unilaterally change prices, or cancel the contract.

    Under the former government, such terms were unenforceable, but it was not an offence to include them in a contract.

    Fertiliser

    For example, last year the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigated complaints about fertiliser companies using contracts in a way that could disadvantage farmers (ACCC 2023).

    Contract terms allegedly gave larger suppliers the right to unilaterally vary the quantity delivered or to terminate the agreement and restricted buyers from raising issues about defects.

    Fertiliser suppliers co‑operated and changed the contract terms to address the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s concerns.

    Potatoes

    In another example, the Federal Court in 2019 declared Mitolo Group, Australia’s largest potato wholesaler, used unfair terms in contracts with growers (ACCC 2019).

    The court declared contract terms that allowed Mitolo to unilaterally determine or vary the price paid to growers as void.

    Terms preventing growers from selling potatoes to other purchasers and terms stopping farmers from selling their property unless the buyer entered into a contract with Mitolo were also declared void.

    Stronger laws

    More broadly, the problem is the laws weren’t stopping the use of unfair terms, which remain prevalent in standard form contracts.

    A court could declare a contract term to be unfair and therefore void and unenforceable, but until our government took office, the law didn’t allow penalties to be imposed.

    We have fixed that. In 2022, we delivered on our promise to strengthen unfair contract term laws (Leigh & Collins 2022).

    We introduced civil penalty provisions outlawing the use of, and reliance on, unfair terms in standard form contracts.

    And we extended the coverage of the protections.

    We lifted the eligibility cap from businesses with less than 20 employees to businesses with less than 100 employees, or annual turnover of less than $10 million.

    The most significant merger reforms in decades

    Merger regulation is one of the key pillars of competition law (Leigh 2024a).

    It acts as the ‘preventive medicine’ against the few mergers that substantially lessen competition.

    But feedback suggests our system isn’t as healthy as it could be.

    The Competition Taskforce found Australia’s ‘ad hoc’ merger process is unfit for a modern economy and said we lag best practice in other countries.

    In response, we have announced the most significant reforms to merger settings in almost 50 years.

    The proposed reforms will make Australia’s merger approval system faster, stronger, simpler, targeted and more transparent.

    Revitalising National Competition Policy

    The Albanese government is working with state and territories to revitalise National Competition Policy.

    There is consensus that pro‑competitive reforms are worth doing and we are aiming for agreement by the end of the year.

    The original National Competition Policy underpinned a generation of growth from the 1990s (Leigh 2024d).

    While it left us in a good position, the economy has changed, and the nation now faces new challenges that the original policy could not have anticipated.

    These include digitalisation, the growth in human services, the net zero transformation and supporting Australia’s most vulnerable (Treasury 2024b).

    Trade opportunities

    We are also looking to improve competitiveness overseas as well as at home.

    Our farmers are internationally competitive with Australia exporting around 72 per cent of the total value of agricultural, fisheries and forestry production (ABARES 2024).

    Historically, Australia’s farmers have been among the strongest advocates of trade liberalisation. The old ‘protection all round’ strategy meant that Australian farmers paid more for imported farm machinery, and faced tariffs from other countries to which they exported their produce.

    Reductions in Australia’s domestic tariffs under the Whitlam, Hawke and Keating governments made farm equipment more affordable. It also bought Australia international credibility – enabling us to spearhead reform through the creation in 1986 of the Cairns Group of Fair Trading Nations, to advocate for liberalisation of global trade in agricultural goods (cairnsgroup.org).

    Today, our government is building on that legacy. Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy said, ‘Australia is already a key partner in helping Southeast Asia meet its food security needs’, and notes that ‘there is strong potential to develop this trade relationship further towards 2040’ (DFAT 2023).

    So, trade forms a significant part of our broader economic agenda.

    And as Trade Minister Don Farrell observes, we are ‘delivering on our commitment to secure new trade and investment opportunities for Australian exporters, producers, farmers and businesses’ (Farrell 2024).

    Closing remarks

    Let me finish by saying, competitive markets matter in all parts of the Australian economy, but especially in the farm sector.

    As the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Mick Keogh crisply puts it: ‘there are many farmers, but few processors or wholesalers, and even fewer major retailers’ (Keogh 2021).

    As my analysis of IBIS World data shows, small‑scale farmers are often the meat in a market concentration sandwich.

    Upstream, there is often no choice about dealing with large‑scale providers on inputs.

    Downstream, there is often no choice about negotiating with larger processors and retailers.

    And through various examples from many reports over several years, we can see that market concentration hurts farmers.

    Higher prices for inputs.

    Less choice for repairs.

    Power imbalances in negotiating contracts.

    A lack of transparency around prices.

    And potentially unfair contract terms.

    I’m pleased to say, as outlined today, the government is focused on practical solutions to improve our competition settings.

    And we appreciate the expertise and insights of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.

    Thank you.

    Note: My thanks to officials in the Australian Treasury for invaluable drafting assistance.

    References

    Albanese, A; Chalmers, J. (2024) ‘Helping Australians get fairer supermarket prices through stronger protections and greater competition’, [media release] The Treasury, accessed 1 October 2024.

    Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) n.d About ABARES – Our History, online content.

    Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) (2024) Snapshot of Australian Agriculture 2024, ABARES Insights.

    Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2024) Supermarkets inquiry interim report.

    Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2017) Cattle and Beef Market Study – Final Report.

    Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2019a), Transparency improving in cattle and beef industry, media release issued 20 August 2019.

    Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2020) Perishable agricultural goods inquiry Final Report.

    Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2021) Agricultural Machinery Market Study.

    Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2023) Fertiliser suppliers amend unfair contract terms after ACCC investigation Accessed 21 August 2023.

    Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2019b) Court penalises potato wholesaler for breaching the Horticulture Code and declares unfair contract terms void, Accessed 2 August 2019.

    Australian of the Year Awards (n.d) Sir John Crawford AC CBE – In Memoriam.

    Cairns Group, The. (n.d) About The Cairns Gro…~https://www.cairnsgroup.org/Pages/Introduction.aspx

    Collins (2024) Supporting Australia’s wine industry [media release] The Treasury, accessed 23 August 2024.

    Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2022) Snapshot – Australian agricultural machinery imports Accessed 4 November 2022.

    Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2023) Boosting capabilities to support a sustainable agriculture sector Budget 2023–2024 fact sheet, Australian Government.

    Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2023) Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, a report for the Australian Government accessed September 2023.

    Dictionary of Biography, Australian. Richard Bowyer Smith entry, Biography – Richard …~https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/smith‑richard‑bowyer‑13201

    Emerson C (2024) Independent Review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Final Report, [final report] Treasury.

    Farrell D (2024) Press conference, Parliament House Accessed 17 September 2024.

    Harford T 27 November (2017) How the plough made the modern economy possible BBC World Service.

    IBIS World (2024a) ‘Agricultural machinery manufacturing in Australia’, Industry Report, February 2024.

    IBIS World (2024b) ‘Hardware and building supplies retailing in Australia’, Industry Report, February 2024.

    IBIS World (2024c) ‘Garden supplies retailing in Australia’, Industry Report, March 2024.

    IBIS World (2024d) ‘Meat processing in Australia’, Industry Report, June 2024.

    IBIS World (2024e) ‘Rail freight transport in Australia’, Industry Report, September 2024.

    IBIS World (2024f) ‘Water freight transport in Australia’, Industry Report, May 2024.

    IBIS World (2024g) ‘Supermarkets and grocery stores in Australia, Industry Report, August 2024.IBIS World 2023, ‘Fruit and vegetable processing in Australia’, Industry Report, August 2023.

    Keogh M (2021) Competition in Australian agriculture Speech to the National Farmers’ Federation accessed 11 June 2021.

    Leigh A 28 November (2022) Look overseas to see the virtues of more competition [opinion piece] The Australian.

    Leigh A 27 August (2024a) Why new rules in competition are sure to be game‑changing [opinion piece] The Canberra Times.

    Leigh A (2024b) The Shortest History of Economics, Black Inc.

    Leigh A (2024b) Supermarket price monitoring to help Australians make informed choices at the checkout [media release] Accessed 20 June 2024.

    Leigh A (2024c) Supermarket price monitoring to help Australians make informed choices at the checkout [media release] Accessed 20 June 2024.

    Leigh A (2024d) Competition reform will ensure flourishing future [opinion piece] The Australian.

    Leigh A and Collins J (2023) Labor delivering on promise to ban unfair contract terms [media release] Accessed 26 July 2022.

    Leigh A and Triggs A (2016), Markets, Monopolies and Moguls: The Relationship between Inequality and Competition. Australian Economic Review, 49: 389–412.

    MacDonald J, Dong X, and Fuglie K (2023) Concentration and Competition in U.S. Agribusiness United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, Economic Information Bulletin No.256.

    Miller J (2007) Sir John Grenfell (Jack) Crawford (1910–1984) Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 17, 2007, ANU.

    Mulino D (2024) Better Competition, Better Prices Report on the inquiry into promoting economic dynamism, competition and business formation, House of Representatives, Standing Committee on Economics.

    National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) (2023), Issues Paper, Market Price Transparency, National Farmers’ Federation Issues Paper.

    Patel N 15 June (2021) John Deere turned tractors into computers – what’s next, The Verge.

    Powell G & Macintyre S (2015) Land of opportunity: Australia’s post‑war reconstruction, National Archives of Australia Research Guide.

    Productivity Commission (PC) (2021) Right to Repair Inquiry Report No.97, accessed 29 October 2021.

    Treasury (2024a) Government response to the Independent Review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, Treasury.

    Treasury (2024b) National Competition Policy fact sheet Treasury.

    Uhr J (2006) The Crawford Doctrine: An informal sketch Australian National University, accessed 21 June 2006.

    Whitnall T and Pitts N (2020) Meat Consumption ABARES.

    Wine Australia (2024), Market insights, Australian wine sector at a glance, Wine Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Archive to screen 17 Hong Kong films inspired by literary works (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present screening programme “Dancing Between Words and Images – Hong Kong Film and Literature” from December 1 to February 23, 2025, screening 17 Hong Kong films adapted from or inspired by literary works at the Cinema of the HKFA to show the intricate ties between film arts and literature.
     
         The screening programme is divided into five sections. The first section, “Adaptations from Classic Literature”, consists of five films adapted from literary classics, namely “A Reborn Romantic” (1948), which reinterprets the plots in literary giant Leo Tolstoy’s final novel “Resurrection”, highlighting the struggles that women face in a traditional society; “Modern ‘Red Chamber Dream’” (1952), which transposes the story of Chinese classical novel “Dream of the Red Chamber” to the 1940s; “A Beautiful Corpse Comes to Life” (1956), adapted from “The Peony Pavilion” from the Ming dynasty, with Cheung Wood-yau and Pak Yin in lead roles; “Sunrise” (1956), which is adapted from a play of the same title by modern Chinese playwright Cao Yu; and “Red Rose White Rose” (1994), adapted from a short story by Eileen Chang, directed by Stanley Kwan and scripted by Edward Lam.
     
         The second section, “Her Stories in the City”, covers three films focusing on the psychological journeys of women in an urban setting. “The Rich House” (1942) is a tragic love story between a handsome writer, played by Cheung Wood-yau, and a waitress. “The Tender Age” (1957) reveals the hypocrisy of the upper class through the story of a young girl being ensnared into a life of prostitution. “Her Tender Heart” (1959) depicts the suppression and suffering of a woman, who has given up her family for love and dreams.
     
    　　In the third section, “Reflections of Time”, there are three films that explore the changes in social values from the perspective of humanistic concerns. In order to give her husband a male heir, a wife in “The Long Lane” (1956) is burdened by guilt in her deathbed for abandoning her own daughter and adopting a son, played by King Hu, who has grown up to be a disappointment. In “A Widow’s Tears” (1956), a recently widowed woman, played by Hsia Moon, after being blamed by her mother-in-law for accepting comforts from her best male friend, decides to leave her husband’s family. Through the story, the film illustrates the idea that women should take courage to pursue their own autonomy. “The Seaman and the Dancing Girl” (1961) highlights the darker side of a bustling city with the protagonist working as a nightclub hostess to provide for her family.
     
         The fourth section, “Tales of Love and Romance”, features three tender and passionate stories from different periods of time. Renowned actor Patrick Tse played a suave thief targeting wealthy women in “The Heart-Stealer” (1958), who decides to reform himself after falling for a mysterious woman. The story of “Diary of Monita” (1968) begins with the abrupt end of the romance between a rich girl and a poor student. As the girl’s family plunges into poverty, the girl’s life becomes a series of misadventures. Adapted by Erica Li from her novel, “77 Heartbreaks” (2017) skilfully depicts a romantic relationship from passionate love to its unravelling and how people nowadays navigate their love lives.
     
         Three films adapted from literary works from the period around the turn of the millennium comprise the fifth section, “Made in Hong Kong”, which showcases the continuing local creative prowess. The films are “Reincarnation of Golden Lotus” (1989), which is a story of lust and desire told from a woman’s perspective and adapted from a novel by the author Lilian Lee herself; “The Mad Phoenix” (1997), adapted from a critically acclaimed stage play by its playwright Raymond To; and “The Midnight After” (2014), which is based on an online serial sci-fi novel written by Kong Ho-yan under the pseudonym “Mr. Pizza” and directed by Fruit Chan.
     
         Most of the screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by scholars Professor Yung Sai-shing, Professor Mary Wong, Professor Wong Nim-yan, Dr Lo Wai-luk, and Dr Kenny Ng; directors Yim Ho and Fruit Chan; screenwriters Raymond To, Kong Ho-yan, and Chan Fai-hung; writer Peter Dunn; film critics Sam Ho, Shu Kei, Eric Tsang and more. The post-screening talk for “Red Rose White Rose” will be attended by director Stanley Kwan and screenwriter Edward Lam, and the talk will be livestreamed online simultaneously. For details, please refer to the programme webpage mentioned below.
     
         “Modern ‘Red Chamber Dream’”, “Her Tender Heart”, “The Long Lane”, “The Seaman and the Dancing Girl”, and “Diary of Monita” are in Mandarin, while the others are in Cantonese or dubbed in Cantonese.
     
         Tickets priced at $55 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from Friday (November 1). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please visit the HKFA website (www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2024/literature/pe-event-2024-literature.html) or call 2739 2139.                                                

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African countries push for $25 billion replenishment of the African Development Fund as Sudan tops up its pledge

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 29, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Sudan has increased its pledged contribution to the replenishment of the African Development Fund to $3 million, its Minister for Finance and Economic Planning Dr Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel announced.

    Fediel made the announcement during a meeting with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Gambian Finance Minister Seedy Keita, Liberian Minister for Agriculture, Dr Alexander Nuatah and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina. The ministers and Adesina met on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings in Washington DC.

    The governments of the Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan are supporting efforts by the African Development Bank Group to push for a $25 billion replenishment of the African Development Fund, its concessional window.

    The four countries, together with Ghana, last year pledged to contribute a minimum of $1 million each to the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment scheduled for 2025.

    Adesina praised Sudan’s “incredible show of solidarity for increasing its contribution to the Fund and for continuing to honour its financial commitments to the Bank despite facing difficult challenges.”

    The current $8.9 billion three-year financing cycle or the 16th replenishment, which ends in 2025, was the largest ever in the history of the African Development Fund.

    The Bank Group president spoke about the African Development Fund’s impressive record as the largest financier of regional transport infrastructure corridors and regional energy connectivity and power pools across its 37 member countries.

    Adesina said the Fund beneficiaries need “concessional resources more than just grants and that is why our goal is to triple ADF to $25 billion. That is the reason I fought for ADF, from the first day of my leadership of the Bank, to be allowed to go to the capital markets to raise additional resources.”

    “ADF going to capital markets will help generate up to $27 billion additional resources starting from ADF 17th Replenishment,” said Adesina.

    Sudan’s decision to top up its contribution to the African Development Fund comes a fortnight after Benin announced a $2 million pledge to the next replenishment.

    The African Development Bank Group’s Executive Director for The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, Rufus Darkortey termed the increase by Sudan a powerful demonstration of their steadfast commitment to a bigger ADF-17 Replenishment.

    “I commend President Adesina and the leadership of our governors and heads of state for championing the call for a bold $25 billion ADF-17 Replenishment. This unified effort reflects Africa’s determination to lead its transformation,” Dakortey said.

    Last May, Kenya’s President William Ruto pledged $20 million to the Fund.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting food and drink businesses

    Source: Scottish Government

    New funding to promote regional products.

    Projects from across Scotland are being awarded grants of up to £5,000 to help to promote regional food and drink products and open up new markets.

    Food festivals, workshops and markets celebrating produce from shellfish to whisky are among the 17 local and collaborative projects to receive support from the latest round of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund.

    The Fund, managed by Scotland Food & Drink, supports regional growth by backing projects to promote and sell produce from their areas.

    Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

    “We have some of the best food and drink in the world – the industry is worth £15 billion to our economy, supports thousands of jobs and businesses and is a success story at home and internationally. The Regional Food Fund is providing much-needed support to local businesses, producers and community groups to showcase the best products that their regions have to offer.

    “Through this fund we have seen more than £750,000 awarded from the available funding to successful projects across Scotland. This round of funding celebrates some incredible produce at some wonderful locations that mean people will benefit from it all across the country, whether taking part in cookery events on Arran, learning about wild food in Glasgow or improving their culinary skills at Fife’s Cambo Snowdrop Festival.

    “I look forward to hearing how each of these exciting projects develops.”

    Scotland Food & Drink Head of Regional Food Fiona Richmond said:

    “It’s truly exciting to support 17 more collaborative food and drink projects through this latest round of the Regional Food Fund. The quality of the applications reflects the passion and commitment to enhancing local food and drink initiatives, which are vital to the continued growth of Scotland’s food, drink, and tourism sectors.

    “We congratulate all this year’s recipients and are eager to watch these projects unfold in the coming months, knowing they will leave a lasting and positive impact on communities across the country.”

    Background

    Regional Food Fund | Scotland Food & Drink (foodanddrink.scot)

    In 2018, the Connect Local Regional Food Fund was launched consisting of 4 funding rounds, which saw more than £350,000 awarded across 78 projects. In 2021, the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund was launched in place of the previous Connect Local Regional Food Fund. This will be the fifth round of the fund under Scotland Food & Drink which has seen more than £400,000 awarded across 87 projects to date.

    The successful applicants in this round are:

    Bellevue Farm, Arran. Development of Eating Facility          £5,000

    In collaboration with Arran’s Food Journey regional food group, project will create a catering facility within Bellevue Barn which can be used to showcase local produce & offer unique eating experiences.

    Cambo Heritage Trust, Fife. Made in Fife at the Cambo Snowdrop Festival £4,989

    Project builds on success of the café, snowdrop festival and Green Market programme to host market events with cookery workshops featuring ‘root to stalk’ methods and provide a space for other regional food and drink traders with the opportunity to showcase their products in a range of markets called ‘Made in Fife’ at Cambo Gardens.

    Clyde Fishermen’s Trust/Clyde Fishermen’s Association, Glasgow. Festival of the Sea £5,000

    Winter festival of the Sea, building on track record of delivering seafood festivals. Event will provide a collaborative showcase that brings together West Coast fishermen, seafood producers, and culinary experts to celebrate Scotland’s rich fishing heritage and exceptional produce.

    Dornoch BID, Highlands. Food on the Firth £1,300

    Series of out of season, food-focused weeks in Dornoch covering different sectors such as meat and shellfish.

    East Lothian Food and Drink, East Lothian. East Lothian Food and Drink Recipe Book £5,000

    East Lothian  Project will create a recipe book that features East Lothian Food and Drink members. From cocktails from Buck & Birch to non- alcoholic mocktails featuring Brose Oats. From our East coast seas to our rolling hills and farmland.

    Essential Edinburgh, Edinburgh. Eat Out Edinburgh £5,000

    Eat Out Edinburgh will be celebrating all things food and drink at a quieter time of the year, encouraging locals to eat out in the city centre supporting their local producers, suppliers, hospitality businesses and the local economy. Funds will support a promotional campaign to achieve this.

    Falkirk Delivers, Falkirk. Falkirk Producers Market Growth Initiative       £4,725

    Project aims to expand the reach and impact of the market by attracting new food and drink vendors and enhancing their promotional capabilities. Fund will support free stalls for 15 producers and digital campaign.

    Fife Whisky Festival Ltd, Fife. Fife Whisky Festival £4,985

    New Sunday event to showcase smaller, local food and drink producers under the festival umbrella. Event will provide cross-selling and marketing opportunities.

    Food Lochaber (part of Lochaber Environmental Group), Highlands. Food Lochaber £5,000

    Project aims to encourage Lochaber producers to work together to sell to local customers and, where appropriate, increase their production of food by giving them access to an online market place run by the producers.

    Forth Valley Food & Drink. Flavours of Forth Valley £5,000

    Forth Valley  Development project to support growth & sustainability of the group. Activities include strategic review; member showcase and local food film screening events.       

    Galloway Food Hub CIC, Dumfries and Galloway. Galloway Food Hub PR Campaign £5,000

    PR & digital campaign to promote this online marketplace for local producers.  

    Granton Project CIC, Edinburgh. The Pitt Market £5,000

    Creation of first collaborative market with local producers, street food traders and the community. This event will showcase the best of regional produce and local entrepreneurs and startups.       

    Great Perthshire. Perth & Kinross Farmers Markets          £5,000

    Project will bring the existing four Perth & Kinross farmers’ markets together to present a shared proposition to their customers & shoppers, collaborate on good practice & common objectives. Working group, shared information strategy & forum are amongst some of the activities planned.     

    Rosemains Steading CIC, Midlothian. Rosemains Steadings Markets £5,000

    Creation of regular markets at this collaborative hub for entrepreneurs, featuring new stalls, tastings & demonstrations.  

    Scottish Food & Drink Histories Partnership Lab (University of Glasgow), Glasgow. Scottish Food Heritage Symposium: Tea £5,000

    In partnership with Mackintosh at the Willow, project will debut a one-day symposium of history talks, live demonstrations, tasting sessions & panel discussions.     

    Scottish Maritime Museum, Ayrshire. Christmas Market £5,000

    Expansion of Christmas market to include food and drink producers in collaboration with Ayrshire Food An’ A’ That regional food group

    Scottish Wild Food Festival, Glasgow. Wild Food Producers Showcase, £5,000

    Various initiatives to increase promotion & sales of wild food products/wild food tourism experiences such as wild food directory; digital activities & market stalls at events     

    TOTAL         17 Applicants                   TOTAL GRANT CLAIM FUNDING   £80,999

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Mayor issues Poppy Appeal volunteer plea

    Source: City of Coventry

    The Lord Mayor of Coventry has called on people to volunteer and help the Royal British Legion with this year’s Poppy Appeal.

    The Legion has recently launched the appeal but is short of volunteers across the city.

    It needs people who can spare a few hours between now and Remembrance Day to help with tasks such as delivering poppies to stores, distributing collecting tins, or even standing and collecting for an hour or two if they have  the time.
     

    Lord Mayor, Cllr Mal Mutton, said: “The Legion always does an incredible job to help our city and its residents mark Remembrance Day and wear their poppies with pride. The sight of all those little flowers on lapels means a great deal to me personally, and I know to others around the city.

    “Sadly, this year there is a real shortage of volunteers and the Legion desperately needs some help so it can continue its great work to raise funds for those who have served and their families.

    “Coventry is a city of peace and reconciliation and we are always so proud to show our support on Remembrance Day, so if you can spare a few hours to help, please volunteer. Every little helps.”

    Also, the Legion is asking people to spread the word of the call for volunteers, especially around community groups.

    Anyone who can volunteer is asked to contact the Legion at CoventryNo1.Treasurer@rbl.community>

    Tuesday, 29th October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second reading speech – Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Check Against Delivery

    Introduction

    The digital economy has unleashed enormous benefits for Australians. But it has also increased the privacy risks we face through the collection and storage of enormous amounts of our personal data.

    The Privacy Act 1988 represented the first time that a comprehensive, integrated set of legal rules protecting interests in privacy existed in Australia. On introducing it, Attorney-General Lionel Bowen told the Parliament that “enormous developments in technology for the processing of information are providing new and, in some respects, undesirable opportunities for the greater use of personal information.”

    In that respect, little has changed. Evolutions in technology and the way people use it continue to vex those who share information online, and those charged with regulating it. It is essential that Australians are protected by a legal framework that is flexible and agile enough to adapt to changes in the world around them.

    The Privacy Act has not kept pace with the adoption of digital technologies. The vast data flows that underpin digital ecosystems have also created the conditions for significant harms – like major data breaches that have revealed the sensitive information of millions of Australians, exposing us to the risk of identity fraud and scams.

    Strong privacy laws and protections are critical to building public trust and confidence in the digital economy, and driving the investments needed to keep people’s data safe.

    The right to privacy is a fundamental human right. As Sir Zelman Cowen said in his 1969 Boyer Lectures, a person without privacy is a person without dignity. We must be vigilant in ensuring that evolving technology does not erode our ability to protect information about who we are, what we do and what we believe from being misused.

    The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 is a significant step forward for Australian privacy law. It begins the much-needed work of updating our privacy laws to be fit-for-purpose in the digital age.

    With this Bill, the Australian Government is taking the next step to ensure Australians’ privacy is respected and protected. It implements a first tranche of agreed recommendations of the Privacy Act Review, ahead of consultation on a second tranche of reforms.

    It also delivers on a commitment made by the Albanese Government following the National Cabinet held in May to address gender-based violence, by outlawing the practice of “doxxing”, or the malicious release of personal data online.

    Schedule 1 of the Bill will amend the Privacy Act to enhance its effectiveness, strengthen the enforcement tools available to the privacy regulator and better facilitate safe overseas data flows. It will require the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code, streamline information-sharing in emergencies and following eligible data breaches, and increase transparency when entities are automating significant decisions which use personal information.

    Schedule 2 of the Bill will introduce a new statutory tort to provide redress for serious invasions of privacy.

    Schedule 3 of the Bill will amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 to introduce new criminal offences to target the harmful practice of doxxing.

    Schedule 1 – Privacy Act amendments

    Schedule 1 begins the work of bringing Australia’s privacy protection framework into the digital age. The amendments re-affirm the Government’s view that entities have a responsibility to protect Australians’ personal information and not treat it merely as a commercial asset.

    Children’s privacy

    While all Australians face privacy risks in the online environment, children are particularly vulnerable. For many Australian children, social media has been part of their lives from the time they were born. They have never lived in a world without it.

    It has been estimated that by the time a child turns 13, around 72 million pieces of data will be collected about them.

    This Bill will require the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code which will apply to social media and other internet services which are likely to be accessed by children. The Children’s Online Privacy Code will specify how these entities must comply with privacy obligations in relation to children. The Code will align to the extent possible with similar codes in like-minded countries, such as the United Kingdom.

    The Code will be developed by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, which will be provided with $3 million in funding over three years to do this important work.

    Information-sharing declarations after data breaches and emergencies

    Cyber incidents are growing in number, speed and sophistication. Data breaches are exposing millions of Australians to risk of fraud, identity theft and scams. This Bill will promote the importance of implementing technical and organisational controls – such as encrypting data and training staff on data protection – to address information security risks.

    It will also support more effective responses to data breaches by introducing eligible data breach declarations. A declaration will permit the sharing of personal information following a notifiable data breach for the purpose of preventing or reducing the risk of harm to individuals.

    Sharing information under these circumstances will enable entities such as banks to act quickly to prevent the misuse of compromised credentials. Safeguards are included to ensure that a declaration can only be made for a purpose that is related to preventing or reducing a risk of harm to individuals arising from a misuse of personal information from the eligible data breach.

    An eligible data breach declaration can be issued quickly and will make clear the kinds of personal information that may be shared, and with whom they may be shared, which may include state and territory agencies.

    Similarly, emergency declarations made under the Act permit personal information sharing following disasters or emergencies to support response efforts, including to assist affected individuals. The Bill will require emergency declarations to specify the kinds of personal information, types of entities permitted to share information and the purposes for which it may be shared. These changes will ensure that individuals’ privacy is protected while also addressing their broader interests, and will support enhanced coordination with states and territories in emergencies and disasters. 

    Overseas data flows

    The flow of information across national borders is critical for international trade and services in a globalised world. To support the free flow of information with appropriate protections, the Bill provides for countries with substantially similar data privacy laws to Australia to be prescribed. Businesses and individuals will be able to have greater confidence that personal information will be kept safe. This will also reduce costs for business when entering into contracts and agreements with overseas entities.

    Enforcement

    Effective enforcement of the Privacy Act is essential to protect Australians’ interests. This Bill expands the suite of regulatory powers available to the Information Commissioner to effectively enforce the Act and provides a broader range of enforcement options available to do so. This will include new civil penalties and infringement notices for less serious privacy breaches.

    To investigate potential privacy breaches in an increasingly complex digital landscape, the Information Commissioner requires modern investigative powers. This Bill provides the Information Commissioner with additional powers, including for search and seizure, which may be exercised under warrant when investigating breaches of the Act, and scalable enforcement options.

    The Bill will empower a court to make appropriate orders where it has determined that an entity has breached a civil penalty provision, which may include compensation for loss or damage suffered.

    Effective privacy protection requires proactive regulatory action. This Bill also strengthens the Information Commissioner’s capacity by expanding monitoring and assessment functions. The Bill also introduces new public inquiry powers which will enable the Information Commissioner to inquire into specified matters as directed or approved. This will enable the Information Commissioner to keep closer oversight of threats to privacy, including issues of a systemic nature, as they emerge.  

    Automated decision making

    The safe and responsible development and deployment of automated decision making presents significant opportunities. These systems have the potential to increase the efficiency, accuracy and consistency of decisions, and they present opportunities for improved outcomes in health, environment, defence and national security.

    The Bill will provide individuals with transparency about the use of their personal information in automated decisions which significantly affect their interests. Entities will need to specify the kinds of personal information used in these sorts of decisions in their privacy policies.  

    Importantly these requirements will apply to decisions that are wholly or substantially automated, ensuring that the new requirements cannot be avoided by ‘tokenistic’ human involvement in a decision-making process.

    Schedule 2 – statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy

    A statutory tort applying to breaches of privacy has been talked about in Australia for a long, long time – as early as 1969, when Sir Zelman Cowen, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England, endorsed legislation to create an actionable right to seek redress for breaches of privacy.

    There is currently no tortious right of action for invasion of privacy under the Act or any other Commonwealth, state or territory statute. The creation of a statutory tort was recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission in its 2014 Report “Serious Invasions of Privacy in the Digital Era”, which I commissioned in 2013. It has been recommended by many other inquiries before and since.

    In its 2014 report, the Commission stated the creation of a statutory tort would “fill an increasingly conspicuous gap in Australian law, helping to protect the privacy of Australians, while respecting and reinforcing other fundamental rights and values, including freedom of expression”.

    Schedule 2 to the Bill will provide a new statutory cause of action, or tort, for individuals who have suffered a serious invasion of their privacy. This will include an intrusion on a person’s physical privacy, so the tort will complement the Privacy Act, which focusses on the narrower concept of information privacy.

    There are parts of our lives that we reasonably expect to be able to keep to ourselves. The freedom to enjoy a private and family life, and express ourselves and our beliefs in safety, is critical to our wellbeing and dignity.

    Ensuring that individuals have a clear right to seek a legal remedy against people or entities who seriously invade their privacy is a key part of ensuring that our privacy laws keep pace with community expectations and advances in technology.

    Schedule 2 to the Bill provides that an individual has a cause of action for serious privacy invasions, either by an intrusion upon the individual’s seclusion – for example by physically intruding into their private space – or by misuse of their information, in circumstances where the individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

    A plaintiff will have a cause of action without having to prove that any damage arose from the invasion of privacy. The damage or harm a plaintiff suffers will be a relevant factor in assessing the seriousness of the invasion, and the remedies that may be awarded.

    For a claim to succeed, the plaintiff will need to demonstrate the public interest in protecting their privacy outweighs any competing public interest raised by the defendant.

    In addition to the public interest balancing test, a range of defences will apply, including where the conduct of the defendant was required or authorised by law or was necessary because of a serious threat to life, health or safety.

    The Bill will provide specific exemptions from liability under the tort, including for journalism, enforcement bodies and intelligence agencies. These exemptions are important to protect press freedom and ensure that legitimate activities of government can be delivered effectively.

    The journalism exemption provides that invasions of privacy which occur in the course of the collection, preparation or publication of journalistic material, by a journalist, their employer, or someone assisting them, would not be liable under the tort. The Bill requires that to be considered a ‘journalist’, the person must work in that professional capacity and be subject to applicable standards of professional conduct or a code of practice.

    The journalism exemption also operates in addition to the requirement that a court balance the public interest in the plaintiff’s privacy with other public interests. This may involve consideration of the public interest in freedom of the media, or freedom of expression.

    A court will have the flexibility to choose the remedy or remedies that are most appropriate in the circumstances. This may include compensation for non-economic loss or an order requiring the defendant to apologise to the plaintiff.

    Schedule 3 – doxxing criminal offences

    Schedule 3 of the Bill will amend the Criminal Code 1995 to create new criminal offences targeting the release of personal data in a manner that is menacing or harassing—a practice known as ‘doxxing’.

    The prevalence of social media and online platforms has rapidly increased the capacity of malicious individuals to obtain personal data, and to release that online—either to the public at large on social media platforms, or to their associates on forum and messaging platforms.

    Doxxing exposes victims to significant and enduring harm, including public embarrassment, humiliation, shaming, discrimination, stalking and identify theft and financial fraud.  It can lead to threats to a victim’s life and safety, and the lives and safety of their families and friends. It can inflict significant and lasting psychological harm.

    Doxxing is a damaging form of abuse that can affect all Australians but is often used against women in the context of domestic and family violence.

    The creation of this offence also responds to a recent, shocking incident of a group who were targeted with doxxing on the basis of their religion.

    The Bill creates a new offence that applies where a person:

    • uses a carriage service to make available, publish or otherwise distribute the personal data of one or more individuals; and
    • the person does so in a way that reasonable persons would regard as being menacing or harassing towards those individuals.

    The new offence will carry a maximum penalty of 6 years’ imprisonment.

    The Bill also introduces a further offence, with a more serious maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment, where a person or group is targeted because of their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality or national or ethnic origin.

    The Government recognises that there are circumstances in which people legitimately publish and distribute personal data, including individuals’ names, contact details and movements.

    The new offences will apply only where a reasonable person would consider the conduct to be, in all the circumstances, menacing or harassing, to ensure that legitimate conduct is not inappropriately criminalised.

    ‘Personal data’, in the context of these new offences, means information about an individual that enables them to be identified, contacted or located. This includes their name, photograph, telephone number, email address, online account, residential or work address, and place of education or worship. This definition recognises that doxxing can occur in a number of different ways.

    The Albanese Government is committed to the protection of Australians from online harm, and these new offences will ensure that perpetrators of doxxing are held to account.

    These new offences will complement work that is underway across government, to strengthen online safety for all Australians.  This includes the takedown powers of the eSafety Commissioner, the Cyberbullying Scheme and the Adult Cyber Abuse Scheme under the Online Safety Act 2021.

    Conclusion

    This Bill is an important first step in the Government’s privacy reform agenda, but it will not be the last. Over the coming months, the Attorney-General’s Department will develop the next tranche of privacy reform for targeted consultation, including draft provisions. The Government is approaching this important reform work carefully, to ensure increased privacy protections are balanced alongside other impacts, and that we deliver the fairest outcome for all Australians.

    After many years of inaction, this Labor Government is committed to genuine privacy reform. The Australian people expect no less – for themselves and their children.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tropo Farms secures $10m from AgDevCo to expand tilapia fish production in Ghana

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ACCRA, Ghana and LONDON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Specialist agriculture investor AgDevCo has signed a long-term investment with Tropo Farms, the leading tilapia fish producer in West Africa and among the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tropo Farms employs 917 people and supplies fish to the local market through about 3,000 market traders, the majority of whom are women.

    Ghana has one of the highest fish consumption rates in Africa, consuming over 800,000 tonnes per year. This investment will boost the country’s aquaculture industry to satisfy the growing local demand for high quality, affordable fish as a sustainable alternative to wild catch and imports.

    Tropo Farms is a pioneer in African aquaculture. Established by founder Mark Amechi in 1997, Tropo has developed sophisticated aquaculture practices tailored for local conditions.

    AgDevCo’s investment of $10m will finance the construction of a modern processing facility and other production equipment. This will increase the company’s capacity to 30,000 tonnes within five years, contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Ghana.

    Tropo sees opportunities for further aquaculture projects in West Africa, which it plans to pursue with AgDevCo and other strategic co-investors.

    “Investing in Tropo Farms supports production of an important protein source in Ghana, contributes to import substitution and promotes economic growth. Our investment will enhance operational efficiency and sustainable aquaculture practices,” said Kweku Koranteng, AgDevCo’s Investment Director for West Africa.

    “This loan is a major milestone for Tropo Farms. It will expand our logistics and distribution network while bringing more benefits to the communities where we operate. We are pleased to partner with AgDevCo, who brings flexible long-term capital to support our growth, as well as agribusiness expertise,” said Francisco Murillo, Tropo Farms CEO.

    Mark Amechi, founder of Tropo Farms, added: “This agreement will not only enable us to scale our production volume and market share within Ghana but also represents a critical step toward realising our long-held ambitions of expanding further into the underdeveloped West African aquaculture sector.”

    AgDevCo is a specialist investor in African agriculture, growing sustainable and impactful agribusiness, with $280m under management. Their vision is a thriving commercial agriculture sector, which benefits both people and planet by investing in and supporting agribusinesses to grow, create jobs, produce, and process food and link farmers to markets. They support their partners to work towards climate sustainability, and where possible, regenerative solutions. AgDevCo has made more than 65 investments to date.

    Contact details for media:

    Kweku Koranteng, info@agdevco.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d3424eb-7995-475e-9db9-9c4d9e33964c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple projects related to health sector worth over Rs 12,850 crore

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple projects related to health sector worth over Rs 12,850 crore

    Augmenting the healthcare infrastructure is our priority, Initiatives relating to the sector launched today will make top-quality and affordable facilities available to the citizens:PM

    It is a matter of happiness for all of us that today Ayurveda Day is being celebrated in more than 150 countries: PM

    Government has set five pillars of health policy:PM

    Now every senior citizen of the country above the age of 70 years will get free treatment in the hospital,Such elderly people will be given Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:PM

    Government is running Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent deadly diseases: PM

    Our government is saving the money of the countrymen by making maximum use of technology in the health sector: PM

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:09PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today launched, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects related to the health sector worth around Rs 12,850 crore at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Dhanteras and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. He conveyed his wishes to all business owners of the country as most people tend to buy something new for their homes, and also extended advanced greetings for Diwali.

    The Prime Minister underlined that this Diwali is a historic one as Lord Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya will be lit up with thousands of diyas, making the celebrations unprecedented. “Lord Ram has once again returned to his abode in this year’s Diwali”, the Prime Minister remarked, adding that this wait is finally over not after 14 but 500 years. 

    Shri Modi said that it is no coincidence that this year’s festival of Dhanteras is an amalgamation of prosperity and health but a symbol of India’s culture and philosophy of life. Quoting sages and saints, the Prime Minister explained that health is considered supreme wealth and this ancient notion is finding acceptance across the world in the form of Yoga. Shri Modi expressed happiness that Ayurveda Diwas is being celebrated in more than 150 countries today and said that it is proof of the growing attraction towards Ayurveda, and India’s contribution to the world from its ancient past. 

    The Prime Minister underscored that in the past decade, the country had witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the health sector with the amalgamation of knowledge of  Ayurveda with Modern medicine. He added that All India Institute of Ayurveda had been a focal point of this chapter. Shri Modi remarked that seven years ago on Ayurveda day, he was fortunate to dedicate the first phase of the institute to the country and today with the blessings of Lord Dhanvantri, he was inaugurating the second phase of the institute. He noted that it would be possible to see the  ancient techniques like Panchakarma infused with modern technology in this institute along with advanced research studies in the fields of Ayurveda and medical science. Shri Modi congratulated the citizens of India for this advancement. 

    Noting that the progress of a nation is directly proportional to the health of its citizens, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s priority to the health of its citizens and outlined the five pillars of health policy. He listed the five pillars as preventive healthcare, early detection of ailments, free and low-cost treatment and medicines, availability of doctors in small towns and lastly expansion of technology in health services. “India is looking at the health sector as holistic health”, Shri Modi said, adding that the projects of today provide a glimpse of these five pillars. Touching upon the inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore, the Prime Minister mentioned creation of 4 centers of excellence under Ayush Health scheme, expansion of health services with the use of drones, helicopter service in AIIMS, Rishikesh, new infrastructure in AIIMS, New Delhi and AIIMS, Bilaspur, expansion of services in five other AIIMS in the country, establishment of medical colleges, bhoomi pujan of nursing colleges and other projects related to the health sector.The Prime Minister expressed happiness with several hospitals being established for the treatment of shramiks and said that it would become a center of treatment for shramiks. He also touched upon the inauguration of pharma units that would play a key role in manufacturing of advanced medicine and high quality stents and implants and further India’s growth. 

    The Prime Minister noted that most of us come from a background where illness meant a lightning strike on the entire family and especially in a poor household if a person is down with serious ailment, every member of the family was deeply affected. He added that there was a time when people would sell their houses, lands, jewelry, everything for treatment and be unable to bear the huge out-of-pocket expenditure while poor people had to make a choice between healthcare and other priorities of family. Shri Modi underlined that to overcome the despair of the poor, our Government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, where the government would bear the cost of hospitalization of the poor up to Rs. 5 lakh. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that about 4 crore poor people in the country have benefited from the Ayushman Yojana by getting treated without having to pay a single rupee. Shri Modi remarked that when he meets the beneficiaries of Ayushman Yojana in different states of the country, he feels satisfied that the scheme was a blessing for every person associated with it, be it a doctor or a paramedical staff. 

    Expressing satisfaction on the expansion of Ayushman Yojana, Shri Modi said that every elderly person was looking forward to it and the poll guarantee, if elected for the third term, of bringing all the elderly above 70 years of age under the ambit of Ayushman Yojana was being fulfilled. He added that every elderly person above 70 years of age in the country will get free treatment in the hospital by a Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Shri Modi highlighted that the card was universal and there was no restriction on income, be it poor or middle class or upper class. Informing that the scheme would prove to be a milestone for its universal applicability, Shri Modi remarked that with a Ayushman Vaya Vandana card for an elderly in the house, the Out-of-Pocket expenditure will be reduced to a great extent. He congratulated all the countrymen for this scheme and also informed that the scheme was not implemented in Delhi and West Bengal.

    Reiterating the government’s priority to reduce the cost of treatment, be it the poor or middle class, the Prime Minister mentioned the launch of more than 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country where medicines are available at 80 percent discount. He informed that the poor and middle class have managed to save Rs 30,000 crore due to availability of cheap medicines. He further added that prices of devices like stents and knee implants have been reduced, therefore, preventing a loss of more than Rs 80,000 crores rupees by the common citizens. He also mentioned the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent fatal diseases and saving the lives of pregnant women and newborn babies. The Prime Minister assured that he will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment. 

    The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis in reducing the risks and inconveniences associated with illnesses. He highlighted that over two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. He said that these Arogya Mandirs enable crores of citizens to easily check for diseases like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. He said that timely diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, ultimately saving costs for patients. The Prime Minister explained that the government is leveraging technology to enhance healthcare and save citizens’ money under the e-Sanjeevani scheme where over 30 crore people have consulted doctors online. “Free and accurate consultations from doctors have significantly reduced healthcare expenses”, he added. Shri Modi announced the launch of the U-win platform which will provide India with a technologically advanced interface in the health sector. “The world witnessed the success of our Co-win platform during the pandemic, and the success of the UPI payment system has become a global story,” he said, adding that India aims to replicate this success in the healthcare sector through Digital Public Infrastructure. 

    The Prime Minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades and said, “In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established”. Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. “Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore”, he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that the increasing number of hospitals reflects a proportional rise in medical seats. He affirmed that no poor child’s dream of becoming a doctor would be shattered, and no middle-class student would be forced to study abroad due to lack of options in India. Shri Modi informed that nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats have been added over the past 10 years and reiterated the commitment to announcing another 75,000 seats in the next five years. 

    The Prime Minister informed that 7.5 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners are already contributing to the nation’s healthcare. He stressed on increasing this number further and highlighted the growing demand for medical and wellness tourism in India. He stressed the need for the youth and AYUSH practitioners to prepare for expanding fields such as preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopedics, and Ayurvedic rehabilitation centers, both in India and abroad. “Immense opportunities are being created for AYUSH practitioners. Our youth will not only progress themselves through these opportunities but will also render a great service to humanity”, he added. 

    PM Modi noted the rapid progress in medicine during the 21st century, with breakthroughs in treatments for previously incurable diseases. He said, “As the world places importance on wellness along with treatment, India has thousands of years of knowledge in this area.” The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan aimed at designing ideal lifestyles and risk analysis for individuals using Ayurveda principles. He emphasized that this initiative can redefine the healthcare sector globally and provide a new perspective for the entire world. 

    Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper through high-impact scientific studies. “Lab validation of our traditional healthcare systems will not only increase the value of these herbs but also create a significant market”, he remarked, pointing to the rising demand for Ashwagandha, which is projected to reach $2.5 billion by the end of this decade. 

    Underlining that the success of AYUSH is transforming not only the health sector but also the economy, the Prime Minister informed that the AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown from $3 billion in 2014 to nearly $24 billion today, an 8-fold increase in just 10 years. He added that over 900 AYUSH start-ups are now operational in India, creating new opportunities for the youth. The Prime Minister highlighted the global export of AYUSH products to 150 countries, benefiting Indian farmers by turning local herbs and superfoods into global commodities. He also pointed out initiatives like the Namami Gange project, which promotes natural farming and herb cultivation along the Ganga river.

    Reflecting on India’s commitment to health and well-being, Shri Modi said that it is the soul of India’s national character and social fabric. He emphasized that the government in the last 10 years has aligned the nation’s policies with the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ “In the next 25 years, these efforts will lay a strong foundation for a developed and healthy India”, Shri Modi concluded. 

    Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J P Nadda, and Minister of Labour and Employment & Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya were present on the occasion among others.

    Background

    As a major addition to the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Prime Minister launched expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This will help provide health coverage to all senior citizens regardless of their income.

    It has been the constant endeavor of the Prime Minister to provide quality healthcare services all across the country. In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple healthcare institutions.

    The Prime Minister inaugurated Phase II of India’s First All India Institute of Ayurveda. It includes a Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy for drug manufacturing, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-ups incubation center and a 500-seat auditorium among others. He also inaugurated three medical colleges at Mandsaur, Neemuch and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh. Further, he inaugurated facility and service extensions at various AIIMS in Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, Kalyani in West Bengal, Patna in Bihar, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Guwahati in Assam and in New Delhi, which will also include a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The Prime Minister also inaugurated a Super Speciality Block in Government Medical College at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha.

    The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of five Nursing Colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh and Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh; 21 Critical Care Blocks at Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan under Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and several facilities and service extensions at AIIMS in New Delhi and in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.

    The Prime Minister also inaugurated an ESIC Hospital at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, and lay the foundation stone for ESIC hospitals at Faridabad in Haryana, Bommasandra and Narasapur in Karnataka, Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, and Atchutapuram in Andhra Pradesh. These projects will bring healthcare benefits to around 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.

    The Prime Minister has been a strong proponent of expanding the usage of technology to enhance service delivery across sectors. In an innovative usage of drone technology to enhance service delivery to make healthcare more accessible, the Prime Minister launched drone services at 11 Tertiary Healthcare Institutions. These are AIIMS Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, AIIMS Guwahati in Assam, AIIMS Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, AIIMS Jodhpur in Rajasthan, AIIMS Patna in Bihar, AIIMS Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, AIIMS Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, AIIMS Raipur in Chhattisgarh, AIIMS Mangalagiri in Andhra Pradesh and RIMS Imphal in Manipur. He will also launch Helicopter Emergency Medical Services from AIIMS Rishikesh, which will help deliver speedy medical care.

    The Prime Minister launched the U-WIN portal. It will benefit pregnant women and infants by fully digitalizing the vaccination process. It will ensure timely administration of life-saving vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Further, the Prime Minister also launched a portal for allied and healthcare professionals and institutes. It will act as a centralized database of existing healthcare professionals and institutes.

    The Prime Minister launched several initiatives to strengthen the R&D and testing infrastructure to improve the healthcare ecosystem in the country. The Prime Minister inaugurated a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

    He laid the foundation stone of two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy at Khordha in Odisha, Raipur in Chhattisgarh. He also laid the foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at NIPER Ahmedabad in Gujarat for medical devices, NIPER Hyderabad in Telangana for bulk drugs, NIPER Guwahati in Assam for phytopharmaceuticals, and NIPER Mohali in Punjab for anti-bacterial anti-viral drug discovery and development.

    The Prime Minister launched four Ayush Centres of Excellence, namely Centre of Excellence for diabetes and metabolic disorders at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Centre of Excellence in sustainable Ayush for advanced technological solutions, start-up support and net zero sustainable solutions for Rasaushadhies at IIT Delhi; Centre of Excellence for fundamental and translational research in Ayurveda at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow; and Centre of Excellence on Ayurveda and Systems Medicine at JNU, New Delhi.

    In a major boost to Make in India initiative in the healthcare sector, Prime Minister inaugurated five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi in Gujarat, Hyderabad in Telangana, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs.

    The Prime Minister also launched a nationwide campaign, “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” that aims to raise health awareness among the citizens. He also launched the State specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health for each state and UT which will lay out adaptation strategies towards developing climate resilient healthcare services.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR/TS

    (Release ID: 2069177) Visitor Counter : 92

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address at the laying of foundation stone and inauguration of development works in Amreli, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 10:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Present on the dais are Honorable Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat ji, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel ji, my colleague in the Union government, C. R. Patil ji, my brothers and sisters of Gujarat, and especially my brothers and sisters of Amreli.

    Diwali and Dhanteras are around the corner. This is a time of auspicious occasions. On one side, we have the celebration of ‘Sanskriti’ (culture); on the other, a celebration of ‘Vikas’ (progress)—this is the new mark of Bharat. The work of ‘Virasat’ (preserving heritage) and ‘Vikas’ (fostering development) goes hand in hand. Today, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation and inaugurate several development projects related to Gujarat. Before coming here, I was in Vadodara, where we inaugurated Bharat’s first factory of its kind, which will produce ‘Made in India’ aircraft for our Air Force right here in Gujarat, in Vadodara. Our Amreli belongs to the Gaekwads, and Vadodara also belongs to the Gaekwads. It’s a moment of pride! And today, here, I had the chance to inaugurate Bharat Mata Sarovar, and from this platform, we have laid the foundation stones and inaugurated multiple long-term projects related to water, roads, and railways. All these projects are intended to ease the lives of people in Saurashtra and Kutch and these projects will propel development forward. The projects that we inaugurated and laid the foundation for today are for the welfare of our farmers, for the prosperity of those in agriculture, and for job opportunities for our youth. My best wishes to all my brothers and sisters in Kutch, Saurashtra, and Gujarat for these many projects.

    Friends,

    The land of Saurashtra and Amreli has given birth to many gems. Whether historically, culturally, in literature, or politics, Amreli’s past has been glorious. This is the land that gave us Yogi ji Maharaj, the same land that gave us Bhoja Bhagat, and it is rare for a single evening to pass in Gujarat without the mention of Dula Bhaya Kag. Every folk tale and poetry remembers Kag Bapu. And today, the soil here, which holds memories of poet Kalapi and his famous line रे पंखीडा सुखथी चणजो (Fly freely, little bird), finds fulfillment with the arrival of water. This is Amreli, a magical land that has produced K. Lal, poet Rameshbhai Parekh, and our first Chief Minister of Gujarat, Jivrajbhai Mehta. The children here have faced challenges and have stood strong in the face of adversities. Those who choose the path of strength instead of bowing to natural disasters are the children of this earth. Some of them have emerged as entrepreneurs who not only made their district proud but also Gujarat and Bharat. And they have tried to do whatever they can for the society. And our Dholakia family continues to carry forward this legacy.

    With the government’s 80/20 water scheme, the BJP government in Gujarat has prioritised water from the very beginning. These efforts include 80/20 scheme and public participation, building check dams, building farm ponds, deepening lakes, building water temples, digging ponds, etc.  I remember when I would go to attend meetings in Delhi as Chief Minister and mention how a significant portion of our budget goes toward water resources, chief ministers and leaders from other states would look at me with surprise. I would tell them that Gujarat has many people who are awash with talents and if we get water once, Gujarat will flourish. This tradition belongs to our Gujarat. Many people have joined the 80/20 scheme. Everyone, including communities and villages, participated; my Dholakia family adopted it on a large scale, bringing the rivers to life. And this is the way to keep the rivers alive. We were connected to 20 rivers from the Narmada River. And the idea came to our minds to create small ponds in the rivers, so we could conserve water for miles. And once the water seeps into the ground, it will not remain without turning into nectar, brothers. The people of Gujarat, Saurashtra or Kutch don’t need books to explain the importance of water; they have experienced the hardships firsthand. They know exactly their problems; they know what types of problems there are. We have seen people from Saurashtra and Kutch migrating due to lack of water. We have seen the days when eight-eight people were forced to share a room in the cities. And now, we have created the country’s first Ministry of Jal Shakti because we know its importance. Today, we see the fruits of years of effort as the water from Narmada reaches every village.

    I remember a time when one would gain ‘punya’ from the Narmada Parikrama (circumambulation). The era has changed, and Mother Narmada herself is going from village to village, distributing ‘punya’ and water. The water conservation schemes, such as the SAUNI Yojana, which I launched, were met with disbelief and skepticism. Nobody was ready to believe that it could be possible. Some crooked people even criticised it as a publicity stunt by Modi ahead of elections. But all these schemes have breathed new life into Kutch and Saurashtra, allowing people to witness their dreams of green fields come true. This is an example of how a resolution made with sacred spirit gets fulfilled. I remember when I talked about laying pipes large enough for a Maruti car to pass through; people were astonished. Today, those pipes carry water throughout Gujarat.  This is what Gujarat has accomplished. We need to increase the depth of the river, so we have to build check dams, or at the very least, create barrages. We need to go to that extent to save water. The people of Gujarat have wholeheartedly embraced water conservation, and this has led to improvements in drinking water quality, health, and the ambitious goal of supplying water to every home and farm. This is a fact which is very satisfying. The 18-20-year-olds today may not even realize how difficult life was without water. Turning on the tap to shower is routine for them, unlike the past when mothers had to walk several kilometers with utensils to fetch water.

    The work done by Gujarat is now proving to be an example for the entire country. The campaign to bring water to every home and every field in Gujarat is still being carried out with such dedication and purity. Today, projects are being inaugurated and their foundations laid with hopes of benefiting millions. The Navda-Chavand Bulk Pipeline Project will bring water to around 1,300 villages and over 35 towns. People from Amreli, Botad, Rajkot, Junagadh, and Porbandar will benefit from an additional 30 crore liters of water every day. Today the foundation stone for the second phase of the Pasvi Augmentation Water Supply Scheme has also been laid. Mahuva, Talaja, and Palitana are the three talukas which will benefit largely from this scheme. Palitana is a significant pilgrimage and tourist site that sustains the state’s economy. Over 100 villages will directly benefit from these projects.

    Friends,

    Today, the inauguration and foundation laying of water projects symbolize the partnership between government and society. This is a remarkable example, and we emphasize public participation because water initiatives will only succeed through collective efforts. When we celebrated 75 years of independence, the government could have organized numerous events, placing boards with Modi’s name on them, but we chose not to. Instead, we launched a plan to create “Amrit Sarovars” (lakes) in villages, aiming to build 75 lakes in each district. As per the latest information, work is underway on nearly 75,000 such lakes, with over 60,000 lakes already brimming with life. Serving future generations in this way has significantly helped raise the water table in neighbouring areas. We ran the “Catch the Rain” campaign.  When I went to Delhi, this experience was very useful.  Today it has become a successful model. To encourage water conservation, be it at the family, village, or colony level, people must be inspired to save water. We are fortunate to have C.R. Patil in our cabinet now, who brings his expertise in water management from Gujarat. Now this is being followed in the entire country. He has made “Catch the Rain” one of his key initiatives, and thousands of recharge wells have already been constructed with public involvement in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, and Bihar. Recently, during a video conference program in Surat, South Gujarat, we saw people building recharge wells in their ancestral villages, that restores some family wealth to the village. This is an exciting new initiative: keeping the village’s water within the village and the border’s water within the border. These campaigns are significant steps forward.  These efforts to retain local water are part of a broader mission, as seen in other countries with minimal rainfall, where they conserve every drop of water. If you visit Mahatma Gandhi’s home in Porbandar, you’ll find a 200-year-old underground water storage tank, showing how our ancestors valued water centuries ago.

    Friends,

    The availability of water has made farming easier. Our motto is “Per Drop More Crop.” In Gujarat, we promoted micro-irrigation, especially sprinklers, which farmers of Gujarat welcomed. Today, wherever Narmada water has reached, farmers can reap three crops in areas where cultivating even one crop was once difficult. This has brought happiness and prosperity to households. Amreli district is advancing in agriculture, with crops like cotton, peanuts, sesame, millet, and bajra (pearl millet) from Jafrabad. I appreciate this initiative during my meetings in Delhi. Amreli’s Kesari mango has now received a GI tag, giving it a unique identity worldwide. Amreli is also gaining recognition for its natural farming, and our governor is working on this mission mode. Farmers in Amreli are dedicated to this experiment, committed to producing quick, viable crops. In our Halol, different universities for natural farming have been developed. The first college for natural farming under that university has been established in Amreli. The reason for this is that the farmers here are committed to this new experiment. Therefore, if they conduct experiments here, their crops will be ready immediately. Our goal is for farmers to engage more in animal husbandry, particularly cattle farming, benefiting from natural farming. In our Amreli, regarding the dairy industry, I remember that there used to be laws that considered setting up a dairy as a crime. We removed restrictive laws on dairy farming, facilitating the establishment of the dairy industry in Amreli, leading to rapid growth through cooperative efforts. I remember when Amar Dairy was founded in 2007, only 25 cooperative societies were part of it. Today, over 700 villages have joined, collecting around 1.25 lakh liters of milk daily, reflecting a true revolution and the adoption of various development pathways.

    Friends,

    I have another joy; I mentioned this many years ago, said it in front of everyone, and I called for a white revolution, a green revolution, but now we need to have a sweet revolution. We need to produce honey; honey should not just be something to talk about at home, brothers. We need to produce honey in the fields so that farmers can earn more. Our Dilip Bhai and Rupala ji raised this issue in the Amreli district, and now beekeeping has started in the fields, and people have learned about it. Now, the honey here is establishing its own identity. This is a joyful thing. Environmental efforts, like tree planting under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, have been embraced nationwide and even globally, with admiration for this unique approach. Everybody is associating with this campaign. This is a great effort as far as environment is concerned. And second important work relating to environment is that we are striving to eliminate electricity bills by implementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a free solar electricity scheme that can save families Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 annually. Not only that they are earning additional income by selling the electricity which they are saving. Nearly 1.5 crore families have registered for this initiative, and over 200,000 homes in Gujarat now have rooftop solar panels, producing electricity and selling the surplus electricity. Amreli district has also made significant progress in energy, with Dudhda village, led by Govindbhai, close to becoming a solar-powered village. Six months ago, Govindbhai told me that he has to make his village ‘Surya Ghar’ (solar-powered village) and this is nearing completion. This initiative is expected to save the village Rs. 75,000 per month in electricity bills, with each household saving Rs. 4,000 annually. Congratulations to Govindbhai and Amreli for making Dudhda the first solar village in the district.

    Friends,

    Water and tourism are closely linked; where there is water, tourism naturally follows. Just now, while looking at Bharat Mata Sarovar, I thought that migratory birds that usually visit Kutch may find a new address here this December. When the Flamingos start coming here, it will attract more tourists. Amreli district is blessed with several pilgrimage sites that people visit with devotion. We saw the potential in the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which was initially built for water storage. By adding the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel, we created a monument that attracted nearly five million visitors last year, not just for the dam but to pay homage to the statue. With Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary approaching on October 31, I will return to Gujarat soon to pay my respects. I will return to Delhi today, but will come back again day after tomorrow to pay my obeisance at the feet of Sardar Sahab. As usual, we celebrate his birth anniversary with a Unity Run, but this year, as Diwali falls on October 31, we have scheduled it for October 29. I hope that the Unity Run events will be held widely across Gujarat, and I will be attending the National Unity Parade in Kevadia.

    Friends,

    In the coming days, the newly established Kerly Recharge Reservoir is set to become a significant centre for eco-tourism, as I predict today. I see a great potential for adventure tourism there. Kerly Bird Sanctuary will gain international recognition, attracting birdwatchers and nature lovers from across the globe. Birdwatchers often spend days with cameras in hand, immersed in forests, creating an income source through tourism. Gujarat’s coastline, once known for its salty waters and seen as a challenge, is being transformed into a gateway to prosperity. We are prioritizing work to make Gujarat’s coastline not only a regional asset but a national hub for wealth and development. Our fishing communities will benefit greatly, as will our ports, steeped in centuries of heritage, which we are revitalizing. Lothal—an ancient city, over 5,000 years old— has not gained prominence after Modi came to power. It has always held a special place in my vision since I became Chief Minister of Gujarat, and I wanted to bring it to the world map of tourism. And now we are establishing the world’s largest maritime museum there. When we go from Amreli to Ahmedabad, it comes on the way, it is not very far, we have to go a little further.

    Our attempt is to showcase Bharat’s maritime heritage to the world, highlighting the legacy of our ancient seafarers. Our efforts are also aligned with the Blue Revolution to enhance marine resource development, and port-led development is playing a crucial role in advancing the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Infrastructure in places like Jafrabad and Shiyal Bet is being enhanced, turning Amreli into a prominent regional hub. The modernization of Pipavav port has opened new avenues for thousands of jobs and increased capacity for handling over a million containers and thousands of vehicles. We aim to connect all of Gujarat’s ports with the rest of the country, fostering a seamless network that benefits the economy nationwide.

    On the other hand, there is equal concern about the life of a common man. Our infrastructure initiatives extend to providing affordable housing, electricity, railways, roads, gas pipelines, telecommunications, optical fibers, and hospitals. In our third term, because after 60 years the country has given an opportunity to any Prime Minister to serve as Prime Minister for the third time. I cannot be thankful enough for the cooperation with Gujarat in this. We have seen this holistic approach to connectivity has already yielded tremendous results in Saurashtra, attracting large-scale industries. As the infrastructure improves, large-scale industries come in; we have seen the benefits of the RoRo ferry service. I used to hear about it in school: ‘Goga’s ferry, Goga’s ferry,’ but no one had done anything about it. We got the opportunity, and now over 700,000 people have used this RoRo ferry service. More than 100,000 vehicles and over 75,000 trucks and buses have benefited from it. It has saved countless people time and money, and so much petrol smoke has been avoided. If you calculate that, we would all be surprised why such a significant work wasn’t done earlier. I believe such good works were destined for me.

    Today, the work is underway to create the Amritsar-Bhatinda Economic Corridor from Jamnagar. The biggest benefits will be gained from it. The states from Gujarat to Punjab will also benefit from it. There are large economic zones being established along that route. Major projects are coming up, and with the inauguration of the road project, the Jamnagar-Morbi area is being developed. I have always said that the Rajkot-Morbi-Jamnagar triangle has the potential to be recognized as Bharat’s manufacturing hub. It has the power to be a mini Japan. When I mentioned this 20 years ago, everyone was mocking it. But today it is happening, and the connectivity work is now associated with it. As a result, the connectivity of the cement manufacturing area will also improve. In addition to this, the pilgrimage sites of Somnath, Dwarka, Porbandar, and the Gir Lions are set to become more accessible and magnificent as tourism destinations. Today, the rail connectivity in Kutch has expanded; this connectivity project for Saurashtra and Kutch has made Kutch a national attraction for tourism. People across the country are worried that there will be delays for tourism and industries in Kutch, and they are rushing to explore it.

    As Bharat develops, its pride in the world is increasing. The entire world is looking at Bharat with new hope, and a new perspective is emerging to view Bharat. People are beginning to recognize Bharat’s potential. Today, the whole world is listening to Bharat seriously and attentively. Everyone is discussing the possibilities within Bharat. Gujarat plays a significant role in this; Gujarat has shown the world how much potential lies in the villages of Bharat’s cities. A few days ago, I attended the BRICS summit in Russia, where I had the opportunity to engage in peaceful conversations with many prime ministers and presidents from different countries. The common sentiment among all was that they want to connect with Bharat and be partners in Bharat’s journey of development. All the countries are asking about the investment possibilities in Bharat. When I returned from Russia, the Chancellor of Germany came to Delhi with a large delegation. He brought along industrialists from Germany who invest across Asia. He told them to listen to Modi ji and decide what they want to do in Bharat. This means that Germany is also eager to invest significantly in Bharat. Not only that, he made an important announcement that will benefit our youth. Previously, Germany issued 20,000 visas; he announced that they will now issue 90,000 visas and that they need young people for their factories. The strength of Indian youth is immense, and the people of Bharat are law-abiding and live peacefully together. They stated that they need 90,000 people here and have announced the issuance of 90,000 visas every year. Now it is an opportunity for our youth to prepare according to this need. Today, the President of Spain was here, and Spain plans to invest significantly in Bharat. This will greatly benefit small industries in Gujarat, especially with the establishment of a transport aircraft manufacturing factory in Vadodara. The small factories in Rajkot that produce various tools will also contribute to this aircraft production. People working on small lathe machines from every corner of Gujarat will provide small parts, as thousands of components are needed in an aircraft, and each factory specialises in specific parts. This work will be beneficial for the entire Saurashtra region, where the structure of small industries exists. This opens up numerous employment opportunities.

    Friends,

    When I had the opportunity to serve Gujarat, my mission was to drive both Gujarat’s and Bharat’s development. My guiding principle was that Gujarat’s progress leads to Bharat’s progress. By building a ‘Viksit Gujarat’ (Prosperous Gujarat), we pave the way for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

    Friends,

    Today, after a long time, I find myself among many familiar faces, and it fills me with joy to see everyone smiling and happy. Once again, I encourage my dear friend Savjibhai to shift his focus from Surat and instead, focus on ensuring water reaches every corner of Gujarat. Let’s bring the full benefits of the 80/20 schemes to Gujarat. My best wishes to all of you.

    Join me in saying:

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Thank you, friends.

    (Disclaimer – Original speech is in Gujarati. This is the approximate translation in English language).

     

    ***

    MJPS/VJ/VK

    (Release ID: 2069053) Visitor Counter : 550

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plant Quarantine Branch Holds Event to Encourage Turn In of Illegal Animals

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Plant Quarantine Branch Holds Event to Encourage Turn In of Illegal Animals

    Posted on Oct 28, 2024 in Main

    October 28, 2024
    NR24-31

    HONOLULU –  The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB), will host an event to educate the public about the Amnesty Program which allows illegal animals to be voluntarily turned in, no questions asked and no penalties assessed. This coincides with the ongoing multi-agency “Don’t Let it Loose” public awareness campaign aimed at preventing the release of invasive marine aquarium species into Hawai‘i waters.

    The PQB event is scheduled for:

    Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
    9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m,
     HDOA Plant Quarantine Office, 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu

    PQB agriculture inspectors will have displays of live and preserved illegal animals that have been either turned in, found or confiscated in Hawai‘i. Educational displays will also explain the importance of Hawai‘i’s animal import laws and how everyone can help protect our state’s unique environment and agriculture industry.

    “The state’s Amnesty Program was established to help prevent illegal animals, both aquatic and terrestrial, from being released into the wild where it could have devastating impacts if populations become established,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “If you possess an illegal animal, just drop it off at the designated sites, no questions asked.”

    Under the Amnesty Program, illegal animals may be turned in to any HDOA office, any municipal zoo or aquarium, or the Hawaiian Humane Society on each island. If illegal animals are turned in prior to the start of an investigation, no criminal charges or fines will be assessed. Animals surrendered under amnesty will not be euthanized. Depending on the species, illegal animals may be used for educational purposes, transferred to a municipal zoo or relocated to an appropriate facility on the mainland.

    If caught, persons possessing illegal animals may be charged with a class C felony and subject to fines up to $200,000 and three years in prison. Sightings or captures of illegal and invasive species should be immediately reported to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News release from Dept of Ag on Anmesty Program Event

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News release from Dept of Ag on Anmesty Program Event

    Posted on Oct 28, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KIAʻĀINA
                                                                            

    SHARON HURD
    CHAIRPERSON

    HAWAI`I BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

    NR24-31

    October 28, 2024

    PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH HOLDS EVENT
    TO ENCOURAGE TURN IN OF ILLEGAL ANIMALS

     

    HONOLULU –  The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB), will host an event to educate the public about the Amnesty Program which allows illegal animals to be voluntarily turned in, no questions asked and no penalties assessed. This coincides with the ongoing multi-agency “Don’t Let it Loose” public awareness campaign aimed at preventing the release of invasive marine aquarium species into Hawai‘i waters.

     

    The PQB event is scheduled for:

     

    Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
    9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m,

    HDOA Plant Quarantine Office, 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu

     

    PQB agriculture inspectors will have displays of live and preserved illegal animals that have been either turned in, found or confiscated in Hawai‘i. Educational displays will also explain the importance of Hawai‘i’s animal import laws and how everyone can help protect our state’s unique environment and agriculture industry.

    “The state’s Amnesty Program was established to help prevent illegal animals, both aquatic and terrestrial, from being released into the wild where it could have devastating impacts if populations become established,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “If you possess an illegal animal, just drop it off at the designated sites, no questions asked.”

    Under the Amnesty Program, illegal animals may be turned in to any HDOA office, any municipal zoo or aquarium, or the Hawaiian Humane Society on each island. If illegal animals are turned in prior to the start of an investigation, no criminal charges or fines will be assessed. Animals surrendered under amnesty will not be euthanized. Depending on the species, illegal animals may be used for educational purposes, transferred to a municipal zoo or relocated to an appropriate facility on the mainland.

    If caught, persons possessing illegal animals may be charged with a class C felony and subject to fines up to $200,000 and three years in prison. Sightings or captures of illegal and invasive species should be immediately reported to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

     

    ###

    Attachments: Photos of illegal animals

    Media Contact:
    Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
    Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
    Phone: 808-973-9560
    Cell: 808-341-5528
    [email protected]
    http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

    HDOA is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under federal or state law, with respect to any program or activity.

                                                             

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Legible Releases FrankensteinAI with Spellbinding AI Chat Feature Just in Time for Halloween

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Legible (CSE: READ) (OTCQB: LEBGF) (FSE: D0T) (“Legible or “the Company”), a pioneer in mobile-centric eBook and audiobook entertainment, is thrilled to announce the release of FrankensteinAI, the third in its groundbreaking AI Classics series. This innovative “Living Book” seamlessly blends Mary Shelley’s iconic novel with state-of-the-art technology, offering readers an unparalleled interactive experience. The classic horror tale releases in three volumes beginning October 28th.

    FrankensteinAI breathes new life into Shelley’s masterpiece through stunning interactive artwork by renowned digital artist Mr. Remo Camerota. Each animated illustration is a dynamic fusion of Camerota’s vivid imagination and advanced AI technology, capturing the eerie atmosphere of Victor Frankenstein’s creation and enhancing the storytelling in a visually captivating manner. Mr. Camerota’s collaboration with AI technology results in visuals that not only complement but also elevate the storytelling, making every image an integral part of the narrative journey.

    FrankensteinAI also introduces a revolutionary AI chat feature that allows readers to engage in real-time conversations with the novel’s characters. Victor Frankenstein and his Creature serve as AI-driven guides, enabling readers to delve deeper into their fears, desires, and motivations as they explore the narrative. This unique interactive feature allows readers to ask questions, unravel plot intricacies, and explore themes in a way that traditional reading cannot, blending classic literature with modern technology for a uniquely immersive experience.

    “Legible has meticulously preserved the essence of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, ensuring that the original text remains intact and true to Shelley’s intentions. Our goal with FrankensteinAI is to honor the original narrative while enhancing the reader’s experience through technology,” stated Kaleeg Hainsworth, CEO of Legible. “By integrating interactive AI features and Remo Camerota’s mesmeric artwork, we’ve created a Living Book that remains true to Shelley’s vision while offering a fresh, immersive way to engage with this classic tale.”

    Remo Camerota commented, “My vision for FrankensteinAI was to complement Mary Shelley’s original narrative with artwork that feels alive, echoing the Creature’s journey of discovery and isolation. Through the power of AI, these illustrations become part of the reader’s journey, evolving alongside their experience with the text.” Camerota further commented, “I am looking forward to further collaborations with Legible on bringing literature to life with my art.”

    In addition to FrankensteinAI, Legible’s other AI Classics and groundbreaking original publications, such as the My Model Kitchen Living Cookbooks by former supermodel and NYT-bestselling author Ms. Cristina Ferrare, with their embedded Sous Chef AI, are exclusively available to Legible Unbound members. Join now and gain access to these innovations plus millions of eBooks and audiobooks for only US$9.99 per month, unlocking a new world of enriched reading experiences.

    About Legible
    Legible is a trailblazing, mobile-centric global company specializing in eBook and audiobook entertainment. Through extensive partnerships with four of the Big 5 Publishers, the world’s largest eBook distributors, and outstanding publishers of all sizes, Legible delivers millions of eBooks and audiobooks, transforming any smart device into a source of cutting-edge infotainment.

    Recent releases include My Model Kitchen – Vol. 2: Vegetables – The Garden of Earthly Delights, the second of 15 video-enriched Living Cookbooks by former supermodel, bestselling author, TV host, and celebrity chef Cristina Ferrare, featuring an AI Sous Chef for each recipe. The Living Cookbooks and Ms. Ferrare have been featured in various major media outlets including twice on the very popular Drew Barrymore Show, where she dazzles viewers with her culinary expertise while utilizing the AI Sous Chef interactive component.

    As a first mover in the rapidly expanding automotive infotainment market, Legible has partnered with media providers Faurecia Aptoide, Harman Ignite, LiveOne, and Visteon. Legible boasts the only Android Automotive app that can deliver both audiobooks and eBooks to drivers and passengers in tens of millions of vehicles worldwide, positioning the Company at the forefront of in-car infotainment experiences.

    Legible won the 2024 EdTech Breakthrough Award for eLearning Innovation of the Year. Committed to reshaping the digital publishing landscape, Legible is poised to gain significant market share through its innovative 21st-century publishing solutions and enriched reading experiences. Visit www.legible.com to explore how eBooks come to life.

    About Remo Camerota
    Remo Camerota is a world-renowned multidisciplinary artist blending art, pop culture, and technology through a unique visual style. Recognized as one of the top 200 digital artists globally by Lürzer’s Archive Magazine (2020-2023) and with works exhibited alongside icons like Banksy, he’s earned acclaim as a leading NFT artist, generating over $6 million in revenue in 2021-2022. Over 30 years, he’s worked across various media, winning hundreds of awards for campaigns with brands like MTV, Nikon, and Toyota and collaborating with notable figures, including Val Kilmer and Scott Page. His company, Npact, has also supported charitable projects, such as raising funds for 2,000 computers for children in need. With exhibitions in renowned venues like the Louvre and Tate, his passion for boundless creativity and storytelling continues to impact global audiences.

    Contacts

    Legible Inc.
    Ms. Deborah Harford, EVP, Global Strategic Partnerships
    Tel.: +1-604-283-2028
    Email: invest@legible.com
    Website: https://invest.legible.com

    Krupp Kommunications, Inc.
    Ms. Kathy Giaconia, VP Media Relations
    Tel.: +1-213-324-5665
    Email: kgiaconia@kruppagency.com
    Website: www.KruppAgency.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

    This Press Release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (“forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding Legible’s business. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Legible’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, currency fluctuations, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Legible believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward- looking information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward- looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Legible does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98d32341-a97e-4b8c-b43a-c970ae023d46

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Giant Panda Naming Competition attracts overwhelming response and Giant Panda Painting Competition to conclude next Friday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹To welcome the two giant pandas gifted by the Central Government to the Hong Kong family, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) announced the launch of the Giant Panda Naming Competition and Giant Panda Painting Competition on October 2. The submission period of the naming competition concluded yesterday (October 27). Over 22 600 submissions were received by the Ocean Park Corporation (Ocean Park), the co-organiser.
          
         A spokesperson for the CSTB said the overwhelming response received for the naming competition shows the public’s love for the giant pandas. 

         Submission period for the painting competition will conclude next Friday (November 8). The spokesperson encourages the public to continue to support and participate in the painting competition by capturing the adorable traits of the giant pandas through artwork. Details of the competition, including the terms and conditions, means for submission of entries, judging criteria and prizes, can be found at the Ocean Park’s dedicated website at https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/park-experience/giant-panda-campaign-2024/painting-competition-2024. 

         Results of the two competitions will be announced by the end of this year and winners will be notified individually by correspondence. 

         The two giant pandas have completed their one-month quarantine in the Ocean Park and are adopting to their new habitat. The CSTB will maintain close communication with experts from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Ocean Park, and, subject to the health and adaptation conditions of the giant pandas, arrange for them to meet the public by the end of this year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: PSB Holdings, Inc. Reports Earnings of $0.69 per Share for Q3 2024; Net Interest Margin and Tangible Book Value Increase; Asset Quality Improves

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUSAU, Wis., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PSB Holdings, Inc. (“PSB”) (OTCQX: PSBQ), the holding company for Peoples State Bank (“Peoples”) serving Northcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin reported third quarter earnings ending September 30, 2024 of $0.69 per common share on net income of $2.9 million, compared to $0.56 per common share on net income of $2.3 million during the second quarter ending June 30, 2024, and $0.29 per common share on net income of $1.2 million during the third quarter ending September 30, 2023.

    PSB’s third quarter 2024 operating results reflected the following changes from the second quarter of 2024: (1) higher net interest margin increased 6 basis points; (2) slightly lower non-interest income; (3) lower non-interest expense due to the second quarter reflecting elevated severance expenses; and (4) the return of a $2.5 million non-performing loan to performing status and a corresponding release in specific reserves.

    “Over the past year, we have increased shareholders’ tangible book value per share 18.7% and paid $0.62 in dividends to our shareholders, up 12.7% from the 12 month period ended September 30, 2023. With the rapid rise in short term interest rates over the past couple of years coming to an apparent end, we expect our net interest margin to be stable and operating expenses to continue to be well managed and efficient. Additionally, as funds become available from investment and loan repayments and maturities, we expect the funds to be reinvested into higher yielding assets which should lessen the volatility in fair market value adjustments reflected in our tangible book value,” stated Scott Cattanach, President and CEO.

    September 30, 2024, Highlights:

    • Net interest income increased to $9.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from $9.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, as increases in asset and loan yields outpaced the increases in funding costs.
    • Noninterest income decreased slightly to $1.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.9 million the prior quarter.
    • Noninterest expenses decreased during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, reflecting lower salary and benefit expenses. Included in salary and benefit expenses for the prior quarter were non-recurring expenses totaling approximately $404,000.
    • Tangible book value per common share increased $1.86 per share to $26.41 at September 30, 2024, compared to $24.55 one quarter earlier, and increased $4.16 per share, or 18.7%, compared to $22.25 at September 30, 2023. Additionally, PSB paid dividends totaling $0.62 per share over the past year. During the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, tangible book value per share was positively influenced by higher net income, intangible asset amortization, an increase in fair market value of investment securities and consistent stock repurchase activity.
    • Loans decreased $16.9 million in the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, to $1.06 billion largely due to not replacing certain out of market maturing loans. Allowance for credit losses increased to 1.18% of gross loans.
    • Non-performing assets declined to 0.71% of total assets at September 30, 2024 from 0.84% at June 30, 2024 as a $2.5 million loan returned to performing status.
    • Total deposits decreased $13.2 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 to $1.14 billion, with a large portion of the decrease attributable to a large overnight deposit held at June 30, 2024 which was withdrawn in early July.
    • Return on average tangible common equity was 10.96% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 9.34% the prior quarter and 5.17% in the year ago quarter.

    Balance Sheet and Asset Quality Review

    Total assets decreased $9.7 million to $1.48 billion at September 30, 2024. Investment securities available for sale increased $9.7 million to $174.9 million at September 30, 2024, from $165.2 million one quarter earlier. Total collateralized liquidity available to meet cash demands was approximately $321 million at September 30, 2024, with an additional $343 million that could be raised in a short time frame from the brokered CDs market.

    Total loans receivable decreased $16.9 million to $1.06 billion at September 30, 2024, due primarily to lower commercial and construction lending. Commercial non-real estate loans decreased $9.1 million to $139.0 million at September 30, 2024, from $148.2 million one quarter earlier. Gross construction lending decreased $9.6 million to $61.0 million at September 30, 2024, from $70.5 million at June 30, 2024, while loans in process declined $3.6 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Commercial real estate loans decreased $2.6 million to $541.6 million at September 30, 2024, from $544.2 million the prior quarter. Meanwhile, residential real estate loans increased slightly from the prior quarter to $341.3 million from $340.9 million. The loan portfolio remains well diversified with commercial real estate and construction loans totaling 55.4% of gross loans followed by residential real estate loans at 31.4% of gross loans, commercial non-real estate loans at 12.8% and consumer loans at 0.4%.

    The allowance for credit losses increased slightly to 1.18% of gross loans at September 30, 2024, from 1.16% the prior quarter. Annualized net charge-offs to average loans were zero for the last five quarters. Non-performing assets totaled 0.71% of total assets at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.84% at June 30, 2024. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, a loan totaling $2.5 million was returned to performing status, while a loan on a recreation facility totaling $3.3 million was added to nonaccrual status. Additionally, one loan relationship to an equipment dealership on nonaccrual status totaling $5.1 million at June 30, 2024 was paid down to $2.8 million at September 30, 2024 on sale of the equipment inventory. For the seventh consecutive quarter, the Bank did not own any foreclosed real estate.

    Total deposits decreased $13.2 million to $1.14 billion at September 30, 2024, from $1.15 billion at June 30, 2024. The decrease in deposits reflects a $13.1 million decrease in interest-bearing demand and savings deposits, a $19.7 million decrease in money market deposits partially offset by a $14.6 million increase in non-interest bearing deposits and a $5.4 million increase in retail and local time deposits. The decrease in money market deposits reflected a large deposit of $49 million on June 30, 2024 that was drawn down in early July 2024.

    At September 30, 2024, non-interest bearing demand deposits increased to 23.3% of total deposits from 21.6% the prior quarter, while interest-bearing demand and savings deposits decreased to 28.4% of deposits, compared to 29.3% at June 30, 2024. Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits decreased to 21.6% of total deposits at September 30, 2024, from 24.0% of total deposits at June 30, 2024.

    FHLB advances decreased to $181.3 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $184.9 million at June 30, 2024.

    Tangible stockholder equity as a percent of total tangible assets increased to 7.85% at September 30, 2024, compared to 7.32% at June 30, 2024, and 6.98% at September 30, 2023.

    Tangible net book value per common share increased $4.16, to $26.41, at September 30, 2024, compared to $22.25 one year earlier, an increase of 18.7% after dividends of $0.62 were paid to shareholders. Relative to the prior quarter, tangible net book value per common share increased due to continued earnings, a fair market value increase in the investment portfolio which reduced unrealized losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income and amortization of intangible assets. The accumulated other comprehensive loss on the investment portfolio was $15.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $20.5 million one quarter earlier.

    Operations Review

    Net interest income increased to $9.9 million (on a net margin of 2.90%) for the third quarter of 2024, from $9.4 million (on a net margin of 2.84%) for the second quarter of 2024, and $9.6 million (on a net margin of 2.88%) for the third quarter of 2023. Earning asset yields increased by 8 basis points to 5.29% during the third quarter of 2024 from 5.21% during the second quarter of 2024, while interest bearing deposit and borrowing costs increased 7 basis points to 3.13% compared to 3.06% during the second quarter of 2024.

    The increase in earning asset yields was primarily due to higher yields on loan originations and renewals. Loan yields increased during the third quarter of 2024 to 5.78% from 5.67% for the second quarter of 2024, up 11 basis points. Taxable security yields were 3.01% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.02% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, while tax-exempt security yields were 3.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to 3.33% the prior quarter.

    The cost of all deposits was 2.11% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.11% the prior quarter, while the overall cost of funds increased 7 basis points from 3.06% to 3.13% during the same time period. Deposit costs for money market deposits decreased during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, to 2.69% from 2.72% the prior quarter. The cost of time deposits and FHLB advances continued to increase and were primarily responsible for the rise in the Bank’s cost of funds in the current quarter. The cost of time deposits increased to 4.04% for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 3.97% the prior quarter. FHLB advance costs rose to 4.44% during the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 4.28% the prior quarter.

    Total noninterest income decreased slightly for the third quarter of 2024 to $1.84 million, from $1.91 million for the second quarter of 2024. Mortgage banking income remained at $433,000 in the September 30, 2024 quarter while various decreases in nominal revenue sources accounted for the slight decline in non-interest income during the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, the Bank serviced $371 million in secondary market residential mortgage loans for others which provide fee income.

    Noninterest expenses decreased to $8.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $8.4 million for the second quarter of 2024. The second quarter ended June 30, 2024, reflected higher salary and benefit expenses related to non-recurring costs. Relative to one year earlier, salary and benefit cost increased 5.7% to $4.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $4.5 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

    Taxes increased $183,000 during the third quarter to $593,000, from $410,000 one quarter earlier. The increase generally reflects higher pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was 16.6% compared to 14.4% for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, and 63.8% for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023, when higher tax expenses were incurred to recognize the loss of certain deferred tax assets following a change in Wisconsin tax law that eliminated state taxes on certain qualified assets.

    About PSB Holdings, Inc.

    PSB Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Peoples State Bank. Peoples is a community bank headquartered in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northcentral and southeastern Wisconsin from twelve full-service banking locations in Marathon, Oneida, Vilas, Portage, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and a loan production office in Dane County. Peoples also provides investment and insurance products, along with retirement planning services, through Peoples Wealth Management, a division of Peoples. PSB Holdings, Inc. is traded under the stock symbol PSBQ on the OTCQX Market. More information about PSB, its management, and its financial performance may be found at www.psbholdingsinc.com. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about PSB’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management and include, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential growth of PSB, its future profits, expected stock repurchase levels, future dividend rates, future interest rates, and the adequacy of its capital position. Forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, strength of the economy, the effects of government policies, including interest rate policies, risks associated with the execution of PSB’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to current and future M&A activity, and risks associated with global economic instability. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made and PSB does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

                

    PSB Holdings, Inc.          
    Consolidated Balance Sheets          
    September 30, June 30, and March 31, 2024, September 30, 2023, unaudited, December 31, 2023 derived from audited financial statements
               
      Sep. 30, Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30,
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
               
    Assets          
               
    Cash and due from banks $ 23,554   $ 16,475   $ 13,340   $ 20,887   $ 12,881  
    Interest-bearing deposits   5,126     251     105     1,431     668  
    Federal funds sold   58,434     69,249     2,439     5,462     7,764  
               
    Cash and cash equivalents   87,114     85,975     15,884     27,780     21,313  
    Securities available for sale (at fair value)   174,911     165,177     165,566     164,024     160,883  
    Securities held to maturity (fair values of $82,389, $79,993, $81,234, $82,514 and        
      $75,236 respectively)   86,847     86,825     87,104     87,081     86,908  
    Equity securities   1,752     1,661     1,474     1,474     2,273  
    Loans held for sale   –     2,268     865     230     971  
    Loans receivable, net (allowance for credit losses of $12,598, $12,597, $12,494,        
     $12,302 and $12,267 respectively)   1,057,974     1,074,844     1,081,394     1,078,475     1,098,019  
    Accrued interest receivable   4,837     5,046     5,467     5,136     4,716  
    Foreclosed assets   –     –     –     –     –  
    Premises and equipment, net   14,065     14,048     13,427     13,098     13,242  
    Mortgage servicing rights, net   1,727     1,688     1,657     1,664     1,684  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)   8,825     8,825     7,006     6,373     6,373  
    Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   24,565     24,401     24,242     24,085     23,931  
    Core deposit intangible   212     229     249     273     297  
    Goodwill   2,541     2,541     2,541     2,541     2,541  
    Other assets   10,598     12,111     11,682     11,866     14,094  
               
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,475,968   $ 1,485,639   $ 1,418,558   $ 1,424,100   $ 1,437,245  
               
    Liabilities          
               
    Non-interest-bearing deposits $ 265,078   $ 250,435   $ 247,608   $ 266,829   $ 288,765  
    Interest-bearing deposits   874,035     901,886     865,744     874,973     883,474  
               
       Total deposits   1,139,113     1,152,321     1,113,352     1,141,802     1,172,239  
               
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   181,250     184,900     158,250     134,000     128,000  
    Other borrowings   6,128     5,775     8,096     8,058     5,660  
    Senior subordinated notes   4,779     4,778     4,776     4,774     4,772  
    Junior subordinated debentures   12,998     12,972     12,947     12,921     12,896  
    Allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments   477     477     477     577     512  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   12,850     13,069     10,247     12,681     10,258  
               
       Total liabilities   1,357,595     1,374,292     1,308,145     1,314,813     1,334,337  
               
    Stockholders’ equity          
               
    Preferred stock – no par value:          
       Authorized – 30,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding          
       Outstanding – 7,200 shares, respectively   7,200     7,200     7,200     7,200     7,200  
    Common stock – no par value with a stated value of $1.00 per share:          
       Authorized – 18,000,000 shares; Issued – 5,490,798 shares          
       Outstanding – 4,105,594, 4,128,382, 4,147,649, 4,164,735 and          
         4,174,197 shares, respectively   1,830     1,830     1,830     1,830     1,830  
    Additional paid-in capital   8,567     8,527     8,466     8,460     8,421  
    Retained earnings   138,142     135,276     134,271     132,666     131,624  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (15,814 )   (20,503 )   (20,775 )   (20,689 )   (26,190 )
    Treasury stock, at cost – 1,385,204, 1,362,416, 1,343,149, 1,326,063 and          
      1,316,601 shares, respectively   (21,552 )   (20,983 )   (20,579 )   (20,180 )   (19,977 )
               
       Total stockholders’ equity   118,373     111,347     110,413     109,287     102,908  
               
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,475,968   $ 1,485,639   $ 1,418,558   $ 1,424,100   $ 1,437,245  
               
    PSB Holdings, Inc.                
    Consolidated Statements of Income                
                          Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, Sep. 30, Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30,   September
    except per share data – unaudited) 2024 2024 2024   2023   2023   2024 2023
                     
    Interest and dividend income:                
       Loans, including fees $ 15,634 $ 15,433 $ 15,109   $ 14,888   $ 14,263   $ 46,176   $ 38,745  
       Securities:                
          Taxable   1,345   1,295   1,197     1,147     1,114     3,837     3,772  
          Tax-exempt   522   521   526     532     533     1,569     1,605  
       Other interest and dividends   699   265   343     320     238     1,307     531  
                     
             Total interest and dividend income   18,200   17,514   17,175     16,887     16,148     52,889     44,653  
                     
    Interest expense:                
       Deposits   5,905   5,838   6,082     5,526     4,817     17,825     11,467  
       FHLB advances   2,038   1,860   1,450     1,349     1,321     5,348     3,068  
       Other borrowings   57   58   60     54     51     175     161  
       Senior subordinated notes   59   58   59     59     59     176     179  
       Junior subordinated debentures   252   255   251     254     255     758     731  
                     
             Total interest expense   8,311   8,069   7,902     7,242     6,503     24,282     15,606  
                     
    Net interest income   9,889   9,445   9,273     9,645     9,645     28,607     29,047  
    Provision for credit losses   –   100   95     100     150     195     350  
                     
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   9,889   9,345   9,178     9,545     9,495     28,412     28,697  
                     
    Noninterest income:                
       Service fees   367   350   336     360     349     1,053     1,088  
       Mortgage banking income   433   433   308     247     345     1,174     981  
       Investment and insurance sales commissions   230   222   121     100     158     573     810  
       Net loss on sale of securities   –   –   (495 )   (297 )   –     (495 )   (279 )
       Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   165   159   157     154     155     481     461  
       Life insurance death benefit   –   –   –     –     –     –     533  
       Other noninterest income   648   742   617     540     675     2,007     2,022  
                     
             Total noninterest income   1,843   1,906   1,044     1,104     1,682     4,793     5,616  
                     
    Noninterest expense:                
       Salaries and employee benefits   4,771   5,167   5,123     4,244     4,514     15,061     14,404  
       Occupancy and facilities   757   733   721     675     689     2,211     2,086  
       Loss (gain) on foreclosed assets   1   –   –     1     –     1     (46 )
       Data processing and other office operations   1,104   1,047   1,022     1,001     953     3,173     2,784  
       Advertising and promotion   164   171   129     244     161     464     489  
       Core deposit intangible amortization   17   20   24     24     24     61     85  
       Other noninterest expenses   1,337   1,257   1,306     1,169     1,113     3,900     3,388  
                     
            Total noninterest expense   8,151   8,395   8,325     7,358     7,454     24,871     23,190  
                     
    Income before provision for income taxes   3,581   2,856   1,897     3,291     3,723     8,334     11,123  
    Provision for income taxes   593   410   169     878     2,374     1,172     3,967  
                     
    Net income $ 2,988 $ 2,446 $ 1,728   $ 2,413   $ 1,349   $ 7,162   $ 7,156  
    Preferred stock dividends declared $ 122 $ 122 $ 122   $ 122   $ 122   $ 366   $ 366  
                     
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 2,866 $ 2,324 $ 1,606   $ 2,291   $ 1,227   $ 6,796   $ 6,790  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.69 $ 0.56 $ 0.39   $ 0.55   $ 0.29   $ 1.64   $ 1.61  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.69 $ 0.56 $ 0.39   $ 0.55   $ 0.29   $ 1.64   $ 1.61  
                     
    PSB Holdings, Inc.          
    Quarterly Financial Summary          
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Quarter ended
        Sep. 30, Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30,
    Earnings and dividends:   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
                 
      Interest income $ 18,200   $ 17,514   $ 17,175   $ 16,887   $ 16,148  
      Interest expense $ 8,311   $ 8,069   $ 7,902   $ 7,242   $ 6,503  
      Net interest income $ 9,889   $ 9,445   $ 9,273   $ 9,645   $ 9,645  
      Provision for credit losses $ –   $ 100   $ 95   $ 100   $ 150  
      Other noninterest income $ 1,843   $ 1,906   $ 1,044   $ 1,104   $ 1,682  
      Other noninterest expense $ 8,151   $ 8,395   $ 8,325   $ 7,358   $ 7,454  
      Net income available to common shareholders $ 2,866   $ 2,324   $ 1,606   $ 2,291   $ 1,227  
                 
      Basic earnings per common share (3) $ 0.69   $ 0.56   $ 0.39   $ 0.55   $ 0.29  
      Diluted earnings per common share (3) $ 0.69   $ 0.56   $ 0.39   $ 0.55   $ 0.29  
      Dividends declared per common share (3) $ –   $ 0.32   $ –   $ 0.30   $ –  
      Tangible net book value per common share (4) $ 26.41   $ 24.55   $ 24.21   $ 23.84   $ 22.25  
                 
      Semi-annual dividend payout ratio n/a   33.60 % n/a   38.14 % n/a
      Average common shares outstanding   4,132,218     4,139,456     4,154,702     4,168,924     4,186,940  
                 
                 
    Balance sheet – average balances:          
      Loans receivable, net of allowances for credit loss $ 1,066,795   $ 1,088,013   $ 1,081,936   $ 1,081,851   $ 1,076,158  
      Assets $ 1,445,613   $ 1,433,749   $ 1,429,437   $ 1,424,240   $ 1,425,522  
      Deposits $ 1,110,854   $ 1,111,240   $ 1,138,010   $ 1,148,399   $ 1,149,624  
      Stockholders’ equity $ 114,458   $ 110,726   $ 109,473   $ 105,060   $ 105,745  
                 
                 
    Performance ratios:          
      Return on average assets (1)   0.82 %   0.69 %   0.49 %   0.67 %   0.38 %
      Return on average common stockholders’ equity (1)   10.63 %   9.03 %   6.32 %   9.29 %   4.94 %
      Return on average tangible common          
        stockholders’ equity (1)(4)   10.96 %   9.34 %   6.57 %   9.64 %   5.17 %
      Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %
      Nonperforming loans to gross loans   0.97 %   1.15 %   1.08 %   0.54 %   0.55 %
      Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.71 %   0.84 %   0.83 %   0.42 %   0.42 %
      Allowance for credit losses to gross loans   1.18 %   1.16 %   1.14 %   1.13 %   1.10 %
      Nonperforming assets to tangible equity          
        plus the allowance for credit losses (4)   8.71 %   11.09 %   10.59 %   5.38 %   5.87 %
      Net interest rate margin (1)(2)   2.90 %   2.84 %   2.80 %   2.88 %   2.88 %
      Net interest rate spread (1)(2)   2.16 %   2.15 %   2.12 %   2.20 %   2.27 %
      Service fee revenue as a percent of          
        average demand deposits (1)   0.56 %   0.56 %   0.54 %   0.52 %   0.50 %
      Noninterest income as a percent          
        of gross revenue   9.20 %   9.81 %   5.73 %   6.14 %   9.43 %
      Efficiency ratio (2)   68.43 %   72.52 %   78.93 %   67.04 %   64.58 %
      Noninterest expenses to average assets (1)   2.24 %   2.35 %   2.34 %   2.05 %   2.07 %
      Average stockholders’ equity less accumulated          
        other comprehensive income (loss) to          
        average assets   9.06 %   9.03 %   8.98 %   8.88 %   9.00 %
      Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)   7.85 %   7.32 %   7.60 %   7.49 %   6.98 %
                 
    Stock price information:          
                 
      High $ 25.00   $ 21.40   $ 22.50   $ 22.30   $ 22.50  
      Low $ 20.30   $ 19.75   $ 20.05   $ 20.10   $ 20.35  
      Last trade value at quarter-end $ 25.00   $ 20.40   $ 21.25   $ 22.11   $ 21.15  
                 
    (1) Annualized          
    (2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.
    (3) Due to rounding, cumulative quarterly per share performance may not equal annual per share totals.  
    (4) Tangible stockholders’ equity excludes goodwill and core deposit intangibles.      
           
    PSB Holdings, Inc.          
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income        
                     
            Quarter Ended
            Sep. 30, Jun. 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30,
    (dollars in thousands – unaudited)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
                     
    Net income $ 2,988   $ 2,446   $ 1,728   $ 2,413   $ 1,349  
                     
    Other comprehensive income, net of tax:          
                     
      Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available        
        for sale   4,738     184     (615 )   5,278     (3,085 )
                     
      Reclassification adjustment for security          
        loss included in net income   –     –     391     280     –  
                     
      Accretion of unrealized loss included in net          
        income on securities available for sale          
        deferred tax adjustment for Wisconsin          
        Act 19   –     –     (35 )   –     –  
                     
      Amortization of unrealized loss included in net        
        income on securities available for sale          
        transferred to securities held to maturity   90     89     91     91     91  
                     
      Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap   (101 )   39     123     (109 )   79  
                     
      Reclassification adjustment of interest rate          
        swap settlements included in earnings   (38 )   (40 )   (41 )   (39 )   (35 )
                     
                     
    Other comprehensive income (loss)   4,689     272     (86 )   5,501     (2,950 )
                     
    Comprehensive income (loss) $ 7,677   $ 2,718   $ 1,642   $ 7,914   $ (1,601 )
                     

       

    PSB Holdings, Inc.          
    Nonperforming Assets as of:          
      Sep 30, Jun 30, Mar 31, Dec 31, Sep 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
               
    Nonaccrual loans (excluding restructured loans) $ 10,116   $ 12,184   $ 11,498   $ 5,596   $ 5,807  
    Nonaccrual restructured loans   25     28     30     34     42  
    Restructured loans not on nonaccrual   292     299     304     310     256  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more   –     –     –     –     –  
               
    Total nonperforming loans   10,433     12,511     11,832     5,940     6,105  
    Other real estate owned   –     –     –     –     –  
               
    Total nonperforming assets $ 10,433   $ 12,511   $ 11,832   $ 5,940   $ 6,105  
               
    Nonperforming loans as a % of gross loans receivable   0.97 %   1.15 %   1.08 %   0.54 %   0.55 %
    Total nonperforming assets as a % of total assets   0.71 %   0.84 %   0.83 %   0.42 %   0.42 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans   120.75 %   100.69 %   105.59 %   207.10 %   200.93 %
               
    PSB Holdings, Inc.      
    Nonperforming Assets >= $500,000 net book value before specific reserves    
    At September 30, 2024      
    (dollars in thousands)      
        Gross Specific
    Collateral Description Asset Type Principal Reserves
           
    Real estate – Recreation Facility Nonaccrual $ 3,291   $ –  
    Real estate – Independent Auto Repair Nonaccrual   562     –  
    Real estate – Equipment Dealership Nonaccrual   2,808     660  
           
           
    Total listed nonperforming assets   $ 6,661   $ 660  
    Total bank wide nonperforming assets   $ 10,433   $ 1,220  
    Listed assets as a % of total nonperforming assets     64 %   54 %
           
    PSB Holding, Inc.          
    Loan Composition by Collateral Type          
    Quarter-ended (dollars in thousands) Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Sep 30, 2023
               
    Commercial:          
    Commercial and industrial $ 115,234   $ 125,508   $ 118,821   $ 117,207   $ 138,299  
    Agriculture   11,203     11,480     12,081     12,304     12,464  
    Municipal   12,596     11,190     28,842     31,530     27,186  
               
    Total Commercial   139,033     148,178     159,744     161,041     177,949  
               
    Commercial Real Estate:          
    Commercial real estate   541,577     544,171     546,257     536,209     539,488  
    Construction and development   60,952     70,540     63,375     81,701     86,456  
               
    Total Commercial Real Estate   602,529     614,711     609,632     617,910     625,944  
               
    Residential real estate:          
    Residential   269,954     270,944     274,300     274,453     274,632  
    Construction and development   34,655     36,129     34,158     33,960     33,141  
    HELOC   36,734     33,838     31,357     29,766     29,044  
               
    Total Residential Real Estate   341,343     340,911     339,815     338,179     336,817  
               
    Consumer installment   4,770     4,423     4,867     4,357     4,350  
               
    Subtotals – Gross loans   1,087,675     1,108,223     1,114,058     1,121,487     1,145,060  
    Loans in process of disbursement   (17,836 )   (21,484 )   (20,839 )   (31,359 )   (35,404 )
               
    Subtotals – Disbursed loans   1,069,839     1,086,739     1,093,219     1,090,128     1,109,656  
    Net deferred loan costs   733     702     669     649     630  
    Allowance for credit losses   (12,598 )   (12,597 )   (12,494 )   (12,302 )   (12,267 )
               
    Total loans receivable $ 1,057,974   $ 1,074,844   $ 1,081,394   $ 1,078,475   $ 1,098,019  
               
    PSB Holding, Inc.                            
    Selected Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose                    
      Sept 30,   June 30,   Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sept 30,
     (dollars in thousands)   2024       2024       2024       2023       2023  
                                 
      Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1)   Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1)   Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1)   Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1)   Total Exposure % of Portfolio (1)
    Multi Family $ 140,307 14.7 %   $ 146,873 15.2 %   $ 142,001 14.4 %   $ 132,386 13.2 %   $ 133,466 13.3 %
    Industrial and Warehousing   86,818 9.1       86,025 8.9       85,409 8.6       83,817 8.3       88,906 8.9  
    Retail   33,020 3.5       34,846 3.6       33,177 3.4       35,419 3.5       35,281 3.5  
    Hotels   31,611 3.3       34,613 3.6       35,105 3.6       36,100 3.6       31,819 3.2  
    Office   6,378 0.7       6,518 0.7       6,655 0.7       6,701 0.7       6,746 0.7  
                                 
    (1) Percentage of commercial and commercial real estate portfolio and commitments.              
                   
    PSB Holdings, Inc.                    
    Deposit Composition                    
                         
    Insured and Collateralized Deposits September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
      $ % $ % $ % $ % $ %
                         
    Non-interest bearing demand $ 210,534 18.6 % $ 202,343 17.5 % $ 199,076 17.8 % $ 197,571 17.3 % $ 209,133 17.9 %
    Interest-bearing demand and savings   305,631 26.8 %   304,392 26.5 %   318,673 28.7 %   317,984 27.8 %   307,620 26.3 %
    Money market deposits   138,376 12.2 %   137,637 12.0 %   143,167 12.9 %   142,887 12.5 %   135,910 11.4 %
    Retail and local time deposits <= $250   155,988 13.7 %   149,298 13.0 %   148,404 13.3 %   149,145 13.1 %   144,738 12.4 %
                         
    Total core deposits   810,529 71.3 %   793,670 69.0 %   809,320 72.7 %   807,587 70.7 %   797,401 68.0 %
    Retail and local time deposits > $250   23,500 2.1 %   22,500 2.0 %   24,508 2.3 %   23,000 2.0 %   22,750 1.9 %
    Broker & national time deposits <= $250   1,241 0.1 %   1,490 0.1 %   2,229 0.2 %   3,470 0.3 %   3,222 0.3 %
    Broker & national time deposits > $250   56,164 4.9 %   56,328 4.9 %   61,752 5.5 %   70,020 6.1 %   88,614 7.6 %
                         
    Totals $ 891,434 78.4 % $ 873,988 76.0 % $ 897,809 80.7 % $ 904,077 79.1 % $ 911,987 77.8 %
                         
    PSB Holdings, Inc.                    
    Deposit Composition                    
                         
    Uninsured Deposits September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
      $ % $ % $ % $ % $ %
                         
    Non-interest bearing demand $ 54,544 4.7 % $ 48,092 4.1 % $ 48,532 4.4 % $ 69,258 6.1 % $ 79,632 6.8 %
    Interest-bearing demand and savings   18,317 1.6 %   32,674 2.8 %   20,535 1.8 %   20,316 1.8 %   22,847 1.9 %
    Money market deposits   157,489 13.8 %   177,954 15.4 %   124,766 11.2 %   124,518 10.9 %   133,653 11.4 %
    Retail and local time deposits <= $250   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %
                         
    Total core deposits   230,350 20.1 %   258,720 22.3 %   193,833 17.4 %   214,092 18.8 %   236,132 20.1 %
    Retail and local time deposits > $250   17,329 1.5 %   19,613 1.7 %   21,710 1.9 %   23,633 2.1 %   24,120 2.1 %
    Broker & national time deposits <= $250   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %
    Broker & national time deposits > $250   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %   – 0.0 %
                         
    Totals $ 247,679 21.6 % $ 278,333 24.0 % $ 215,543 19.3 % $ 237,725 20.9 % $ 260,252 22.2 %
                         
    PSB Holdings, Inc.                    
    Deposit Composition                    
                         
    Total Deposits September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
      $ % $ % $ % $ % $ %
                         
    Non-interest bearing demand $ 265,078 23.3 % $ 250,435 21.6 % $ 247,608 22.2 % $ 266,829 23.4 % $ 288,765 24.7 %
    Interest-bearing demand and savings   323,948 28.4 %   337,066 29.3 %   339,208 30.5 %   338,300 29.6 %   330,467 28.2 %
    Money market deposits   295,865 26.0 %   315,591 27.4 %   267,933 24.1 %   267,405 23.4 %   269,563 22.8 %
    Retail and local time deposits <= $250   155,988 13.7 %   149,298 13.0 %   148,404 13.3 %   149,145 13.1 %   144,738 12.4 %
                         
    Total core deposits   1,040,879 91.4 %   1,052,390 91.3 %   1,003,153 90.1 %   1,021,679 89.5 %   1,033,533 88.1 %
    Retail and local time deposits > $250   40,829 3.6 %   42,113 3.7 %   46,218 4.2 %   46,633 4.1 %   46,870 4.0 %
    Broker & national time deposits <= $250   1,241 0.1 %   1,490 0.1 %   2,229 0.2 %   3,470 0.3 %   3,222 0.3 %
    Broker & national time deposits > $250   56,164 4.9 %   56,328 4.9 %   61,752 5.5 %   70,020 6.1 %   88,614 7.6 %
                         
    Totals $ 1,139,113 100.0 % $ 1,152,321 100.0 % $ 1,113,352 100.0 % $ 1,141,802 100.0 % $ 1,172,239 100.0 %
                         
    PSB Holdings, Inc.                      
    Average Balances ($000) and Interest Rates                  
    (dollars in thousands)                      
                           
      Quarter ended September 30, 2024   Quarter ended June 30, 2024   Quarter ended September 30, 2023
      Average   Yield /   Average   Yield /   Average   Yield /
      Balance Interest Rate   Balance Interest Rate   Balance Interest Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
       Loans (1)(2) $ 1,079,393   $ 15,674 5.78 %   $ 1,100,518   $ 15,520 5.67 %   $ 1,088,137   $ 14,337 5.23 %
       Taxable securities   177,520     1,345 3.01 %     172,563     1,295 3.02 %     173,287     1,114 2.55 %
       Tax-exempt securities (2)   79,472     661 3.31 %     79,564     659 3.33 %     81,327     675 3.29 %
       FHLB stock   8,825     176 7.93 %     7,931     182 9.23 %     6,368     127 7.91 %
       Other   36,680     523 5.67 %     8,241     83 4.05 %     8,195     111 5.37 %
                           
       Total (2)   1,381,890     18,379 5.29 %     1,368,817     17,739 5.21 %     1,357,314     16,364 4.78 %
                           
    Non-interest-earning assets:                    
       Cash and due from banks   17,162           17,345           19,299      
       Premises and equipment,                    
          net   14,216           13,930           13,266      
       Cash surrender value ins   24,458           24,297           23,840      
       Other assets   20,485           21,865           23,782      
       Allowance for credit                      
          losses   (12,598 )         (12,505 )         (11,979 )    
                           
       Total $ 1,445,613     $ 1,433,749     $ 1,425,522  
                           
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity                    
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                    
       Savings and demand                      
          deposits $ 323,841   $ 1,515 1.86 %   $ 331,740   $ 1,467 1.78 %   $ 335,214   $ 1,198 1.42 %
       Money market deposits   277,884     1,876 2.69 %     271,336     1,835 2.72 %     255,823     1,489 2.31 %
       Time deposits   247,296     2,514 4.04 %     257,006     2,536 3.97 %     279,971     2,130 3.02 %
       FHLB borrowings   182,414     2,038 4.44 %     174,596     1,860 4.28 %     134,386     1,321 3.90 %
       Other borrowings   6,702     57 3.38 %     6,870     58 3.40 %     5,681     51 3.56 %
     Senior sub. notes   4,779     59 4.91 %     4,777     58 4.88 %     4,772     59 4.91 %
       Junior sub. debentures   12,985     252 7.72 %     12,960     255 7.91 %     12,883     255 7.85 %
                           
       Total   1,055,901     8,311 3.13 %     1,059,285     8,069 3.06 %     1,028,730     6,503 2.51 %
                           
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                    
       Demand deposits   261,833           251,158           278,616      
       Other liabilities   13,421           12,580           12,431      
       Stockholders’ equity   114,458           110,726           105,745      
                           
       Total $ 1,445,613     $ 1,433,749     $ 1,425,522  
                           
    Net interest income   $ 10,068       $ 9,670       $ 9,861  
    Rate spread     2.16 %       2.15 %       2.27 %
    Net yield on interest-earning assets   2.90 %       2.84 %       2.88 %
                           
    (1) Nonaccrual loans are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.          
    (2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.  
                           
    PSB Holdings, Inc.              
    Average Balances ($000) and Interest Rates          
    (dollars in thousands)              
        Nine months ended September 30, 2024   Nine months ended September 30, 2023
        Average   Yield/   Average   Yield/
        Balance Interest Rate   Balance Interest Rate
    Assets              
    Interest-earning assets:              
       Loans (1)(2) $ 1,091,366   $ 46,393 5.68 %   $ 1,025,955   $ 38,851 5.06 %
       Taxable securities   173,971     3,837 2.95 %     189,583     3,772 2.66 %
       Tax-exempt securities (2)   79,822     1,986 3.32 %     81,670     2,032 3.33 %
       FHLB stock   7,755     523 9.01 %     4,943     228 6.17 %
       Other   18,804     784 5.57 %     8,154     303 4.97 %
                     
       Total (2)   1,371,718     53,523 5.21 %     1,310,305     45,186 4.61 %
                     
    Non-interest-earning assets:              
       Cash and due from banks   17,291           17,403      
       Premises and equipment,              
          net   13,778           13,311      
       Cash surrender value ins   24,301           24,446      
       Other assets   21,146           23,364      
       Allowance for credit              
          losses   (12,496 )         (12,004 )    
                     
       Total $ 1,435,738     $ 1,376,825  
                     
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity            
    Interest-bearing liabilities:              
       Savings and demand              
          deposits $ 335,317   $ 4,654 1.85 %   $ 350,928   $ 3,286 1.25 %
       Money market deposits   274,405     5,608 2.73 %     241,594     3,508 1.94 %
       Time deposits   256,287     7,563 3.94 %     257,639     4,673 2.43 %
       FHLB borrowings   166,703     5,348 4.29 %     110,460     3,068 3.71 %
       Other borrowings   7,373     175 3.17 %     7,082     161 3.04 %
       Senior sub. notes   4,778     176 4.92 %     4,965     179 4.82 %
       Junior sub. debentures   12,972     758 7.81 %     12,857     731 7.60 %
                     
       Total   1,057,835     24,282 3.07 %     985,525     15,606 2.12 %
                     
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:            
       Demand deposits   254,134           273,699      
       Other liabilities   12,720           12,165      
       Stockholders’ equity   111,049           105,436      
                     
       Total $ 1,435,738     $ 1,376,825  
                     
    Net interest income   $ 29,241       $ 29,580  
    Rate spread     2.14 %       2.49 %
    Net yield on interest-earning assets   2.85 %       3.02 %
                     
    (1) Nonaccrual loans are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.    
    (2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Brothers Join Navy Nuclear Engineering Program

    Source: United States Navy

    LOVELAND, Colo. (Aug 28, 2024) — Brothers Jacob Wheeler, 17, and Mark Wheeler, 19, of Loveland enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear engineering program this summer through Navy Recruiting Station Fort Collins. The brothers joined the Delayed Entry Program within weeks of each other with Jacob enlisting in July and Mark in late August. While their parents are unaware that Mark has joined, the brothers plan to surprise them at graduation with help from their recruiter, Aviation Electronics Mate 2nd Class Erika Bravo.

    The Wheeler brothers, born in Greeley and raised in nearby Kersey, come from a family rooted in hard work. Their father, an electrician, and their grandfather, a farmer, instilled in them a strong work ethic and an appreciation for hands-on skills. Jacob initially joined with plans to become a Navy SEAL and persuaded his brother Mark to enlist in the Navy’s nuclear engineering program, primarily for the educational benefits.
    “I convinced him,” Jacob said, adding that the nuclear program offers not only strong pay but also the potential for a high-paying career after their service.Mark, who was not initially set on joining the Navy, became intrigued by the technical education offered through the nuclear program.
    “They’ll teach me calculus, thermodynamics and nuclear physics,” he said. “That sounds fantastic!”

    Both brothers are excited about the educational opportunities. While Mark admits he isn’t fond of traditional schooling, he looks forward to the fast-paced, targeted learning environment of the Navy.
    “I don’t enjoy going to school,” Mark said, “but I love learning. This job is more about the knowledge than the pay for me.”

    After completing boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, the Wheeler brothers will attend Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina. The school, which lasts about two years, will train them to operate and maintain nuclear reactors aboard Navy submarines and aircraft carriers. Upon graduation, both Jacob and Mark will be promoted to E-4 and receive their contract bonuses.
    Although both will attend Nuclear Power School, the brothers are unsure if they will be stationed together after training.

    “There aren’t a lot of nukes in the Navy, so they need to spread us out,” Jacob said, though he remains hopeful they will attend school together, as he believes Mark would make a great tutor.
    The brothers are slated to ship out in November, before Thanksgiving. Their cousin, who lives in Chicago, has already warned them about the harsh winter weather in the Great Lakes, but the brothers are eager to take on the challenge. Jacob is especially excited about life aboard a Navy vessel. “It sounds fun!” he said.

    Looking beyond their service, Jacob is already considering his future.
    “If I still need more money after the Navy, I’m sure there are many opportunities for nuclear engineers,” he said.

    Jacob has long-term goals that include entrepreneurship and working with cars, while Mark is excited about the skills and experiences he’ll gain during his Navy career.
    The brothers’ family is mostly supportive, though their older sister isn’t thrilled that her roommates will be leaving. The brothers, who live with their older sister, also have younger siblings who don’t live with them. They see their Navy service as a way to set a good example for their younger siblings and feel proud of the path they are taking.

    Pets also play an important role in the Wheeler household. Mark’s cat, Katie, will stay with his fiancée while he’s away, while Jacob’s ball python and pit bull puppy will stay with family members until he completes his training. Both brothers are eager to reunite with their pets after graduating from Nuclear Power School.
    The Wheeler brothers are confident their decision to join the Navy’s nuclear engineering program will open doors to exciting careers, both during and after their time in uniform. As they prepare to embark on this journey, they do so with pride and a strong sense of family legacy.

    Navy Talent Acquisition Group Rocky Mountain encompasses Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and parts of Idaho, Nebraska and Kansas. It provides Navy recruiting services from more than 30 dispersed offices across the region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US math teachers view student performance differently based on race and gender

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Yasemin Copur-Gencturk, Associate Professor of Education, University of Southern California

    Teachers hold different views on why girls are good at math than they do for boys. Maskot via Getty Images

    Teachers report thinking that if girls do better in math than boys, it is probably because of their innate ability and effort. But they also report that when boys do well in math, it is more likely due to parental support and society’s higher expectations for their success.

    That’s what we discovered from 400 elementary and middle school math teachers we surveyed across the country for our new study. The purpose of the study was to learn more about how teachers explain students’ success and failure in math.

    We found that the variation in views among educators is not limited to the gender of students. Teachers also hold contrasting views about math performance when it comes to students’ race and ethnicity, our study found.

    More specifically, we found that when Black and Hispanic students outperform Asian and white students, teachers are more likely to think it’s because of effort and differences in their cognitive abilities. In contrast, when Asian and white students outperform others, teachers attribute it to the support and expectations of others, such as from parents and society as well as cultural differences that value math learning.

    To reach these conclusions, we conducted an experiment. In the experiment, teachers were first asked to help us by reviewing student responses to items on a math test we were developing. After they rated the student responses, we randomly assigned teachers to conditions telling them that one group – either boys or girls, Black and Hispanic or Asian and white – performed better on this test. Then, we asked the teachers to rate their agreement with a set of potential explanations for the disparity. These potential explanations included statements such as, “Boys often pay more attention and follow directions in class compared with girls.”

    After teachers had rated their agreement with these explanations, we asked them about their personal beliefs and experiences with gender and racial discrimination in math classrooms. We analyzed how these beliefs related to their explanations of performance differences.

    We found that teachers were more likely to attribute the success of girls and Black and Hispanic students to internal factors, such as ability and effort, whereas they were more likely to attribute boys’ and Asian and white students’ success to external factors, such as parental involvement and cultural differences.

    We also observed that teachers who reported personally experiencing racial discrimination in math classrooms when they were students were more likely to agree that ability was responsible for Black and Hispanic students’ higher performance.

    Why it matters

    How teachers explain student performance can affect their expectations of students. It can also affect how they teach and how they emotionally respond to student needs.

    For example, research has shown that when teachers attribute students’ failure to a lack of effort, they tend to maintain higher expectations of students and encourage them to expend more effort next time. When they attribute student failure to a lack of ability, however, evidence shows that teachers are more likely to lower their expectations and express more pity. Lowered expectations and feelings of pity can be internalized by students. This can in turn lead them to assume that they have low ability and expect to fail more often in the future.

    Findings from our study show that teachers tend to explain students’ failures and successes differently based on which social group performed better than another. Sometimes, these attributions were consistent with stereotypes, such as attributing the higher performance of white and Asian students to their parents and culture.

    What still isn’t known

    Our research, along with that of others, shows that implicit biases exist in math classrooms. These biases influence how teachers view students’ abilities and explain their performance. However, most existing anti-bias training interventions are not very effective.

    Researchers need to develop new types of training to combat these biases in math classrooms, which could help improve teaching and reduce cognitive and emotional burdens that students experience.

    Yasemin Copur-Gencturk receives funding from the NSF, IES, and Herman & Raseij Math Initiative.

    Ian Thacker receives funding from the Spencer Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

    Joseph Cimpian receives funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, the National Science Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation.

    – ref. US math teachers view student performance differently based on race and gender – https://theconversation.com/us-math-teachers-view-student-performance-differently-based-on-race-and-gender-241418

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Vampire bats – look beyond the fangs and blood to see animal friendships and unique adaptations

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sebastian Stockmaier, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee

    Vampire bats have complex social relationships. Samuel Betkowski/Moment via Getty Images

    You can probably picture a vampire: Pale, sharply fanged undead sucker of blood, deterred only by sunlight, religious paraphernalia and garlic. They’re gnarly creatures, often favorite subjects for movies or books. Luckily, they’re only imaginary … or are they?

    There are real vampires in the world of bats. Out of over 1,400 currently described bat species, three are known to feed on blood exclusively.

    The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, is the most abundant. At home in the tropical forests of Central and South America, these bats feed on various animals, including tapirs, mountain lions, penguins and, most often nowadays, livestock.

    A vampire bat enjoys a blood meal at the expense of a domestic goat.
    Nicolas Reusens/Moment via Getty Images

    Feeding on a blood diet is unusual for a mammal and has led to many unique adaptations that facilitate their uncommon lifestyle. Unlike other bats, vampires are mobile on the ground, toggling between two distinct gaits to circle their sleeping prey. Heat-sensing receptors on their noses help them find warm blood under their prey’s skin. Finally, the combination of a small incision, made by potentially self-sharpening fangs, and an anticoagulant in their saliva allows these bats to feed on unsuspecting prey.

    To me, as a behavioral ecologist, who is interested in how pathogens affect social behaviors and vice versa, the most fascinating adaptations to a blood-feeding lifestyle are observable in vampire bats’ social lives.

    Vampire bats build reciprocal relationships

    Blood is not very nutritious, and vampire bats that fail to feed will starve relatively quickly. If a bat returns to the roost hungry, others may regurgitate a blood meal to get them through the night.

    Vampire bats will share their blood meal with a hungry friend.
    Gerry Carter

    Such food sharing happens between bats who are related – such as mothers and their offspring – but also unrelated individuals. This observation has puzzled evolutionary biologists for quite a while. Why help someone who is not closely related to you?

    It turns out that vampire bats keep track of who feeds them and reciprocate – or not, if the other bat has not been helpful in the past. In doing so, they form complex social relationships maintained by low-cost social investments, such as cleaning and maintaining the fur of another animal, called allogrooming, and higher-cost social investments, such as sharing food.

    These relationships are on par with what you would see in primates, and some people compare them to human friendships. Indeed, there are some parallels.

    For instance, humans will raise the stakes when forming new relationships with others. You start with social investments that don’t cost much – think sharing some of your lunch – and wait for the other person’s response. If they don’t reciprocate, the relationship may be doomed. But if the other person does reciprocate by sharing a bit of their dessert, for instance, your next investment might be larger. You gradually increase the stakes in a game of back-and-forth until the friendship eventually warrants larger social investments like going out of your way to give them a ride to work when their car breaks down.

    Vampire bats do the same. When strangers are introduced, they will start with small fur-cleaning interactions to test the waters. If both partners keep reciprocating and raising the stakes, the relationship will eventually escalate to food sharing, which is a bigger commitment.

    Relationships, in sickness and in health

    My lab studies how infections affect social behaviors and relationships. Given their vast array of social behaviors and the complexity of their social relationships, vampire bats are the ideal study system for me and my colleagues.

    How does being ill affect how vampire bats behave? How do other bats behave toward one that is sick? How does sickness affect the formation and maintenance of their social relationships?

    We simulate infections in bats in our lab by using molecules derived from pathogens to stimulate an immune response. We’ve repeatedly found a form of passive social distancing where sick individuals reduce their interaction with others, whether it’s allogrooming, social calling or just spending time near others.

    Researchers attach proximity sensors to bats. The sensors communicate with each other and exchange information about meeting time, duration and signal strength, which is a proxy for distance between two bats.
    Sherri and Brock Fenton

    Importantly, these behavioral changes haven’t necessarily evolved to minimize spreading disease to others. Rather, they are parts of the complex immune response that biologists call sickness behaviors. It’s comparable to someone infected with the flu staying at home simply because they don’t feel up to venturing out. Even if such passive social distancing may have not evolved to prevent transmission to others, simply being too sick to interact with others will still reduce the spread of germs.

    Interestingly, sickness behaviors can be suppressed. People do this all the time. So-called presenteeism is showing up at work despite illness due to various pressures. Similarly, many people have suppressed symptoms of an infection to engage in some sort of social obligation. If you have little kids, you know that when everyone in your household is coming down with something, there’s no way you can just sit back and not take care of the little ones, even if you feel quite bad yourself.

    Animals are no different. They can suppress sickness behaviors when competing needs arise, such as caring for young or defending territory. Despite their tendency to reduce social interactions with others when sick, in vampire bats, sick mothers will continue to groom their offspring and vice versa, probably because mother-daughter relationships are extra important. Mothers and daughters are often each other’s primary social relationships within groups of vampire bats.

    Despite vampire bats’ elaborate social relationships, farmers often consider them pests.
    Sherri and Brock Fenton

    Human-bat conflict centers on livestock

    Despite their many fascinating adaptations and complex social lives, vampire bats are not universally admired. In fact, in many areas in South and Central America, they are considered pests because they can transmit the deadly rabies virus to livestock, which can cause quite significant economic losses.

    Before people introduced livestock into their habitat, vampire bats probably had a harder time finding food in the form of native prey species such as tapirs. Now, livestock has become their primary food source. After all, why not feed on something that is reliably at the same place every night and quite abundant? Increases in livestock abundance come with increases in vampire bat populations, probably perpetuating the problem of rabies transmission.

    The farmers’ quarrels with vampires make sense, especially in smaller cattle herds, where losing even one cow can significantly hurt a farmer’s livelihood. Culling campaigns have used topically applied poisons called vampiricide, basically a mix of petroleum jelly and rat poison. Bats are caught, the paste is applied to the fur, and they carry it back to the roost, where others ingest the poison during social interactions. Interestingly, large-scale culling may not be very effective in reducing rabies spillover.

    Vampire bat colonies live in places like hollow trees.
    May Dixon

    Now, the focus has started to shift toward large-scale cattle vaccinations or vaccinating the vampire bats themselves. Researchers are even considering transmissible vaccines: They could genetically modify herpes viruses, which are quite common in vampire bats, to carry rabies genes and vaccinate large swaths of vampire bat populations.

    Whichever method is used to mitigate vampire bat-human conflicts, more empathy for these misunderstood animals could only help. After all, if you stick your head into a hollow tree full of vampire bats – assuming you can brave the smell of digested blood – remember: You’re looking at a complex network of individual friendships between animals that care deeply for each other.

    Some of the cited work in the article is from long-term collaborators (such as Dr. Gerald Carter at Princeton University) with whom I frequently interact and work together.

    – ref. Vampire bats – look beyond the fangs and blood to see animal friendships and unique adaptations – https://theconversation.com/vampire-bats-look-beyond-the-fangs-and-blood-to-see-animal-friendships-and-unique-adaptations-239980

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: When Loans Become Cheesy

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Did you know there is a bank in Italy that accepts wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano as collateral on loans? If, like me, you are now contemplating leaving your current career and getting a job as a bank teller for Credito Emiliano (commonly referred to in the region as Credem), read on.

    Most of the time, when we think of collateral, we think of something like the mortgage on a house. If a homeowner is unable to make payments on the house, the bank that holds the mortgage may seize the collateral (the house) and sell it to satisfy the debt (we call this liquidating the assets). So, how does this work with big wheels of cheese?

    First, it is important to note that Parmigiano Reggiano is no ordinary cheese. True Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in one of five provinces within Italy: Parma, Reggio-Emilia, Modena, Bologna, or Mantova. While the ingredients that go into a wheel of Parmigiano are simple – just cow’s milk, salt, and calf rennet (a natural enzyme from cow intestines that helps form curds) – the strict process, which has remained largely unchanged for eight centuries, takes time. After the cheese has aged for 12 months, the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano (the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium), which is the governing body that regulates standards for Parmigiano Reggiano, inspects each wheel. As an aside: each wheel of Parmigiano is the same size to ensure consistent texture – and each wheel weighs over 80 pounds! If a wheel passes the 12-month test, it receives a literal stamp of approval and the protected designation of origin label (PDO or DOP in Italian). The Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium helpfully provides links to legislation and guidelines surrounding Parmigiano in English on its website, here.

    So now, back to Credem, the bank that accepts wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano as collateral on small-business loans it makes to dairy farmers in the Emilia Romagna region. Wheels of Parmigiano can go for anywhere between $900 and $2500. Parmigiano only gets more valuable as it ages. But often, farmers will sell off less mature wheels to have more immediate access to money, even though this turns into a loss of revenue in the long term. In 1953, Credem saw an opportunity to help local farmers maximize their profits by offering loans of up to 70 or 80% on wheels of Parmigiano. That way, the farmers could get the cash they needed up-front and the bank could ensure the wheels of cheese would have time to age and reach their highest value. Credem takes its role seriously, storing the wheels of cheese it accepts as collateral in climate-controlled vaults that are inspected by Parmigiano Reggiano experts for the duration of the loan.

    By the way, this is not the only instance of unusual loan collateral. Before Prohibition, banks in the United States accepted whiskey as collateral. In 2013, it was reported that a bank in Hong Kong accepted designer bags as loan collateral. Perhaps my favorite example of strange collateral is a bank in Spain that sought a loan from the European Central Bank and wanted to offer Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká as collateral.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Gondia District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated October 21, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.60 lakh (Rupees Two lakh sixty thousand only) on The Gondia District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Maharashtra (the bank) for contravention of the provisions of section 20 read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Membership of Credit Information Companies (CICs) by Co-operative Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI, conferred under section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and section 56 of the BR Act and section 25 of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions / non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions/directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had:

    1. sanctioned a loan to its director; and

    2. failed to obtain the membership of three CICs.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1387

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Contest receives 22k panda names

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau today announced that over 22,600 naming submissions were received by Ocean Park Corporation, the co-organiser, after the submission period of the Giant Panda Naming Competition concluded yesterday.

    The bureau said the overwhelming response showed the public’s love for the giant pandas. 

    It also urged the public to support and participate in the Giant Panda Painting Competition before the submission period ends on November 8.

    In addition, the bureau said the two giant pandas have completed their one-month quarantine in Ocean Park and are adapting to their new habitat.

    The bureau will maintain close communication with experts from the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and Ocean Park.

    Subject to the giant pandas’ health and adaptation, the bureau will arrange for them to meet the public by the end of this year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –