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  • MIL-OSI Translation: Abusive signature collections: Federal Chancellery files complaint

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Chancellery

    Federal ChancelleryBern, 25.09.2024 – The Federal Chancellery has today filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland on suspicion of electoral fraud. The evidence included in the complaint indicates that the signatures declared invalid by the authorities may have been forged. The Federal Chancellery had already filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons in 2022 for suspected forgery of signatures collected for popular initiatives. This complaint was supplemented twice with new evidence; in this case, the reports came from a single canton. Today’s criminal complaint, however, includes suspicious cases that were observed in various cantons this year and for which it is assumed that different perpetrators were involved. The criminal complaint includes suspicious cases that the Federal Chancellery came across when checking the lists and counting the signatures. As part of the in-depth checks that have been carried out since 2022, the Federal Chancellery also takes into account signatures that municipalities have already declared invalid. In this way, it was able to identify anomalies that suggest forgery, such as different handwritings in the case of multiple signatures from the same person. The complaint groups together fifteen reports of forgery brought to the attention of the Federal Chancellery by municipalities and cantons and, in one case, by a private individual. Some of these reports concern individual signatures, but most concern a double-digit number of signatures. In total, it involves around 950 suspected forged signatures from six cantons and collected for five different popular initiatives. In addition to the aforementioned different handwritings in the case of multiple signatures from the same person, the most common reasons for suspected forgery and invalidation are incorrect dates of birth, misspelled names, incorrect or non-existent addresses, and lists of signatures that do not meet the legal requirements. In view of the ongoing proceedings, the Federal Chancellery is not providing further details on the complaint. In recent weeks, new cases involving abusive methods of collecting signatures have been discovered. Since then, the Federal Chancellery has been using all available means to protect the integrity of the signature collection process. In addition to reporting suspicious cases for criminal prosecution, it is focusing on prevention and improving processes. The Federal Chancellor will soon convene a permanent round table to ensure that signature providers and buyers commit to transparency and conduct rules to prevent forgery. More detailed monitoring of the signature collection and control processes is currently being implemented. The Federal Chancellery has also contacted the scientific community to explore technical solutions to protect the signature collection process from abuse and fraud. Address for enquiriesUrs BrudererHead of the Communications Section058 483 99 69urs.bruderer@bk.admin.chPublished byFederal Chancelleryhttps://www.bk.admin.ch/bk/it/home.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New event coming to support pensioners in Derby

    Source: City of Derby

    We will be running a Pensioner Advice Event as part of the council’s wider initiative to help pensioners this winter with Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and more.

    This event will be running on Friday 4 October, 10am – 3pm at the Council House. The event is designed specifically to provide guidance, advice and resources for struggling pensioners in Derby. Attendees will have access to expert advice on a wide range of topics, including:

    • Applying for Pension Credit.
    • Information about Winter Fuel Payments.
    • Fire safety advice.
    • Information on local public transportation.
    • Find out how to secure better prices for water, electricity, and phone services.
    • Advice on how to make your home more energy-efficient to lower your heating bills.
    • And more.

    A BSL interpreter will be available at the event, ensuring those who use British Sign Language can access the information they need. No prior booking is required for the event.

    Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities, said:

    We know that pensioners across Derby are feeling the pressure from rising costs, and it’s crucial that we step in to provide the help and advice they need. This event is just one of numerous practical initiatives we are carrying out to support our older residents by offering guidance on everything from pension credit to energy savings.

    We are committed to making sure that pensioners in our city have the resources to get through these challenging times.”

    For more information, you can visit derby.gov.uk/costofliving or visit communityactionderby.org.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari to address International Seminar of the Indian Roads Congress

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Sh. Nitin Gadkari will address the International Seminar of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) “Advances in Bridge Management” in Bengaluru, Karnataka tomorrow (26th September, 2024). Sh. Gadkari will also review the National Highway Projects in and around Bengaluru region. Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari will visit Mumbai, Maharashtra to attend a conclave organized by a media house on topic “Greening India’s Highways: The Tasks Ahead”, later during the day. The Minister will be on tour to the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra on Thursday. 

    The Indian Roads Congress provides a national forum for sharing of knowledge and pooling of experience on the entire range of subjects dealing with the construction and maintenance of roads; bridges; tunnels and road transportation, including technology, equipment, research, planning, finance, taxation, organization and all connected policy issues. The origin of Indian Roads Congress (IRC), the Apex Body of Road Sector Engineers and Professionals in the country can be traced back to the Road Development Committee set up under the Chairmanship of Sh. M.R. Jayakkar in 1927 by the then Government of India, which recommended for periodical holding of Road Conferences to discuss the issues related to Road Construction, Maintenance & Development.

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    NKK/GS

    (Release ID: 2058590) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at the 2nd edition of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show at Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    सभी को नमस्कार, 

    The largest state of the Union is blossoming and flourishing under his dynamic governance. Yogiji has turned out to be a game changer for this state, and that will help the nation. I am particularly amazed at his 24×7 watchdog governance. 

    Personally, for me, this is an absolute delight to be at the inaugural ceremony of the second edition of UP International Trade Show 2024. I had the good occasion to go around and see for myself. There could not be a greater assurance for a man like me that all is well, things are on the right track. What I witnessed was beyond my concept, imagination, and dream. I felt I was in the most developed country in the world.

     This is indeed a very well-thought-out platform that not only showcases what is there in India, in Uttar Pradesh, it affords an opportunity for people to snatch those opportunities, to be in touch with the best minds, the artisans, the skilled workers, the products, and personally flourish. My congratulations to the Honourable Chief Minister for being so thoughtful, farsighted, and practical.

     The beginning was made for the first edition by the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji and in this context, it is my absolute privilege to be part of the second. We are indeed very happy that the trade show will significantly showcase Vietnam as a partner country. As one of Southeast Asia’s robust economies, Vietnam has an impressive GDP of 435 billion US dollars, and we look forward to witnessing their exceptional products and innovative manufacturing practices but I can assure them, they are in the right place, their participation will enormously benefit them and their people to fully exploit their talent and connect with the best artisans and economic potential.

     Friends, this will also be an occasion to get a feel for the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. They will, ofcourse, everyone will feel the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh and Bharat, but we will also get a feel for the rich heritage of Vietnam. I had the occasion to have a look at it, full display through captivating traditional music and what a similarity there was with Indian instruments. I am sure there will be enough for them to carry home. The dance performances, it was enriching.

    And it is a state which, in the last few years, is seeing the happiness factor rising. When the happiness factor rises, your appetite is functional.

     My friends from Uttar Pradesh and all over the country who are here will have the occasion to indulge in authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Renowned for its unique flavours, when we look at Vietnam, the savoury delights of Pho and its spring rolls to the mouth-watering Banh Mi, our palates will be treated to a culinary journey. I have had the occasion to know about them and taste them.

    This, in a sense, is a natural partnership if we go into a historical perspective, will surely foster cultural and economic challenges collectively. The exchanges will be rewarding, further enhancing our bilateral relations and strengthening the resolve for a greater role for the Global South in international affairs. 

    It was the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that at the G20 platform, he brought on the international radar, the voice of Global South. This is an important event, their participation is memorable, and I am sure they will carry happy memories of this event.

    The exhibition — the scale, the display, the technological penetration, the cultural wealth, each district’s products. I instructed my team that they will, at the micro level, handle each store, each product, so that the nation comes to know it through Sansad TV. Mr. Chief Minister will seek your cooperation. My team will be here this evening. 

    Friends, the synergy between the Prime Minister of India, his vision, coupled with the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi’s execution, sharp execution, execution which has no accommodation for corruption, no tolerance for inefficiency, this has transformed Uttar Pradesh into Uttam Pradesh. The sustained efforts of Yogiji are leading to another milestone development and achievement, soothing to the entire nation, Uttar Pradesh is fast becoming Udyam Pradesh of the country. 

    This venue is very soothing for development. This venue was also witness to the recently concluded SEMICON India 2024 conference, where the Honourable Prime Minister outlined India’s vision of making the semiconductor industry, and that is going to be the foundation of Viksit Bharat. The conference was a crucial step towards realising India’s goal of becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing.

     Let me, friends, come to the state of the nation, the state of Bharat. For ages, India has been the cradle of civilisation, a crucible of innovation, and a global hub of learning. Our Vedas are a gold mine of knowledge and information. India takes pride in being one of the oldest civilisations with 5,000 years of civilisational ethos. We lost our way somewhere in between, but now we are on our way to regaining it  and that too fast enough to be a beacon for the planet in several ways in this century. 

    Nothing can be more satisfying for me to note than that in this regaining, the largest state of the union, under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, is playing with the straight bat on the front foot to deliver for the nation. Look at a decade ago; the scenario was alarmingly worrisome. The economy was staggering, and the mood of the nation was shaky. From every aspect, governance was challenging for the citizens but what a 360-degree change, soothingly. 

    The last decade is marked by unprecedented transformation — a transformation for the better. Bharat has emerged as the most buoyant economy in the world. It is now the favourite global destination for investment and opportunity, with an ecosystem of hope and possibility all-pervasive in India. Undoubtedly, we are set to regain our pristine glory. India is now a global happening place, and Uttar Pradesh is bubbling with activity. Activity in every sector: infrastructure, growth, industry, and innovation. 

    Today, Bharat is a near 4 trillion dollar economy that has 8% growth prospects for decades to come,  world institutions have analysed. In 2 years, our economy will march ahead of that of Japan and Germany to be the world’s third-largest economy. Incremental infrastructure growth is reflected in 8 new airports annually. The Honourable Chief Minister has indicated the scenario here. Unbelievable achievement! Look at the express highways, virtually doubling, and the state will be on the global map when it comes to the world-class largest airport in Jewar.

     It’s a state where dreams are fructified into ground realities. That’s what I’ve seen. Every 2 years, 3 or 4 metro systems are getting added. Friends, there is daily laying of 28 km of highways and 12 km of railway tracks. In PM Modi’s third term, historic term, 12 new industrial zones are taking shape to boost manufacturing. The nation is fully geared to tap the benefits of artificial intelligence, of electric mobility, green hydrogen, space, and semiconductors. For want of time, I am not focusing on it, but we are among the few countries focusing on the green hydrogen mission, quantum computing. We are in single digits when it comes to the exploitation of 6G technology commercially.

     The journey towards Viksit Bharat is well on track. It will fructify in 2047, if not earlier. The mood of the nation is now one of hope and possibility, with accolades pouring in from global institutions. 

    I have had a long political career, having been elected to Parliament in 1989 and a minister in 1990. The World Bank and IMF are praising us to heights, and rightly so. 

    Based on factual premise, our digitisation and technological penetration is turning out to be a global model for emulation. A decade of Make in India initiative has yielded significant results. Following successes in agriculture and services, India is now poised for manufacturing growth. State governments, UP being in the lead, are competing to attract investments by improving business conditions. 

    Sir, nothing is more important for investment than law and order. Law and order defines democracy and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath defines law and order. It is in this soothing ecosystem that UP has emerged as an MSME hub by leveraging the sector strengths to create a robust supply chain.

    Technology has enabled greater participation from skilled youth in tier two town and rural areas. 

    Imagine skill mapping, skill mapping during challenging, daunting days of COVID-19. You did it. 

    Bharat is now frog leaping from Make in India to conceptualise, design and make in India. We are having our own concept of evolution. We are engaged in design and Make in India. It is encouraging to see multinationals and Indian companies getting in a synergetic stance. They are establishing innovation centres nationwide. Uttar Pradesh is a shining example of it, the defence corridor being one. 

    Micro, small and medium enterprises are much beyond their nomenclature, as I said earlier. This segment is the spine of the economy and a major contributor of human resource employment. 

    Coming to Uttar Pradesh, I state, with that kind of history, cultural background was plagued with law and order challenges, and atmosphere of fear. 

    Not long ago, growth prospects were all time low. And this state now is a beacon of progress and development. The long, long dark tunnel was negotiated with great speed by the Honourable Chief Minister. And there is great light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel is much behind. From the tunnel, the dark tunnel, the state is on the expressway. 

    On the way to take a flight for higher economy on the largest airport that is coming up in Jewar. The state is full of hope and possibility. The transformation is unbelievable. Normally, people would not undertake it. They would get adjusted to the status quo. Because the challenge was really very, very, very, very daunting. 

    In a sense, there is a complete makeover of Uttar Pradesh. You are regaining its pristine glory in every sense. Because the governance exemplifies transparency, accountability, worth emulation, the kind of handholding of the entrepreneur. 

    And corruption is a word unheard in Uttar Pradesh. Power corridors are fully sanitised. Decisions are fast-tracked and duly tracked. 

    The state is now turning out to be a great strength to the nation. In phenomenal economic upsurge and unprecedented infrastructure growth in the nation, the largest state of Uttar Pradesh is now an asset and a major contributor unlike a scenario that existed a few years ago. 

    Uttar Pradesh aspires and rightly so, and why not? To reach the target of $1 trillion economy by 2027 and will be mightily adding to the dream of Prime Minister Modi to his $5 trillion economy by 2027. As rightly focused by the Honourable Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh’s advantages include fertile land, young population, religious tourism, and MSMEs. And look at the size of MSMEs. 

    Some countries in the world may not have that population. As you have a number of units, the massive focus on infrastructure, one has to see to believe it. It’s easier to say that yes, six new expressways are being added. 

    It takes time, planning, execution, and funds. This is happening. All this has a Yogi multiplier, Yogi effect, Yogi impact. 

    Noida contributes 10% of U.P. GDP, I’m told, is crucial for economic growth in the industrial base, IT sector, and upcoming projects like Jewar Airport and Film City. But this city has emerged as one of the leading habitations at a global level. The kind of talent that is there in Noida, I know for sure, I come from the legal profession. 

    It’s becoming a favourite destination. Uttar Pradesh, no longer a sleeping giant, no longer a state with a promise. It’s a state in action with its vast resources, burgeoning population, and strategic location. It’s a growth engine in itself, and tied to the larger growth engine of the nation to take the nation forward. 

    I am particularly impressed by the inclusive growth in the country under Prime Minister Modi’s vision. He believes in a plateau kind of a growth. Everyone has to rise in every sector, every social element. U.P. is in line with it. 

    The trade show focuses on a great opportunity for everyone for boosting MSMEs, promoting geographical indications, and GI products. It was with utmost reluctance that I moved fast. Otherwise, one geographical indicator was good enough to take a few hours. Because it has enormous potential of opportunities. What I saw today was not an exhibition. I saw a basket of opportunities for all. 

    This event, friends, aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat and embraces the motto, local to global. 

    India’s progress is evident in various sectors. But this is the right epicentre to take it to the next level, local to global. First it was vocal for local, now local to global. 

    I wouldn’t take long, but India is on the rise as never before. The rise is unstoppable. If I quickly take you, metro services have expanded from five cities to 23. 

    We have the world’s second largest metro network. The number of cities with airports has doubled from 70 to 140. India is now the largest connected nation globally with over 800 million broadband users. Digital technologies have enabled initiatives like housing for 170 million, health coverage for 60 million, and loans for 58 million small businesses annually. India records the highest digital financial transactions globally with 13 billion transactions per month. The country boasts the world’s third largest startup ecosystem with 107 unicorns and the third largest purchasing power in the world. 

    The semiconductor industry, which is very critical. It was here that the beginning was made by the Honourable Prime Minister. It is poised by 2026 to surpass 55 billion. I have no doubt this century belongs to Bharat. This century rightly belongs to Bharat. And that being the situation, let us all get together, ladies and gentlemen, because along with Bharat, we are witnessing a new dawn of Uttar Pradesh, a future where the nation stands tall as a global leader in trade, innovation, and cultural heritage. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has painstakingly brought about 360 degree improvement. Not easy. I feel tasked. He brought it about in law and order, in development, in cultural revolution, in giving skill to the people, and in bringing happiness to the people. The vision of Prime Minister Modi and passion of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are in synergy, preparing this transformation towards the grand mission of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. I have no doubt that this trade show will be a beacon of opportunity, collaboration, and success in our journey ahead. 

    And friends, I conclude by an appeal. एक बहुत बड़ा महायज्ञ भारत में हो रहा है, यह महायज्ञ विकसित भारत के लिए हो रहा है। यह महायज्ञ की पूर्ण आहुति आजादी की शताब्दी का जब महोत्सव होगा तब होगी। इसमें हर किसी को आहुति देनी है और आहुति देने के लिए संकल्प की आवश्यकता है की हम भारतीय हैं, भारतीयता हमारी पहचान है, राष्ट्रवाद हमारा धर्म है। We can never put self or political interest over nationalism.

     

    Thank you so much.

     

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    JK/RC/SM

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav Presides over 69th Foundation Day Celebrations of AIIMS New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav Presides over 69th Foundation Day Celebrations of AIIMS New Delhi

    AIIMS New Delhi is a pioneer in the field of medical education, research and healthcare in India whose legacy of excellence continues to inspire medical institutions worldwide: Shri Jadhav

    “AIIMS continuous unchallenged status of being ranked number one among medical institutions of India for the seventh consecutive year is a remarkable achievement”

    AIIMS New Delhi now serves as the National Resource Centre of the National Medical College Network of the Union Health Ministry

    In the last 2 years, inpatient beds in AIIMS have increased by more than 30%, Intensive care and operation theatre services by nearly 40%

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 2:49PM by PIB Delhi

    “AIIMS New Delhi is a pioneer in the field of medical education, research and healthcare in India whose legacy of excellence continues to inspire medical institutions worldwide.” This was stated by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav as he presided over the 69th Foundation Day ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, today.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jadhav said, “AIIMS New Delhi has achieved remarkable milestones and is determined to achieve its goal of being one of the top-ranked medical institutions in the world.” Highlighting that for the seventh consecutive year since the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF), AIIMS New Delhi has been ranked number one among medical institutions of India, the Union Minister said, “this Institute’s continuous unchallenged status is a remarkable achievement.”

     

    He informed that AIIMS New Delhi now serves as the National Resource Centre of the National Medical College Network (NMCN) of the Ministry of Health and Family welfare. This has enabled linkages with more than 100 medical colleges for enhancing undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education. “This objective is being facilitated by the creation of a National Learning Management & Information System, SAKSHYAM, which was launched last year”, he said.

     

     

    Shri Jadhav highlighted that AIIMS New Delhi has established a Centre of Excellence for development of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Created by MOHFW, this centre is expected to deliver AI based solutions for evaluation of chest x-rays, early detection of diabetic retinopathy, and identification of skin lesions, among other tools, for enhancing national programs. He noted that “AIIMS is set to be the biggest robotic surgery skill training centre with 2 state-of-the-art robotic surgery equipment dedicated for training of surgeons.”

     

    It was informed that over 900 extramural research projects are being funded by national and international agencies, amounting to a total grant of nearly Rs. 200 crores while AIIMS itself has funded over 240 intramural research projects apart from providing travel fellowships to students, residents, PhD scholars, and staff to participate in national and international conferences. AIIMS Delhi has also started the Centre for Medical Innovation & Entrepreneurship as a Bio-Incubator under the BIRAC – BioNEST Scheme.

    Shri Jadhav said that AIIMS has planned for building a new hostel complex with 2200 rooms, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 900 crores. He also highlighted new academic facilities that were added recently such as the Mother and Child Block, Surgery Block and the National Centre of Ageing which are fully functional now. Over the last 2 years, the inpatient beds have increased by more than 30%, Intensive care and operation theatre services by nearly 40%. These new facilities will improve the ability of AIIMS to cater to the huge clinical demand. AIIMS has also been entrusted with the responsibility to operationalize the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS) at Maidangarhi.

    The Union Minister kicked off the Foundation Day celebration by officially inaugurating an exhibition showcasing the innovative research and projects undertaken by various departments at AIIMS. He also took a tour of the exhibition.

    The Union Minister also inaugurated the awards ceremony, recognizing the achievements of students and staff with medals and book prizes. Awards were also given for outstanding contributions to the Institute Day Exhibition, celebrating excellence in research and innovation.

    AIIMS New Delhi has undertaken various IT initiatives and has developed various softwares in-house for a wide range of services. The SANTUSHT portal enables patients to register their grievances online, track the status, and provide feedback regarding the resolution. To increase transparency and to maintain the trust that the patients have in AIIMS, realtime dashboards have been developed and made available to the public. The management of IT infrastructure and network has also been digitized for prompt resolution of any hardware or network issues. Triage Register for Emergency Department is a web application which helps to keep the record of patient’s Disease Condition, Medical Examination and improves patient safety by ensuring timely cross-consultation by various departments. The Union Minister launched these digital initiatives during the event. He also inaugurated a fire station at AIIMS which will have a manpower of 6 men. It is the first such station exclusively for any medical institute.

    Prof. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi said “AIIMS has already received NABH certification for some of its blocks and centers and is in the process of NABH certification of all the centers including the main hospital. He highlighted that NABL accreditation of all laboratories in a phased manner is under process. He also informed that AIIMS has also been the forerunner in the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). “It has overcome various challenges and has been a role model for the country by creating more than 7 lakh ABHA IDs and more than 20 lakh scan and share tokens”, he said.

     

    Background:

    Established in 1956, AIIMS was created with the vision of providing high-quality medical education and comprehensive healthcare services. The institute was established as part of a larger effort to address the critical need for well-trained healthcare professionals in India. Recognizing the challenges in healthcare access and quality, the Indian government aimed to create an institution that would set benchmarks in medical training and patient care.

    From its inception, AIIMS has been a pioneer in developing innovative medical practices and cutting-edge research. Its comprehensive approach includes a focus on preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care, making it a model for medical institutions across the country. Over the decades, AIIMS has evolved to become not just a premier medical college, but also a leading research center, contributing significantly to advances in various fields of medicine.

    Importance of AIIMS in National Healthcare

    AIIMS, New Delhi, has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s healthcare landscape. Here are some key aspects of its importance:

    1. Quality Medical Education: AIIMS has been instrumental in training thousands of medical professionals who have gone on to serve in various capacities across the country. Its rigorous academic programs ensure that students receive not only theoretical knowledge but also practical training, enabling them to provide high-quality care to patients.
    2. Research and Innovation: The institute is known for its cutting-edge research in various fields, including cardiology, oncology, and neuroscience. AIIMS researchers have made significant contributions to medical science, often translating their findings into real-world applications that benefit patients.
    3. Public Health Initiatives: AIIMS has actively engaged in public health outreach programs, focusing on preventive care and health education. These initiatives aim to improve healthcare access for marginalized communities, aligning with the government’s goals to promote health equity.
    4. National Health Policies: AIIMS has served as an advisory body to the government on various health policies and programs. Its research findings and expert recommendations have influenced health policy decisions, ensuring that they are evidence-based and aligned with the needs of the population.
    5. Response to Health Crises: During health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, AIIMS played a crucial role in managing care, conducting research, and providing guidance on best practices. Its leadership in crisis management has been vital in safeguarding public health.

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    MV

    HFW/MoS AIIMS Foundation Day/25th September 2024/2

    (Release ID: 2058569) Visitor Counter : 118

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Briefing on maintaining peace and security in Ukraine (FR)

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

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

    Bern, 09.24.2024 – Address by Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) – Check against delivery

    Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, Dear colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I thank Slovenia for its initiative. It is crucial that this Council continues to reflect on ways to restore peace and end the Russian war against Ukraine. And this, in the presence of Ukraine; I welcome the presence of President Zelenskiy here.

    I firmly believe in the importance of respecting the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law, as well as the application of the Geneva Conventions, whose 75th anniversary we are celebrating this year.

    And yet, despite all the tools established after World War II, we have not succeeded in silencing the guns. We have not been able to prevent countless civilians from suffering the consequences.

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    So far, this Council has not assumed its responsibility. After 1000 days of war, we still have not found a diplomatic solution.

    Why are we unable to agree on the way forward to restore peace? Have we lost the common grammar of peace?

    If I hold my position as Minister, it is because I believe in the power of politics in the service of the common good. Politics must always challenge the maxim of the strategist von Clausewitz that: “war is the mere continuation of politics by other means.” And the UN is politics.

    Excellencies,

    Making peace takes courage.

    By organising the first Peace Summit in Ukraine last June, Switzerland had the audacity to place peace on the international agenda, and this in the midst of war.

    Countries from five continents gathered near Lucerne to discuss three key issues essential to building peace: • Nuclear security; • Food security; and • The humanitarian dimension of the conflict.

    The joint Bürgenstock communiqué, signed by a majority of participants representing the entire world, has helped to ease certain blockages revealed by the war in Ukraine and to restore a beginning of trust between us.

    This first step towards peace must not be left without follow-up. It is now essential to continue this dialogue also with Russia.

    Only pragmatic diplomacy can get us out of this impasse, which has already cost too many lives.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    While peace must be our priority, the reconstruction of Ukraine is also a collective responsibility. A lasting peace will also depend on well-prepared reconstruction. From the beginning of the conflict, Switzerland laid the foundations for this reconstruction with the Lugano Conference.

    One of our priorities is humanitarian demining. We are currently investing $120 million to demine civilian and agricultural areas in Ukraine. The Ukraine Mine Action Conference, co-organized by Switzerland and Ukraine on October 17-18 in Switzerland, will discuss the needs and solutions for this action.

    Ukraine is about to face its third winter of war. It is our duty to finally offer the Ukrainian people a spring of peace.

    Thank you.

    Address for inquiries

    FDFA CommunicationFederal Palace West WingCH-3003 Bern, SwitzerlandTel. Press service: 41 58 460 55 55E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.chTwitter: @SwissMFA

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairshttps://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Atos selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to expand the capabilities of the Destination Earth (DestinE) services platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Atos selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to expand the capabilities of the Destination Earth (DestinE) services platform

    Funded by the European Commission, the DestinE initiative powers a platform harnessing extensive climate data using a digital model of Earth

    Paris, France – September 25, 2024 – Atos today announces that it has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead a consortium tasked with an initial 12-month mission to expand the capabilities of the Destination Earth (DestinE) services platform. To accomplish this task, the Group will design and implement advanced applications and services (AAS).

    Kick-started by the European Commission, DestinE has the following components: digital twins of the Earth; a data lake to process big data in the cloud; and a services platform engineered by ESA. AAS will expedite the use of DestinE platform data as well as the roll-out of services by stakeholders within Europe’s ecosystem. As a result, European Union member states, European institutions, manufacturers, academics and scientists will be able to devise strategies for adapting to climate change and implement accurate, actionable measures that ensure mitigation.

    Together with its partners Mews and ACRI-ST, Atos will support ESA in its efforts to pinpoint and deploy pioneering technologies in generative AI, data fusion and 3D visualization. These technologies will be integrated into the DestinE services platform, forming the application and architectural building blocks that will enable users to unlock the full potential of the data lake and digital twin capabilities to create content, services and decision-making tools. Users will enjoy access to a host of different algorithms, collaborative digital tools, thematic information, models, simulations, forecasts and graphic visualizations.

    The platform’s components will accelerate the development of multiple use cases spotlighting the impact of natural phenomena and human activities on Earth while planning for extreme weather events, adapting policy to climate challenges and raising public awareness. For instance, what are the effects of climate change on land use? Which initiatives should be led in cities and regions and how can we monitor their positive impact over the course of decades? What tools should be deployed to address the impact of manufacturing and educate others on climate issues?

    ESA entrusted Atos with its expertise in developing and operating advanced services into DestinE platform under large-scale European initiatives, and the Group’s ability to combine its partners’ know-how, in this case, Mews’ consulting acumen and ACRI-ST’s core business skills to process and manage satellite data. Full knowledge of Atos’ cloud platforms will be key, since DestinE runs on a flexible and secure open-source computing infrastructure which is supported by public cloud operators located in Europe.

    This initiative is spearheaded by Atos’ Toulouse-based teams who specialize in deploying and utilizing Earth observation platforms, backed by interdisciplinary experts working for Atos’ Inno’Labs – innovation hubs that are home to scientists, data scientists, AI specialists, IT architects and software developers.

    Raoul Roth, CEO France, Atos, commented: “We are honored that ESA places its trust in our Group. It is a testament to our expertise and long-standing commitment to helping organizations across Europe deliver services with high value-added technologies and a lasting impact on the future of our planet.”

    The DestinE services platform is powered by ESA’s space observation data thanks to the Earth Explorers and Copernicus Sentinel missions, coupled with data provided by Europe’s meteorological organizations, ECMWF and EUMETSAT. DestinE uses climate simulation models based on Europe’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems.

    The European Commission launched the DestinE initiative in 2022. The services platform, data lake, and digital twin engine have been launched in 2024. Focusing on weather-induced extremes and climate change adaptation, the first two digital twins also went through demo testing. Between now and 2030, additional digital twins will be integrated, culminating in DestinE’s development as a full digital replica of the Earth.

    ***

    The DestinE platform is co-funded by the European Union. The perspectives and opinions expressed in this press release are those of the contributing authors only, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

    ***

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 92,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Isabelle Grangé | isabelle.grange@atos.net | Tél : +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Announces New Investments to Protect Freshwater Resources, Enhance Drought and Climate  Resilience

    Source: The White House

    Our nation’s lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, and wetlands are fundamental to the health, prosperity, and resilience of our communities and are held sacred by many Tribal Nations. They are not only the sources of clean drinking water that flows into the taps of our homes, but are also economic drivers supporting jobs and outdoor recreation across the nation. By absorbing and storing carbon, our nation’s waterways and wetlands – and the forests, grasslands, and farmlands they nourish – also play a critical role in the fight against climate change.

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to secure clean water for all communities, protect our vital freshwater resources, and mitigate the impacts of drought. Given that communities often acutely experience the climate crisis through water-related impacts – from floods and droughts to polluted drinking sources and waterways – this Administration is making historic investments through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to protect, conserve, and restore our freshwater basins and ecosystems.

    Meanwhile, many Republicans in Congress continue to deny the very existence of climate change and remain committed to repealing the President’s Inflation Reduction Act – the biggest climate protection bill ever – which would undermine the health, safety, and economic vitality of their own constituents.

    Today, during Climate Week, the White House is announcing new funding and whole-of-government initiatives that build upon its ambitious freshwater agenda and help restore and conserve our freshwater resources and address climate impacts felt across the nation:

    • Investing in Long-Term Colorado River Basin Resilience: The Biden-Harris Administration is leading a comprehensive effort to make Western communities more resilient to climate change and address the ongoing megadrought across the region, including the Colorado River Basin, by harnessing the full resources of President Biden’s historic Investing in America agenda. The Administration’s investments in the Lower Colorado River Basin bridge the immediate need for water conservation while moving toward improved system efficiency and more durable long-term solutions. Overall, the funding for long-term water conservation initiatives in the Lower Basin is expected to save more than 1 million acre-feet of water, putting the Basin on a path to a more resilient and sustainable water future.
      • The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is announcing the execution of the first three contracts for long-term water conservation under the Lower Colorado Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program. Totaling approximately $107 million, taken together these first three projects – all with the Gila River Indian Community in the Lower Colorado River Basin of Arizona – will provide over 73,000 acre-feet of water conservation to support the sustainability of Lake Mead while also helping ensure long-term water resilience for the Community. The Bureau of Reclamation is also working on the companion program for the Upper Basin, which will provide additional water savings for the Basin’s long-term sustainability.
      • The Bureau of Reclamation is working with the following sponsors in the Lower Colorado Basin to negotiate water conservation contracts for ten additional proposed projects, including:
        • City of Phoenix
        • City of Tucson
        • Coachella Valley Water District
        • Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association & Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District
        • San Diego County Water Authority
        • Southern Nevada Water Authority
        • The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
        • Town of Gilbert
    • The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is also signing agreements with the Imperial Irrigation District and the Bard Water District in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District in California to ensure the conservation of up to 717,100acre-feet of water by 2026. This water will remain in Lake Mead in an effort to benefit the Colorado River System and its users.
    • Investing in Indian Country: The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation has announced historic Tribal water infrastructure investments totaling over $1.2 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, Reclamation Water Settlement funding, and annual appropriations. This includes a new investment of $9.4 million for Tribal drought relief and technical assistance projects that will restore wetlands, improve irrigation efficiency, and support groundwater monitoring.
    • Reconnecting Waterways and Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems: With over $3 billion in funding for ecosystem restoration and fish passage projects, the Investing in America agenda is helping secure cleaner rivers, safer communities, greater recreational opportunities, and improved fish and wildlife habitat, driving change across the landscape for people, communities, species, and ecosystems.
      • The Administration is announcing a suite of 10 transformational fish passage projects that to date have received over $150 million from eight Federal agencies. When completed, these fish passage and aquatic connectivity projects – located in communities from Maine to Ohio to California – will reconnect nearly 5,000 miles of rivers and streams across the United States. Reconnecting waterways allows natural functions to be restored in freshwater systems, improving their climate resilience and water quality, and therefore their ability to protect communities from catastrophic floods, droughts, catastrophic wildfire, and water pollution. Improving fish passage and reconnecting aquatic systems is one of the most effective ways to help conserve vulnerable species, while building safer infrastructure for communities and improving climate resilience. To date, the Administration has spent over $970 million on more than 600 fish passage projects in 45 states across the country.
      • The Department of the Interior today is announcing an additional $92 million in new resources from the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program to help restore important salmon and other native fish habitat across the West. These projects, when complete, will provide increased water quality, floodplain stability, and drought resiliency.
    • Collaborating with Stakeholders to Protect Freshwater Systems: At a Climate Week NYC event focused on the Global Freshwater Challenge, White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory announced a doubling of new partners in the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge – a nationwide initiative to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of our nation’s rivers and streams by 2030. Over 100 members from across the country initially signed on to support freshwater restoration in their communities. That number has now more than doubled to over 211, including 14 states, 16 Tribal entities, 27 local governments, and 79 private sector members.

    Today’s announcements build on recent actions that deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring safe drinking water, including providing approximately $1 billion in funding to bring safe, clean water to Tribal communities; finalizing the first-ever standard to protect communities from toxic “forever chemicals,” along with rulemakings to hold polluters responsible for PFAS cleanup and to enhance safeguards against dangerous chemical spills in our nation’s waters; and continuing to deliver on President Biden’s goal to replace every lead pipe in America in the next decade. The Department of the Interior has invested more than $6.95 billion to fund over 831 Western water projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act; the Environmental Protection Agency has leveraged more than $9 billion in the last two years alone to communities across the West; and other agencies from the Department of Agriculture to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue to make investments that increase water availability, reduce water use, and enhance resilience.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – WHO recognizes healthy, innovative cities across Asia

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    SEOUL, Republic of Korea l 25 September 2024 — Eight cities across Asia were recognized today by the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region for outstanding contributions to urban health. The 2024 WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards were presented during the 10th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities taking place this week in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with the theme “Smarter and Healthier Cities for a Better Future”.

    “Urbanization is not just a challenge − it is an opportunity,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities, we have a responsibility to ensure that our urban spaces are designed to promote health, equity and well-being for all. The cities we are recognizing today have shown that through innovation, collaboration and strategic governance, we can build a healthier future for generations to come.”

    Award-winning cities and initiatives

    This year’s awards were presented to cities in Japan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea and Singapore for exceptional achievements promoting health and well-being across eight categories:

    “Safe, Sustainable and Health-Enabling Transport System”: Owariasahi City, Japan

    o   Owariasahi City’s comprehensive approach to traffic safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, older people and people with disabilities, has led to a significant reduction in deaths from road traffic crashes. The city’s green and user-friendly transport system exemplifies how urban mobility can promote the health and safety of all residents.

    “Tobacco-Free City for Future Generations”: Carmona City, Cavite, Philippines

    o   Carmona City’s tobacco control measures, focused on protecting children and young people, have gone beyond local ordinances to create a tobacco-free environment. The city’s strategic approach involves community engagement to safeguard future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.

    “Age-Friendly Cities: Bridging Generations for a Healthier Tomorrow”: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea

    Seoul’s “Healthy Ageing Support” initiative focuses on bridging generations through intergenerational activities that foster mutual support between younger and older residents. The programme, run by the Seoul Metropolitan Health and Well-Ageing Centre, is a model for how cities can adapt to the challenges of an ageing population through collaboration, innovation and inclusivity.

    “Let’s Be Active!”: Songpa District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Songpa has promoted active living through creation of a 21-kilometre walking and running trail and a 15-kilometre bike path, supported by public bike-sharing systems. These efforts benefit visually impaired and older residents in particular. The “G-EYE” app provides barrier-free navigation, including sound signals and location-based assistance, ensuring safe and independent walking for the visually impaired. For older residents, 35 shelters, 305 benches and accessible exercise equipment have been installed, providing comfortable rest stops and encouraging physical activity. These initiatives have increased walking and cycling rates, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and equity in urban transport planning.

    “Community Engagement to Advance Health Equity”: Dong-gu District, Gwangju, Republic of Korea

    Dong-gu’s community-driven approach to health equity addresses both housing and urban development, creating policies shaped by the voices of local residents. The project empowers communities to engage in decision-making processes that directly impact their living conditions, fostering greater health equity.

    “Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability for Health in Cities”: Chungju City, Republic of Korea

    Chungju’s ecological parks and carbon sinks offer green spaces for physical activity and contribute significantly to climate resilience. Combined with educational programmes and long-term budget planning, these initiatives demonstrate a sustainable model for other cities facing environmental health challenges.

    “Safeguarding Communities Against Alcohol-Related Harms”: Dobong-gu District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Dobong-gu has implemented a comprehensive alcohol reduction strategy, particularly focused on women, resulting in a measurable decrease in binge drinking and alcohol-related health issues. By engaging various sectors to support alcohol use disorder recovery and treatment, the district is addressing an important public health concern.

    “Transforming Food Environments for Healthy Diets and Optimal Nutrition”: Singapore

    o   Singapore’s front-of-pack labelling system and ban on advertising of unhealthy drinks have empowered consumers to make healthier choices. These government initiatives have also driven the beverage industry to reformulate products, showing how actions from cities can help to shape food environments in ways that improve public health.

    “WHO Regional Director’s Special Award”: Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

    Pasig City in the National Capital Region of the Philippines received the WHO Regional Director’s Special Award this year in recognition of its long track record of implementing Healthy Cities activities and promoting the approach nationally and internationally. An active member of the Alliance for Healthy Cities, Pasig City continues to play a key role in advancing Healthy Cities in the Philippines..

    Pasig is among the early adopters of WHO’s Urban Governance for Health and Well-being initiative which supports local actions that promote good governance for health. The city’s community engagement efforts, driven by a participatory and multisectoral approach, aims to improve the health and well-being of its population.

    Pasig’s achievements in building a healthier, more sustainable environment through innovative actions has set a benchmark for other cities to follow, inspiring similar initiatives across the country. By implementing greening projects, the reforestation of the Marikina Watershed and the establishment of bike lanes and a bike-sharing programme, the city has improved its climate resilience and urban mobility. Programmes like the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy empower local organizations through capacity-building focused on health and social issues, while the city’s skills development and livelihood training programmes strengthen residents’ economic and social well-being.

    Speaking at the 10th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities in Seoul, Dr Susan Mercado, Director of Programme Management for WHO in the Western Pacific Region, emphasized: “Cities are our hope for immediate action. Cities are our hope for innovation when changes like climate or conflict or communicable diseases threaten lives. Cities are catalysts for the health and well-being of humanity, and our cities in the Western Pacific need to be safe havens in the context of a changing planet.”

    Urbanization as a catalyst for health and well-being

    More than half (58%) of the population in the Western Pacific Region − some 1.1 billion people − now live in cities. The rapid pace of urbanization presents both opportunities and challenges for public health. By adopting sustainable urban policies, cities can promote health, provide equitable access and protect populations while ensuring health equity remains at the forefront of urban development.

    “Urbanization is not just about building cities; it is about building futures,” added Dr Mercado. “By harnessing the power of urbanization, we can turn cities into engines of health and well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world.”

    Smarter and healthier cities for all

    The WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards highlight the transformative potential of urban environments in promoting health and well-being. By prioritizing health equity, sustainability and innovation, the recognized cities are leading the way towards a future where urbanization drives positive change, creating healthier, more inclusive communities.

    “As cities continue to grow, we must ensure that no one is left behind,” emphasized Dr Piukala, stressing the importance of inclusivity and access to health for all. “Healthy cities are for everyone. They should provide opportunities for all citizens to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

    WHO remains dedicated to building healthier, more resilient and sustainable cities for the future. Urbanization offers a unique opportunity to improve people’s well-being, and the Alliance for Healthy Cities has demonstrated that change is possible. Through collective action, cities can become smarter, healthier and more inclusive, ensuring a safer and healthier world for future generations.

    Notes:

    Since 2004, the WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards have provided a platform for cities to showcase best practices in areas such as healthy ageing, urban mobility, health equity, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, tobacco and alcohol control, healthy diets and health-enabling societies. This year’s awardees exemplify how the Healthy Cities approach and urbanization can be harnessed as a positive force for health, safety and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2024 DOE Tribal Clean Energy Summit

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

    More than 700 Tribal Leaders, staff, and partners attended the 2024 DOE Tribal Clean Energy Summit on the homelands of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians in Temecula, California. This group joined together to build networks, exchange ideas, and explore clean energy solutions that support Tribal energy sovereignty.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ug6uNhohmo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ready for uni life? Use condoms to keep STIs away

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UKHSA is advising students to use condoms when having sex with new or casual partners

    Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain high among young people. The most recent data from UKHSA shows that in 2023, among people aged 15 to 24, there were:

    • 104,107 cases of chlamydia
    • 4,617 cases of genital warts
    • 29,880 cases of gonorrhoea

    These infections spread easily, and those aged 15 to 24 are especially at risk as they are more likely to have frequent partner changes.

    While many STIs can be treated, untreated infections can lead to serious health issues. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea may cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can result in severe, irreversible problems affecting the brain, heart, or nerves.

    Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said:

    If you’re having sex with someone new, or someone more casually, don’t forget to use a condom.

    With higher STI rates in young people, having sex without a condom can increase your chances of an infection like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Getting tested regularly will also help detect any infections quickly and protect your own and your partners health.

    Some people will have symptoms of an infection (such as a discharge, pain while urinating or an unusual rash or blisters) but many people do not show symptoms which means people often pass on STIs without realising it. Regular testing for STIs and HIV  is essential – everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, at least once a year if having condomless sex with new or casual partners.

    Testing is free – including for students who have moved here from another country. It can be accessed through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres. Many sexual health services in England now offer free STI self-sampling kits for people who aren’t showing any symptoms or signs of an STI and would prefer a routine check-up in the comfort and privacy of their own home. If you notice any unusual symptoms, make sure to contact your local sexual health service and get tested.

    Laura Domegan, Head of Nursing at Brook, said:

    Freshers is always a good time for young people to consider their sexual health, with many of them moving away from home, meeting new people and taking part in all the fun that comes with starting a new college or university. This year it is particularly important, given the recent increase in diagnoses of several STIs, particularly among young people. Thankfully there are very simple steps everyone can take to look after themselves.

    Using condoms is one of the best ways to enjoy safer sex as they’re the only form of contraception that also protects against STIs. People should also get tested if they’ve had unprotected sex or started seeing a new partner. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve had sex or how many sexual partners you’ve had, anyone can catch an STI. Many STIs do not have symptoms either, so testing is the only way to know if you have one or not.

    We would also encourage students to access their local sexual health services. They will be able to provide you with free condoms, contraception, and STI testing and treatment, as well as the confidential, non-judgement support you need to look after your sexual health. To find your nearest sexual health service visit the Brook Sexual Health Clinic Near Me website.

    UKHSA is also reminding students to ensure they are up to date with their free NHS vaccines, including:

    • MMR
    • MenACWY
    • HPV

    The MenACWY jab can be a lifesaver as it protects against some types of meningitis. The HPV vaccine protects against some forms of cancer and reduces the risk of genital warts. Some students will also be eligible for an mpox vaccine, a hepatitis B vaccine and a hepatitis A vaccine.

    UK Health Security Agency press office

    10 South Colonnade
    London
    E14 4PU

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates outbreak of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae at elderly home in Sheung Shui

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates outbreak of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae at elderly home in Sheung Shui
    CHP investigates outbreak of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae at elderly home in Sheung Shui
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 25) investigating an outbreak of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) at a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) in Sheung Shui, and reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene and to use antibiotics properly.     The CHP received notification from the Hospital Authority that an 89-year-old female resident of the aforementioned RCHE attended a follow-up consultation at a public hospital for her underlying illness on August 26 and was found to have a fever. Her urine sample tested positive for CPE upon laboratory testing, and the clinical diagnosis was urinary tract infection. Upon receiving the notification, the CHP carried out an epidemiological investigation and found that two female residents, aged 79 and 91, who had previously acquired the infection during hospitalisation and been identified as carrier cases, might be the source. A site inspection was conducted on September 10 by the CHP. It was found that the RCHE had yet to fully implement relevant infection control measures, which caused the transmission in the RCHE. The CHP conducted contact tracing and screening at the RCHE and found that the rectal swabs of 16 other female residents, aged between 70 and 103, also tested positive for CPE. All 16 residents remain asymptomatic and are in stable condition.     The CHP conducted another site inspection yesterday (September 24) and advised the RCHE again to adopt and reinforce necessary infection control measures against CPE, including maintaining good environmental hygiene and hand hygiene for staff and residents. The RCHE has been put under medical surveillance.     The CHP’s investigations are ongoing.     RCHEs are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly on detection, prevention and control of infections. If there is suspicion of an infectious disease outbreak, the institution should report to the CHP promptly for follow-up.     A spokesman for the CHP said, “Enterobacteriaceae (for example, E. coli and Klebsiella) are common pathogens that can cause infections at different body sites including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections or bacteraemia. CPE are enterobacteriaceae that produce carbapenemase – an enzyme that can deactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins. These bacteria are commonly resistant to multiple antibiotics, limiting therapeutic options, and may render severe clinical infections difficult to treat. The range of diseases associated with CPE varies from asymptomatic carriage to potentially life-threatening or fatal infections. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection and the general health of the patient.”     ​​The spokesman added that proper use of antibiotics and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for the prevention of emergence and cross-transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) like CPE. In addition, susceptible individuals such as the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity can lower the risk of contracting MDROs by not eating raw or undercooked foods.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 18:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor files suit to recover unpaid overtime wages, damages for more than 180 shortchanged Coway USA workers

    Source: US Department of Labor

    LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging that Coway USA Inc., a Los Angeles-based company that sells, leases and services household appliances, failed to pay overtime wages earned by more than 180 employees, a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

    The action follows an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division that found Coway knowingly shortchanged employees who serviced and maintained company products by falsifying employment records to hide all hours worked by employees. The investigation also revealed that Coway failed to account or pay for time spent by employees on calls with customers, loading and unloading vehicles with products for delivery, trips to the warehouse to pick up inventory and attending mandatory trainings. Additionally, Coway automatically deducted 30 minutes per day for lunch even though employees worked through lunch to meet customer needs or stay on schedule.

    In addition to falsifying records, the department alleges that Coway utilized a flawed methodology for purposes of computing overtime pay, further reducing their overtime liability and depriving employees of their overtime wages. 

    The division estimates Coway owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid overtime wages to more than 180 employees. In addition to seeking the recovery of all unpaid wages, the department is seeking an equal amount in liquidated damages. 

    “Coway knowingly violated federal law by depriving workers of their hard-earned overtime pay and falsifying the hours they worked,” explained Regional Solicitor Marc Pilotin in San Francisco. “Coway’s violations have to be remedied and the company must be brought into compliance to ensure workers are fully and accurately compensated.”  

    “Our investigation found Coway, with brand ambassadors such as Korean pop band BTS, failed to pay more than 180 workers their overtime wages,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Kimchi Bui in Los Angeles. “Employers can pay by piece-rate based on the number of units employees service, but they must pay overtime using the correct methodology and accounting for all hours worked.”

    Based in Los Angeles, Coway USA Inc. is a subsidiary of international household appliance manufacturer Coway Co. Ltd. The company produces water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, water softeners and mattresses from South Korea.

    The Wage and Hour Division’s Los Angeles District Office conducted the investigation. The regional Office of the Solicitor in San Francisco is litigating the case in court.

    Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division and how to file an online complaint. For confidential compliance assistance, employees and employers can call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243), regardless of where they are from. The division can speak with callers in more than 200 languages.

    Download the agency’s new Timesheet App for iOS and Android devices – available in English and Spanish – to ensure hours and pay are accurate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.24.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 24, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Steve Juarez, of Truckee, has been appointed to the California State Teachers’ Retirement Board. Juarez served as a Deputy State Treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office from 2016 to 2018. He was Associate Vice President of State Government Relations for the University of California from 2008 to 2016. Juarez was a Senior Investment Banker at J.P. Morgan from 2006 to 2008. He was Director of Financial Management for the J. Paul Getty Trust from 1998 to 2006. Juarez was Associate Vice Chancellor of Government and Community Relations for the University of California, Los Angeles from 1996 to 1998. He was Chief Legislative Representative for the County of Los Angeles in 1995. Juarez was Executive Director of the California Debt Advisory Commission from 1991 to 1995 and Principal Committee Consultant in the California State Assembly from 1987 to 1991. Juarez was Manager of Government Relations for the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission from 1984 to 1987. He was a Program Analyst in the Legislative Analyst’s Office from 1981 to 1984. Juarez is Chair of the National Association of Counties EDGE Board of Directors and a member of the California Museum and Keep Tahoe Blue Board of Directors. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Juarez is a Democrat. 

    Derek Urwin, of San Clemente, has been appointed to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. Urwin has been an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles since 2022. He has been Chief Science Advisor at the International Association of Fire Fighters since 2021. Urwin has been a Firefighter and Engineer at the Los Angeles County Fire Department since 2010. He was a Firefighter at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue from 2007 to 2010. Urwin is a member of the Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree and a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Urwin is registered without party preference.

    Sandra Sims, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Baldwin Hills Conservancy Governing Board. Sims has been a Human Resources Business Partner and Personnel Manager for the University of California, Los Angeles since 2023. She was a Human Resources Manager for Long Beach City College from 2021 to 2023. Sims was a Freelance Reporter and Writer with various news publications from 2016 to 2021. She was a Principal Analyst and Policy Human Resources Analyst for the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources from 2007 to 2016. Sims was a Civil Service Advocate for the Department of Children and Family Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources from 2006 to 2007. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Sims earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angles. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Sims is a Democrat. 

    Recent news

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today signed a bipartisan legislative package to further reinforce California’s nation-leading gun laws and prevent traumatic incidents of mass violence. The laws build on California’s successful strategies to address gun…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed two bills to boost access to affordable housing for California’s farmworkers: AB 2240 and AB 3035. Governor Newsom also signed SB 1105 to help protect the health and safety of farmworkers in states of emergency….

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom visited the community of East Orosi to help address its failing sewer system, giving the state more tools to step in, as well as signing clean drinking water bills. Since 2019, nearly 900,000 Californians have gotten…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Lauds Top State Manager, Employee and Team of the Year

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN LAUDS TOP STATE MANAGER, EMPLOYEE AND TEAM OF THE YEAR

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 24, 2024

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today recognized winners of the Governor’s Awards, designed to honor state Executive Branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai‘i. The statewide program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development.

    “Public employees have made important contributions to our continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of government services,” said Governor Green. “We are honored to work with such dedicated individuals and appreciate all they do each and every day.”

    Governor Green presented the awards for:

    STATE MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Joanna Seto, Administrator, Department of Health

    Faced with extraordinary responsibilities, including the Red Hill Fuel crisis, Joanna’s skills and successes have never been more apparent than after the Maui wildfires. She actively led her team through the response and recovery phases and continues to help hone their skills to assist the community in rehabilitating the environment. Leading by example, her team is committed to its mission – to protect human health and the environment.

    STATE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Heidi Taogoshi, Registered Nurse, Department of Health

    In the aftermath of the Maui Wildfires, Heidi quickly assessed the needs of the Lahaina community resulting in the deployment of mobile medical teams and the conversion of an abandoned state building into a health care clinic to provide essential services to those affected by the wildfires. With her guidance, management of the clinic was transferred to community providers, ensuring continued services to the people of Lahaina.

    STATE TEAM OF THE YEAR: UH Maui College Culinary Arts Team, University of Hawai‘i

    When the UH Maui College Pa‘ina Building was transformed into a fire relief food hub after the wildfires, the Culinary Arts team worked with organizations to prepare meals for residents displaced by the fire. The team also created a Disaster Relief Food Preparation Experience course, designed for students to work with industry chefs and instructors to learn about disaster relief food preparation and distribution.

    The three winners were selected from 56 exceptional groups and individual nominees.  A volunteer Selection Committee of four prominent members of the community carefully reviewed the 56 nomination packets and rated them according to defined categories.  The committee presented its recommendations for the three awards to Governor Green.

    The four members of this year’s Selection Committee are: Hawai‘i Public Radio host and news team member Catherine Cruz; City and County of Honolulu Homeless Coordinator Sam Moku; Hawai‘i Convention Center/ASM Global General Manager Teri Orton, and Office of the Governor Chief of Staff Brooke Wilson.

    At this year’s ceremony, Governor Green also recognized the recipients of the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Employee, Manager and Team of the Year for their outstanding achievements due to the cancellation of the May 2020 ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The 2020 Selection Committee, comprising John Gotanda, president, Hawai‘i Pacific University; Catherine Cruz, host and news team member, Hawai‘i Public Radio; Marc Alexander, then-executive director, Mayor’s Office of Housing; Terri Funakoshi, director of operations, YWCA O‘ahu; and Jason Hagiwara, president and general Manager, KITV4 Island Television, selected the award recipients from 53 exceptional groups and individual nominees. They are:

    2020 STATE MANAGER OF THE YEAR: BONNIE KAHAKUI, state procurement assistant administrator, Department of Accounting and General Services

    Bonnie sets the pace in her office, always looking ahead and focusing on improving practices and procedures. She launched a new Learning Management System, recording more than 14,000 attendees at procurement training workshops and worked to broaden the purchasing process and take advantage of Amazon’s wide selection. Bonnie also led a statewide initiative to procure electric vehicles and infrastructure to help reduce Hawai‘i’s carbon footprint.

    2020 STATE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: JANIS MATSUNAGA, entomologist, Department of Agriculture

    She is a leading expert in the field, editor of the Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society and is one of the longest serving officers in the 100-plus year history of the Hawaiian Entomological Society. Through emails or social media, Ms. Matsunaga will often bring peace of mind to the residents of Hawai‘i by defining problems with beetles infesting cabinetry or address insect problems that exist in their homes.

    2020 STATE TEAM OF THE YEAR: CORRECTIONS PROGRAMS SERVICES (CPS) – EDUCATION BRANCH, Department of Public Safety

    Education gives us knowledge and provides the necessary skills to navigate the world around us. When inmates become students of the Education Branch, they are more likely to find employment, make a positive contribution to society and strengthen family relations. The public benefits from reduced government costs, decreased crime rates, safer communities and a reduced tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend. In 2019, the Team produced 28 GED graduates, with 3 students passing the HiSET. (The Department of Public Safety was redesignated as the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation effective January 1, 2024.)

    “These individuals have selflessly given of themselves to enrich the lives of those they serve,” said Governor Green. “Their accomplishments perpetuate the aloha spirit and make our state a special place to live and work.”

    Photos from today’s awards ceremony will be uploaded here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    Erin Conner
    Executive Specialist
    Department of Human Resources Development
    Phone: 808-587-1120
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs bipartisan legislation to strengthen California’s gun laws

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 24, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today signed a bipartisan legislative package to further reinforce California’s nation-leading gun laws and prevent traumatic incidents of mass violence. The laws build on California’s successful strategies to address gun violence, including new measures to reduce domestic violence. 

    SACRAMENTO — Building on California’s nation-leading gun laws, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a number of bills into law to bolster California’s nation-leading gun laws, adding stronger protections against gun violence. 

    “California won’t wait until the next school shooting or mass shooting to act. In the absence of congressional action, our state is once again leading the way by strengthening our nation-leading gun laws. Data shows that California’s gun safety laws are effective in preventing gun-related deaths — which makes the ongoing inaction and obstruction by politicians in the pocket of the gun lobby even more reprehensible.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    What these new laws do

    ✅ PROTECT KIDS FROM GUNS by strengthening safe storage requirements and creating stricter penalties for gun owners whose guns are accessed by a child, resulting in death or injury to themselves or others. Strengthens safety measures to protect students during active threats.

    ✅ PREVENT GUN-RELATED HATE CRIMES by building on California’s red flag laws and creating more training for law enforcement officers and courts to assess and identify extremism and potential for hate-based crimes, allowing more effective use of restraining orders. 

    ✅ SAFEGUARD VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE by creating more training and tools for child custody caseworkers and law enforcement officers to determine whether abusers may have access to guns. 

    ✅ PROVIDE MORE TOOLS TO KEEP GUNS OUT OF DANGEROUS HANDS by restricting animal abusers and persons found incompetent to stand trial from possessing firearms, as well as by strengthening California’s red flag laws.

    ✅ INCREASE INFORMATION-SHARING TO CLOSE ENFORCEMENT GAPS by making it easier for California courts to ensure that people who are deemed a threat to themselves or others no longer have access to firearms. 

    California’s history of gun violence prevention

    California has long led the way in enacting commonsense and effective protections against gun violence. California’s gun safety laws save lives. The Golden State is ranked #1 for gun safety and last year experienced a gun death rate 43% lower than the national average. In comparison, Texas and Florida, who ranked 31st and 24th respectively in gun law strength, had firearm mortality rates more than 1.5 times that of California. Since the early 1990s, California has cut its gun death rate in half. By 2022, California had the 7th lowest gun death rate in the country. If other states’ gun death mortality rates matched California’s, an estimated 140,000 Americans would still be alive today. 

    Nationwide, firearms kill more children and adolescents than any other cause. Compared to the rest of the nation, California has made substantial long-term progress in reducing per capita rates of youth firearm homicide. 

    Preliminary CDC data showed that in 2022, California’s age-adjusted per capita firearm homicide rate for youth under 25 was 45% below the rate recorded for the rest of the U.S. By contrast, the rest of the U.S. experienced a 37% increase in youth gun homicide rates over the same period. The next two most populous states after California – Florida and Texas – experienced substantial increases over this same period, with youth homicide rates rising by 24% in Florida and 49% in Texas. 

    The following measures have been signed into law:

    • AB 960 by Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Porterville) – School safety: web-based or app-based school safety programs
    • AB 1252 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – Office of Gun Violence Prevention
    • AB 1858 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Comprehensive school safety plans: active shooters: armed assailants: drills
    • AB 1974 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Family conciliation courts: evaluator training (signed earlier this year)
    • AB 2565 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) – School facilities: interior locks
    • AB 2621 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – Law enforcement training
    • AB 2629 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Firearms: prohibited persons
    • AB 2642 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Elections: intimidation
    • AB 2739 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego) – Firearms
    • AB 2759 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine)
    • AB 2822 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – Domestic violence
    • AB 2842 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – Firearms
    • AB 2907 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) – Firearms: restrained persons
    • AB 2917 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) – Firearms: restraining orders
    • AB 3064 by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego) –  Firearms
    • AB 3072 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) — Child custody: ex parte orders (signed earlier this year)
    • AB 3083 by Assemblymember Tom Lackey —  Domestic violence: protective orders: background checks
    • SB 53 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Firearms: storage
    • SB 758 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Firearms
    • SB 899 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – Protective orders: firearms
    • SB 902 by Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) – Firearms: public safety
    • SB 965 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) – Firearms
    • SB 1002 by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) –Firearms: prohibited persons
    • SB 1019 by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) – Firearms: destruction

    Recent news

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed two bills to boost access to affordable housing for California’s farmworkers: AB 2240 and AB 3035. Governor Newsom also signed SB 1105 to help protect the health and safety of farmworkers in states of emergency….

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom visited the community of East Orosi to help address its failing sewer system, giving the state more tools to step in, as well as signing clean drinking water bills. Since 2019, nearly 900,000 Californians have gotten…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: New laws will strengthen consumer protections and help save Californians money. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills that will strengthen protections for consumers, addressing issues that have put financial strain on…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW PUBLIC PRESCHOOLS OPEN FOR WINDWARD OʻAHU KEIKI

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    HONOLULU — In a milestone for early education in Windward Oʻahu, Benjamin Parker Elementary School has opened two new public preschool classrooms—the first of their kind in Kāneʻohe. As part of the Ready Keiki initiative to ensure universal access to preschool, the new public pre-K classrooms represent an important step in increasing access to early education for the Kāneʻohe community.

    Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke visited one of the two classrooms on Monday, joined by Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) Director Yuuko Arikawa-Cross and area legislators: Representative Lisa Kitagawa, Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi, and Senator Jarrett Keohokalole.

    The two classrooms, when filled, will serve up to 40 keiki, with each classroom accommodating 20 students. Priority enrollment was given to keiki experiencing specific learning, language, and family situations. Open enrollment for the remaining seats begins on October 1, and families living or working in Windward Oʻahu are encouraged to apply for their keiki.

    “The opening of these two preschool classrooms at Benjamin Parker is not only a huge step for our Windward Oʻahu community but a testament to the importance of expanding early education across the state,” said Lt. Gov. Luke. “Whether here in Kāneʻohe, Hilo, or Wailuku, keiki across Hawaiʻi, no matter where they live, should have access to high-quality early education.”

    The community has provided input on the need for increased child care and preschool options for the Windward side, supported by population data on where 3- and 4-year-olds are located.

    “We’ve listened to the community and know that early learning is key to success in school and life. These new classrooms are a direct response to that need, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see them open in Kāneʻohe,” said Yuuko Arikawa-Cross, EOEL Director. “We are grateful to our partners for making this a reality for our keiki.”

    Principal Patricia Macadangdang of Benjamin Parker Elementary highlighted the positive impact these preschool classrooms will have on both students and families. “Pre-K has already made a big difference here at Ben Parker. Our keiki will be coming to kindergarten better prepared, and their families are excited to have this opportunity so close to their homes or work,” she said.

    Beginning October 1, families and caregivers can apply for open enrollment to EOEL’s Public Prekindergarten Program using the online portal at earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.

    All families, regardless of priority group, are encouraged to apply. For more information, please contact EOEL at (808) 784-5350.

    To view all child care centers and public and private preschools in Windward Oʻahu, visit readykeiki.org/map.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs new laws to expand farmworker housing and cut red tape

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 24, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed two bills to boost access to affordable housing for California’s farmworkers: AB 2240 and AB 3035. Governor Newsom also signed SB 1105 to help protect the health and safety of farmworkers in states of emergency.

    FRESNO – Today, Governor Newsom expanded California’s housing efforts for farmworkers, signing two bills: AB 2240 (Arambula) and AB 3035 (Pellerin). These measures improve access to affordable housing for agricultural workers and make it easier to build farmworker housing.

    “Farmworkers are the backbone of California’s nation-leading agricultural industry and play a critical role in ensuring the stability of the state, nation and world’s food supply. Investing in their well-being is investing in California’s success. All families deserve access to safe and stable housing.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    Access to more stable and safe housing for farmworkers allows families to avoid the disruptions caused by seasonal movement, helping children remain enrolled in the same schools and maintain their academic progress. Today’s action builds upon Governor Newsom’s efforts to protect and support farm workers across the state, including signing SB 1105 (Padilla), which allows farmworkers to use accrued paid sick leave during heat, flooding or smoke conditions when there is a local or state emergency.

    What the bills do

    ➡️ Expand housing for farmworkers

    • AB 2240 (Arambula) helps create more stable housing for migrant farmworkers by maximizing the Department of Housing & Community Development’s (HCD) Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program (Serna Program), which supports the development of both multifamily and single-family housing restricted to farmworkers. The bill would authorize HCD to prioritize residents currently residing in seasonal Office of Migrant Services (OMS) housing for more permanent and stable housing through the Serna program. 
    • AB 2240 also creates new opportunities to build permanent and stable affordable farmworker housing by identifying and prioritizing the use of state-owned excess land near OMS centers for farmworker housing.
    • AB 2240 requires HCD to assess the feasibility of converting temporary Office of Migrant Services housing into year-round, permanent housing, ensuring a strategic approach to meeting long-term housing needs. 

    ➡️ Remove regulatory barriers

    • AB 3035 (Pellerin) cuts through regulatory red tape by streamlining the approval process for farmworker housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, speeding up development to meet the urgent demand for more housing.
    • By raising the housing unit cap from 36 to 150 in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, AB 3035 will enable larger developments in areas with access to essential services, addressing issues of overcrowding and inadequate living conditions.

    ➡️ Protect the health and safety of workers 

    • SB 1105 (Padilla) allows agricultural employees who work outside to use their accrued paid sick leave to avoid smoke, heat, or flooding conditions created by a local or state emergency.

    Details on the farmworker housing grant program

    • The Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program (Serna) is administered by HCD and supports the development of both multifamily and single-family housing restricted to farmworkers.
    • Between the years of 1978 and 2018, approximately $271.5 million was awarded, which funded the 138 Serna multi-family projects in HCD’s existing portfolio. 
    • Over the past 5 years, HCD has awarded more than $300 million in Serna funds for the development of 56 new projects for farmworkers with approximately 3,577 housing units. Additionally, in the 2023 funding round, HCD awarded $110M for 10 new Serna projects that include 618 additional housing units. These 4,195 homes will serve many tens of thousands of Californians during the 55-year affordability period.

    Bills signed today

    • AB 2240 by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) – Farm labor centers: migratory agricultural workers.
    • AB 3035 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Clara) – Farmworker housing.
    • SB 1105 by Senator Steve Padilla (D-Chula Vista) – Paid sick leave: agricultural employees: emergencies.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom visited the community of East Orosi to help address its failing sewer system, giving the state more tools to step in, as well as signing clean drinking water bills. Since 2019, nearly 900,000 Californians have gotten…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: New laws will strengthen consumer protections and help save Californians money. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills that will strengthen protections for consumers, addressing issues that have put financial strain on…

    Sep 24, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – As Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves toward Florida’s Panhandle, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California firefighters to assist in staffing a Federal Emergency Management Agency…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs bills to fix failing sewer systems, help connect more people to clean drinking water

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 24, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom visited the community of East Orosi to help address its failing sewer system, giving the state more tools to step in, as well as signing clean drinking water bills. Since 2019, nearly 900,000 Californians have gotten connected to clean drinking water through state efforts. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill to help fix failing sewer systems in communities like East Orosi, giving the state more authority and ability to step in. The new law empowers the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to intervene in areas where sewer service is inadequate, appointing administrators to provide essential services and promote access to safe and reliable wastewater systems.

    “Every Californian deserves access to basic sanitation services and clean drinking water, regardless of where they live. These new laws will help support these communities that have been neglected for too long, helping restore their basic access to services that many of us take for granted.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    AB 805 by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) mandates a public process to determine whether an administrator is needed and empowers the state to provide technical and financial support. Under the new law, the SWRCB can:

    • Designate failing sewer systems for administrative intervention.
    • Appoint qualified administrators to provide administrative, technical, operational, legal, or managerial services.
    • Offer technical assistance and financial support to improve service quality.
    • Facilitate a coordinated approach where both sewer and drinking water administrators are appointed, maximizing resources and efficiency.

    “I deeply appreciate Governor Newsom signing Assembly Bill 805 and understanding the importance of this legislation to disadvantaged communities exposed to poorly managed sewer systems,” said Assemblymember Arambula. “Everyone should have access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation, and the residents of East Orosi know this better than almost anyone in California. I’m grateful to them and the Community Water Center for pushing for this legislation that I hope brings much-needed improvements.”

    The Governor also signed SB 1188 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) to support small water systems by providing them technical resources to prevent failure, as well as AB 2454 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas) that would require rental property owners to participate in state programs for domestic well testing and to determine if remediation is needed to make the water clean.

    “I thank Governor Newsom for signing this critical public health bill to further access to safe drinking water, a human right that over 700,000 Californians lack,” said Senator Laird. “Senate Bill 1188 helps safeguard this fundamental right by empowering the state to proactively identify and assist small water systems struggling with operational capacity that threatens water reliability.”

    “Everyone should have the  human right to safe drinking water,” said Assemblymember Lee. “Even when free domestic well testing programs are available, participation remains far too low. It puts people at risk of exposure to dangerous contaminants in their water, and AB 2454 will help prevent community members from drinking toxic water. We have to ensure that free domestic well testing programs are reaching the people who need them most.” 

    Why communities like East Orosi need this support

    The need for this legislation has been underscored by alarming incidents in communities like East Orosi, where residents have been plagued by chronic sewage overflows. The residents of East Orosi have dealt with this crisis for long enough​.

    AB 805 directly responds to these crises by allowing the SWRCB to appoint administrators to step in and manage sewer services, bringing in the expertise and accountability necessary to protect public health. The bill also aligns with California’s broader efforts to ensure that all residents, particularly in underserved rural areas, have access to clean, safe, and affordable water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

    California’s fixing failing water systems, connecting people to clean drinking water 

    California’s landmark Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) drinking water program has made historic progress connecting people to clean, safe drinking water — distributing more than $1 billion in grants to disadvantaged communities. Since 2019, nearly 900,000 more Californians now have access to clean drinking water through state efforts.

    This month, California marked 10 years since the enactment of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), a landmark law that is driving reductions in the overuse of groundwater to protect drinking water supplies for millions of Californians and make communities, agriculture and ecosystems more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

    California distributed billions of dollars in tax refunds, utility and rent relief, small business grants and tax credits, and more through the Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program, which announced that it distributed $880 million to clear water and wastewater bills of over 1.3 million households and businesses, or 4 million people.

    California distributed $880 million to water systems and communities during the past fiscal year for projects that will benefit around 12 million Californians. 395 projects across the state have received funding to capture and recycle more water, recharge and protect groundwater, improve stormwater management, expand access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation.

    Recent news

    Sep 24, 2024

    News What you need to know: New laws will strengthen consumer protections and help save Californians money. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills that will strengthen protections for consumers, addressing issues that have put financial strain on…

    Sep 24, 2024

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    Sep 23, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed four bills today to help law enforcement crack down on dangerous sideshows and street takeovers. These new laws will hold participants and organizers accountable by providing law enforcement with the tools to seize…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – HAWAI‘I WILDFIRE LEADER RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY, Sept. 24, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – HAWAI‘I WILDFIRE LEADER RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY, Sept. 24, 2024

    Posted on Sep 24, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR 

     

    DAWN CHANG 
    CHAIRPERSON 

     

    NEWS RELEASE 

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    Sept. 24, 2024

     

    CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HAWAI‘I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

     

    (HILO, HAWAI‘I) – Elizabeth Pickett, the long-time co-executive director of the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) was honored today at a ceremony in New York City, as one of the 2024 Grist 50. Grist bills itself as the only newsroom focused on finding solutions at the intersection of climate and justice.

    The ninth annual Grist 50 list honors leaders who are tackling the most pressing climate problems of today in innovative and exciting ways. The organization says this year’s list includes people who “found a unique way to apply their strengths, creativity, and time to tackle the biggest problem our planet faces. We call them Fixers: dynamic doers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and dive headlong into building and championing better alternatives. The Grist 50 is both a look at what it takes to make change happen and a testament to the strength, diversity, and creativity of people doing just that.”

    In its description of Pickett’s award, Grist noted, “After the town of Lahaina went up in flames, killing 102 people in August last year, survivors and onlookers were left with enormous grief – and endless questions. How could such a horrific event have happened? What could be done to prevent another?”

    Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green M.D. commented, “The Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization plays a vital role in sharing wildfire information, coordinating efforts among agencies, and helping communities become better prepared and resilient. In the wake of last year’s devastating Maui wildfires, HWMO stepped up in incredible ways, and this recognition of Elizabeth Pickett reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire organization.”

    HWMO Board Chair Dan Dennison added, “On behalf of the entire board, we can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Elizabeth. The Maui fires put enormous focus on our nonprofit as the clearinghouse for Hawaiʻi wildfire information and programs and has shown HWMO to be instrumental in responding to questions about wildfire science, resiliency, and action.”

    For answers, many turned to the HWMO, where Elizabeth Pickett had spent 16 years trying in vain to convince people to take wildfire risks seriously. She first became interested in wildfires after learning about their effects on coral reef sedimentation and went on to pursue a master’s degree in forestry research.”

    Since the Maui fires, Pickett and HWMO Co-executive Director Nani Barretto have fielded hundreds of citizen and media inquiries from local, national, and international news organizations. Pickett said, “We laid that groundwork strategically place-by-place, layer-by-layer over 20 years. We were able to meet the moment.” She says she hopes HWMO’s work will ensure the islands will be prepared for future wildfires, even as climate change increases their threat.

    Dave Smith, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Administrator said, “We are tremendously fortunate to have HWMO as the coordinating organization for so much of what is available in Hawaiʻi to address wildfire.”

    The number of HWMO positions has grown a lot over the past year, with additional staff now on all the major Hawaiian Islands. While the constant demand for wildfire information from many corners has continued unabated, the HWMO co-executive directors have managed to keep focused on the organization’s core strategy of being a trusted partner and a go-to place for wildfire-related information, expert advice and community action.

    Pickett said, “The Grist award is for our entire organization. By the time of the Lahaina fires, I’d become somewhat disillusioned with the state’s approach to and lack of investment in wildfire preparedness and risk reduction. Then the fire happened and suddenly the questions came pouring in.

    Hawai‘i teachers needed curricula to teach their students about wildfires. Land managers wanted to know what fire breaks to install. The Dept. of Health, Dept. of Hawaiian Homelands, the DLNR Division of State Parks, Dept. of Transportation and county planning offices; along with communities across the state all reached out for technical support and partnership toward the role they could play in getting more prepared for wildfire. There was interest and commitment I never imagined possible.”

    HWMO, in partnership with DLNR, leads the Firewise Communities program for neighborhood wildfire preparedness. Together with other firefighting organizations, they are currently in the ninth year of the Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! news media and public awareness campaign which shares fire prevention, water conservation and resiliency messages across social media and through the general news media.

    # # #

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    HD video – Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! news conference, Maui (June 4, 2024):

    [embedded content]

    Photographs – Elizabeth Pickett speaking at news conference (June 4, 2024):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5anop2w0io0kfgqr9ngam/AArwLpU2vBYgXWoSvgwn5cs?rlkey=upceq0blfi1zzxnrook37j38z&st=b04552je&dl=0

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396 

    [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: AMERICA/HAITI – Father Massimo Miraglio: “we continue with courage and determination our commitment alongside the people so that one day they may have a dignified life”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    MM

    by Antonella PrennaPourcine (Agenzia Fides) – “Although the international spotlight on Haiti has been turned off for some time now, newspapers and media no longer talk about it, the situation has absolutely not changed or improved”. Father Massimo Miraglio, a Camillian missionary, tells Fides the reality he found upon his return to Haiti after a long and forced Italian break. “Despite the intervention of the UN forces led by the Kenyan group, which arrived on the island last 25 June, and these days reinforced with additional Jamaican and Belizean forces, the context is always one of degradation. We can say that the presence of these forces in Haiti is almost inoperative. They complain about lack of material, fear of loss of human lives, and fairly restrictive rules of engagement – ​​the missionary remarks. In fact, the capital Port au Prince continues to be in the hands of armed gangs, sowing terror among the people. All activities continue to be almost paralyzed. The entrance to both the south and north of the capital are completely blocked, you can only pass after paying bribes to the various groups that stop along the way. However, this only applies to public transport and trucks which in many cases are seized instead of being allowed to pass. Even the exit that leads to Jeremie, 200 km south of the capital, is now totally closed, it is practically impossible to get there by land. And it is in this tragically sad context for the majority of the Haitian population that the school year will open on October 1st” explains Father Massimo, who has been on the island for almost twenty years. “We cannot hide the fact that the school year will open with many apprehensions and a thousand difficulties. Many children will not go to school and many schools will remain closed, especially in Port au Prince due to the presence of armed gangs. Many children will not be able to go to school because they do not have the money necessary to buy the minimum materials to be able to access teaching. Let us remember that in Haiti 80% of schools are private and costs increase more every year while families continue to fall into poverty.” Even in Jeremie – where the Camillians have a community – the situation is dramatic and many children will not be able to start the school year on time on October 1st. “Books, like all school supplies, are prohibitively expensive and arrive with difficulty from the capital. As well as the uniform and school bag for the students. Finding a decent pair of shoes to send them to school has become truly challenging and very expensive. In short, it promises to be a truly difficult school year for the children of Haiti” adds Fr. Miraglio. “In our parish of Our Lady of Help in Pourcine, in the mountainous hinterland of Jeremie, this year we will have 250 pupils enrolled in primary school and nursery school” explains Fr. Massimo who is the parish priest (see Fides 28/9/2023). We managed to build two small, very simple structures, with local wood, tents and sheet metal, where six primary school classes and two nursery school classes will be hosted. With equally great difficulty we managed to complete the teaching staff. They are all very young, the only ones who agree to come and teach in such distant places, despite the idea of ​​having a salary. It will be the second year that the ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Help’ school will open here in the Pic-Makaya mountains.” Among the various projects that the missionaries try to carry forward on the Caribbean island the Camillian emerges as the absolute priority of a clinic doctor. “We would like to create a small clinic in the parish to avoid the large movements to which those who become ill are subjected, our Foyer Saint Camille in Port au Prince is very far away. Furthermore, this week, with a group of Cuban doctors and the support of a local organization, we will organize a mobile clinic with which we can give an initial welcome to the sick in a mountain area and bring together people from two nearby valleys. This too is an arduous undertaking because to reach the place where we would like to take the clinic more than four hours are needed on foot and the same number to be able to return to the paths along the slopes which are very dangerous, especially in this period of rain.”“Following the charism of our Founder, San Camillo, we want to work in the area alongside groups of chronically ill people, children with nutritional problems, elderly people who are often abandoned and alone in their homes. We hope to be able to create a clinic by 2025, we are very grateful to the organization Madian Orizzonti, of the Camillian Missionaries of Turin, which supports us with great affection and we trust in the support of many other people who will meet us on our journey.”“In Unfortunately, at the moment the province is also not free from problems due to the enormous difficulties in communicating with the capital. Being able to receive goods of all kinds from Port au Prince is very complicated, as Haiti is a country where everything is very centralized and everything comes from the capital. In recent times, even transport from the province to the capital Jeremie is difficult due to the increase in the cost of diesel and petrol.” from the source to the center of the village. And it is very important not only because it will shorten the distances from the source to the valley, where most people live, but above all because we will be able to make the water drinkable and avoid/limit the continuous and frequent epidemics of cholera and intestinal diseases. Together with the aqueduct, work to support agriculture continues. In the next few months we hope to launch a coffee production nursery in the area which in the past had provided a certain prosperity. However, let us not lose hope and continue to fight to create better living conditions – concludes Father Miraglio. The aqueduct, the schools, the nursery, the mobile clinics, are all important aspects to revive the hope of the population and ensure that their living conditions can improve and keep people from abandoning these countryside locations to come and gather in metropolises or provincial towns which are already, like Jeremie, overloaded with people, where it is not possible to provide work or hope to these people who leave the countryside to go to the city. We continue our commitment with courage and determination alongside this peasant population, we try to support their faith, to accompany them so that one day they can achieve dignified living standards”. (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2024)MM

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Michelle W Bowman: Recent views on monetary policy and the economic outlook

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning. I would like to thank the Kentucky Bankers Association for the invitation to join you today for your annual convention.1 I appreciate the opportunity to share my views on the U.S. economy and monetary policy before we engage on community banking issues and other matters affecting the banking industry.

    In light of last week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, I will begin my remarks by providing some perspective on my vote and will then share my current views on the economy and monetary policy.

    Update on the Most Recent FOMC Meeting

    In order to address high inflation, for more than two years, the FOMC increased and held the federal funds rate at a restrictive level. At our September meeting, the FOMC voted to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/2 percentage point to 4-3/4 to 5 percent and to continue reducing the Federal Reserve’s securities holdings.

    As the post-meeting statement noted, I dissented from the FOMC’s decision, preferring instead to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point to 5 to 5-1/4 percent. Last Friday, once our FOMC participant communications blackout period concluded, the Board of Governors released my statement explaining the decision to depart from the majority of the voting members. I agreed with the Committee’s assessment that, given the progress we have seen since the middle of 2023 on both lowering inflation and cooling the labor market, it was appropriate to reflect this progress by recalibrating the level of the federal funds rate and begin the process of moving toward a more neutral stance of policy. As my statement notes, I preferred a smaller initial cut in the policy rate while the U.S. economy remains strong and inflation remains a concern, despite recent progress.

    Economic Conditions and Outlook

    In recent months, we have seen some further progress on slowing the pace of inflation, with monthly readings lower than the elevated pace seen in the first three months of the year. The 12-month measure of core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation, which provides a broader perspective than the more volatile higher-frequency readings, has moved down since April, although it came in at 2.6 percent in July, again remaining well above our 2 percent goal. In addition, the latest consumer and producer price index reports suggest that 12-month core PCE inflation in August was likely a touch above the July reading. The persistently high core inflation largely reflects pressures on housing prices, perhaps due in part to low inventories of affordable housing. The progress in lowering inflation since April is a welcome development, but core inflation is still uncomfortably above the Committee’s 2 percent goal.

    Prices remain much higher than before the pandemic, which continues to weigh on consumer sentiment. Higher prices have an outsized effect on lower- and moderate-income households, as these households devote a significantly larger share of income to food, energy, and housing. Prices for these spending categories have far outpaced overall inflation over the past few years.

    Economic growth moderated earlier this year after coming in stronger last year. Private domestic final purchases (PDFP) growth has been solid and slowed much less than gross domestic product (GDP), as the slowdown in GDP growth was partly driven by volatile categories including net exports, suggesting that underlying economic growth was stronger than GDP indicated. PDFP has continued to increase at a solid pace so far in the third quarter, despite some further weakening in housing activity, as retail sales have shown further robust gains in July and August.

    Although personal consumption has remained resilient, consumers appear to be pulling back on discretionary items and expenses, as evidenced in part by a decline in restaurant spending since late last year. Low- and moderate-income consumers no longer have extra savings to support this type of spending, and we have seen loan delinquency rates normalize from historically low levels during the pandemic.

    The most recent labor market report shows that payroll employment gains have slowed appreciably to a pace moderately above 100,000 per month over the three months ending in August. The unemployment rate edged down to 4.2 percent in August from 4.3 percent in July. While unemployment is notably higher than a year ago, it is still at a historically low level and below my and the Congressional Budget Office’s estimates of full employment.

    The labor market has loosened from the extremely tight conditions of the past few years. The ratio of job vacancies to unemployed workers has declined further to a touch below the historically elevated pre-pandemic level-a sign that the number of available workers and the number of available jobs have come into better balance. But there are still more available jobs than available workers, a condition that before 2018 has only occurred twice for a prolonged period since World War II, further signaling ongoing labor market strength despite the reported data.

    Although wage growth has slowed further in recent months, it remains indicative of a tight labor market. At just under 4 percent, as measured by both the employment cost index and average hourly earnings, wage gains are still above the pace consistent with our inflation goal given trend productivity growth.

    The rise in the unemployment rate this year largely reflects weaker hiring, as job seekers entering or re-entering the labor force are taking longer to find work, while layoffs remain low. In addition to some cooling in labor demand, there are other factors likely contributing the increased unemployment. A mismatch between the skills of the new workers and available jobs could further raise unemployment, suggesting that higher unemployment has been partly driven by the stronger supply of workers. It is also likely that some temporary factors contributed to the recent rise in the unemployment rate, as unemployment among working age teenagers sharply increased in August.

    Preference for a More Measured Recalibration of Policy

    The U.S. economy remains strong and core inflation remains uncomfortably above our 2 percent target. In light of these economic conditions, a few further considerations supported the case for a more measured approach in beginning the process to recalibrate our policy stance to remove restriction and move toward a more neutral setting.

    First, I was concerned that reducing the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/2 percentage point could be interpreted as a signal that the Committee sees some fragility or greater downside risks to the economy. In the current economic environment, with no clear signs of material weakening or fragility, in my view, beginning the rate-cutting cycle with a 1/4 percentage point move would have better reinforced the strength in economic conditions, while also confidently recognizing progress toward our goals. In my mind, a more measured approach would have avoided the risk of unintentionally signaling concerns about underlying economic conditions.

    Second, I was also concerned that reducing the policy rate by 1/2 percentage point could have led market participants to expect that the Committee would lower the target range by that same pace at future meetings until the policy rate approaches a neutral level. If this expectation had materialized, we could have seen an unwarranted decline in longer-term interest rates and broader financial conditions could become overly accommodative. This outcome could work against the Committee’s goal of returning inflation to our 2 percent target.

    I am pleased that Chair Powell directly addressed both of these concerns during the press conference following last week’s FOMC meeting.

    Third, there continues to be a considerable amount of pent-up demand and cash on the sidelines ready to be deployed as the path of interest rates moves down. Bringing the policy rate down too quickly carries the risk of unleashing that pent-up demand. A more measured approach would also avoid unnecessarily stoking demand and potentially reigniting inflationary pressures.

    Finally, in dialing back our restrictive stance of policy, we also need to be mindful of what the end point is likely to be. My estimate of the neutral rate is much higher than it was before the pandemic. Therefore, I think we are much closer to neutral than would have been the case under pre-pandemic conditions, and I did not see the peak stance of policy as restrictive to the same extent that my colleagues may have. With a higher estimate of neutral, for any given pace of rate reductions, we would arrive at our destination sooner.

    Ongoing Risks to the Outlook

    Turning to the risks to achieving our dual mandate, I continue to see greater risks to price stability, especially while the labor market continues to be near estimates of full employment. Although the labor market data have been showing signs of cooling in recent months, still-elevated wage growth, solid consumer spending, and resilient GDP growth are not consistent with a material economic weakening or fragility. My contacts also continue to mention that they are not planning layoffs and continue to have difficulty hiring. Therefore, I am taking less signal from the recent labor market data until there are clear trends indicating that both spending growth and the labor market have materially weakened. I suspect the recent immigration flows have and will continue to affect labor markets in ways that we do not yet fully understand and cannot yet accurately measure. In light of the dissonance created by conflicting economic signals, measurement challenges, and data revisions, I remain cautious about taking signal from only a limited set of real-time data releases.

    In my view, the upside risks to inflation remain prominent. Global supply chains continue to be susceptible to labor strikes and increased geopolitical tensions, which could result in inflationary effects on food, energy, and other commodity markets. Expansionary fiscal spending could also lead to inflationary risks, as could an increased demand for housing given the long-standing limited supply, especially of affordable housing. While it has not been my baseline outlook, I cannot rule out the risk that progress on inflation could continue to stall.

    Although it is important to recognize that there has been meaningful progress on lowering inflation, while core inflation remains around or above 2.5 percent, I see the risk that the Committee’s larger policy action could be interpreted as a premature declaration of victory on our price-stability mandate. Accomplishing our mission of returning to low and stable inflation at our 2 percent goal is necessary to foster a strong labor market and an economy that works for everyone in the longer term.

    In light of these considerations, I believe that, by moving at a measured pace toward a more neutral policy stance, we will be better positioned to achieve further progress in bringing inflation down to our 2 percent target, while closely watching the evolution of labor market conditions.

    The Path Forward

    Despite my dissent at the recent FOMC meeting, I respect and appreciate that my FOMC colleagues preferred to begin the reduction in the federal funds rate with a larger initial cut in the target range for the policy rate. I remain committed to working together with my colleagues to ensure that monetary policy is appropriately positioned to achieve our goals of attaining maximum employment and returning inflation to our 2 percent target.

    I will continue to monitor the incoming data and information as I assess the appropriate path of monetary policy, and I will remain cautious in my approach to adjusting the stance of policy going forward. It is important to note that monetary policy is not on a preset course. My colleagues and I will make our decisions at each FOMC meeting based on the incoming data and the implications for and risks to the outlook guided by the Fed’s dual-mandate goals of maximum employment and stable prices. We need to ensure that the public understands clearly how current and expected deviations of inflation and employment from our mandated goals inform our policy decisions.

    By the time of our next meeting in November, we will have received updated reports on inflation, employment, and economic activity. We may also have a better understanding of how developments in longer-term interest rates and broader financial conditions might influence the economic outlook.

    During the intermeeting period, I will continue to visit with a broad range of contacts to discuss economic conditions as I assess the appropriateness of our monetary policy stance. As I noted earlier, I continue to view inflation as a concern. In light of the upside risks that I just described, it remains necessary to pay close attention to the price-stability side of our mandate while being attentive to the risks of a material weakening in the labor market. My view continues to be that restoring price stability is essential for achieving maximum employment over the longer run. However, should the data evolve in a way that points to a material weakening in the labor market, I would support taking action and adjust monetary policy as needed while taking into account our inflation mandate.

    Closing Thoughts

    In closing, thank you again for welcoming me here today. It is a pleasure to join you and to have the opportunity to discuss my views on the economy and monetary policy. And given the recent FOMC meeting decision and my dissent, I appreciate being able to provide a more detailed explanation of the reasoning that led me to dissent in favor of a smaller reduction in the policy rate at last week’s FOMC meeting.

    I look forward to answering your questions and to engaging with your members on bank regulatory and supervisory matters.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tiff Macklem: Economic growth during uncertain times

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good afternoon. I want to thank the Institute of International Finance and the Canadian Bankers Association for inviting me to take part in your 2024 Forum.

    Your focus on growth during uncertainty is timely. Uncertainty feels like the new reality: The uncertainty caused by war in Europe and in the Middle East. The uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation. And the related uncertainties about supply chains, trading relationships and global investment risks.

    Rapid advances in new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and its new offspring, Generative-AI, are disrupting business models and creating new uncertainties for firms and workers.

    Uncertainty surrounds the impacts of climate change and the policy frameworks to adapt to and mitigate it.

    There is political uncertainty. And fiscal uncertainty.

    As your theme implies, uncertainty and economic growth do not sit well together: uncertainty impedes growth.

    But with inspired policy, good business decisions and sound risk management, we can manage uncertainty and reduce its impact on households, businesses and growth. We have recent historical evidence.

    Sixteen years ago this month, Lehman Brothers failed, and the financial system froze because nobody knew which banks were safe. Today, the global financial system is much safer thanks to the implementation of sweeping global reforms to increase capital and liquidity buffers, and reduce leverage.

    With the rapid development of new vaccines and with exceptional fiscal and monetary policies, uncertainty about our health and the health of our economies has decreased dramatically since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Thanks to decisive monetary policy action and the unblocking of supply chains, uncertainty about costs and inflation are much lower today than two years ago, when inflation peaked above 8% in Canada and was even higher in many other countries.

    In the past few weeks, I have given speeches on the shifting global trade landscape and the economic implications and risks of rapid advances in artificial intelligence. These are two key areas where we can reduce uncertainty through good policy and far-sighted business leadership.

    At the same time, we need to recognize that new uncertainties are a new reality, and we must be ready for the inevitable shocks in a more turbulent world. That puts a priority on risk management and investments in resilience.

    A key function of financial institutions is to help households and businesses manage the risks they face. Financial institutions also have a responsibility to manage their own risks prudently so that they do not themselves become a source of uncertainty and instability.

    As Canada’s central bank, we have a role to play in mitigating and managing risks and uncertainty. Our primary mandate is price stability-in other words, low, stable and predictable inflation. We also have mandates to foster a stable financial system and ensure safe and efficient payments.

    Let me say a few words on financial stability and payments. And then I’ll finish with some thoughts on monetary policy.

    Our financial stability focus is on risks that could lead to system-wide stress. And we publish these findings in our annual Financial Stability Report (FSR).1

    In our most recent FSR, published in May, we reported that Canadian mortgage holders had experienced a modest increase in levels of financial stress. Since then, we’ve observed that arrears on mortgages have continued to rise, although they remain below pre-pandemic levels. It also appears that these households have not leaned on revolving credit products such as lines of credit and credit cards to a greater degree than before the pandemic.

    But there is a notable increase in financial stress among borrowers without a mortgage, mainly renters. During the pandemic, for most credit products, the share of these borrowers missing payments reached historical lows. However, we’re now seeing a larger share of these borrowers lagging behind on credit card and auto loan payments. Over the past year the share of borrowers without a mortgage who carry a credit card balance of at least 90% of their credit limit has continued to climb. And this share is now above typical historical levels. This is concerning.

    Our responsibilities related to payments require us to adapt to increasing digitalization. Innovation in payments continues to accelerate.

    In 2021, the Bank assumed a new mandate for the supervision of retail payment service providers. Starting November 1st of this year, more than 3,000 service providers will need to register with the Bank and follow new rules aimed at safeguarding consumers and protecting the integrity of retail payments.  

    We are also looking at the bigger picture of payment innovation, both in Canada and around the world. As part of this work, in the past few years we’ve built an extensive body of knowledge about the framework and technology behind a possible central bank digital currency (CBDC), including the benefits and risks.

    But recognizing that there is not currently a compelling case to move forward with a CBDC in Canada, the Bank is scaling down its work on a retail central bank digital currency and shifting its focus to broader payments system research and policy development. The Bank will continue to monitor global retail CBDC developments. And the Bank will be ready to ensure Canadians always have a safe and secure supply of public money.

    Now, let me circle back to monetary policy.

    In June, we began lowering our policy interest rate. We cut the policy rate at our last three decisions, for a cumulative decline of 75 basis points to 4.25%.

    Our most recent decision on September 4th reflected two main considerations.

    First, we noted that headline and core inflation had continued to ease as expected. Second, we said that as inflation gets closer to target, we want to see economic growth pick up to absorb the slack in the economy.

    Since then, we’ve been pleased to see inflation come all the way back to the 2% target. It has been a long journey. Now we want to keep inflation close to the centre of the 1%–3% inflation-control band. We need to stick the landing.

    What does this mean for interest rates? With the continued progress we’ve seen on inflation, it is reasonable to expect further cuts in our policy rate. The timing and pace will be determined by incoming data and our assessment of what those data mean for future inflation.

    As always, we try to be as clear as we can about what we are watching as we chart the course for monetary policy.

    Economic growth picked up in the first half of this year, and we want to see it strengthen further so that inflation stays close to the 2% target. Some recent indicators suggest growth may not be as strong as we expected. We will be closely watching consumer spending, as well as business hiring and investment.

    We will also be looking for continued easing in core inflation, which is still a little above 2%. Shelter cost inflation remains elevated but has started to come down, and we are looking for it to moderate further.

    Our next decision is October 23rd. And we will have a revised economic outlook at that time.

    With those introductory thoughts, let’s get the discussion started.

    I would like to thank Russell Barnett, Claudia Godbout and Brian Peterson for their help in preparing these remarks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Frank Elderson: Energy performance data – a must-have for managing climate-related credit risk

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning and a very warm welcome to all of you. It is a pleasure to see so many of you – bank representatives, journalists and supervisors – here in Frankfurt to discuss good practices for collecting and assessing climate-related data for the real estate sector.

    We have come a long way since 2019 when we first started to talk about climate-related and environmental risk management with you – the banks we supervise. Thanks to the tireless work of many dedicated climate risk experts in banks across Europe, jointly we have built up considerable expertise and made encouraging progress.

    Real estate lending represents a significant share of supervised banks’ banking books. The real estate sector is also a concrete example of how physical and transition risks affect traditional prudential risk categories, in this case credit risk. And just as we do for any other material risk, we expect banks to identify, measure and – most importantly – manage these risks.

    Good data are crucial for sound risk management

    In short, to manage your risks you need to know them. And to know your risks you need to have good data. The same holds true when integrating climate-related risk drivers into credit risk management.

    To manage credit risk in the real estate sector, we need data on buildings’ energy efficiency. This is crucial for collateral valuations or determining borrowers’ ability to pay back their loan, for example.

    With this in mind, back in 2021 ECB Banking Supervision started looking at energy performance data for the commercial and residential real estate sectors by conducting targeted reviews for a sample of banks that were most exposed to these sectors. Supervisors collected data from these banks and engaged with them on their practices. As expectations were not yet set on this specific topic, we let banks explain how they obtained energy performance data. We looked at new lending as well as existing loan stocks.

    Overall, our targeted review showed that more progress had been made for new lending, for which most data were based on real data from energy performance certificates. As a concrete outcome of our targeted review, we asked all banks in the sample to collect real energy performance data at loan origination. Our supervisory recommendation was well received by banks that were not yet doing it, showing banks’ willingness to integrate energy performance data into their credit risk management policies. This is good news.

    However, as supervisors, we are also concerned about the existing stock of loans. Most of the data on this are based on proxies, which makes it difficult for both banks and supervisors to design and implement proper risk management measures. Obtaining real data is admittedly challenging, yet many of the banks represented here today have made notable strides. You have found a way to collect energy performance data and use them effectively. And we invite all banks that have not yet advanced on collecting such data to learn from the good practices of those banks that have made critical leaps forward.

    Legislative changes will improve the availability of energy performance data

    Integrating climate-related data is also vitally important in view of impending legislative changes. The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive1, which includes common requirements for setting up national databases on the energy performance of buildings, is an important development that should help narrow the data gap. In the spirit of the Directive, further work is needed to ensure adequate data management and increase the reliability and consistency of climate-related real estate data across the European Union. Establishing a comprehensive European database of all buildings in the EU will take time. So banks cannot just sit back and wait. As supervisors we expect banks to manage all material risks. And this requirement is not conditional on the attainability of harmonised data.

    We therefore strongly encourage all efforts to improve data availability and welcome the successful strategies that some banks have implemented to address data gaps.

    Today’s agenda will focus on the collection of energy performance data for the commercial and residential real estate sectors. But this will not be the only topic. Properties in areas prone to hazard events such as floods, rising sea levels or wildfires are increasingly vulnerable and could see a decrease in their collateral value. Last week’s devastating floods in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania and Slovakia were a stark reminder of that. Therefore, later in today’s programme we will discuss the challenges and potential solutions for monitoring physical risk. In the coming weeks, the ECB will publish an analytical paper focusing on whether residential mortgage rates in high climate risk areas are influenced by this risk. The paper finds evidence that climate-related risk is already priced into mortgages. In other words, we see that an average bank took climate-related risks into account as loans secured by real estate in high climate risk areas were more expensive than loans with the same characteristics but in safer regions. However, the effect we find is economically small, so it seems that the climate-related risk is still underpriced by the average bank.

    Let me conclude.

    Good, reliable data are a cornerstone of sound risk management. This also holds true for managing the risks stemming from climate change. Thanks to the ongoing dialogue between supervisors and banks, some major stumbling blocks have already been overcome. The good practices observed for collecting real data on energy performance show that, while the task is challenging, it is far from impossible. Sharing your practices with peers will help more banks to improve the availability of energy performance data. So we are all looking forward to hearing about your experiences and learning from what worked well.

    The ongoing climate and nature crises will inevitably render our economy more susceptible to shocks. From a risk-based perspective, let me reassure you that ECB Banking Supervision will continue to play our part in spurring on banks to prepare for these risks. To succeed in our common goal of making banks resilient to climate and nature-related risks, it is vital that we keep up this dialogue with you – the industry – and encourage the exchange of good practices in the years to come.

    I would like to thank you for coming to Frankfurt today to share your experiences.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Oil Street Art Space new exhibition showcases creative ceramic artworks (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Oil Street Art Space new exhibition showcases creative ceramic artworks (with photos)
    Oil Street Art Space new exhibition showcases creative ceramic artworks (with photos)
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         ​The Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) launched the Archaic Curator Series in 2022 and has invited Chinese art historians and curators to collaborate on exhibitions that engage with traditional Chinese art through innovative forms of expression, bridging the old and the new. The third exhibition of the series, “Archaic Curator Series: The Charm of Colour – Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space”, will be held from tomorrow (September 26) until January 31 next year at Oi! Glassie to showcase creative ceramic artworks.     The guest curator and Associate Curator (Antiquities) of the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Dr Wang Guanyu, invited three artists from Jingdezhen and Hong Kong – Gu Yue, Fiona Wong and Caroline Cheng – to participate in the exhibition. Inspired by the CUHK Art Museum’s collection, the three artists infuse their own technical artistry and aesthetics into their works to showcase their personal understanding and interpretation of contemporary ceramic art.     Jingdezhen, also known as the millennium porcelain capital, is renowned for its rich ceramic heritage. Gu Yue, a graduate of Jingdezhen Ceramic University, draws inspiration from flowers and nature to express the vibrant spirit of the new generation of ceramic artists. His works skilfully blend traditional moulding and decorative techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Fiona Wong, who focuses on exploring soil and studying Hong Kong’s culture, draws inspiration from the stories surrounding Nam Koo Terrace, a century-old mansion in Wan Chai. Her artwork comprises a set of 3D-printed containers modelled on the patterned tiles of Nam Koo Terrace and an assembly of ceramic tiles recomposing a historical map of Wan Chai, to guide visitors to uncover the narratives behind contemporary urban development. Artist Caroline Cheng and her team have developed a method to upcycle ceramic waste into malleable clay, challenging the conventional perceptions of ceramics. Visitors to the exhibition can admire her latest works, crafted from this sustainable material.     There are different public engagement programmes in this exhibition. In the “A Tour to Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space” guided tour, docents will lead visitors to explore the two exhibitions at Oi! and the CUHK Art Museum. An education gallery will be set up at G/F Oi! Glassie. During the exhibition period, staff members will act as lab technicians and guide visitors to discover the secrets of ceramic production in a lively and interesting way. In addition, visitors can select a special ceramic colour in the Ceramic Colour Exploration Zone to create a personalised postcard to take home as a cherished souvenir.     During the exhibition period, the CUHK Art Museum will also showcase “Amazing Clay: Masterpieces from the Ceramic Collection of CUHK Art Museum” to enrich visitors’ appreciation of the beauty of traditional Chinese ceramics.     “Archaic Curator Series: The Charm of Colour – Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space” is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the CUHK, and organised by Oi! and the Art Museum of CUHK. For more details about the exhibition and registration of programmes, please visit Oi! website at www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/oi_the_charm_of_colour.html, Facebook and Instagram or call 2512 3000. The exhibition is one of the activities under the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 18:40

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 Speech by Minister Radosław Sikorski during the UN Security Council debate

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    On Tuesday, September 24, Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski spoke during the UN Security Council debate. Madam Chairwoman! Ladies and Gentlemen! The Russian ambassador announced that this debate would consist of “platitudinous statements dictated by Brussels” – this is a lie. I assure you that what you are about to hear I wrote myself. The Russian ambassador claims that Russia does not bomb civilian targets – this is another lie. Two weeks ago I visited Lviv, a city in Ukraine, where a Russian Kalibr missile hit a tenement house. In front of a man’s eyes, his wife and three daughters were pulled out of the rubble – all dead. They were all civilians, all lived far from the front line, all were killed. The Russian ambassador spoke about the children’s cemetery in Gaza, which is indeed a tragic situation. Well, Ukrainian children are not only a target for bombs. Thousands of them have been kidnapped and taken deep into Russia, where they are brainwashed to strip them of their memories and national identity. Russia claims that these children are orphans left to fend for themselves in a war zone. And another lie. Many of them have been separated from their parents, either by accident during attacks or deliberately by the invading army. Independent reports have revealed that, quote: “officials are deporting Ukrainian children to Russia or to Russian-occupied territories without their consent, lying to them that their parents do not want them, using them for propaganda purposes, and placing them with Russian families and granting them Russian citizenship.” In special camps, the abducted children are given “patriotic education” and a hotline is set up to connect them with potential “foster families” who are promised money. In addition, Mr. Putin signed a decree introducing an accelerated procedure for granting Russian citizenship to stolen Ukrainian children. These are not accidental war losses. Para planificar, which was created before the war and is now being ruthlessly implemented. UN investigators have recognized these actions as war crimes. In October 2022, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. Ambassador Nebenzia and Russian propagandists like to call the democratically elected Ukrainian rulers Nazis – as you have just heard. It so happens that in Poland I live three kilometers from Potulice, where a Nazi filtration camp was located during World War II. We know that thousands of children were imprisoned there – from Poland and from the Soviet Union, from the areas of Smolensk and Vitebsk. Up to 800 of them died in the camp, but thousands were transferred to the West to be Germanized there. Children with blond hair and blue eyes – Aryan – were considered racially appropriate. So I have a few questions for the Russian ambassador and his superiors: What is the difference between what you are doing to the kidnapped Ukrainian children and what the German Nazis did to your children and ours? How many Russian officials have adopted stolen Ukrainian children, following the example – as reported by the BBC – of Sergei Mironov, former chairman of the Russian Federation Council? When will you return the remaining thousands of stolen Ukrainian children to Ukraine? Do you know that stealing children from another country is tantamount to genocide, as recently confirmed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe? Do you remember that diplomats and propagandists of a genocidal regime are also criminals – as Soviet prosecutors argued at Nuremberg, referring to Ribbentrop and Streicher? The permanent members of the UN Security Council are supposed to be guardians of peace, not wage their own wars, using this is someone else’s children. The couple brings shame to Russia, which is neither forgiven nor forgotten. And by the way – since Embajador Nebenzia denies that the Soviets collaborated with the Nazis during the invasion of Poland in 1939, here is a photo from their joint parade. I am sure you recognize the Soviet uniforms. Thank you very much!

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on Fund of Funds ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions on the following YieldMax™ ETFs:

    ETF
    Ticker    1    		 ETF Name Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield    3    		 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs $0.2220 Weekly 64.49% 65.73% 9/26/2024 9/27/2024
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs $0.1701 Weekly 45.49% 50.80% 9/26/2024 9/27/2024

    The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    1   YMAX and YMAG each have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs.

    2   The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on September 24, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3   The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended August 31, 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

    4  As of the date hereof, distributions for YMAX and YMAG have included return of investor capital. For additional information, please visit http://www.yieldmaxetfs.com/TaxInfo.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here.

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

    There is no guarantee that that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

    THE FUND, TRUST, ADVISER, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING ISSUER.

    Risk Disclosures (the following risks are applicable to all YieldMax ETFs shown in the table above)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Underlying Security Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF invests in options contracts that are based on the value of its Underlying Security. This subjects each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of its Underlying Security, even though it does not. As a result, each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF is subject to the risks associated with the industry of the corresponding Underlying Issuer.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The Underlying YieldMax™ ETFs investment strategies are options-based. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are

    affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international policies, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF aims to provide current income, although there’s no guarantee of distribution in any given period, and the distribution amounts may vary significantly. Distributions may consist of capital returns, reducing each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s NAV and trading price over time, thus potentially leading to significant losses for investors (including the Fund), especially as an Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s returns exclude any dividends paid by the Underlying Security, which may result in lesser income compared to a direct investment in the Underlying Security.

    NAV Erosion Risk Due to Distributions. When an Underlying YieldMax™ ETF makes a distribution, its NAV typically drops by the distribution amount on the related ex-dividend date. The repetitive payment of distributions may significantly erode an Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s NAV and trading price over time, potentially resulting in notable losses for investors (including the Fund).

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The continuous application of each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s call writing strategy impacts its ability to participate in the positive price returns of its Underlying Security, which in turn affects each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s returns both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time frames. An Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s participation in its Underlying Security’s positive price returns and its own returns will depend not only on the Underlying Security’s price but also on the path the Underlying Security’s price takes over time, illustrating that certain price trajectories of the Underlying Security could lead to suboptimal outcomes for the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF.

    Single Issuer Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF, focusing on an individual security (Underlying Security), may experience more volatility compared to traditional pooled investments or the market generally due to issuer-specific attributes. Its performance may deviate from that of diversified investments or the overall market, making it potentially more susceptible to the specific performance and risks associated with the Underlying Security.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF’s expenses.

    Counterparty Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF faces counterparty risk through its investments in options contracts, held via clearing members due to its non-membership in clearing houses, with the risk exacerbated if a clearing member defaults or if limited clearing members are willing to transact on its behalf. This risk is also magnified as the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF primarily focuses on options contracts on a single security, potentially leading to losses or hindrance in implementing its investment strategy if adverse situations with clearing members arise.

    Price Participation Risk. Each Underlying YieldMax™ ETF employs a strategy of selling call option contracts, limiting its participation in the value increase of the Underlying Security during the call period. Should an Underlying Security’s value increase beyond the sold call options’ strike price, the Underlying YieldMax™ ETF may not experience the same extent of increase, potentially underperforming the Underlying Security and experiencing a NAV decrease, especially given its full exposure to any value decrease of the Underlying Security over the call period.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Totalkredit and competition authorities reach agreement about Totalkredit partnership – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S and the press

    25 September 2024

    Totalkredit and competition authorities reach agreement about Totalkredit partnership

    Totalkredit and Nykredit have entered into an agreement with the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority. In 2003 the Danish competition authorities approved the Totalkredit partnership. The agreement concerns the exit terms of the agreement behind the Totalkredit partnership.

    Since October 2020, Totalkredit has been in continuous dialogue with the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority. Over the past almost four years, the authorities have carried out extensive market research and submitted two draft agreements to competitors and Totalkredit partner banks for consultation.

    Totalkredit and the authorities have had constructive talks. Throughout the process, it has been essential for Totalkredit to make sure that – together with the Totalkredit partner banks – we can continue to offer the most attractive mortgage loans all over Denmark. It has also been crucial for Totalkredit to preserve a key characteristic of the Danish mortgage system: That all homeowners, in all parts of Denmark, pay the same price for their mortgage loans.

    Based on the market research conducted and the continuous dialogue between the parties, Totalkredit and the Danish competition authorities have reached an agreement. The agreement includes the following amendments to the Totalkredit partnership agreement:

    Going forward, in case the partner banks leave the Totalkredit partnership and enter into new partnerships, they can keep 100% of future commission payments for loans distributed by them against continuing to provide security for the loans. At the same time, the partner banks will be able to distribute mortgage loans to homeowners from non-vertically integrated mortgage loan providers, including new or existing small mortgage lenders. Also, the partner banks will remain free to partner up with providers other than Totalkredit on the funding of secured homeowner bank loans.

    Michael Rasmussen, Chair of the Board of Directors of Totalkredit and Group Chief Executive of Nykredit, says:

    • ”I am pleased that there is now clarity about the framework of the Totalkredit partnership. For Totalkredit, it has been imperative to reach an agreement that provides the best possible foundation for continuing our strong, long-term partnership with the Totalkredit partner banks so that we remain able to offer the best and most attractive loans in the market to Danish homeowners all over the country.”
    • “Totalkredit’s product offering is highly competitive. We see that an increasing number of Danish homeowners opt for Totalkredit as their home finance provider. This can be attributed to our KundeKroner discounts that enable us to offer the most attractive mortgage loans in the market, and our partner banks that provide sound, local advisory services all over the country. This is in contrast to the largest banks in Denmark, which have in recent years closed branches and withdrawn from large parts of Denmark, especially outside the big cities.”

    With the agreement, the Danish competition authorities have provided clarity about the framework of the Totalkredit partnership, and it is therefore natural that we will now, together with the Totalkredit partner banks, start looking at ways to modernise our partnership within the new framework.

    For press enquiries, please call +45 31 21 06 39.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Good Things Are in the Air in Oregon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    Tuesday, September 24, 2024
    Two recent events in Oregon point to things looking up in the state. Last week I felt like I was walking on air when I took part in the tip-off of the WNBA awarding an expansion franchise to Portland. Last month, I was jazzed to see small, locally produced UAV businesses accelerate up in Pendleton. 
    Back in February 2023, a team of Oregonians passionate about women’s sports, gathered at my friend Jenny Nguyen’s “The Sports Bra” in Portland with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. 
    At that roundtable with women athletes, women’s sports executives and coaches from all over the state, Oregon put on a world-class show of support for women’s sports.
    The question that night was not “whether” Portland would get a WNBA team, but “when.” We know now that our team will take the court in 2026 and I’m already hearing reports of Oregonians planning in Portland, huddling in Hermiston, meeting in McMinnville and brainstorming in Beaverton to discuss what the team’s name should be.    
    The fact that the WNBA chose Portland for its next team is a ‘nothing-but-net’ kind of endorsement and  is definitely one for the W column. Not only will the team generate positive economic impact for local  restaurants, hotels and shops, it will also create memorable experiences for families to build on their hoops dreams in Portland.   
    Chalking up another W for Oregon, last month I was delighted to see the good work of the UAS Accelerator in Pendleton and how it is helping small, local businesses take flight by producing and refining UAVs right here in Oregon.  
    It’s clear that UAVs can be literal lifesavers in emergencies like wildfires where the terrain can be treacherous and hard to reach. UAVs also help the environment by using precise spraying methods, which reduce the unintentional spread and needless overuse of herbicides and fertilizers, as well as conserving energy and water.  And potentially the application with the most impact is the security that comes with domestically-produced technology—the kind of technology we depend on in emergencies must be resistant to foreign interference.   
    That’s a W for crucial technology and another for generating meaningful jobs for Oregonians. 
    The potential to create good-paying jobs is always on my radar, and I was particularly struck with Phenix Solutions Inc. out of McMinnville. Its Ultra 2XL UAV model’s ability to haul heavy loads of water or equipment to aid with emergencies in difficult terrain has already earned it contracts with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, with potential for much more.
    Phenix Solutions is not only innovating with fire-fighting technology the West Coast so dearly needs in an escalating climate crisis, it’s also creating job opportunities for Oregonians, making it possible for them to buy homes and raise families outside of Portland. Phenix Solutions currently employs 20 people with an average salary of $123,000; it predicts that number of employees will increase by 50% in 2025.
    These high-flying successes for Oregon could not have been achieved alone, but rather could only be reached by Oregonians lifting each other up and engaging in the Oregon Way.
    Whether it’s working together to create meaningful experiences for Oregonians, creating domestic solutions to common challenges, or enhancing our local economy, when Oregonians work together we can reach stratospheric heights.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Kremlin could never have envisaged how war in Ukraine is developing: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says the military situation is markedly different to what many expected two and a half years ago and this is a testament to the bravery and fortitude of the Ukrainian people.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Mr Chair. The present situation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is one that the Kremlin could hardly have envisaged when it embarked on its devasting war of aggression.

    Russia boasted that Ukraine would be defeated in a three-day lightning war, yet today marks two years and 219 days of this conflict. Ukraine now controls Russian territory in the Kursk Oblast. This is the first time that Russian territory has been held since the Second World War. We should be clear: this is a direct consequence of Russia’s illegal invasion and entirely consistent with Ukraine’s right to self-defence. To try and tackle this situation of its own making, Russia has been launching 50% of its glide bombs at its own territory, and on the neighbouring Sumy region of Ukraine.

    Since we met last week, on the evening of 17-18 September Ukraine conducted a successful attack on the Toropets strategic ammunition depot. Renovated in 2018, this was one of Russia’s largest strategic ammunition depots supporting Russia’s operation in Ukraine and housing ammunition of varying calibres, including ammunition procured from the DPRK.

    The resulting explosion recorded 2.7 on the Richter scale, equivalent to a mild earthquake. It forced Russia to declare a state of emergency, with the resulting fires 6 km wide and detectable from space. This was followed on 21 September by additional successful strikes on depots again in Toropets, and in Tikhoretsk. These Ukrainian strikes mark significant strategic setbacks for the Kremlin. The level of losses accounts for months of Russian ammunition expenditure rates.

    Moreover, Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure in an attempt to try and break the will of the Ukrainian people. Strikes in Ukraine’s central region of Poltava cut power to 20 settlements, whilst in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, an attack on Monday killed at least one person and injured seven, amongst them a 13 year old girl and a 15 year old boy.

    The military situation is markedly different to what many expected two and a half years ago and this is a testament to the bravery and fortitude of the Ukrainian people. But it is also critical that Ukraine continues to receive the support of allies and partners, diplomatically and militarily. The Kremlin would like to portray such support as a western conspiracy. But the reality is that the Russian state isolated itself from the moment it instigated an unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. Furthermore, Russia has contravened international law and misled this Forum completely.

    The United Kingdom’s support to Ukraine is ironclad. To date the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £12.8 billion, which includes £7.8 billion in military support. £3 billion in military aid has been pledged to Ukraine in 2024-25, a £700 million increase on 2023-24.

    The gap between Russia’s expectation of a three-day operation and the 943-day reality continues to grow. The Russian state has a clear path to prevent this metric from diverging further. It must cease hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.  The United Kingdom, alongside its partners, will continue in its enduring support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –